Assessment of the Moral and Legal Responsibilities and Rights of Case Essay

Assessment of the Moral and Legal Responsibilities and Rights of Case Parties - Essay Example First we determine the moral and legal responsibilities of Rick Reynolds. In essence he acted in bad faith, acting for his own benefit and gain, and to the detriment of the interests of Mr. McLean. That there was an agreement between the two is verified in the beginning of the case. Rick acted in bad faith in the construction of the facilities, cutting corners and under the table deals to enrich himself, with the end result being that the facilities were subpar, and caused harm to a resident, when faulty wiring caused a fire that in turn caused the injury to the resident. Rick likewise acted in bad faith in procuring medical equipment and supplies, enriching himself by selling some of the procured goods and keeping the proceeds. Morally he is culpable for fraud and deceit. Legally he is liable for a host of crimes. Under the law, Rick can be considered as either a substituted agent or a sub-agent, and as such, there are legal precepts that can hold Rick accountable for his crimes as if he were the primary agent or principal, acting alone. He can thus be held liable for misrepresenting himself as a manager of the company, and for intentionally duping the pharmacies into providing the goods to the company, where some of the goods ended up being sold by Rick for his own financial gain. Where there is a contractual agreement between Mr. McLean and Rick, moreover, Rick is answerable for his acts to Mr. McLean, who under the law can sue Rick for his fraudulent activities, under the legal precepts concerning the legal rights of the principal towards his substituted agent. In particular, there was fraud in the way Rick went about contacting the different parties involved in building the facility, and for such fraud Rick can be sued by Mr. McLean (The Lectric Law Library, 2012; PreserveArticles.com, 2011). Mr. McLean himself can be said to be morally and legally liable for some of the acts of Rick, such as those that pertain to the acquisition of supplies. While it may be true that Mr. McLean may not have authorized the procurement of the goods on credit from the pharmacies, there are legal precepts that may hold Mr. McLean accountable for the acts of Rick. In other words, though there may have been fraud in the way Rick procured the supplies, Mr. McLean may be sued by the pharmacies if the former does not honor the supply contracts and reneges on the payment for the goods bought on credit. For one, a case may be made for the way Rick's actions procuring the supplies may be construed as constituting part of his job responsibilities, and part of the roles that he was authorized to play as an agent of Mr. McLean. There are clear legal principles that may prevent Mr. McLean from running away from the legal consequences of the actions of Rick, such as those that pertain to the company paying for the goods that Rick bought on credit and with intent to commit fraud. Clearly the law in some instances stipulate that even when an agent commits acts that ar e criminal, and without the express consent of the principal, the principal, in this case Mr. McLean. The pharmacies may argue that there would have been no way for them to discern that Rick was acting on his own behalf rather than on behalf of Mr. McLean, given that Rick, to them, seemed to have the

As Psychology Locus of Control Essay Example for Free

As Psychology Locus of Control Essay Discuss the role of locus of control on independent behaviour. (12 marks) Locus of control refers to a person’s perception of personal control over their own behaviour. There are two types of locus of control; internal and external. Internal locus of control occurs when individuals feel they are in control of their behaviour and are responsible for their actions. External locus of control occurs when individuals feel their behaviour is controlled by external forces (e. g. luck or fate) and they are not responsible for their own actions. Those with internal locus of control are more likely to show independent behaviour and resist the pressures to conform or obey whereas those with external locus of control are more likely to obey and conform. High internals do not rely on the opinions of others. They are better able to resist coercion and are more achievement-orientated. High internal locus of control has been linked to leadership and individuals with high internal locus of control are more likely to become entrepreneurs. Anderson and Schneier found that group members possessing an internal locus of control were more likely to emerge as leaders in their groups. This may be because individuals who take responsibility for their own actions feel that they can cause changes in their environment, including the behaviour of those around them. There is lots of research evidence to support locus of control. Oliner and Oliner found that people who had gone against the majority and protected the Jews from the Nazis tended to score higher on measures of internal locus of control. This means they believed they had influence over events in their life including success and failures. It may be this that made them independent. Also, Elms and Milgram found that the people that were disobedient in Milgram’s study of obedience shows higher internal locus of control and social responsibility. Avtigis did a meta-analysis of studies investigating the relationship between locus of control and conformity and found high scores of external locus of control were more likely to conform than those with a low score. The average correlation between locus of control and conformity was 0. 37. This suggests that there are higher rates of conformity shown in external locus of control when compared to internal locus of control. There are a number of problems with using a meta-analysis. The studies are secondary data that the researcher has compiled. This means the study could suffer from researcher bias as they may have only found studies that supported their view. Also, as the study is correlational, cause and effect cannot be established. It does not comment on why there is a link or which factors were most important it only states that there is a relationship between the two variables. However, as the data is secondary data there are no ethical issues linked to the use of a meta-analysis to study the patterns between locus of control and conformity. On the other hand, Williams and Warchal gave 30 students a range of conformity tasks based on Asch’s study and assessed them using the Rotter’s locus of control scale. They found that those who conformed were the least assertive but did not score differently on the locus of control scale. This suggests that assertion may be more important in conformity than locus of control. There are also research studies that suggest that independent behaviour can be fostered or encouraged through modelling. Nemeth and Chiles found that those who had been exposed to a minority (four participants, one confederate) who gave a different answer were more likely to stand their ground and defy the majority in the second part of the experiment when they became a minority (four confederates, one participant). This study implies that exposure to a model of independent behaviour can influence the individual’s ability to stand firm against the majority and resist the group pressure to conform. However, there are problems with research into locus of control. Many of the studies that support locus of control are carried out in laboratories. This means they lack ecological validity and the results may not be applicable to real life situations. Also, demand characteristics may be present. The participant may have guessed the aim of the experiment and acted accordingly to fit the results they assume the researcher wanted. Also, it is difficult to measure personality. The use of questionnaires could mean that the studies suffer from social desirability bias as people may have altered their answers to appear more normal or to fit with what they assume the researcher wanted. Lastly, situational factors may be more important as personality is not always consistent. McGuire found that conforming behaviour differed across situations. If conformists and independents are not consistent in their behaviour it is hard to conclude that it is their personality that solely affects their choice whether or not to conform. Situational factors may influence behaviour too as they tend to conform in certain situations but not in others.

Penguin Evolution Essay -- essays research papers fc

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  On our Earth, we are graced with many fantastic life forms. From those gliding through the heavenly skies, to those at the deepest depths of the oceans, there is a plethora of various species. A group of these, though, is like a diamond in the rough. While many people admire its beauty, they have yet to realize that it’s the love for them that is dwindling its population. Who are these magnificent creatures†¦none other then the penguins.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Just about everyone’s seen a penguin, whether it be on TV, in a magazine, or at a zoo. This is because of the fact that penguins are highly saturated in the media and various industries. Think of Penguin Books or the Pittsburgh Penguins. All the cartoons you’ve seen with penguins in them. Unfortunately, due to mounting and continuing problems, penguins are in danger of becoming extinct. There may be a day were penguins won’t be in any media, simply because there won’t be anymore. Though one may have heard of news supporting them, or funds helping them, this crackdown is seemingly not helping as much as it needs to.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In order for one to understand the danger possessed by penguins, a background of the species and evolution is necessary. The impact people have on penguins is mostly destructive, and the future possibilities are gloomy if things don’t change. The endangerment of penguins is being perpetuated by human actions and these actions must cease for penguins to stay alive.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Simply saying penguins are endangered is not suffice. There are many kinds of penguins, each having its own status of vulnerability and danger. Just like all other living things, penguins have a Scientific Classification. Theirs is as follows. The class they are in is the Aves. This class includes all birds. The Order they are in is called the Sphenisciformes, followed by the only Family under it, the Spheniscide. Both of these include all penguins, living and extinct. Moving down, the only point with variation is that of the species. Most scientists agree that there are seventeen species of penguins, with a select few recognizing eighteen instead. (del Hoyo, 1992). See Chart A   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The largest penguin is the Emperor Penguin, standing four feet tall and one hundred pounds. The smallest is the aptly named Litt... ...  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  World Book Inc, 2000. Davis, Lloyd S. and John T Darby. Penguin Biology. San Diego: Academic Press,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Inc., 1990. del Hoyo, Josep, Andrew Elliott and Jordi Sargatal. Handbook of the Birds of the World.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Vol 1, Ostrich to Ducks. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, 1992. Dr. Dr. h.c. Grzimk, Bernhard. â€Å"The Penguins.† Animal Life Encyclopedia. Volume 7,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Birds I. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1968. Marchant, S. and P.J. Higgins. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Antarctic   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Birds. Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 1990. Name Unknown. â€Å"Nature. The World of Penguins.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/penguins/resources.html Pasquier, Roger. â€Å"Penguin.† Encyclopedia Americana. Volume 21. Connecticut:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Grolier Inc, 1998. Simpson, George Gaylord. Penguins: Past and Present, Here and There. New Haven,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Connecticut: Yale University Press, 1976. Sparks, John and Tony Soper. Penguins. New York: Facts on File Publications, 1987.

Creons Tragic Insecurity in Sophocles Antigone :: Antigone essays

Creon's Tragic Insecurity in Antigone In ancient Greek tragedies at least one character has the misfortune of having a tragic flaw. The flaw usually effects the protagonist and leads to his down fall. Normally, the characters close to the protagonist are all affected by his flaw. In Antigone, by Sophocles, Creon's tragic flaw is that he is insecure. Creon's insecurity leads to the death of many people and to his own downfall. At many times, Creon feels that people are directing everything toward him, when of course they are not. Consequently, he takes action to make sure people take him seriously. He hopes his actions will teach people not to walk all over him and his empire. However these actions are not always the right ones. Since Creon is so insecure he feels that people are conniving against him. When Polyneices was found buried after Creon clearly announced no one was to bury him, Creon completely dismissed the idea that it could have been the gods or a mere woman who buried Polyneices. He said, "There have been those who have whispered together. Stiff-necked anarchists, putting their heads together, scheming against me in alleys."(9) The mention of the word "those" shows that Creon feels many people are out to disobey his laws and make him look bad. Contrary to Creon's belief it was a woman, Antigone, who had gone to bury her brother Polyneices because she felt he deserved a proper burial. Creon's insecurity made him feel that a large group of people were against him when in reality it was only one woman who disobeyed his law. Creon's insecurity blinds his ability to direct order in his country properly. After Antigone buried Polyneices Creon felt he needed to take a strong stand or people would think he would always be lenient toward criminals. However, to achieve this Creon felt he needed to take drastic action against Antigone. He once even said to his son, Haimon, who was about to marry Antigone, "The woman dies. I suppose she'll plead family ties. Well, let her. If I permit my own family to rebel, how shall I earn the world's obedience?" (19) This quote shows that Creon feels that to prove himself to the country he needs to earn the "world's obedience".

