Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Equality And Inclusion In Health And Social Care Essay

Outcome 1.1 Explain what is meant by Diversity – Understanding that every individual is different, and being able to recognise and individuals unique differences, whether it be age, race, gender etc. Equality – Every person being treated equally and fairly regardless of cultural backgrounds, sexuality, beliefs. Inclusion – Being included without being limited or restricted, and irrespective of differences such as disabilities embracing individuals to make them feel included. Outcome 1.2 Describe ways in which discrimination may deliberately or inadvertently occur in the work setting A person being treated differently or unfairly because they are from a different race or from a different culture. Discrimination inadvertently can happen when a certain group of people feel restricted or limited from something like a general rule that applies to all only being written in English, excluding members from other cultural backgrounds and creating a barrier. Outcome 1.3 Explain how practices that support equality and inclusion reduce the likelihood of discrimination Treating another person as you equal, engaging and including them will have a positive effect and therefore reduce the likelihood of discrimination. Read more: What is meant by inclusion in health and social care  essay Outcome 2.1 Identify which legislation and codes of practice relating to equality, diversity and discrimination apply to own role Equality Act GSCC – The General Care Council Human Rights Act Outcome 2.3 Describe how to challenge discrimination in a way that encourages change Being positive towards co workers and service users, promoting positive behaviour will make other people feel positive and hopefully change their opinions and actions in the future. Outcome 3.1 Identify a range of sources of information, advice and support about diversity Library Internet Colleagues Policies and procedures Work based training Outcome 3.2 Describe how and when to access information, advice and support about diversity, equality and inclusion You can access this information by asking your line manager and also in the policy and procedures, if you feel someone is being treated unfairly the information should be dealt with as soon as possible

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

“In The Lake Of The Woods” by Tim O’Brien

In the book (O’Brien, 1995) â€Å"In The Lake Of The Woods† by Author, Tim O’Brien, the author was able to convince me that I was there on September 19, 1986, when the woman disappeared close to the lake in Northern Minnesota. The vanishing of Kathy Wade was eerie and I was constantly asking myself what could have happened to this woman. Did she drown in the lake? The possibilities were endless and the author kept me in suspense as I feared the worst in this situation that took place in the woods. Kathy’s husband John who was a politician seemed to be an immediate suspect in Kathy’s disappearance.His character didn’t seem like one that was very respectable and although he was very handsome, which made him seem less of a suspect, his downward spiral in his political career did raise questions of his innocence. When the Wade family drove to the woods in Minnesota, I knew that they were going to be in for a fearful adventure. The secret tunnels and doors were quite interesting but the underground chamber was terrifying! Anything was liable to happen down there and it did raise vivid images of the spooky quarters. One thing could easily turn into something else at any given moment in this haunting tale.How could John Wade go from being a magician to a killer of the woman that he was supposed to love? From the very beginning of the story, it was as if you knew that Kathy was going to vanish but there was always hope that she would be found, throughout the entire story and I did try to visualize something happening to her that didn’t involve her husband. This story was able to take me backward and forward throughout the book, talking about different periods of time, which all had to do with the ultimate question of â€Å"What happened to Kathy?† John Wade, the soldier, you just didn’t want to believe that he was a murderer, although his friends in Vietnam did refer to him as a Sorcerer because of his magi c tricks, which seemed to flow in the story. Was he capable of love or was that just an illusion or just another one of his many tricks he held up his sleeve. That question was always on my mind. Kathy did know some things about John, because she sometimes called him â€Å"Inspector Clouseau† just another one of the many names that people that had been associated with, called him.He was easily transferred from one title to another, and each title was just as interesting as the last. He was a character with many talents, I suppose, including murder, perhaps? You did have to wonder if maybe Kathy was in that house. Was she a part of the magic that was inside or was she at the bottom of the lake in the woods? This story is very spooky and a little evil. I wonder what kind of mind did the author possess, himself to be able to come up with some of his ideas that made John Wade such an exceptional character in this book.Did the author have some of the same characteristics of this m an, John Wade or did he just make it all up? I think that all authors have some of the traits and qualities that they describe in their writing and I tried to sort through the reading and pick out some of those traits and associate them with the author. Was he into magic tricks and murder or perhaps he fought in a war and wanted to describe some of the events that he was recalling. This book is so engrossed in questions and I still have to wonder how one man could have so many different personalities.He was a politician, possible murderer, fighter in Vietnam, magician. He was handsome and obviously charming because of the fact that he seduced his wife and was successful in marrying Kathy. She must have trusted her husband, fully. I would have liked to have been able to read more about Kathy, while she was still alive in this story. I’m positive that she would have been able to shed more light on this story and possibly talk about the more private side of her husband’s personal life; things that only a wife would know about their mate.She would have been able to talk about his very personal side and maybe shed some light on what was going to happen to her in this story. She could have possibly predicted her own death and talked about it and maybe she could have left behind some clear hints of her ultimate fate. This story is extremely scary and confusing, without any doubt. It tends to make you not trust people, fully. It leaves an empty feeling inside you as if you had witnessed a horrible event. You always want to hold that inch of faith that maybe people aren’t as bad as they probably truly are.In all reality, I think we should trust no human who possesses these traits as did John Wade. If I ever hear of a person talking about being ten different people in one, I will resort back to this eerie story and remember this character, immediately! He was one of those literary figures that gives you horrible nightmares and makes you question som e of his innumerous talents that you may have seen in another human being and never wondered about, before reading the book.I’m sure that I won’t be able to sleep after reading this story. It really wasn’t one of my favorite stories, although it was very interesting the way the author described the characters and events. His description of the events wasn’t lacking. It was the horror of it all that didn’t win my heart. There’s just something about being in the woods that makes you automatically feel like you want to leave, which is great for those people who love horror stories. The secret chambers would be incredible but terrifying!I guess that both John and Kathy were vanished into a crazy existence. Who knows where these two people were but I’m sure it was somewhere in the woods by the lake in Minnesota. Tim O’Brien is an incredible writer and does get the imagination going at full speed! I would like to read more of his wri ting but something a little less frightening, next time! What a crazy and tantalizing story. It is one that I won’t soon forget! Reference Page O’Brien, Tim. (1995). â€Å"In the Lake Of The Woods†. Penguin USA.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Subject Specific Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Subject Specific Study - Essay Example ICT encompasses a wide variety of audio-visual resources and â€Å"combinations of hardware, software and human resources that enable users to achieve more than they could with hardware and software alone, such as the Internet† (Kennewell, 2004, p. 5). These technologies have created new opportunities for students to interact among themselves, with their faculty and with course content inside and outside the classroom. The associated changes in the way in which knowledge is produced and used are of key relevance to education in the twenty-first century (Gibbons, 1998). Academia has to find ways to maximise the benefits offered by the new technologies. The term blended learning is used to describe a solution that combines different delivery methods. These can be a mix of various event-based activities such as face to face classrooms and online learning (Williams, 2002). However, this does not appear to define blended learning which should be viewed as an opportunity to revisit how courses are developed, scheduled and delivered through a balance of physical and virtual (internet and ICT) instructions, â€Å"bricks and clicks† (Bleed, 2001). Blended courses combine the traditional presentational format and computer based learning opportunities, enabling teachers to employ a variety of instructional techniques. ICT can be used to selectively present case studies, tutorials, self-testing exercises, simulations or other online modules in place of lecture material. As a result, the focus shifts to active learning through discussion and debate. This form of active learning â€Å"involves putting our students in situations which c ompel them to read, speak, listen, think deeply, and write† (Dodge, 2001, p6). Theories and principles of learning need not be bent to incorporate the effective use of ICT to supplement classroom practice; blending the use of technology into

