Clinical Focus and Advocacy in Patients Care in Specialist Nursing Literature review

Clinical Focus and Advocacy in Patients Care in Specialist Nursing Practice - Literature review Example The current trend of offering master’s programs in nursing schools was seen to start begin around the 1970’s with the gradual phasing out of the public health nursing programs in most of the schools offering public health studies. The very first programs to start preparing and offering Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) courses started doing so in the 1950’s (Fulton, Lyon and Goudreau 2010). A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) can be described basically as an advanced practice and registered nurse who has undergone graduate preparation resulting in their earning a master’s or doctorate from one of the programs that prepares clinical nursing specialists. Clinical nurse specialists are generally experts at the diagnosis and eventual treatment of illness that fall in their area of expertise. The focus of clinical nurse specialist generally falls into three basic areas; these areas are administration, patients and their respective families and nurse management. Although these three spheres are seen to be interrelated and it is quite normal for them to overlap, they are quite different and possess distinctive focus from each other. In all three areas of influence, the primary role of the CNS is to ensure that there is continuous improvement of the nursing care and patient outcome in general (Fulton, Lyon and Goudreau 2010). The rest of a medical facilities nursing staff tend to look to the Clinical Nurse Specialist to help them improve the efficiency in the work place as well as to receive guidance as they perform their everyday nursing duties. Some of the key elements of practicing CNS is to ensure that there is the creation of an environment that can be seen to implement effective system changes and mentoring programs that will help in the empowerment of nurses who are better able to adequately respond to the diverse patient needs, and develop caring best practices that are not only evidence based but are also able to alleviate

Biological Molecules Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Biological Molecules - Lab Report Example Because the functional groups exhibit characteristic chemical reactions that involve color changes, they can be used as the basis of both qualitative and quantitative assessments. Mash a sample of the imitation crab meat in some water with the homogenizer. Remove some of the liquid and place it in a clean test tube or other suitable glass container. To another such container add the equal amount of plain water. Test both solutions with diabetic glucose tests strips. Add Benedicts solution to both containers and heat using water bath. Observe color change identifying presence (or absence) of glucose in solution. A positive result with the water extract indicates that the imitation crab meat contains additional glucose and should be avoided by Granny. 1. Samples should be heated in Benedicts test to increase the rate of the reaction between the sugar and Benedicts reagent. Without heating the reaction may proceed only very slowly, which may lead to a false result. 2. The copper ions in the copper sulfate of Benedicts reagent bond non-covalently or coordinate to the aldehyde functional group of glucose and similar sugars. This facilitates an oxidation of the organic molecule to the carboxylic acid, and is accompanied by the formation of atomic copper by reduction of the copper ions. The presence of copper atoms in the solution is responsible for the observed color changes. Similarly, the copper ions in Biurets solution coordinate to an amide linkage of protein to form a large complex ion that is highly colored. The IKI reagent in the starch test can be thought of as a complex of potassium ions and iodide ions that have captured molecules of iodine (I2). The multiple -OH groups presence on the starch molecules bond non-covalently to the iodine molecules to form a very dark colored complex. 3. If KOH or NaOH were omitted from the Benedicts test, no result could be expected. The hydroxide ion must be present

