Tuesday, December 31, 2019

The Role Of Body Cameras On Officers - 920 Words

In today’s world, Law Enforcement polices society twenty-four hours a day seven days a week. Society expects â€Å"†¦ the police to serve their community and discharge their legal authority within the boundaries of the law† (Ross, 382). Who polices the very people society had entrusted with such legal power over them? In the world of technology there is a product that is moving to the forefront to answer this question. Body cameras, this technology if used will allow rarely seen interactions between police and society for good or bad on both sides. It is not a secret to the world that there are good police and there bad police patrolling society. By implementing the use of body cameras on officers everyday interactions with society the police who seek to violate the trust of society have no way to hide. This in itself is a positive for the law enforcement community and â€Å"†¦ officers generally reported considerably high rates of agreement to questions such as they believe that their agency should adopt body-worn cameras for all of their police officers, and that they would feel comfortable wearing body-worn cameras† (Jennings, Fridell, and Lynch, 552). In addition to catching â€Å"bad† police, officers also gain several other added bonuses from interactions being recorded. Officers can use the recordings as evidence in a court proceeding to help strengthen their case. Video and audio recordings can capture spontaneous utterance of guilt of a crime committed and can support any writtenShow MoreRelatedThe Death Of Michael Brown1585 Words   |  7 Pageswas fatally shot by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson. After the shooting, there had been conflicting reports by police and eyewitnesses about what exactly happened. Officer Wilson insist Brown was confrontational throughout the encounter, while eyewitnesses say Brown has his hands up trying to surrender before he was shot and killed. Following the Grand jury’s decision not to indict officer Wilson over the shooting of Michael Brown and similar cases of officer-involved shootings and brutalityRead MoreShould Law Enforcement Agents Wear Body Cameras?978 Words   |  4 Pages Should Law Enforcement Agents Wear Body Cameras? In today s society, one highly debatable topic is whether or not law enforcement agents should wear body cameras. Most cameras used by law enforcement agencies across the country record audio and video, therefore, the cameras see and hear nearly everything a law enforcement officer does. There are many advantages to law enforcement personnel using body cameras while on duty because it holds the officers accountable, is used to document theRead MoreThe Effect Of Body Cameras On Police Work1722 Words   |  7 Pagesexample of a city with positive results from the use of body-cameras. In Rialto, police began wearing body-cameras a little less than three years ago. As a result of officers wearing body-cameras, citizens’ complaints against police officers dropped 88 percent and use of force by police officers dropped 60 percent from the previous 12 month period when body-cameras were not in use. Rialto’s police chief said, â€Å"When you put a camera on a police offi cer, they tend to behave a little better, follow the rulesRead MorePolice Officers And Law Enforcement1082 Words   |  5 PagesLaw enforcement officers equipped with body-worn cameras lower external use of force complaints and better compliance during police and citizens encounters creates a more positive experience for police and law-abiding citizens. In recent years, law enforcement officers have come under tremendous scrutiny by the public due to police officers’ use of excessive force. Several deadly force incidents captured on video and not captured caused the arrest or dismissal of police officers. Video footageRead MorePolice Enforcement And The Minority Community Essay1697 Words   |  7 Pagesof authority allowed police officers to use brutality on many people, which turned out to be a problem to many Americans. Why do officer’s do this? It is still an unanswered question. The police in general have a bad scheme against the non-police officers and are more suspicious of minorities assuming that they are troublemakers and deserve to be brutally hurt than to be brought to justice. In addition, the United States court systems are backing up the police officers and showing brilliant favoritismRead MorePolice Brutality And Its Effects On The United States1454 Words   |  6 Pagescould possibly be reduced. One of the things that is constantly brought is the possibility of police officers nationwide wearing mounted cameras on them throughout the duration of their shifts. This technology comes with both its positive and negative benefits, but it seems to be the topic most commonly talked about. I believe that this technology goes deeper than simply ensuring police officers aren’t victimizing the public. I believe that this technology carries many more benefits along with itRead MoreThe Effect Of Body Cameras On Use Of Force Incidents1324 Words   |  6 Pages(2015). These researchers conducted a randomized-controlled study with the Rialto Police Department in California. The purpose of their study was to observe the effects of body-worn cameras on the frequency of use-of-force incidents as well as citizens’ complaints. In my research study, I will test only the effect of body-worn cameras on use-of-force incidents. I propose to study the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department in Indianapolis, Indiana. This research setting is a lot larger than ArielRead MoreCourts Have Imposed On Police Departments839 Words   |  4 Pagesrights, etc.) The reasoning for this research is that recently the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) held a press conference in which they informed the public that they would be fighting for a policy that would ban police officers from using deadly force when police officers are confronted with people throwing rocks at them. The articles selected below discuss opinions on the duties of police departments and how it relates to certain polices. The 1st article postulates the duty of the policeRead MorePolice Brutality Is An Epidemic1394 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"When you have police officers who abuse citizens, you erode public confidence in law enforcement. That makes the job of good police officers unsafe.† (Berry) Recently police brutality has become an alarming issue in society. At the end of 2015, thousands of deaths resulted in accusing victims dying in police custody. Individuals in communities across the state are beginning to lose faith in law enforcement in their ability to properly do their jobs. Providing police officers with extensive and innovativeRead MoreSurveillance Of The Police Force887 Words   |  4 Pagesmany ways including a force that is used to surveillance citizens. Due to development of technology surveillance of all citizens, including the police, is very high. In recent news the Toronto police are experimenting with body cameras following a popular case regarding an officer who was re corded using excessive force against a man with a knife on a streetcar. Due to high media coverage the police have been stigmatized as a whole and are being demanded to take responsibility for their excessive action

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Essay on What lies in the future of our youth - 2611 Words

What lies in the future of our youth? Do we really know? The beliefs should be believed that we have the power to mold the minds of our children, that we have to take any steps necessary to make sure that the mold is something that we would like to see in our up and coming youth molded into, and that we cannot allow this mold to be broken. Our basic survival depends on those minds of our youth that we need to take the time to mold today. Youth delinquency is a massively growing problem in the United States today. Youth delinquency â€Å"refers to abnormal social or legal behavior by children or adolescents, for dealing with juveniles, such as juvenile detention centers. There are a multitude of different theories on the causes of crime, most†¦show more content†¦Youth nowadays, regardless of gender, social origin or country of residence, are subject to individual risks abut are also being presented with new individual opportunities-some beneficial and some potentially harmful. Often, advantage is being taken of illegal opportunities as young people commit various offences, become addicted to drug, and use violence against their peers. There are many social factors that can contribute to youth delinquency. One that has risen to the top of the list is the role the family plays in delinquency. Family dynamics are on a constant change. Over fifty percent of households in the US are led by a single parent. The n urture, guidance, love, and discipline a child needs is lacking in many cases. Therefore, some of our youth are drawn to the streets or indulge in risky behavior because they are seeking some type of acceptance. These same youth want to feel important and they want to belong, which can make them susceptible to negative influences. It has become increasingly obvious that a youth’s family can and will have a significant impact on a youth’s delinquency. â€Å"Claims that single-parent households produce delinquents fits well with several theories. Some assume that children learn how to become adults by association with parents of their own sex. Boys reared without a resident father, according to this assumption, would be deprived of the association necessary for appropriateShow MoreRelatedBetrayal is the Truth in Erich Maria Remarques All Quiet on the Western Front1130 Words   |  5 Pagesby Erich Maria Remarque, youths like Paul Baumer must deal with the disillusion they feel towards what they were taught to believe in. Once Paul and his fellow classmates are shipped off to war, he and the others learn that they have been betrayed on all fronts. Teachers who cultivate the minds of the young and fuel their insatiable ideals become the primary objects of resentment for young soldiers in All Quiet on the Western Front. It is a resentment produced by the lies that teachers fed their studentsRead MoreThe State Organized Education System942 Words   |  4 Pages The state organized education system that is in place today, is not in flux with that of the new economy. What we have is not Preparing children for the future. Instead of rather training our children through the senses, we must teach them the fundamentals of the minds faculties. So that our youth will be better equipped with the tools for the new economy, and wealth creation rather than, just being subject to the paycheck paradigm and not, rightfully prepared for the new economy. The currentRead MoreTelevision Is Destroying Todays Youth, but Dont Blame T.V., Blame the Parents.1302 Words   |  6 Pagesthat what makes T.V. shows interesting? Isnt that why we all want to go see that new movie that came out which is rated R instead of that movie rated PG? Although this violence and sexual content on television and in movies is having devastating effects on Americas youth, you cannot blame television. Instead, we must blame our parents. So many parents these days do not take the time to talk to their children about what they see on T.V. For that matter, most parents do not even know what theirRead MoreIt Is Voting Season Again1122 Words   |  4 PagesSince the origins of the first constitutional convention calling for the alteration of the constitution, through our American history we have seen the rise of the two party system. Initially however not officially through the opposition of the ratification of the new constitution, we saw the first true pol itical â€Å"schism† in the debate of the constitution’s ratification. Creating the birth of Federalist and Anti-Federalist movement. With the simple contrasting beliefs such as the opposition to a strongRead MoreAn Analysis Of Jason Pattersons The Alligator And The Slide809 Words   |  4 Pagesand are thrown into the hardships and unknowns of life, we want to go back to our carefree youth. However, we all have no choice to go forward and face the unpredictable future that ends with a certain death. The children on the ladder exemplify the steps of life and aging. At the bottom of the ladder, there are two girls. Both of them are smiling with their eyes closed. This symbolizes the naà ¯vety that comes with youth, as they are starting life blindly, without any experiences. As each child startsRead MoreAmerican School Districts Should Implement A Longer School Year1246 Words   |  5 Pagesa longer school year would tremendously benefit them in the imminent future. A longer school year would develop discipline and responsibility in children, in addition to allowing them to retain the knowledge they have acquired so far. A two month break from school is an outrageous amount of time and during this time most kids lose their sense of responsibility. By cutting summers shorter, kids get a more realistic taste of what life will be like when they mature and enter the real world. Having twoRead MoreAll Quiet On The Western Front1446 Words   |  6 PagesAll Quiet on the Western Front: The Innocence of Youth In All Quiet on the Western Front, the main character is a nineteen year-old, who tells his perspective of the war. Throughout the story, he talks about his recent class-mates and how they enlist in the war with him, and how he and his friends experience the war. In the story, it talks about the innocence that is taken away from the soldiers like Paul and his friends. The story is set in Germany during the First World War. Numerous events tookRead More The Hypocrisy of Teaching American History Essays630 Words   |  3 Pagesauthor of Lies My Teacher Told Me, says, Parents may feel undermined when children get tools of information not available to adults and use them in ways that seem to threaten adult-held values. (Loewen 296.) The adults had to learn the same false history children are being taught today. By teaching children the truth about history, are adults risking the authority they hold along with adult-held values? Learning social studies is to no small extent, learning to be stupid. (LMTTM 298.) What happensRead MoreProfit Over Youth : A Look Into The Business Of Prison950 Words   |  4 PagesProfit Over Youth: A Look into the Business of Prison. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention established that in 2009 there were a total of 1,812,900 juvenile arrest. These arrest consisted of those who were arrested and never tried as adults, for the purpose of this paper the same definition of a juvenile will be used. It can be easily argued that the juvenile population is Americas most vulnerable, and this is the population that we are arresting at such high numbers. To understandRead MoreOnly One View in a Story641 Words   |  3 Pagesâ€Å"Show people as one thing and one thing only over and over again and that is what they become.†(Chimamanda Ngozi) That is the danger of a singles story, it makes equal humanity difficult to recognize and it emphasizes people’s differences instead of their similarities. A single story is an incomplete recollection of information. â€Å"Power is the ability not just to tell the story of another person, but to make it the definitive story of that person.†(Ngo zi) In relation to US history, a single story

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Renewable Energy Free Essays