Sunday, July 28, 2019

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

Internal analysis - Case Study Example As indicated in exhibit 2, marketing is valuable since the company has been able to cut down on its advertising spending through their strategies. The loyalty programs, used by the company, are common among the competing firms in the industry; hence putting the resource as a source competitive parity. The calculation shows that the company witnesses declining values for liquidity ratios and profitability ratios. This signpost the pitiable margin of safety the company has in settling its debt; consequently, focusing a brighter which jolts potential investors. The price increment had detrimental effects on the company’s profitability and reputation (ability to attract customers and investors) as portrayed by the ratios in exhibit 3. The company’s greatest weakness is the increase in marketing cost and the undue increase in product prices that increases its operating expenses without a corresponding increment in revenues and equity as explicated by the ratios in exhibit 3. The value chain activities analyzed in VRIO table above show the ability of the company to take up on investment activities while also withstanding competition in the market. Its act of increasing product prices affects its turnover and profitability. Price reduction and monitoring of its inventory level would help resolve the issue and attain a competitive advantage. The company generates most of its profit from shareholders investments. The 1.49% decrease in ROE between 2010 and 2011 indicates that the company is striving to diversify its investment and revenue sources. ROS declined by 0.23% between the period implying that its efficiency is plummeting and its ability to make profits is declining. Moreover, the decline in quick ratio values indicates that the company’s resource utilization is declining hence its compromising its ability to meet

Saturday, July 27, 2019

4 Questions about autobiography, biography, diary and letter writing Essay

4 Questions about autobiography, biography, diary and letter writing - Essay Example This biography clearly brings out the man and his impact in the world, especially in terms of musical transformation (Guralnick, 2012). Autobiographies, on the other hand involve stories compiled about an individual’s life but written by those particular people (Jolly, 2013). These individuals narrate their life and times. The Autobiography of Malcolm  X  is a good example. This autography was first written in 1965 by Malcolm explaining his life since childhood, the death of his father to his life as a human rights activist (Malcolm, 2001). Delafield (2009) says that a diary is a record of events in someone’s’ life compiled in one document. Diaries may be compiled over a limited time period such as a year, week or even month. The author also notes that diaries are narrated by the specific subjects and are usually for those persons specifically as opposed to biographies, autobiographies or even letters (Delafield, 2009). Simply, diaries are daily journal of daily events, such as one’s thoughts, actions, moods or actions. Pepys’ diary is a valid example. This diary was kept from January 1660 and records his daily life for about ten years, his women, friends, and businesses. He also explains his insecurities, worries, and irritable relationship with his spouse (Pepys, 2010). Lastly, Delafield (2009) explains that letters are a form of communication that confidential, personal or private in nature. Letters are also defined as notes that are written to friends or families. Letters, as Delafield (2009) says must have a recipient. An emphasis on the Paston Letters would explain this. These letters entail a collection of notes that consist of the messages from the members of the Paston family. From the letters, one could easily trace the state papers and other vital documents that were compiled by that particular family (Gairdner, 2008). These letters were sent to various recipients who had an interest with the family. As seen in the