Structural Impediments In Social Mobility: Pakistan

Structural Impediments In Social Mobility: Pakistan Social Mobility is an all-encompassing concept that includes but is not limited to economic prosperity. Social mobility is concerned with a relocation of individuals and groups to a class they aspire to be in. Economics is a big but not the only determinant of moving to the aspiring class. The state is dependent upon its structural development to promote the wellbeing of its population. The structure of the state is then determines the policy formulation and most importantly its implementation. A state not only requires strong structures but adequate ones too. Apart from formal state structures, the Pakistani society also includes informal social structures such as cast, creed, and political influence, connection to power bases (military and bureaucracy). In this case then, structures both formal and informal interact to ultimately determine and influence policies that determine the wellbeing of the masses. Structures do not survive in vacuum and are therefore dependent upon politica l and policy stability. Structures should also be designed to maximize autonomy and decentralization for people to make choices in how the state should best meet their needs .Social mobility in Pakistan is subject to the states policies that promote it such as education, health, housing, spending taxes effectively. Lastly social mobility as a state policy can only be achieved if both formal and informal structures form a conducive atmosphere for the policies. 1. Introduction There is no dearth of literature and research on poverty alleviation and improving governance in Pakistan. While there is no doubt about the excellent quality and in-depth research, there is however not enough attention being given to determining what are the impediments in the way of implementing these programs. These specific constraints that emerge as structural issues that discourage social mobility are a topic of new interest amongst various social scientists. The purpose of this research is then to describe these impediments in hope that policy makers can understand the problems properly and draft policies that tackle these issues and eventually ease the implementation of their programs. While there can be little or no argument against the merits of tackling these issues, it is however still questionable as to what prevent policies designed specifically to address these issues, to actually overcome these. The term social mobility has seen to been a great interest amongst sociologists and other scholars. Various definitions and meanings have been giving while the concept itself has evolved throughout the years. However this paper describes social mobility as the movement of individuals from one class or status group to another. Horizontal social mobility corresponds to the social status changes of individuals, having no influence on their material welfare, employment. Absolute social mobility occurs when the majority of the individuals in the class move from one social status to another. While various academics have studied various facilitators for social mobility this paper will mainly focus around issues that fall under governmental and public sector structural purview such as rapid economic growth, performance of public sector institutions and effective policy design and implementation. Cheema and Sial (2012) record the incidence of poverty as high as 23% of the total population in Pakistan. Various reports on the poverty conducted show that the poverty is double in rural area than that in urban Pakistan. The World Bank defines governance in terms of how power is exercised in the management of a countrys economic and social development. However the term governance is often interchangeable and carries different meanings in different contexts. Under most contexts governance is the rules and the subsequent practice of directing public affairs. In simpler terms governance can then be seen as the art of conducting matters that affect the state of the public. Governance is only made possible through institutional structures that implement the decisions. According to (Haq Zia 2009) governance is then determined by the quality of institutions and how decisions are executed. It is with this view that defines governance as the formation and stewardship of the formal and informal rules that regulate the public realm, the arena in which state as well as economic and soci al actors interact to make decisions (Hyden, Court Mease 2003). Governance is highly subjected and dependent upon public sector institutions and structures. The public sector institutions works with other societal organizations to develop public policies and programs that bring about peoples welfare and more specifically reduce poverty. Policies that increase welfare and realize other positive public and societal goals are the intended function of governance. 2. Research Methodology Purpose of research This study will be undertaken to ascertain how government functioning and structures discourage social mobility in the economically poor class of Pakistan. This research will help all stake holders identify how and what parts of government are responsible for increasing poverty levels and how difficult it is for people to get out of the poverty trap. 3. Method of research Research Design: Philosophy The philosophical approach to this research is the critical approach. The reason for selecting this approach is that this philosophy studies society in terms of a conflict of different groups and how tensions of one group eventually lead to a confrontation and a change in society. Although positivism would also be suitable for studying this topic, but it is the feeling of the researcher that it may ignore to explain why such structures might behave the way they do. Here the conflict approach will examine the structural imbalances and explain how status quo keeps the Pakistani society in a state of monopolised resources. Approach adopted An inductive approach is then suitable to study how these structures impose themselves upon society. This approach also leaves room to develop alternative explanations and meanings as to why the structures discourage social mobility. Strategies This research study falls under the broad category of descriptive research further narrowing down in to case study research; one of the many available qualitative strategies. This study looks in to how formal and informal structures have hindered the marginalized populations effort to step out of their class. It means to pronounce no judgments or one-sided definite conclusions aiming at becoming an interpretive case study led endeavour. Choices Research choices being present in much variety gave way to purely mono method standards being chosen for this study, namely qualitative befitting the genre of the topic. A mixture of methods or only a quantitative methodology was deemed unfit because of the wide array of opportunities to create a logical understanding, space and flexibility qualitative research provides. Time Horizon: Cross-sectional in form, this exercise was a onetime investigative effort in to the subject of the study conducted over a brief period of time although a longitudinal study covering more aspects depending on the interest of the researcher is possible. Techniques procedures: Data collection techniques involve at first existing secondary sources that point in the direction of the themes selected for investigation. Procedures used for analysing secondary data in this case, include coding, sorting and sifting at first that leads to a typological stage which requires a taxonomic or hierarchical depiction of the typological categories established to better ensure clarity of the concepts and themes of research. Also because the definitions of what constitutes good structures and bad structures is not universally acknowledged , it must be created in the context of Pakistani society and whether the said structures promote equal opportunity for all . It must be noted that analysis of secondary data is treated similarly to that of primary data within the qualitative paradigm. With this comes the next step, and the qualitative technique used to comprehend and convert all collected data into a whole being logical analysis, allows the development of an all-encompassing analysis and discussion. With respect to the genre of this study, discourse analysis could have been selected as a qualitative procedure of analysis but that would have required expertise in the selected area as a pre-set condition and a further in depth study of available discourse requiring more time along with the establishment of other philosophical and historical parameters which would have expanded the scope of this project. However, no choice of procedure is better than the other and logical analysis if anything, allows the development of a more cohesive interpretation and understanding of the topic at hand. Measurement/ Instrument selection Data will be collected from secondary sources such books and research papers which will aid the analysis of this paper based on accurate and established constructs and themes. Primary data collection would involve a longer amount of time and require greater expertise to extract information. Variables Qualitative research allows one the space and flexibility to not have variables to start with and this being a case study can do without propositions also. However, the former will remain absent not the latter because the idea behind this research project is to look in to what define formal and informal structures, and what elements govern them in the context of Pakistani society. Variables, if identified will further narrow down the focus of research by placing the study of structures the background and isolated variables in the foreground making them the subject of study , thus a disconnect will be avoided . In this descriptive case study, the idea is to identify and then describe the structural functioning in Pakistani society to highlight their role in social mobility in an effort to better understand them. Thus there is no need to use variables. Definitions for structures and social mobility used Structures, which are also known as institutions are a very subjective concept. However scholars tend to generally define structures as the development of an organised action that seeks to establish norms, enforce rules and guide practices in society. Structures can then be classified into formal or informal. The formal structures come together by the effect of laws promulgated, contractual agreement, or other codified artefacts (Prell et al. 2010). Prell et. al furtherises his argument by stating structures that are informal refer to practices that have become conventional in a society and produce groups of people in an organized collective. Beliefs, social networks, cultures and norms are responsible for developing these informal structures. These informal structures than exist side by side, challenge or sometimes even reinforce formal structures. In the case of Pakistan the clan system, bridari, connections with power bases such as military, bureaucracy or politicians, jobs in state institutions and family connections are some of the informal structures that are a focus of this research. Informal structures are not organizations, as they are not backed and recognized by the state. Moreover there authority has no bases in law and are not a separate identity than their patrons. Meaning that without its members, informal structures cannot exist. Formal structures are known as organizations because they are not dependent on their members to survive. They are recognized by the state as separate entities that can be run by different people. There by continuity and membership are the two distinguishing characteristics of formal structures (Prell et al. 2010). Secondly informal structures manifest in social relations and rather social networks. Social networks a then the ultimate regulatory tool in the functioning of these structures . There is no law backing the functioning of informal structures. But where both cases converge is the constraints and incentives for individuals to think and/or act a particular way is provided. Social mobility measures the equality of life opportunities for groups in a society. These opportunities allow groups equal access to areas through which they can climb economic and subsequent social ladder. Thus social mobility is the fluidity afforded to marginalised groups to move vertically in the class system. While there is a sociological and an economic definition for social mobility, in this research paper the researcher will be using social mobility in the economic sense. The debate of social mobility and its relationship with inequality and economic growth is of great interest to scholars. Research undertaken by Nunn et al. (2007) shows that high levels of inequality of resource distribution constrain the potential for movement within the social hierarchy, leading to a double-bind of high income inequality and low mobility. On the other, high levels of inequality and mobility might be thought to be good bedfellows, suggesting that sufficient incentives are built into the so cial structure to allow the economy to make the best use of its resources, allocating talented labour to high value jobs (Nunn et al. 2007). However most evidence favour the cyclic nature of high income inequality leads to low mobility which closes access to resources to climb out of the poverty trap. The States role is widely acknowledged to maximize access to resources to all segments and provide avenues of social mobility. The state and its structures are then fundamentally responsible for correcting an imbalance of access to resources. For this reason, the structures of the state are empowered to make policies and decisions that provide maximum benefit to the marginalized. It is in this paradigm, the study of the structures of Pakistan and their role in social mobility will be undertaken. 4. Data analysis The data gathered from secondary sources would be categorized using axial coding and then divided in to groups according to the categories recognized in the discussion of structures and social mobility. Once sorted, the data during this initial process has been sifted, edited and tailored to match the research objectives. The data will be analysed in categories in a hierarchy. This will then help to show demonstrate level by level the relationships between various structures and their role in promoting or discouraging social mobility. This will provide for the flow, interconnectivity and congruence of the data collected. Lastly this will be backed by scholarly research on similar topics. Research Ethics During the course of the research, utmost care was taken to treat the study as ethically as possible. In order to properly follow the pre-set code of conduct and ethics for any research process, several measures were taken. At the developmental stage of this research it was ensured that all prior literature reviewed and referred to at any instance in the research report, be properly acknowledged with citations and full-length references. Furthermore, proper attention was also given to the fact that most of the literature and resources used for this study derived from the internet, or otherwise came from authentic sources. 