The use of vaginal examinations in assessing progress during the first Essay

The use of vaginal examinations in assessing progress during the first stage of labour - Essay Example During the first stage of labour, which begins with the onset of regular uterine contraction, it plays instrumental role in assessing the progress made in labour. It provides information about the cervical effacement and dilatation, descent , position and attitude of the fetus. But it may also give rise to certain problems like infections, premature stimulation of cervix, premature rupture of membranes and women find them uncomfortable. The approach used by midwives to vaginal exam further adds to the problems. While undertaking these exams, they become inconsiderate towards the feelings of the women and in their attempt to deliver a healthy baby ignore their professional ethics , which requires them to provide a supportive, encouraging atmosphere for birth, respectful of the woman’s wishes. Although midwives acquire enough skill through practice and experience to use external signs to gain knowledge about the progress, still they consider it the most accurate method. This study revolves around vaginal examination at the onset of labour. It attempts to find the reason behind the frequent use of these interventions to assess the progress during first stage, despite its problematic nature. This report explores the necessity and effectiveness of the vaginal exams in assessing the progress. It brings to notice the problems faced by the women from vaginal examination and from the methodology used by the midwives in conducting them. It considers the alternative techniques that can be used instead of vaginal examination. This study takes into consideration the results of various researches done on vaginal examination during the labour. Vaginal examination is a complete

The Unredeemed Captive Essay Example for Free

The Unredeemed Captive Essay Some are born literary genius, some achieve literary genius, and some have literary success thrust upon them. As for John Demos in his book, ‘The Unredeemed Captive’ seems to be the blend of the last two categories. Through this book,   Demos takes you to the 18th Century, to explain the tension-ridden and violence-prone confrontation   between three communities (segments of a society).They are the puritan settlers of New England, the Roman-Catholic French of New France (currently parts of Canada) and the Native Americans.   It was a peculiar type of confrontation fought for several types’ self-interests. The conflicts, where religion, culture, race and territorial interests are involved. The story takes savage turns and the reading seriously affects the emotions of the readers! The contents of writing are a mixture of fact and fiction. The book has great historical significance. The mentioned communities then did not believe in peaceful negotiations to settle the ‘border disputes.’ They fought for territorial gains and the borders continued to shift and relocate. The mini-Hitlers were out to establish their moral and racial superiority. The animal tendencies in them surfaced forth and they did not hesitate to capture (kidnap) young girls belonging to the enemy camp, as war trophies, eventually for their sexual gratification.   John Demos is a Yale History Professor. His primary intentions and efforts in this book are to provide an objective analysis of the encounters between the mentioned ‘groups’. He has drawn upon the experiences of one family to achieve the objective in view. It is the John Williams family. Williams is a puritan minister. The family was captured in 1704 in their Massachusetts home by a group of Frenchmen and Native Americans. They were marched off to Canada. Of the seven members of the family his wife died en-route, Williams and four children were released later, his daughter Eunice became a convert (forced conversion?) to Catholicism to marry a Native American. Desperate attempts were made by the family for the return of Eunice to Massachusetts, but she came for short visits only to return back, till her death at the age of 95.   The stunning and heart-rending part of the story is that of Eunice. Remember, she was only 7 when she was captured—what values did her captors defend by torturing the mind of an innocent girl child? Religious principles? Cultural traditions? Racial superiority? Human values? Such persons deserve to be the offspring of the Satan. She was converted to Catholicism and married off at the age of 16, for which the perpetrators of such a crime can face severe punishment in the present times. Probably that was the age when male/female married as per the social customs prevailing then. Well, she spent the rest of her life, but what might be the thought-currents circling and torturing her mind within? Her 88 years of silent suffering is difficult for the printed pages to capture, the most sensitive and imaginative writer will not be able to probe the inner layers of her mind. If someone is able to do proper research on this mind, it can as well reveal the history of the century to which she belonged in the correct perspective.   Her life is a great example of the bitter fruits of cross-cultural bloody encounters. It is the saga of the perpetrators of the torture and those who were tortured. That God and destiny were often quoted to justify the cruel happenings shows the macabre and sadistic mind-set of the groups involved in those conflicts. It was an open exhibition of animal tendencies, by the two-legged devils   The Unredeemed Captive is a systematically researched history by John Demos. To sieve through the 300 year old data (the later 1600s) and make out a factual, historically relevant story is a skilled job. Demos has done justice to his job as the Professor of History. He knows the essentials of the history, the requirements of a research student of history. The research pages do make a slow reading, and that is no fault of the author. The narratives sections are quite fascinating. Basically, this book is written by a history man for the history people   In the present times also, people live dangerously in the border areas of a country, especially when the neighbors are unfriendly. This is the situation when civilization has made advancement and there are international laws for protection. Guess, what would have been the conditions 300 years ago, when might was right and jungle laws prevailed? John Demos describes well, with authority and proof, the dangers of living on the American frontiers in the early days of settling America, when the borders shifted constantly.   A tough subject has been chosen for the book and the area covered is vast.   One can not expect the book to make a good reading from page 1 to page 336. The first five chapters are very exciting; the flying start is the highlight of the book. The story and the incidents related to the family of John Williams are interesting and touching. The rest of the book is about facts, customs and traditions. One needs to make efforts to sustain the interest as for this portion of the book. But overall, the book is no drag.   Finally, the important points of the book: The clash of cultures of the diverse communities is well depicted. Through the personal tragedy of a family, the political story of an era has been told. The doomed role of the religion is described well. Eunice’s rejection of her own family is a mysterious psychological drama. But Demos shows the balanced approach in writing this part of the story, and does not blame exclusively any party involved in the conflicts.    References Cited: Demos, John, Book: The Unredeemed Captive. Publisher: Vintage; Reprint edition (March 28, 1995) ISBN-10: 0679759611 ISBN-13: 978-0679759614

The Death Of Abraham Lincoln - The Pinkey Or The Bullet :: essays research papers fc

Lincoln   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many people â€Å"think† that they know about the Lincoln assassination. There are two theories on the death of Abraham Lincoln. The first theory is that of John Wilkes Booth shooting Lincoln in the cerebrum. The second theory is that a doctor misplaced his pinkie finger when assisting Lincoln to a hospital. Many people believe that the doctor’s finger actually pushed the bullet further into Lincoln’s brain, leading to his death. This research paper will compare and contrast the different theories and viewpoints about how Lincoln was assassinated. (Norton)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Abraham Lincoln was born on Sunday, February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Kentucky. In his early life, he worked jobs including; running a store, surveying, and serving as a postmaster in New Orleans. There, Lincoln lived, worked, and he even wrestled the town bully, earning him the nickname, â€Å"Honest Abe†. Later on in life, Lincoln got married to a woman named Mary Todd. They had four children; Robert (1843 - 1926), Edward (1846 - 1850), William (1850 - 1862), and Thomas (1853 - 1871). Later on, Lincoln became an attorney, decided to settle down and buy a house in Springfield. (Norton) In 1846 Lincoln ran for the United States House of Representatives and won. He was well known throughout the political world for his opposition to the Mexican War and his will to put an end to slavery. In 1860, Lincoln won on the third ballot and was elected the 16th President of the United States on November 6, winning over Stephen A. Douglas. (Norton)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  On April 14, 1865, the Lincoln family attended a play entitled â€Å"Our American Cousin†, at Ford’s Theater. At about 10:15 P.M. Lincoln was shot in the brain by John Wilkes Booth.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Booth was the ninth out of ten children. He was born in Bel Air, Maryland in 1838. Booth was an actor and chose not to fight in the Civil War, his sympathies lay with the South and against President Lincoln. As the Confederacy began to lose, Booth’s hatred of Lincoln became stronger and stronger. He eventually began to plot against the President. Booth fired a single shot - .44 - caliber Derringer into Lincoln’s head, behind the left ear (according to the book, â€Å"True Crime: Assassination†), by the editors of Time - Life Books. After the shooting, Booth leaped for the stage. One of his spurs got caught in a flag, and he broke his leg after landing on the stage. (Lattimer)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  He staggered to his feet and shouted: â€Å"Sic semper tyrannis!† - meaning, â€Å"Thus always to tyrants!† On April 26, he was caught by Union soldiers on a farm near Bowling

Plato, Love and Philosophy Essay

Love, in its narrowest and widest meaning and discussion became the most central element of one of the most discussed and merited dialogue of Plato, the Symposium. In the said dialogue, the characters including Phaedrus, Aristhopanes, Agathon, Eryximachus, Alicibiades and Aristodemus together with Socrates had expressed their judgment, analysis and opinions on the nature of love. As the usual trend on all Plato’s dialogue, the earlier speakers had expressed their own speech about the subject (i. e. Love or the nature of love). Later on, they shall be examined by Socrates himself using his own method (i. e. Socratic Dialectic) which will later debunk or prove the inconsistency of their arguments. This classic flow of the dialogue is seen in the Symposium as the last speech delivered by Socrates had proved that the earlier speeches of the said guests were proved inconclusive, untrue or ill-founded. If we can name one single thing that the Symposium had taught us, it is our redefinition and reconsideration on how we understand love and its nature. As said, earlier, Plato, through Socrates had managed to widen our conception of love from a simple romantic affair to one of the most celebrated activity of humanity. In short, the Symposium had provided us a better and more definite understanding of love and its nature. In this paper, we are going to state the significance of these ideas provided by Plato through Socrates and shall later relate its importance to other fields of knowledge that are significant in the Greek community. Prior to the reading and understanding Symposium, there is a great chance that a common man will see love as a mere affair between a man and a woman. Love can be regarded as the mere bond between lovers or couples. However, with the help of the speech of the said speakers such as Agathon, Aristopahnes, Alicibiades etc. , our perspective on how we see love had widen. It almost seems with our two eyes alone, we are not able to see the real nature of the world around us. However, as we read the insights, theories and opinions of these speakers, it now seems that a new order was introduced to us. Rather than seeing love as a mere affair between two lovers and couple, love become a renewed entity that is or is becoming the central element wherein almost all things revolves. How is this possible? How does a very common element or topic such as love managed to renew its definition from a mere humanly affair toward a divine concept. Well, Socrates is the one we must consult. According to Socrates (through Diotima), love is neither a god nor mortal. Arguing so, will backfire against the love’s inclination towards happiness and beauty. As argued, love is a spirit who bridges the gap between the realm of the gods and realm of the humans. This can be seen on how humans communicate to gods and how gods communicate to human. As a spirit, love is the messenger between the two. As stated, â€Å"Gods do not mix with men; they mingle and converse with us through spirits [love] instead, whether we are awake or asleep. † (Plato 203a) Prayers and rituals are made possible through the love of the humans on gods. Blessings and gifts are made possible through the love of the gods on humans. In this respect, Plato had provided us a new perspective on how we can see love. We learned here that love is neither a god nor godly affair, neither an exclusive affair of the mortal. Instead, love is an instrument that can be used the mortal or by the human to communicate with gods. At the same time, love is also the instrument of the gods to communicate with humans. This discussion will be important if we contextualize the Platonic idea that concerns the world of forms. The idea of Plato, of the people who he regarded as the lovers of wisdom corresponds to this concept. Being a lover, humans are drawn towards the pursuit of wisdom. As can be seen in Plato’s’ numerous dialogues (i. e. The Republic, Phaedrus and Symposium), the real wisdom cannot be found and revealed in the realm of the humans. In short the real wisdom lies on the realm that is beyond this world. In many respects, wisdom is attributed to gods and the world of forms which is a place wherein the real knowledge and the real wisdom can be learned. In this respect, being a lover or possessing love bridges humans and gods. Being a lover gives the human a chance to have a glimpse of the world beyond theirs (i. e. world of forms) and at the same time, gods are given the chance to attract humans towards them. Gods are also able to share the wisdom and knowledge they possess to humans through the help of love. Again, this proved the significant role played by love between gods and humans. Another significant move done by Socrates is his extension of love from mere sexual and romantic affairs towards a more intellectual pursuit. Reproduction or giving birth is made possible through the love between couples. However, on Socrates speech, love does not only produce another human being. Love produces ideas that are immortal and lasts despite the death of its parent. As stated, â€Å". . . would look up to Homer, Hesiod, and the other good poets with envy and admiration for the offspring they have left behind – offspring which because they are immortal themselves, provide their parents with immortal glory and remembrance. † (Plato 209d) Human beings are capable of immortality. The first is his or her bearing of an offspring and the other one is bearing of ideas, worthy of surviving for ages. From these concepts of Plato, through Socrates, they had provided us new lenses on how we can see and define love. Love had expanded from its usual definition that is concerned in mere romantic and sexual affairs. Love is now a tool of gods and humans to communicate. Lastly, love is a powerful force that can widen and heighten the awareness of humans to reach a higher goal in the world beyond this earth. In this sense, the highest form of lovers is the lovers who are engaged in the love and pursuit of wisdom. These new conception of love and later on, philosophy as a whole (since the highest form of lover are the lovers of wisdom) had a big implication on how we will see other fields of knowledge prominent in the Greek era. Philosophy, now being the highest form of activity of man outmatches any field of knowledge. Rhetoric, sciences, education and poetry are merely disciplines of field of knowledge that are just concerned to the material world. All of them are just trying to mirror images. In short, they are providing us an image of another image. Almost seems a picture that took another picture. For Plato’s standards, this is not that an honorable act. It is important to note that for him, we should be engage in the affairs that will give us a glimpse of the world beyond us, simply the world of forms. Fields like rhetoric, sciences, education and poetry are just affairs of the world and do not directly orient us towards the pursuit of knowledge that is heavenly. This explanation places philosophy among these disciplines. This is because philosophy or the love of wisdom itself pushes us to love the things that are beyond the earth. Philosophy obliges its followers to move pass what the eyes can see. Philosophy urges its student to discover what is really there and not what only manifest in the world. The earthly characteristics of these fields of knowledge are very clear. Rhetoric for example is concerned with the persuasion of its audience through words and arguments that are not necessarily true. As long as it rings good to its listeners and able to persuade them, rhetoric is acceptable. Sciences have an edge to rhetoric. Sciences try to answer question, removing biases as much as possible. However, we must still take note that the method of science are merely exclusive on what is observable. In short, sciences are for this earth alone. Education falls on the same pitfall. Education is concerned with the things that concerned our earthly existence, unable to tackle what is the world beyond us. Poetry suffers the same fate. Much of poetry is based on the feelings and emotions of the poet that are worldly. It is subject to the opinions of its creator and not influenced on the wisdom that philosophy offers us. Summing it up, Plato, through Socrates had provided us new standards in assessing disciplines of knowledge. This standard had given a very important influence on how we see love. The conception of love had expanded from a mere human affair towards heavenly affairs. This new standard had put philosophy on the foreground since philosophers are the lovers of wisdom. This provided as a new light, a new goal and a new end that we must all pursue. Plato had taught us that we must take a flight away from the earth that we live in and take a quest that is aimed for the discovery of the world of forms, which are beyond what our eyes can see. Works Cited Plato. Symposium. Michael Joyce (trans). 1961. Princeton University Press. NJ. Print. Accessed 21 May 2010.