Peer Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 5

Peer Review - Essay Example This is memorable because it brings out the abandoned work of civil society and the need to hold government accountable for social justice. The fact that the writer ends with a word of advice, asking that the tribal governments be allowed voices to speak gives a perfect sense of completion and that completion is that the needed freedoms have seen not been granted and that it is time to grant them to those who deserve them. Even though it is an important part of article writing to be making references to previous articles, especially when they are written by the same author, it is very important that once such reference is made some details will be given to the part of the article that is being referred to so that those who might never have access to such articles can understand what is being said but this was lacking here. The most memorable part of the essay is where revelation is made of how the people believed in human sacrifices in those days. This is memorable because it really teaches about societal evolution and the changes that has accompanied out social lifestyle over the years. Perhaps, they are things we do that will not be done 500 years to come. The ending of the story is very sudden because the writer suddenly gives factual reason to the source of the bones, which were found and served as topical issue at the beginning of the essay without giving indication of how this conclusion was arrived. In future works, the writer should be more detailed and structure the essay well be give it a solid conclusion that will not make readers wonder how come such definition claims as the source of the bones were established. The maker of the call for a Native American to take the highest position at the Supreme Court refuses to give justifiable reasons why the position has never been held by Native Americans. It would have served a lot of good and brought clarity if the reasons were given. It is memorable and refreshing to

Friday, July 26, 2019

Compare and Contrast the british parlimentary system with the american Term Paper

Compare and Contrast the british parlimentary system with the american presedential system - Term Paper Example In the parliamentary system of politics, the head of state is not the chief executive of the nation. In most cases, the functions of the head of state are merely ceremonial whereas the chief executive heads the legislature (Manuel and Cammisa 64). The comparisons and contrasts between the British and the American political systems will be discussed in this paper. To begin with, it is imperative to first discuss a brief background history of the two democracies. Apparently, The United States of America emerged during a colonial revolutionary war with the British. This colonial war was spearheaded by influential and successful people in America such as large ranch owners and merchants, lawyers and slave owners. They were primarily concerned with getting rid of the colonial rule of the British government as well as the governing structures that had been set up by the colonialists (Munroe 65). These colonial structures did not favor in any way the native farmers, slaves and laborers. The American political system was, therefore, established by revolution. They formed a new constitution, and a new state, in 1789 becoming the oldest democracy to have a functioning constitution. The British state was however not formed by revolution as was the American state. The parliamentary system of the British resulted mainly due to gradual change and evolution. This did not involve the overthrowing of a previous system (Manuel and Cammisa 64). The monarchial and aristocratic rule that was in Britain was just undermined gradually over the centuries to the present day. This means that the institutions and political structures that were there were not done away with. Half a million centuries ago there was a king in Britain, and there is a queen today. Although these structures remained over the years, the powers they hold and their functions have changed significantly. The kingdom today is mostly symbolic as opposed to the powers that the monarch commanded

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Case study on critical understanding of the treatment and sentencing Essay

Case study on critical understanding of the treatment and sentencing of young people - Essay Example The six elements were enunciated in the Morgan Report: Safer Communities: the Local Delivery of Crime Prevention through the Partnership Approach Home Office Standing Conference on Crime Prevention which were implemented by the 1998 Act. The six elements can be summarised as follows: In keeping with this mandate, the police have an option within the scope and range of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 whether to prosecute James. Under Section 65, the constable could have merely warned and reprimanded James if James had no antecedents or his detention and prosecution would not be in the public interest.2 On the facts however, James has been taken into custody and the presumption is that the arresting officer either is aware of James’ having committed previous offences or that his conduct is such that detention and prosecution would not offend the public interest. Section 69 introduces an Action Plan Order which is meant to aid in the rehabilitation of convicted youth offenders. This course of action may be administered to James in the event he is convicted of assault under the Offences Against the Person Act. The Action Plan Order is available to any child or young person who is convicted of an offence and the penalty is not fixed by law. Section 42 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 gives the sentencing tribunal options of two months imprisonment and/or fines for a conviction in respect of common assault or battery.3 Therefore the penalty for James’ offence is not fixed by law and he is eligible for the Action Plan Order. By virtue of the Action Plan Order, James will be required to be under the supervision of a designated officer for a period of three months following the date of the order. account for his conduct and whereabouts for three months commencing from the date of the order.4 The sentencing court may also make a Reparation Order under Section 67 of the Crime

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Comparison of strategic groups in UK and Spanish Grocery Industries Essay

Comparison of strategic groups in UK and Spanish Grocery Industries - Essay Example Technology penetration is high among UK Consumers. Reason is UK is highly literate and most of the software’s use English as the base language. Technology penetration is less among Spanish Consumers. Reason is the language and literacy level. Competition is mainly differentiation oriented focusing On Innovation and creativity. Competition is mainly Price oriented with differentiation playing a significant role. Competition is on a global basis as a lot of British companies go abroad for outsourcing their supply chain etc. Reason could be the Government policy. Competition is on a local basis as Spanish companies restrict themselves from going abroad and form associations and unions and restrict the entry of foreign players in Spain. Strategic Stable Time Periods in Strategic groups have been stable due to the stability of UK Economy. Strategic Stable Time Periods in Strategic groups have been unstable due to the un stability of Spanish Economy. The retail structure is the sam e except the inclusion of mid-range national chains. Spanish Local hypermarket operators form a part of Spanish retail structure.