5. Literature Review Shafqat (1999) undertook the study on Pakistans bureaucracy and its role in governance and institutional structures. Shafqat noted that while initially the countrys bureaucracy was seen as the instigator for the engine of growth, development and an agent of change, in the later years it was seen as a highly corrupt group striving for maintaining its grip in status quo. Shafqat credits the various movements against the authoritarian to highlight the repressive role of the bureaucratic machine. Bureaucrats were then seen as being inimical to their own vested interests (Shafqat 1999). Corruption, inefficiency, absence of accountability, and maintenance of the status quo were portrayed as the manifestations of bureaucracy (World Bank Report 1993, as cited in Shafqat 1999) Husains (1999) work on governance and institutions of Pakistan highlights problems specific to Pakistan and the local decay of state. He argues that weak institutions and the emergence of informal groups at the expense of the state authority work in a cyclic pattern in Pakistan, with weak institutions formulating inadequate policies and failing to implement them. Hussain (1999) then argues that well designed public institutions must be seen as investments for a country and help to improve resource allocation, comparative trade advantage, productivity, market allocation efficiency and distribution of benefits of growth. Husains research focuses on how power is exercised by bureaucrats in the management of the country. He argues that economic and social resources have been plundered thanks to the flexibility available to bureaucrats in pursuing arbitrary action. He then goes on to highlight the collusion between different structures both formal and informal in saving each other from accountability. Finally he maintains that accountability is not anchored in the core of the state institutions and that power remains fixed within the hierarchy of the bureaucracy and elite instead of counter checking institutions like the judiciary. He therefore argues that the power afforded to the bureaucracy and elite tilts the balance as the political process in the country has been unstable and has produced politicians and leaders that are ill equipped to deal with matters of governance. Hussains (1999) view is supported by Hussain and Hussain (1993). The authors maintain that the impediments in governing Pakistan arise from a sluggish bureaucratic system. They maintain that despite some economic growth social policy making has been fundamentally flawed. The bureaucratic strain has tilted the states favours on the side of the connected and powerful. Governance is then subservient and accommodating to only a few and ignores the wellbeing of the population. Hussain and Hussain attribute this to nonprofessional training of the bureaucrats as the main reason why governance and institutions remain inadequate for pursuing pro poor policies with current resources available. Hussain and Hussain clarify that state policies and institutions are limited in providing relief to the already well to do and operate on patronage and favours. The authors conclude that social mobility is highly restricted for people who cannot access power through personal connections. Haq and Zia (2009) studied the ability of governance structures to effectively formulate and implement sound policies that promoted welfare for the poorer segments of society. The focus of their research is on the poor input given by the bureaucracy at various stages required for the government to be able to produce and implement good policies. They also noted the failure or deliberate inadequacy of the bureaucracy particularly in the role of regulatory bodies that developed and implemented market friendly policies such as price control and adequate public funds supervision, excessive regulation in area such as foreign trade and business development. Haq and Zia further studied the structural dimension of governance. They found many instances where exercise of public power was curtailed in favour of private gains by top officials. They also found instances of bureaucracy colluding with politicians to control corruption measures and in some cases limit charges under anti-corruption laws. The aspects of corruption in the structure ranged from the occurrence of additional payment to get things done to grand corruption in the electoral arena and the capture of state resources. Haq and Zia conclude that since lawmakers and law implementers colluded with each other it was a simple case of a lack of respect on the part of both the corruptor and the corrupted for the rules that govern their interaction, thus representing a failure of governance (pp.39). Ghani et. als (2006) study found that people across the third world aspire of gaining access to the lifestyle enjoyed by citizens in developed countries. It found that their exclusion from these benefits by the powerful fuel the resentment of the population. A structurally weak and flawed governance state, instead of providing resources and mobility out of poverty, becomes an instrument for repressing the many by the few. States like Pakistan then by comparison fail to acquire the range of functions routinely associated with state-capacity (Ghani et. al 2006). The monopoly on state resources and power then are seen as the failure of governance and structures of Pakistan. Pasha (2002) undertook the study focusing on the segments that benefited the most during Pakistans economic growth periods. His study found that despite periods of good economic performance the lack of social security policy framework prevented most of the poorer segments of society from climbing up the economic mobility level. Pasha found that countries who focused on the development of social safety nets together with growth managed to sustain social mobility. Pasha emphasized that even if one was missing the other would not be enough to reduce poverty. Pasha concluded by stating that public policies in Pakistan can be even influenced by bureaucracy to generate and distribute income for persons in favour to them. Pashas (2002) work is supported by the findings of Hussain and Hussain (2009). They highlight the patron-client model of governance in bureaucracy in the Ayub government has somewhat still continued till today. The bureaucracy granted licenses and contracts to favoured individuals in the private sector within a highly regulated economic regime (Hussain Hussain 2009). Government postings and appointments were then made to establish a network for the patronage of bureaucrats and military ruling elite. During the 1960s, the government systematically encouraged import substitution industrial growth, and nurtured an industrial elite dependent on state patronage. 6. Research Questions What are the informal and informal structures in Pakistan? Do informal structures prevail over formal state structures? Do informal structures ultimately determine the fate of the marginalized in Pakistan? 7. Propositions (P1) The Pakistani state has inadequate structures to address the need of social mobility in the marginalized groups (P 2) The informal social structures of political influence and connections with power bases override state authority across all levels 8. Discussion The foundations of governance are built on the smooth functioning of the state structures. Pakistans governance and its structures were inherited from the British in 1947. These state structures have since then been subject to rules that have ranged from complete dictatorship to a weak hobbling democracy. Unfortunately as transition period for governments has been far removed from smooth, the structures of the state have not progressed in terms of responding to challenges. This has made the atmosphere for implementing pro poor plans very difficult. The instability of the political scene has caused various structures within the formal framework to be ill equipped to meet challenges of the country or lacking in real autonomy and transparency. The bumpy transitions have also meant that economic and social policy plans have been cut short or even in some cases reversed by the preceding government. Thus the true functioning of the state structures in equalizing resource access and pluggin g wastage has been sabotaged due to the uncertainty that prevails in the countries governance. While Pakistans governance has shifted between dictatorship and democracy, the sufferers have been the people of Pakistan. While governments come and go, a structure has worked with and facilitated governance regardless of who was at the helm of affairs. The bureaucracy and its state structures have worked with both dictators and the politicians. The bureaucracy inherited the skills that the British left them with to govern the Indian sub-continent. As the bureaucracy managed the day to day affairs, it was the British who they reported to and thus best represented their interest. Being answerable to a parliament was something that was alien to this structure. The bureaucratic formal structure is then an important and a crucial component in the state of Pakistan. The structures role has largely been facilitators of the current ruler. The structure has also the ability to then link its main and core function policy formulation directly to the personality in power rather than a system or a vision. The reason for this is has been the structures past where answering to the viceroy were the procedure. This str ucture is also crucial as it plays a major role in developing social programs and implementing them. While it has been colluded with both formal and informal structures, its role is central to understanding the problem of social mobility in Pakistan. There is a great consensus amongst Pakistani sociologists and political scientists that the military plays a great role in the functioning of the state of Pakistan. Some go as far as declaring the military structure as the final authority in Pakistan. What makes the military an important part of the state is its economic dimension. The Pakistani military has an industrial component, which includes fertilizer companies, cereal manufacturing, cement and etc. The second component is the share of the defence expenditure in Pakistans budget. The military structure has been the main player in the countrys 65 years of existence as far as the state is concerned. Dominant till the 1971 war and omnipotent from the 1980s, the military structure has a fundamental role in all aspects that govern the land of Pakistan. Its role has been more than what is defined in the constitution and laws of Pakistan. Primarily still a fighting force; it has administrative, economic, and political functioning. Th is has made it the important player in any and all affairs of other structures. The military structure then supersedes all other structures by sheer force. The political structure of Pakistan is the last of the formal structures that play a major role in drafting policies that promote social mobility. While periods of democracy puts the structure in spotlight, political organizations as they are legally known, have maintained varying amounts of influence on the state of Pakistan. The political structure has largely been a victim of unstable governance. With periods of democracy peppered on a series of dictatorships, Pakistans political structures have been weak, divided and un-evolved. Structurally weak, the politicians have then maintained ties with the aforementioned bureaucrats and military to stay relevant. While formulated by law, political setups have been always at the mercy of bureaucrats for implementing their decisions and the military for the functioning of democracy. Lastly the large business and land owning class has been a somewhat formal and an informal structure in Pakistan. This is a somewhat stable structure that consists of a heterogeneous class. The structure although is not formally recognized by the laws of the land, has made its presence felt by attaching itself to formal structures through relations, patronage and networking. This class has economic interests in the state, and therefore works across all structures to further their interest. The structural make up of this class makes it dependent on who ever best facilitate its objectives. This has led to the growth of power of this structure dependent on its relations with all formal and informal structures. What is interesting to note however is the informal structure that cuts across all the mentioned formal state structures? Largely based on personal connection, kinship, relation or belonging to clan system, the informal structures of Pakistan permeate across all structures of society. Largely still an agriculture based society, Pakistan has a population that still values these traditional structures over formal ones. The bridari system will connect army generals to politicians. Bureaucrats belonging to the same ethnicity tend to favour each other. Connections to power base i.e.: the military, bureaucracy and the political class is also a major part informal structure. The connection of this structure eventually determines the access to resources for the population. As these three bases use the power granted to them vis-Ã  -vis the formal structure to further their personal agenda. The presence of this structure is largely documented, but its role in formal structures and eventually policy making has not been explored fully. The question then remains do informal structures eventually prevail over formal state structures. Influence and personal connection play a significant role in the upward mobility in Pakistan. The informal structure through network and relation play a large role in the inadequate governance response to social mobility issues. Interest groups operate with impunity via these informal networks and are not held accountable. This is because of their client-patronage method of dealing with the very structures on which the state is built on. The interest groups serve their economic objectives through licenses and permits etc. that are easier to come by if one knows the right people. Hence groups and individuals who wield influence are able to gather wealth and move upwards in social mobility. This locks out the rest of the population from accessing resources to use in the increase of their social and economic status. Social and economic inequality is then closely linked. As a consequence of personal connection with the right structures, poverty, economic power and political dominance are then inter-connected. Control over economic resources via personal influence is then central to social dominance. Thus the informal structures ability to socially exclude groups results in social inequalities and prevents social mobility. It is due to this that even if the country passes through the period of economic growth, wealth might not trickle down because the informal structures maintain exclusive control over economic resources and political influence. The economic dependence of a tenant and agricultural laborer on their landlord, or that of a small business man on a politically connected man for license, helps to perpetuate these very informal structures. The informal structures act as monopolies and keep power and economic resources in the hands of already dominant groups and thus making social mobility for other groups a distant dream. The final question that must be answered is that do informal structures ultimately determine the fate of the marginalized in Pakistan. The Pakistani attitude towards employment in the public sector as compared to the private sector demonstrates the influence of informal structures in society. While employment in both private and public sectors of economy are perceived as an important source of upward mobility in the rest of the world, public sector employment is more prized because of the power and influence involved with holding the office. The other route to private sector employment is only accessible through education. It is no surprise then, that Education is too leads to upward mobility. The meagre spending on education in the budgets and lack of a robust education policy for 65 years in evidence that individuals in the formal structures are not connected to the marginalized. The disconnect that exists, because of the economic interests of individuals