Fung Chi Hong (10549602) Summary Nowadays, some people who supported renewable energy have many questions for fully relying on renewable energy in the future. A factor why people do not consider renewable energy is economics. However, the fact is that renewable energy can solve many economic problems. We will write a custom essay sample on Renewable Energy or any similar topic only for you Order Now Anna Leidreiter expresses that the benefits of traditional energy are shared in only a few stakeholders; renewable energy is owned by popular, so the big business do not agree renewable energy. If the benefits from the large enterprise can be shared to popular, a correct energy can transform, it was shown in the history. Also, Anna Leidreiter gives Denmark and Germany as the examples to show fully renewable energy. Finally, she suggests some policies are necessary to replace fossil fuel with renewable energy and countries should exchange the opinion with other countries. Comment: After reading this article about economics and renewable energy, I have follow comment. First, using renewable energy is an irresistible general trend. According to the Anna Leidreiter, we can see that using renewable energy can substitute for fossil fuel in the Denmark and Germany. Using renewable energy not only can increase the opportunity of jobs, but also can help the economics stable. However, I think we should not just look to the money. In order to maintain a clean environment to our offspring, we should lay stress on environment protection; one of the things we can do is using renewable energy. Referencing Leidreiter, Anna. â€Å"Local Development through Community-Led Renewable Energy† Renewable Energy World Magazine. 3 Apr. 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2013 How to cite Renewable Energy, Papers Renewable Energy Free Essays Renewable energy With the development of the economic of the world,the use of renewable energy becomes an extremely significant topic. The single form of energy,take the case of oil ,cannot fulfil the ecological balance and the sustainable development of energy. As a result,the alternative form of energy emerged as the times require. We will write a custom essay sample on Renewable Energy or any similar topic only for you Order Now The aim of this article is that why human have to utilise renewable energy. Firstly,renewable energy comes from natural resources such as sunlight,wind and rain,which can recycle. Apparently,this energy is more environmentally-friendly than oil which always contaminates air. However,some of them does not discharge greenhouse gases,such as carbon dioxide,which does not increase the risk of global warming,and there seems to be plenty of research findings to confirm this. Accordingly,using renewable energy is the guarantee of the healthy development of ecosystem. Besides,fossil energy is limited,in contrast,renewable energy is not exhaustible. This kind of energy is controlled by some countries which own this plentiful resources and the demand for fossil energy such as oil is high. Consequently,the price of fossil energy could increasingly high,which caused energy crisis in history. This point is best illustrated with the example of the energy crisis in 1973 due to the fact that the main oil-producing countries adopted the policy stopping exporting the oil. Therefore,renewable does not cause this problem. The third reason is that renewable energy promotes energy security of supply and reduces dependence on imported fossil energy. It is widely recognised that explosion would be caused by fossil energy. Obviously,the safety of renewable energy is higher than fossil energy. On the other hand,it could put a strain on fossil energy if renewable energy was not depended,which means the dependence of renewable is inevitable. In conclusion,this article summarize the reason of developing renewable energy from three pats of protecting environment,recyclability,and security. ALICE How to cite Renewable Energy, Essay examples

Friday, December 6, 2019

Affect and Open Shale Rock free essay sample

The past few days in class we have been learning about the process of fracking and how it is either harmful, or useful to our nation. There are numerous arguments for both sides that specify pros and cons for fracking and if fracking should be legal to operate. Fracking is known as hydraulic fracturing with the use of sand, water, and chemicals that are injected at high pressures to blast open shale rock and release the trapped gas inside. The process of fracking starts with drilling a hole deep in the earth’s surface until it reaches natural gas. From there they can start the operation and retrieve the natural gas. Oil and gas companies that use fracking state that it is very safe and does not harm the environment. On the other hand fracking has been reported to cause risks to air, land, water, wildlife, and communities by other sources, rather than the oil and gas companies. We will write a custom essay sample on Affect and Open Shale Rock or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page According to Josh Fox a journalist who directed â€Å"Gasland† a 2010 documentary found that fracking is making people sick, contaminating water, and affecting wildlife. Yes, fracking can have some positive aspects, but the cons out way the pros drastically. Fracking is bad for our environment and can harm many individuals near fracking sites, or affect their land, and animals. Therefore, regulations and safety should be improved for fracking to stop all the negative aspects from happening, or ban fracking as a whole. Families near fracking zones have terrible headaches and even very serious sicknesses ever since the fracking started. Fracking uses more than 596 chemicals which are released into the ground through a pipe. Drilling can intersect with underground water which would mix the 596 chemicals with that causing contaminated water. Households are affected by this because their water comes out multicolored ranging from musky grey to black. At some Houses Josh Fox visited they were able to set their water on fire. In the documentary he used a lot of emotional appeal to show how hard families are being affected by this tragic event, and shows how tough getting through a day is becoming without getting some type of sickness. Fracking also affects wildlife and land by contaminating water streams and the soil animals live on. In one scene of â€Å"Gasland† Josh Fox went to a ladies house where she had collected dead animals around her land. These animals were not present until the fracking started, and then after that they just started falling dead. There were other cases of people going into streams or even using their own house water that gave them sores, and harsh rashes throughout their body. In the documentary this showed a very effective way of getting people attention and underlining how important this is. In the other documentary â€Å"Fracknation† directed by Phelim McAleer he shows why fracking is important and how it is safe for our environment. The only positive aspect of fracking is it would help our nation out a ton with gas, lower prices drastically, and we would be the leading natural gas supplier in the world. This documentary didn’t really catch my attention that much because why would all these cases of sicknesses and contaminated water pop up right when fracking became big. If fracking became safe and didn’t harm anything in the environment then it would be the greatest idea ever invented. Coming up with new regulations to improve fracking and make it 100 percent safe would be the only reason I would accept the concept of fracking. As of right now fracking is very harmful to many, and the chemicals used are being released in the atmosphere, and in the soil which is contaminating many things and affecting the quality of the air. Fracking is not safe for anyone or anything located near a fracking zone.

Friday, November 29, 2019

The Kite Runner Book Review free essay sample

The kite runner a novel by Khaled Hosseini is a novel about two young boys in Afghanistan named Amir and Hassan. Amir constantly struggles to earn his father’s love Baba since he feels that he was the reason of his mother’s death which happened during child birth. Finally Amir succeeds by winning a kite flying-competition. But the same day Amir witnesses the rape of Hassan and does nothing to stop it which troubles him for the rest of his life. He feels ashamed and slyly frames Hassan of theft to get rid of him and both Hassan and his father leave. During this novel, Afghanistan is being invaded by Russia, separating Amir and Hassan completely. Amir and his father are eventually forced to start over in America, but his secret still haunting him. One phone call from an old friend takes Amir back to Afghanistan his home country. During this event he learns a outrageous secret about his past and tries to make things right. We will write a custom essay sample on The Kite Runner Book Review or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Eventually meets up with his arch nemesis again and must make some hard decisions. How this novel is tragic Hosseini has cleverly and effectively portrayed family relationships, as well as the cruel segregation of society into classes. It has opened up the eyes of its readers to the harsh realities of what life is like in Afghanistan, and this realistic approach is what makes the novel so moving. Various tragic elements such as hamartia, remorse, anagnorisis and retribution are recognized in this story. Hosseini has written a catastrophic novel that is indeed tragic. Personal feelings about the novel Personally I believe that The Kite Runner is one of the best books I have read recently. It is a novel filled with suspense and is definitely a page turner that contains complex characters and circumstances that will make you think a lot about friendship, good and evil, betrayal, and redemption. It is a certainly powerful novel and contains particular graphic scenes, nevertheless it is not needless. Hosseini has written a great book by many measures. Recommend the novel amp; why? This is a marvelous book and must-read, regardless of age, gender, or nationality. This novel gives the reader a little taste of what its like for people in the Middle East, and how they are able to survive with so little and what they have been through. The characters are so down-to-earth that long after finishing the book, you will be thinking of sensitive Amir with his insecurities, his father, and Hassan. When reading this moving book, you will feel countless emotions, crying your eyes out at parts. The novel conveys a universal message that will move even the coldest heart.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Literature Review on Wetlands and Climate Change Essays