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Fast Moving Consumer Goods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Fast Moving Consumer Goods - Essay Example This essay demonstrates that at the same time, they develop trust and loyalty towards their brands. Due to the dynamic changes that FMCG companies operate in, penetrating the UK, and their supermarket has been a challenge. There has been a success and at the same time failures, this depending on the strategies employed in promoting the products. A specialized team appointed by Zeal Creative undertaking consultancy on various issues concerning FMCG companies in UK supermarkets found that different approaches, in communicating to customers, has been the key to either success or market failure. in consultancy, different products are to be sampled from leading supermarkets in the United Kingdom and strategies that various FMCG companies used and how best the succeeded in implementing these communication avenues. The consultancy working for Zeal Creatives conducted both primary and secondary research looking into the newspaper, company financial reports, marketing website and any other re levant research material that could help the consultancy analyze the reasons for success or failure of penetration into UK supermarkets. The research covers and analyses both in of the store and out of store communications. The research is interested in all UK supermarkets and using both the primary and secondary data the research focuses on the best practices to be adopted by FMCG companies. This is key to prior identification of the big winners and losers in terms of market penetration. The report sampled companies such as ASDA, Bacardi, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Weetabix and, Johnson & Johnson. These companies both within the five years of concern used various strategies in communicating with their customers. Various in of the store and out of store communications approaches will be analyzed, and informed judgment made on the best approach applicable in future.  

Monday, July 22, 2019

French Philosophers Essay Example for Free

French Philosophers Essay MONTAIGNE Montaigne is both a literary writer and a philosopher a humanist. Montaigne’s essays: cover a loto f topics without claiming to provide a definitive or an absolute truth about these topics: â€Å"We have no communication with being†, Essays, II, 12 The Problem of Truth Being is not accessible for a finite being as we (men) are. Senses or reason are not criteria of truth. Sense is no criteria since its always changing and reason is no criteria also because we only have access to appeareances, which also change. Things are always changing. They are in a perpetual movement : The only â€Å"thing† we are directly in relation with is ourselves. The â€Å"I† is constantly changing, is in a perpetual movement and it is not self-centred or an egocentric character it is the first step to explore the whole world. He is emblematic of the rebirth of SCEPTICISM. Scepticism is the position that says that it is impossible to know anything because all the propositions are equal. For skeptics there’s no criteria for thruth. 3 Main Principles A) Epoche = â€Å"suspending judgement† when you are not sure of what you are saying. The Greek word epoche means to check, cease, suspend, stop, or pause in some activity that otherwise or normally occurs. The sceptic suspends his judgment for default of a good reason for exercising it. The dogmatist asserts that something is true. B) Relativism = all points of view are equally valid. C) Isosthenia = the equality of strength of two opposing arguments. Sceptism is more a process than a result, is more a methodology. Descartes Dogmatism, Rationalism and Dualism 1. Dogmatism comes from the greek word â€Å"dogma†(opinion or belief) Common and pejorative sense: the tendency to lay down principles as undeniably true, without consideration of evidence or the opinion of others. Philosophical meaning: doctrine that asserts that man is able to get to the  truth or, in other words, that man is able to attain absolute truths and certainty of knowing (Opposite of Skepticism). Descartes is dogmatic since he believes that we can get to absolute certainty, what he calls evidence or clear perceptions(intelectual perception, the one you can get through the eyes of mind, not the eyes of body). We can reach the truth. Reason is unique and ultimate source of truth. 2.Rationalism: REASON versus senses. Reason is the chief source and test of knowledge. Rationalism is based on deduction (versus induction). ln that sense, it is opposed to empiricism: the theory of knowledge which states that knowledge comes only or primarily from sensory experience Knowledge is an activity of our mind that applies itself to identify the figures and the properties that essentially constitutes one thing (Text 3 Wax argument) Dream argument: ln our dreams our sensations are sometimes so strong that everything is going as if we were awake (whereas in fact we are not) Our senses are deceitful: we can’t trust them ; only reason can be trusted Wax argument: Knowledge ≠  observing its empirical qualities. Knowledge is an activity of our mind that applies itself to identify the figures and the properties that essentially constitute one thing. Cogito, ergo sum: essential link between thought and humanity.Thinking is the only proof of my existence and it is also my essence; both are simultaneous. I prove my existence by my essence (versus accidental qualities). Moreover, thinking is a property that only men possess.ïÆ'   animals are not able to think and that’s also why they are not able to speak (text 5). 3. Dualism: In philosophy of mind, dualism is a view about the relationship between mind and matter which claims that mind and matter are two ontologically separate categories. It is opposed to monism: philosophical view according to which everything can be explained in terms of a single reality or substance. â€Å"I am not only lodged in my body as a pilot in a vessel† This sentence shows that Descartes also tries to think the union and the connection of mind and body in the human being that we are Rousseau (Enlightment) Rousseau has a contractualist or contractarian approach of society: he conceives it as an invention or as an artifice. Legitimate authority of government must derive from the consent of the governed ïÆ'  Society doesn’t exist by nature. contractualism is opposed to naturalism, The state of nature: the one that exists before the invention of society. Rousseau does not think that this state really existed. It is methodological: the state of nature aims to understand and to evaluate the civil state we are actually living in. Why is the state of nature so good? State of nature is defined by pity and self-loved. Considers that man in the state of nature are not leaving together and are independent. According to Rousseau, the state of nature is a state of self-sufficiency in which every man is equal. On the contrary, civil state introduces: property, inequality, love of self That’s why it is a perversion and a degradation of our natural condition Different from Hobbes: Hobbes argues that all humans are by nature equal in faculties of body and mind. From this equality, everyone is naturally in competition with one another (copiar resto) Love of self: always comparing yourself to the other and trying to see what you can do to be better†¨ Self Love: you always give your 100% He is not saying we should return to the state of nature. He considers the  state of nature as a moral value in order to evaluate society. Human Nature 2 essential properties: 1) PERFECTIBILITY or faculty of improvement (Text 2) Perfectibility draws men out of this original condition and gives him adaptability. At the same time, perfectibility is responsible for the evill. 2) FREEDOM (Text 1). Nature and instinct (beast) are here opposed to freedom. Nature and instinct are here opposed to freedom. Dog cant go against his instinct, if he is hungry for example. freedom is the equivalent of what we call â€Å"autonomy† If society perverts humankind, but if, at the same time, man doesn’t have to return to a state of nature, this is because his essential properties (freedom and perfectibility) imply to divorce from nature Difference of DEGREE between men and beast. Men, like animals, are also able to form ideas but they are more complex than the ones animals could form. There is a difference in terms of nature since men are free and animals follow their instinct. Freedom is the ability of choice. We are able to determine ourselves to act and not to be passive in front of each situation. Freedom is the equivalent to what we call autonomy 4. The Social Contract This legitimate political authority comes from a social contract agreed upon by all citizens for their mutual preservation. (1) The collective grouping of all citizens = the â€Å"sovereign† (it is like an individual person). As the sovereign entirely proceeds from our will: â€Å"each man, in giving himself to all, gives himself to nobody† (text 4). Obeying the contract coincides with obeying ourselves and that’s precisely what Rousseau calls  « autonomy  » The concept of â€Å"general will† End of Text 4 The general will is the common interest. Even if it proceeds from the particular wills of every citizens, it is more than the collection of particular wills The general will finds its clearest expression in the general and abstract laws of the state

