Monday, September 30, 2019

Causes and Consequences of the Montgomery Bus Boycott Essay

The leader of the Bus Boycott was a local preacher called Martin Luther King who formed the ‘Montgomery Improvement Association’ to orgnaise the boycott – and the protest made him the leader of the Black Civil Rights Movement until his assassination. SO – no Montgomery Bus Boycott, no non-violent direct action, no ‘I have a Dream’ speech, no Million-Men march etc. 5. During the Boycott, the Ku Klux Klan attacked the homes of Black leaders – this turned public opinion against the Whites. From then on public opinion, specially in the north, PLUS the Federal Government – openly supported Black Civil Rights. 6. Rosa Parkes became ‘the mother of the Civil Rights movement’: a role model, not only for Blacks, but also for women. In particular, the bus boycott showed ordinary Black men-and-women-in-the-street that – little as they could do individually – nevetheless, if they stood together and each did their little bit, that ‘we shall overcome one day’.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

About Computerised Accounting Essay

Abstract: In the economic globalization today, instead of computerized accounting manual accounting, accounts, reimbursement and other accounting activities as the main computing model accounting profession, is the modernization of management and accounting reform and development needs of its own, is a modern social mass production and the inevitable product of the new technological revolution. Accounting Computerization to the present, is not simply a simple combination of accounting and computer, and has developed into more than one kind of complex subjects. In this paper, in computerized accounting industry in the implementation of the traditional accounting functions of the impact were analyzed. First, computerized accounting information processing in the industry, the basic characteristics of Computerized Accounting information Processing mainly refers to the application of electronic technology on accounting data input, processing, output of the process. At this stage mainly for the use of computers instead of manual bookkeeping, reckoning and accounting, and replacement parts in the human brain under the manual accounting completed the analysis of accounting information to determine. Computerized Accounting information Processing process has the following characteristics: 1, first of all, is the computer as the main computational tools, data processing code of the speed and accuracy. Computerized accounting is based on computer as a manual accounting records and process the data to artificial substitutes. It uses the original system data coding method to shorten the length of data items, reducing data storage space, thus improving the accounting data processing speed and accuracy. See more: Distinguish between problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping Essay 2 Second, the data processing is a man-machine combination, the system of internal control procedures, and complex. Computerized accounting Although computer calculation tool, but still the performance of the entire information processing and artificial combination of the computer. Computer data (information) processing is carried out through the program, the system internal control procedures are required. For example, the general restrictions on the operating authority with the password procedures to verify whether the balance of a loan amount of verification procedures. Meanwhile, data processing man-machine combination and system of internal control procedures, making system control complex. its control point from manual accounting to the person’s control to both human and machine control, the control concerns the personnel division of functional separation, and computer hardware and software maintenance, and accounting information and accounting records storage and securi ty. 3, once again, computerized accounting and manual accounting rules changed, the provisions of manual bookkeeping journal, general ledger, the books have to use set, and a breakdown to use loose-leaf books, through the ten sets of accounts to achieve if the mutual restraint, cross-checking. vouchers, account books record is wrong with the law and use the crossed red Corrections correction. computerized accounting through the formation of the account page printout, and can be loose-leaf binding, print output is the journal of general , general ledger and reporting, involving the breakdown of a large number of secondary subjects, three subjects mouth, large number of prints, therefore, are generally used disks, CDs and other forms of output, reconciliation of work done is generally rely on accounting software, as long as the output person’s original certificate is correct, the computer can be accomplished quickly by hand the various accounts under the conditions of processing. ma nual accounting books check function under the conditions of computerized accounting computer has been replaced by a breakdown of the various accounting information recorded computer search function can be completed only display or print out when needed. people are more dependent on the establishment of various auxiliary computerized system account, more a reflection of and control over economic activity. Error handling for the books and records are no longer using the error correction method manual mode, but to ensure supervisory review. A general rule, those who have reviewed the data can not be changed. If an error occurs, it must be a reasonable question, the use of transmission people â€Å"corrected certificate† approach to corrections, similar to the Scarlet Letter Corrections, so that corrections can be retained traces. Second, the financial accounting impact of computerized accounting work for the basic characteristics of Accounting is not only greatly reduce the labor intensity of the financial staff and greatly improved corporate accounting information processing and transmission speed is more important is the work of corporate accounting has undergone a qualitative change, mainly in: 1, so that truly standardized corporate finance. Realizing computerized accounting, companies can easily achieve the financial data processing and business process specifications, to avoid the traditional accounting period due to human factors in data processing is not uniform and do not correspond to the actual work to reduce the standard artificial fuzzy and subjective uncertainty, and enhance the objectivity of the accounting work and comparability of accounting information to facilitate the business processes of financial and business control. reposted elsewhere in the Research Papers Download http : / / eng.hi1 38.com 2, is conducive to sharing of information resources. As Web-based treatment, not only can be done in the financial sharing of resources between the various positions to ensure the integration of financial data; but also to generate financial information set privileges may be any query at the same time. In traditional accounting period, because the division of transmission and manual, not only can not obtain the necessary financial information other than that even among the various financial positions can not be the sharing of resources. 3, to facilitate the strengthening of financial internal controls. Realized computerized accounting, the one most likely to be refined and clarified the whole process of accounting for each link in the frame of reference and assessment standards, accounting personnel and the work can be strictly controlled. On the other hand to achieve an effective real-time monitoring of all data and operating conditions are recorded in the system log, all the branches to reduce the possibility of fraud. 4, strengthening financial management. In the implementation of computerized accounting, the accounting information processing capabilities continue to improve, so that the accounting reflect the ability of economic activities more timely and accurate information reflecting the more detailed, comprehensive and in-depth, information inquiry leading provides a convenient control financial operations to ensure that the financial position in the management of the core. Third, computerized accounting for the impact on the performance of financial audit The implementation of computerized accounting, accounting information has greatly enhanced processing speed and accuracy of accounting information users to provide timely and accurate accounting information, is a leap forward in the development of accounting. Auditing and accounting environment faced by the consistency of changes , in particular the links between the two, so that every major change in the accounting, are a direct result of major changes in the audit. Accounting is a catalyst for change auditing, it will greatly speed up the use of modern information technology, environmental requirements in accordance with auditing changes the audit process. Accounting popularity of the traditional accounting theory and practice have raised new problems and requirements of the accounting basis is bound to have a significant impact on the audit, so need to study these effects and take appropriate countermeasures to As to the audit objective, and can effectively prevent the audit risk. When a system has been completed and put into use, and then improve it, than in the system design and development stage is much more difficult, the costs are relatively expensive. Therefore, in addition to after use of computerized input post audit of accounting information systems, but also should be in the system design and development stage, a special audit staff involved in advance and do the audit. Thus, the current auditors not only to have the accounting and auditing theory and practical knowledge at the same time, but also master the knowledge and skills in computers. reposted elsewhere in the Research Papers Download http://eng.hi138.com Most companies use manual or computerized accounting to track expenditures and income. Assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and equity must be documented and transferred to a general ledger containing the company’s financial details. Such information may be analyzed to help business owners make future financial decisions, using the advantages of either manual or computerized accounting. Time Computerized accounting has the advantage of increased efficiency and time management when compared with manual accounting. Computers may more rapidly perform accounting functions or assessments than manual accounting systems, once data has been entered into the system. Accuracy Computerized accounting has the advantage of higher accuracy when compared with manual accounting, according to the College Accounting Coach. The potential for human error is greater when employees are manually completing accounting procedures. This may be particularly true when dealing with multiple currencies, since computerized programs can instantly convert exchange rates, according to â€Å"Guide to Computerizing Your Accounting System† from The Manager’s Electronic Resource Center. Reliability The advantages of manual or computerized accounting systems may be equal when it comes to reliability. Manual accounting can function independently of machines so that work continues when â€Å"the system† isn’t working. But with modern backup systems and increased functionality, the disadvantage of reliability in computerized accounting may be lessened. Creativity in Analysis Although computerized accounting systems are adept at rapidly computing complex analyses of accounting transactions and reports, the subtlety and focus of an analysis’ conjecture or hypothesis depends on the person operating the system. In this view, manual accounting may have an advantage over computerized accounting systems. Without the nuance and experience of an actual person, computerized accounting systems lose their potential for sophisticated analysis. Additionally, analysis may be hampered or obstructed by software design. Reporting The advantages of computerized accounting include fast, complex reporting. Computerized systems can produce invoices, purchase orders and other documents more quickly. Many reports are automatically updated and instantly available. Staffing Neither manual nor computerized accounting systems take the advantage when it comes to staffing. It can be costly to staff qualified accountants to complete manual accounting processes, but it can also be costly to staff accountants familiar with specific computerized accounting software and programming. Cost When it comes to cost comparison, the advantages of manual accounting systems are clear. Computerized systems can cost millions of dollars to purchase, implement and maintain. It may be necessary to purchase updated software with some regularity.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