Literature Review on Wetlands and Climate Change Essays Literature Review on Wetlands and Climate Change Essay Literature Review on Wetlands and Climate Change Essay SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITIY, FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT. IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AUSTRALIAN WETLAND ECOSYSTEMS Assessment 1: BIO01204 Aisling Hall 21620531 3/29/2010 1 Aisling Hall 21620531 BIO01204 Table of Contents IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AUSTRALIAN WETLAND ECOSYSTEMS . 3 Abstract . 3 Introduction IMPORTANCE OF WETLANDS . 4 CLIMATE CHANGE 6 MANAGEMENT.. 7 CONCLUSION .. References . 9 2 Aisling Hall 21620531 BIO01204 IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AUSTRALIAN WETLAND ECOSYSTEMS Abstract There is little argument that our climate is changing seen in the increase of temperatures, decrease in snow cover, sea level rises and changes in precipitation intensity and distribution. Wetland ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to these changes as they rely on water flow and ground water for their functionality. In return wetlands filter water and support a high diversity and abundance of life often endemic and critical to the success of phases of certain plant and animals life cycles. Due to the diversity of wetlands their management and protection has been slow and often unsuccessful. Scientific research has raised awareness of their importance in mitigation of climate change through acting as carbon sinks and habitat for significant species, so through education and stronger state and national water management plans wetlands have the chance to continue playing a vital role in our environment. N. Campbell 2009). Many of Australia’s Wetlands hold strong cultural and spiritual significance to Aboriginal people as they are a diverse resource that may have been used for many generations and may support certain ‘totemic’ plants and animals endemic to that small ecosystem (Department of Environment 2008). Climate Change will affect wetlands natural structure, functions and di stribution through temperature rises, changes in distribution, intensity and frequency of rain, sea level rise and stronger anthropogenic pressure as our world warms (T. Walshe 2008). They contain a wide diversity Of life providing habit and supporting plants and animals that may be found nowhere else. Australia has more than 900 nationally important wetlands in coastal and inland locations, 65 of those are currently listed as Rams Wetlands of International Importance (Department f the Environment 2009). Wetlands are highly specialized ecosystems with functions that aid in nutrient cycling, act as carbon stores and improve water quality by filtering the passing water. Coastal wetlands create a barrier effect which protects surrounding environments from flooding, pollution and erosion. Both coastal and inland wetlands sustain a high abundance of plant and animal life delivering rich habitat for food, shelter and protection for nesting for millions of waterfowl, birds and other vertebrates. Wetlands facilitate important stages of fisheries life cycles acting as nurseries for important fish stocks. They also aid in productivity of agriculture in floodplain pastures and valuable resource in times of drought The effects of climate change will alter all aspects of wetlands of each diversity. Increased temperatures and a decrease in rain causing a reduction of snow will strongly affect inland alpine wetlands as well as down the river as reduced water flows will be unable to support all of Australias 3 Sailings Hall 21620531 81001204 important waterways. Sixty of Australias Rams Wetlands are dependent on flow from other rivers. Less frequency of flood or an increase of flood will exult in a decline in diversity and health of the wetland ecosystem which will in turn affect the values for which they were listed as international significant wetlands (D. Illuminated 2008). As seventy percent of Australias tropical coastline are mangrove and salt marsh a rise in sea level will have strong impacts on the health and distribution of its inhabitants and associated economic uses (T Smith 2009). Ultimately the impacts of climate change on wetlands will affect the biodiversity in Australia by forcing redistribution of species which will affect lifestyles, abundance of food and ecosystem structure. Many plants and animals will not be able to cope with the rapid changes it may take to adapt and relocate so we will see a strong change in the diversity, abundance and location of these ecosystems (D. A. Rosier 2001). These changes to the physical and biological conditions of the environment will have cultural, social and economic ramifications for Australias future (I. Idiot 1999). Creeks and the like or characterized by having constant fluctuating water at the root zone. They can be found far inland between dry terrestrial systems as isolated basins or along tidal regions or connected to rivers, lakes and estuaries (W. Mitch 2007). There is a strong difference in type and location of wetlands but they share the same roles in a landscape from providing habitat to influencing water quality through nutrient cycling and retention of particles. However the functional capacity of wetlands is only able to continue provided that they are not exhausted beyond their critical loading limit (H. Hemmed 1988). Water Quality: The effects of wetlands on water quality depend on the location and chemical and biological composition of the system. The wetlands among riparian areas that boarder uplands are important sites for nitrogen processing and detention of larger sediment particles, whereas the wetlands downstream have reduced flow rates as surface water passes through plant litter and retain finer particles and phosphorous. Revering systems also play a large role in processing nutrients and retaining sediment particles, especially during flood events which is an important function in raising The intention of this Literature review is to investigate the range of effects climate change will have on the diverse variety of wetland environments around Australia and examine the management strategies and policies that eve been put in place to protect the future of our wetlands capacity to remain a strongly unique and integral part of Australias biodiversity. Eater quality to benefit all forms of life (D. Wigwam 1988). Mangrove are important specialized wetlands in tropical Australia as they trap sediment from flood and filter the water heading into the ocean in regions prone to high rainfall intensity and flash flooding (T . Smith 2009). Sediments in water can be detrimental to water quality and productivity. Turbidity caused by suspended particles decrease availability of sunlight thus decreasing the reductio n of photosynthesis and oxygen production. Whats more if the particles are high in organic matter the biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen IMPORTANCE OF WETLANDS Wetland Functions: Wetlands are distinguished by the presence of water at the surface or within the root zone such as balloons, swap, marsh, mangroves and tidal 4 Sailings Hall 21620531 81001204 demand will further lower the dissolved oxygen level, which in turn lower the productivity of the ecosystem. Wetland unique hydrology and morphology enable them to act as specialized sinks, transformers and sources which enables them to clean and filter the passing water (W. Mitch 2007). These functions are important to quality of life in the environment as it allows the reduction Of bacteria and viruses from the water through simple detention while natural die-back occurs and/ or aided by toxic root excretions of specialized wetland plants or ingestion by protozoa that feed on bacteria (D. Wigwam 1988). Accountable of 25% of its atmospheric levels, however they are the most effective ecosystem in retaining carbon by acting as sinks retaining 30% or more of global soil organic carbon sequester in sediment, peat and plant mommas which in turn balance the affects and have been referred to as climate change neutral (W. Mitch 2007). Estuarine wetlands have a minimal release of greenhouse gases due to the inhibition of antihistamines by sulfates. They also have a carbon question capacity per area much higher than any other and if left undisturbed are able to store carbon for a millennia. It has been studied that the rate of carbon sequestration in restored wetlands can exceed that of natural wetlands (A. J. Howe 2009). Ultimately the ability of estuarine wetlands to continue sequestering carbon depends on their ability o adapt to changes in environmental conditions and warming of the environment will increase the risk of carbon being lost back to the environment (W. Mitch 2007). These risks along with human development destroying estuarine wetlands puts wetlands at further risk and increases the negative effects for all living biota due to climate change. This is strong evidence to suggest protection and rehabilitation of wetlands will be imperative to reducing the increase of carbon and slowing the process of climate change. Nutrient Cycling: Plant Nutrient Removal is an important feature of wetlands as water passes wrought the system and feeds other areas. Nitrogen and phosphorus are important elements to plant production but in excess amounts can deteriorate the health of the water through the consequences of transportation (T Smith 2009). Wetlands receive nitrogen and phosphorus from anthropogenic and natural sources, the nutrient loading being highly dependent on topography, location and precipitation. Increases in rain causing flooding and run off into wetlands are major causes of excessive nutrients. Fortunately wetlands natural slowing of flow rate allows nutrient uptake from plants and animals ND retain nitrogen through sedimentation which enables identification by bacteria who release nitrogen into the atmosphere (D. Wigwam 1988). Biodiversity: The variety of wetland habitats provides for a diverse range of biotic communities, many specific Carbon Sinks: The function Of wetlands in the global carbon cycle is important for reducing climate change. Wetlands cover only 6% of the earths surface and hold 12% of the global carbon pool (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 2007). Wetlands high productivity can also produce methane and can be to the individual wetland. Australia is home to 600 000-700 000 species and 80% of the plants and mammals, 40% of our birds are endemic to our nation (D. Illuminated 2008). Most of these species rely directly or indirectly on wetland ecosystems and functions at some stage of life. Most of Australias waterbeds are endemic and frequent arid Zones of the continent and upwards of 5 Sailings Hall 21620531 81001204 8 million are estimated to use wetlands of our arid interior (D. Nielsen 2009). Many other migratory birds and fish species rely on wetlands for food, shelter and safe breeding grounds which owe Australia the responsibility of intuition to ensure this resource is available to them as they are a shared species with other nations. Flow is a large factor in the wetland ecosystems biotic composition and many aquatic species have evolved in direct response to their environment. This makes them extremely vulnerable to any changes in frequency and intensity of rainfall events and the redistribution of rain accompanying climate change will alter the future of wetlands biodiversity (S. Bun 2002). Accumulation of salts due to evaporation or rise in water table will shift species-rich freshwater communities to species-poor salt tolerant communities. The wetlands resilience or adaptation will differ in ecological response to these changes owed to the duration and rate the changes occur, resulting in possible permanent distribution and community structure changes to extinction of some species (D. Ninnies 2009). Development in coastal zones, wetland plant and animal species may not be able to adapt or retreat from the effects of rising waters as there simply may be nowhere to go (T Smith 2009). It has been predicted that a rise in temperature in the tropics will transport a greater mass of water vapor towards higher latitudes. This will result in a decrease in precipitation in lower attitudes having a drying affect on wetlands, and an increase in precipitation in higher latitudes which will create more flooding affects on the wetlands (T. Walsh 2008). Sea Level: Rises in sea level will have negative effects on coastal wetlands due to an increase of salinity and inundation of higher water levels and changes in temperature and tidal movement. Encroaching tides will change the movement of sediment altering the TU rapidity and affecting productivity where effects will be seen cascading up the atrophic web. The direct effects will differ depending on the type of wetland communion ¶y. Given a slow event of sea level sis coastal wetlands may be able to migrate inland providing management allows adequate CLIMATE CHANGE Climate influences almost every aspect of a wetland ecosystem; biotic factors such as wind, rain and temperature directly and indirectly affect species distribution and abundance, as well as the wetlands composition, function and cycling of nutrients. EPIC 2007 report estimates that global mean sea level will rise by up to 0. 59 m by 2100 which will have adverse effects on coastal wetlands as they will be inundated with sea water, banks will be eroded, resulting in damage to fringe vegetation, suffer stronger tidal urges and changes in temperature and salinity. Due to high urban space for new communities to establish otherwise they may become extinct in many areas (C Oakum 2009). Another prediction is that freshwater wetlands along the coast will be replaced with the expanse of large wetland ecosystems and more southerly distribution of salt marshes and mangroves (L. Hughes 2003). Sydney Universities Dry. Eleanor Bruce has used models to predict that wetlands of iconic Homeboys Bay would experience a loss of habitat by 21 00 due to sea level rise which will have large environmental and social challenges for the future planning (SSI 2009). Another important wetland at risk Of severe loss is the UNESCO world heritage Kayaked national park 6 Sailings Hall 21620531 81001204 wetlands. The coastal plains of Kayaked are just 0. 2 † 1. Meters above mean high water level and at risk of complete loss if the planet warms between 2-3 degrees (B. Hare 2005). Affecting the community structure and impacts biota through the food chains and loss of habitat. The ecological responses to increased salinity and success of the wetland will be dependent on the tolerance of the individual species D. Nielsen Increase of Temperature and Changes in Precipitation: Temperature increase has a large effect on aquatic communities most basically as the higher the temperatu re the less oxygen molecules (N.Campbell 2009). However, much more complex on a larger scale, such as the rise in temperature increasing evaporation of rivers and decreasing snow and rainfall. Predictions of increased drought frequencies have fatal implications for inland wetlands, for example increased evaporation and up to 10% reduced rainfall in the Macadamia Valley mean annual flows to the Marshes will be reduced by 1 1-32%. The Macadamia Marshes are one of the largest semi-permanent wetlands in south-eastern Australia, with 42 species of waterbeds, including Magpie Geese and Prologs. Climate change is likely to cause a decline in the wetlands vegetation by up to 40 percent which will mean a much smaller capacity to sustain life and it is unclear where the water birds will be able to go as the Macadamia Marshes is one of the only wetlands in the Murray Darling Basin (L. Hughes 2003). 2009). The species most tolerant to the new saline environment will recession the area, changing the future face of the wetland permanently. There are many management issues and risks as this succession on a changed environment opens the area to possible weed invasion which further decreases long term biodiversity of Australias water ways (T. Smith 2009). Future plans show new modeling techniques being developed to predict the outcomes of salinity increase scenarios, setting salinity maxima limits for wetlands, and identifying the species potentially suitable as early warning indicators of a declining wetland or to aid in resilience in restoration. This knowledge will facilitate preventative, rather than reactive, wetland management (Arthur Relay Institute 2010). MANAGEMENT In Australia individual State and territory governments have the primary legislative and policy responsibility for wetland management. Australia was the first country to join the Rams Convention in 1971 an intergovernmental treaty that embodies the commitments of its member countries to maintain the ecological character of Salinity: Climate change will increase salinity in wetlands through evaporation and rising of the ground water table due to loss of vegetation and flooding. A decrease in rain and flow in many regions will not allow the seasonal flushing of salt from wetlands and it will accumulate over time drastically changing the Truckee and quality of the environment. An increase in salinity directly reduces biodiversity in aquatic systems thus their Wetlands of International Importance and to plan for the wise use, or sustainable use, of all of the wetlands in their territories(Wetlands 2010). Part of Australias commitment was the implementation of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1 999 (EPIC Act), and through the development of programs state and nationwide with the goal to improve the 7 Sailings Hall 21620531 B1001204 management of wetlands (Department of the Environment 2009). In espouse to climate change, the Australian Government has developed Water for the Future, a long-term $12. Billion package that proposes to take action to support our rivers and wetlands especially the Murray-Darling Basin which has suffered decades of mismanagement due to irrigation and damming (Australian Government Department of the Environment 2010). The NEWS government is now buying back water from the irrigation companies under the River bank program to deliver to wetlands such as the Macadamia Marshes (David Illuminated 2008). Must be protected and rehabilitated to assist in mitigating climate change long with our responsibility as stewards of the earth. Given the diversity of wetland types management issues will need to be customized to both regional and local levels which pose difficulties in negotiation as people hold differing values. This disparity between wetland values and the increased demands for water will only be exacerbated in the future as the climate changes and human needs increase the strain on the environment. An important management strategy will need to be recognizing that climate change will affect the ecological characteristics of wetlands and their uses and being aware that they hold an important role in CONCLUSION Wetlands are a critical part of the Australian environment and an important system in our waterways. They protect our shores from wave action, mitigate impacts of floods and absorb pollution to improve water quality and provide habitats for animals and plants both endemic to Australia and shared with other nations. Given these important functions it is clear that wetlands securing the future water quality and biological biodiversity of Australian ecosystems.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Learning Diversity and Authentic Assessment Tools Essay