Psychology Prediction Essay Example for Free

Psychology Prediction Essay According to one of my favorite philosophers, Yogi Berra, Its hard to predict, especially the future†. He’s right but it doesn’t stop many people from trying. In fact predicting the future is essential to many aspects of our lives – in business, and beyond. Many professionals have the need to accurately predict outcomes of the future to be successful in their jobs. And many have occupations where predicting the future actually is their job, one way or another. As an analyst at Gartner, I am of course a good example of this. Some of this is common sense. Some is controversial. Some goes completely against what most think and against what people are taught even at organizations who train people to do predictive type jobs. But it works for me. Here are my ten guiding principles for accurate prediction: 1.Care about being right. This sounds obvious but circumstances and other requirements often get in the way. Professionals whose job involves making predictions face pressures to have an opinion, no matter what, and to generate visibility. This can lead to quickly formed opinions and overstating and over hyping things. While these things may in fact need to be part of a strategy, they do not have to be the primary goal. Tempering such behavior by placing the goal of being right at a higher priority is one of the real keys to accurate prediction. You can’t be afraid to be wrong, but you can’t place being right at lower priority and expect to be good at predicting. 2.Be an â€Å"innumerate†. Be extremely skeptical of any numbers. Many believe that numbers don’t lie. They don’t of course, but people do. And they state the numbers that they want to state to make their case. And they get things confused. Numbers are more useful in looking back at history than in predicting (looking back at history is helpful and numbers can help). Be especially wary of survey data. Often the questions are poorly formed and the respondents not necessarily knowledgeable. There is no substitute for talking directly to people to make sure that you understand context and that they understand the question. And follow-up is possible. 3.Ask yourself â€Å"Why are they telling me this?† Understand the motivations of sources of information. Everyone you meet has some type of agenda. Sometimes it is truly to educate you, usually not. It is critical to understand what the source of information wants you to think to put the information into context. 4.Ask yourself â€Å"What would I do†? Put yourself in the shoes of the CEO or key decision maker of the entity if possible. This is a key tool to predicting how companies and organizations will behave. If the prediction is about that company, this is the major key. If it is more general, putting yourself in the shoes of multiples and playing out scenarios is helpful. 5.Recognize that most of the time, you will know less than your sources. The world is full of specialists. Depending on circumstance, you may know as much as your sources but there is almost always someone who is more of an expert than you. So you need to develop strategies for assessing the credibility and honesty of a source. A useful tactic is to lead a discussion towards an area in which you do know a lot and test the source’s honesty and credibility. This can help determine what weight to give the source 6.Don’t jump to conclusions. Whenever possible take your time. When pushed for an opinion, it is best to say â€Å"if I had to have an opinion I would lean towards x†, but not highlight these types of things as â€Å"predictions†. 7.Find â€Å"bubbles†, conventional thinking and poke at assumptions. Try to understand why most people have a certain belief and figure out what assumptions they have. Look for misunderstandings, confusion, motivations and social trends. 8.Get information you’re not supposed to have. Basic networking is essential to knowing your subject and to getting information you’re not supposed to have (Obviously those subject to â€Å"insider trading† types of issues need to tread carefully here). Listen for slip ups. Put the pieces together. Fill in the holes. Speculate. 9.â€Å"You’re only paranoid if you’re wrong†. Explore conspiracy theories. While they usually won’t be the prediction, the exercise of examining possible conspiracy theories often is fruitful. Remember At the very least there is bound to be some aspect of the theory that has some truth to it and may point the way towards a good prediction. However, it is far more likely that stupidity or laziness, rather than conspiracy, is the cause. 10.Constantly test, validate and refine. Every chance you get to talk to a person whose opinion you respect, test new theories. Every chance you talk to a source of information, test your theories and gauge their reactions. Be open to tweaks.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Solid Waste Disposal