The Business Strategy Game - BSG Online game Essay

The Business Strategy Game - BSG Online game - Essay Example Industry overview As we entered the footwear industry the notion of being highly competitive in the market was our main subject of concern. Through the knowledge we had gained in business studies, we had to apply Michael Porter’s five forces so that we thoroughly understand the market and promote our company’s competitive advantage (Roy, 2009). Thus, we put the following forces into close consideration. Firstly, on the bargaining power of buyers, we saw that, since the footwear industry provides an extremely competitive market, this force was at all times undergoing a steady rise. The most important opportunity under this force was that our company had the prospect of applying our differentiation principle for the products offered by our company. However, we observed that there was always the threat of consumers having a high bargaining margin thus bringing in the possibility of a lower profit than the one we had anticipated. About the bargaining power of suppliers, we saw that since there are very many suppliers in the footwear industry, this force is always very low. This was a very important opportunity to our company as it meant that, we could get supply of raw materials at low price. Thus, it aided us in meeting the strategy clock principle of selling quality products at low price. Concerning the threat of new entrants, we saw that the industry offered a great opportunity to our company. Since industry 7 was limited to five (5) groups, this threat was not applicable. In this sense, the footwear industry offered a huge opportunity for our company since we had to lay all our concentration mainly on outshining our existing competitors. Regarding the threat of substitute products, we saw this was a subject of great concern for our company. This is because, this competitive force was always very high as at most times the products available in the market were substitutes of one another. However, this force was an important opportunity to our compan y since it motivated us to be very innovative. Finally, we saw that the force of competitive rivalry was a great opportunity for our company to triumph in the industry. The opportunity offered by this force was that it ensured we did all our best in innovating higher quality product designs. However, our company had to face the threat of our competitors using our product designs to come up with more advanced ones. Company overview As we took over management of Zenith Company Limited, we observed several essential strengths and weaknesses that the company already put in place (Brott, 2009). Among the most essential strengths that Zenith had created is a huge market share of around 20%. Secondly, the company had a good customer base for its products particularly in North America and Europe Africa. It had also done a lot in promoting its brands over the internet thus enjoying the advantage of selling its products at higher prices per pair. Our company also had the advantage of having u tilized a significant number of retail outlets (Hill and Jones, 2010, p. 178). However, the company had some weaknesses and they included lack of celebrity appeal. The company further had a weakness of taking a lot of time in delivering goods to its clients. Decisions Year 11 There are several decisions that we had to concur as a team. This was to ensure that our company was going to meet the goal of being very competitive

Friday, September 27, 2019

Cultural Diversity and the East Asian Perspective by Ruiping Fan Essay

Cultural Diversity and the East Asian Perspective by Ruiping Fan - Essay Example The medical practitioners are supposed to tell truth to the patient because it will help him or her in preparing to face the pain that can come his or her way due to the illness. The humans have the unexplained power and strength to fight what they know as they can prepare their minds to come eye to eye with their difficulty. The abovementioned approach is ideal for patients who are suffering with the curable diseases. The patients who are terminally ill should not be made aware of the condition because it will most probably render them hopeless and therefore, the life becomes more like a burden rather than a blessing to the ill (Fan, 2000). The physicians and other medical professionals are strongly suggested to improve the quality of life along with delaying the inevitable reality of death. In most number of cases, medics are told and guided to entertain and work in order to fulfill the formerly mentioned goal of the medical practice because without considerable level of liveliness in one’s life an individual becomes more like a living dead. The doctor must weigh the consequences of telling a naked and blunt truth upfront to the patient and if he or she is certain that doing so will bring down level of hope and optimism in the ill then, the medic is authorized to tell a lie. The ethical principles related to medical practice state that a doctor must tell the truth so that the patient or patient’s family can choose a treatment from multiple ones that are available. Secondly, the medic should tell the patient about his or her true condition and suggest the ill to remain cautious and careful about spreading the disease, if it is contagious. The medic has the ethical duty to tell about the true nature of the contagious disease in order to compel the ill towards taking measures to prevent further spread of the illness. Finally, a medic must notify the patient about the

Thursday, September 26, 2019

History Projects Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

History Projects - Assignment Example Abraham Lincoln was the president at the time the war ended in 1865. During the Reconstruction Period, the author indicates that the reorganization of the states was very hard for the Lincoln’s regime.After the Period, the 14th Amendment and 15th Amendment were passed giving black men the civil rights (Klose 24). He also points out on the World War I that began in 1914 and lasted for four years. The 19th Amendment passed in 1920 allowed women to vote.The Cold war started in the 1950 with the Vietnam War taking place in the late 1950’s. The author outlines the breakthroughs in economic, political and social fields until later in the 21st century (Klose 27). The author should have mentioned on the rapid industrialization that took place in the early 1990’s. He would have indicated the reasons for the occurrence of a peaceful period between the two world wars.He left out the Great Depression, which took place in 1929 to 1936. The Civil Rights movements that occurred after the Second World War have also been left out. The book is reliable when is discussing the history of America since 1865. As compared to other literary works, the author has presented the major events that took place in the United States since 1865 in chronological order. The book clearly indicates the end of slavery in America (Klose 30). It can be used by other students in history class particularly in describing the wars that have taken place since 1865. Instructions: Open the link stated above and Click History, North America and then American History since 1865. Other web links include: http://www.articlemyriad.com/american-history-1865-major-events-trends/2/ This website is very important to students because it gives the overview of the major events that occurred in North America since 1865(Smith par 1-2). The information on the website seems to have been obtained from other sources in which the writer fails to acknowledge the original authors.The

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke - Essay Example According to Boardman of The Huffington Post, the video seems to be giving power to men rather than women, especially in the context of rape based on the line ‘I know you want it’ to suggest that women mean yes when they say yes when faced with cat calling or manly sexual advances. This controversy led universities in Britain to ban the song from being played in any of their functions because of this portrayal of women. In their defence, Robin, Pharrell and T.I argued that the song had some feminist themes as it sought to liberate women against male oppression. They argued on the basis that they were fathers and husbands meaning that it was not possible for them to portray women in such an undignified manner or sexist. According to Lynskey of the Guardian UK, the lyrics to the song include the use of derogatory names against, which in some quarters is considered racist, hence influencing an outcry by those involved in the feminist movement. The explicit version of the so ng also has some sexual elements embedded in it is as analysts decry why the song had to give details on what they can do to a woman in a sexual way. This to them exemplifies rape as a woman is not supposed to have a say   in the way that a man can have her sexually, meaning that their consent in sexual matters is inconsequential as the man is the one who gets to decide. Others argue that the video promotes pornography ideology, especially with the models in the song appearing topless or bikinis that have the same color.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Workers in America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Workers in America - Essay Example As the labor movement picked momentum in the second half of the 19th century, many labor unions, like the International Typographical Union, the Knights of Labor, rapidly rose in the US (History.com Staff). Among all, the American Federation of Labor (AFL) emerged as one of the first and dominant federations of labor unions in the US (â€Å"American Federation of Labor†). The purpose of this paper is to discuss the origins, the political and social perspectives, and the major labor activities that the AFL involved in during its lifetime. By the early 1980s, over 42 international labor unions were present in the US (Jones et al. 2). However, labor unions in the US remained feeble over the years. By the late 1870s, mere 3% of the overall labor force and hardly 8% of total industrial workers possessed membership of labor unions (Simkin). In 1881, Samuel Gompers (a Dutch immigrant) and some other local leading skilled workers in specific sectors, like cigar making, carpentry, and printing, established the â€Å"Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions† (FOTLU) in the US (Welling). During that era, the Knights of Labor was the largest organization that included many small labor unions and it had played a vital role in some of major labor strikes of the period (â€Å"AFL†). However, the Knights of Labor’s leadership had occasionally supported its rival trade unions which had compromised for lower wages and supplied strikebreakers during other trade unions’ protests or strikes (â€Å"AFL †). The Knights of Labor enrolled even small employers as its members to chase social reform and challenge capitalist ideology. It had little interest in local labors’ issues, like wage scales, qualifications of workers, working conditions, strikes, or particular trades (Jones et al. 2-3). The Knights of Labor lost some crucial strikes which cost the union many members. Especially after the Great Southwest Railroad Strike and the Haymarket Riot of 1986, employers’ opposition

Monday, September 23, 2019

Understanding the history of community heaath Essay

Understanding the history of community heaath - Essay Example These projects are created in order to serve people within a specific geographic region (Organizing a community health improvement initiative). Therefore, the definition of community health depends on the type of project involved and its objectives. Some projects focus on physical health, while others focus on behavioral health, environmental perspectives or socio – economic factors. The application of community health projects depends on the nature of its definition. (Organizing a community health improvement initiative). Population oriented healthcare is based on the health of individuals and families who make up that community. It is essential in population oriented health care programmes to recognize the environment of the population at which the program is targeted. This enhances the chances of promoting overall health. Therefore, population oriented health care can be defined as interventions that seek to prevent disease and promote health, in order to enhance the overall health profile of a community (Lundy and Janes). In the early 1960’s people of disadvantaged populations could not access health care facilities. To address the problem, the government implemented the Great Society programs. The cost of healthcare was on the increase. Healthcare for the elderly was disproportionately expensive. Subsequently, Congress implemented the Medicare Program and Medicaid programs, in order to succor the disadvantaged and the poor people. The ambit of these programs was further expanded, so as to include disabled people and people suffering from chronic kidney ailments (Shi and Singh). Subsequently, in the late nineteenth century, cancer screening and immunization services were included in the Medicaid program. In 1997, the government made a budgetary allocation of twenty – four million dollars to implement State Children’s Health Insurance Program. This program