Christianity And Paganism In 4-8 Cent. :: essays research papers

The consensus among many historians has been that the transition from paganism to Christianity in the Mediterranean world was effortlessly accomplished by the end of the fourth century. In Christianity and Paganism in the Fourth to Eighth Centuries, Ramsay MacMullen sets out to disprove the consensus, which he maintains is an understandable misinterpretation considering the "corrupt foundation" of historical records it rested upon. He makes his case by covering a wide range of material to show that Christianity did not destroy paganism as much as merge with it. Through his brilliant and original display of primary and secondary source material it becomes evident that paganism remained alive and deep-rooted long after Constantine. Many factors appear to have caused this, most prominently the vast extent of the empire and consequent diversity of tribal and local customs, which met people's daily needs. Christianity replaced paganism only when the people believed it coul d do more for them what paganism had done (1). This was especially true of protection and of healing, primarily physical but also psychological. People flocked to the shrines of Asclepius and others; Could the Christian god, or more likely, the Christian saints, fill those shoes? Most scholars of religious history probably accept, if they are honest to themselves, that religious history is a notoriously slippery business. Therefore, it is to the benefit of all historians to be aware of the great variety of interpretations that are available. History is an ongoing discourse, in which many different interpretations can and should be written on the same history, each striking at least one chord that supporters of an opposing or different view can find significant. The validity of an interpretation of a particular history is fundamentally dependent on the existence of a sufficient amount of quality narratives or records of historical events to provide a skeletal structure to assist in pinpointing relationships between people, time and space (2). MacMullen maintains that the historical records of late antiquity are not only insufficient, but also distorted. The Late Antique historical record seems to falsely suggest that paganism was not only defeated by the end of the fourth century, but had in fact successfully converted all of the pagans. In addition to the fact that the majority of historical records involving a conflict tend to focus on the winner, he asserts that the reason the historical records of Late Antiquity are unintelligible is because ecclesiastical and secular authorities destroyed or distorted them.

Recommendation Brief for an Internal Accountant Essay

Currently, a client with an out-of-control system is grasping for a change in order to regain their internal controls. For any company, internal controls are highly important for success. Internal controls assist with minimizing mistakes and dishonesty; however will not completely eliminate them. The client has an out-of-control system in operation and will definitely benefit from having an internal accountant. Therefore, it is extremely recommended that a well-qualified internal accountant be hired by the company. An internal accountant will provide management with the necessary information needed to handle issues that arise, as well as preform system audits to maintain internal accountability. Setting forth a reliable internal audit system will build stability within the company and assist with violations occurring with laws and regulations. The role of an internal accountant will include, but are not limited to, working closely with the owners and department managers to evaluate t he company’s performance in the most vital areas of operation and review the policies and procedures to ensure they are in line with the company’s mission and goals. More specifically, the internal accountant will evaluate the assets, financial accuracy, and that the standards of the government and industry are being followed correctly. The internal accountant will also serve as a security measure for the company and their assets. To directly describe the responsibility of an internal accountant the first action would be to assess the current system and create a plan of action to correct it. The audit will be focusing on deficiencies and areas of improvement. The plan will consist of correcting the items found to be working against the company and implementing suggested changes within. Once the internal accountant has completed their assessment, a formal written recommendation describing the current control system and the deficiencies, along with an explanation of how management can correct and improve the issues. The hiring of an internal accountant has many advantages, especially for a company with an out-of-control system such as  the client . The first would be the money saving attribute because there would be no need to hire an outside auditor. Minimizing deficiencies to prevent a long-term negative affect is another hopeful advantage, as well as improving the overall functioning of the company to be more efficient in operations and successful in hitting the company’s mission and goals that have been set. The ideal candidate for the internal accountant position will pose an exceptional knowledge base of the company’s industry operations and goals. This candidate will have access to confidential information that others may not possess, therefore being part of the company’s staff will be able to conduct evaluations of the system and provide management with the necessary tools to correct issues as they surface. Specific qualifications and requirements need to play a major role in the hiring process of the internal accountant. These items would include the proper amount of education and experience, to include the required licensing to conduct the appropriate job functions legally. Experience will play a pri mary role when it comes to written reports and timely problem solving techniques for the current out-of-control system. The client advantage to hiring a candidate with a certain amount of knowledge of the industry would be that the candidate will already have a direction based off of what they know works versus what does not work. As a final part to the hiring process, the internal accountant should display personal attributes that include basic characteristics. Attributes such as being confident, trustworthy, open-minded, and observant. Many other qualities would be looked upon as well. Thus, a recommendation to hire a well-qualified, knowledgeable, and experienced internal accountant would be an extreme advantage for the client. The client will need to display an open line of communication and maintain that communication for the success of the company’s internal controls. References FDIC. (2013, September 16). FDIC LAws, Regulations, Related Acts. Retrieved from Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation: http://www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/rules/5000-3250.html