Comparison of Ifrs and Us Gaap Essay

Presents the key similarities and differences between IFRS and US GAAP, focusing on the differences commonly found in practice. It takes into account all standards published up to August 2007. IFRS Pocket Guide 2006 Provides a summary of the IFRS recognition and measurement requirements. Including currencies, assets, liabilities, equity, income, expenses, business combinations and interim financial statements. Understanding financial instruments – A guide to IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 7 Comprehensive guidance on all aspects of the requirements for financial instruments accounting. Detailed explanations illustrated through worked examples and extracts from company reports. Contents Page Preface How to use this publication Summary of similarities and differences Accounting framework Financial statements Consolidated financial statements Business combinations Revenue recognition Expense recognition Assets Liabilities Equity Derivatives and hedging Other accounting and reporting topics Foreign currency translation Earnings per share Related-party disclosures Segment reporting Discontinued operations Post-balance-sheet events Interim financial reporting 3 4 12 13 20 25 30 34 39 50 58 59 62 62 63 64 65 67 67 68 69 Index Similarities and Differences – A comparison of IFRS and US GAAP – October 2007 Contents 1 Preface Preface One day we may not need to produce this publication because the world’s capital markets will be using one accounting framework, and there will be no need for a comparison between two sets of standards. However, there is much to do before this can become reality. The International Accounting Standards Board and the US Financial Accounting Standards Board have been committed to converging IFRS and US GAAP since the Norwalk Accord of 2002. Many commentators have called for convergence to simplify financial reporting and reduce the compliance burden for listed companies, especially those with stock market listings in more than one jurisdiction and those who participate in cross-border, capitalmarket transactions. A major step in the movement to one set of global accounting standards is the Securities and Exchange Commission’s 2007 proposal to drop the requirement for a US GAAP reconciliation by foreign private issuers that prepare their primary financial statements under full IFRS. Another significant step is the 2007 SEC Concepts Release on allowing domestic US registrants to use IFRS as an alternative to US GAAP. These potential changes, if they come to fruition, will significantly alter the international landscape of accounting. US capital-market participants have already started to show a much greater interest in IFRS, realising that it may replace US GAAP as the accounting language underlying future financial reporting and capital-market activity. This will not happen immediately.

Jetblue Strategic Analysis Essay Example

Jetblue Strategic Analysis Essay Example Jetblue Strategic Analysis Paper Jetblue Strategic Analysis Paper Strategic Analysis Of JetBlue Airways Executive Summary This report on JetBlue identifies how they have become an innovator in the airline industry by targeting customers who value a low-cost, customer conscious airline. They have formulated strategies that have enabled them to operate in a highly efficient and effective manner while realizing the importance of aligning their strategies with their environment. The report thoroughly discusses the strengths and weaknesses that the company possesses in their internal environment, followed by an in-depth analysis of the threats and opportunities of existing within their external environment. The strategy of the company is analyzed in comparison with both their internal and external environment in order to formulate possible strategic recommendations. Proper implementation strategies of the recommendations are also given to identify how the company can be better aligned with its environment and continue to grow as a highly successful company in the airline industry. Strategic Analysis of JetBlue Airways This report is an extensive analysis of JetBlue’s overall corporate strategies and how well they are aligned with their internal and external environments. It will focus on the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that exist as well as identify possible ways in which they can improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the organization. As a relatively new airline JetBlue has redefined the industry by utilizing a combination of low-cost and differentiation as their core strategy. Since the company’s inception in 1999 they have become an innovator of new ideas and have led other airlines to follow some of their own practices due to the overall success of the company. JetBlue has succeeded as an airline that targets travelers who want a low-fare, high-value, customer service oriented flight to and from specific locations in popular metropolitan areas. To comprehend the success of the company, there are key factors that must be analyzed thoroughly in order to understand what allows them to be a competitive, profitable, and successful organization. To begin to understand JetBlue’s success as a newcomer to the industry you have to analyze their internal and external environments in comparison to their overall strategy. Strengths JetBlue’s strategy is focused on keeping costs low, while also utilizing new technology and guaranteeing customer satisfaction. The company’s strengths are what set them apart from other airlines. JetBlue’s long list of strengths begins with their pricing strategies. The customer value that is created by the company has proven to be a huge part of their success. In order to be a cost leader they started by purchasing only one model of aircraft which allows for easier and less expensive repairs and maintenance costs. Their low cost strategy also stems from the idea of eliminating any unnecessary operating costs, such as having paperless cockpits and not offering meals during flight. Differentiation has also allowed them to gain a notable advantage over the competition by realizing that customers are the most important part of the company. Customer satisfaction is a top priority within the company and all employees are instructed to make sure that all of their customers are happy at all times. The ways in which they have distinguished themselves include assigning seats with more legroom and satellite TV for all seats, offering complementary snacks and beverages, and also promoting online ticket sales and flight check-in. The organizational culture within the company is one that exhibits values, integrity, and empowerment which is a strength that most of the competition does not possess. Employees are hired based on their competencies and motivation to work in a customer-oriented environment. The company is also committed to their employees’ satisfaction and rewards are given to those who show initiative on the job. Another highly important strength is the executive level of management, which is comprised of experienced, knowledgeable people who have great leadership skills and are focused on their growth strategy and the sustainability of the company. JetBlue’s strengths are easily recognizable and they all integrate well with their corporate strategy. Weaknesses Although JetBlue is considered successful this is not to say that they do not have weaknesses that exist within the company. The small size of the company in comparison to other airlines is a major weakness that they have. Because JetBlue is relatively small they have to focus more on differentiating themselves in the industry, which could effectively lead to less popularity as the competition increases. Due to the fact that they are such a small company they also have a limited number of locations throughout the nation. Following their functional strategy of providing cheaper costs at underserved airports, they have effectively limited their potential to target customers in return. This leaves a question to be asked, if they are successful at their current locations that may not be heavy traffic areas, why could they not be just as, if not more successful in larger, higher traffic locations? Although they have expanded their hubs in a few regions since inception they have done so at a slow pace. Another weakness that should be recognized is the lack of marketing and promotion. JetBlue does use some marketing strategies within the markets that they operate in, yet very few media or publication advertisements are seen outside of those markets. Opportunities The weaknesses of JetBlue could also be considered opportunities to the company. The opportunities that exist are all great ways to improve profitability and brand image, which would be consistent with their own operational strategy. Expansion into other locations including international regions is perhaps their biggest opportunity for growth. Due to the deregulation of international air travel, it would be easier to implement the same low-cost strategy for operating outside of the United States. Another idea would be to create a joint venture with another international airline in order to take advantage of the international market, which would lower risks and investment capital. Technology and the Internet can both be beneficial to their strategy. Airplane technology continues to improve in design, safety, and maintenance. These improvements allow for less fuel consumption, lower repair costs, and fewer mechanical failures. These advancements in technology would be an excellent opportunity to lessen the operating costs associated with using older models. The Internet also offers a great way to market them as being a low-cost, high-value industry leader who actually values their customers’ satisfaction. The Internet has proven to be the cheapest, most profitable form of advertisement that reaches more people than any other form. By promoting the use of the Internet for automated sales and utilizing the available technology, they can lower labor costs and increase value even further for customers. Threats Altogether the airline industry has seen increased threats from the external environment in recent years, by not formulating and implementing strategies to effectively handle the threats that JetBlue is faced with currently and in the future, they will most likely have a negative impact on the company’s sustainability. A major threat that should be of concern is the fierce competition in the industry, and the possibility of other low-cost strategies being implemented by much larger companies. The imitability of both their differentiation and cost strategies are rather high and practically any competitor can easily implement both, forcing JetBlue to sustain a competitive advantage. Due to their small size and little brand recognition they must be effective in preventing the competition from overtaking their target market. Along with the substantial threat of entry into the low cost arena, there is the rising costs of fuel and high bargaining price of suppliers in the industry. The increased inflation rates of products, as well as the economic downturn are subsequently huge threats that should be considered when implementing their future financial strategy. Security threats and increased government regulations throughout the industry create a new threat to all airlines. This has increased costs and lowered the profit margin for JetBlue and limits their ability to maintain the low cost structure as well. These threats can all have a critical impact on the company, but if they are properly planned for there is a much greater chance to succeed in the future. Strategic Recommendations After analyzing JetBlue’s internal and external environment and contrasting them with their corporate strategy, this report concludes that overall they are an efficient company that needs little improvement. Aside from the recommendations discussed above there are a few more that might slightly improve their future sustainability. Their core competencies easily distinguish them from most of the competition and those strengths are what gives them the competitive advantage to become more successful. JetBlue’s low prices are what define them and it is necessary to keep their prices low and keep the customers happy as the company grows. The first recommendation would be that in-depth appraisals in all areas of the organization should be performed non-stop. The information gained should immediately impact any area that is falling behind, and the necessary changes should be made. As mentioned before, expanding to other markets is a strategy that should be implemented quickly, but considering the needs of business travelers would also be an opportunity to attract a larger market. Maybe they could include power outlets, unlimited wi-fi access, and noise cancelling headphones all of which would appeal to both business and regular customers. A marketing strategy that emphasizes their luxurious amenities offered compared to the low-cost flights, would be an extremely effective campaign especially once the target market is expanded. Another idea might be to consider venturing into a partnership that might include a website similar to Travelocity. com allowing consumers to find hotels, restaurants, and flights from other airlines and comparing their prices to JetBlue’s. Growth is limited to the resources available, so in effect they should ensure that all their resources are utilized to the upmost efficiency. Consideration of implementing the above recommendations and continuing the practices currently in place should allow JetBlue to continue to be an innovator and a successful company in the future. They have great management, an excellent workforce, and are highly concerned about their customers’ satisfaction, all of which are aligned with the vision, mission, and strategy of the organization.