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Assignment (primary research required) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Assignment (primary research required) - Essay Example This report explores the application of theoretical concepts of small business management in particular the issues surrounding marketing aspects of small businesses and the strategies that need to be adopted with particular reference to the restaurant industry. A primary study was conducted involving a family restaurant. The purpose of the research was to explore how successful small business entrepreneurs apply theoretical concepts of small business management such as marketing to their businesses. The findings suggest indicate that marketing is perceived as a means to build customer awareness about the enterprises and offerings. It was also found that application of marketing thoughts and practices are useful for profitability of the firm, but are constrained by lack of resources. Contents Abstract ii Contents iii Table of Figures iv Photo credit iv Managing Small Business Marketing 1 1. Introduction 1 1.1 Significance 1 1.2 Aims and objectives 2 2. Literature Review 2 2.1 Definiti on of small business 3 2.2 Marketing and business orientation 3 2.3 Marketing mixes and approach to marketing 4 2.4 Customer acquisition in small businesses 5 2.5 Customer relationship management in small businesses 6 2.6 Summary of critical review 8 3. Primary Research 8 3.1 Interview with owner manager 9 3.2 Findings 11 4. Discussion 11 5. Conclusion and Recommendations 12 5.1 Recommendations 12 The researcher also recommends that further studies may be undertaken to reveal the difference in the levels of success of small businesses in terms market share and profitability caused due to implementation of marketing principles and techniques. 12 References 13 Table of Figures Figure 1: EU Classification of enterprises 3 Figure 2: Small businesses usually follow the bottom-up marketing approach 5 Figure 3: Observations from literature review 8 Photo credit Cover page photo: http://www.oxfordrestaurantguide.com/gees/ Managing Small Business Marketing 1. Introduction The small business sector is a major contributor to the economy in many parts of the world. In the year 2000 the sector in the UK comprised approximately 3.7 million small firms, majority of which were micro businesses, of which 66 per cent were either run solo or self-employed people (Fraser & Thompson, 2011). Twenty-five per cent of these had less than 10 employees. These figures are growing steadily. The UK government believes that â€Å"the health of the economy requires the birth of new enterprises in substantial numbers. We cannot assume that the ordinary working of market forces will necessarily preserve a small firm sector† (Fraser & Thompson, 2011, p. 29); and considers it to appropriate to intervene in proliferation of small business. There are however other reasons for phenomenal growth of small business as, (1) free market economy; (2) control by large firms; (3) spirit of individualism; (4) growth of IT; (5) growth of niche marketing; (6) growth in service sector; and (7) unemploym ent. 1.1 Significance In the UK small businesses contributed a significant 25 per cent of total private sector employment. Their combined turnover represented almost 20 per cent of the total turnover of the private sector. Small business firms employing fewer than 50 people accounted for 9.5 million jobs

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Population Growth and the Arising Environmental Issues Essay Example for Free

Population Growth and the Arising Environmental Issues Essay Population is determined by the relationship of two factors. One being birth rate and the other is death rate. If the number of deaths is less than the number of births then the population is growing larger. In John Laffins novel The Hunger to Come data is present showing that the population will continue to grow and not stop; About 2050 the population will be 15. 000 million, a century later 82. 000 million and by 2350 a frightening 440. 000 million will be reached(Engelman, 47). Like all living organisms, humans grow and reproduce; however, compared to the rate of which food is grown and supplied, the birth rate rises at a much faster rate. This compared rate of growth is known as the Malthusian relationship. The Malthusian relationship concludes that human population will eventually grow to be too big, to the point where there will not be enough food supply and other vital resources. When this happens, famine and/or death will occur, unless a plan is put into place regarding how to limit population growth. One main problem which results in the Malthusian relationship would be uncontrolled fertility. Since the death rate is decreasing due to medical advancements it allows more births to happen. Humans without doubt will create a baby faster than the supplies needed to support them. This results in birthrate being dropped down to zero population growth. This can happen in many ways, providing women with contraception (birth control), abortion centers and by creating laws to prevent couples from having more then two children. Education on family planning and birth control is a primary factor in restraining population growth. A common problem that people think is associated with overpopulation is having nowhere to put everyone, but there are also many other environmental issues that it causes. More humans will be using more cars, burning more fuel, eating more food and drinking more water. This causes more air pollution, more lands are ruined and more water and food to disappear. Therefore, population control is necessary on a global level in order to protect our environment. Population growth is ruining the earth’s oceans and water sources. This causes a decrease in earth’s water supply for the future. Due to the fact that water is vital to survive, the water sources being polluted will not do humans well. Besides water pollution, population growth also pollutes the air, which causes the greenhouse effect and reduction of the ozone layer. The greenhouse effect is when gases build up around the earths outer atmosphere which literally turns the earth into a greenhouse. What this means is that the heat allowed into the earth’s atmosphere is trapped inside and not aloud back out of the earth’s atmosphere. This results in an increase of the earths temperature, therefore it causes natural disasters such as hurricanes and due to the increased heat, crops do not grow properly. With the greenhouse effect comes the disappearing ozone layer. The main purpose of the ozone layer is to regulate the amount of UV light coming down to the earth’s surface from the sun. The chemical chlorofluorocarbon which is found in air conditioning systems, when in the air breaks down the ozone layer. This relates to population growth because of how many families are being produced everyday which results in more communities being built which means more houses. Therefore, this means more air-conditioning units will be in use, which results in the chemical chlorofluorocarbon being let out into the air and breaking down the ozone layer. With the ozone layer being broken down, more UV light enters the earth’s atmosphere and causes humans to gain skin diseases such as skin cancer. Therefore, if population growth is controlled and there is less people, less air conditioning will be used, global warming and the breaking ozone layer could be prevented. Main causes of air pollution are the use of cars and industrial plants, both which let loose harmful fumes into the air. Acid rain is a result of air pollution, it occurs when too many toxins are released into the air. It is made by fossil fuels being burnt then released into the air as a gas which then reacts with sunlight, oxygen and moisture. Acid rain when precipitated pollutes water and damages many materials and resources. Another downfall to cars with population growth is the fact of cars having air conditioning. This is because more chlorofluorocarbon will be let into the air from the car’s air conditioning. With the population increasing, it is creating air pollution which is harmful to all living organism because they need clean air, one of the most important necessities of life, to breathe. Population growth also threatens the earths farming resources. For example the desertification of land, this occurs when fertile land is turned into infertile land. This can happen from overgrazing of cattle, or the topsoil being carried away (erosion). If too much water is used, it can cause desertification which is mostly caused by a growing population. The more people need food, the more land is being used in the wrong way to try and make food. Another way population growth affects our outdoors is deforestation. Forests are cut down for the demand of fire wood, agricultural space, paper products and more space to live. However, forests are needed for more than human needs such as to regulate the amount of carbon dioxide let out into the atmosphere. Let it be known that population control will not end all the problems, but it would allow more time for them to be fixed and alienate environment problems. The earths environment is not infinite and can come to an end if population control was not started. Actions must be taken now to correct the current situations with the world involving population growth, these actions are the increase of deforestation and desertification, the decrease of farmland, more water pollution, the deteriorating ozone layer and the greenhouse effect. It is evident that there is no way our population can keep growing at the rate it does now without negatively impacting our environment.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Leadership Theories Of Bill Gates And Oprah Winfrey Management Essay