Learning Diversity and Authentic Assessment Tools - Essay Example LESSON CONTENT: LESSON 1 ELECTRICITY POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE electric field and the movement electric potential electric potential difference INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES a. Focusing event: how to demonstrate the electric field and the movement of the charge. b. Teaching procedures: the lesson will involve two practices and theory c. Formative check : use of short assignments and question that can be take away or end of lesson short questions that need prompt answers. d. Student Participation: students’ participations by use of questions and answers and use of simple calculations that must be done on the board. e. Closure: end by asking the lesson if there is any student who has not understood any concept. If not, give a take away assignment that covers the whole lessons EVALUATION PROCEDURES/ASSESSMENT: use of CATs, Assignments and term paper. MATERIALS AND AIDS: use of a chart, nails, wires, batteries, card board and magnet. DAILY LESSON PLAN NAME OF THE TEACHER: DATE: BIOLOGY LESS ON NUMBER: UNIT: CELL MODELS CELL BIOLOGY INSTRUCTIONAL GOAL: The students should be able to demonstrate the distinctive features of the eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE: At the end of this unit the student should be able to know that there are two types of cells for all the living things and their importance in various functions of these living things. RATIONALE: This unit is taught to expose students to the two major categories of cells, their features, the categories of living things that fall under them LESSON CONTENT: LESSON 1 CELL MODELS eukaryote prokaryote INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES f. Focusing event: how to demonstrate the major differences between the cell types g. Teaching procedures: the lesson will involve laboratory practices and theory h. Formative check : use of short assignments and question that can be take away or end of lesson short questions that need prompt answers. i. Student Participation: students’ participations by use of questio ns and answer

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Jaws Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Jaws - Case Study Example C. jacchus and C. pygmaea exhibit longer masseter and temporalis muscles. They also have higher fiber to muscle mass ratio. They have a greater excursion potential of distal tendons hence the muscle can stretch further. The more fibres in C. Jacchus and C. Pygmaea lead to wider jaw gapes and hence can offer more power during gouging (Campbell 25). They also have shorter angle of pinnation, larger PCSA as well as a smaller proportion of tendons. S. Oedipus has a greater tendon proportion as compared to common marmoset masseter. Hence, S.oedipus has a lower muscle excursion and a lower contraction velocity leading to shorter stretching and hence smaller gapes. It also has a greater pinnation angle and a smaller PCSA. They, therefore, produce a smaller biting force as compared to C. jacchus and C. pygmaea. (Garber, Estrada, Heymann and Strier 208). Burrows and Nash (10), explains that the lateral pterygoid muscle in C. pygmaea and C. jacchus gives them a wider gape. They also found no difference in the anteroposterior ratios of both species. There is little to suggest that these mammals have undergone a reorganisation of the structures of the soft tissue. Kilgore et al (11) suggest that C. pygmaea, C. jacchus and S. oedipus have evolved significantly to adapt to their mode of feeding. Both the new literature cited and the course work books agree that C. pygmaea and C. jacchus are able to have a wider jaw gapes than S. oedipus. This has influenced their feeding habits as well as their diet. C. pygmaea and C. jacchus have a long mandible that enable it produce a stronger bite as the masseter and temporalis are longer as compared to the latter’s shorter that are short (Lord 56). Future clinical investigations should aim to establish whether muscles have an optimal length that, therefore, produces optimal biting force. Also, investigations should look into the positions of the stretched

Monday, November 18, 2019

Plagiarism and Fraud Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Plagiarism and Fraud - Essay Example Occasionally these cases hit the roof and media pushes them forward. Many academic frauds are never even discovered and pose a threat to the integrity of authors and authenticity. One such case occurred of a professor in India, where he was found guilty of plagiarising above 70 papers and publishing them in his name between the years 2004 to 2007. This fraud was committed by a chemistry professor named Pattium Chiranjeevi he was teaching at Sri Venkateswara University in Tirupati located in India. (Schulz, 2008) Pattium Chiranjeevi had submitted an article on the measurement of Arsenic (III) which was found identical to a published research paper by some Japanese scholars. He was also allegedly involved in charging students for awarding them their respective degrees. This fraud was exposed by Purnendu K. (Sandy) Dasgupta, who was also a chemistry tutor at the University of Texas. The discovery was done using a tool eTBlast. The discovery was initiated by a student of Dasgupta who reviewed the paper by Chiranjeevi. He informed Dasgupta about his suspicion of plagiarism on the professor’s work. Professor Dasgupta first threatened Professor Chiranjeevi about notifying his university of his misconduct. This did not receive a response from Chiranjeevi and he denied all accusation on his work. The notification letter was thus sent by Professor Dasgupta to Duvvuru Gunasekar, head of Chemistry Department of Chiranjeevi University; who did a detailed survey and probed in Chiranjeevi publications including the Arsenic (III) paper along with duplicate papers on selenium. The stakeholders in the mentioned case of plagiarism and fraud are Sri Venkateswara University, its faculty, and administrators, head of department and research journals who published his plagiarised articles and papers. This is because such crime was being committed under their noses.  

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Literature Review: Are Sunbeds Safer than Natural Sunlight?

Literature Review: Are Sunbeds Safer than Natural Sunlight? The unanswered debate on whether sunbeds are safer than natural sunlight is an ongoing brawl amongst Dermatologists and cancer researches. This topic also raised many other unanswered questions as to how we sunburn, how we can prevent it and what are the repercussions of sunburn. According to Heather Brannon, MD in Dermatology expert (2014), it is the result of the UVB rays that affects the top layer of your skin which causes you to burn red. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the scaffolding of the skin which causes it to age. However both UVA and UVB rays can cause cancerous mutations as they both damage the DNA of the skin cells. Both the UVA and the UVB rays can be found in natural sunlight as well as in a tanning bed. Over exposure to these rays could result in aging, wrinkles, sunspots and in extreme cases cancer. Unfortunately as stated by Brannon, you won’t know the damage that the UV rays have done to your skin until it is already done. Turning a shade of red is an indicator of how much UVB rays have harmed your skin and tells you very little on how many harmful UVA rays have penetrated your skin. Tanning is the result of your body producing the pigmentation melanin which causes the skin to go darker. According to Dr Sam Shuster a research dermatologist at the Newcastle university in Norton England, a tan is your body’s natural way in protecting itself from the harmful rays if the sun. In addition to this the â€Å"UV advantage† written by Dr Michael Holick a professor in medicine and physiology biophysics at the Boston University(2004), The golden rule to tanning is to never burn. Smart tanning has become a must in controlling the amount of UV rays that is absorbed by your body in the tanning process. By reducing the amount of times that you burn it minimizes the risks associated with too much sun or too little sun. Dr Holick believes that this amount of control is far easier on a sunbeds as the amount of UV rays remain the same during the duration of the session. It is also easier to protect your eyes with FDA googles and lips with an SPF lip balm. Holickâ€⠄¢s research has shown that indoor tanners are less likely to burn outdoors than non-tanners as a result of their base tan. Holick is desperate to set right the misleading exaggerated claims that state that sun exposure is bad for you. Holick argues that moderate exposure to artificial or natural UV had powerful benefits in obtaining the amount of vitamin D levels that your body’s needs. Robert P. Heaney, MD, professor of medicine at John Creighton University (2004) supports Holicks outcry. Heaney agrees with Holick as vitamin D is the best way for the body to control abnormal cell growth, therefore aiding in the fight against different types of cancer. Holick is against the misleading information from the American Academy of Dermatology (AADA) that sunbeds are dangerous for one’s health. When in actual fact sunlight whether artificial or natural is the body’s main source of vitamin D that we are so dependent on. Holick states that it is virtually impossible to obtain the amount of vitamin D needed by the body in dietary supplements or pills as it is not enough and will only damage the liver. However after adhering to all that has been stated Holick believes that consumers still need to be aware of the dangers of UV rays and the potential risk of skin cancer. Holick confirms that a few minutes of natural or artificial sunlight several times a week I more than enough to satisfy the right amount of vitamin D that is required by the body. Professor Tim Oliver a medical Oncologist at Barts the London hospital states that fair skinned people will receive maximum vitamin D levels will be met with exposing just your forearms and face for 5-10 minutes in sunlight, three times a week. This is a perfect dosage of sunlight that the sunbed would be able to give you as it is timed and you will not over expose yourself. The amount of exposure time and intensity of UV rays varies according to the different skin types as the different skin types have a different reaction to the exposure of sunlight. Thomas Fitzpatrick, MD of Harvard medical school (1975) developed the classification of skin colour and characteristic scale. He has rated the skin types from a one to six. One being very pale, blue eyes and red or blonde hair with a few freckles, this skin type always burns and never tans. Type two usually in very fair with blonde or red hair, blue or hazel green eyes. This skin type usually burns and tans with difficulty. Type three has a skin undertone of a cream white or olive skin tone; they are fair with any eye and hair colour. This skin type burns mildly but is capable of obtaining a tan by tanning gradually. Type four has a brownish skin typical of a Caucasian or Mediterranean skin type. These people rarely burn and tan with ease. Type five has a dark brown mid-eastern skin type and it burns rarel y. Lastly type six skin tone is a black skin which never burns. Dr Joseph Mercola a recognised osteopathic physician (2013) states that the human life is dependent on sun exposure. According to Mercola, medical literature fails to recognise the benefits of UV exposure as it could prevent deadly diseases such as rickets and osteoporosis. With the insufficient use of sunblock also has an impact of the vitamin D deficient people, especially women. Mercola has done research that proves that women are more likely to have a vitamin D deficiency as a result of cosmetics and makeup that contain an SPF factor. This therefore blocks out 90% of vitamin that would have been absorbed by just wearing makeup. Mercola goes on to say that wearing sunblock every day is not necessary on the days that do not need it. The misuse of this product will do more harm than good in the long run. In contrast to this, the Harvard medical school argues that tanning beds are extremely dangerous as the sunbeds emits the same amount of UVB rays as natural sunlight but three times the amount of UVA rays than natural sunlight. Harvard states that the concentrated bursts of UV rays emitted from sunbeds are more dangerous, as they increase the amount of mutations forming and the damage to the configuration on the human DNA. Studies done by Harvard have shown that tanning has become addictive and the people who tan have shown the same sign of dependence on the sunbed as with other addictive substances. Harvard states that the protection of the base tan, which is your body’s natural way in protecting your skin from the UV rays, has the equivalent amount of protection as a sunblock of SPF4. According to Harvard’s research a tan is the skins reaction to internal mutations, which is a silent shout out from your body, to get out of the sun. Harvard is concerned of the indoor t anning studios promoting bronzers with coconut oil and no SPF factor. This is exceptionally dangerous as people are exposing their bodies to concentrated UV rays with no protection. Similarly the American Academy of Dermatology (AADA) agrees with Harvard and states that an alarming number of 419000 cases of skin cancer a year are reported to being linked to sunbeds. According to the AADA one sunbed session increases the client’s rick of squamous carcinoma by 67% and bascal carcinoma by 29%.In addition to this the AADA have had many reports of clients that have suffered from premature skin aging, eye injuries and various skin cancers as a result of making use of indoor tanning. It has also come to the attention of the academy that the use of sunblock amongst the youth is decreasing while the amount of sunburns is increasing. According to the International agency for research on cancer (IARC) (2009) sunbed aids malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer which could be fatal. The IARC states that you cannot see the damage that the UV rays are capable of straight away as it builds up over time. Using sunbeds before the age of 35 increases your risk of melanoma skin cancer. The IARC makes it very clear that to matter how much UV rays you expose yourself to, there comes a point where your skin cannot go any darker. It will just cause your skin to appear leathery, coarse and wrinkled. Therefore the more sunbed sessions you do the more harmful it is to your skin. According to the IARC sunbeds are no safer than Natural sunlight, as both contain UVA and UVB which causes cancer. As a result of this the agency does not believe that sunbeds are a â€Å"safe† alternative way to tan. In addition to this Tabasum Mir , MD, Manhattan cosmetic dermatologist and ocuplastic surgeon (2003) states that more and more people in their late 20’s are requesting Botox and other chemical peels to address the aging or damage done to their skin as a result of careless exposure to the sun. Mir believes that 80% of sun exposure in a person’s life happens before the age of 18. According to Mir, teenagers are aware of the damage that the sun can do to their skin but it has had little effect to how they make use of sunblock products to protect their skin. â€Å"They seem to believe that they are immune to skin cancer† says Mir. As a result of this more teens are reported to have melanoma skin cancer. This is confirmed by research done by Nancy Silverberg, MD, Dermatologist in California (2003). â€Å"A lot of what is called aging is a result of skin damage† states Silverberg. The unexposed area is smooth and firm, whereas the part of the skin that is exposed to the harmful UV rays is usually wrinkled and saggy. More teens are willing to suffer from sunburn in order to obtain a tan. Brian Diffey an Emeritus professor of photobiology (2013) adds that exposing your skin to UV rays will make your skin more susceptible to age at an alarming rate. This includes photoaging. Diffey suggests that regular use of sunblock should be used early in life as it is the largest contribution toward the overall amount of UV rays penetrating your skin over a life time. Diffey is in favour of using a product that has a broad protection spectrum and the production should also contain a sensory as well as a tactile profile to encourage regular usage. Exposure to UV radiation is believed to increase photoaging and daily application of a sunscreen is thought to mitigate this process. In order to be healthy you need to have a good balance of vitamin D, too much can be toxic and too little could course some life threatening diseases. This is why it is important to realize how sunscreens work. According to the skin cancer foundation (2007) SPF is short for sun protection factor. There are different rating of sunblock that keeps out the majority of the UVB rays SPF 15-93%, SPF30-97%, SPF50-98%.These may seem like negligible differences but it will make a difference if your skin is sun sensitive or if you have a family history of skin cancer. The skin cancer foundation states that sunscreen will only stay effective for 2 hours without reapplication and ensure to apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before exposure. Everyone over the age of 6 month needs to use sunscreen. It is a good idea according to the foundation that if you do sport or swim in the sea that you should use a water resistance sunscreen. According to the Melanoma Skin Cancer Care (2013), as a result of exposing your skin for long periods of time sunspots can develop, as the melanin pigment begins to produce concentrated amounts. Sunspots are a kind of hyperpigmentation, they do not fade in winter and they persist for long periods of time these are often referred to as age spots. People often don’t know the difference states the Melanoma Skin Cancer Care. Freckles on the other hand are completely genetic and they fade during winter. Both freckles and sunspots become visible as the result of the sun therefore it is important that we take precautions to protect yourself according to Cleveland clinic (2011). Too much sun causes damage to your cells and blood vessels. Cleveland clinic want to bring to the attention of sunscreen uses that a combination of sunscreen, shade and clothing needs to be used in order to have maximum protection from the sun. Sunburn can be very painful as it is the body’s way of repairing the damage. Cleveland clinic further explains that the reason why sunburn is so hot and sore is the result of the blood vessels in the local area of the sunburn swelling up, allowing for more blood that is hot from your body’s natural temperature to flow to the area in order for the body’s immune system to repair the damage. Cleveland also states that the reason why your body peels is the result of your skin cells being so severely damaged by the sun that they are destroyed and disposed of by your body’s immune system. Cleveland states further that taking care of your skin and applying a generous amount of sunblock when exposed to the sun is vital to your skins health. A new exciting harmless method of obtaining a tan has been accessible to the public and is completely harmless. According to Daniel Annese the vice president of marketing the North American Estee Lauder products (2003) states that a tan is highly fashionable and the only methods of obtaining a tan without the use of natural sunlight or sunbeds is by using a self-tanner containing dihydroxyacetone. (DHA) The DHA reacts with the proteins in the stratum curium of the epidermis. This gives the client a natural looking tan with their own individual skin undertone to make it look as natural as possible. In conclusion, sunbeds as well as natural sunlight have many advantages as well as disadvantages. Although it is unclear on which one is safest as there has been a lot of misleading information sent out by different organisations and dermatologist that have taken things to the extreme. According to dermatologists UV rays have both negative and positive attributes to them when exposed to them in moderation. As a result of the dangerous UV rays we need to take precautions to protect our skin to avoid sunspots, and cancer.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Destiny, Fate, Free Will and Free Choice in Oedipus the King - Power of Fate :: Oedipus the King Oedipus Rex