Changan - Capital of the Han, Sui, and Tang Dynasties

Changan - Capital of the Han, Sui, and Tang Dynasties Changan is the name of one of the most important and immense ancient capital cities of ancient China. Known as the eastern terminal of the Silk Road, Changan is located in Shaanxi Province about 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) northwest of the modern town of XiAn. Changan served as capital to the leaders of the Western Han (206 BC-220 AD), Sui (581-618 CE), and Tang (618-907 AD) dynasties. ChangAn was established as a capital in 202 BC by the first Han Emperor Gaozu (ruled 206-195), and it was destroyed during the political upheaval at the end of the Tang dynasty in 904 AD. The Tang dynasty city occupied an area seven times larger than the current modern city, which itself dates to the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing(1644-1912) dynasties. Two Tang dynasty buildings still stand today―the Large and Small Wild Goose Pagodas (or palaces), built in the 8th century AD; the rest of the city is known from historical records and archaeological excavations conducted since 1956 by the Chinese Institute of Archaeology (CASS). Western Han Dynasty Capital At about AD 1, the population of ChangAn was nearly 250,000, and it was a city of international importance for its role as the eastern end of the Silk Road. The Han Dynasty city was laid out as an irregular polygon surrounded by a pounded-earth wall 12-16 meters (40-52 feet) wide at the base and more than 12 m (40 ft) high. The perimeter wall ran a total of 25.7 km (16 mi or 62 li in the measurement used by Han). The wall was pierced by 12 city gates, five of which have been excavated. Each of the gates had three gateways, each 6-8 m (20-26 ft) wide, accommodating the traffic of 3-4 adjacent carriages. A moat provided additional security, surrounding the city and measuring 8 m wide by 3 m deep (26x10 ft). There were eight main roads in Han dynasty ChangAn, each between 45-56 m (157-183 ft) wide; the longest leads from the Gate of Peace and was 5.4 km (3.4 mi) long. Each boulevard was divided into three lanes by two drainage ditches. The middle lane was 20 m (65 ft) wide and reserved exclusively for the use of the emperor. The lanes on either side averaged 12 m (40 ft) in width. Main Han Dynasty Buildings The Changle Palace compound, known as the Donggong or eastern Palace and located in the southeastern part of the city, was approximately 6 sq km (2.3 sq mi) in surface area. It served as the living quarters for the Western Han empresses. The Weiyang Palace compound or Xigong (western palace) occupied an area of 5 sq km (2 sq mi) and was located in the southwestern side of the city; it was where Han emperors held daily meetings with city officials. Its principal building was the Anterior Palace, a structure including three halls and measuring 400 m north/south and 200 m east/west (1300x650 ft). It must have towered over the city, as it was built on a foundation that was 15 m (50 ft) in height at the north end. At the north end of the Weiyang compound was the Posterior Palace and buildings that housed the imperial administration offices. The compound was surrounded by a pounded earth wall. The Gui palace compound is much larger than Weiyang but has not yet been fully excavated or at least not reported in the western literature. Administrative Buildings and Markets In a administrative facility located between the Changle and Weiyang palaces was discovered 57,000 small bones (from 5.8-7.2 cm), each of which were inscribed with the name of an article, its measurement, number, and date of manufacture; its workshop where it was created, and the names of both the artisan and the official who commissioned the object. An armory held seven storehouses, each with densely arranged weapon racks and many iron weapons. A large zone of pottery kilns that manufactured brick and tile for the palaces was located north of the armory. Two markets were identified within the northwestern corner of the Han city of ChangAn, the eastern market measuring 780x700 m (2600x2300 ft, and the western market measuring 550x420 m (1800x1400 ft). Throughout the city were foundries, mints, and pottery kilns and workshops. The pottery kilns produced funerary figures and animals, in addition to daily utensils and architectural brick and tile. In the southern suburbs of Changan were remains of ritual structures, such as the Piyong (imperial academy) and jiumiao (ancestral temples to the Nine Ancestors), both of which were established by Wang-Meng, who ruled ChangAn between 8-23 AD. The piyong was built according to Confucian architecture, a square on top of a circle; while the jiumiao was built on the contemporary but contrasting principles of Yin and Yang (female and male) and Wu Xing (5 Elements). Imperial Mausoleum Numerous tombs have been found dated to the Han Dynasty, including two imperial mausoleums, the Ba Mausoleum (Baling) of Emperor Wen (r. 179-157 BC), in an eastern suburb of the city; and the Du mausoleum (Duling) of Emperor Xuan (r. 73-49 BC) in southeastern suburbs. Duling is a typical elite Han Dynasty tomb. Within its gated, pounded earth walls are separate complexes for the burials of the emperor and empress. Each interment is centrally located within a gated rectangular surrounding wall and covered by a pyramidal pounded-earth mound. Both have a walled courtyard outside of the burial enclosure, including a retiring hall (qindian) and a side hall (biandian) where ritual activities associated with the buried person were conducted, and where the individuals royal costumes were displayed. Two burial pits contained hundreds of nude life-sized terracotta figures―they were clothed when placed there but the cloth has rotted away. The pits also included a number of pottery tiles and bricks, bronzes, gold pieces, lacquers, pottery vessels, and weapons. Also at Duling was a shared mausoleum temple with an altar, located 500 m (1600 ft) from the tombs. Satellite tombs found east of the mausoleums were built during the rulers dynasty, some of which are quite large, many of them with conical pounded earth mounds. Sui and Tang Dynasties Chang​an was called Daxing during the Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD) and it was founded in 582 AD. The city was renamed Changan by the Tang dynasty rulers and served as its capital until its destruction in 904 AD.   Daxing was designed by the Sui Emperor Wens (r. 581-604) famous architect Yuwen Kai (555-612 AD). Yuwen laid out the city with a highly formal symmetry that integrated natural scenery and lakes. The design served as a model for many other Sui and later cities. The layout was maintained through the Tang Dynasty: most of the Sui palaces were also used by Tang dynasty emperors. An enormous pounded-earth wall, 12 m (40 ft) thick at the base, enclosed an area of approximately 84 sq km (32.5 sq mi). At each of the twelve gates, a fired brick fa ¸ade led into the city. Most of the gates had three gateways, but the main Mingde Gate had five, each 5 m (16 ft) wide. The city was arranged as a set of nested districts: the guocheng (outer walls of the city describing its limits), the huangcheng or imperial district (an area of 5.2 sq km or 2 sq mi), and the gongcheng, the palace district, containing an area of 4.2 sq km (1.6 sq mi). Each district was surrounded by its own walls. Main Buildings of the Palace District The gongcheng included the Taiji Palace (or Daxing Palace during the Sui dynasty) as its central structure; an imperial garden was built to the north. Eleven great avenues or boulevards ran north to south and 14 east to west. These avenues divided the city into wards containing residences, offices, markets, and Buddhist and Daoist temples. The only two extant buildings from ancient Changan are two of those temples: the Great and Small Wild Goose Pagodas. The Temple of Heaven, located south of the city and excavated in 1999, was a circular pounded earth platform composed of four concentric stepped circular altars, stacked on top of one another to a height of between 6.75-8 m (22-26 ft) and 53 m (173 ft) in diameter. Its style was the model for the Ming and Qing Imperial Temples of Heaven in Beijing. In 1970, a hoard of 1,000 silver and gold objects, as well as jade and other precious stones called the Hejiacun Hoard was discovered at Changan. The hoard dated to 785 AD was found in an elite residence. Burials: a Sogdian in China One of the individuals involved in the Silk Road trade that was so central to the importance of ChangAn was Lord Shi, or Wirkak, a Sogdian or ethnic Iranian buried in ChangAn. Sogdiana was located in what is today Uzbekistan and western Tajikistan, and they were responsible for the central Asian oasis towns of Samarkand and Bukhara. Wirkaks tomb was discovered in 2003, and it includes elements from both Tang and Sogdian cultures. The underground square chamber was created in the Chinese style, with access provided by a ramp, an arched passageway and two doors. Inside was a stone outer sarcophagus measuring 2.5 m long x 1.5 m wide x 1.6 cm high (8.1x5x5.2 ft), lavishly decorated with painted and gilded reliefs depicting scenes of banquets, hunting, travels, caravans, and deities. On the lintel above the door are two inscriptions, naming the man as Lord Shi, a man of the nation of Shi, originally from the Western countries, who moved to Changan and was appointed sabao of Liangzhou. His name is inscribed in Sogdian as Wirkak, and it says that he died at the age of 86 in the year 579, and was married to the Lady Kang who died one month after him and was buried by his side. On the southern and eastern sides of the coffin are inscribed scenes associated with the Zoroastrian faith and in Zoroastrian fashion, the selection of the south and eastern sides to decorate corresponds to the direction the priest faces when officiating (south) and the direction of Paradise (east). Among the inscriptions is the priest-bird, which may represent the Zoroastrian deity Dahman Afrin. The scenes described the Zorastrian journey of the soul after death. Tang Sancai Pottery Tang Sancai is the general name for vividly color-glazed pottery produced during the Tang dynasty, especially between 549-846 AD. Sancai means three colors, and those colors refer typically (but not exclusively) to yellow, green and white glazes. Tang Sancai was famous for its association with the Silk Roadits style and shape were borrowed by Islamic potters at the other end of the trade network. A pottery kiln site was found at ChangAn named Liquanfang and used during the early 8th century AD. Liquanfang is one of only five known tang sancai kilns, the other four are Huangye or Gongxian Kilns in Henan Province; Xing Kiln in Hebei Province, Huangbu or Huuangbao Kiln and Xian Kiln in Shaanxi. Sources: Cui J, Rehren T, Lei Y, Cheng X, Jiang J, and Wu X. 2010. Western technical traditions of pottery making in Tang Dynasty China: chemical evidence from the Liquanfang Kiln site, Xian city. Journal of Archaeological Science 37(7):1502-1509.Grenet F, Riboud P, and Yang J. 2004. Zoroastrian scenes on a newly discovered Sogdian tomb in Xian, northern China. Studia Iranica 33:273-284.Lei Y, Feng SL, Feng XQ, and Chai ZF. 2007. A provenance study of Tang Sancai from Chinese tombs and relics by INAA. Archaeometry 49(3):483-494.Liang M. 2013. Scenes of Music-Making and Dancing in Wall Paintings of the Tang Tombs in the Xian Area. Music in Art 38(1-2):243-258.Yang X. 2001. Entry 78: Changan Capital Site at Xian, Shaanxi Province. In: Yang X, editor. Chinese Archaeology in the Twentieth Century: New Perspectives on Chinas Past. New Haven: Yale University Press. p 233-236.Yang X. 2001. Entry 79: Imperial mausoleums of the Western Han dynasty at Xian and the Xianyang Plains, Shaanxi Province. In: Yang X, editor. Chinese Archaeology in the Twentieth Century: New Perspectives on Chinas Past. New Haven: Yale University Press. p 237-242. Yang X. 2001. Entry 117: Daxing-ChangAn Capitals and Daming Palace Sites at Xian, Shaanxi province. In: Yang X, editor. Chinese Archaeology in the Twentieth Century: New Perspectives on Chinas Past. New Haven: Yale University Press. p 389-393.Yang X. 2001. Entry 122: Hoard of Gold and SIlver Objects at Hejiacum, Xian, Shaanxi province. In: Yang X, editor. Chinese Archaeology in the Twentieth Century: New Perspectives on Chinas Past. New Haven: Yale University Press. p 3412-413.

We Are The Future essays

We Are The Future essays In an age where the phrase Youve got mail is second nature and the infinite stretches of knowledge on the information highway are only a click away, we have to stop to think. What are we doing? Where are we going? If there are problems, how do we solve them? There are three main points Id like to present to you and would like to share my opinion with you. First and foremost, if the world expects us to deal with social, environmental, and political problems, how do we know what they are and what to do about them? Secondly, our generation needs to plan and organize to place itself in a better position to make decisions in our daily lives. We cant let computers do everything, and let human interaction go to waste. Third and lastly, in my personal opinion, I believe that service to community, will help us strengthen the bonds of confidence and fill the gaps of age between my generation and yours. Lets take the first main point. Riots, fascists, discrimination, robberies, poverty, school violence, alcohol, drug, and physical abuse, just to name a few. Many of these problems have been have only been attempted to be resolved. Some of them will remain until a meteor falls from the sky. Humanity, and our generation need to know these things. The reality is that were only beginning to notice what is happening to our society. Immersed in makeshift fashions, one-week death diets, and a constant reminder that this is only the beginning are what keep us from accomplishing things. Solution? Currently, none at the moment. Were too busy pretending to discover rocks, too tired to get up and change the channels manually, and undecided on whether we should colonize Mars and search for aliens or stay here and go out with friends to a movie on Saturday night. Secondly, where communication is all but minimized - it is called telecommunications. Where it ...