Leadership Theories Of Bill Gates And Oprah Winfrey Management Essay This paper serves to critically survey the various leadership theories and evaluate the leadership qualities of two prominent and successful business leaders in USA Bill Gates (Founder and Chairman of Microsoft Corporation) and Oprah Winfrey (Global Media leader). Chapter 2 describes the background of Gates and Oprah. Gates, from his early interests in computer programming, dropping out from Harvard by choice, to how he successfully transformed his software company, Microsoft, from a small start-up company to one of the worlds largest and most powerful corporations. On the other hand, Oprah, from her difficult childhood experience but early exposure to public speaking, to how her perseverance and self-motivation in doing her best in whatever she does, have brought her to become a global media leader (her own The Oprah Winfrey Show, her own Harpo Productions, her own O, The Oprah Magazine, etc.). Chapter 3 explores the evolution of leadership theories, from Great Man and Traits to the current Transformational Theory. Gates and Oprah leadership qualities are then listed and compared with earlier described leadership theories in Chapter 4 and 5. Chapter 6 covers the authors opinions and reasoned analysis about the leadership styles of Bill and Oprah before making the final conclusion in Chapter 7. 2. Background of Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey 2.1 Bill Gates William (Bill) Henry Gates was born in Seattle USA, in 1955. His father was a successful attorney and his mother was a teacher. At age 13, Gates discovered his interest in software and began programming computers on a school computer at the private Lakeside School (Microsoft 2010). In 1973, Gates enrolled at Harvard University but dropped out half-way as he wanted to concentrate on his start-up software business and did not want to miss the opportunity of developing software for personal computers. His company Microsoft, the worlds first microcomputer software company, was born in 1975. Gates later wrote, Our initial insight made everything else a bit easier. We were at the right place at the right time. We got there first (Krames 2003, p.157). In 1980, Gates was offered an agreement to provide the operating system (MS-DOS) for IBMs new PC. He secured his future by insisting that Microsoft retained the copyright to the system, so that he could also license it to other hardware manufacturers. This contractual masterstroke helped propel Microsoft into its position as the countrys largest software company. In 2002, Gates topped the Forbes 400 list of the worlds wealthiest individuals, with a personal fortune of $43 billion (Krames 2003). Gates handed the reins and the title of CEO over to Steve Ballmer in 2000, as Gates became Chairman and acted as Chief Software Architect of Microsoft Corporation to help in developing next-generation products (Krames, 2003). Since 2006, Ray Ozzie has assumed Gates previous title as Chief Software Architect as Gates wanted to devote an increasing proportion of his time to the philanthropic The Bill Melinda Gates Foundation (Microsoft 2010). However, Gates continues to serve as Microsofts Chairman and an advisor on key development projects after July 2008 (Microsoft 2010). Time Magazine named Gates one of the most influential people of the 20th century. For the fiscal year ending June 2007, Microsoft had revenues of US$51.12 billion and employs more than 78,000 people in 105 countries and regions (Microsoft 2010). Till now, Microsoft is still one of the worlds largest and most powerful corporations and currently ranked No.36 in Fortune 500 Companies list (CNN Money 2010). 2.2 Oprah Winfrey Oprah Gail Winfrey was born illegitimate in Mississippi USA, in 1954. She lived her first six years with her grandparents and was taught to read at an early age. Oprah began speaking in front of audiences since she was only 4 years old, touring local churches and reciting others sermons by memory (ONeil 2004). From age 6 to 13, she stayed with her mother in Milwaukee but suffered repeated abuse and molestation by her relatives. Her mother later sent her to live with her father, Vernon Winfrey, in Nashville. With strict rules and high standards, Vernon helped to turn her life around. He taught her that she always had to pursue excellence in order to succeed. Oprah absorbed that attitude and said, Theres no such thing as failure in my life, I just dont believe in it (ONeil 2004, p.13). Oprahs broadcasting career began at age 17, when she was hired by WVOL radio in Nashville, and two years later signed on with WTVF-TV as a reporter. She also attended Tennessee State University, received her Bachelor Honours Degree in Speech Communications and Performing Arts. Oprah moved up quickly and in 1978 discovered her talent for hosting talk shows when she became co-host of WJZ-TVs People are talking. In 1986, she began broadcasting nationally, via The Oprah Winfrey Show, which became the highest rated talk show in television history. Shes now the host and owner of The Oprah Winfrey Show, which consistently wins high ratings, and the founder of the Harpo Productions, Inc. which produces her television shows and movies. Her O, The Oprah Magazine, launched by Hearst Publications in 2000, ranked in the top tier of new magazines for circulation and advertising, becoming the first magazine ever to be both Advertising Age Launch of the Year and Magazine of the Year (ONeil 2004). In 2003, Oprah became the first African-American woman to join the ranks of billionaires, as published by Forbes magazine for that year (ONeil 2004). From 2004-2009, she was the only woman to have been included in all six of TIMEs 100 Most Influential People in World lists. Today, Oprahs accomplishments as a global media leader and philanthropist has made her as one of the most respected and admired public figures in the world. 3. Theories on Leadership Critical Literature Survey Leadership definition and list of leadership theories According to Richard Daft (2008, p.4), leadership is defined as follows: Leadership is an influence relationship among leaders and followers who intend real changes and outcomes that reflect their shared purposes. The evolution of leadership theories started from Great Man and Trait theories to the present Transformational leadership. Kippenberger (2002) reflects the time-line of such evolution: Period Leadership Theory Up to mid-1900s 1900-48 1930s 1945-60s 1957-70s 1967- Present Day 1970s-Present Day 1970s-Present Day 1970s-Present Day 1978-Present Day 1982-Present Day Great Man Theory Traits Theory Lewins research into autocratic, democratic laissez-faire styles Behavioural Theory (especially Ohio, Michigan, Texas) Situational Theory Contingency Theory Charismatic Leadership Team Leadership Servant Leadership Transformational Leadership In search of Excellence thousands of management books on leadership Table 3.1 Source: Time-line figure from The Leadership Styles by Tony Kippenberger (2002) Great Man Theory Based on the belief that leaders are born with innate leadership qualities and destined to lead. This is no longer true in todays leadership concept. Trait Theory Arose from Great Man theory which assumed that people are born with inherited traits and so by identifying the list of traits of successful leaders, it was believed that people with such traits could subsequently be recruited into leadership position. However, there exists people with these traits but are not leaders or people without some of these traits but are leaders; making the results inconsistent and inconclusive. Therefore, researchers started to evolve the next two theories (Behaviorist and Situational). Stogdill (1974) identified the following traits and skills as vital to leaders: Traits Skills Adaptable to situations Alert to social environment Ambitious and achievement-oriented Assertive Cooperative Decisive Dependable Dominant Energetic Persistent Self-confident Tolerant of stress Willing to assume responsibility Clever (intelligent) Conceptually skilled Creative Diplomatic and tactful Fluent in speaking Knowledgeable about group task Organised Persuasive Socially skilled Table 3.2 Leadership Traits and Skills (Stogdill, 1974) Behavioural Theory Behavioural Theory looks at the behaviours of leaders instead of focusing on their inborn traits or capabilities. It believes that leaders can be made, rather than are born and behaviours can be learned more readily than traits. This opens the floodgates to leadership development and schools of researchers. Tannenbaum and Schmidt (cited by Daft 2008) illustrated that leadership behaviour could exist on a continuum reflecting different amounts of employee participation. Thus one leader can be autocratic (boss-centred), another democratic (employee-centred), and a third a mix of the two styles. However, Tannenbaum and Schmidt suggested that the leader might adjust their behaviours to fit the circumstances. John Adair Blake and Moutons Leadership Grid (cited by Daft 2008), as simplified in below table, focuses on production (task) and employee (people) orientations of managers, and combination of concerns between the two extremes. Leaders are rated on a scale of one to nine according to two criteria (Concern for People on vertical axis and Concern for Results on horizontal axis). The highly recommended and most effective style is Team Management as it rated High (for People) and High (for Task) and work accomplishment is from committed people while leader is committed to both people and task. Today, the consensus is that leaders can achieve a high-high leadership style (Daft 2008). Concern for People High Country Club Management TeamManagement Medium Middle-of-the-road Management Low Impoverished Management Authority-Compliance Management Low Medium High Concern for Results Table 3.3 The Leadership Grid (simplified) Situational or Contingency Theory Leadership style adopted is contingent upon situational factors such as the characteristics of the followers, characteristics of the work environment and followers tasks, and the external environment (Daft 2008). Leadership style that is successful in some situations may not be effective in others. Hence, in order to increase the likelihood of successful leadership outcomes, the leader has to fully discern the characteristics of tasks, followers and organizations and subsequently adopt the most effective leadership style. Fiedlers Contingency Model (Daft 2008) serves to diagnose whether a leader is task-oriented or relationship-oriented and match leader style to the situation in terms of 3 key elements (Leader member relations, Task structure and Position Power) which can be either favourable or unfavourable to a leader. Task-oriented leaders tend to do better in very easy or very difficult situations whereas relationship-oriented leaders do best in intermediate favourability. Hersey and Blanchards Situational Theory (Daft 2008) focuses on the readiness level of the followers to determine the effective leader behaviours such as Telling, Selling, Participating and Delegating style. The Path-Goal Theory (Daft 2008) states that leaders are responsible to increase followers motivation by clarifying the behaviours necessary for task accomplishment and rewards. The four types of behaviours the leader can adopt are supportive, directive, achievement-oriented and participative styles and the two important situational contingencies are the personal characteristics of followers and the work environment. The Vroom-Jago Contingency Model (Daft 2008) focuses on varying degrees of participative leadership, and how each level of participation influences quality and accountability of decisions. The model has three major components: leader participation styles (Decide, Consult individually, Consult Group, Facilitate or Delegate), a set of 7 diagnostic questions (High or Low answer) with which to analyse a decision situation, and a series of decision rules. It also takes into account factors such as concern for time versus concern for followers development. Leaders can analyze each situation and answer a series of questions that help determine the appropriate level of followers participation. Charismatic Leadership Charismatic Leadership is based on leaders personal characteristics as a source of power to emotionally impact people by appealing to both the heart and mind. These leaders create an atmosphere of change, articulate an idealized vision of the future, inspire and motivate followers with an abiding faith. Team Leadership Daft (2008) believes that team leadership is based on three principles: Firstly, team leaders must create a vivid vision that is challenging and inspiring so that it provides a strong sense of purpose and direction. Secondly, team leaders must be willing to admit their ignorance or mistakes and the third principle is to provide support and coaching to team members. Transactional Transformational Theory James MacGregor Burns conceptualized leadership as either transactional or transformational in 1978. Transactional leadership is a transaction or exchange process between leaders and followers (Daft 2008). Transactional leaders recognizes followers needs and desires and then clarifies how those needs and desires will be satisfied in exchange for meeting specified objectives or performing certain duties. Thus, followers receive rewards for job performance, whereas leaders benefit from the completion of tasks. Transformational leadership is characterized by the ability to bring about significant change in followers and the organization (Daft 2008). Transformational leaders have the ability to lead changes in an organisations vision, strategy, and culture as well as promote innovation in products and technologies (Daft 2008). Transformational leaders stimulate and inspire followers to both achieve the outcomes and develop them into leaders. Transformational leadership is based on the personal values, beliefs and qualities of the leader rather than an exchange process between leaders and followers (Daft 2008). Recent studies support the idea that transformational leadership has a positive impact on follower development and follower performance. Avolio, Bass and Jung (Cited by Bass, 2006) have identified the four components of transformational leadership as: Idealized Influence, Inspirational Motivation, Intellectual Stimulation and Individualised Consideration. 3.9 X (Female) Y (Male) of Leadership Liz Cook and Brian Rothwell (2000) convincingly describe the differences (structural, operational and chemical) in the brain of male and female, which attribute to their different thinking and act even when faced with similar leadership situations. Their interpretation (Cook Rothwell, 2000) is that the natural and genetic gifts that the average female and male brain brings to leadership are as follows: Feminine Masculine Relationship orientation Dialogue Listening Coaching Appreciation of paradox Interpersonal connections Social awareness Group working Multi-tasking Appreciation of distinction Action orientation Competitiveness Vision Inventiveness Risk-taking Target orientation Status quo challenge Desire to be the best Focus Structure and form Table 3.4. Average Female and Male genetic gifts Much of the debate in the 1990s spent time persuading leaders that it was good to be female and it was men who needed to change their leadership style to feminine-oriented leadership, with the emphasis on building relationship. Nevertheless, Cook Rothwell (2000) believed that leadership training should embrace the strengths of both approaches as the strengths of both sexes are needed to counteract the weaknesses that each sex brings to the leadership equation. 4. Comparison of Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey Leadership Qualities 4.1 Gates Leadership Qualities Gates possesses the following traits: Introvert, Intelligent, Knowledgeable, Aggressive, Charisma, Visionary, etc. Original vision when Microsoft was founded was a computer in every home. Oprah Leadership Qualities Oprah possesses the following traits: Extrovert, Intelligent, Self-Confident, Determined, Persistence, Excellent Communicator, Charisma, etc. Comparison of Gates and Oprah Leadership Qualities with Leadership Theories Both Gates and Oprah follows Transformational Leadership Theory 5. Comparison of Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey Leadership Qualities and with Leadership Theories/Models 5.1 Comparison of 6. Authors opinions about Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey Leadership Styles A REASONED ANALYSIS AND APPROACH Comparison of Bill and Oprah Motivation and Empowerment, Communication, Teams, Diversity, Learning Organization, Ability in bringing about change Motivation: Employees satisfaction à   Customers Satisfaction à   Customers Loyalty à   Companys Profitability Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Leadership Communication Effective listening and understand why listening is important to leadership communication. Recognize and apply the difference between dialogue and discussion. Appropriate communication channel for your leadership message. Use communication to influence and persuade others. Effectively communicate during times of stress or crisis. Transformational and charismatic leadership 7. Conclusion Based on extensive reading and research on leadership books, the authors conclude that effective leadership really boils down to how each leader first understand himself and then his followers, his organization and all external factors (inclusive of awareness of diversity, cultural differences and fast changing environment) prior to adopting the appropriate leadership styles and behaviours to suit these situations. In other words, theres no one fixed style as his or her leadership style should vary as per todays rapid changing and diversified business world. Gates is a visionary whereas Oprah is a transformational leader.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