The Power of Fate in Oedipus the King The Greek tragedy Oedipus the King, by Sophocles, was written to show the common people of Greece how powerful the gods are and that your fate is pre-determined and nothing you do can change that. He does this by showing how people in this story try to escape their fate and how it is no use because in the end, what the oracles predict comes true. In the story there are many occasions in which people try to escape their fate. The first time that one of the characters in the story tries to escape their fate is when Jocasta and Laius have a child. After the oracles tell Jocasta and Laius of their fate, Jocasta and Laius try to get rid of their new born baby by sending him off to a shepherd who in turn will put the baby on a mountain to die, however in the end their child (Oedipus) becomes a prince of another city and ends up killing his father (Laius) in an altercation and marries his mother (Jocasta). Another example is when Oedipus tries to run away from those who he thinks are his real parents because he does not want to kill his father or marry his mother, however he ends up doing so when he meets his real father in a intersection of three roads and kills him. The third example is when Oedipus continues on his journey to escape his fate and comes across the sphinx. The sphinx was a horrendous monster that was terrorizing the city of Thebes and it was said that whoever could solve the riddle of the sphinx would become king of Thebes. Oedipus solved the riddle and became king thus marrying the queen of Thebes (Jocasta) who was his real mother. By doing this he committed what he tried to get away from. In the end of the story, when Oedipus and his wife/mother find out that the prediction of the oracles has came true, Jocasta kills herself and Oedipus kills himself when he sees his mother/wife dead. This part of the tragedy is to show that if you try to escape your fate, you will be punished by the gods.

Monday, November 11, 2019

The Scarlet Pimpernel

orth As A The Scarlet Pimpernel: Sir Percy’s Worth as A Hero In the novel The Scarlet Pimpernel, written by Baroness Orczy, Sir Percy Blankley is able to deceive those he loves in order to save the lives of those he barely knows. Leading a double life, he acts as a fool of an English lord in order hide the fact that he is really a cunning, elusive man who goes by the name â€Å"The Scarlet Pimpernel. † When using this name to do his good deeds, Sir Percy risks his life in order to rescue French aristocracy.Everyone regards The Scarlet Pimpernel as a hero– he has all the characteristics of a hero about him, and they are very strong in his personality. Sir Percy is also very good at disguising his hero’s true identity, although he did have rather oblivious people around him. He was a hero who did what he needed to do proficiently and did so without unnecessary violence. During the 1790s, The French Revolution was tearing apart France. Commoners killed the ve ry people they were to look to for leadership. Those aristocrats had been irresponsible and had spent taxes frivolously and now the commoners wanted justice.In England at that time, things were much different. The people were at peace and society was moving forward. The stark difference between these places provides excellent settings for the book, helping the reader realize the cruelty of the French peoples’ endless killing, as opposed to the serenity and peacefulness of England. Sir Percy could be described as many things. One of these characteristics is selflessness. It is shown how even the people around him could easily tell of how he would gladly sacrifice his life for theirs– â€Å"She looked at Sir Andrew with eager curiosity.The young man’s face had become almost transfigured. His eyes shone with enthusiasm; hero-worship, love, admiration for his leader seemed literally to glow upon his face. ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel, Mademoiselle,’ he said at last, ‘is the name of a humble English wayside flower; but I also the name chosen to hide the identity of the best and bravest man in all the world, so that he may better succeed in accomplishing the noble task he has set himself to do. ’ † (Orczy 34). Another fine example of this characteristic is from the perspective of one whom he rescues ¬Ã¢â‚¬â€œ â€Å"But the Comtesse shook her head, still incredulously.To her it seemed preposterous that these young men and their great leader, all of them rich, probably wellborn, and young, should for no other motive than sport, run the terrible risks, which she knew they were constantly doing. Their nationality, once they had set foot in France, would be no safeguard to them. Anyone found harbouring or assisting suspected royalists would be ruthlessly condemned and summarily executed, whatever his nationality might be. † (Orczy 35). Comtesse finds it so uncanny that a rich Englishman would waste his time and ris k his life for people with whom he has no relationship.This kind of rare selflessness is easily comparable to that of the classic Marvel superhero Captain America– each of them would willingly give up his life if it meant another might live. The Scarlet Pimpernel demonstrates his bravery very well. He is willing to got to France in order to save his wife’s brother– â€Å" ‘You are not going to the North, I feel convinced†¦ There is some mystery†¦ and †¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ ‘Nay, there is no mystery, Madame,’ he replied, with a slight tone of impatience. ‘My business has to do with Armand†¦ there! Now, have I your leave to depart? ‘With Armand? †¦ But you will run no danger? ’ â€Å"Danger? I? †¦ Nay, Madame, your solicitude does me honour. As you say, I have some influence; my intention is to exert it before it be too late’ † (Orczy 136). He is unafraid to go to Armand’s aid, which the reader can find as extraordinary, seeing as how he would have to go up against the deadly French agent M. Chauvelin. He also sees the fact that his wife needs him to take action as an honor, and he carries out her requests with pride– â€Å" ‘You will come back? ’ she said tenderly. Very soon! ’ he replied, looking longingly into her blue eyes. ‘And†¦ you will remember? †¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ she asked as her eyes, in response to his look, game him an infinity of promise. ‘I will always remember, Madame, that you have honoured me by commanding my services’ † (Orczy 138). His valor and fearlessness is uncommon, and can be respected. Such honor and bravery resembles that of Steve Jobs. He had a predetermined goal and a strong will to accomplish this task, daring to do what others thought was impossible and would not dare to do.A beautiful portrayal is of Sir Percy’s passion is when he is torn between the one he loves and doing his duty as the Scarlet Pimpernel– â€Å" ‘I pray you, Madame,’ he said, whilst his voice shook almost as much as hers, ‘in what way can I serve you? ’ † (Orczy 128). He knew he must return to France to help the Comte de Tournay, but yet such love and passion for his wife cannot be hidden. Because he cannot reveal the fact that he is the Scarlet Pimpernel to his beloved wife, he must act as a fool who does not have much feeling towards her [his wife], but when he has the chance, he shows affection in hat little was he can– â€Å"He was but a man madly, blindly, passionately in love, and as soon as her light footsteps had died away within the house, he knelt down upon the terrace steps, and in the very madness of his love he kissed one by one the places where her small foot had trodden, and the stone balustrade there, where her tiny hand had rested last. † (Orczy 131). Such enthusiasm for something is very similar to Walt Disneyà ¢â‚¬â„¢s passion to create a ‘perfect society’ for adults and children. He went above and beyond the duty he put before himself, just as Sir Percy did.The â€Å"elusive [Scarlet] Pimpernel† (Orczy 97) is surely a great hero. Having all of the ‘requirements’ and characteristics of a hero, he is able to spring into action– ready to save the day! He is not recognized by his enemies and is able to fulfill all of the tasks he puts before him. He is diligent at what he does and only uses force when necessary. With his 19 assistants by his side, he is able to save the lives of the French aristocracy and bring them to safety. Sir Percy Blankley, a. k. a. The Scarlet Pimpernel, is a hero– no doubt about it.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Just in Time for the Holidays ... How to Write a KILLER LinkedIn Profile is now in PRINT!

Just in Time for the Holidays ... How to Write a KILLER LinkedIn Profile is now in PRINT! As you may have read in my recent newsletters and my recent blog article, I have been working tirelessly on a print version of How to Write a KILLER LinkedIn Profile, and Im happy to announce that its finally ready and available in full color just in time for the holidays! With this print version, my goal is to reach a wider audience, including universities, bookstores, and the people who simply prefer to hold a real paper book in their hands. Is that you? You may be asking yourself, But isnt LinkedIn constantly changing? Yes, it is! Thats why with every copy of my print version, I am also including a subscription to unlimited LIFETIME updates of the PDF version of my e-book. Youll have the inside scoop on whatever changes LinkedIn is making and my up-to-date tips for keeping with the latest trends. What a perfect holiday gift for your job-seeking friends and family! And for a limited time, get my early bird price plus free shipping! I have been contacted by numerous recruiters, and it has only been four days since I purchased the book! Now, I have people at work asking me to help them work on their accounts. MUST buy!!! Bill Cozad, Account Manager, Milwaukee, WI Thank you for you for supporting my effort to get the print version of my book into circulation. And please pass this information along to any people or groups who would benefit from a KILLER LinkedIn profile. Happy Holidays!