Divorce: Marriage and School Aged School

Divorce's Impact on Preschool, School-Age, and Adolescent Children Abstract This writing reviews current literature examining the impact of divorce on children in the context of family. The review encompasses ways divorce can be prevented and how un-prevented divorce can affect children of the specified ages. The ages of the children are outlined as preschool, school aged and adolescence. The impact on each group is different and considered. Ways to minimize the number of divorces is examined by outlining preventions on a state level.Recommendations for state established programs are made that would occur prior to marriage to prevent later iscommunications. In the face of unstoppable divorce it is important to understand how children can be helped to cope more effectively with divorce in context of future development. Divorce's impact on preschool, school-age, and adolescent children As divorce continues to be an option for marriage resolution it is important to take a look at how di vorce affects young children. Numerous studies have been done to prove the negative effects of divorce on children.This writing will examine those effects upon children of preschool, school, and adolescent aged children. It is mportant to understand the effects on children in terms of later development. Divorce affects both the custodial and non-custodial parent and their relationship with the child (ren). It effects how parents discipline their children and bond with their children. The negative effects of divorce could be avoided if divorce could be minimized. Minimizing divorce could prevent the negative long term effects of divorce on children.This writing will also take a look at how divorce can be minimized in order to circumvent negative effects on preschool, school and adolescent aged children. The impact of divorce on preschool, school aged and adolescent children needs to be understood in order to prevent long term emotional, mental, social and psychological issues later i n life. Preschool Preschool aged children generally marked from ages 4 to 5 years old have been found to have negative effects from divorce. Studies have engaged the personality traits of preschoolers to determine the impact of divorce . The main reference has been made to the attachment theory.This theory supports the idea that preschool children are affected by divorce emotionally . Attachment theory developed by John Bowlby is the bond between the child and the caregiver and plays a serious role in the developmental stages of growth. Preschoolers use their attachments as safety nets to depend on when exploring the world outside them. During the preschool years children will be attached to one or both parents and divorce causes an upset in that attachment. It has been documented that the attachment security is negatively impacted by divorce (Nair & Murray, 2005).The impact reflects mostly on the security of attachment. The preschool aged child exhibits behaviors of separation anxi ety and insecurity. It has been determined that negative effects to attachment will later become issues for older children . The preschool age children do not understand divorce but do understand that upset and the separation and may carry feelings of abandonment and fear of abandonment. Preschool children may feel if parents can divorce, then parents can divorce children. Preschool children are likely to feel responsible for the divorce and for the separated parents .Preschool children are effected by the custodial parents form of discipline, other children in the home, interaction with other children at school, relationships with teachers, and identifying ith self . All issues could develop into other negative elements later in growth. School Aged School aged children will handle divorce differently than preschoolers and will progress through successful with guidance. However, there are a few behaviors or effects that are characteristic and common of school aged children. Children at this age are affected behaviorally and psychological .These children tend to internalize the effects of divorce and think that the situation is caused by them. In turn they will think and act as if they have control over the situation. They will blame themselves or the divorce and will think they can get the parents back together if they behave. They will misbehave to get attention. They will act sick or experience true sickness in order to unite their parents. This stage is burdened with the responsibility of getting parents back together and will respond in ways to accomplish this mission . School aged children harbor fear of abandonment.The greatest effect on school aged children is not being able to see life past divorce. They are uncertain of the future and are confused about the roles to be played. This confusion will cause them o not want to participate at school and make up stories and act out Just to get attention. The combination of the change in parental separation, p arenting style, and parental coping skills leads them to behave in unexpected and uncharacteristic ways . These behaviors left unaddressed can lead into greater issues in adolescence. Adolescent The impact of divorce on adolescence can run deep and wide.Adolescence is affected behaviorally, socially, and psychologically. Children at this age are already experiencing socio-emotional changes and hormonal changes adding divorce can be a recipe for disaster. Since these children are more independent and self-functional the risk are higher for negative behaviors. Adolescence is a time for individualism and self-expression. The negative effects are displayed outwardly. Examples of adolescent behaviors include disobedience, failing school, and legal activities. During the time of divorce adolescence are confused, upset and angry.The anger drives the adolescent to participate in negative behaviors. They will be more upset with one parent over the other. The way they relate to others and get along with others will be dramatically attected The entire socialization process can be damaged nd without proper guidance could last well into the adult years . Divorce The negative effects of divorce become obvious after discussion. The greatest effects fall upon the children. Divorce is seen as a resolution to a bad marriage. Divorce is occurring more often and with the involvement of children. Preschool, school aged, and adolescence children can be more affected than adults.The emotional, behavioral, social and psychological effects of divorce are factors of development in life. Taking a proactive approach to divorce could alleviate and circumvent the negative effects on children. With divorce being the number one resolution to a bad marriage coming up with innovative and creative ways to prevent divorce can be difficult. Preventing divorce falls can be done with extending the process of marriage and educating the public before and during the marriage. In order to prevent divor ce the state could become more involved with the process of marriage .In the majority of states the process of marriage involves purchasing a marriage license and standing before a clerk or planning a wedding. It does not take much to get married. If the state were to take more interest in those who are equesting a marriage license and provide mandatory education to those apply, it could decrease the number of divorces. Greater involvement could go as far as outlining the marriage and discussing issues like parenting, education, work and career as well as sexual expectations . These are elements of a marriage that are not always discussed but could be the primary targets for divorce.In order to prevent divorce the state could mandate education and mentoring at various levels of a marriage. Prior to getting the state license for marriage the state could required counseling and educational classes about what to expect in marriage ife. Couples could discuss expectations and needs. Coup les could be mentored by other couples in order to learn healthy ways of communicating and resolving conflict. If a marriage is seemingly in trouble and headed for divorce, the state could mandate marriage counseling and education on healthier ways of resolving conflict.If the marriage is not salvageable then pre-counseling could be provided for divorce. The process of divorce could be discussed and when children are involved they could be included in the counseling in order to help them adjust prior to the change . Coping Until such measures could be mandated or implemented helping children to cope positively with the changes of divorce is a necessity. The social, emotional, behavioral and psychological effects of divorce despite the age of impact could affect the remaining stages of development when not positively adjusted.This writer is of the opinion that in order to help children cope they need to be involved in the process. Counseling the children about what divorce means, wha t to expect, and how things will change is an important element in divorce. Helping children to understand what is going on and what to expect. Children would have a better understanding of how divorce should affect them. It is important for children to know they are not responsible for the divorce and that parents still love them.It would also be helpful to have the children attend a group with other similar aged children to discuss the effects of divorce and how each one is coping. This would allow the chi Idren to gain support and realize they are not alone in the way that they feel. This would be a facilitated group where the facilitator could direct the discussion and help the children to identify with how they are feeling and work hrough the emotions and ideas. As a professional counselor I would be able to help each party involved by being available for open discussion as well as education. I would meet with the parties individually and as a group.I would inform the parents a bout the well-being of the children and make suggestions for family discussion. I would encourage both parents to have discussion with the child(ren) outside of counseling in order to gain the child's trust and help them to see that because the family is splitting up it is all about the parents and not the child(ren). Conclusion The impact of divorce on preschool, school aged and adolescence is emotional, behavioral, social and psychological. These effects cause issues involving healthy separation, self-esteem, and the development through the stages of growth.In younger children the effects of divorce are more psychological and effect the attachment of the child and the primary caregiver as well as self confidence to explore the world beyond self. The school aged children internalize the process and the conflict and seemingly take on the responsibility of putting the parents back together. Adolescents can fall into negative and illegal behaviors. These issues can be avoided by minim izing the number of divorces. This could be done with state involvement to mandate the process and the education of marriage.The mandates should take place before certification for marriage is approved and if necessary during the divorce process. As a counselor this writer would be available to see families through the process of education during conflict and counseling for family and individual children if entering the divorce process. Ulitimately understanding the impact of divorce on children is necessary in order to help children to cope and move ast emotions related to the process of divorce so they do not interfere in the stage development of the child.