The Heroic Figure of the Frontier in The Last of the Mohicans :: essays papers

The Heroic Figure of the Frontier in The Last of the Mohicans In The Last of the Mohicans, many themes are introduced through the exploration of the frontier. As Cora, Alice and Heyward travel through the dark and dangerous forest they are surrounded by the raging war between England and France. Their unfortunate experience with Magua early in their travels ultimately leads to the introduction of Hawkeye and the Mohicans, which enlightens their minds to the differences between good and evil, civil and savage. There were many types of people in and around the colonies during this time, including the English, French, and Natives. When western expansion began, it led to the stratification of society, which separated each individual by sex, class, and race. Who set guidelines for the division of types of people? Furthermore, who was distinguished as civilized or savage? As Cora, Alice, and Heyward encounter unfamiliar races, they experience many new beliefs, and ways of life. To them anything different was considered strange and barbarous. The Mohicans think of the Hurons, or Iroquois as savage beings, incapable of normal human emotions or actions. We see this portrayed later in the novel, when the Indians attack the English troops as they leave Fort William Henry in peace. But how can Hawkeye, Chingachgook , and Uncas be thought of as civilized, if they too scalp, kill, and yell in their anger? It is shown however, that the Mohicans, demonstrate restraint, while the Iroquois were unable to control their rage. Another question is Hawkeye's position between the two classifications. He is said to be "the perfect frontier hero", and he feels at home in the forest rather than the settlements.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Essay on Chaucers Canterbury Tales - Greed in the Pardoner’s Tale

The Pardoner’s Greed    The pardoner, in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Pardoner’s Tale, is a devious character.   He is a man with a great knowledge of the Catholic Church and a great love of God. However, despite the fact that he is someone whom is looked at with respect at the time, the pardoner is nothing more than an imposter who makes his living by fooling people into thinking he forgives their sins, and in exchange for pardons, he takes their money.   His sermon-like stories and false relics fool the people of the towns he visits and make him seem as a plausible man, which is exactly what the pardoner wants.   In fact, the pardoner is an avaricious and deceitful character whose driving force in life is his motto, â€Å"Radix malorum est cupiditas,† which is Latin for â€Å"greed is the root of evil.†Ã‚   The pardoner’s entire practice is based upon his motto and is motivated entirely by greed. The pardoner is supposed to forgive sins, however, he views his position as a scheme to make money and turns it into a fraud.   His excellent speaking skills allow him to turn this profession into a scam.   He attracts the people with his storytelling and his sermons, which are pleasing to them, â€Å"By God, I hope I shal yow telle a thyng / That shal by reson been at youre liking,† (457-58).   One example of a sermon about his motto is the tale of the three rioters.   This tale gives an ironic explanation related to the rioters deaths, due to greed and the pardoners practice of his profession, which is also driven by greed (Rossignol, 267).   He tells the people what they would like to hear, so that he may pull them into his trap and later cheat them out of their money.   His technique to fooling people is to preach on the subject of   â€Å"Radix malorum est c... ...iving.   The pardoner submits himself to his theme of â€Å"Radix malorum est cupiditas.† His theme becomes a reality and he   allows avarice to take control his life.   Just as Jesus lived life living into eternal life, the pardoner lives his life dying into eternal death by committing his avaricious acts and deceiving people in the name of God.   Works Cited Brewer, Derek.  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"The Canterbury Tales.† An Introduction to Chaucer.   New York:      Longman Inc., 1984 Hussey, S. S.  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"The Canterbury Tales II.† Chaucer: An Introduction.   New York: Methuen & Co., 1981 Pichaske, David R.  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"Pardoner’s Tale.† The Movement of the Canterbury Tales: Chaucer’s Literary Pilgrimage.   New York:   Norwood Editions, 1977 Rossignol, Rosalyn.  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"The Pardoner’s Tale.†Ã‚   Chaucer A to Z: The Essential Reference to His Life and Works.  Ã‚   New York:   Facts On File, Inc., 1999

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Relationship Between International Law And Municipal Law

To know the relationship between International law and Municipal law, it is important to know what these to laws are. International law is the rules and conducts which deals with the conduct of states. To put into simpler terms, the international law is a set of rules in which the countries use in dealing with each other. The Municipal law is the internal law of the land. There are different theories that distinguish the difference of the two laws. The dualists or the pluralist theory states that international law and municipal law are different with each other in terms of their source, the relations they regulate, and their substance.Both of the laws differ in source because the international law came from treaties and customs grown among states while the municipal law is a product of local or domestic custom. They differ in the relations they regulate. How? The international law regulates the relationship of states with one another and is concerned with the external and foreign aff airs of the state while the municipal law regulates the relationship of individuals under the state and is concerned with the domestic affairs of the state. They also differ in their substance.The international law is a law between sovereign states while municipal law is the law of the sovereign over the individuals in the state. In this theory when a conflict arises as to whether what law should be used in dealing with an issue, the municipal law prevails. The dualists are positivists that biases greatly on state sovereignty. Next theory is the monistic theory or monism. In this theory, the international law and the municipal or domestic law are under one system of law. But there are two monistic theories that states what law should be used in settling disputes or the likes.One monistic theory has a stand that international law is superior to municipal law which is supported by Kelsen. It holds that international law is superior to municipal law because monistic theorists believe t hat international law can instill domestic order. Kelsen also believes that the international law encompasses every aspect of human life. Monistic theorists also see international law as a collective outcome of different local sovereigns. The other monistic theory believes that municipal law is superior to the international law

Monday, September 16, 2019

Obama and Clinton Health Care Reform

Some differences between the two president's halt insurance reform policies are no government involvement, how to pay for the reform, alphabetic reform, and there was a faster effort to get the bill from President Obama passed where President Silicon's bill took over a year just drafting the bill. Steps to creating policy Recognizing the problem The government cannot prevent many problems from happening but they can help by recognizing the problems that follow a specific problem and create laws to help citizens. Setting an agenda The agenda will depend on the problem and the parties recognizing the problem.Once special interests groups, the media, and political parties start espousing to an issue then the agenda is set for what needs to be dealt with. Formulation This stage happens when all the parties bring their ideas to the table and decisions are made about what ideas will move forward. Adopting Once the ideas that are chosen are finalized the policy can be adopted and a law can be passed. The law must be sign by the president or can happen when the Supreme Court makes a ruling on case. Implementing Public policies can be implemented by administrative agencies in the executive branch.Implementation can be through tax breaks, some form Of enmeshment through fines or restrictions, or by appealing to people's positive instincts to be helpful and do their duty as a citizen. Evaluation Policies are continually evaluated for changes that need to be made. Succeed or F-ail President Obama succeed from the mistakes and previous errors made by President Clinton. President Clinton failed. Stakeholders The stakeholders in the attempts at health care reform are the consumers, the insurance companies, and the health care industry as a whole, legislators, President Clinton and President Obama.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Intelligence Testing Article