CoupContrecoup Injury Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

CoupContrecoup Injury - Essay Example In this clinical review paper, the clinical concepts from the latest literature will be synthesized about this type of injury, its incidence, physiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods used in the practice, and implications on the advanced nurse practice management. Basically coup/contrecoup arises from contusive injury to the brain when both the impact of direct trauma and trauma due to movement of the brain within the skull leading to impact on the opposite site are responsible. However, the clinical signs and symptoms and as a result, the management would depend on the degree of the trauma and the extent of the injury. Nurses, while planning a care of such patients must be aware of the advancements in management, and a clinical update based on review of the researches is therefore necessary. In this article, the findings have been presented in a concise manner. The problem of head injury is enormous. In the United States, it accounts for fatalities, disabilities, and morbidities of great numbers each year. Moreover, many multitruama victims also have associated head injuries. This occurs predominantly among young adult males aged 15 to 35 and quite frequently is associated with motor vehicle accident and alcohol use. In these patients, especially when it is associated with multiple traumas, the presence of head injury can be caused by trauma, direct or indirect. From the care point of view, this represents both surgical and medical challenges. Essential to the survival is a rapid and systematic approach to management that incorporates simultaneous assessment and resuscitation. Coup/contrecoup injury is the result of contusive brain injuries that occur with blunt trauma, in which the skull is not penetrated. It is to be remembered that anatomically brain literally floats in the cerebrospinal fluid, and therefore, any mechanical impact, eith er from falls, automobile accidents, assaults and violence, physical abuse, or recreation-related accidents, can cause the brain to move within the skull, resulting in focal, diffuse, or generalized injury. In fact any time, the head is subjected to violent force or motion, the soft and floating brain is slammed against the skull's uneven interior. In a coup/contrecoup injury, a moving object strikes the head, denting the skull inward and also knocking the brain against the opposite side of the skull. Thus, this can result into bruising in two places within the brain, at the site of the original point of contact and on the opposite side, where the brain struck the skull. These are included in the category of mild traumatic brain injury, where the neural damage may occur without involvement of the skull or the membranes, since there is considerable shear that can involve the neurons on the opposite side. This is a form of direct contact force mild traumatic brain injury resulting int o observable tissue damage in a particular area of the brain. The additional bruising on the opposite side may account for other associated symptoms such as personality changes, perceptual or sensory problems, difficulty expressing, and balance or motor difficulties. Incidence Epidemiologic data regarding coup/contrecoup injury is difficult to obtain due to inconsistencies in definition and classification. Moreover, many patients with

Finance and groowth strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Finance and groowth strategy - Essay Example This phenomenon makes the valuation of any potential investment a cumbersome task for any decision-maker. For this purpose, several valuation models have been developed that have been tested academically and professionally as being effectively helpful in analyzing investment projects, such as the discounted cash flow, present value, Tobin's q, etc. The discounted cash flow is regarded as the most important technique in evaluating long-term investment decisions, in particular. Reilly and Brown (2003) consider the calculation of discounted cash flow to be the most commonly practiced technique for the valuation of assets. The model is specifically utilized in large organizations as an effective means to analyze an investment on the basis of returns expected within a certain number of years. For instance, a company wants to invest a certain sum of money (See Table 1 and 2) to purchase an asset that is likely to benefit the company and provide a flow of income for the period of five years. This company can utilize the DCF method to reach an appropriate decision concerning whether to buy the asset or not. The asset will be purchased if the Net Present Value (NPV) calculated appears to be positive, whereas the company will not go for this investment if the NPV is less than zero or negative. This model evaluates the value of a company's asse... Wolfe and Gold (2004, p191) state that, "with the discounted cash flow theory cash flows are discounted at a risk-adjusted discount rate to arrive at an estimate of value". Thus, this method utilizes a discount rate to evaluate the cash flows expected from the use of the asset. In the following example (See Table 2), the discount rate is taken as 15%, whereas the investment is evaluated for the period of five years. After discounting the cash flows expected to be received in the given years, the present value is obtained. Table 1 Cash Flows *Considering Expected Inflation =3% Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Cash Inflow* $7,519,000 $7,594,190 $7,669,380 7035528 6497543 Less: Operating Costs $1,460,000 $1,503,800 $1,548,914 $1,595,381 $1,643,242 Less: Depreciation $2,266,667 $2,266,667 $2,266,667 $2,266,667 $2,266,667 Operating Income BT $3,792,333 $3,823,723 $3,853,799 $3,173,480 $2,587,634 Tax (10% assumed) $379,233 $382,372 $385,379 $317,348 $258,763 Operating Income AT $3,413,099 $3,441,350 $3,468,419 $2,856,132 $2,328,870 Add: Depreciation $2,266,667 $2,266,667 $2,266,667 $2,266,667 $2,266,667 Cash Flows $5,679,766 $5,708,017 $5,735,086 $5,122,799 $4,595,537 Table 2 Year Cash Flows Discount Rate- 15% Present Value 1 $5,679,766 0.870 4,941,396 2 $5,708,017 0.757 4,320,968 3 $5,735,086 0.658 3,773,686 4 $5,122,799 0.572 2,930,241 5 $4,595,537 0.497 2,283,981 Net Present Value 18,250,272 - Explicating The Investment Risks French and Gabrielli (2005, p80) illuminate that "the DCF method can mirror the all risk yield approach by explicitly applying all the assumptions that have been implicitly allowed for". The preeminence of this method lies in pre-identifying the risks concerning a prospective investment while

Public Administration (MSc) area Research Proposal

Public Administration (MSc) area - Research Proposal Example It is provided through organizations with facilities and personnel to offer proper healthcare to people in need (Stone; 131; 2008). Most of the developing countries do not provide adequate basic health care to their population, that is, their public health systems are not functioning as countries such in sub-Saharan Africa have less than three doctors per a population of 10,000 people. Significant losses of medicines due to poorly managed storage and distribution system or are missing in some countries, lack of an effective infrastructure system which is paramount for a worthy health care system. Health amenities in these countries are situated in urban areas far from the rural folks who are most in need of these services as well as they constitute the highest numbers in terms of demography. The political and social-economy structures of these countries hamper access to health services, blocking patients and service providers out. Overcrowded houses, being short of clean water and sewerage treatment leads to spread of diseases and social stigmas especially AIDS make most of the populace to avoid testing and trea tment. In general governments in these countries spending on health care is not a priority due to lack of political will, hence fewer resources are devoted to endemics such as HIV/AIDS or Malaria. Even where health care funds are allocated they end up being unspent due to poor management and bureaucratic ties in the government machinery (Smith;379; 2002). Pharmaceutical firms have been on the fore front of solving the health problems of these countries by giving access to health services and medicines in collaboration with the governments, non-governmental organizations and other international agencies (Jenkins; 90; 1978). Policy makers in Third World Countries have had a low priority and neglect for quality healthcare at the expense of a wider coverage, as well as the health departments of these countries have poor information systems that are not reliable in documentation to assess the quality of health. The observation is that, improvement of quality is equivalent to additional inputs and costs that these countries cannot afford with their economies. For improvement of healthcare quality assurance in developing countries the focus should be on the formulation and review of health policies that are supported by a committed and willing leadership and set up of institutional framework to enable the assessment of quality in the health industry. Only through research which is home based that can help in the development and assessment of new methods to implement quality assurance without necessarily escalating the inputs which are key for quality healthcare (Paquette;59; 2002). Public administration in health care of developing countries should strategize on working along the ministries of health and finance

Trends at the Turn of the Century Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Trends at the Turn of the Century - Essay Example This study stresses that  African Americans have a longer connection to the US and have a larger support group with well-known civil rights organizations safeguarding their rights. Therefore African Americans have the opportunity to obtain economic and social advancement.   While the ability to speak two languages gives Mexican-Americans an upper-hand in seeking cultural and economic integration, it can be a challenge once they begin school when for the most part, Mexican-Americans do not speak English fluently. This was particularly problematic at the turn of the century when opportunities for early education were not fully supported by Federal funding such as the No Child Left Behind Act 2001.From this paper it is clear that  Mexican-Americans were increasingly establishing a reputation for hard work at the turn of the century and were able to take advantage of a number of opportunities for work that were rejected by Americans including African Americans. This included jobs i n domestic services and in farming. There was and continues to be a large demand for those jobs.   However, Mexican-Americans were challenged by the stereotyping in that there was a public attitude that Mexican-Americans were all illegal and were all taking jobs from Americans.  The progressive era reformers sought to recruit members on the merits of their goals and thus much of their influence came from lectures, publications, exposing corruption and reforms from the bottom up.  ... African Americans by comparison would have had at least a head start settling in the US and establishing roots and connections for one hundred years or more. Like African Americans however, Mexican Americans have struggled to establish their rightful place in US society. The challenge was more pronounced at the turn of the century than it is today. Mexican Americans, like African Americans were struggling against a tide of marginalization in education, economics and in mainstream society in general. Many Mexican Americans however, do not have legal status and are unable to demand equal protection of the law and equal opportunities. African Americans however, are for the most part, citizens of America and may insist on equal protection of the law and equal opportunities. Even so, African Americans have been able to seek welfare protection in terms of economic marginalization. This was and remains a major challenge for illegal Mexican Americans who eventually end up taking on labor for excessively low wages as a means of surviving in the US and even then it has always been an improvement on the lives they left behind in Mexico (Vasquez). African Americans have a longer connection to the US and have a larger support group with well-known civil rights organizations safeguarding their rights. Therefore African Americans have the opportunity to obtain economic and social advancement. While the ability to speak two languages gives Mexican-Americans an upper-hand in seeking cultural and economic integration, it can be a challenge once they begin school when for the most part, Mexican-Americans do not speak English fluently. This was particularly problematic at the turn of the century when opportunities for early education were not fully supported by Federal

How Marketing has changed because of the development of technology Essay

How Marketing has changed because of the development of technology - Essay Example The author of the essay "Change of Marketing due to Technological Advances" assumes that in the present situation of ever advancing technology, a focus on marketing is needed. The identification of best plans to acquire market share and defeating competitors also should be included in marketing strategy. The creation of essential components of the product and market strategy is needed. Making a product nearer to the customer is also a compulsion in the competitive market. After the advent of information technology, the marketing took new turn and the clients are being contacted through internet or the network of the companies. The marketing strategy inherent in the internet or web based services is making the customer’s work easy to contact the vendor, manufacturer or service provider. This makes the producer or the service provider’s work easy of searching a customer. For example, Cisco Systems and Bay networks turned into a billion dollar networks or companies within a short span of time. Similarly Sony company has shipped ten million CD players in sever years before 1992 and after that they have shipped same number in 7 months by the advent of internet or web services in marketing. This induced speed in the marketing strategies, by establishing a contact between customer and the manufacturer or the service provider. In this paper the author analyses internet marketing, and in the end of the essay gives an action plan and time table that requires three years period.