Obamacare Penalty and Minimum Insurance Requirements

Obamacare Penalty and Minimum Insurance Requirements The federal tax penalty for not being enrolled in an Affordable Care Act (ACA)-qualified health insurance plan was eliminated by the Donald Trump administration in 2019. However, persons who received a penalty for not having health insurance in 2018 will still have to pay the penalty on their 2019 tax returns. According to U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the 2018 tax penalty for not having health insurance is $695 for adults and $347.50 for children or 2% of your yearly income, whichever amount is more. While there will no longer be a federal tax penalty for going uninsured or choosing a plan that is not ACA-compliant after the 2019 tax filing season, several states, including New Jersey, Massachusetts, Vermont, and the District of Columbia, have their own health insurance penalties that are assessed when people do not have insurance that complies with that state’s laws. The Now Phased-out Obamacare Tax Penalty By March 31, 2014, almost all Americans who could afford it were required by Obamacare - the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to have a health insurance plan or pay an annual tax penalty. Here is what you need to know about the Obamacare tax penalty and what kind of insurance coverage you need to avoid paying it. Obamacare is complicated. A wrong decision can cost you money. As a result, it is critical that all questions regarding Obamacare be directed to your health care provider, your health insurance plan or to your states Obamacare Health Insurance Marketplace.Questions can also be submitted by calling Healthcare.gov at toll-free 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.During the great Obamacare bill debate, Obamacare supporter Senator Nancy Pelosi (D-California) infamously said lawmakers needed to pass the bill so we can find out whats in it. She was right. Nearly five years after it became law, Obamacare continues to confuse Americans in great numbers. [ Yes, Obamacare Does Apply to Members of Congress ]Â   So complicated is the law, that each of the state Health Insurance Marketplaces will employ Obamacare Navigators to help uninsured people meet their Obamacare obligation by enrolling in the qualified health insurance plan that best meets their medical needs at an affordable cost. Minimum Insurance Coverage Required Whether you have health insurance now or buy it through one of the Obamacare state Insurance Marketplaces, your insurance plan must cover 10 minimum essential health care services. These are: outpatient services; emergency services; hospitalization; maternity/newborn care; mental health and substance abuse services; prescription drugs; rehabilitation (for injuries, disabilities or chronic conditions); lab services; preventive/wellness programs and chronic disease management; and pediatric services.If you have or buy a health plan that does not pay for those minimum essential services it may not qualify as coverage under Obamacare and you may have to pay the penalty.In general, the following types of health care plans will qualify as coverage: Any plan purchased through one of the state Insurance Marketplace and employer-provided insurance plans, including plans for retirees;Medicare and Medicaid;Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP);Military TRICARE;Veterans health care programs; andPeace Corps volunteer plans Other plans may also qualify and all questions regarding minimum coverage and plan qualification should be directed to your states insurance Marketplace Exchange. The Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Plans Health insurance plans available through all Obamacare state Insurance Marketplace offer four levels of coverage: bronze, silver, gold and platinum. While bronze and silver level plans will have the lowest monthly premium payments, out-of-pocked co-pay costs for things like doctor visits and prescriptions will be higher. Bronze and silver level plans will pay for about 60% to 70% of your medical costs.Gold and platinum plans will have higher monthly premiums, but lower co-pay costs, and will pay for about 80% to 90% of your medical costs.Under Obamacare, you cannot be turned down for health insurance or forced to pay more for it because you have an existing medical condition. In addition, once you have insurance, the plan cannot refuse to cover treatment for your pre-existing conditions. Coverage for pre-existing conditions begins immediately.Once again, it is the job of the Obamacare Navigators to help you select a plan offering the best coverage at a price you can afford.Very Important - Open Enrollment: Each year, there will be an annual open enrollment period after which you will not be able to purchase insurance through the state Insurance Marketplaces until the next annual open enrollment period, unless you have a qualifying life event. For 2014, the open enrollment period is October 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014. For 2015 and later years, the open enrollment period will be October 15 to December 7 of the previous year. Who Does Not Have to Have Insurance? Some people are exempt from the requirement to have health insurance. These are: prison inmates, undocumented immigrants, members of federally-recognized American Indian tribes, persons with religious objections, and low-income persons not required to file federal income tax returns.Religious exemptions include members of health care sharing ministries and members of federally-recognized religious sect with religion-based objections to health insurance. The Penalty: Resistance is Futile and Expensive Attention health insurance procrastinators and resistors: As time goes by, the Obamacare penalty goes up.In 2014, the penalty for not having a qualified health insurance plan is 1% of your annual income or $95 per adult, whichever is higher. Have kids? The penalty for uninsured children in 2014 is $47.50 per child, with a maximum per-family penalty of $285.In 2015, the penalty increases to the higher of 2% of your annual income or $325 per adult.By 2016, the penalty goes up to 2.5% of income or $695 per adult, with a maximum penalty of $2,085 per family.After 2016, the amount of the penalty will be adjusted for inflation.The amount of the annual penalty is based on the number if days or months you go without health insurance after March 31. If you have insurance for part of the year, the penalty will be prorated and if you are covered for at least 9 months during the year, you will not pay a penalty.Along with paying the Obamacare penalty, uninsured persons will continue to be financ ially responsible for 100% of their health care costs. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that even in 2016, more than 6 million people will pay the government a combined $7 billion in Obamacare fines. Of course, revenue from these fines is essential to paying for many of the free health care services provided for under Obamacare. If You Need Financial Help To help make mandatory health insurance more affordable to people who cant afford it in the first place, the federal government is providing two subsides for qualifying low-income individuals and families. The two subsides are: tax credits, to help pay monthly premiums and cost-sharing to help out-of-pocket expenses. Individuals and families can qualify of either or both subsidies. Some people with very low incomes may wind up paying very small premiums or even no premiums at all.Qualifications for insurance subsidies are based on annual income and vary from state to state. The only way to apply for a subsidy is through one of the state insurance Marketplaces. When you apply for insurance, the Marketplace will help you calculate your modified adjusted gross income and determine of you qualify for a subsidy. The Exchange will also determine if you qualify for Medicare, Medicaid or a state-based health assistance plan.

Ap World Dbq Christian and Islam Attitude Towards Merchants Essay Example

Ap World Dbq Christian and Islam Attitude Towards Merchants Essay Example Ap World Dbq Christian and Islam Attitude Towards Merchants Paper Ap World Dbq Christian and Islam Attitude Towards Merchants Paper Using the Documents, compare and contrast the differences of Christian and Islamic attitudes towards merchants until about 1500. From a review of the 7 documents presented, it is clear that Christianity and Islam condemned inequitable trade, which led to many Christians and Muslims to look down upon merchants; however, honest business, especially as a merchant, is honored highly. In fact, the Quran compares fair merchants to martyrs which were some of the holiest people of all [D2]. However, many Christian and Muslim believers found most merchants to be dishonest and greedy. A Christian scholar describes a merchants job and then concludes that when a person sells something for more than it is worth, it is unjust and unlawful [D4]. An influential Muslim scholar ventured to say that flattery, and evasiveness, litigation and disputation were all characteristic of a merchants profession [D5]. Even common people, like a Christian mother scolds her own son, a merchant, for being greedy [D6]. Muslim law, as time went one, continued to allowed merchants to trade, but some instances of trade were rebuked by whole towns [D7]. Many encouraged generosity and viewed a merchant turning from his profession as a good thing as seen in Godrics life, who was a merchant and then devoted his life to charity and solitude [D3]. Furthermore, the Bible warns all that it is extremely hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven [D1]. Also, to fully understand how Christianity and Islam viewed merchants. From Christians viewed merchants as often easily corrupted by riches, whereas Islam encouraged fair trade; however by 1500, Christians and Muslims both viewed merchants as immoral, unjust people. The Bible never specifically addressed merchants, whereas the Quran did. The holy book of the Muslims specifically named merchants as good people, but only if they were honest. Unequal transactions, however, were condemned by both Islam and Christianity. Both faiths glorified fair dealings between people, though. Thomas Aquinas clearly states to sell a thing for more than its worth, or to buy it for less than its worth, is unjust. [D4] This clearly shows why Christianity is opposed to merchants business in 1273. Ibn Khaldun, in the 14th century, also explains why he and other Muslims view erchants are not worthy of respect. Aquinas and Khaldun clarify why their faiths look down upon merchants. Also, a merchants mother gave the perspective of a common Christians view of merchants. Her obvious chastisement and command to crave not for all; you already have enough to suffice you! [D6]. Common people also thought merchants craved for money, as seen in this mothers letter. Islam and Chr istianity always to commended honest business and condemned greedy, inequitable trade; however, Islam did have a high opinion of merchants but came to agree with Christians that merchants were not respectable. Between 70 CE and 1500 CE, Christians and Muslims changed in their opinion of merchants, but stayed the same in their view of equitable transactions between people. Matthew, in the New Testament, records Jesus commenting on how hard it is for rich people to have their hearts in the right place, but he doesnt condemn the people for having money [D1]. Christians didnt specifically revile merchants specifically at this point in 70 CE. The honest, truthful Muslim merchant was praised for his reputable work, even being compared to martyrs in the Quran [D2]. As time went on, educated Christian and Muslim scholars began to voice why they both believed merchants to be immoral people [D4 and D5]. Merchants jobs were described as needing flattery, and evasiveness, litigation and disputation, and in the eyes of Muslims, this was sinful and disgraceful [D5]. In Christianity and Islam, in later years both hold merchants in low regard, but earlier on had varying opinions of money and merchants. The attitudes towards merchants varied between different sources; the holy books had a different written record of its outlook on merchants than other people recorded. The Bible warns people of the dangers of riches because Jesus claimed that it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter heaven [D1]. This Holy Scripture is considered to be absolute truth to Christians, so this influenced the Christian mentality toward wealthy people. On the other hand, the Quran gives a blessing to a truthful Muslim merchant [D2]. However, religious scholars judged merchants more harshly. A Muslim scholar scolded merchants because their trade inevitably affect[ed] [their] soul [D5]. Aquinas viewed trade as unjust and unlawful. Commoners such as a merchants mother scolded her son because he was greedy although he had aqquir[ed] great riches in this world [D6]. The Holy Scriptures didnt condemn merchants directly, whereas the writings of other people of faith did. While Reginalds personal account of his friends life is helpful in understanding a Chrisitians view on the life of a merchant, it is, however, bias because R eginald was a monk, and monks were raised with a very dismal view of anything that didnt pertain to God [D3]. In the 2nd Century, monks were distinguished Christians who devoted their entire life to their faith. They were a part of asceticism, which was a mentality that the world was completely evil and material objects were only a hindrance to their faith. Ascetics denied themselves of almost every pleasure that wasnt from the worship or will of God. Since monks were raised with the sole mindset that money and worldly goals and aspirations were evil, it makes sense that Reginald would consider a merchants life full of great labors and only bearing of worthless worldly gain [D3]. He stated that Godric was yearning with his whole heart for greed and money, and not for God. However, as soon as Godric gave up his profession for a life similar to a monks, Reginald characterized Godrics life as devoted to Gods honor and service [D3]. Naturally, Reginalds account of St. Godric would be bias because of his strict, ascetic mindset towards money and worldly possessions. Although a personal letter correspondence between a merchant provides insight to the personal lives of merchants, it is bias because the merchant doesnt want to spend much money on religious paintings, but his mother wants him to be a religious man [D6]. The Italian merchant is objective about the cost and appearance of the paintings he will buy because he doesnt want to waste his hard earned money. Naturally, this is a motive for him besides his dedication to his faith. His mother on the other hand wants him to buy something beautiful in the name of the Lord and chastises him for toil[ing] so much only or the good of strangers [D6]. She wants him to buy the paintings so that she feels he is devoted to the God she believes will judge him one day. She is frustrated and demands he crave not for all because he already [has] enough to suffice him! [D6]. This letter is bias because the merchant doesnt wish to waste money and the mother wants him to buy religious paintings. While the given documents are sufficient, 2 more additional documents can help us further our understanding of Islams and Christianitys attitudes towards merchants. In the New Testament, 1 Timothy chapter 6, it says that the love of money is the root of all evil. This further explains that the Bible doesnt condemn merchants, but the unhealthy obsession of money which many merchants possess. This passage heavily affected peoples opinion of merchants because a merchant spend nearly all of his time buying and selling goods for the sole purpose of acquiring wealth. Also, to understand another cultures perspective on merchants, a Confucian writing from the Ming Dynasty would be helpful. This document describes the social hierarchy at the time. In the 14th century, merchants were considered beneath many social classes. The society also looked down upon merchants, even though the Chinese were mostly Confucian and didnt believe in a deity. This widespread mentality towards merchants could also affected Christians and Muslims opinions on the profession. The excerpt from the New Testament and the Confucian document furthermore support that many cultures looked down upon merchants. From a review of all the documents, it is clear from religious texts and written accounts of believers opinions on merchants that Muslims and Christians praised fair trade, but condemned most merchants because many merchants were not honest.