Solid Waste Disposal INTRODUCTION Human development and health is greatly influenced by the environment in which they live in (Centre for Disease Control, 2009). Solid waste constitutes a major source of environmental hazard. Environmental hazards accounts for an estimated 25 % of the total burden of disease worldwide and nearly 35 % of ill-health in sub Saharan Africa is caused by environmental hazards (WHO, 2009). This dissertation is a report of a qualitative study done to find out the perceptions of Warri South Local Authority staff on solid waste and its disposal in Warri municipal. According to Beede and Bloom (2003), the perception and attitude of people towards waste can affect the way it is managed; hence it is essential to gain an insight and knowledge about the perception of Warri South Local Authority staff on solid waste and its disposal in Warri since they play a major role in the planning and running of Warri municipal. If they do not perceive waste disposal in Warri as a priority, little or no attenti on will be given to it. This first chapter starts by offering a background for the study. It will highlight the problem of municipal solid waste and depict its importance and public health consequences. The purpose of study, methodology adopted and potential benefits of this study are also discussed briefly. Overview of other chapters will also be discussed. BACKGROUND FOR THE STUDY The World Health Organization (WHO) constitution of 1964, defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (Naidoo and Williams, 2000). A clean environment is one of the prerequisite of a good health because there is a close relationship between the environment and peoples health. A high quality environment allow people to live longer in good and positive health (ref) Solid waste constitutes a major source of environmental hazard if not properly managed. The activities of humans and animals produce waste and the way these wastes are handled, stored, collected and disposed of, can pose risks to the environment and to public health (Tchobanoglous et al, 1993; Baritone, 1995; Ofomata, 2001, Da Zhu et al, 2008). Municipal solid waste (MSW) refers to non-air and non-sewage emissions created within and disposed of by a municipality this includes household garbage, commercial refuse, construction and demolition debris, dead animals, and abandoned vehicles (Cointreau, 1982; Walling et al., 2004). There are several classification of solid waste based on their origin, characteristics and risk potentials (Ofomata and Eze, 2001). They are broadly classified by their characteristic as biodegradable and non-biodegradable. This classification is based on the quality of solid waste generated from different sources. According to Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA, 2007), biodegradable waste consists of all organic wastes that decay naturally as the result of the action of micro organisms into useful or less polluting products. Non-biodegradable wastes consist of wastes that do not breakdown naturally and must be recycled, burnt or buried; a common example is the plastic shopping bag (Williams, 2005). In the beginning of civilization, disposal of waste was not a significant problem because population was small and land available for assimilation of waste was abundant (Tchobanoglous et al, 1993; Ahmed and Ali, 2004). Solid waste generated by the traditional society were little and simple, mostly containing organic matter while those generated by todays technological societies are large and complex. Problems of waste disposal started from the time people began to assemble in clans, villages, and communities and the build up of waste became a consequence of life (Tchobanoglous et al, 1993) The rapid developments of cities across the globe have led to an increase in the amount of waste produced from human activities; this has posed a challenge of disposal to both developed and less developing nations (WHO, 2009). According to United Nations Development Programme survey report of one hundred and fifty one mayors of different cities from around the world, inadequate solid waste disposal is the second most pressing problem facing city residents after unemployment (Da Zhu et al, 2008). This problem is further compounded as many nations continue to urbanize rapidly and to increase in population, making it difficult for most municipal authorities to provide most of the basic services (Ogbonna et al, 2002, Ayotamuno and Gobo, 2004). According to United Nation Statistic Division (UNSD, 2009) Nigeria has a population of about 140 million with an annual urban growth of 3.8%. It is a developing country that has persistent solid waste management problems in addition to her growing population (Walling et al, 2004). An average Nigerian generates about 0.49 kg of solid waste per day with households and commercial centres contributing almost 90% of total urban waste burden (Uguwh, 2009) Developing countries spend as much as 20 to 40% of their municipal revenues on waste management (Thomas-Hope 1998, Schà ¼beler 1996, Bartone 2000); yet they are often unable to solve the problem as one to two-thirds of the solid waste generated is not collected, while the uncollected waste is dumped on the land in a more or less uncontrolled manner (Onwurah et al, 2003, Da Zhu et al, 2008). Even the collected waste is often disposed in an uncontrolled dump site or burnt, contributing to water and air pollution (Da Zhu et al, 2008). Indiscriminate disposal and dumping of waste has become a common practice in Nigerian cities. Municipal solid waste heaps are found in several parts of major Nigerian cities like Warri, often blocking roads, alleys, and pavements (Ayotamuno and Gobo, 2004). Most of the waste dumps are located close to residential areas, Markets, farms, roadsides, and creeks; with many human activities close to the dump sites, there is an increase threat to public health (Ogbonna et al, 2002). Generally, the uncollected solid wastes are left to decay, and this produces foul odour thereby constituting a source of environmental nuisance (Ofomata and Eze, 2001). Uncontrolled burning, another common method of disposing waste in Nigeria and this have often led to fire outbreaks. Smoke arising from such fires can reduce visibility, and have been known to cause fatal vehicular accidents (Ofomata and Eze, 2001). Warri is a major oil city located in Delta state Nigeria, with a population of over a million. Its population is rapidly growing due to urbanization and oil exploration