There is not one precise definition of intelligence. But, the idea of intelligence can be seen as a cluster of mental abilities that has the ability to obtain and use knowledge, exhibit problem-solving skills, and to excel at a variety of tasks (Shiraev & Levy, 2010). Intelligence is a necessary factor that allows one to adapt to one’s environment. But outside of the dominion of cultural context, intelligence cannot be really explained; this is because questions on intelligence tests that are scored often do not have the same meaning in every culture (Shiraev & Levy, 2010). Howard Gardner’s theory proposed his own view of intelligence in which he claimed that seven intelligences work independently but concurrently, completing one another. The PASS theory, a basis for the Cognitive Assessment System, features three functional units. Both these theories have a significant impact within psychology and smooth out the loose ends of extensive cross-cultural cracks in calculating tools. Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Howard Gardner offered an alternative understanding of intelligence, which added to the traditional definition; it incorporated three-dimensional relations, mathematics, music, linguistic ability, and interpersonal knowledge (Kaufman, 2013). Gardner (1989), defined intelligence as â€Å"the capacity to solve problems or to fashion products that are valued in one or more cultural setting† (P. 4). His definition acknowledged mathematical and verbal skills. Gardner’s theory outlines seven intelligences; linguistic, logical/mathematical, spatial, bodily, musical, intrapersonal, and two personal intelligences of social feelings and intentions of others. According to the theory of multiple intelligences, the intelligences work simultaneously, accompanying one another while an individual learns, develops, improves, and masters life skills. Gardner argued for the cultural and biological basis by emphasizing the outcomes of neurobiological research, which maintenances knowledge as a result of basic function capability and changes. Gardner not only had his biological origin for multiple intelligences, he also believes that culture plays an important role in the development of intelligence than traditionally acknowledged (Gardner, 1983). Some cultures value and preserve certain types of intelligences, especially if they help with the improvement and maintenance of a culture. The more appreciated a skill is, the more one is driven to know and thrive in that particular discipline. A particular intelligence can be very much developed due to a culture’s value, while others may not develop or develop hardly at all (Gardner, 1983). PASS Theory The PASS theory of intelligence proposes that cognition is organized in three functional units that are applied widely to IQ tests. According to Luria’s idea of this model, PASS stands for Planning, Attention-Arousal, and Simultaneous and Successive model of processing (Kaufman, 2013). According to this model, the first functional unit’s job is to focus and sustain attention. The second function is the attention process, which maintains alertness and arousal levels, and warrants focus on important stimuli. The final functional unit accepts and stores information with consecutive and concurrent processing. PASS theory challenges what is the foundation of all cognitive processes; G-based theories. G-based theories of human intelligence say that â€Å"human intellectual functioning is best described as a unitary class† (Das & Abbott, 1995). The challenge comes from the fact that g-theory believes that neuropsychological research that establishes the brain is made up of diverse codependent organisms (Das & Abbott, 1995). The PASS theory seeks to explain intelligence in a more dynamically appropriate sense and to overcome gaps from the traditional IQ test. IQ tests are based on outdates theories that rely on correlations between the IQ scores, but not taking into consideration that intelligence is evolving and unsolidified. Intelligence Testing The reason that traditional IQ testing is not reliable is because they are built on the concept that intelligence is mainly methodical and fixed. Gardner believed in calculating intellectual tendencies at an early age because he did not believe intelligences are permanent (Morgan, 1996). As cultures vary, they reach intelligence at different levels and they may see certain skills and knowledge of more value than others (Kaufman, 2013). Gardner’s theory is flexible to the dissimilarities in intelligences cross-culturally and is genuine in measuring intelligence (Morgan, 1996). The PASS theory emphasizes on developments, rather than intelligence and capability helps with being familiar cross-culturally, and is rather reasonable as oppose to general IQ testing (Das & Abbott, 1995). General IQ testing and similar tests stress the importance of language and mathematical abilities,; this is not exactly accurate cross-cultural measurement (Kaufman, 2013). Conclusion The unfairness of intelligence testing is submerged. The measurements of these tests are reliable, but only to a small fraction of the population cross-culturally. Both theories mentioned smooth out the bumps of widespread gaps in effective measuring tools when it comes to cross-cultural population. Different cultures cannot be effectively measured by traditional IQ and similar psychological tests. When the correlations of social success and IQ scores are matched, they show an inaccurate picture of bias constructed with things like sexism and racism. The measurement of intelligence must take into account the essential cultural perspective of knowledge and learning.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinology disorder affecting 15–20% of women in reproductive age worldwide (1).   PCOS characterized by hyperandrogenism and high level of insulin resistance which leads to the dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis, resulting in anovulation and menstrual irregularity (2-6). PCOS is considered the most common cause of anovulatory infertility. Around 90%–95% of an-ovulatory women visiting infertility clinics have PCOS (7). The current first-line infertility treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome is Clomiphene Citrate. However, it has drawbacks, including its overall poor efficacy (only a 22% rate of live birth with up to six cycles of clomiphene (8)), ovulation rate of only 46% (9) and an undesirable side-effect profile, including mood changes and hot flushes. Failure either to ovulate (clomiphene resistance), or to conceive with ovulation (clomiphene failure) often leads to the use of more expensive treatment options for infertility that associated with higher multiple pregnancy rates and an increased risk of the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (10). Insulin-sensitizing agents, such as metformin, have been used successfully to treat women with PCOS (11). However, metformin also has multiple undesirable gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea (61%), vomiting (30%), and diarrhea (65%). (12,13) Furthermore, many women who have PCOS are not satisfied with pharmaceutical treatment. In a survey done on women with PCOS, 99% expressed their desire for effective treatment alternatives to fertility drugs, (14) and as many as 70% of women with PCOS use complementary medicines (15-16). Herbal Medicine is still widely used from world population for approximately 75-80%; this is because that herbal medicine is considered more culturally acceptable, less dangerous and more natural form of treatment (17). In Saudi Arabia, approximately 80% of the population use herbal medicine, and one of the main reasons is the ease of use of herbs that could be taken orally without painful procedure or invasive methods (18). Cinnamon, a commonly used spice, has become a natural product of interest because it has been considered to have health benefits, such as reducing blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and decreasing insulin resistance (19). Cinnamon increases insulin sensitivity likely because of its effect on intermediate metabolites acting at the cellular level (20). Several studies stated that polyphenol polymers isolated from cinnamon could increase insulin-dependent glucose metabolism. (21-23) Cinnamon usually causes no serious side effects. The reported adverse events of cinnamon include headache, heartburn and menstrual cramps (24). In general, herbal medicines are better tolerated than pharmaceutical medications as shown in a systematic review for critical evaluation of clinical efficacy and adverse events of herbal remedies (25). Cinnamon extract may offer a low cost, readily available and relatively easily implemented means of reducing insulin resistance and thereby improving ovulation in women with PCOS.2. Literature Review: A randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial investigating the effect of cinnamon on menstrual cyclicity in women with PCOS, women receiving daily 1.5 g of cinnamon treatment showed significant improvements in menstrual cyclicity, whereas patients receiving placebo did not. Sampling from different patients in the study showed the luteal phase serum progesterone (progesterone level >3 ng/mL), sonographic visualization of corpora lutea, and pregnancy which all support that the bleeding has resulted from ovulatory cycles, rather than merely changes in menstrual flow (24). That suggests that cinnamon supplement may have an effect on ovulation induction in women with PCOS. Regarding the effect of cinnamon on insulin resistance, a study conducted in 2017 involving 66 women with PCOS in a randomized, double?blind placebo?controlled clinical trial. The women in the first group treated by cinnamon capsules 1.5 g/day for three months and the second group by placebo capsules. The homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (p = .014) reduced after the three months in the cinnamon group compared with the placebo (26). Another randomized control study concluded that oral administration of 1g of cinnamon extract daily for eight weeks was well tolerated and improved insulin sensitivity in nondiabetic women with PCOS (27). A double-blind randomized control study, comparing the effect of cinnamon and metformin on insulin resistance in 112 women with PCOS taking 1g of cinnamon versus 1g of metformin daily, shows that both significantly decreasing the insulin resistance (28). A study in non-PCOS patients with elevated serum glucose, 173 patients were enrolled and given 500mg of cinnamon daily for two months, showed a significant reduction on fasting insulin, glucose, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol and enhanced insulin sensitivity (29). There are many studies conducted on metformin as insulin-sensitizing agent on ovulation in PCOS women. In a systematic review, forty-four