10 requisitos para visa E2 de inversionistas para USA

10 requisitos para visa E2 de inversionistas para USA La visa E-2 permite a los empresarios extranjeros que invierten en Estados Unidos  y a sus familias vivir y trabajar legalmente en el paà ­s. El emprendedor o emprendedora y su cà ³nyuge podrn permanecer en Estados Unidos indefinidamente mientras se cumplan todos los requisitos de la visa. Los hijos del emprendedor podrn permanecer en los Estados Unidos con una visa derivada del estatus de inversionista de su padre o madre mientras permanezcan solteros y tengan menos de 21 aà ±os cumplidos. Los titulares de una visa E-2 podrà ­an incluso solicitar una  visa B-1 para los  empleados domà ©sticos que ya tienen en el paà ­s de origen y que quieren que les acompaà ±en a Estados Unidos, como por ejemplo nià ±eras de los hijos. Caracterà ­sticas y requisitos de la visa E2 para inversionista en Estados Unidos Si est  interesado en vivir en Estados Unidos y tiene dinero para invertir una cantidad moderada y habilidades para gestionar un negocio, la E2 puede ser la visa adecuada. Antes de comenzar el proceso conviene saber las caracterà ­sticas bsicas y requisitos de la visa: 1. Es una visa no inmigrante. Esto quiere decir que debe ser renovada perià ³dicamente y que no es una tarjeta de residencia  (tambià ©n conocida como greencard). La visa E2 tampoco ofrece un camino directo hacia la residencia legal permanente ni la ciudadanà ­a americana. 2. Se trata de convertirse en propietario de un negocio. El negocio se puede crear partiendo de cero o tambià ©n es posible comprar un negocio ya existente. Incluso es posible utilizar estas visas para enviar a trabajar a empleados de una empresa a una subsidiaria de la misma en Estados Unidos. Lo que no se permite es aplicar por la E-2 para gestionar un negocio que se ha heredado en Estados Unidos. El negocio sà ­ puede ser una franquicia. Estas son las consideras como las 10 mejores franquicias en el paà ­s. 3. El negocio debe ser real y activo. Debe producir un bien o un servicio. Adems, debe contar con todos los permisos y licencias necesarios para operar. No puede tratarse de una organizacià ³n sin fines de lucro. Estos son 21 ejemplos de negocios reales  creados por inversionistas con visa E-2. Y para darle forma jurà ­dica, estos son los 10 tipos de empresas que existen en Estados Unidos. En este punto es muy importante entender que una inversià ³n inmobiliaria por sà ­ misma no es suficiente para poder solicitar u obtener la visa E-2. Es necesario que se trate de un negocio inmobiliario. 4. Tamaà ±o del negocio. La ley guarda silencio en este punto y no exige un tamaà ±o mà ­nimo. Sin embargo, sà ­ es estrictamente necesario que genere beneficios que van ms all de meramente cubrir los gastos y necesidades del inversor y su familia. Es ms, se pide que se produzca lo que se denomina una contribucià ³n importante a la economà ­a. Este requisito se suele considerar como cumplido cuando el negocio genera empleo contratando a ciudadanos americanos. En la presentacià ³n de la documentacià ³n para solicitar la visa habr que presentar un plan de negocio a cinco aà ±os en el que se contemple el nà ºmero de puestos de trabajo que se van a crear. Por lo tanto, es muy importante que la empresa sea exitosa. Por ello conviene conocer cules son los estados en los que es ms fcil hacer negocios  y cules son los ms dificultosos. 5. Cantidad a invertir. La ley no establece una cantidad mà ­nima pero habla de que tiene que ser substancial, que puede variar segà ºn el tipo de negocio. Infà ³rmese sobre el significado de este requisito de cantidad. 6. Paà ­ses de los que debe ser nacional el inversor. Estos son los paà ­ses de habla hispana cuyos nacionales pueden aplicar a esta visa: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Espaà ±a, Honduras, Mà ©xico, Panam y Paraguay. Puede tambià ©n  verificar el listado de todos los paà ­ses, cà ³mo afecta la doble nacionalidad y obtener ms informacià ³n sobre el monto de la inversià ³n. 7.  Origen del dinero de la inversià ³n. Obviamente, debe ser legal. Adems, debe pertenecer al inversionista (ahorros, herencias, inversiones) o incluso pueden llegar a admitirse prà ©stamos. 8. Familia del inversionista. El esposo, la esposa y los hijos menores de 21 aà ±os de los inversionistas pueden contar con una visa derivada para vivir en Estados Unidos. El cà ³nyuge podr solicitar, una vez en Estados Unidos, un permiso de trabajo que le permitir trabajar para otra empresa, para la de su pareja o incluso crear su propio negocio. Los hijos solo podrn gozar de esta visa hasta los 21 aà ±os, a partir de esa edad tendrn que salir del paà ­s o contar con otro visado que les permita permanecer en Estados Unidos. Por su edad probablemente estn en edad escolar. Es muy importante familiarizarse con el sistema educativo cuanto antes. 9. Es una visa posible pero complicada. Es altamente recomendable contactar con un bufete de abogados especialistas en este tipo de casos antes de hacer cualquier inversià ³n en Estados Unidos con intencià ³n de conseguir esta visa. El abogado debe, como mà ­nimo, ofrecer servicio de anlisis del negocio y si puede calificar para obtener la aprobacià ³n de las autoridades de inmigracià ³n. Tambià ©n debe completar toda la documentacià ³n, colaborar en la preparacià ³n de la entrevista que se va a llevar a cabo en el consulado correspondiente, y resolver todas las dudas del potencial inversor referentes a inmigracià ³n. El abogado debe ser el punto de contacto con las oficinas del gobierno para resolver los problemas que puedan surgir durante el proceso. Si es posible, el interesado debe contactar a ms de un profesional y comparar servicios y reputacià ³n en esta clase de casos, que son muy especà ­ficos. 10. Diferencias con la visa EB-5.  Ambas son visas para inversionistas, pero la E-2 es de no inmigrante mientras que la EB-5 da derecho a obtener una tarjeta de residencia. Adems, hay una gran diferencia en los requisitos de la cantidad de inversià ³n entre una y otra. A tener en cuenta: otras opciones de visa y de paà ­ses Una visa similar pero diferente es la E-1 para comerciantes bajo tratado. Est pensada para los negocios de importacià ³n/exportacià ³n. En los casos en los que ni la E-1 ni la E-2 son una opcià ³n, usted puede considerar estos  8 posibles caminos para obtener una visa y crear una empresa en Estados Unidos. Adems, si est dispuesto a emigrar a un paà ­s que no sea Estados Unidos, tambià ©n  conviene que se familiarice con los programas de estos 20 paà ­ses en los que es posible obtener la ciudadanà ­a (pasaporte) o  la residencia por inversià ³n. Si finalmente la decisià ³n es Estados Unidos, es importante que se familiarice cuando antes con aspectos legales, migratorios y econà ³micos del paà ­s. El  conocimiento a tiempo har la vida ms fcil y fluida. Si el inversor se decide a solicitar la visa, una vez que llenar la peticià ³n puede verificar por su estatus por internet. Este es un artà ­culo informativo. No es asesorà ­a legal.

Reflections on the Life and Period of King Saul Essay

Reflections on the Life and Period of King Saul - Essay Example The bible narrates that when the Prophet Samuel grew old, the elders of Israel demanded a king for Israel because the sons of Samuel were not walking in the ways of Samuel and also because they need a leader â€Å"like other nations† (1 Samuel 8.5). At first, Samuel attempted to dissuade his people from having a king. Samuel was also â€Å"displeased† and prayed to God. In response, God communicated to Samuel that it was not Samuel’s leadership that the people was rejecting but God’s kingdom (1 Samuel 8.7). God asked Samuel to tell his people what a king would do: draft citizens for army service, get a tenth of the harvest, and turn people to slaves (1 Samuel 8.10-18). However, the people remained steadfast in asking Samuel for a king and God eventually conceded (1 Samuel 8.21). The Israelites wanted a king â€Å"like the other nations† to lead them, go with them, and fight their battles (1 Samuel 8.20). According to the biblical account, God told S amuel that he has chosen Saul to be king and to lead in the delivery of Israel from the Phillistines and God also told Samuel that the cries of the people of Israel has reached him (1 Samuel 9.15-17). Biblical accounts describe Saul as a Benjamite who was the tallest Israelite during his time. In revealing God’s choice for Saul to become king, Samuel reminded the Israelites that God has been protecting Israel and that by demanding a king, they were rejecting God (1 Samuel 10.17-19). It is important to note that the bible reported that Samuel explained to Israel the regulations of the kingship (1 Samuel 10.25) but nowhere in the bible were the regulations of kingship described or documented. Interestingly, when Saul was anointed king, 1 Samuel 12.1-25 told us that Samuel made a farewell speech, indicating that Saul was to fulfil many functions that Samuel used to fulfil. This indicates that in the movement from Samuel to Saul leadership, there was a movement from theocracy to monarchy. At the same time, in that monarchy, particularly in the Israeli monarchy under Saul, religious figures like Samuel continued to play an important role such in 1 Samuel 13, Samuel rebuked Saul and that Samuel continued to play a role in the military affairs of the Saul monarchy. Eventually, however, in 1 Samuel 15, Samuel after declaring earlier or in 1 Samuel 15.1 that he was the one sent by the Lord to anoint Saul as king declared later that â€Å"the Lord has rejected Saul as king over Israel† in 1 Samuel 15.26. Samuel and Saul parted ways and Samuel anointed David to succeed Saul as king (1 Samuel 16.1-13). David entered Saul’s service (1 Samuel 16.13-23). David eventually succeeded Saul as the king of Israel even when the former became the object of Saul’s jealousy and liquidation plots. Saul’s death is recorded in 1 Chronicle 10. III. The Literature on the Life and Period of King Saul In 1928, in an article published in the Journal of Bibli cal Literature, E.G. Kraeling described the â€Å"real religion of ancient Israel† (133). According to Kraeling, Yahweh or God is never compared to a king because God is the king (152). God is the one â€Å"who sits (enthroned) on mount Zion†

Obesity in Kuwait Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Obesity in Kuwait - Research Paper Example Data taken on the temporal changes in BMI and prevalence of obesity are even more so (Al†Asi). Women in Kuwaiti have been exposed to extreme physical as well as social variations in society in the past few years, and there has not been any study of this nature that has been carried out on them (Al†Asi). The main aim of this study is to respectively explore temporal changes in mean prevalence of obesity and BMI between the two independent samples of 1171 and1705 women of Kuwait between the ages of 18 years and older that were studied in1980-1981 and 1993-1994 (Al-Mahroos). 3- In Kuwaiti, white rice is the staple food both in the past and currently. It is believed that people in Kuwait take white rice once or twice in a day mostly for lunch and at times for dinner too (El-Bayoumy). Though there is no data on the average consumption of rice, data on the population consumption of the intake of rice is not available, data suggests that 17%of total energy available is consumed from white rice (El-Bayoumy) 1- There were two independent studies that were used to analyze and compare the temporal changes in the prevalence of obesity and BMI among the women in Kuwaiti BMI (Al-Awadi).The first study was a national study of 1171 women which was completed in 1980-1981 as it dealt mainly with the â€Å"Nutrition Status Assessment of Adults.† The second study to be carried out was a cross-sectional study of 1705 women which was completed in 1993-1994 and it was based on assessing the prevalence of obesity among Kuwaitis (Al-Awadi). The sample carried out between 1980-1981 sample of 1171 women was gotten from 17 randomly selected primary health care from the clinics situated in all of Kuwaiti five regions and sampling was taken randomly in accordance to the Kuwaiti’s population sex ratio (El-Bayoumy). The samples were divided among the clinics and the division was defined proportionally by the size of the area that was reserved by each of