activities; the total waste load for Warri is about 66 721 tonnes per year (Ajao and Anurigwo , 2002). Municipal Solid Waste and Public Health Implication The management of municipal solid waste is becoming a major public health and environmental concern in urban areas of many developing countries (Harris, 2004). The improper management of solid wastes represents a source of environmental pollution, and poses risks to human health (Puri et al., 2008). Municipal waste in most cities contain human excreta, animal excreta, hazardous chemical pollutants and sharps which can facilitate the spread of diseases and injury particularly among children playing near waste dumpsites and employees in waste management sector (Da Zhu et al, 2008). Poor disposal of solid waste is associated with spread of vector borne-diseases like malaria and dengue fever (McKenzie et al., 2004; Puri et al., 2008). Infrequently disposed refuse tend to become breeding sites for mosquitoes, as pools of rain water collect in discarded cans, bottles and car tires (Ofomata and Eze, 2001) Mosquitoes are responsible for the transmission of malaria-a life threatening disease through their bites (Human Protection Agency, 2009). Malaria accounts for an estimated 300-500 million cases globally; which is an endemic disease in sub-Saharan Africa. It accounts for about 1.5-2.5 million deaths yearly, most of them among children under five years (WHO, 2009). Decomposing organic materials can become breeding sites for pests, rats, flies and vermin that enhance the likelihood of disease transmission like diarrhoea and Lassa fever (Simon, 2008). Lassa fever is a haemorrhagic fever common in four African countries: Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. It is transmitted to humans from contacts with food or household items contaminated with rodent excreta (HPA, 2009; WHO, 2009). Uncollected waste left to accumulate or dumped in the streets can block water drains and channels which can cause flooding, posing significant environmental and public health risks (Whiteman et al, 2008). Ground or surface water pollution can occur when rain water combines with decomposing waste and seep through permeable soil, finally contaminating surface and ground water with both lethal materials and pathogenic organisms (Ofomata and Eze, 2001); this is extremely dangerous as ground water is the main source of drinking water for most cities in the developing world (Oluwasola, 2007). Incineration of municipal solid waste contributes to air pollution by the release of noxious materials into the air, which may cause ill-health (Ofomata and Eze, 2001). Uncontrolled incineration of solid waste can also cause fire outbreaks in nearby homes and farms. Other impacts of poor Municipal Solid Waste disposal include disgusting odour, unsightliness and general degradation of the environment ( Dolk, 2002). PURPOSE OF THE RESEARH Many studies have been done on waste disposal and management in Nigeria but none has been done to explore the views of Warri south local authority staff. The aim of this research is to explore the views of the staff of Warri south local authority on municipal solid waste disposal system, and its public health implication in Warri. RESEARCH QUESTION The research question for this study is What are the perceptions of Warri South Local Authority senior staff on municipal solid waste disposal in Warri? This will encompass the issues and problems of solid waste management in the municipal. WHY PERCEPTION? According to Collins school dictionary (2000) perception is your understanding of something or someone. Perception refers to the image or feelings formed in ones mind about some perceived phenomenon or object (Okot- Uma et al, 2002). Perceptions vary from person to person, as they perceive different things about the same situation. Perception is influenced by perceivers value, beliefs, social economic circumstance and expectations (Okot- Uma et al, 2002). Peoples perception of issue influence the way they act, behave or respond to them. Decision makers working in any environment base their decision on the environment as they see it and not as it is. The action resulting from their decision on the other hand is played out in the real environment (ref). If the general perception of people who play a major role in the running of warri municipal on solid waste disposal in Warri is that it is of little importance, little or no attention will be given to it. METHODOLOGY. The study will adopt a qualitative research methodology because it aims to gain an insight and knowledge about peoples perception on waste. Qualitative research concentrates on peoples attitudes, experiences, beliefs and their perceptions of a situation (Polit et al., 2001). It aims to generate an understanding of what is going on in everyday setting and it can also be used to describe a point of view, illustrate meaning, sensitize readers or try to understand phenomena (Green and Britten, 1998). Hence qualitative research is the most appropriate approach that should be used for this study. BENEFIT OF THE RESEARCH The study will be beneficial, as it will provide an insight on how the staff in charge of daily planning of services in Warri south view waste disposal in the community. It may also help Warri south local authority in modifying and improving waste disposal strategies and systems. I intend to publish the findings and recommendations of this study in a local paper. It will also contribute to the existing body of knowledge of waste management in Nigeria. SYNOPSIS OF CHAPTERS This chapter has presented an overview of municipal solid waste disposal problems and its public health implications as an introduction to the study. Chapter two will presents a review of current significant literature on waste disposal in Nigeria and other developing countries. A brief note on how the literature search was carried out will also be stated. Following the literature review chapter, will be the methodology of the research reported in chapter three; where different research methodologies and the justification for the method chosen are discussed. The research method, which includes; sampling method, data collection, data management/analysis and ethical issues also form sections of the methodology chapter. The findings of the study and discussion are reported in chapters four and five respectively. At the end of the dissertation, the recommendations based on the research findings are stated in chapter six.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