Thomas Jefferson Biography

Biography of Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, is recognized for his many accomplishments during the 18th century. Not only was he a president, but Jefferson was the author of The Declaration of Independence, a founding father of the United States, and the founder of the University of Virginia. Jefferson was a brilliant political writer who used his writing skills to separate the United States of America from Great Britain and to protect the rights of man.Jefferson addresses these rights in the declaration when he says, â€Å"All men are created equal and there are certain unalienable rights that governments should never violate. These rights include the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,† (Jefferson, 1. ) These words are popular and have historical meaning. On April 13th, 1734 in Shadwell, Virginia, Thomas Jefferson was born to the parents Jane and Peter Jefferson. Shadwell is a town just outside of Charlottesville . His mother, Jane Randolph Jefferson, was from a family that claimed to be descended from English and Scottish royalty (â€Å"Thomas Jefferson†).His father, Peter Jefferson, was a skilled surveyor and cartographer, which meant that he studied and practiced making maps as well as accurately determined the three-dimensional position of points. Peter produced the first accurate map of the province of Virginia. Perhaps young Jefferson got inspiration from his father. Jefferson had five siblings. He had two older sisters, two younger sisters, and one younger brother. He lived in a very busy household. As a child, Jefferson spent his free time practicing the violin and reading books. At the age of twenty four, Jefferson married Martha Jefferson.They were both from plantation families and it is believed that they were introduced to each other by mutual friends. Thomas fell for the young American girl’s education and interest in music (â€Å"Thomas Jefferson†). Togethe r they had six children, but only two lived to be adults. After many wonderful years married, illness fell upon Martha and she passed away on September 6th, 1782. Jefferson made a promise to her that he would never remarry. After her death, he spent three weeks mourning in his library. In a period of seclusion, Jefferson explained in his autobiography that he felt like a part of him had died after she passed (Jefferson, 42).Later on in life, Jefferson had an affair with slave-girl Sally Hemings. There isn’t much information on this story, but there was DNA proof that he fathered her child. (â€Å"Jefferson – Hemings†). Thomas Jefferson began his education at a very young age. At the age of five, his father placed him in an English school and he was attending Latin school by age nine. The Latin school was conducted by Reverend William Douglas (Beran, 78). In 1758, Jefferson attended the school of Reverend James Maury. He described Reverend Maury as â€Å"a corre ct, classical scholar† (Jefferson, 29. He later attended the College of William and Mary at the age of seventeen in Williamsburg. It was there that Jefferson began his law studies with George Wythe. Jefferson received and unofficial political and cultural education from him. For two years, Jefferson studied primarily with George Wythe and Dr. William Small. He said that Dr. Small taught him a vast majority what he knew about politics. Over the seven years of study spent at Williamsburg, Jefferson culminated in the practice of law, but without any degree. Thomas Jefferson was also strongly influenced by the political philosophy of the Enlightenment and also from John Locke.Thomas Jefferson was not a good public speaker, but that didn’t stop him from expressing his opinions of politics. In his early writing years, Jefferson mostly wrote political letters (Skarmeas, 66). His earliest published work is The Declaration of Independence. He began drafting The Declaration of In dependence after British troops had attempted to confiscate American ammunition stores and capture patriot leaders in these towns (â€Å"Reasons for the Declaration†). The continental congress met in September of 1774 to pick a committee responsible for drafting it. Jefferson was the delegate chosen to write the important document.The Declaration of Independence was written as a letter to King George III hoping for reconciliation. The committee met several time to discuss ideas and think of what they wanted to be addressed in the document. Like most people who write something, he had to first make a rough draft (â€Å"The Declaration of Independence†). Jefferson, by himself, drafted a rough copy of the declaration. He worked on it for two and a half weeks. Only minor changes were made to his draft before it was finalized. The Declaration of Independence became Jefferson’s most popular work.This was such an important document because it formally declared that the thirteen colonies of North America were free and independent from British control (â€Å"Reasons for the Declaration†). It served as the basis for the American Revolution. It began the formation of the federal government and a new United States of America. The Declaration of Independence was released to the public on July 4th, 1776. As time went by, the ideas of Jefferson’s words â€Å"all men are created equal† grew in importance. Northern states used them to free slaves in their states. Abraham Lincoln used equal rights to justify the Civil War (Bernstein, 156).He soon became the governor of Virginia. Jefferson also because the vice President of the United States. To occupy his times during his four years as vice president, Jefferson authored A Manual of Parliamentary. This was one of the most useful guides to legislative proceedings ever written, and served as the president of the American Philosophical Society. After Jefferson’s time as vice presiden t, he became the third President of the United States. As president, Jefferson accomplished many things, including the Louisianna Purchase (Beran, 73). This greatly expanded the size of the country.After his presidency, Jefferson settled down. His tone of writing remained the same as before though. He was still straight forward political writer who expressed his opinions through letters and documents. Jefferson did, however, write an autobiography describing his accomplishments and life journeys. He began writing this is 1821. The last thing that was written by Thomas Jefferson was a letter addressed to Roger C (â€Å"Thomas Jefferson†). In this letter, Jefferson thanks him for inviting him to the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of The Declaration of Independence.He said that he was happy and hopes that the celebration serves as a reminder of the rights he had originally written about. At the end of the letter, Jefferson apologized for having to reject his invitation because of his health conditions. Thomas Jefferson lived a very eventful and successful life. In 1818, his health began rapidly declining. He was diagnosed with kidney failure and many other age related diseases (â€Å"Thomas Jefferson, a Brief Biography†). His death was mainly caused by a combination of a few things. One thing that contributed to his death was exhaustion from diarrhea. Another contributor was toxemia from a kidney infection.Uremia from kidney damage and orthostatic old-age pneumonia also added to Jefferson’s declining health. He was bed-ridden and eventually died on July 4th, 1826 in Charlottesville, Virginia. The date of his death is ironic because it was the same day as the anniversary of The Declaration of Independence. Jefferson might have lived longer under modern medical care (Bernstein, 187). Jefferson leaves behind a legacy that will always be talked about. He will forever be revered as one of the great American Founding Fathers. He was a spok esman of liberty, but had also been viewed as a racist slave owner.He was a president who expanded government authority beyond the wildest visions of his predecessors. Jefferson is a symbol for the nation he helped create. After he died, he was buried in the family cemetery at Monticello. The cemetery is located in Virginia and Jefferson’s grave is surrounded by metal fences. Beran, Michael Knox. Jefferson’s Semons: Portrait of a Restless Mind. New York City: Free Press, 2003. Print. Bernstein, R. B. Thomas Jefferson. Oxford: University Press, 2003. Print. Skarmeas, Nancy. Thomas Jefferson. Nashville: Ideals Publications Incorporated, 1998. Print. Jefferson, Thomas.Autobiography of Thomas Jefferson. New York City: Dover Publications, 2007. Print. â€Å"Thomas Jefferson. † International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. New York City: Macmillan Library Reference, 2008. Print. â€Å"Thomas Jefferson. † The Biography Channel Online. n. p. n. d. Web. 17 Ma y. 2009. â€Å"Thomas Jefferson, a Brief Biography. † Monticello Online. n. p. n. d. Web. 7 September. 1993. â€Å"Reasons for the Declaration. † History King. n. p. n. d. Web. 14 March. 1999. â€Å"The Declaration of Independence. † America’s Library. n. p. n. d. Web. 24 April. 2000. â€Å"Jefferson – Hemings. † Monticello Online. n. p. n. d. Web. 4 August. 1993.Related Photo This is a picture of the sign at the Monticello Graveyard located in Virginia. The photo relates to Thomas Jefferson because the Monticello Graveyard is also known as the Jefferson Cemetery. The cemetery sits behind and slightly down the mountain, hidden from the plantation's daily life. Something of a disappointment was the fact that the locked wrought iron fence prohibited visitors from paying homage to the great man and his family. Somehow it felt as if we were being banned from his world. Thomas Jefferson was buried in this cemetery along with many other members of the Jefferson family. Literary InterpretationOne of the most recognized and most popular documents in American history is The Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Second Continental Congress, was the start of a new beginning for the United States of America. The declaration is a letter to the King of Great Britain, George III. The declaration states the reasons for the British colonies wanting independence. It explains why the colonies have overthrown their ruler. Thomas Jefferson addresses specific details for their reasoning as well as expressing his opinions of the governmental structure.Jefferson uses his strong political writing skills and his knowledge on politics to the colonies’ problems with other nations of the world. Thomas Jefferson’s purpose for writing The Declaration of Independence was to express his ideas for a better society and to help the colonies become free at the same time. â€Å"But  when a  long train  of  abuses  and  usurpations,  pursuing invariably  the  same Object evinces  a  design  to  reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is  their right, it is  their duty, to  throw off such Government, and to  provide new Guards  for their future security,† (Jefferson 1).This sentence of The Declaration of Independence shows Jefferson expressing how he feels about being treated wrong. Thomas Jefferson and other members of the Second Continental Congress wanted to use the declaration to expose the abuses to the other nations of the world. They wanted to justify the action of congress by blaming the rapture on King George III. The abuses that Jefferson is discussing are the abuses that King George III has applied to the colonies of Northern America. The abuses were a result of the king’s desire of creating a tyrannical government in America.The foundation of representative government is the power of the pe ople to make laws for the public good (â€Å"Reasons for the Declaration†). King George III interfered with that process by rejecting legislation proposed by the colonies, dissolving colonial bodies or representation, replacing colonial governments with his appointed ministers, and interfering with the naturalization of citizens in new regions. King George III extended his tyrannical control by interfering with the objective judicial processes and the civil rights of the colonies (â€Å"The Declaration of Independence†).Jefferson then uses this to create a list of unalienable rights that should be applied to everyone. â€Å"We hold these truths to be self-evident,  that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,† (Jefferson 1). Jefferson addresses that if any form of government becomes destructive of the ends, it is the right of the people t o alter or to abolish it, laying its foundation in the belief of these rights.Jefferson uses these to lay down a basic structure of the government he want and how the people of this society should be treated. Of the abuses that were mentioned, Jefferson devoted approximately one-fourth of the abuses in his original draft of the  Declaration of Independence  to the topic of slavery. Jefferson held the King accountable for maintaining and protecting slavery as an institution in the colonies. Not surprisingly, the moderate congress, already fearful of being too radical, removed all references to slavery from the document.It remains a source of historical debate why a slave-owning man like Jefferson would have devoted so much intellectual energy to criticizing slavery and to attempting to remove it from the colonies. Jefferson thought that slavery was contrary to the laws of nature, which decreed that everyone had a right to personal liberty. These views were radical in a world wher e unfree labor was the norm. Jefferson spends so much time writing about slavery because he does not approve of it and he does not want to incorporate it in the society and government that he is aiming towards.It is clear that Thomas Jefferson wrote The Declaration of Independence to help the thirteen original colonies to become free from British control. The Declaration of Independence has much deeper meaning than just that, though. Jefferson uses the document to express exactly how he feels about the political structure of a country. From this point on, people should look at The Declaration of Independence as the guidelines and rules to how a country should be run and how the citizens of that country should be treated. Jefferson, Thomas. â€Å"Declaration of Independence,† The American Experience.New York City: Prentice Hall, 2002. Print. â€Å"Reasons for the Declaration. † History King. n. p. n. d. Web. 14 March. 1999. â€Å"The Declaration of Independence. † America’s Library. n. p. n. d. Web. 24 April. 2000. List of Authors Works 1. A Summary View of the Rights of British America 2. Draft of Constitution for Virginia 3. Original Rough Draft of the Declaration of Independence 4. Draft of Kentucky Resolutions of 1798 5. Wall of Separation Letter 6. Manual of Parliamentary Practice 7. Autobiography of Thomas Jefferson Persuasive Essay Thomas Jefferson is an important figure in American history.He was one of the American Founding Fathers, the third president of the United States, and an original American politician. Thomas Jefferson is an important American author and should be taught in an English curriculum. Learning about Thomas Jefferson in an English class can teach students about his influence on early American government structures as well as the history of the thirteen original British colonies. It can also teach students about his progress and developments as an American Founding Father. Thomas Jefferson matters in Americ an literature because he is one of America’s original politicians.Thomas Jefferson is an American forefather. Not only did he write the Declaration of Independence, he was Virginia’s representative to the first Continental Congress, the governor of Virginia and the third president of the United States. As a president, Jefferson accomplished many things. He allowed the Alien and Sedition acts to end without renewal and also had the tax on liquor repealed (â€Å"Thomas Jefferson†). In 1803, Jefferson purchased the Louisiana territory from France for $15 million. This is considered the most important act of his administration.All of these things are important because it teaches the history of our country and Thomas Jefferson contributed to the history. Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence can teach students about how America’s thirteen original British colonies became independent from King George III. If the Declaration of Independence was a ssigned to students, it would teach them the reasons for America wanting to become free from British rule. They would learn how King George III treated the thirteen colonies and what they wanted for their governmental structure.It also teaches the unalienable rights the Jefferson included in the declaration (â€Å"Reasons for the Declaration†). As a champion of civil liberties, Jefferson valued reason above faith. This is much different from other philosophers during his time because they were the complete opposite. Learning about Jefferson’s political beliefs teaches students how he used politics to make his decisions. He was a strong supporter of the ideals of the Enlightenment. Those ideals are reason, liberty and equality (Bernstein, 98). He believed that these ideals should be used to govern nations.He put his beliefs into his writings and into the Declaration of Independence. Many people think that Jefferson should not be taught in an English curriculum because h e favored slavery and was a slave owner himself. But while Jefferson was vocally opposed to slavery, and even passed the Act to Prohibit the Importation of Slaves during his second term as president,  he was a slave owner and believed that black people were inferior to white people. For some, this is cause enough to dismiss Jefferson as someone for whom history has inflated their reputation, but he was a man of his time and was subject to the cultural beliefs of that time.In truth, Jefferson was instrumental in the America of today, the America that values equality and liberty and freedom. Jefferson’s actions and philosophy shaped the  ideals  of America. In fact, for America to revisit the teachings of Jefferson might be wise. In conclusion, Thomas Jefferson should be taught in English classes. Jefferson is important to American history and shaped our country. â€Å"Thomas Jefferson. † International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. New York City: Macmillan L ibrary Reference, 2008. Print. Bernstein, R. B. Thomas Jefferson. Oxford: University Press, 2003. Print. â€Å"Reasons for the Declaration. History King. n. p. n. d. Web. 14 March. 1999. Annotated Bibliography Beran, Michael Knox. Jefferson’s Semons: Portrait of a Restless Mind. New York City: Free Press, 2003. Print. From this source, I got information about Thomas Jefferson’s education and about his life after becoming a president. I used this information in my biography essay and cited in twice. I found this book to be very helpful and it provided a vast amount of information. Bernstein, R. B. Thomas Jefferson. Oxford: University Press, 2003. Print. From this book, I got information about Thomas Jefferson’s work on The Declaration of Independence and on his death.I used this information in both my biography essay and in my persuasive essay. It provided a lot of information that I was able to use and I feel like it was a very reliable source. Skarmeas, Nancy. Thomas Jefferson. Nashville: Ideals Publications Incorporated, 1998. Print. From this book, I got information on Jefferson’s early political letters and writing. This book provided examples of his political letters and details explaining them. I used this information on the Early Writing Career portion of the biography essay. This source was very helpful. Jefferson, Thomas.Autobiography of Thomas Jefferson. New York City: Dover Publications, 2007. Print. From this autobiography, I got information on every aspect of Jefferson’s life. I used this information in all three essays. This source provided the most accurate and reliable information since it was written by Thomas Jefferson himself. â€Å"Thomas Jefferson. † International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. New York City: Macmillan Library Reference, 2008. Print. From this online encyclopedia, I obtained information on Jefferson’s early life. I used this information in my biography essay.There was n’t that much information from this source, but what I found was very reliable. â€Å"Thomas Jefferson. † The Biography Channel Online. n. p. n. d. Web. 17 May. 2009. From this source, I found a lot of information on Thomas Jefferson’s early life and his writing of The Declaration of Independence. I used this information in all three essays. This source offered a lot of information that I didn’t find anywhere else. â€Å"Thomas Jefferson, a Brief Biography. † Monticello Online. n. p. n. d. Web. 7 September. 1993. From this source, I got information of Thomas Jefferson’s death.I used this information in my biography essay. This source offered very little information. â€Å"Reasons for the Declaration. † History King. n. p. n. d. Web. 14 March. 1999. This source offered information about why The Declaration of Independence was written. I found use of this source in all three of my essays. This source offered a lot of detailed a lot of d etailed information. It was a very reliable source. â€Å"The Declaration of Independence. † America’s Library. n. p. n. d. Web. 24 April. 2000. This source offered information about the Declaration of Independence.I used the information from this source on the literary interpretation and biography essays. This source offered very straight forward facts and information that I found to be quite helpful. â€Å"Jefferson – Hemings. † Monticello Online. n. p. n. d. Web. 4 August. 1993. This source gave me information about Thomas Jefferson’s affair with slave-girl Sally Hemings. I used this information on my biography essay when I talked about the affair. This source had the most information about the affair. I found this source to be very useful. Jefferson, Thomas. â€Å"Declaration of Independence,† The American Experience. New York City:Prentice Hall, 2002. Print. This source is what I did my literary interpretation on. I found it to be very easy to interpret and it also provided some information that I could’ve used in my persuasive essay. â€Å"Thomas Jefferson Family Cemetery. † Carol House Online. n. p. n. d. 17 February. 2007. This source is where I got the cemetery picture from. All I got from this source was the picture. It was a good source. â€Å"Thomas Jefferson on Politics and Government. † Faculty Online. n. p. n. d. 7 May. 1996. This source is where I got the cover picture from. All I got from this source was the picture. It was a good source.