Caucasus Region2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Caucasus Region2 - Essay Example Involvement of USA is vital. On political front reconciliation of the conflicting interests of regional States is required. Flow of oil in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, to the West, can be ensured using diplomatic channels. Oil, natural gas and deposits of rare metals in the region are the main attraction for the world powers. Azerbaijan needs helpmodernize its oilfields, production of which has fallen from 8% of USSR total in 1965 to 0.6% by 1988. Estimated reserves of oil in Azerbaijan are 240,000 billion dollars (Atlas, p86-87). Nine million emigrants in USA and Syria is another asset. Her other main problems are Nagorno Karabakh (N.K). Armenia is over dependent on imported energy and raw materials and fought full scale war on N.K with Azerbaijan in 2003 and this issue dominates national life in both countries (Atlas, p74-75). USA has good opportunity to help resolve the issue of N.K and win appreciation of both countries. She can also increase her exports of raw material to Armenia, thus economically influencing the latter. There is a war and politics for oil and mineral resources and all players are applying military component according to demands of the situation. USSR has not given up its struggle to regain influence in the region. Iran is yet another silent player. But South Azeri People’s Army (SAPA) created problems in north western areas where the emergence of an independent state is in offing. This State of â€Å"Ahurastan†, comprising of north western Iran and western Azerbaijan, has a revolutionary anti-American and anti-West agenda. It may challenge Azeri claim over Caspian Sea area and can disrupt the oil exploration process in the region. 1. Protection of oil pipelines, especially BTC, and bridges from blowing up by SAPA. Such sabotage acts harmed the economies of the regional countries a lot in the

Advance Financial report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Advance Financial report - Essay Example The credit crunch in 2008 and 2009 saw the fall of big financial institutions including Lehman brothers, AIG, Bear Stearns, and the others. The US government and other governments in Europe tried to provide bail-out funds to save companies because of the economic consequences of the problem but the crisis was unstoppable (Ryan, 2008). In an effort to prevent the occurrence of similar problem in the future, the issue on the influence or effect of the use fair value accounting in the preparation of financial statements becomes a subject of investigation and debate. Fair value is close related to market price as SFAS 157 defined as â€Å"the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date†. (FASB, 2006). First, compared with other measurements, FVA permits or requires companies to report in the financial statements more accurate, timely and comparable information on amounts, regardless of the condition in the economy (Ryan, 2009). This means that fair value is more relevant than historical cost when it comes to understanding the assets and liabilities of business organizations. It is believed that fair value does reflect the underlying fundamentals most specifically the risk of the asset. In other words the quality of information is enhanced in giving relevancy more importance than reliability for decision makers (Scott, 2010, citing Plantin, Sapra & Song Shin, 2008). The use of fair value in the financial statements would come closer to valuation conducted by investors or finance people for decision making purposes (Brigham and Houston, 2002). Second, the reported amounts under FVA would more updated on a regular and on-going basis (Ryan, 2009) allowing decision makers to know that the company would still an on-going concern. On the premise that accounting information are meant to inform the decision makers, then the purpose of

Summary of 3 articles , comparison and discussion Essay

Summary of 3 articles , comparison and discussion - Essay Example Big data is viewed as an effective tool to deliver projecting likelihood of an event and analyze patterns. The long run success of an organization is determined by additional of organizational asset with data and information. The topic provides vivid explanation about the broader application of big data in society and management research. It is believed that experiential study in management can often deduces relationships such as two companies can link through customer-supplier relations, or collaborates in production or compete in same market. In the era of globalization and technological advancement, it has become imperative for organization to manage its data and information in an effective way. The additional use of big data is crucial to exemplify the significance of the topic to organization like NHS trust and data management community. The survey conducted by American Management Association in the year 2013 reveals that the need of building analytical skills within the organization is critical for development (AMA, 2014, p.1). The organization selected for analyzing and researching is the drawback of data management is National Health Service trust. The trust serves either on specialized service or geographical area. The NHS trust provides varied range of specialist and general services to patients. The new sy stem is being introduced to serve patients and maintain GP records. The use of powerful technology and massive influx of data are two reasons to increase the future use of big data in NHS trust. The three literature sources provide vivid explanation about big problems, opportunity and harness of big data. These articles discusses that firms enjoying success are able to implement big data to create new businesses and improve their existing trades. This rapid alteration results in authority shifting to decisions and analytics experts are

Advance Financial report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Advance Financial report - Essay Example The credit crunch in 2008 and 2009 saw the fall of big financial institutions including Lehman brothers, AIG, Bear Stearns, and the others. The US government and other governments in Europe tried to provide bail-out funds to save companies because of the economic consequences of the problem but the crisis was unstoppable (Ryan, 2008). In an effort to prevent the occurrence of similar problem in the future, the issue on the influence or effect of the use fair value accounting in the preparation of financial statements becomes a subject of investigation and debate. Fair value is close related to market price as SFAS 157 defined as â€Å"the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date†. (FASB, 2006). First, compared with other measurements, FVA permits or requires companies to report in the financial statements more accurate, timely and comparable information on amounts, regardless of the condition in the economy (Ryan, 2009). This means that fair value is more relevant than historical cost when it comes to understanding the assets and liabilities of business organizations. It is believed that fair value does reflect the underlying fundamentals most specifically the risk of the asset. In other words the quality of information is enhanced in giving relevancy more importance than reliability for decision makers (Scott, 2010, citing Plantin, Sapra & Song Shin, 2008). The use of fair value in the financial statements would come closer to valuation conducted by investors or finance people for decision making purposes (Brigham and Houston, 2002). Second, the reported amounts under FVA would more updated on a regular and on-going basis (Ryan, 2009) allowing decision makers to know that the company would still an on-going concern. On the premise that accounting information are meant to inform the decision makers, then the purpose of

International running and risk management of AVEVA Group plc Essay

International running and risk management of AVEVA Group plc - Essay Example Meanwhile, within the internal and external business environments of multi-national companies of which AVEVA Group plc is one, there are a number of risks that are faced that tend to hamper the normal direction and progression of the business strategies and ideas that the companies put in place. Without a well structured organisational risk management in place, these risks register their presence so hard on the companies that they affect the way and manner in which the companies can compete effectively against their competitors. This paper therefore looks at the issues of international running and risk management of AVEVA Group plc and how well the company places itself in the international business environment. Main markets and competitive situation Currently, AVEVA Group plc has markets in five major continents with Europe being is major market. The continents are North America, Asia, Europe, Africa and South America. Within these market destinations, the company operates an overal l of 46 offices, which are spread in an uneven proportion across 25 countries. Even though there are market operations in five major continents, the company has four major head offices that manage the operations that take place in the 25 various countries. For instance with a head office in Boston, the office takes care of all markets in North America, while the head office in Rio De Janeiro takes care of all markets in Latin America. The head office in Lumpur is responsible for markets in Asia Pacific, while the office in Sulzbach has been placed in charge of all markets in Europe, Middle East and Africa (Wei, 2012). In terms of holistic market performance, AVEVA is yet to maximise its potential in the United States and BRIC countries as it still seeks to improve market share in those countries (Barisik and Tay, 2010). The competitive situation presented to the company is one that is focused on the provision of engineering design, CAD/CAM software, and information management soluti ons that emphasise on specialised technology consulting services for plant, power and marine industries (Wilkin, 2004). Lately, issues such as marine oil exploration have caused an increase in the number of competitors, putting AVEVA in a highly competitive global market. Financial performance Global finance AVEVA Group plc is one of the listed companies on the London Stock Exchange, and constituting the FTSE 250 Index. This puts the company at a highly globalised financial situation as it serves clients globally. As of the end of 2013, the company had revenue of ?220 million from operating income of ?77.5 million. From this, the company made a net income of ?65 million, which is rated as a fairly impressive market performance (McKellar, 2010). The company currently has a total of 1,600 employees who are responsible for the human resource pool of operations within the company. The company has always made strives to withstand global financing challenges and to ensure that it is finan cially viable among its key competitors. In terms of strategy, the company launched a couple of acquisition interventions as major growth and expansion strategy. This has led to a number of major global acquisitions such as the

Knowing your Audience Paper and Communication Release Essay Example for Free

Knowing your Audience Paper and Communication Release Essay When a company needs to pass information to another organization or a group of people it is very important that the company knows their audience. If the information is regarding a disaster, it is even more important to make sure the company knows their audience. One example of a company needing to know their audience was the Chilean copper mine in South America. On Thursday, August 5, 2010, A collapse of one of the shafts in the Chilean copper mine left 33 workers trapped approximately 300 meters underground. At once, rescue efforts began but just two days later another collapse in the mine halted the efforts of the rescue crews for many hours (Weik, 2010). In such a disastrous circumstance, the company would need to take great care in how the world found out about the disaster. If not done properly then the companies audience, the world, would view the company is a much worse light then if they had properly released the information. There are two ways in which the company would be releasing information. The first would be to the families of the workers and the second would be to the other employees and then to the press. The representatives chosen by the company to handle these releases will have to take great care in how it is done to keep the reputation of the company intact, while making sure that all information is truthful and accurate. This disaster affected many people. Not only did the collapse affect the 33 miners that were in the mine, it also affected the families of those workers. The families were in agony while they waited to hear if their loved ones would make it out alive. It is the mining companies responsibility to make sure the family member are aware of everything that is happening and what is being done to get their loved ones rescued out of the mines safely. This communication process is more important than anything being told to the other workers or the press. Not knowing your audience in this first step could prove disastrous overall for the company. Once the families have been informed it is important to let the fellow co-workers know what is happening. Many of the men trapped would have friends who also work for the company and they would want to know what is happening. By making sure the other employees know about what is happening, the company can try to keep them from saying too much to news reporters and it will help ease their minds. Once the employees have been notified, make it clear that all information to the press needs to come from the company. When something is said to an audience that was not properly prepared for that audience, it could have disastrous results. Through the press the company will next have to handle the communication on an international level. Because the mine company was global they were on the world stage. The company owned mines in many other parts of the world, not just in South America. In a situation like this one, rumors began to fly without much hesitation and although rumor control was important with the company, it is impossible to stop. Another aspect of communication that was not very publically known was the communication with the investors, owners and stockholders of the company. It is very important to keep this audience informed with what was going on because if information was withheld then it could potentially cause a panic. Once in panic mode, the investors could damage the company more by stopping funds, dumping assets and plunge the company into bankruptcy. Money is very important to investors and when they receive news about their investments, good or bad, it weighs heavily on how they will react. For the good of the company’s future, it was very important that they inform this group personally and not let them hear it from the news organizations covering the story. There are many different ways to deliver communications like the ones previously reviewed. When speaking to the family members of the workers it is best to do so face to face so they feel important about where they stand in this type of situation. Calling with the information on the phone would seem impersonal and would give the families thoughts that they are not as important. An example of this would be when monetary damages were to be paid to the families of the workers; many family members who were not known to the company came forward looking for money (Prengaman, 2010). Whenever a company needs to approach an audience it is vitally important that the company knows who the audience will be and that they tailor their communications to that audience. In the communication should be all the details that can possibly be put in and the company needs to be as truthful as possible. Waiting a long time before a communication is released could also damage the situation further. The best possible way to assure the communication is effective is to deliver it in the best format to the audience (Cheesebro, O’Connor, Rios, 2010).