Trends at the Turn of the Century Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Trends at the Turn of the Century - Essay Example This study stresses that  African Americans have a longer connection to the US and have a larger support group with well-known civil rights organizations safeguarding their rights. Therefore African Americans have the opportunity to obtain economic and social advancement.   While the ability to speak two languages gives Mexican-Americans an upper-hand in seeking cultural and economic integration, it can be a challenge once they begin school when for the most part, Mexican-Americans do not speak English fluently. This was particularly problematic at the turn of the century when opportunities for early education were not fully supported by Federal funding such as the No Child Left Behind Act 2001.From this paper it is clear that  Mexican-Americans were increasingly establishing a reputation for hard work at the turn of the century and were able to take advantage of a number of opportunities for work that were rejected by Americans including African Americans. This included jobs i n domestic services and in farming. There was and continues to be a large demand for those jobs.   However, Mexican-Americans were challenged by the stereotyping in that there was a public attitude that Mexican-Americans were all illegal and were all taking jobs from Americans.  The progressive era reformers sought to recruit members on the merits of their goals and thus much of their influence came from lectures, publications, exposing corruption and reforms from the bottom up.  ... African Americans by comparison would have had at least a head start settling in the US and establishing roots and connections for one hundred years or more. Like African Americans however, Mexican Americans have struggled to establish their rightful place in US society. The challenge was more pronounced at the turn of the century than it is today. Mexican Americans, like African Americans were struggling against a tide of marginalization in education, economics and in mainstream society in general. Many Mexican Americans however, do not have legal status and are unable to demand equal protection of the law and equal opportunities. African Americans however, are for the most part, citizens of America and may insist on equal protection of the law and equal opportunities. Even so, African Americans have been able to seek welfare protection in terms of economic marginalization. This was and remains a major challenge for illegal Mexican Americans who eventually end up taking on labor for excessively low wages as a means of surviving in the US and even then it has always been an improvement on the lives they left behind in Mexico (Vasquez). African Americans have a longer connection to the US and have a larger support group with well-known civil rights organizations safeguarding their rights. Therefore African Americans have the opportunity to obtain economic and social advancement. While the ability to speak two languages gives Mexican-Americans an upper-hand in seeking cultural and economic integration, it can be a challenge once they begin school when for the most part, Mexican-Americans do not speak English fluently. This was particularly problematic at the turn of the century when opportunities for early education were not fully supported by Federal

Irony in the drama Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Irony in the drama - Essay Example Sophocles makes use of both of the mentioned ironies in order to present the story of Oedipus while on the other hand, Shakespeare also takes support of both of the mentioned ironies in the lieu of literary techniques. Both the protagonists of the plays are destined to their downfall. Even if they make decisions, they make it in order to support the prophecies made. In addition, the playwrights were interested to take their heroes towards tragic endings due to which, they enabled them to make their decisions that were in the interest of the tragic ending. If they had decided differently, still they were to meet their prophecies as structured by both the playwrights. In Oedipus the king, dramatic irony is employed at various locations such as the prophecy about Oedipus that he will murder his own father and marry his own mother is revealed at the beginning of the play and the audiences of the play are aware of the prophecy and the ending of the play. On the other hand, Oedipus is quite ignorant about the prophecy and its implications. Even, when he gains knowledge about this prophecy, he tries to change the prediction by moving away from the parents who adopted him (Knox 1998). Oedipus thinks that he will change the prediction by means of getting away from his parents and by leaving his state but in actuality, he moves towards his real parents and kills his father ignorantly. Later on in the play, Oedipus tries to find the murderer of Laios, his real father, unknowingly that he, himself is the murderer (Knox 1998). Oedipus ironically announces that he will avenge the murderer by saying: The example of verbal irony can be seen when Oedipus promises that he will avenge Laios like his own father and will take his murderer in chains. Here, Oedipus is not aware that he is the murderer for whom he is searching. Also in the above mentioned quotation, Oedipus not knowingly announces that he will avenge the murdered king as he would have avenged his father, which is a

Leisure Dimensions Essay Example for Free

Leisure Dimensions Essay Thesis Statement: The relationship between leisure and the impacts is has on mental health, exhibits strong correlations. This subject of interest has been studied for many years and there is significant evidence to support the idea that leisure, whether it be through the use of work, play, self-care or rest (Crist, Davis Coffin, 2000) does impact positively, on ones mental health. The continued importance of leisure, as an important domain of life has been widely researched and investigated to assist in providing many concluding statements as to how individuals of today can benefit from such activities. I have focused primarily on the effects which leisure has on ones mental health, and how through the use of such leisure activities, they can restore their mental capacity and function, and partake in the same activities they used to with the same belief and confidence in themselves. The under-lying, and most essential belief in the development of occupational therapy, is maintaining the balance of work, play/leisure, self-care and rest, as these are the foundations for a healthy lifestyle Crist et al (2000). In 1977, Kielhofner termed the healthy balance of activities as â€Å"temporal adaptation†. He hypothesized that the temporal adaptation is achieved through the interrelationship among the (i) amount of time engaged in particular types of activities, (ii) participants view of the importance of the activities (iii) participants perception of competence in performing the activities and (iv) how much satisfaction they derive from their chosen activities. When studying cases of what is considered to be a healthy adaptation, the activities are assumed to provide a sense of productivity and accomplishment, which are essentially derived from the individual’s perception, Crist et al (2000). Kielhofner’s Model of Human Occupation examines how the motivation, performance and organization of occupational behaviour are exhibited in daily life. This model contains a habituation subsystem, which is made up of two components; roles and habits, which serve to maintain occupational behaviour, Crist et al (2000). According to Kielhofner (1997) habits act to organize occupational behaviour by a) regulating how time is typically used, b) influencing how one performs routines, and c) generating styles of behaviour. He goes on to explain that roles not only influence the manner and content of the interactions but also require routine tasks and dividing daily and weekly cycles into times, Crist et al (2000). The interweaving of the habits and roles in daily life consequently form routine behaviour. Opposing this, occupational dysfunction occurs when an individual has a limited capacity to choose or perform occupations. Kleiber, Larson Csikszentmihalyi (1986) observed during a study of US adults how they spend their time. It was concluded that on average, 30% of the day was spent sleeping, 10% in self-care, and 10% in instrumental activities. From those who were gainfully employed, work took up 25% of their day. The remaining 30% remains as discretionary time. While this study provides insight into occupational patterns, the perceived meaning and significance of engaging these patterns is not evident, Crist et al (2000). Crist et al (2000) stated that the work role is an occupational factor that strongly influences the balance and organization of occupational behaviour. Christiansen Baum (1997) defined work as a skill or performance in participating in socially purposeful, and productive activities, whether or not the individual receives economic compensation. These activities can take place at home, in an employment setting, school or a community. According to Kielhofner (1977), work roles, both gainful and non-gainful, create a need for the organisation of daily activities. Work activities offer the opportunity to gain a sense of satisfaction, competence and involvement and in our society; the most visible and highly valued work roles are those, which are categorized as gainful employment, Crist et al (2000). Mental health status is another factor that can influence temporal adaptation (Larson, 1990). Those individuals, who are considered to be within a healthy range regarding their mental health, are able to successfully meet the demands of their lifestyle and perform these activities. An individual, who presents a mental illness, may still be able to perform their work role, however they may display difficulty in performing a variety of tasks, which will in turn effect their competence and consequently effect the enjoyment they would usually get out of the assigned tasks, Crist et al (2000). Employment and mental health status may be related to each other when analyzing their effects on temporal adaptation; however, the types of employment and severity of the mental health problems will ultimately determine the scope of the results. Leisure benefits health by buffering people against personal stress produced by life circumstances. There are two important mediators, which determine the influence of leisure on the stress-health relationship, leisure based social support and leisure generated self-determination (Coleman and Iso-Ahola, 1993) There has been extensive evidence to suggest that stressful life circumstances induce physical and mental illness; however, this impact has been shown to be moderated by various processes including leisure participation. According to Caldwell Smith (1988), leisure is believed to have beneficial consequences for psychological well-being and health. They have also suggested that leisure activities influence health by promoting positive moods. Therefore, it can be said that leisure may help overcome loneliness and result in influencing individuals well being, (Coleman et al, 1993). Differing life events, and more so those of negative connotations such as losing a job, have been shown to lead to a higher incidence of illness such as depression (Thoits, 1983). In saying this, the social and psychological factors impacting on health is being increasingly investigated in terms of the concept of â€Å"life stress†. According to Sarason Sarason (1981), life stress can be considered a psychological state involving the cognitive appraisal of life events and of one’s inability to deal with them. An example of this is that if there was a death of an immediate family member and this could consequently cause varying levels of stress. It must however be remembered that it is due to the individuals perception of life events which have been the most vital piece of information when predicting the illness outcomes, (Coleman et al, 1993). When life problems such as the one addressed above occur, it is the natural instinct to seek support to alleviate the stress. This can occur through the use of avoidance, obtaining support and problem solving, (Coleman et al, 1993). These coping strategies are believed to moderate the impact of life problems on health in two main ways. Coleman et al, (1993) state that initially, the individual’s beliefs and dispositions may lead to an appraisal of life problems as non-threatening. And secondly, by enhancing the individuals efforts can contribute to alleviating stress that flows from these life problems before it affects health. Those who are suffering from life problems would seek help through these coping mechanisms; however, those who lives are relatively â€Å"stress free† would not benefit. In diagnostic terms this coping is referred to as an â€Å"interaction† between the life stress and the coping factor, (Coleman et al, 1993). This process can be associated with an overall effect, which is represented by â€Å"main effect† and shows that social factors do in fact influence health, regardless of the level of stress. According to Coleman et al, (1993) these coping mechanisms are therefore said to provide a buffer against severe life crises, rather than having an overall influence on health. This finding provides the conclusion that leisure impacts health by providing buffering mechanisms that come into play when life presents significant problems, (Caldwell et al, 1988). Conversely to this, the impact of leisure when life stress is low is less beneficial in the short term. However, in the long run, leisure is hypothesized to contribute to health by building health-promoting dispositions such as self-determination (Coleman et al, 1993). When analyzing the relationships between leisure participation and health, Caltabino’s study shows fascinating findings. Caltabino focused on the interactions between life stress and the participation in social, cultural and sporting activities and he concluded that they were all associated with illness symptomatology (Caldwell, 1988). From the many studies conducted surrounding the participation levels and the direct effect they have on health, it can be concluded that people participate in leisure activities to gain a sense of camaraderie which in turn leads to an ideology that they will gain social support if more severe cases of life crises should present themselves (Coleman, 1993). Furthermore, Coleman et al, (1993) states that this leisure may buffer the life stress because continual engagement in some types of leisure experiences may foster personal dispositions incorporating self-determination, including a sense of control and mastery. Caldwell (2005) addresses and interesting theory that leisure is therapeutic and contributes significantly to ones health. There is existing literature on this notion, which can further be organised into three classes of research: prevention of, coping with, and transcending negative life events. It is from here that leisure can become beneficial and help people move forward in terms of their health. Based on the work of Antonovsky (1979), the view taken here is that health is a multifaceted concept and includes not only physical well-being and psychological well-being, but also performance, self- realization and a sense of meaningfulness. When looking at the primary prevention role that leisure plays in response to one’s mental health it has been said that leisure activities may ward off poor health and behaviors before they occur (Caldwell, 2005). Ponde and Santata examined this in a study, which concluded that participation in leisure activities is a protective factor for women’s health, particularly those living in poorer conditions. In this study, the leisure activities were positively correlated with low levels of anxiety and depression among women reporting no job satisfaction and low family income (Caldwell, 2005). When looking at leisure from an occupational therapy viewpoint, this leisure promotes heath because â€Å"meaningful activity can influence social inclusiveness and encourage self-expression, therefore promoting human potential† (Passmore, 2003). From the study she completed, Passmore found that social leisure and the achievement associated with the leisure positively influenced mental health, and that mental health was most strongly predicted by leisure-related competency, self-efficacy, and self-worth (Caldwell, 2005). In addition, some work by Szabo suggests that music appreciation; watching scenery through video and humor gained through leisure, equally help by improving mood and decreasing anxiety (Caldwell, 2005). As stated by Coleman et al, (1993), the role of leisure in the stress-coping process has received considerable attention over the last decade, and Iwaksi (2001) has concluded that, â€Å"leisure can be an important buffer against stress to maintain good health†. Coleman et al, (1993), found that social support derived from leisure activity participation contributes to the reduction of stress and in doing so, promotes physical and mental health, but only for those who experience high levels of stress. Iwasaki and Mannell (2000) came up with three coping strategies; leisure palliative coping, leisure mood enhancement and leisure companionship. And more recently Iwaski (2001) compared the effects of leisure-related coping on immediate coping outcomes, mental health outcomes and psychological well being with general coping strategies (Caldwell, 2005). From his research, he found that â€Å"leisure coping, significantly predicted positive coping outcomes, mental health, and psychological well-being beyond the effects of general coping† (Caldwell, 2005). The final way in which leisure can be therapeutic is when dealing with negative life events, however this does depend on the individual and may not occur when someone has experienced a traumatic event (Caldwell, 2005). In Kleiber’s case, the participants used leisure to find new meaning to life and become reborn in a way that allows for a â€Å"fuller realization of one’s potential† (Caldwell, 2005).