taxi driver essays

taxi driver essays The Martin Scorsese film Taxi Driver represents a "descent into hell" through society's acceptance of pornography, violence and loneliness. The characters of Travis, Betsy, Senator Palantine and Iris are all typical of real people, either surrounded by or living in a world of lies. After the passenger (or viewer) gets into the cab, the driver begins with a blurred tour of the grungy, dark and dismal streets of New York and the faceless people that walk them. Though the streets are crowded, everyone is alone. Many wander to the sleaze strips to see the X-rated films that are now socially accepted by most of New York's inhabitants. As Travis says to Betsy when she mentions that she doesn't like that kind of film: "No, no. This is a movie a lot of couples come to". This shows the acceptance of society towards perversion, as if Betsy should enjoy that particular kind of film just because other people do. Even if the majority of people do something, it does not necessarily make it all right. As well, society has begun to accept violence. As Travis walks towards Wizard to get some advice, the camera looks down the block to a couple of prostitutes being harassed and assaulted by some young troublemakers with chains. This behavior is ignored by all that see it. Travis looks the other way, as if to say: "Hey, it happens all the time, so that makes it all right", subconsciously feeding his disgust with the scum of the world. Later, as Travis follows Iris and her friend from his cab, a large, furious black man storms down the street screaming "I'm gonna kill him!" which also goes unnoticed. Violence appears to be the solution to all problems in this film. The lonely cab driver represents the isolated people that walk the streets of New York. Although many of the people walk with others, they are still alone. As Travis says in the scene where Betsy is introduced, "She is alone. No one can touch her". He is attracted to her beca ...