Job Satisfaction Analysis

Job Satisfaction Analysis Internal Factors Regarding the student surveyed, from Figure, almost half of the respondents dissatisfied their current job on training period, conversely only around 20 percent who are satisfied and neutral their current job respectively. There are fewer percentage of strongly satisfied and strongly dissatisfied their job. Although there are almost half of the respondents dissatisfied their current job, it still have 22 percent respondents satisfied their job. According to the student surveyed, from Figure , most of the respondents select good relationship with colleagues as their main reason of job satisfaction. Base on this question the respondents can select more than one choice as a result the total number is 77. However, flexibility working hour and satisfied staff benefits are not the main reason affect job satisfaction by 17 and 16 results respectively, it is shown that there is a huge disparity compare with the result of good relationship with colleagues. It can be analyze that employees are more concern their relationship with colleagues to effect the job satisfaction, thus influence the turnover rate.  Ã‚   External factor As can be seem from the students surveyed, the result shown that most of the respondents are chosen rapid growth of hotel industry and government policy are two main external factors influence turnover rate are chosen by 26 and 18 results respectively. Base on this question the respondents can select more than one choice so that the total number in this question is 62. Besides, non-local employees and inflation are only chosen by 8 and 10 results respectively. It seem that the survey can reflect the respondents view the impact of high turnover rate owing to rapid growth of hotel industry and government policy. Rapid growth of hotel industry Rapid growth of hotel industry may increase turnover way due to the same manpower pool. The number of hotel rooms in Hong Kong needs to be almost doubled in the next 10 years, according to the head of a government economic task force (Siu and Nip). The reason of sharply increase the number of hotel rooms probably relevant impact of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge and the high-speed cross-border railway. In response to satisfy a large demand of tourists, hotels need to absorb enormous quality employees so that can maintain the standard of quality. However, due to the labor supply is not able to meet the demand in the market; the existing employees may try to seek to better jobs due to availability choice (Lei). Even there isfresh graduates study in hotel management in every year but not all graduates will work in the hotel industry (The Greatest Challenge). Heavy workload, shift work, overtime working those reasons may affect the graduate’s select hotel industry as their careen. Owing to the limitation of labor, the existing staff can be selective in their choice of employment since rapid growth of hotel industry. For instance, the less favorable job like stewards, food and beverage servers and room attendants are especially high turnover way, owing to heavy workload and lack of attractiveness (Lei). To attract those indispensable front office staff, many hotels are willing to provide high salary and better position to effectively attract employees (Lei). Therefore, more employees will terminate their employment to choose the job with valuable benefits. Government policies Statutory Minimum Wage policy Statutory Minimum Wage may force employer to disband their employee or expropriate the original fringe benefits such as staff’s meal, uniform and break period to compensate the additional cost related to this policy (Hong Kong workers.). Employee compensation is one of the largest costs in hotel (Su, Heo and Leung). Even though the Minimum Wage Ordinance was HKD 30 per hour since 2013, the average hourly wage in hotel employees was about HKD62 (Su, Heo and Leung). Although the policy can balance the excessively low wages and prevent the loss of low-paid jobs (Labor Department), it also affects high turnover way due to job dissatisfaction. In order to recoup the additional cost, some hotel may decrease employee benefits or hired more part-time employee to recover the cost thus destroy relationship. For instance, some hotel kept employing their staff on a basic salary and did not offer them a perpetual job (Su, Heo and Leung). Other example, some hotel had changed to pay their room attendants based on the number of the rooms they had been cleaned instead of pay the working hour after the implementation of Statutory Minimum Wage Policy (Su, Heo and Leung). If the room attendants take longer time to make up certain rooms that supervisor assigned to them, they need to work overtime without compensation. It may definitely affect employee job satisfaction as a result increase turnover rate. It is a common knowledge that develop a good relationship between employer and employee can probably reduce turnover way. However, Statutory Minimum Wage policy was give stress to employers to maintain their limited cost so that upward pressure to employees and dissatisfied on job satisfaction. Employers tend to reduce the number of employees and shortening the staff working hours to prevent compensation (Su, Heo and Leung). Also, recruit more part-time employees to replace the full-time employees due to effective and easily to maintain offset cost increase. Therefore, the authors had mentioned that hotel tend to reduce the cost of fringe cost as their cost minimization strategy (Su, Heo and Leung). In view of employees confront the work environment that without unpaid break and change the staff’s menu to reduce their staff benefit, they virtually heighten the negative attitude in work environment and job satisfaction as a result cause employees to move to other industries. References Lei, Lam, The Challenges of the Labor Shortage in Macau’s Hotel Industry. University of Nevada. Las Vegas, December 2011: 21-27. Web. 31 March. 2014 http://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2153context=these>sdissertations> Lo, Wei. â€Å"Hong Kong hotels accused of not paying minimum wage in job ‘trial periods’.† South China Morning Post 15 August, 2012. Web. 1 April, 2014 http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1014884/hong-kong-hotels-accused-not-paying-minimum-wage-job-trial-periods> â€Å"The Greatest Challenge for HR in Hotel Industry: Manpower Shortage† Career Times20April. 2001: 20. Web. 1 March 2014. http://www.ctgoodjobs.hk/english/article/show_article.asp?title=the-greatest-challenge-for-hr-in-hotel-industry-manpower-shortagecategory_id=1107article_id=10432listby=datelistby_id=page=13> Su, Mia, Cindy Heo and Daniel Leung. â€Å"Hotel Employees Perception of the Statutory Minimum Wage Policy in Hong Kong.† Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research. 2013: 2-6. Web. 31 March 2014 http://www.tandfonline.com.eproxy2.lib.hku.hk/doi/abs/10.1080/10941665.2013.852115#.Uzu98_mSzT8 > Siu, Phila, and Amy Nip. â€Å"Hong Kong needs to double hotel rooms in 10 years† South China Morning Post. 05 July. 2013. Web. 31 March 2014 http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1275375/double-hotel-rooms-needed-10-years-accommodate-enormous-rise-visitors > Labour Department. â€Å"Statutory minimum wage.† 2013. Web. 01 April 2014 http://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/smw/Concise_Guide_to_SMW_2013.pdf > â€Å"Hong Kong workers to enjoy minimum wage for first time.† BBC 01 May 2011. Web. 01 April. 2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-13248027>

Pride, Honor and Survival in The Last Samurai and Hidalgo :: Movie Film Movies Films Essays

Pride, Honor and Survival in The Last Samurai and Hidalgo In the 2004 movie, Hidalgo, the story of how a cowboy and cavalry dispatch rider, billed as the â€Å"world’s greatest endurance rider,† is challenged to compete for pride, honor, and his own survival in a 3,000 mile long race known as the Ocean of Fire. Likewise, the story of The Last Samurai depicts how a civil war era captain is charged with the responsibility of training a â€Å"modern† Japanese military force, and is captured by Samurai warriors in a battle to quell the Samurai rebellion. While he is being held by his captors, he learns the ways of the Samurai and must use his new skills to fight for his, as well as Japan’s pride, honor, and cultural survival. This essay will attempt to draw similarities between Hidalgo and The Last Samurai by examining the individual feats accomplished by the movie’s main characters as well as explain how these seemingly dissimilar movie plots are actually quite similar. The movie Hidalgo tells the story of Frank T. Hopkins, cowboy and cavalry dispatch rider. During his career, Hopkins and his horse Hidalgo have competed in many American endurance races, and Hopkins has become honorably billed as the world’s greatest endurance rider. Riding as a dispatch rider for the cavalry, one of the main character conflicts of the movie unfolds. Frank T. Hopkins, born to a Lakota Indian woman is half Lakota Indian, but has a hard time dealing with this aspect of his heritage. The conflict comes when he rides a dispatch for the U.S. Calvary unknowingly delivering the order to disarm the Lakota Indians, and inadvertently causes the Battle of Wounded Knee, where the Lakota are massacred by the cavalry. Knowing that he delivered the order sealing the fate of his people, Hopkins falls into horrible depression, taking to heavy drinking. Because of his reputation as the ‘world’s greatest endurance rider,’ Hopkins joins Buffalo Bills Wild West Show, and is haunted by the nightmare of the massacre. In an example pride, honor and survival, Hopkins is challenged to overcome his depression and self-pity and enter a race, a 3,000 mile survival race across the Arabian Desert, known as the Ocean of Fire. The Ocean of Fire, held annually for more than a 1,000 years, is an endurance race like no other. Beyond being a race for pride and honor, rider’s survival skills are tested in the 3,000 mile Ocean of Fire.

Existentialism and Metamorphosis Essay

Existentialism is defined as a modern philosophical movement stressing the importance of one’s experience and accountability. Its focus is the make on the personal reflections that these make on the individual, who is seen as a free agent in a deterministic and seemingly meaningless universe. Its philosophy is meticulous that, in a nutshell, advocates a diverse arsenal of responses and solutions to the ‘existentialist attitude’; which, essentially, is what an individual feels when confronted by the absurdity of life. Throughout humanity, rumination and self-proclaimed ‘ultimate’ truths have assumed various forms: poetry, religion, and numerous other doctrines and textual works. In The Metamorphosis, Franz Kafka narrates the ramifications of a metamorphosis in which the subject and protagonist, a man named Gregor Samsa, is transformed into a bug. Despite the novella’s literary methods and influences, the most prominent being the way Kafka so nonchalantly describes such irregularity in his life, The Metamorphosis is also hailed as a prime textual work of existentialism, the previously mentioned philosophical movement. Both prior and subsequent to the transformation, Kafka portrays Gregor as a man who seems lost within himself, and lacking identity. The reminiscences of his past are neither nostalgic nor poignant: his human life is seen to revolve solely around trivial matters. His social life pays the price from this, his failure to assert a concrete and consistent existence. The extent of his lack of individuality is further exemplified by his reaction to the metamorphosis: finding himself â€Å"transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect† (Kafka, 296), he prioritizes work over all else, even in his newly equated insect form. Furthermore, he panics because â€Å"the next train went at seven o’clock; to catch that he would need to hurry like mad and his samples weren’t even packed up† (297). Gregor’s identity crisis is a device for conveying Kafka’s belief of an impersonal society where individualism is drastically mitigated as a result of excessive materialism. Gregor, in the context of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Notes from Underground analogy, would be the ‘ant’ in the anthill— thus rendering his metamorphosis ironically. Another dominant theme prevalent throughout the novella is the absurd situation Gregor is confronted by. These nonsensical happenings (296-327) reflect the world as seen from the existentialist perspective: a world absent of a rational and comprehensive objective. Jean-Paul Sartre postulated that ‘every existing thing is born without reason, prolongs itself out of weakness, and dies by chance’. This meaninglessness is precisely what Gregor is victim to in the microcosm of society that Kafka generates: Gregor flounders about, beleaguered by absurdity and helplessness, presumably because he is unaware of Nietzsche and Kierkegaard’s somewhat consoling conclusions that one must devise meaning for one’s own existence ex nihilo. Once again, Kafka utilizes a combination of plot and character to convey his angst concerning an apparently pointless existence. Freedom— or rather the lack thereof— is another existentialist tenet that Kafka addresses. Gregor is depicted as someone constrained by self-imposed burdens, the most demanding being the role as the financial pillar of the family. Despite having the freedom to repudiate this role, Gregor instead pursues it with feverish ardor to the extent that it becomes his ‘sole desire’ (310). Yet his harangue regarding his career (297-298) reveals that this is not due to personal desire, but rather the belief that he must replace his father financially, regardless of preference. Gregor’s delusion regarding an absence of choice contradicts what Kafka perceives as the truth: that freedom is ubiquitous in spite of any ethical obligations we may be expected to adhere to, and that the individual defines his or herself via one’s decisions. A quasi-motto of existentialism coined by Sartre, ‘existence precedes essence’. In conclusion, Kafka employs the fictional literary elements he constructs to address the very non-fictional, existentialist aspects of society and life. Akin to Dostoyevsky’s Notes from Underground, it can be interpreted as both a rumination and tirade against impersonal communities, restriction of freedom, and the absurdity of life.