News From Nowhere Analysis of William Morris

News From Nowhere Analysis of William Morris Introduction In this essay I will analyse how William Morris’s News from Nowhere and the nineteenth century ecological ideology will shape the vision of the world around humanity. How Morris wanted to design a world that was to him becoming gloomy and joyless, a world that is being separated by industrialist and capitalist systems who have turned everything of value into profit making, although he believes both industrialism and capitalism go hand in hand. My focus will be on how these ideologies are organised in utopian imaginative narration Utopia meaning an imaginary society, place or state considered to be perfect and ideal and could not exist anywhere. But on the other hand that leaves a question can it, society be improved? News from Nowhere exists with visions of the future and also seeks to defend and uphold the revolutionary function of such expectation and hope. It strikes out as a book that is a little different from today. William Morris was a man of many talents, an artist, poet, carpenter, manufacturer, activist, and a socialist during the late 19th century. Later in his life he became a graphic designer. He was born March of 1834 in Walthamstow, England into a wealthy family. He went to school at an early age, studied at Oxford and became interested in art and architecture. At a later part of his life he became interested in politics and textile designs Main body The book tells about beautiful scenery and good weather; †¦air just sharp enough to be refreshing†¦ (News from Nowhere, chapter 1) is an indication of climate changes which for decades now have been a challenge facing the planet today. The problem that comes from climate change has caused many unfriendly problems that the world is facing that have resulting into different problems such as deaths, diseases, and dryness from deserts, water shortages, etc. It is up to the leaders of the world to make necessary changes so as to save the future of the planet. William Morris had an idea of a perfect world and hopeful of what the future might bring, and one of the impressive characters of the ideal world is the freedom of every man and woman to be in control of his/her own destiny. A world that is free from oppression and full of opportunities. Morris more than most people, had set up himself with a good start in life as far as career wise. By his adulthood he had already accomplished some tremendous success, created his firm, developed and exploited his talents to the full, basically he had made himself wealthy and this brought more success to his later careers as an independent actor on the political and social scene as he wished. After he left school he never exposed himself to where someone could be telling him what to do or taking orders from people except on certain occasions he had encounter with the law. He was not a selfish person, as he was a privileged man; he wanted the same for every person. A society without statue or privilege is what Morris wanted (Harvey and Press, 1996) Morris claims that the society is full of evil and that capitalism has destroyed what is left of the society but with communism it can be revived (Geoghegan, 2008) Morris saw in medieval craft labour an anticipation of what free labour in communism will be like. During the medieval periods craftspeople did not experience the type of degradation that labours have been subjected to under capitalism; that is between intellectual and manual and intellectual labour, between great art and manufacture, and also between pleasure and work. Morris believes that it is possible for man to rejoice in his work, and not only the labours that can make one rejoice, the products represent the height of human achievement to date. He rejected mass production, but rather encouraged those to develop their own manual skills such as were necessary to, and enjoyable in the domestic environment. In 1876 Morris wrote a letter to the Daily News protesting against Conservative government’s policy in the Balkans who offered the Turks military support the Russian expansionism in order to protect their interests in the Near East. Morris’s letter gave voice to the feelings and reaction of the people’s demonstration against this move especially a significant section of British opinion, particularly the liberals who resented their government being in war against Turks killing and massacre of Bulgarians. Morris’s letter within a couple of weeks had brought him popularity, after a short while he was elected Treasurer of the Eastern Question Association. This association was formed to campaign and protest against anticipation for war (Morris, 2004) Violence in the streets across the globe today are not new, they can be associated with Morris’s thought about revolution. As we witness today that democracy is sweeping across some parts of the world like the Arab countries. Its citizens are now demonstrating for changes in their government and demanding accountability and transparency. An example is couple of years back; the changes of regimes among North African countries, Egypt, Algeria, and Libya are evident of changes that came about through revolution. In 1885 Morris wrote to Georgiana Burne-Jones that the early struggles of socialism are merely ‘the petty skirmish of outposts, the fight of a corporal’s guard’; he tells the James Frederick that now he has joined the socialists, he has become ‘a soldier of the cause’. At the same time, he affirms the possibility that actual violence may be necessary for political change (Hanson, 2013, p.165) News from Nowhere makes us to understand that Morris motivated a happier society through the satisfactions of creative work. As he says in his preface to the nature of Gothic, â€Å"the lesson which Ruskin here teaches us is that art is the expression of man’s pleasure in labour† (Morris, 2004) he went further to say changed conditions of labour would not only produce better art but happier individuals more capable of enjoying it. He was not opposed to machines as a matter of principle. A lot of people believe he opposes them. He supports labour saving devices where dullness was not concerned. He said that the use of machines will speed production thereby doing those hard labour and saving human extra time and strength. But he criticised the use of machine for increase of production so as to make profit for the capitalists. Morris became the treasurer of the largely working-class National League. He formed a good relation with working people who had been empowered by the 1832 Reform Bill; the middle classes who are the driving force behind the nation’s wealth and power. Because of its success the franchise was extended to wider sections of working class which attracted new voters. His aim was for workers to be in charge of their own lives. Workers should organise and have trade unions through which they will make their voice heard, issues like wages, temporary managers, number of hours, care and sick payment, the dismissed, and the unemployed and general working conditions. After the revolution of 1848, things changed for good as a result of extension of the suffrage of 1867, increasing prosperity and liberal reforms, the rise of the trade unions all contributed to the improvement of things. Morris believed in â€Å"Socialism from the Root Up† (Morris, 2004) fundamental change brought about by sudden popular revolution. He worked hard and treated his work for league as a full time job. During Morris’s time the league fought for free speech campaign so as to possess the right to protest and carry out public demonstrations. In this process he was arrested and fined on some occasions at the Trafalgar Square. Just as it is in the world today people are demonstrating against governments, companies, or institutions on policies that are against their democratic rights. Today in Ireland the people are demonstrating against the new water charge imposed by the government Change does not come by peaceful means, but through struggles. It was through this circumstance as the Socialist League drew nearer disintegration that prompted Morris to write News from Nowhere, a book that combines continuing trust in a Socialist future with a need to recharge the batteries of an imagination near exhaustion (Morris, 2004) Morris stressed not only the importance of political party but for the party to be a party of cadres, highly trained and qualified personnel of theoretical understanding, capable of assuming a leading role in any revolutionary activities towards the working class. He made it clear that the Socialist League should stand for revolutionary and scientific Socialism as against Hyndman’s SDF (Social Democratic Federation) for the fact that he believes Hyndman and SDF method will only achieve what he Morris called ‘mechanical revolution’, which is not real revolution. On the contrary Morris demanded ‘an educated movement’ (Researchgate.net) Morris believes that old order must not take charge put if they persist, then they must be removed by force, that is when necessary to use intelligent revolution which is for the good of the people. He wanted far above every other thing body of able high- minded working class, experienced, knowledgeable and skilled men who will teach and direct the general population during critical moments of any movement. He had a strong disapproval towards opportunism which will involve him in alliance with other parties at the long run will lead to electioneering and deprive the socialist movement some of its best leaders by sending them pretentious parliament, where they will become useless. Morris hammered on the importance of education especially in the party system so as to have a strong party which comprises education in economics, in organisation, and also administratively. He went further to say without an organised political party to provide a concrete and theoretical awareness and existence of socialism, any sudden revolt would bring it to scatter in various directions. On the issue of gender, Morris was aware of the apparent reaction of the solution regarding the woman question, just as he was conscious of the conservative and emotional implications of his desire to give new life to the handicraft. But he did not temper his belief that house work was the natural realm of the woman, they do it excellently well, and that a woman’s natural vocation was to provide help and comfort for her children and the head of the family. In the book there is an open rejection by Morris on movement of freedom with regards to central demand as the right to free the more intelligent part of their sex from the bearing of children. The domestic workers in the book are independent, athletic, active, and passionate, they are never worn down by their work, always good-natured and extremely beautiful. Perhaps is not surprising that Morris confessed that he had fallen in love with Ellen. Conclusion William Morris’s News from Nowhere is an interesting book with a vision. Despite the fact it was written in 1890, its contains arguments and debate that will inspire every generations to come; of all sectors both students, workers, politicians to look beyond the immediate system and virtualise future. Bibliography Agathocleous, T. (20011) Urban realism and the cosmopolitan imagination in the nineteenth century: Visible city, Invisible city, Cambridge University Press Cairns, J, Sears, A. (2012) the democratic imagination: Envisioning popular power in the twenty- first century, University of Toronto Press Corporal, M., Leeuwen, E. J. V. (2010) the literary utopias of cultural communities, 1790 – 1910 Rodopi Press Geoghegan, V. (2008) Utopianism and Marxism, Peter Lang Publishers Hanson, I. (2013) William Morris and the users of violence, 1856 – 1890, Anthem Press Harvey, C., Press, J. (1996) Art, enterprise, and ethics: The life and works of William Morris   Psychology Press Latham, D. (2007) writing on the image: Reading William Morris, University of Toronto Press Lvitas, R. (2010) the concept of Utopia, Peter Lang Publishers Morris, W. (2004) news from nowhere and the other writing, Penguin Publishing Peters, M. A., Freeman-Moir, D. J. (2006) Edutopias, Sense Publishers Plotz, J. (2008) portable property: Victorian culture on the move, Preston Publishers The ecological communitarianism of William Morris, /02c87, Researchgate.net

Teaching Morality More Important than Sex Education in Public Schools E

     Ã‚  Ã‚   A controversy is rising in America about the nature of sex education in the nation's high schools.   Studies show that 81 percent of American adults support a joint program teaching abstinence and contraception as opposed to an abstinence-only program (Roper 0316946), and 79 percent support contraception education regardless of the level of sexual activity in teenagers (Roper 0340807). The sad fact is, contraception is society's attempt at a "quick fix" for a problem that runs far deeper than the issue of teen sex.   In the debate over the "best safe sex," educators and parents must consider not only the health issues, but must also reevaluate the morality of the nation's young people. Leafing through Planned Parenthood's literature on abortion, contraception, and teen sex, it becomes obvious that Planned Parenthood promotes contraception education, and opposes abstinence education:   "These 'abstinence-until-marriage' programs are an unrealistic attempt to reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancy by using a 'just say no' approach" ("Reducing Teenage Pregnancy").   A good portion of American teenagers agree, illustrated by the fact that 77 percent of women and 85 percent of men will have sexual intercourse before the age of twenty ("Teen Sex and Pregnancy").   They are encouraged to use contraception.   Interestingly, though, teenagers aren't given all the facts about contraception, as is illustrated by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler: Not too long ago, I attended a talk during "Safe Sex Week" at the school.   The speaker opened with a statement that sent a rumble of discomfort through the crowd:   "You've been brainwashed!"   When the students settled down, he continued.   "You've had an entire week of 'safe sex' indoctr... ...ssroom."   Time 18 Oct. 2013: n. pag.   Online.   Internet.   URL (4 Nov. 2014). "Normandy Junior Preaches Abstinence, Has High Hopes."   St. Louis Post-Dispatch.   11 Oct. 2011: North Post 5. Okite, Odhiambo.   "Fidelity Urged to Fight AIDS."   Christianity Today 12 July 2012: 22. "Reducing Teenage Pregnancy." Planned Parenthood.URL (21   Oct. 2014) Roper Center at University of Connecticut.   Poll. Accession number 0316946.   Question number 031.   10 May 2014. Roper Center at University of Connecticut.   Poll.   Accession number 0340807.   Question number 087. 19 July 2014. Sommers, Christina Hoff.   "Are We Living in a Moral Stone Age?"   Imprimis Mar. 2010: 1-4. "Teen Sex and Pregnancy."   Sept. 2013.   The Alan Guttmacher Institute. URL (22 Nov. 2014). Zulu, Mabvuto.   "Give Abstinence a Chance."   Times of Zambia 10 Aug. 2013: n. pag.   