trials (3992 women) were included for analysis, 38 of them using metformin and involving 3495 women, clinical pregnancy rates were improved for metformin versus placebo (pooled OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.52 to 3.51, 8 trials, 707 women) and for metformin and clomiphene versus clomiphene alone (pooled OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.96, 11 trials, 1208 women) (30). Since the cinnamon have been suggested to improve the insulin resistance in previous studies and taking into account the side effects of metformin, a cinnamon supplement may offer a good and natural alternative to metformin as an insulin-sensitizing agent and thereby improve the ovulation in women with PCOS.3. Rational:The rarely and non-serious reported side effects of cinnamon along with the cost-effectiveness and availability lead to the need of exploring the effectiveness of cinnamon supplement as a complementary medicine for ovulation induction in women with PCOS.4.1 Aim:To determine the effectiveness of cinnamon supplement and clomiphene citrate (CC) combination on ovulation in women with PCOS.4.2 Objectives:Primary Objective:To compare the effectiveness of cinnamon supplement in combination with clomiphene citrate versus clomiphene citrate alone on ovulation in women with PCOS, in King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah 2018.Secondary Objectives:To measure the difference in insulin resistance after three months of cinnamon supplementation in women with PCOS in King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah 2018.To determine the effect of cinnamon and CC combination on menstrual cyclicity, approximated by menstrual frequency, during the study period, in women with PCOS in King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah 2018.To measure the pregnancy rate in women with PCOS in King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah 2018.To evaluate the quality of life in women with PCOS in King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah 2018.Materials and Methods Place of study:The study will be carried out in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Obstetrics and gynecology clinics, in Jeddah 2018. Exclusion criteria:Current pregnancy or lactation.Current use of treatment of infertility.Established diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.Use of Insulin-sensitizing treatment within the past three monthsHormonal treatment involving estrogen or progesterone within the past three months.Known hypersensitivity to cinnamon.Use of statin medication.Any other supplements that contain cinnamon within the past month.BMI 35.Sample Size:To detect a clinically significant difference of 30% between the previously reported systematic review of ovulation rate (~46%) (9) with a one-sided 5% significance level and power of 80%, a sample size of 82 participants (41 per arm) is required. (Fleiss, Statistical Methods for Rates and Proportions, formulas 3.18 &3.19). Randomization:The participants will be randomized in 1:1 fashion using a computer program by trained assistance. Allocation concealment will be ensured using similar bottles labeled by letters A and B to receive either the combination of cinnamon supplement and clomiphene citrate or clomiphene citrate with placebo. The intervention allocation will be blind for both investigators and participants.5.6 Intervention:The Cinnamomum cassia  (C. aromaticum) capsules will be purchase from Spring Valley company (distributed by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. USA) by the investigator. Placebo capsules will be prepared by Batterjee Pharma Company and will contain 450 mg of starch and 50 mg of cinnamon powder (to improve blindness regarding taste and odor). Shape, size, and color of placebo capsules will be completely similar to the cinnamon capsules.Cinnamon and placebo capsules will be provided to both groups monthly for 12 weeks. Participants will be required to consume two capsules twice per day after meals (2g/day). The last packages of capsules will be checked at the end of the month, and the number of remaining capsules will be counted; after that, new packages will be delivered to patients. All capsules will be given simultaneously with the clomiphene citrate medication. Participants will be asked to keep their normal lifestyle including daily food and physical activity level.The 2g dose of cinnamon is chosen based on published clinical trials in patients with PCOS (8,15,16,17). All participants in both groups will be followed for three months or until pregnancy confirmed. The three month-period has chosen based on a systematic review that showed the effect of cinnamon could be as early as 4 weeks and up to 18 weeks (31).5.7 Adherence:Compliance with diet and medications and interval progress will be monitored with monthly visits with the investigator or his trained assistances along with SMS reminder or WhatsApp messages. Also, participants will be asked to return all study packs (including empty bottles) at every monthly visit.5.8 Patient safety:Patients will be monitored monthly during the study period, and any occurrence of adverse events will be recorded.5.9 Study Outcomes:Primary outcome: Progesterone level > 3ng/mL (ovulation confirmation) or pregnancy confirmed.Secondary outcomes: Changes in insulin resistance, menstrual cyclicity, pregnancy rate and fertility quality of life at the end of the study in comparison with the baseline values. Procedure:The study will be initiated after obtaining approval from the Unit of Biomedical Ethics in King Abdulaziz University and approval from Saudi Food and Drug Authority. All patients will be explained the procedure and risks involved in common, understandable languages and a written informed consent will be obtained. First visit: Patients meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria will be evaluated during the early follicular phase (day 3-7) after a spontaneous or induced menses (medroxyprogesterone acetate 10 mg twice?daily for 5 days) for: Baseline blood work:o (Hormone profile: FSH, LH and testosterone levels).o In day 21 (luteal phase) patients will be tested for progesterone level.o Insulin resistance using homeostasis model of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index [QUICK-I].? QUICK= 1 / (log(fasting insulin  µU/mL) + log(fasting glucose mg/dl))? HOMA-IR= (FPI(mU/l) Ãâ€" FPG (mmol/l))/22.5 Height and weight will be measured and recorded for body mass index (BMI). Diagnosis of oligo-/anovulation will be based on a menstrual pattern of oligo/amenorrhoea (cycle >35 days) and/or a low mid-luteal serum progesterone concentration. Hyperandrogenaemia will be diagnosed either clinically (acne/hirsutism) or biochemically (testosterone ?2.5 nmol/l).Last Visit: At the end of three months, all subjects will be re-evaluated during the early follicular phase (day 3-7) after a spontaneous or induced menses for: Baseline blood work:(Hormone profile: FSH, LH, testosterone levels).o In day 21 patients will be tested for progesterone level.Insulin resistance using homeostasis model of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index [QUICK-I].Height and weight for body mass index (BMI).Menstrual cyclicity, approximated by menstrual frequency, (number menses/number months observed).Pregnancy rate using positive urinary hCG and ultrasound detection of the gestational sac.Assessment of dietary intake: To assess participants' dietary intake, a 24-h food recall will be collected three times during the study (at baseline, middle and end of study). Patients will complete food descriptions including food and drinks (brand names), food preparation (ingredients) in detail as much as possible in the last day. Pictures of food commonly consumed in Saudi Arabia, together with a set of common household measurement tools (glass, cup, soup bowls, plates, teaspoon and tablespoon) will be provided to assist subjects in estimating the portion sizes of the food. Assessment of physical activity levels: IPAQ will be applied to assess the physical activity level of participants. The IPAQ form comprises walking, moderate- intensity and vigorous-intensity activity and will be expressed as metabolic equivalents per minute (MET-min) per week. The levels of physical activity will be categorized into low, moderate and high, based on the IPAQ criteria. Statistical Analysis:Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS 25. Data will be expressed as mean  ± SD for continuous variables and percentage for non-continuous variables. Normality tests will be assessed through Shapiro-Wilk tests carried out on each parameter before analysis. Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis will include all randomized subjects, regardless of whether or not they received the study treatments. Per protocol (PP) analysis will include all randomized subjects who received the study drug and were not lost to follow-up. Participants who lost to follow-up will be assumed neither to be pregnant nor to have ovulation in the ITT analysis.Relative risk, relative risk reduction, Number Needed to Treat and Number Needed to Harm will be calculated at 95% confidence interval. Study variables:VariableOperational definitioni.e., indicatorScale of measurementOvulationProgesterone level in capillary bloodContinuous:Progesterone level ;3ng/mLInsulin resistanceHOMA-IR and QUICK-IOrdinal:HOMA-IR Healthy Range: 1.0 (0.5–1.4)?Less than 1.0 means insulin-sensitive which is optimal.?Above 1.9 indicates early insulin resistance.?Above 2.9 indicates significant insulin resistance.QUICK-I range between 0.45 in healthy individuals and 0.30 in diabetics.Lower values reflect greater resistance with values below 0.339 indicating insulin resistance. Menstrual cyclicityMenstrual frequencyContinuous:(No. of menses/ No. of month)Pregnancy rateNo. of pregnancies including live births, induced abortions, and fetal deaths per 1,000Continuous:(Number of pregnancies including live births, induced abortions, and fetal deaths / Number of women aged 15 – 44 years) Ãâ€" 1,000Quality of lifeInfertility quality of life questionnaire Ordinal Ethical considerations:Approval from the Unit of Biomedical Ethics in King Abdulaziz University will be obtained before the start of the study.Informed consent of the participants will be considered an essential prerequisite for enrollment in the study.This study will be registered in Saudi Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) and at Clinicaltrial.gov website.Confidentiality of the response of the participants will be ensured by keeping the collected data secured and used only for the study purpose.Study duration:The recruitment period will be three months; each arm group will be followed for three months, the total study duration with data analysis and writing the thesis will be ten months.Table1: study time frame