Black Boy

Midterm Paper The Many Hungers in Black Boy We often find ourselves thinking â€Å"Man I am so hungry! † after going without eating for Just a few hours. If you really think about it we only go without eating for small periods of time. Have we ever really experienced hunger? Real hunger for that matter, hunger like Richard faces in Black Boy. The kind of hunger he experiences are not evident in a society in which we live. Hunger for us is skipping a meal or not finding anything that will please our appetite. This is not even comparable to the days that Richard endures without eating any food.There is not only physical hunger present in the novel Black Boy, Richard suffers from educational and emotional hunger. Richard longs for conversation and love from others and books to read or some sort of education. Most people often take these for granted but it is the only thing that Richard desires. The hunger in the novel Black Boy by Richard Wright serves as a magnet that pulls us t hrough the story of Richard's emotional, physical, and intellectual hunger. Richard is faced at a very early age and for most of his life with experiences of hysical hunger, starvation. Hunger stole upon me slowly that at first I was not aware of what hunger really meant. Hunger had always been more or less at my elbow when I played, but now I began to wake up at night to find hunger standing at my bedside, staring at me gauntly† (16). Richard seemed to starve quite often but after his father left he seemed to have constant starvation. Starvation seems to happen a good deal throughout Richard's life. The type of hunger Richard describes seems to be very painful, a kind of pain that one can't even imagine. Once again I new hunger, biting hunger, hunger that made my body aimlessly restless, hunger that kept me on edge, that made my temper flare, that made my temper flare, hunger that made hate leap out of my heart like the dart of a serpent's tongue, hunger that created in me od d cravings† (119). Since hunger is always present in Richard's lifestyle it seems as if he cannot imagine eating a simple meal every day. To us a simple meal may not seem like such a big deal, but to Richard, and many who suffered like Richard during this time, a simple meal is a miracle.The weakening and ainful piercing hungers are evidence that where the poverty happened in the Jim Crow South. Richard does not only suffer from physical hunger, he also suffers through emotional hunger throughout the text. He desires attention from people, attention from his family. Richard does not receive much attention at home so that impacts his relationship with others. He does not know how to associate with others. This causes a problem for Richard, when he finally leaves home he does not know how to associate with others. He cannot understand the friendly gestures of those around him.Nevertheless, I was so starved for association with people that I allowed myself to be seduced by it all , and for a few months I lived the life of an optimist† (178). Richard grew up in a very hostile nome environment which made him not only yearn for food but for love and affection. Another issue that helped contribute to Richard's emotional hunger is the issue of blacks and whites. Richard does not seem to understand the relationship between the two groups of people. â€Å"l wanted to understand these two sets of people who lived side by side and never touched, it seemed, except in violence† (54).Richard viewed the treatment toward him and the others as wrong, but he dare not go against it. He seemed to have accepted the segregation, but he never let the white people go far in how they treated him. Richard wanted to be able to speak his mind, but he was always told to hush up and he did not want to be treated poorly by the whites. The idea of this was hard for Richard to overcome so he ended up moving to the North. The emotional hunger that Richard faces often led him t o loneliness or grief. The biggest hunger the Richard had to suffer through would be his hunger for ducation.Richard longed for an education. He is a bright boy yet there is no encouragement for him to succeed and learn. There was no encouragement to learn because Negro children of the south did not grow up to be successful. Many of the blacks during that time seemed to settle, settle for ignorance and illiteracy. Richard however, decided to take advantage of the little opportunities that presented themselves. He longed for an education even more after meeting Ella, the school teacher. He stated â€Å"†¦ as much afraid of her as he was attracted to her† (38).The attraction allows him to overcome his fear and ask her about her books, which further awakens the hunger of knowledge. Richard tried to learn and read. â€Å"l hungered for the sharp, frightening, breathtaking, almost painful excitement that the story had given me, and I vowed that as soon as I was old enough I would buy all the novels there were and read them to feed that thirst for violence that was in me, for intrigue, for plotting, for secrecy, for bloody murders† (46). Richard loves to read and write. He is very curious and wants to learn as much as he can.He learns a lot through his experiences rather than a school setting. He gets very excited when he learns new things. â€Å"†¦ l had learned to count to a hundred and I was overjoyed†¦. I would read the newspapers with my mother guiding me and spelling out the words. I soon became a nuisance by asking far too many questions of everybody† (26). The quest for Richard's learning never seemed to be conquered. Richard suffered through many hungers that we may never experience, we are privileged. His emotional, physical, and educational hunger seem to impact him ignificantly.Even with all odds stacked against him, Richard prevails and succeeds against all odds. As an adult living in the North, he conquered the obsta cles and is stronger than most living around him. Richard survives through these hungers with his great endurance. â€Å"Whenever my environment had failed to support or nourish me, I had clutched at books†¦ † It seemed as if Richard would use his hungers against each other in turn making him a stronger person. Richard endures a lot in the text, much that people in our society today could not survive.