Competition Vs. Monopoly Essay -- essays research papers

1. Analyze the fast food industry from the point of view of perfect competition. Include the concepts of elasticity, utility, costs, and market structure to explain the prices charged by fast food retailers. Firms within the fast food industry fall under the market structure of perfect competition. Market structure is a classification system for the key traits of a market. The characteristics of perfect competition include: large number of buyers and sellers, easy entry to and exit from the market, homogeneous products, and the firm is the price taker. Many fast food franchises fit all or most of these characteristics. Competition within the industry as well as market supply and demand conditions set the price of products sold. For example, when Wendy’s introduced its $.99 value menu, several other companies implemented the same type of changes to their menu. The demand for items on Wendy’s value menu was so high because they were offering the same products as always, but at a discounted price. This change in market demand basically forced Wendy’s competition to lower prices of items on their menu, in order to maintain their share of the market. The previous example illustrates the elasticity of the fast food industry. Supply and demand set the equilibrium price for goods offered by franchises within the industry. Competitors of Wendy’s must accept the prices established by the consumer demand for the value menu. If consumers didn’t respond so positively to Wendy...

Its me,,,i want boyfriend

The project would start with a photography contest in the city that according to â€Å"Tex† will lend a human face to â€Å"hookers† or â€Å"whores†, who also have human rights and need government protection. Tex said â€Å"as long as poverty is there, you expect more people to engage in prostitution. † He said there are about 500,000 sex workers in the country, 3,000 of whom are in Baguio City, one of the country's top tourist draws. Nation ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Among others, Filipino sex workers face health issues, made worse by fear of being enied access to health services., which has began â€Å"talking† to and organizing sex workers in Baguio, Tex said, has taken note of various anecdotes, illustrating the stigma that sex workers face as they have yet to secure recognition from the government. â€Å"In the most extreme (cases), we hear of sex workers complaining of rape to authorities, but rarely get serious results on the ground that they are not believed to have been raped because they are prostitutes. As if sex workers have no rights,† Tex said. In Baguio, more than 300 sex workers, mostly street ookers including males, are â€Å"talking† with WHORE.When finally given legal recognition, the advocacy group, a member of the Asia Pacific Sex Workers Union and the Sex Workers ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) group, said sex workers â€Å"can become members of unions fghting for their rights and welfare. † In Thailand, sex workers are recognized by the government and are able to raise their concerns to the government. â€Å"But we are not going for decriminalizing sex workers while criminalizing clients like the Swedish model,† Tex said. â€Å"It didn't even work here. WHORE'S advocacy is facing daunting challenges, however. For one, the Catholic church here headed by Catholic Vicar Carlito Cenzon of the Baguio Vicariate is opposing the legalization of se x workers. â€Å"No way', Cenzon said. Even the supposedly liberal women's group Gabriela is against legalizing prostitution. â€Å"Legalizing [prostitution] is not an option, but instead [the government must] remove them (prostitutes) from poverty,† said Cordillera women Igorot leader Mila Singson, regional coordinator of the Gabriela Women's partylist.Although Singson said her roup has rescued a number of women who became sex slaves, she believes that â€Å"women involved in prostitution should be criminalized. † The UN report â€Å"Sex Work and the Law in Asia and the Pacific† said that â€Å"legal recognition of sex work as an occupation enables sex workers to claim benefits, to form or Join unions and to access work-related banking, insurance, transport and pension schemes. â€Å"In decriminalized context,† it says, â€Å"the sex industry can be subject to the same general laws regarding workplace health and safety and anti-discrimination protecti ons as other industries. 00 Decriminalization, according to the UN involves the repeal of laws criminalizing sex work, being clients to sex workers or engaging in activities associated with sex work. 00 It should also repeal laws that require mandatory testing or treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or other ST's, as well as laws that allow detention of sex workers for rehabilitation or correction.