Federal Government of the United States and Sequestration

Understanding Sequestration Christine Miller Webster University Author Note Christine A. Miller, Webster University. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Christine Miller, 21356 89th Street, California City, CA 93505. E-mail: [email  protected] net Abstract Understanding sequestration can be overwhelming. What are government sequestration and the Budget Control Act (BCA) of 2011 and how do they impact us? Which government agencies will feel the impact the most? Are there agencies that are exempt from the sequestration?And finally, is there a way to prevent the sequestration? A budget sequester is when money under current law is used to fund the budget deficit. President Barack Obama signed into law on Aug 2, 2011 a federal statute titled The Budget Control Act (BCA) of 2011. This federal statute will impose limits on discretionary programs by more than $1 trillion over ten years from 2012 through 2021. These limits are based on the Congressional Budget Offi ce baseline from 2010 (Kogan, 2011). Sequestration was technically triggered when Congress failed to reach an agreement by Jan. 5, 2012, but because the cuts do not begin until 2013, Congress really has until the end of this year to enact new legislation that would cancel or delay the cuts (OMB Watch, Nov 6, 2012). As an employee on a military installation, the impacts of the sequestration could cause short and long term effects on our contractor support. Understanding Sequestration Sequestration can be broadly defined as the action of taking legal possession of assets until a debt has been paid or other claims have been met. In government terms, a sequestration is an attempt to reform Congressional voting procedures.This is an effort to make the size of the Federal government's budget deficit a matter of conscious choice rather than simply the outcome of an appropriations process. A process in which no one ever looked at the cumulative results until it was too late to change them. If the appropriation bills passed separately by Congress provide for total government spending in excess of the limits Congress earlier laid down for itself in the annual Budget Resolution, and if Congress cannot agree on ways to cut back the total, then an automatic form of spending cutback takes place.This automatic spending cut is what is called sequestration (Johnson, 2005). What are the major elements of the BCA of 2011? First, it allowed the President to raise the debt limit by $2. 1 trillion. This limit is estimated to be enough through early 2013. Second, established limits on annual appropriations bills which cover discretionary or non-entitlement programs such as defense, education, national parks, the FBI, the EPA, low-income housing assistance, medical research, and many others; the limits reduce projected funding for these programs by more than $1 trillion through 2021.Third, it required the House and Senate to vote in the fall of 2011 on an amendment to the Constitutio n to mandate a balanced budget every year. Fourth, it established a Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to produce legislation to reduce projected deficits by at least an additional $1. 2 trillion through 2021 (beyond the savings generated by the discretionary caps). And finally, the BCA established a contingency mechanism to ensure that $1. 2 trillion in deficit reduction would be achieved if the Joint Select Committee failed.This provided for automatic, across-the-board budget cuts in many programs in 2013 and reductions in each year from 2014 through 2021 in the annual caps on discretionary appropriations as well as automatic cuts in selected entitlement programs (Kogan, 2011). Which government programs will feel the impact the most? If sequestration does take place the cuts will be divided evenly between the defense and non-defense programs, approximately $55 billion each.Non-exempt non-defense programs like Head Start and education programs will have an 8. 2% cut, appro ximately $38 billion. Non-exempt non-defense mandatory programs like agricultural disaster relief will have a 7. 6% cut, approximately $5. 6 billion. Payments to Medicare providers and health insurance plans will have a 2% cut, approximately $11 billion. In addition, non-exempt defense discretionary programs will have a 9. 4% cut, approximately $54. 6 billion (OMB Watch Nov 2, 2012).This includes keeping military bases open, paying salaries and research and development. The approximately $55 billion in 2013 defense cuts will be imposed in a similar but not identical manner. The defense cuts will occur through across-the-board, proportional reductions in the funding provided for defense accounts in the appropriations bills. War costs within the National Defense function are subject to sequestration, as are defense unobligated balances carried over from prior years.Although military personnel are not exempt from sequestration the President can exempt some or all military personnel fun ding from the sequestration. This is because the funds for fiscal year 2013 will already have been appropriated by Congress. However, if he chooses that option, the cuts in other defense funding would have to increase. As of Nov 13 the President did exempt military personnel from sequestration (OMB Watch Nov 2, 2012). Which government programs are exempt from automatic cuts?A number of programs are exempt to include Social Security benefits, all programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, interest on the federal debt, refundable tax credits, and several low-income programs. Low-income programs that are exempt include food stamps, child nutrition programs, Medicaid, foster care, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, mandatory funding under the Child Care and Development Fund, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Supplemental Security Income program (OMB Watch Nov 2, 2012). So what are the expectations for 2014 and beyond?The process for 2014 and out is quite different. The required defense funding cut of approximately $55 billion in each year from 2014 through 2021 will occur through reductions in the annual statutory caps on defense funding that the Budget Control Act sets for each of those years if sequestration is triggered. Unlike in 2013, there will be no automatic cut of all affected defense programs by the same percentage; instead, the Appropriations Committees will decide how to live within the newly reduced defense funding caps (Kogan, 2011).For non-defense programs the process will be the same as in 2013 for entitlements but different for non-defense discretionary programs. Medicare payments to both providers and health insurance plans will continue to be cut by 2 percent. However, because Medicare costs are projected to rise through 2021, the dollar amount saved will increase from $11 billion to approximately $18 billion in 2021. In years 2014 through 2012, the remaining amount of the approximately $55 billion i n non-defense cuts will be applied proportionally to other non-exempt mandatory programs and overall non-defense discretionary funding.Because Medicare will take a progressively larger share of the $55 billion non-defense cut, other non-defense programs cuts will continue to decline (Kogan, 2011). One of the biggest concerns of the sequestration is the possibility of prompting a recession in 2013. The combination of expiring tax cuts and the reductions in spending on discretionary government programs, known as the ‘fiscal cliff’, could throw the country back into recession. However, the hopes are that a budget deal would be reached in early 2013 that would retroactively cancel the sequestration.Within the Department of Defense (DoD) there is a lot of concern with sequestration and the automatic cuts that would be implemented in fiscal year 2013 if Congress fails to reach an agreement on the deficit reduction plan. The Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) is working with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to ensure the Department is ready to implement sequestration in January if it occurs. In the meantime, consistent with OMB guidance, a memo titled Guidance on Fiscal Year 2013 Joint Committee Sequestration has been issued stating that DoD needs to continue normal spending and operations.The memo states to not let our programs, personnel, and activities to begin to suffer the harmful effects of sequestration while there is still a chance it can be avoided. The memo has directed that all commanders and managers in the DoD continue the defense mission under current laws and policies, without taking any steps that assume sequestration will occur (A. B. Carter, personal communication, Sep 25, 2012). In other words, the DoD is to continue business as usual. Although it is business as usual, government contractors may feel the greatest impact.In conclusion, sequestration would have long enduring and painful effects on all aspects of government agencies, DoD and non-DoD alike. If Congress does not meet the requirements imposed by the Budget Control Act of 2011 DoD government contractor layoffs and potential government shutdowns may occur and non-DoD government programs, like education and Medicare, will have long term consequences. Sequestration can only be prevented if Congress passes legislation that undoes the Budget Control Act of 2011 before January 2, 2013. References Johnson, P. (2005). A Glossary of Political Economy Terms.Retrieved from http://www. auburn. edu/~johnspm/gloss/sequestration Kogan, R. (2012). How the Across-the-Board Cuts in the Budget Control Act Will Work. Retrieved October 30, 2012, from http://www. cbpp. org/cms OMB Watch (Nov 2, 2012). Mitigating the Impact of a Temporary Sequester. Retrieved November 4, 2012, from http://www. ombwatch. org/mitigating-impact-of- automatic-spending-cuts OMB Watch (Nov 6, 2012). White House and Federal Agencies Could Manage Effects of Automatic Spending Cuts in E arly 2013. Retrieved November 10, 2012, from http://www. ombwatch. org/node/12266

Friday, September 13, 2019

Global Security Has Evidently Hindered the Enjoyments of Human Rights Research Paper - 2

Global Security Has Evidently Hindered the Enjoyments of Human Rights - Research Paper Example â€Å"Terrorism has the potential to undermine civil society, destabilize governments, threaten economic and social development and importantly pose danger to global peace† (126). All these factors have a direct and visible impact on the delights of human rights. Needless to say, security, by all means, is a basic human right, and the protection of the citizens is as well basic obligation of any government. States and a government evidently have an obligation to guarantee the human rights of their citizens and other visitors by instituting positive measures to counter terrorism and apprehending the offenders to face justice. (Mack, pp. 14) The United Nations saw its emergence in 1945 above all; it was born to save future generations from the bitter scourge of war. It would guard human security and ensure that the horrors of the World Wars have never occurred again. Sixty years down the line, we are all familiar with the biggest global security threats we face now, and in intuitively, the decenniums ahead stretches beyond States waging destructive war. They extend to environmental degradation and infectious disease; poverty; violence and war amongst states; the spread and potential use of nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological weapons; and trans-boundary organized crime; terrorism. The threats range from state as well as non-State actors and State security to human security. The major preoccupation of the UN organizers was firmly held to State security (Nowak, pp 125). When the state members concurred on creating a new system of collective state security, they defined that in the traditional military sense: a system in which every States would join hand and pledge that â€Å"aggression against one is aggression against all†(pp. 13), and fully commit themselves in that happening to respond collectively.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

The Cold War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

The Cold War - Essay Example The thrust of his call for unity was the English speaking world and the Commonwealth. The US being the biggest power in the world, and English speaking, was a natural ally that he wanted to woo. He indirectly told his American audience that support for communism in many countries was a direct threat to US itself whose influence over the â€Å"free† world would diminish as a result. Churchill expressed his fear that the emerging polarization between communist and democratic blocs of the world may result in war. He asserted that the Russians, even if they didn’t like war themselves, desired â€Å"indefinite expansion of their power and ideals† and enjoyed â€Å"fruits of war† (Churchill). Indirectly mentioning sea, land and air capabilities of the military, he advised that it was through military strength that a sense of security would prevail. This strength could also provide the negotiation leverage to find a mutually agreeable formula with Russians under the umbrella of United Nations Organizations. Joseph Stalin, in an interview to Pravda some time later, responded to Churchill. At the outset, he termed the idea of a brewing war ludicrous and a product of the mind of someone â€Å"who lost one’s reason† (Stalin). Picking up cleverly on Churchill’s call for the English speaking world to unite, Stalin termed it as an attempt to create a racial divide, linguistic superiority and a holier-than-thou approach to achieve his goals of fomenting an imaginary war. He compared Churchill’s speech with Hitler’s policies who believed in the superiority of those who spoke the German language. Stalin recalled in detail the sacrifices Soviet Union had made during the world war and termed them higher than any other country involved in the war. In doing so, he tried to bring home the point that Russia was committed to peace in the world

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Labor market discrimination Gender and Racial based Essay

Labor market discrimination Gender and Racial based - Essay Example Discrimination refers to distinction, restriction, differential treatment or exclusion which makes a person or a group in position of disadvantage when compared to others who are in similar circumstances or situations. Discrimination is part and parcel of social life and it is impossible to find any aspect of social life without discrimination. There are several types of discrimination and these include race, religion, age, ethnicity, gender, sex, language and disability (United Nations Economic and Social Council, 2009).. Basically, discrimination manifests itself through prejudices advanced against or in favor of another person, depending on the reasons stated above. The occurrence of prejudice normally refers to rejection of a person because the person belongs to discriminated group. Discrimination is also a matter of attitude among those who either practice it or become a victim to it. Since discrimination is something that is highly dependent on one’s attitude, it ought t o be considered in terms of both the one who is discriminated against and the one who is doing the discrimination. Though different types of discrimination exist all over the world with differences in intensity and magnitude, racial and gender discriminations are more widely and universally present. Racial discrimination refers to the difference shown to individuals on the basis of real and perceived racial difference while gender discrimination is due to difference in the sex. This difference is because of the assigned gender roles, prejudices and social construction. Review of literature on prevalence, causes and effects of gender and racial discrimination in the labor market are discussed in the following sections. ... ial and gender intolerance appears to be every bit of the societies and hence, it is interesting to review the causes and effects of these discriminations on labor market based on the earlier studies. Review of literature on prevalence, causes and effects of gender and racial discrimination in the labor market are discussed in the following sections. Prevalence of Racial and Gender based Discrimination in the Labor Market Large number of studies reveals that there is intensive racial discrimination in the US labor market. This kind of discrimination is essentially occurs through allocation of disadvanges and privileges depending on the color of one’s skin, or in other words, it is called as ‘colorism’(Hersch 2008). Racial discrimination is found across the job market, both in the industries; field as well as in the domestic chores. According to Ingram (2008), racial discrimination also manifests itself in the labor market through house hold chores. He argues that the time spent for attending the household chores should be considered as labor hours. He also presents evidence to the effect that US Blacks as well as non-white couples (heterosexual) tend to be discriminated against by being given extra workload in the house. The study is the evidence of pre-labor market discrimination as the labor for household chores is more discussed in it. As with racial discrimination in the market, there are a quite a number of empirical studies which shows the existence and effects of gender based discrimination in the labor market. Gender based discrimination is predominant in the domestic labor market with women normally working overtime and extra hours (Banton, 1998). Studies have also attempted to identify forms in which discrimination occurs. Along to Banton (1998), gender