The Subject Of General Science Education Essay

1. INTRODUCTION / BACKGROUND OF THE RESEARCH:The usage of computing machine Technology in the schoolroom offers the pupils an sole and utile acquisition pattern. Technology usage helps instructors by making abstract constructs more concrete for the pupils. These yearss, teen-agers are larning to utilize engineering at younger ages really quickly every twenty-four hours. The pupils from in-between degree schools are able to utilize the engineering if they are given devices. Sooner or subsequently, the usage of computing machine engineering in schools is going a popular tendency. It will be interesting to see pupils taking a practical field trip on the cyberspace or with the aid of simulation package on a standalone computing machine to anywhere in the universe. Research in the past decennary has shown that computing machine engineering is an effectual agencies for distributing educational chances, but the job is that most of the instructors do non cognize the usage of computing machines in our schools as there is no computing machine related particular station at in-between degree. Therefore, they are unable to incorporate computing machine engineering into their course of study. Drenoyianni and Selwood ( 1998 ) stated that incorporating computing machines in schoolrooms can travel patterns of rote-memorization, stiff course of study, and teacher-centered direction into a more student-centered environment where scholars are able to pull off their ain acquisition. Edgar Dale ( 1946 ) developed ‘Cone of Experience ‘ to depict ocular effects for larning terminals. Dale ‘s Cone theory of larning bases that people recall 10 % of the information they read, 20 % they hear, 30 % they see, 50 % they hear and see, 70 % they say and write or portion with others, and 90 % they teach to others. In our school system in KPK Pakistan, General Science every bit good as other topics are offered to pupils in a traditional manner which depends on the talk method, in which the instructor does all or most of the activities. In the last few old ages, many functionaries and determination shapers in the field of instruction have called for new methods of learning. Computer-based direction is considered among the advanced methods that can ease more communicating between instructors and pupils and therefore decidedly influence pupils ‘ acquisition. The people learn better from existent experiences than from theoretical stated symbols. The usage of computing machine engineering invariably forces us to reconsider what we do and why we do it. As pedagogues, our duty is to do acquisition easier for our pupils. In sing the teaching method of instruction and acquisition, it is of import that we use engineering to better the acquisition of our pupils. If the usage of computing machine based instructions does non better the instruction larning procedure so there is no demand to utilize it. As instructors we need to incorporate engineering into the course of study we teach so that sound educational acquisition rules remain organized. Harmonizing to Knode ( 2008 ) , the use of engineering in the schoolroom is an explosive new manner. The sum of media that has been exposed to pupils in the schoolroom is immense in recent old ages. We must make up one's mind whether this transmutation is overall traveling to assist or upset schools. In the long tally, will these new signifiers of assisting information reach the multitudes become more of a distraction? The usage of computing machines, films, telecasting, wirelesss, and e-learning tools can be a immense support in assisting kids to understand subjects that were really hard earlier. We can hold ourselves a aureate age of chance in instruction with accurate application of engineering and the right sum of focal point from the pupils. Technology integrating is the term used by pedagogues to depict effectual utilizations of engineering by instructors and pupils in schoolrooms. Technology integrating has a positive consequence on pupils ‘ motive, involvement and battle in larning. Many pedagogues believe that the new computing machine -based engineerings have much to offer instruction and that intermixing of engineering into school scenes will convey utile alterations. In this survey the nature of engineering, learning and acquisition will be analysed to place the possible application of computer-based Instruction manuals to classroom acquisition. Different types of applications use in learning tilting procedure will be identified and analysed with their benefits and restrictions. The survey will place and analyze different positions on how alteration should be approached and implemented. Christian ( n.k, p. 6-7 ) lists assorted engineerings that are being used or presently being used in the schoolroom ( from older 1s to more recent 1s ) : pencils, pens and paper ; chalks and blackboards ; dry-erase markers and ( inactive whiteboards ) ; books ( foremost on paper, so via e-book formats ) ; overhead transparences ; projectors ; exposure ; instructional wireless ; instructional telecasting ; educational movies ; educational Television ; media projectors ; synergistic whiteboards and presentation engineerings ; computing machines and computer-related engineerings ( such as laptops, workstations, waiters ; PowerPoint, web logs ; wikis, societal bookmarking ; podcasts, multimedia-based acquisition objects, multimedia-based presentations, simulations, Internet-based applications and systems, office productiveness package ) ; network-based engineerings systems involved with presenting web-based learning/distance learning/online acquisition ; on-line library databases ; elect ronic mail ; unrecorded chat/text messaging ; treatment boards ; web-based videoconferencing ; etc. Most of the above listed engineerings are beyond believing to be used in authorities schools of Pakistan at present, as the authorities was barely able to carry through the free books box this twelvemonth ( 2012 ) in KPK. Even in more advanced states, the above new engineerings are used seldom at in-between degree. Computer-based direction is fast going an built-in portion of instruction. Much of the current research has found that computer-based direction is every bit effectual as other. It is important that pupils enrolled in computer-based direction perform every bit good as compared to their lecture-based opposite numbers. The intent of this survey is to compare the effects of technology-enhanced direction and traditional direction in footings of pupil academic accomplishment and pupil attitude towards engineering. In making this comparing, It is hoped to derive an apprehension of how engineering is being used in direction. This survey has been concentrated on comparing two methods of direction technology-enhanced direction and traditional directionPurpose of the survey:Computer-based direction is going an indispensable portion of instruction really quickly. Much of the current researches have proved that computer-based direction is every bit effectual as other instructional methods. The pu pils in a schoolroom of computer-based direction perform significantly good as compared to their other opposite numbers. The intent of this survey is to compare computer-based Instruction and traditional direction in footings of pupil academic accomplishment and pupil attitude towards computing machines. In this survey, the research worker is besides optimistic to derive an apprehension of how computing machines are being used in a General Science schoolroom environment. In this survey, the following two methods of instructions will be compared. ( 1 ) . Computer-Based direction ( 2 ) . Traditional instruction- The intent of the survey is: – To happen out the influence of computing machine based instructions on in-between degree pupils in the topic of General Science and to judge whether the utilizations of Computers enhance the public presentation of the pupils. To detect whether instructors available have equal consciousness and preparation of computing machine. To look into instructors and pupils ‘ attitudes towards computing machines and utilizations of computing machine for meaningful direction. To see whether the necessary substructure is available in the schools.2. Statement OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM:The survey is an experimental usage of computer-based Instruction manuals at 8th class center schools ‘ pupils, taken from three authorities Schools of Town IV Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is besides intended to do suggestions and recommendations to better the public presentation of the pupils in the acquisition procedure and the usage of engineering into the schoolroom posing. The research worker will seek to research to what extent in the bringing of the course of study, the usage of computer-based Instructions contribute to the academic public presentation and attitude of pupils in 8th class schoolrooms. This survey will detect whether the pupils experience interest/difficulty throughout the conventional/new methodological analysis? This survey will besides concentrate on the barriers instructors are confronting with when using the available engineering into their schoolroom instruction. The ultimate concern is, can the usage of computing machines, as a addendum to conventional direction motivate pupils and bring forth higher accomplishments in accomplishments development of the pupils?3. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:The Aims of the survey are: – To happen out the impact of computer-based Instruction manuals on the public presentation of 8th grad pupils in the topic of General Science. To happen out the difference between â€Å" learning with engineering † and â€Å" learning without engineering † . ToA investigateA about the attitudesA of the pupils towards the usage of new learning method in the schoolroom. To mean the function of computing machines in the instruction larning procedure.4. RESEARCH Hypothesis:There is a important difference in the average tonss of the pupils taught with the aid of computing machines and those taught by traditional method. The integrating of computing machines in instructional procedure strengthens the terminal consequence. Technologies engage the pupils in the acquisition procedure.5. Significance OF THE RESEARCH:This survey is of import because it may convey visions into engineering influences upon instructors, instructional methodological analysis and school civilization that may be feasible and suited to other schools. As citizens and pedagogues express concerns over the benefits and costs of educational engineering, this survey may supply apprehensions into that argument by supplying informations on pupils ‘ usage of engineering. This survey will besides analyze and compare concerns by the instructors about the usage and proviso of engineering. The consequences of the survey will supply high benefits to the schools. The pupils may accomplish greater benefits by the usage of improved instruction methodological analysis and different educational package.6. REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE:Computer-based direction ( CBI ) was considered the technological phenomenon to revolutionise instruction a nd preparation. Today, the Internet and computing machine engineering are reported to hold significantly changed the instruction landscape ( Johnson & A ; Aragon, 2002 ) . The rapid progresss in engineering, the demand for womb-to-tomb acquisition, and the growing of non- traditional pupils have encouraged the usage of the computing machine as a method of instructional bringing. Measuring the effectivity of CBI as a whole engineering is really hard. The inability to mensurate effectivity is attributable in portion to the fact that CBI is non merely one constituent, but a complex scope of services and activities carried out for instructional and learning intents ( Gibbons & A ; Fairweather, 2000 ) . Some of the advantages for utilizing the computing machine as a method of instructional bringing are that it: provides consistence of content bringing ; provides preparation to remote locations ; eliminates cost associated with employees ‘ travel ; provides agencies of tracking scholar ‘s advancement ; provides standardised testing ; offers learner flexibleness in commanding and pacing acquisition ; provides for diverse acquisition demands ; prov ides chances for pattern through simulation ; provides greater keeping ; and reduces the instructional clip by about 30 per centum. Two decisions drawn from meta-studies on CBI are: ( 1 ) scholars by and large learn more utilizing CBI than they do with conventional ways of learning as measured by higher post-treatment trial tonss ( Fletcher, 1999 ; Kulik, 1994 ) , and ( 2 ) scholars utilizing CBI by and large do so in less clip than those utilizing traditional attacks ( Kulik & A ; Kulik, 1991 ; Orlansky & A ; String, l979 ) . When you look at all the advantages of computer- Pence ( 2009-2010 ) says that it has been over a decennary since the computing machine moved from being chiefly a computational and record maintaining device to its present province as a communications hub. Some, including this writer, have called the application of calculating engineering to classroom direction revolutionist. Is this claim justified? More significantly, how will societal networking affect the college schoolroom in the coming decennary? Will the twenty-first Century schoolroom truly be significantly different from that of the yesteryear? This article is an effort to reply these inquiries. Each twelvemonth, Technology is going more a ball of instruction Harmonizing to Jane Carlson-Pickering ( 1999 ) The pupils get a sense of duty with the aid of engineering that show the increased deepness of their cognition and capacity They can be more originative and more in control as they can now rewind, fast-forward, intermission, halt and reappraisal resources at their ain velocity. D'Angelo & A ; Woosley ( 2007, p. 462 ) province â€Å" Technology has evolved and become more cardinal to learning and larning. † They by mentioning the plants of assorted research workers, show that engineering is being used across subjects. Molebash ( 2000, p. 24-38 ) suggests that as engineering plays a larger function in instruction, any anticipations refering the hereafter of instruction must include an analysis of technological tendencies and Tendencies in engineering are making a hereafter that is geting faster than instruction is fixing for it. Turner ( 2006, p.1 ) says that the outgrowth of new engineerings is altering the whole scenario like societies, the manner of life, the manner we talk and do trade and besides the manner we learn. Our educational systems are confronting important force per unit area to alter in order to sufficiently fix pupils to populate, larn and work in a planetary digital age. As a consequence of this force per unit area, everyplace in the universe in many schools, engineering is going a tool for heightening instruction and acquisition procedures and fixing pupils for the new universe in which they live. Education throughout the universe is bit by bit sing a major paradigm alteration from traditional larning environments to new unfastened acquisition environments.Consider the following tabular array which defines that displacement. Traditional Learning Environments New Learning Environments O Teacher-centred direction a Learner-centred direction O Passive larning a Active acquisition O One primary media a Multimedia O Individual work a Collaborative work O Information bringing a Information exchange O Focus on facts and knowledge a Critical thought and job resolution O Isolated, unreal environment a Authentic, real-world environment O Assessment by proving a Authentic appraisal ( UNESCO Bangkok, 2005, P. IV. ) As a consequence of rapid development of engineering the course of study is going more dynamic and synergistic. The integrating of computing machines in schoolroom encourages pupils and engages in more independent, collaborative activities. Technology besides enables instructors to near the course of study from different positions, like multimedia applications, simulations, educational games, Drill and Practice package and many other ways of larning that have been ignored by traditional educational methods. The instructors must seek to modify their pedagogical abilities to incorporate the course of study content with new technological accomplishments that pupils are required to larn. However, harmonizing to Hill, Wiley, Nelson, & A ; Han, ( 2004 ) , â€Å" Theoretical foundations, including teaching methods, appear to hold non developed at the same gait as technological growing in the universe † Roblyer & A ; Doering, ( 2009 ) are of the position to place specific learning & A ; larning jobs which engineering can assist turn to and how it can make learning chances that did non be. D'Angelo & A ; Woosley ( 2007 ) , there is non understanding amongst those involved with instruction and larning sing the usage of engineering within the schoolroom. So they stress that it ‘s deserving reexamining the assorted positions involved. Integrating engineering is besides an of import subject because of how engineering acts as a alteration accelerator Christian, ( 2009 p.3-4 ) mentioning the work of Burbules and Callister ( 2000, p. 273 ) ask, â€Å" What happens to the establishments when new users and new communities expect and possibly demand entree to academic resources and privileges that have normally been rather limited, rare, and expensive? The effects of these displacements can non be overdramatized. † Technological alterations are act uponing and will go on to act upon this state of affairs. Effective instruction and acquisition is the support of establishments. So for these and other grounds, this subject is relevant and of import. Therefore, it ‘s indispensable to the hereafter of educational establishments to take stairss to supply expertness and resources to the schools particularly at simple degree as the pupils of this age group take more involvement in utilizing technological devices and its related plans.7. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:Type/ Nature of the ResearchThe method of research is an experimental 1. Students of in-between class will be introduced to experiment.Population & A ; range of the surveyThe survey consists of in-between degree pupils of urban countries of Town IV Peshawar, KPK.Beginnings and types of informationsTo research the attitudes, behaviors and experiences of the pupils under experiment a questionnaire will be developed which will cover all necessary information relevant to the subject under survey. Data will be collected through the questi onnaire from the instructors learning at in-between degree and pupils of in-between degree under survey. The questionnaire will assist to construe and better understand the complex world of the given state of affairs and experiment.Research ApproachTrial will be used as a research instrument to happen out the public presentation of the pupils before and after giving the intervention. On the footing of a pre-test, two every bit competent groups will be decided. This survey will be confined to four chapters/Ten Lesson plans in the said topic. Experiment 1 Experimental ControlTechnologyTraditionalGroup AGroup BAfter giving the intervention to both of the groups, i.e. ( learning with computer-based Instruction manuals and learning in traditional method ) a station trial of 100 Markss will be conducted to happen out if any difference exists in the public presentation of the pupils taught in different methods. After acquiring the consequences, the groups will be shuffled and this clip Group B will be treated with Computer-based Instruction manuals and Group A with traditional method in the same mode with the debut of new chapters. Experiment 2 Experimental ControlTechnologyTraditionalGroup BGroup ACourse Contentss for 1st Experiment.ContentssAnimals World Temperature and thermic enlargement Lenss Earth, stars and GalaxyCourse Contentss for 2nd Experiment.Plant Structure Transportation Nutrition and Respiration Sense Variety meats Earth and Space Time Table for my work in each of the schools one by one.Dayss12345678Mon8E8CTue8E8CMidweek8E8CThu8E8CFri8E8CSabbatum8E8CE= Experimental C= Controlled Group Experimental 1 Mean Control 1 Mean Experimental 2 Mean Control 2 MeanSchool NameAAAAGHS Gulshan Rehman GMS Landi Arbab GHS Deh Bahadur All Group Mean Score South dakota Mid Diff Thymine Phosphorus Experimental Group Control GroupSample Plan: Sample, sample size and sampling technique employed.Sample:Purposive sampling technique will be used for the choice of sample. Students of 8th categories of four authorities schools of Town IV Peshawar will be introduced to the experiment. On the footing of pre-test consequences, the pupils of each of the schools will be divided into two every bit competent groups individually. Half of them will be presented to the experiment while half of them will be treated in traditional method.Data aggregation techniquesIn the survey, to happen out if any difference exists in the public presentation of the pupils taught by the two different methods, the agencies of the tonss will be calculated. In add-on, a t-test statistical analysis will be employed to find if the difference in the average mark of each of the experimental and control groups is statistically important. Vii Tools for Data Analysiss Instruments: Pre-test, Post-test, QuestionnaireExperimental tool 1:Pre-tests Two trials of 50 Markss each will be used to happen out the bing cognitive degree of the pupils. The consequences of the pre-tests will be arranged harmonizing to their competency individually in each of the class. The pupils of each of the class will be divided into two equal halves based on the mean consequence of the two pre-tests in a mode that both of the groups ( Experimental/Controlled ) acquire every bit competent pupils.Experimental tool 2:Post-test After finishing my undertaking of learning to both of the groups individually, a Post-test of 100 Markss based on the taught Curriculum, will be conducted to happen out the consequences.Experimental tool 3:Questionnaires A short study will be conducted through questionnaire to happen out the impact of my work on pupils attitudes towards new attack of learning. A separate questionnaire will be used for instructors to happen out their capableness about the usage of computing machines into instructional procedures, barriers instructors are confronting with when using the available engineering into their schoolroom instruction and other troubles they are confronting like computing machine literacy and handiness of resources.Instrument proof:The content of the lessons and post-tests shall be examined and modified consequently by the topic expert to look into its cogency. Besides, a test-retest method will be applied to look into the dependability of the instrument.8. THEORETICAL FRAME WORK:Harmonizing to Adams ( 2006 ) , the constructivist theory provinces that pupils are given tools to build their ain cognition. Constructivist larning wants the pedagogues to follow the thought that each scholar will buil d, obtain and construe their ain cognition otherwise. Constructivism is an active procedure and allows the pupils to do sense of their universe. Therefore, the research worker will be guided largely by the constructivist attack. Most by and large ; we must separate who our scholars are, and what are their demands? The proviso of accurate acquisition state of affairss within a constructivist attack to larn should be considered when utilizing engineering.9. CONCEPTUAL FRAME WORK:As entree to educational engineering has improved, a systematic agencies of altering the construction and bringing of the acquisition procedure has become a challenge for usage of educational engineering. Research indicates that factors of meaningful engineering usage in schools include engineering influences upon pupils, instructional methodological analysis and school civilization. These factors will be used as the footing for look intoing and depicting the meaningful integrating of engineering into a school course of study.10. LIMITATIONS & A ; DELIMITATIONS:Due to shortage of clip, lesser cognize how of computing machine use on the portion of pupils and unequal resources i.e. , ( equipment like figure of computing machines and specially the electricity as Pakistan is confronting energy crisis ) the survey may non bring forth comprehensive consequences, nevertheless as a consequence of this research, the research worker plans to go on readying and working with instructors collaboratively and offering preparation on the available engineering to both the pupils and the instructors once more in the hereafter. A longer period of survey is needed to find the long term impact of computer-based Instruction manuals and its interpolation in the schoolroom direction. This survey is delimited to: Teachers learning General Science at in-between degree. Male pupils of in-between degree Town IV of District Peshawar. Subject of General Science at in-between degree.