Energy Drinks Essay

Introduction Sir Isaac Newton was right when he saidâ€Å"what goes up must come down† . This rings true when talking about energy drinks. These products promise to provide heightened awareness, more energy, more endurance some even reference to the consumer you will have wings. So when consuming these products what are you really drinking? Do they provide the energy boost they promise? Are they harmful? Should the FDA do more investigating into the safety of these so-called energy drinks? These are questions I had going into this as a consumer of energy drinks myself, I was interested in how harmful they are too the consumer. In this paper I hope to provide a better insight to a product that is popular and in demand; but little is known about. What Are You Drinking? Energy drinks contain most of the same major ingredients caffeine, taurine, glucronolactone, niacin and panax ginseng just to list a few. Let’s start with caffeine it is a central nervous system stimulant that has the effect of temporarily warding off drowsiness and restoring alertness. As of studies done by (Lovett, Richard) 90% of adults consume caffeine daily in different ways. Most of the energy from these drinks comes from the sugar and caffeine not the unnecessary extras (Suzanne Farrell MS, RD). Taurine another main ingredient is actually an amino acid that is found in the human body it is a natural substance that our bodily systems encounter every day. However in these energy drinks it is a synthetic element. Then there is Ginseng is known as an adaptogen, which means it increases resistance to physical, chemical, and biological stress and builds energy and general vitality. These are just a couple of the things in what seems to be in a lot of the energy drinks. The rest of the scientific sounding ingredients came up to be not relevant to the effects these drinks promise. |Beverage (250 ml) |Caffeine content | |Cocaine energy drink |280mg | |Full Throttle |144mg | |Monster |160mg | |Impulse |88 mg | |Red Bull |80 mg | |Naughty Boy |80mg | |’V’ |78 mg | |Coca-Cola |48. 75 mg | Do These Drinks Provide The Effects They Promise? Most drinks provide some combination of B vitamins (which help convert sugar to energy and help regulate red blood cells, which deliver oxygen), amino acids (e. g. , taurine), antioxidants(milk thisle, vitamin C), and stimulants, ranging from the reliable (caffeine, guarana) to the alleged (horny goat weed). Yes, they do. Smit and colleagues found that energy drinks, as compared to placebo, had energizing effects among 18 to 55 year old participants, with effects being strongest 30 to 60 minutes after consumption and sustained at least 90 minutes. Caffeine was found to be the primary constituent responsible for these effects. Although there is no human requirement for caffeine, even low doses of caffeine (12. 5 to 100 mg) improve cognitive performance and mood (Smit HJ). Because this is still such an understudied topic it is hard to say that these drinks provide the effect they promise. The fact is caffeine affects everyone different due to age, size, tolerance, consumption and lack of sleep all these things contribute to how these drinks will affect you. Are They Harmful? This question was the one I was most interested in there is so much controversy around this question. Many energy drinks have a very high percentage of carbohydrates that can make it more difficult for food and nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream from the intestines. In some cases, gastrointestinal problems and distress are a possibility. When an energy drink has a high sugar content, it can have a laxative effect, as well as causing a sudden â€Å"crash† when the sugar leaves the bloodstream and the energy high disappears. Researchers found that within four hours of drinking various energy drinks, the 15 participants’ blood pressure rates increased approximately 10 percent for the systolic rate, 8 percent for the diastolic rate and heart rates increased 11 percent (Wayne state university study). When given to test rats in an experimental laboratory, it was found that the taurine caused anxiety, irritability, high sensitivity to noise, and self-mutilations. However, this data does not mean that the same effects will occur in humans the differences between rats and people are obviously substantial. That to me seems sort of scary. The Australian Consumers’ Association advises that while energy drinks may be scientifically safe, young people especially need to be aware of their contents. Research shows that children and young people who consume energy drinks may suffer sleep problems, bed-wetting and anxiety. Children who consume two or more cans of energy drinks a day may become irritable and anxious. Women who are pregnant are advised to avoid energy drinks (especially during the first three months of pregnancy), as high amounts of caffeine can increase the risk of miscarriage, difficult birth and delivery of low-weight babies. (Australian Consumers Association) Drinking these drinks while consuming alcohol can also be very harmful there have been reports of young people dying, possibly as a result of mixing of alcohol and energy drinks. Also Since the absorption of nutrients is slower; there is a large chance that the fluid absorption rate of the body is also slower. Difficulty in natural re-hydration of the body during workouts can cause danger to the person’s health. Athletes, who lose great quantities of fluids during games and practices, should be aware of this circumstance for they are one of the target markets of energy drinks. Should The FDA Do More Investigating As To The Safety Of Energy Drinks? Regulation of foods and drugs in the United States falls under the guidance of the Food and Drug Administration under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). Functional foods, like energy drinks, may be regulated as foods, dietary supplements, drugs, medical foods or food for special dietary use. Though energy drinks have many of the same qualities as soft drinks, which are regulated as foods, they are regulated differently because the functional beverage industry is part of the trend of â€Å"nutraceutical foods† that occupies the gray area between food and dietary supplements. Dietary supplements are generally characterized as foods, despite their drug-like properties and their lack of testing on the market. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration have not conducted any serious investigations into the safety of energy drinks. As dietary supplements, energy drinks are subject to much less stringent regulations than other foodstuffs. However certain nations limit the locations that can sell energy drinks. Other countries require warning labels on individual cans of energy drinks. Still other countries have issued national statements regarding their safety. Some countries, such as Canada, have not yet approved certain energy drinks for sale. So shouldn’t the FDA take a closer look as to how these drinks are labeled and marketed and shouldn’t there be more investigating as to its effects on their consumer. Conclusion As a consumer of at least two if not more monster energy drinks a day I found the information was good to know. I do think that the FDA needs to make it where they do inform the consumer of the risks on the label especially because these drinks are very popular in teens. After all that I found I find it interesting that the public is so misinformed about all the ingredients in these drinks because really the caffeine is what is giving them the boost not all the scientific sounding ingredients. I think that it is most important for consumers to know that when taking in such high levels of caffeine you will go up but you must come down. Bibliography Lovett, Richard (24 September 2005). â€Å"Coffee: The demon drink? † (Fee required). New Scientist (2518). http://www. newscientist. com/article. ns? id=mg18725181. 700. Retrieved 2009-08-03. Suzanne Farrell, MS, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. Webmd. com Smit HJ, Rogers PJ: Effects of low doses of caffeine on cognitive performance, mood and thirst in low and higher caffeine consumers. Psychopharmacology 2000, 152:167-173. William J. McGuire, the Communication-Persuasion Model and Health-Risk Labeling, in Product Labeling and Health Risks Bichler A, Swenson A, Harris MA: A combination of caffeine and taurine has no effect on short term memory but induces changes in heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure. Amino Acids 2006 http://www. naturalhealthontheweb. com Australian Drug Foundation’s Druginfo Clearinghouse. http://www. redbull. com/faq/index. html. http://www. safefoodonline. com/news/n_190302. asp. Monster energy [http://www. monsterenergy. com/product/energy. php www. fda. gov wellnessandnutrition. com edrinks. net Smit HJ, Rogers PJ: Effects of low doses of caffeine on cognitive performance, mood and thirst in low and higher caffeine consumers. Psychopharmacology 2000, 152:167-173. http://www. naturalhealthontheweb. com Australian Drug Foundation’s Druginfo Clearinghouse. http://www. redbull. com/faq/index. html. http://www. safefoodonline. com/news/n_190302. asp Monster energy [http://www. monsterenergy. com/product/energy. php] Introduction Sir Isaac Newton was right when he saidâ€Å"what goes up must come down† . This rings true when talking about energy drinks. These products promise to provide heightened awareness, more energy, more endurance some even reference to the consumer you will have wings. So when consuming these products what are you really drinking? Do they provide the energy boost they promise? Are they harmful? Should the FDA do more investigating into the safety of these so-called energy drinks? These are questions I had going into this as a consumer of energy drinks myself, I was interested in how harmful they are too the consumer. In this paper I hope to provide a better insight to a product that is popular and in demand; but little is known about. What Are You Drinking? Energy drinks contain most of the same major ingredients caffeine, taurine, glucronolactone, niacin and panax ginseng just to list a few. Let’s start with caffeine it is a central nervous system stimulant that has the effect of temporarily warding off drowsiness and restoring alertness. As of studies done by (Lovett, Richard) 90% of adults consume caffeine daily in different ways. Most of the energy from these drinks comes from the sugar and caffeine not the unnecessary extras (Suzanne Farrell MS, RD). Taurine another main ingredient is actually an amino acid that is found in the human body it is a natural substance that our bodily systems encounter every day. However in these energy drinks it is a synthetic element. Then there is Ginseng is known as an adaptogen, which means it increases resistance to physical, chemical, and biological stress and builds energy and general vitality. These are just a couple of the things in what seems to be in a lot of the energy drinks. The rest of the scientific sounding ingredients came up to be not relevant to the effects these drinks promise. |Beverage (250 ml) |Caffeine content | |Cocaine energy drink |280mg | |Full Throttle |144mg | |Monster |160mg | |Impulse |88 mg | |Red Bull |80 mg | |Naughty Boy |80mg | |’V’ |78 mg | |Coca-Cola |48. 75 mg | Do These Drinks Provide The Effects They Promise? Most drinks provide some combination of B vitamins (which help convert sugar to energy and help regulate red blood cells, which deliver oxygen), amino acids (e. g. , taurine), antioxidants(milk thisle, vitamin C), and stimulants, ranging from the reliable (caffeine, guarana) to the alleged (horny goat weed). Yes, they do. Smit and colleagues found that energy drinks, as compared to placebo, had energizing effects among 18 to 55 year old participants, with effects being strongest 30 to 60 minutes after consumption and sustained at least 90 minutes. Caffeine was found to be the primary constituent responsible for these effects. Although there is no human requirement for caffeine, even low doses of caffeine (12. 5 to 100 mg) improve cognitive performance and mood (Smit HJ). Because this is still such an understudied topic it is hard to say that these drinks provide the effect they promise. The fact is caffeine affects everyone different due to age, size, tolerance, consumption and lack of sleep all these things contribute to how these drinks will affect you. Are They Harmful? This question was the one I was most interested in there is so much controversy around this question. Many energy drinks have a very high percentage of carbohydrates that can make it more difficult for food and nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream from the intestines. In some cases, gastrointestinal problems and distress are a possibility. When an energy drink has a high sugar content, it can have a laxative effect, as well as causing a sudden â€Å"crash† when the sugar leaves the bloodstream and the energy high disappears. Researchers found that within four hours of drinking various energy drinks, the 15 participants’ blood pressure rates increased approximately 10 percent for the systolic rate, 8 percent for the diastolic rate and heart rates increased 11 percent (Wayne state university study). When given to test rats in an experimental laboratory, it was found that the taurine caused anxiety, irritability, high sensitivity to noise, and self-mutilations. However, this data does not mean that the same effects will occur in humans the differences between rats and people are obviously substantial. That to me seems sort of scary. The Australian Consumers’ Association advises that while energy drinks may be scientifically safe, young people especially need to be aware of their contents. Research shows that children and young people who consume energy drinks may suffer sleep problems, bed-wetting and anxiety. Children who consume two or more cans of energy drinks a day may become irritable and anxious. Women who are pregnant are advised to avoid energy drinks (especially during the first three months of pregnancy), as high amounts of caffeine can increase the risk of miscarriage, difficult birth and delivery of low-weight babies. (Australian Consumers Association) Drinking these drinks while consuming alcohol can also be very harmful there have been reports of young people dying, possibly as a result of mixing of alcohol and energy drinks. Also Since the absorption of nutrients is slower; there is a large chance that the fluid absorption rate of the body is also slower. Difficulty in natural re-hydration of the body during workouts can cause danger to the person’s health. Athletes, who lose great quantities of fluids during games and practices, should be aware of this circumstance for they are one of the target markets of energy drinks. Should The FDA Do More Investigating As To The Safety Of Energy Drinks? Regulation of foods and drugs in the United States falls under the guidance of the Food and Drug Administration under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). Functional foods, like energy drinks, may be regulated as foods, dietary supplements, drugs, medical foods or food for special dietary use. Though energy drinks have many of the same qualities as soft drinks, which are regulated as foods, they are regulated differently because the functional beverage industry is part of the trend of â€Å"nutraceutical foods† that occupies the gray area between food and dietary supplements. Dietary supplements are generally characterized as foods, despite their drug-like properties and their lack of testing on the market. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration have not conducted any serious investigations into the safety of energy drinks. As dietary supplements, energy drinks are subject to much less stringent regulations than other foodstuffs. However certain nations limit the locations that can sell energy drinks. Other countries require warning labels on individual cans of energy drinks. Still other countries have issued national statements regarding their safety. Some countries, such as Canada, have not yet approved certain energy drinks for sale. So shouldn’t the FDA take a closer look as to how these drinks are labeled and marketed and shouldn’t there be more investigating as to its effects on their consumer. Conclusion As a consumer of at least two if not more monster energy drinks a day I found the information was good to know. I do think that the FDA needs to make it where they do inform the consumer of the risks on the label especially because these drinks are very popular in teens. After all that I found I find it interesting that the public is so misinformed about all the ingredients in these drinks because really the caffeine is what is giving them the boost not all the scientific sounding ingredients. I think that it is most important for consumers to know that when taking in such high levels of caffeine you will go up but you must come down. Bibliography Lovett, Richard (24 September 2005). â€Å"Coffee: The demon drink? † (Fee required). New Scientist (2518). http://www. newscientist. com/article. ns? id=mg18725181. 700. Retrieved 2009-08-03. Suzanne Farrell, MS, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. Webmd. com Smit HJ, Rogers PJ: Effects of low doses of caffeine on cognitive performance, mood and thirst in low and higher caffeine consumers. Psychopharmacology 2000, 152:167-173. William J. McGuire, the Communication-Persuasion Model and Health-Risk Labeling, in Product Labeling and Health Risks Bichler A, Swenson A, Harris MA: A combination of caffeine and taurine has no effect on short term memory but induces changes in heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure. Amino Acids 2006 http://www. naturalhealthontheweb. com Australian Drug Foundation’s Druginfo Clearinghouse. http://www. redbull. com/faq/index. html. http://www. safefoodonline. com/news/n_190302. asp Monster energy [http://www. monsterenergy. com/product/energy. php www. fda. gov wellnessandnutrition. com edrinks. net Smit HJ, Rogers PJ: Effects of low doses of caffeine on cognitive performance, mood and thirst in low and higher caffeine consumers. Psychopharmacology 2000, 152:167-173. http://www. naturalhealthontheweb. com Australian Drug Foundation’s Druginfo Clearinghouse. http://www. redbull. com/faq/index. html. http://www. safefoodonline. com/news/n_190302. asp Monster energy [http://www. monsterenergy. com/product/energy. php] www. fda. gov. . Energy drinks Essay Energy drinks are beverages that can be used to supplement energy and concentration. It contains several ingredients, some good others bad. They contain ingredients such as caffeine, guarana, taurine and many more. Usually they are beneficial, but when taken in large amounts; some ingredients can cause unwelcome side effects. Many people consume energy drinks for enjoyment and the extra kick of energy for the day, but they are not aware of the hidden ingredients that can cause illness. In my opinion I believe that energy drinks are dangerous because they can cause illness, children and teenagers will be affected by the drink and the horrible side effects. The packaging of energy drink might convince you that it is are fine to drink but most of us are unaware of the hidden dangers. Those dangers can put anyone at risk of illness. Energy drinks contain high amounts of sugar similar to soft drink but energy drinks also contain high amounts of caffeine and taurine. Taurine is an amino acid that your body naturally produces. It helps regulate heartbeat, muscle contractions, and energy levels. But when there is too much taurine in our bodies, it can make some body parts overactive, like platelets. Platelets are found in the blood stream and they are very important to the body. They help to clot blood when there is a cut. The sugar makes the platelets overactive which makes them stick together and cause blood clots. This increase risk of heart related disease. In the US a small was conducted, they found that there is a link between the consumption of energy drinks and heart disease or high blood pressure. The researchers found healthy adults who drank two cans of a popular energy drink a day had above normal blood pressure and heart rate. Not only does it affect us both physical and mentally, it can affect children and teens who consume energy drinks. Children and teenagers don’t know what they are consuming and the affect it has on the body. You may see children or teens consuming energy drinks at sporting events instead of sport drinks, to boost energy levels. We may think that energy drinks and sports drinks are the same, but they’re not. Sport drinks provide only carbohydrate and salts to replace those lost in sweat, whilst energy drinks give temporary boost of energy. This may not sound bad but it will affect them over the long term. Like a child suffering with diabetes should not continue drinking energy drinks because the sugars in them can cause an imbalance of insulin. Even the Daily Telegraph thinks that energy drinks are unsafe because it can link to severe illness. The Daily Telegraph has reported â€Å"Energy drinks could be dangerous for children and teenagers,† The newspaper said that the use of high-caffeine drinks has been linked to â€Å"seizures, mania, stroke and sudden death†. Energy drinks can effect children and teenagers and also give people terrible side effects. Some people are not aware that energy drinks can give awful side effects after consumption. There are many side effects that can occur after drinking like vomiting, nausea, and hallucinations. Many ingredients inside energy drinks cause some people allergy reactions. There are many effects that can make people gain weight like people who don’t exercise. The mayo clinic says â€Å"that sugar intake has a direct correlation with weight gain, especially for people who don’t exercise. † But it can get worse, if energy drinks are drank with alcohol, it can make you pass out or get seriously hurt. Energy can drinks can make people sick from the dreadful side effects. However energy drinks create enjoyment among people, it has good taste and contains some good vitamins and herbs like vitamin B, ginseng, ginkgo Biloba and Antioxidants which are good for the body. To finish like to say that we should reconsider drinking energy because they can cause illness, young people will be affected and they can give people terrible side effects.