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Free Essays on Involuntary Commitment

Involuntary Commitment and the Issue of Patient’s Rights The issue of involuntary commitment and its place in the mental health community has become increasingly controversial. Interestingly, both sides of the debate use an argument based on the violation of rights and the protection of rights in an attempt to prove a point. As with many mental health policies, the rules governing involuntary commitment are flawed. However, involuntary commitment is one of the ways that the mental health arena takes responsibility for the safety of society and the mentally ill individuals. Involuntary commitment should not be abolished because it serves a protective purpose, however the rights of the mentally ill population must always be considered and evaluated before instituting involuntary commitment. In an effort to avoid involuntary commitment, society must increase the amount and availability of less restrictive opportunities for treatment including the availability of medication. The National Mental Health Association discusses the accessibility issue concerning medication in their position statement on involuntary commitment. NMHA states, â€Å"consumers are sometimes forced to take less effective medications due to restrictive formularies and in order to reduce costs. In addition, the lack of parity between physical and mental healthcare coverage often results in higher co-payments for psychiatric medications†(NMHA 2003). This statement crosses over to psychiatric treatment in general. Many people are receiving inadequate treatment or short-term, intensive treatment due to cost cutting by insurance companies. Long-term therapy and treatment are very costly and available only to those who are able to pay privately. This excludes a large portion of the mentally i ll population. The underprivileged and impoverished mentally ill are often excluded from treatment which leads to decompensation and often involuntary commitment. This... Free Essays on Involuntary Commitment Free Essays on Involuntary Commitment Involuntary Commitment and the Issue of Patient’s Rights The issue of involuntary commitment and its place in the mental health community has become increasingly controversial. Interestingly, both sides of the debate use an argument based on the violation of rights and the protection of rights in an attempt to prove a point. As with many mental health policies, the rules governing involuntary commitment are flawed. However, involuntary commitment is one of the ways that the mental health arena takes responsibility for the safety of society and the mentally ill individuals. Involuntary commitment should not be abolished because it serves a protective purpose, however the rights of the mentally ill population must always be considered and evaluated before instituting involuntary commitment. In an effort to avoid involuntary commitment, society must increase the amount and availability of less restrictive opportunities for treatment including the availability of medication. The National Mental Health Association discusses the accessibility issue concerning medication in their position statement on involuntary commitment. NMHA states, â€Å"consumers are sometimes forced to take less effective medications due to restrictive formularies and in order to reduce costs. In addition, the lack of parity between physical and mental healthcare coverage often results in higher co-payments for psychiatric medications†(NMHA 2003). This statement crosses over to psychiatric treatment in general. Many people are receiving inadequate treatment or short-term, intensive treatment due to cost cutting by insurance companies. Long-term therapy and treatment are very costly and available only to those who are able to pay privately. This excludes a large portion of the mentally i ll population. The underprivileged and impoverished mentally ill are often excluded from treatment which leads to decompensation and often involuntary commitment. This...

Monday, November 4, 2019

Strategic Thinking and Strategic Leadership Research Paper

Strategic Thinking and Strategic Leadership - Research Paper Example This paper illustrates that the procedure and features needed to effectively impact others are mainly related to an understanding of leadership and its forex in the perspective of developing community wellness, nourishment as self-discipline and its place in our everyday exercise. It tells readers as what actions they can take in order to be an effective leader. Leadership is, no doubt, an important element, which plays a vital role in the development of any business by following some principles of governance. Knowledge is necessary to know how you have to work and a good leader has all that knowledge. He knows how to work in a team, how to motivate the team members, how to assist in the application of different financial assistance schemes, he has to make alerts to the Director of matter that is crucial to the well-being of the children and staff and much more, for becoming a good leader. This paper will help leaders know the way to constantly improve and add value to the curriculum so that it meets the goals and many other things, which are helpful for the students. And to be a good and successful leader, they need to focus on some important points which are, to have a bigger picture to see the future even in the presence and ability to know the organization well and the tact of helping and supporting other team members. What comes into your brain about being a strategist? An awesome question that is easy to ask, but challenging to respond. Yet, it is a question that is essential in two methods -generally and independently. Beginning up the 'black box' of the strategist's ideas to see how choices are made can help to estimate or effect this considering. Studying how managers form their perfect views and select their suggested actions can be used to make more efficient strategy techniques. It is due to this importance of perfect considering that a personal area with this guide is devoted to the topic. Yet, for each viewer independently, the topic of perfect co nsidering is also of key importance, as it immediately improves the concerns 'what is going on in my mind?' and 'how perfect is my thinking?’ Finding the topic of perfect considering triggers each individual to find their own ideas and seriously indicate towards their own strategic choices. Ideally, considering the brain of the strategist should encourage guests to consistently question their own logic, ideas, principles and ideas, and to enhance their perfect considering. Taking risk is an integral and vital element of any business and also of life. And thus it is very important to know how to handle such situation and how to overcome any risk in the right way. Few of us know the real ways of handling such situations and overcoming any kind of barrier and risk. Leadership, nowadays, is a challenging task to do and the world is changing its concept towards the leadership and leaders. A leader has to learn many good and effective traits and the researcher believes that risk-ta king is one of the most important elements to learn. It is about taking new chances and facing new challenges and risks in order to get success in the life. We all have to learn such traits as we all believe that no one is born with perfection and we have to learn all in our life. After making a decision about a matter, leaders have to think and analyze their decisions about how right they are?

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Modernism and Postmodernism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Modernism and Postmodernism - Essay Example In the next section the focus will shift to the contribution and impact of modernism and postmodernism to our society. "Modernism signals a dialectical opposition to what is not functionally 'modern, namely 'tradition'." (Eysteinsson, 1990, pg.8). The term modernism refers to a movement that gained popularity in the closing years of the 19th century and was prevalent through the period of the world wars right upto the late 1940's. (criticalpoet website) Like any other socio-cultural movement, modernism has a great impact on the poetry, fiction, drama, painting, music and architecture of that era. The era of modernism has also been referred to as the period of 'scientific idealogy'. The ideologies of modernism were backed by scientific rationale and these scientific theories were used to expose the failing of rival beliefs. A popular example of modernist is the theory of Darwinism as against the Biblical Literalism. (Nine O'clock Service website) It was an era when people tried to break away from traditional beliefs and practices. breaking away from convention there were several experiments with news forms and styles of self expression. The website of the Nine O'clock Service quotes J.urry whi in his 'The tourist gaze: leisure and travel in contemporary societies' (1990) says Modernism ""involves structural differentiation. the separate development of a number of institutional and normative spheres; of the economy, the family, the state, science, morality, and an aesthetic realm" (p.84) The website goes on to state that the modernist sees ordered differences in all aspects of life like scientific and every day knowledge, literature and popular fiction class and mass"; "art and craft"; "education and entertainment or even serious and commercial. In terms of sociology, the modern society is said to reflect the industrialized world where technology plays an important role. The age also saw the break up of traditional communities and religious beliefs and individuals with their strength and convictions came into prominence. But modernism had its flaws. Over the years another school of thought challenged the modernists notion of truth as defined by science. This wave has been called 'post-modernism'. Historian Arnold Toynbee first used the term post-modern in 1939. A very broad based term, post modernism has come to define the beleife that there can be no absolute truth and focuses on the concept of relativity. It is a revolutionary theory that does not believe in the pursuit of truth on defined knowledge. Instead postmdernism believes that every experience is unique and temporary. (Rosenau.P, 1992, pg 26) It suggests that there are no single truths and experiences and circumstances define our understanding of truth. Post modernism too has had its impact on every walk of life. This theory came into prominence somewhere in the late 1940's and early 1950's. The idea of postmodernism is relevant in the works of thinkers like Friedrich Nietzsche. His "death of God" movement propounded the theory that knowledge is interpretive with no one meaning. With the death of God Nietzsche held that moral truth was relative. The self was acclaimed as the most powerful who he termed superman. But with the rise of powerful men like Hitler and stalin who held the society to ransom, thinkers of the post war generation realized the significance of

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Realist Theories Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Realist Theories - Assignment Example China wants to resolve the issue with the countries involved and not with the international bodies. If this can be resolved, what could these small countries do if China will lose its military might on its claims on the disputed islands. China may be emboldened to bully its neighboring countries due to its $9240 billion GDP which is the second highest in the world. This GDP also allowed it to have a military superiority against its neighbors including Japan. Even if their total economies and population will be combined, it would still be no match against China. In addition, China is the only nuclear capable state in that region. China however must take into account that there are two countries (Philippines and Japan) among the claimants that has Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States, the largest economy in the world and strongest military in the world. If China attacks Philippines and Japan, this would make the Mutual Defense Treaty take into effect dragging United States in the war. In addition, the international community will also be against China because Philippines has brought the issue to the international court for arbitration and waging a war against other claimants will be trespass the case before international

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Benefits of Activity Based Costing Essay Example for Free

Benefits of Activity Based Costing Essay In order to make a profit on production, the firm would have to charge a price that is greater than the cost of production. Generally, the cost of production is understood to be the cost of producing a good plus the cost of transportation to the consumer. In order to stay in business, and therefore, to avoid losses at all possible costs – the firm must cover all costs related to the production of the good and include all costs to deliver the same to the consumer at a price that is higher than the cost of production. The operating or overheard expenses of an enterprise are generated by its activities to perform its business and/or manufacturing processes successfully. As its name implies, activity based costing relates the costs facing the enterprise to its various activities. By so doing, this system of costing provides pretty accurate information about costs, allowing businesses to effectively manage their overhead expenses in order to increase their revenues (Cooper, 1988). It is but commonsensical that companies may work on cutting their costs once they know what is driving these costs. By improving their processes in order to cut costs, businesses may realize greater profits than before. What is more, by identifying high costing activities needed to produce certain goods or serve certain customers, companies may decide to focus instead on low costing products or customers by reducing their production of or service to high costing products or customers. In this way, they may shift their focus to products or customers that are more profitable to produce or to serve. Thus, management experts cite the following benefits of activity based costing as opposed to traditional methods of costing: Identifying the most and least profitable customers, products and channels. Determine the true contributors to— and detractors from—financial performance. Accurately predict costs, profits and resource requirements associated with changes in production volumes, organizational structure and resource costs. Easily identify the root causes of poor financial performance. Track costs of activities and work processes. Equip managers with cost intelligence to drive improvements. Facilitate better Marketing Mix. Enhance the bargaining power with the customer. Achieve better Positioning of products. (â€Å"Activity Based Costing,† 2008). Businesses that benefit the most from activity based costing are those with high manufacturing operating expenses or overhead costs. These costs may result from a diverse range or products, intensity of capital, or vertically integrated system of manufacturing. Activity based costing may help such businesses not only to understand but also to control their operating expenses so as to increase their revenues (O’Guin, 1991, p. 76). Organizations with large marketing, sales or distribution costs may also reap great benefits from activity based costing. As mentioned previously, this method of costing identifies those customers that are most profitable from those that are least profitable. This provides insight to management on how to improve operations. With activity based costing, such businesses may be able to answer questions such as: â€Å"What discounts are appropriate for large orders? What size accounts should salespersons no longer call on? How effective is advertising to different markets? † (O’Guin, p. 76). Firms that are experiencing sluggish or low profitability on increasing sales may be suffering from growth that is unmanaged. It may very well be that these businesses are selling products at losses to a number of customers. The accounting system of accurately measuring costs, that is, activity based costing, would allow these firms to determine which of their customers and products are generating revenues and which are not (O’Guin, p. 76). O’Guin describes another benefit of the activity based costing system thus: Even with a diverse product line or customer base and very high profitability, a company lacking an ABC system is surprisingly vulnerable. Product profitability probably varies widely across the company. Highly profitable products present an irresistible target to new market entrants. Management should know which products are reaping enormous margins, so they can erect barriers to entry. (p. 76). Also according to O’Guin, the activity based costing system provides not only strategic but also tactical benefits to businesses that implement it. Whereas benefits that are strategic in nature may be realized only once in a blue moon, for the simple reason that organizations cannot be expected to change their pricing, business operations, distribution or manufacturing processes each year – tactical benefits may be realized constantly. Indeed, activity based costing could help businesses not only with reduction of overhead costs, but also just-in-time support, improvement of quality, decisions about design, and investment in capital. Thus, businesses that implement the activity based costing system may improve their profitability on an ongoing basis (O’Guin, p. 76). In the twenty first century, companies that have a competitive edge are those that maintain flexibility, a trend that has been recognized as a critical factor for success since the 1990s. Life cycles of products have been shortened and focus on the customer has become increasingly important. As economies of scale virtually disappear, manufacturing plants that are successful are those that are able to quickly introduce innovative products and economically produce small quantities. Activity based costing system can help businesses tremendously to achieve these goals. What is more, this system of costing could assist businesses of the twenty first century to achieve their goal to increase employee motivation. With the activity based costing system in place, employees increase their understanding of business activities and therefore their involvement in business operations. So, for example, whenever they see a mound of papers they would see overhead costs, leading them to the following questions: Why do we have so many bills? Why are there so many process involved in our purchase orders (O’Guin, p. 76)? Thus, the activity based costing system encourages businesses to push their rates of cost drivers down. This helps in the reduction of time to setup, streamlines buying, in addition to time taken to development a product. When costs are attached to each of these processes or activities, management may not only measure but also plan improvement (O’Guin, p. 76). As mentioned before, some of these improvements may entail reducing production of goods or service to customers that cost more to produce or service than the others. Hence, the activity based costing system may also lead the business that implements it to improve upon its marketing mix or positioning of its products. If products and customers that cost more than the others are required by the company to produce or serve in the same quantity as before, however, activity based costing system helps the organization to improve its processes in order to decrease its costs without reducing the quantity to produce or serve. After all, it is only possible to improve inefficient processes. Because activity based costing allows the company to weigh the costs of activities against their benefits, firms that use it are in a great position to increase the efficiency of all of their processes so as to gain competitive advantages. References Activity Based Costing. (2008). Value Based Management. Retrieved Jan 27, 2009, from http://www. valuebasedmanagement. net/methods_abc. html. Cooper, R. (1988, Summer). The Rise of Activity-Based Costing – Part One: What is an Activity-Based Cost System? Journal of Cost Management, pp. 45-54. O’Guin, M. C. (1991). The Complete Guide to Activity-based Costing. Chicago, IL: CCH Tax and Accounting.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Quality Assessment System in Construction