The indoctrination of the Concept of Racial Hygiene: The Begining of t :: essays research papers fc

The Indoctrination of the Concept of Racial Hygiene: The Beginning of the End   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The idea of biological degeneration had been studied by doctors, psychiatrists, and scientists many decades before the 1930’s and the Nazi regime were ever in power. The idea that the integrity of populations was being undermined by behaviors of alcoholism, criminality, or mental deficiency was a topic for researchers before anyone even knew who Adolf Hitler was. In this essay I will discuss the evolution of a concept that would become known as racial hygiene. In my examination of this idea I will explore the educational tools, the propaganda machine, and the eventual mobilization of a nation towards this ideological organization of a supreme race in Nazi Germany.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The aforementioned idea that nations were being undermined by increasing cohorts of unfit individuals has some scientific and political significance. Cell biologist August Weissman coined the term defective ‘germ plasm’ and contended that it was this defective plasm that was to blame for these unfit individuals’ behaviors. In the early 1900’s there were a rising number of eugenic pioneers that would try and continue the study of the ideas of Weissman. There was a ‘gene race,’ much like the more contemporary space race, that occurred between various countries around the turn of the century.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As these studies became better known, their political implications became magnified. In 1909 the world’s first professorial chair in eugenics was established. Now as international scientists begin to explore the possibility of a defective germ plasm existing political divides begin to form. As the studies became more and more intense the idea that a nation could be improved by selective breeding became the focus. This would eventually become the premise for eugenics theorists.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The debate over the validity of the theory of eugenics was the question posed by â€Å"ethically aware and responsible† scientists to prove eugenics without using pseudo-scientific assumptions.2 Although the challenges to eugenics were strong the post World War I depression would bring the rise to more intense challenges against the conservation of people who were burdensome both biologically and economically to a nation. A number of nations that were suffering mass depression would look to eugenics as one of the reasons for their pain and suffering.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As the debate over eugenics continued to keep scientists on both sides of the argument hard at work, discussions of euthanasia would begin to surface. One of the main arguments that arose was that there could be an opportunity to reduce costs.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Electoral College vs Direct Popular Vote Essay -- American Government,

The current process of electing the President of the United States through the Electoral College system should not be changed because the Electoral College system is superior in comparison to other comprehensive voting systems. Systems like direct popular vote or the national popular vote may work in democracies; however the United States is a federal republic. While allowing large metropolises and large states to be represented in a manner consistent with their size, the Electoral College has the exceptional attribute of allowing small states and rural areas to still maintain influence in the government. Allowing the entire nation to decide the direction of our government ensures candidates appeal to the majority of the nation, not just a handful of populous centers. This leads to more moderate policies and a protection of minority rights. Problems in elections such as fraud and recounts, are very disruptive in systems such as popular vote, but are minimized in the Electoral College system because these problems are limited to individual states allowing for a national review of such localized problems. Finally, the Electoral College incentivizes policy makers and parties to continually try to win in states that have opposed them in recent elections, ensuring long term policy that addresses needs of the populous quickly. Overall, the Electoral College’s benefits make it the superior system to elect the President, and for that reason it should not be changed. Smaller and particularly rural states are protected by the Electoral College. The number of votes a state is allocated in the Electoral College is determined by adding the number of United States Representatives and Senators a state sends to congress. This means each state ... ...ure, and prosperous nation in the world. Large states and cities are represented with consideration for their size, smaller and rural states given a base minimum representation to protect their intrinsic interests. Moderate and nationally inclusive policies are incentivized, and minority coalitions that foster compromise are encouraged. Fraud and recounts are minimized in relation to other voting systems, and mechanisms to deal with such issues promptly exist in the Electoral College. Finally, all states that need concrete policy change and attention receive it with the Electoral College. When asked what kind of government the United States had, Dr. Benjamin Franklin said â€Å"A republic, if you can keep it.† The Founding Father’s understood the benefits of the Electoral College which have since been validated; therefore the Electoral College should remain in place.