Quality Assessment System in Construction 1.0 Introduction Quality assessment system in construction industry is a system or method to measure and evaluate the quality of workmanship of a construction work based on the relevant approved standard. This assessment sets out the standard on quality of workmanship for various construction elements of building and infrastructure construction work. The quality of workmanship of a construction work is assessed according to the requirement of the relevant standard, and marks are awarded if the workmanship complies with the standard, (CIDB, 2011). According to Wong, (2007), one of the hallmarks of a developed construction industry is in the output of quality buildings and structures. It is therefore critical to inculcate among professionals, contractors and end-users the awareness of quality products and good designs, not only to raise the standard of the industrys products, but also to reduce wastage arising from rework. The Quality Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) developed by CIDB is an independent method to measure and evaluate the quality of workmanship and finishes of construction works based on objective comparison through a sampling and statistical approach. The Malaysian construction industry stakeholders are looking forward to action plans by CIDB in implementing QLASSIC with incentives as has been the case for the Construction Quality Assessment System (CONQUAS) in Singapore. Mahmood. et al. (2010) stated the quality management system is being increasingly applied to the construction company to solve quality problem. The implementation of this system required a culture change and change in management behaviour. The organization need to shift from their current culture to a quality management system culture that focuses on quality as a key strategy. A review of literature identifies ten important culture elements that contribute to successful implementation of quality management system, which include leadership and top management commitment, customer management, training and education, teamwork, people management and empowerment, supplier partnership, quality planning and strategic, process management, rewards and recognition and effective communication. 2.0 Problem Statements Nowadays, the quality of the building becomes an issue when many accidents occurred related to the building failure such as building collapse. Many criticisms received from public about this quality of the building. This has proven when Mahmood et al. (2010) stated that construction industry in Malaysia has been viewed as one of the sectors that have a poor quality compared to other sectors such as agriculture or automotive sector. This is supported by Said et. al. (2009) when he claims that there were misunderstandings among the organization player on Quality Management System (QMS) concepts has become a stumbling block for its successful implementation. Said et. al (2010, c.f SIRIM 2005) also found that QMS could be implemented either at the organization level or at the project level itself. Looking at the construction industry scenario in Malaysia, there are approximately 4000 ISO 9001:2000 QMS certified organizations in the Malaysian construction related industry. However, the number is still relatively small when compared to the total number of 63,204 organizations in this industry. Looking at the current scenario in the Malaysian construction industry, QMS compliance is a required factor to improve the quality of the Malaysian Construction Industry. Keng and Hamzah (2011, c.f Haupt et al. 2004) also found several problems found in implementing the quality assessment system on construction site such as too much paperwork, transient nature of workforce, field employees regard quality management as irrelevant, difficulty in measuring results, and subcontractors and suppliers not interested in assessment 3.0 Aim and Objectives of the Study The aim of this research is to study the impacts of implementation of quality assessment system in construction projects. Objectives: To identify the advantages from implementation of Quality Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) system in construction project. To determine the challenges in implementing quality assessment system in construction project. 4.0 Scope and Limitation Among the parties involved in construction, the contractors are the one who know the real situation in the construction compared to others. Beside that, the contractors also know the whole process in construction starting site possession until the projects is completed. Therefore, this research will be conducted with focusing: Only to contractor G6 or G7 (CIDB) that already engaged with high cost construction project that focus on quality of the building and clients satisfaction as a main priority. The limitation of the research survey only focus on Klang Valley area because this area was highly developed with new buildings design. 5.0 Research Methodology Primary Data A set of questionnaire will distribute to collect valuable data for this research. This interview may conduct to the targeted group in construction projects or organization. Secondary Data The researcher found literature review as his secondary resources with aim to investigate the previous research and body of knowledge about the quality assessment system in Malaysian construction industry. Problem statement Objective 2 To determine the challenges in implementing quality assessment system in construction project. Objective 1 To identify the advantages from implementation of Quality Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) system in construction project. Literature review Questionnaire Case study Comments and conclusion Impacts of implementation of quality assessment system in construction projects. Figure 1.1: flow chart of research process CHAPTER II:Â  LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Quality Assessment in Construction (QLASSIC) 2.1.1 Introduction According to CIDB (2006), Quality Assessment System for Building Construction Work (QLASSIC) is an independent method to assess and evaluate the quality of workmanship of building projects based on the standard stated as a guideline. Yin (2012), added that Quality Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) is a system to measure and evaluate the quality of workmanship of a construction work based on the relevant approved standard. QLASSIC enables the quality of workmanship between construction projects to be objectively compared through a scoring system. The purpose of this scheme is to enable a construction project to be undergone in standard of procedure in order to ensure the quality of workmanship in the works The construction industry and the private sector plays an important role in creating wealth and improving the quality of life of Malaysians through interpretation of socio-economic policy of the governments social and economic infrastructure and buildings. In addition, the construction industry creates multiplier effects to other industries, including manufacturing, financial services, and professional services. The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) (2006), has published a special guideline for measuring the quality of construction and become As a parameter for the level of quality achieved in a construction project in Malaysia. Rating of the workmanship will be made through site inspections. Assessments will be conducted by a qualified evaluator of QLASSIC registered, trained and have passed the training conducted by the CIDB 2.1.2 Objectives of QLASSIC Masters Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) (2006), stated that CIDB list down objectives of the QLASSIC system: To elevate the level of quality in the construction industry. To have a standard quality assessment system as a benchmark for quality of construction works. To assist contractors to achieve defect-free when carrying out construction work. To be used as criteria to evaluate the performance of contractors based on quality of workmanship. To be used for data compilation for statistical analysis in estimating the level of quality and productivity of the construction industry. 2.1.3 Scopes of QLASSIC CIDB (2006), stated that this assessment is set out for the quality of workmanship for the various aspects of the construction elements for the general building works. It will cover four main components which is, Structural works, Architectural works, Mechanical and Electrical (M E) works and External works. Assessments on the workmanship are carried out based on this standard and marks are awarded if the workmanship complies with the standards. These marks are then summed up to give a total quality score (%) for the building project. However, the assessment excludes works such as piling, foundation and sub-structure works which are heavily equipment-based and called under separate contracts or sub contracts. The building is assessed primarily on workmanship standards achieved through site inspection and field testing. The assessment is done throughout the construction process for structural and M E works. For completed building projects the assessment is done for architectural, M E fittings and external works. Apart from site inspection, the assessment also includes field tests, test results on the material and the functional performance of selected services and installations. These tests help to safeguard the interest of building occupants in relation to safety, comfort and aesthetic; these defects may surface only after sometime. In addition, MBAM (2006), stated that QLASSIC sets out the standards for various construction elements in building work and other infrastructure work. The quality assessment on the workmanship and finishes of the construction work is based on these standards and points are awarded if the workmanship and finishes comply with the standards. These points are then summed up to give a total quality score called the QLASSIC Score (%) for a project. The assessment is conducted at the construction site through inspection and field testing. The score will be done on construction works that are inspected for the first time. Construction works that are rectified and corrected after the assessment will not be rescored. The objective of this practice is to encourage contractors to do things right the first time and every time 2.1.4 Components to be assessed According to QLASSIC (2006), the quality standards for building construction work are divided into four main components:- a) Structural works The structural integrity of the building is of paramount importance as the cost of failure and repairs are very significant. The assessment of structural works comprises: Site inspection of formwork, steel reinforcement, prefabricated or pre-cast elements, etc. during construction. Laboratory testing of compressive strength of concrete and tensile strength of steel reinforcement. Non-destructive testing of the uniformity and the cover of hardened concrete. b) Architectural works Architectural works deal mainly with the finishes. This is the part where the quality and standards of workmanship are most visible. Architectural works are works such as floors, internal walls, ceiling, door and window, fixtures and fittings, external wall, roofs, driveway, porch and apron. c) Mechanical and Electrical (M E) works The quality of M E works is important in view of its increasingly high cost proportion and its impact on the performance of a building. The assessment covers electrical works, air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation works (ACMV), fire protection works, sanitary and plumbing works, lifts, escalator and other basic M E fittings. d) External works External works cover the general external work elements in building construction such as the linkways/ shelters, drains, road works, car parks, footpaths, turfings, playgrounds, gates and fences, swimming pools, hardscapes and electrical substation. 2.1.5 Assessment approach In general, the assessor determines the samples or elements to be assessed to each assessment. The samples are selected from drawings and plans. The selected samples shall be distributed as uniformly as possible throughout the project and construction stages. All locations are to be offered for the assessment. The scoring will be done on the works that are inspected for the first time. When an assessed item does not comply with the corresponding QLASSIC standards, it is considered failed and an X will be noted in the assessment form. Likewise a v is given for an item meeting the standards. A - will be given to indicate that the item is not applicable. The score is computed based on the number of v over the total number of items assessed. (CIDB, 2006) MBAM (2006) stated that, it is impractical to assess all elements in a construction project, QLASSIC assessment uses a sampling process to carry out the assessment. The samples are selected from drawings and plans of the relevant construction project. a) Structural Works The assessment is carried out throughout the various construction stages. The numbers of samples are determined based on the gross floor area (GFA) of the building with a minimum and maximum number of samples. b) Architectural works The assessment is carried out upon completion of the building project and before handing over of the project. The samples are determined based on the gross floor area (GFA) of the building with a minimum and maximum number of samples. c) Mechanical and Electrical (M E) works The samples are determined based on the gross floor area (GFA) of the building with a minimum and maximum number of samples. For completed projects the assessment is carried out upon completion of the building project and before handing over of the project. For projects in progress the assessment is carried out throughout the various construction stages. d) External works The assessment is carried out upon completion of the building and before handing over of the project. The numbers of samples are determined based on (10m length section/ location) with a minimum number of samples. 2.1.6 Evaluation process of QLASSIC START Architectural work Structural work ME work External work Developers / contractors shall made application APPLY TO CIDB SCOPE OF EVALUATION Numbers of sample is based on guideline in CIS7 Samples are identified before assessors make an evaluation SAMPLING FROM ASSESSOR Qualified assessors will assess the samples. The quality standard based on CIS7. SAMPLING ON SITE QLASSIC SCORE (%) Report from CIDB based on the evaluation by assessors. FINISH 2.1.7 QLASSIC assessor To be an assessor, the persons must attend the QLASSIC training course before being qualified to carry out the actual assessment at the construction sites. The QLASSIC assessors are continuously updated to ensure consistency and effective implementation of the assessment. Requirements of QLASSIC assessor; Malaysian citizen Age: 25-60 years Possesses an academic qualification in construction related fields such as architectural/civil/mechanical/electrical engineering/quantity surveyor or other fields Successfully completed the QLASSIC Assessor Certification Programme. Posses minimum working experience in the construction industry according to academic qualification as follows. 2.2 Quality philosophy 2.2.1 Quality concept Many definitions had been made in order to explain the terms of quality. Hoyle (1998), defined quality as a degree of excellence, conformance with requirements, the totally of characteristic of an entity that bear its ability to satisfy stated or implied needs, fitness for use. In addition, he also stated quality as freedom from defects, imperfections or contamination. In other words, quality is focus on satisfaction needs and costumers demand as a first priority. In construction industry, the offer from clients to contractor to do projects with a terms and conditions need to be followed by contractors and if the projects is completed according the requirements given is a quality products. According to Besterfield (1998), quality cannot be measured by with number or it intangible and it only can be measure by personnel perception. Quality only can be quantified as follows: Q = P/E Where, Q=Quality P=Performance E=Expectations According to the formula, if quality is greater, the costumer has a good feeling about the products deliver. 2.2.2 Quality parameter According to Hoyle (1998), difference in design can be classified or group into different class and the results can be good or poor. It is not enough to produce product only conform to the specification or supply services that meet managements requirement. Quality can be classified in three parameters which is: Quality of design is the extent to which the design reflects a product or services that satisfies costumer needs. All the necessary characteristics need to be designed into the product or service at the outset. Quality of conformance is the extent to which the product or service conform to the design standard. The design has faithfully translating the clients need and it depends on the processes to realize the design into an actual end products. Quality of use is the extent which the user able to secure continuity of use from the product or service. Products need to have a low cost of ownership be safe and reliable and maintainable in use. 2.2.3 Quality management According to Juran (1989), basic purpose of quality management is to eliminate failure in services or products. Failure not only that products, process or services but it would be fail in their function or their function not satisfy to customer demand. Hence, the quality management consist of planning, organizing, controlling and preventing the products or services from failure. All the methods and technique that use in quality management must be useful to improve and increase the quality of the products or services. This quality management include inspection process. Inspection is a process where quality is measured before deliver the products or services to the costumer. However, inspection alone is not enough to deliver quality products or services, it must adopt with the other practice to prevent failure. Quality management is both technical and behavioural subject. Therefore, the management of quality involves many aspects of an organization and the organization must make sure all its function inter-related and work efficiently and effectively because whenever any function fail to perform, they will effect to another. 2.2.4 Quality control Quality control is the operational activities or techniques used to fulfil the requirement for quality. In other words, it is a process to maintain standards and prevent from failure. Standard can be control by process of selection, measurement and correction of work. Quality control can be applied in the processes that produce products by measuring the overall quality performance of the organization.(Juran, 1989) There are steps to control the quality; Determine what elements need to be controlled. Determine whether it needs to be control before, during or after the result. Establish details for the parameter to be controlled. Establish plans for control which specify the means by which the characteristics will be achieved and variation detected and removed. Organize resource to implement the quality control. Install sensor at an appropriate point in the process. Collect the data. Analyze the results. Propose solutions and decide the technique to overcome the problems. Take the action and check again whether it has been corrected or not. 2.2.5 Quality improvement Quality improvement can be defined as an action taken by the organization to increase and improve the effectiveness of activities or processes to provide satisfaction to the costumer. (ISO,2000). In other words, process of changing the quality for the products or services that can improve the level of satisfaction to the costumer. This can be done by control or increase the standard. Control approach can be done by improving the rate at which an agreed standard is achieved. The second approach is by increase the standard and setting new level. New standard can be created by making research and development to a products and services. 2.2.6 Quality assurance ISO (2000), defined the quality assurance as a planned and systematic action necessary to provide adequate confidence that an entity will fulfil the requirements for quality. Costumers and managers need a quality assurance, as they cannot oversee the operation for themselves. The assurance of quality can be gained by testing a products or services against prescribed standards to establish in capability to meet them. This approach can give confidence only to the tested products. Quality assurance not controls the quality, it establish the extent to which quality will be, is being or has been controlled. 2.2.7 Quality system Hoyle (1998), stated that system is a set of function or activities that operate together to achieve the aim. A success quality system will lead the organization to achieve, sustain and improve the quality. It is a planning, well evaluates and organized to produce a required quality performance. A quality system is the approach to achieve all desire quality goals. Quality system focus on the quality of the organization produces, the factors which will cause the organization to achieve its goals, the factors influencing the customer satisfaction and identify nonconforming product. Quality system needs to possess certain characteristics for them to be fit for their purpose. Robustness ability to withstand variation in the way operation are carried out without failure Complexity the number of interconnections, routings, pathways, variations, options, etc, which give rise multiple procedure. Maintainability the ease and economy with which system changes can be made. Flexibility ability of the system can handle the changes in circumstances. Consistency the ability of the documented system unifies communication both within itself and the organizations. 2.3 Challenges faced by construction project team in implementation of QLASSIC 2.3.1 Introduction CIDB (2008) stated that like any other countries around the world, Malaysian construction industries face the problems that affect the development of construction sector. If these problems not managed and addressed effectively it become worst. The construction sector will continue play an important role as a main contributor to the Malaysia economy. To make sure the construction sector become stronger, Malaysia introduced many ways and one of the ways by introducing the QLASSIC system by CIDB. Although it was introduced several years ago, the implementations of this system still not achieve the target. Only few projects were applied this system. This because there are few problems and challenges regarding implementing this system faced by construction team. 2.3.2 Fragmentation and Disintegration of the Construction Industry The construction industry has remained a very fragmented industry where different activities in the entire value chain of the construction processes are being undertaken by different parties, often undertaken in isolation, thus resulting in inefficiencies. In particular, the segregation of design and construction activities which is widely practiced does not encourage consideration for factors like savings in labour utilisation, ease of maintenance, construction safety and the practicality of construction methods.(CIDB,2008) As a result of the lack of such integration considerations in the industry, the process to implement the QLASSIC system to the construction projects is difficult. The different players are also become conflict and the implementation of this system become unsuccessful. This because there are many parties involved in construction projects. Thus, some of the parties will implement the system and some are not. So, the systems are not applied on the overall parts or elements that need to be assess in the construction projects. 2.3.3 Foreign labour Labour-intensive conventional methods of construction that are still prevalent in Malaysia. The adoption of such methods are encouraged by the cheaper cost of employment of foreign workers with lower wages and the availability of such workers for short-term periods of work.. Another reason for the heavy dependency on foreign labour involves the fact that the local workforce is reluctant to be employed as construction workers in the wet trades, where the image of the construction industry has always been one that is Dirty, Dangerous and Difficult. (CIDB, 2008) As a result, the implementation of QLASSIC system in construction projects becomes a problem because foreign workers do not understand this system. They are not expose about this system by the authorities. Thus, it become challenges for construction team to make sure the construction projects meet the standard that need in the QLASSIC system. 2.3.4 Lack of RD CIDB (2008) mentioned, the local construction industry is characterised as one that is labour-intensive, which has resulted in numerous challenges as highlighted previously. There is a need for the construction industry to progress towards one that is more focused on innovation and automation. However, the pace of innovation through RD and automation through the adoption of new construction methods are relatively low due to the abundance of cheap foreign labour. Despite the lack of RD initiatives in the Malaysian construction industry, there has been progress on the local front to encourage and stimulate RD activities in the construction industry. As a result, one of the factor this system did not get attention from construction team is because lack of RD. Before this system introduced to the construction sector, the responsible authorities that doing this research must make sure that the information gather from the research is enough and the opinion from all the parties involved in construction project is taking into consideration. This is because the construction parties are the main target as they will use this system. So, opinion from construction parties is the first priority to suite with construction projects when implementation this system. 2.4 Effective strategies in implementing QLASSIC 2.4.1 Stepping up research and development Wong (2007), stated that Research and Development (RD) is critical to productivity and quality. Improvements in the construction industry such as better materials, more cost-effective design and construction methods and labour-saving equipment are often introduced by way of RD initiative. However, for RD to be useful there is a need to ensure that new technologies and capabilities are efficiently shared and adopted by players in the industry to enhance the quality of the building. At the present moment, the amount of Malaysian construction RD ranges from negligible to non-existent. On the other hand, RD conducted by local institution of higher learning is often perceived as not been able to meet industry needs. Hence, there is a need for stronger collaboration between academia and the industry in stimulating RD efforts in order to produce quality of the building. 2.4.2 Raising the Skills Level According to Wong (2007), the reality is that so long as the industry has a ready access to a large number of foreign workers, there is very little incentive for the industry to upgrade itself. While recognizing that the industry will continue to rely on foreign workers in the near and medium term, there is a need to reduce the number of unskilled foreign workers. CIDB, in collaboration with the National Vocational Training Council of Malaysia (MLVKM) ha s developed the National Occupational Skill Standards (NOSS) for the construction industry, for the purpose of developing skilled manpower in the industry by development of training module for the various trades as well as for skill accreditation for career development of construction personnel. The Malaysian construction industry at present is largely dependent on low skilled foreign workers. As introduce new technologies and push for higher quality the demand for manpower especially foreign workers should be reduced. 2.4.3 Enhancing professionalism Enhancing professionalism of the industry can be achieved at three levels, namely the individual, trade association or professional institution, and the industry. At the individual level, the curriculum of institution of higher learning should be enhanced to include common modules and soft skills. At trade association or professional institution level, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme should be made mandatory for the renewal of professional membership as is currently practised by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), Board of Architect Malaysia (BAM) and Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM). To synchronize professional practice and thinking, it is also necessary for each profession to draw up its own set of code of conduct. (Wong, 2007) This will help to lay the foundation for constructional skills needed for construction players. Hence it must constantly promote, recognise and reward creativity, quality work, and innovation to integrate the various processes in the industry, but also to project a more progressive image. 2.4.4 Training and Education Firms that establish workplace education programmes report noticeable improvements in their workers abilities and the quality of their products (Cebeci and Beskese, 2002). The importance of training is to ensure that the skills of the workforce do not become obsolete in an environment of change and an understanding and attitude of quality is developed and maintained. Training should be directed at all levels of the organization to understand the QLASSIC process. 2.4.5 Integrated approach to construction According to Wong (2007), the construction industry is highly fragmented due to the sequential nature of the construction process. One of the major causes of low productivity and quality is the lack of integration of activities across the construction value chain. Consequently, mistakes in the construction stage resulting low quality of the building. So, through integration focus on effective interpersonal relationships, jointly planned work, identifying and solving problems will produce better quality. QLASSIC is one of the methods that need the integration by all the construction players to implement it. 2.4.6 Rewards and recognition An important feature of any quality improvement programme is showing due recognition for improved performance by any individual, section, and department or division within the company considers recognition as one of the most important steps of the quality improvement proce