Rogarian Arguments Essays

Rogarian Arguments Essays Rogarian Arguments Essay Rogarian Arguments Essay Essay Topic: Arguments Quiz – Chapter 2 Name: U number: 1. The dramatic recovery of Russian Economy in recent days can be attributed to: a. record world prices for oil and gas b. the succession of Vladimir Putin as president c. Putin slashed subsidies to state-owned enterprises d. the price increases for imports due to ruble’s devaluation e. all of the above can be attributed 2. According to author William Greider, executives and marketers must take into account the following new realities in the global economic situation: a. production has become â€Å"uncoupled† from employment b. he world economy dominates the scene c. the struggle between capitalism and socialism is over d. the growth of e-commerce diminishes the importance of national barriers e. all of the above 3. The rampant corruption and bribery witnessed in a nation’s economy is referred to as: a. re-nationalization b. managed democracy c. Kleptocracy d. autocracy e. None of the above 4. One of the distinguishing features of Centrally Planned Capitalism economic system is: a. all production resources are privately owned b. the state has broad powers to serve the public interest as it sees fit c. ommand resource allocation is utilized extensively in private resource ownership environment d. market allocation policies are permitted within and environment of state ownership e. none of the above 5. The Swedish government has significant holdings in key business sectors and has hybrid economic system that incorporate: a. market capitalism and centrally planned socialism b. centrally planned socialism and market socialism c. centrally planned socialism and capitalism d. market socialism and market capitalism e. market capitalism and socialistic capitalism 6. Which type of economic system is characterized by command resource allocation and private resource ownership: a. market capitalism b. centrally-planned capitalism c. market socialism d. centrally-planned socialism e. None of the above 7. Which type of economic system is characterized by market resource allocation and state resource ownership: a. market capitalism b. centrally-planned capitalism c. market socialism d. centrally-planned socialism e. None of the above 8. China predominantly follows an economic system that can be classified under: a. centrally planned socialism b. market socialism . market capitalism d. centrally planned capitalism e. socialistic capitalism 9. Which of the following is true about economic output in China today: a. the state sector accounts for about 75 percent of output b. the state and private sectors each account for about 50 percent of output c. the private sector accounts for about 75 percent of output d. the private sector is virtually nonexistent i n China e. the state sector is virtually nonexistent in China 10. The Washington, DC-based Heritage Foundation compiles a survey of over 150 countries ranked by degree of economic freedom. Although there are a number of key economic variables which are considered in this ranking it does not include: a. monetary policy b. banking policy c. black market d. property rights e. none of the above 11. Singapore banned the import, manufacture, and sales of chewing gum in the country since wads of gum were making a mess on sidewalks, buses, and subway trains. Violators are subject to severe penalties and before buying a pack consumers must register their names and addresses. This according to author William Greider demonstrates that Singapore’s government: a. is harshly autocratic . administers a paranoid control over Singaporeans c. administers a paranoid control over press and politics d. runs an effective welfare state e. all of the above 12. The general characteristics shared by low-income countries does not include: a. high birth rates b. low literacy rates c. concentration in Africa south of the Sahara d. heavy reliance on foreign aid e. low tourist income 13. Whic h of the following BRIC nations fall in the lower-middle-income category? a. India and China b. China and Brazil c. Brazil and Russia d. Russia and India e. none of the above 14. Pursuing alternative sources of energy, such as wind and solar power is important due to the fact that: a. people in developing countries are more conscious about environment b. global marketers are more interested in publicizing environmental issues c. it is easy to develop solar power in many parts of the world d. heavy reliance on fossil fuels contributes to global warming e. people worldwide can afford to buy power generated from wind and solar 15. Product and market opportunities in a postindustrial society are more heavily dependent upon new products and innovations than in industrial societies. An example of this would be: . Nestle marketing Bono brand cookies in Brazil b. Coca-cola company developing a beverage Vintago in low-income countries c. New e-commerce markets for interactive forms of electronic communication d. Hermes creating handbags called Amazonia e. India’s Suzlon Energy using wind driven turbines 16. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Developm ent (OECD) is comprised of: a. the 30 high-income countries b. countries that believe in market-allocation economic systems c. pluralistic democracies d. countries that demonstrate progress toward economic reform e. all of the above statements are applicable 7. The fastest-growing sector of world trade includes: a. travel and entertainment b. accounting and legal services c. royalties and license fees d. engineering services e. all of the above 18. Between the year 2001 and 2006, China bought more than $ 250 billion in U. S. Treasury bonds. Such purchases: a. ensures that China’s currency is relatively weak compared to the U. S. dollar b. indicate that China is not sure of its economic viability c. show that currency exchange rate is unpredictable d. predict that yuan will be devalued in the near future e. China’s currency is stronger than the U. S. dollar 9. To the extent that a country sells more goods and services abroad than it buys, there will be: a. a greater dem and for its currency b. a surplus production of goods and services c. a scarcity of goods and services within the country d. a need for revaluation of its currency e. time for fluctuating its currency 20. The Big Mac Index dated February 01, 2007 shows that the price of Big Mac in China was 11 yuan whereas its price in the United States was $ 3. 22. The index translated into yuan being undervalued by 56%. This shows that: a. Big Mac is more expensive in the United States than in China b. Big Mac is less expensive in the United States than in China c. Big Mac costs the same in the United States and China d. Big Mac is less popular in China than in the United States e. Big Mac is more popular in China than in the United States Essay Question The newly independent countries of the former Soviet Union present an interesting situation: on one hand the income is declining creating considerable economic hardship whereas there are attractive opportunities with good potential from moving out of the low-income category. What are some of the problems and opportunities for these countries?

3 Dangers of ACT Practice Tests

3 Dangers of ACT Practice Tests SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Practice tests are key to good ACT prep, but just taking full-length practice tests isn’t enough to guarantee a good score. In this article, we'll go over the three major pitfalls that many students stumble into when attempting to use ACT practice tests. feature image credit: Danger Danger Danger Danger/used under CC BY 2.0/Cropped and resized from original. Danger #1: Inaccurate Practice Tests Many non-official practice tests are lower quality than the real test. The quality problems can range from materials that don't test the right things or ask about them in the right way to tests that are rife with errors. Some might argue that doing any sort of practice test is better than nothing, no matter if it's not as good as the real ACT. But using low-quality ACT practice tests is like practicing to become a ping pong champ by playing squash: it will not only waste your time but will also make your score worse because it's teaching you the wrong skills. Danger #2: Overdosing on Practice Tests Practice tests don’t help you if you mindlessly do one after another without taking the time to study in-between. It's okay to take the first few practice tests without too much reflection, just to get used to the format and the experience of taking the test. Once you get to the 4th or more practice test, though, you need to thoroughly review your mistakes if you want to see any improvement in your score. Danger #3: Underdoing Practice Tests You cannot have a good ACT study program without at least four real practice tests. If you're spending less than 10% of your ACT prep time on practice tests, things are going wrong. Preferably, you'll spend up to 30% of your total ACT prep time taking practice tests. Making room in your busy schedule for the chunk of time a realistic practice takes can be tricky, however. A good rule of thumb to follow is that out of every 40 hours you spend doing ACT prep, you should spend (at a minimum) at least 3-4 of those hours taking a realistic, full-length practice test (with breaks). Thousands compete for military university admission/used under CC BY-SA/Cropped from original. What’s Next? Running short on prep time? Follow our 20-hour prep guide to using ACT practice tests to get the most out of the time you have left. Now you know what to avoid on a high-level with planning out your ACT prep, but what about while you're taking practice tests? We've collected the top eleven mistakes students make during ACT practice tests in this article. Ready to take some practice tests, but not sure where to get them? Not to worry - we've got a collection of free official and unofficial ACT practice tests for you to use. Want to improve your ACT score by 4 points? Check out our best-in-class online ACT prep program. We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your ACT score by 4 points or more. Our program is entirely online, and it customizes your prep program to your strengths and weaknesses. We also have expert instructors who can grade every one of your practice ACT essays, giving feedback on how to improve your score. Check out our 5-day free trial:

Health Priorities in Australia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Health Priorities in Australia - Essay Example These areas may have a level of overlap within the six priority areas which have been defined therefore it is important to understand these areas on their own before the priority overlaps between them can be discussed. The NHPA (National Health Priority Areas) themselves were created as a response to global agenda put forward by the WHO (World Health Organisation) which was to focus on those areas which make up the majority of patient cases around the world (Browne et. al., 2000). The priority areas for Australian health are overseen by the National Health Priority Action Council (NHPAC) that is made up of commonwealth, state, regional as well as local governments (AIHW, 2005). There are two primary objectives the NHPAC looks at before considering any health related problem as a priority areas. First, the NHPAC examines whether making a health issue a priority objective could significantly contribute towards lessening the burden of illness and injury on Australians. Second, the NHPAC sees if the area to be focused on will improve health related issues and if it will decrease the burden on our health system which is due to the diseases included in the priority area (AIHW, 2005). It is important to note that the NHPA did not start with the seven priority areas mentioned above because it shows that the NHPA is not a static body. Rather, like other scientific organisations, it is looking towards expanding itself and improving its position through active research and analysis which shows how the addition of a priority area can be beneficial for public health. Historically speaking, the NHPA initiative began with only four areas i.e. cardiovascular health, cancer control, injury prevention and mental health (AIHW, 2005). With time, Diabetes was added to the priority areas in 1997 with asthma being added in 1999 and musculoskeletal issues being added in 2002. It is clear that the government is not picking diseases randomly from the

Strategic Planning and Implementation Case Study

Strategic Planning and Implementation - Case Study Example Today, Gillette is a business unit of global corporation, Proctor and Gambler. Its global expansion was rapid during the first twenty years of Gillette's existence, with offices and plants opened in a multitude of countries around the world. It was, however, the American entry into World War I that propelled even more rapid growth when the army issued Gillette razors and blades to all military personnel. Gillette was essentially a single-line product company until the 1940s when the Toni Company was acquired. A third major line of products was added to the company in the early 1950s by the acquisition of the Papermate company. Its major product was a marketleading refillable ballpoint pen. Today, Gillette is the largest dollar value marketer of writing instruments in the world with Papermate, Waterman, Parker and Flair among its brand franchises (Gillette Company Home Page 2008) In Gillette, corporate strategy, regardless of how elegantly conceived, how comprehensive its scope, or how forward-looking its thrust, does not provide competitive advantage until it is communicated, understood, valued and acted upon by a variety of key corporate stakeholders. The main criteria for stakeholder participation are that employees must understand, accept and internalize corporate strategy if the strategic blueprint is to be transformed into positive strategic results (Clegg et al 2005). Suppliers, strategic partners and customers must have a basic understanding and appreciation of the firm's strategic direction if these stakeholder relationships are to flourish and be productive. Only when the corporate strategy message is communicated in a clear, concise, timely and persuasive manner to key corporate stakeholders does the firm have an opportunity to achieve competitive advantage (Amit & Schoemaker 1993). Key Criteria for Strategy Reviewing In Gillette, the key criteria for strategy reviewing are current performance and new strategic objectives, competition in the industry and market changes (demographic and income) (Clegg et al 2005). Gillette management understands that the strategy must embody a strategic view of the future and a plan designed to achieve strategic goals and objectives. The strategic vision must be responsive to emerging opportunities and sensitive to the internal strengths of the company. As the multinational

Globalization (Korean-wave or Korean-pop) Research Paper

Globalization (Korean-wave or Korean-pop) - Research Paper Example This research will help the people to understand what the effect of globalization of different culture is and how it helps the Korean Pop culture to spread all across the globe. Apart from that this research paper will also help us to discuss the effect of globalization on the Korean Pop culture and also how it influences other music types across the globe. With the help of this research paper we can analyze the effect of globalization in a particular field like culture and music. Being a culturally rich country, the main aim of Korea is to spread their culture all across the globe. These reviews will help us analyze different positive and negative effects of globalization, how Korean wave culture uses this concept of globalization in their advantage to promote their culture. The working thesis of this paper will be â€Å"globalization is just a supporting tool not the essential one to promote the Korean Pop culture as this culture have the essence in it to get noticed by the world†. The answer of the research questions will be based on the literature review, primary research. Through literature review we will discuss about different author’s and scholars viewpoint about how the globalization plays a role in cultural mix and match across the globe and how it plays a role in the journey of Korean pop music. The primary research will help us to get the present conception about the effects of globalization on the Korean culture in terms of both positive and negative, along with the opinion of common man regarding how the globalization helps in popularity of Korean pop or Korean wave. While answering this paper we will take a primary research based approach with supporting the view of the positive impact of globalization based on different author’s viewpoints. The primary research will be based on 10 questions, out of which 8 will be close ended questions and rest 2 open ended. The answers of the open ended questions

Faith healing case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Faith healing case - Essay Example He provided the boy’s parents with information regarding the treatment that is available, and then explained to them the procedures that would have to be undertaken. The parents discussed the matter between themselves for two hours, and then told the physician that they had reached the decision to take their son to a faith healing service instead of seeking medical intervention. The physician tried to convince them of the futility of this action but to no avail. The parents left with their son after the physician gave them a return appointment, but they did not honor it. II. Ethical Question to be Answered Were the parents morally justified to deny their son much needed medical treatment in favor of faith healing? III. Proposed Answers to Ethical Question It is not morally permissible for the 10 year old boy’s parents to deny him medical treatment for leukemia, with the sole reason that the treatment will eventually fail to work, and they would have to take their son to a faith healing service after all. As much as medical treatment for the treatment of cancer is not completely effective, it is still the best shot at recovery that a patient could obtain since it has worked in numerous cases. Faith in the ability of God to heal cannot be disputed, but it has failed to provide positive results in many cases. It is morally wrong to deny a minor incapable of making important decisions for himself, necessary treatment that may save his life. Another matter that needs to be considered is the possibility that the boy might have opted for medical treatment if he were of age. Cancer therapy, including that specialized for leukemia, has proved effective in many cases, and there is evidence in terms of scientific studies and physicians’ reports to prove it. On the other hand, the boy’s parents would be at a loss at providing credible evidence to prove that faith healing is effective at curing cancer. IV. Objections to Proposed Answers and Respo nses to the Objections Objection (1): Parents have the authority to opt out of medical treatment for their child who is a minor in favor of other legal options, if the medical treatment has

Intelligence-led policing requirements of COMPSTAT Essay

Intelligence-led policing requirements of COMPSTAT - Essay Example The implication of this is that the commander naturally throws in his ‘enthusiastic support and energetic leadership’ to the program and the immediate goal of the program considering that his name and reputation is on the line, which is tangibly manifested by his obligation to personally deliver the report in the presence of the top brass and other units. COMPSTAT, like ILP, is largely based on the analysis of crime-related data and statistics, with analysts forming an integral part of its operations collating all submitted crime-related data and making sense of them through the crime mapping. The analysts then prepare the COMPSAT book, upon which the week’s presentation and discussions during the standard COMPSAT session are based on. The only difference is that in the ILP, the data gathered and collected are not necessarily known facts and statistics but unconventionally gathered data from tips, leads and reports of suspicious activities. Meetings and sessions a re also held in the COMPSTAT policing program periodically conducted usually, at least, once a week. This meetings and sessions, however, cannot be strictly categorized as the strategic and tactical, as required in ILP, because they consist mostly of presentation by a commander of the crime-related incidents in his/her jurisdiction and the strategies taken as a consequence and an interrogation of some sort by a facilitator, usually the chief or his designated assistant, of the law enforcers commander.

Art joins poetry on the beach by Charles Donelan Essay

Art joins poetry on the beach by Charles Donelan - Essay Example They went against the grain of local opposition to foreigners photographing sacred building as well as the omnipresent dust, severe temperatures, and inclement light. Most of these early photographers made negatives on glass plates, which were delicate and cumbersome; however, they produced sharp images. Francis Frith (England 1822-1898) documented that the severe heat could boil photosensitive chemicals on his glass plates, and regularly the best accessible darkrooms were tombs and caves. Other photographers made collotypes’, the paper negatives from which positive photos are printed. There were more convenient than glass plates and the paper’s texture produced a positive photo with softer tones. Photographs of the holy locations, archeological places, and ruins authenticated the new field of archeology, liberated historians, and captivated those wanting romantic perceptions of alien lands. Photos offered foster experiences for Americans and Europeans put off by the vo yage, even after the Suez Canal opened in 1896. The exhibition installation offers classic images presenting a variety of themes and topics including city views, pictorial of holy places, ancient architectural allure, and assessment of essential artifacts. All images in this installation are derived from Leland Stanford Junior museum. Frith exceedingly explored the Near East during three long voyages, all taken between 1856 and 1860. In 1857 he photographed Cairo’s mosques, a daunting task because non-Muslims were not permitted inside them and he had to find vantage points away from the town’s throngs. Frith collected his photographs of architecture causally so that light and shadow assisted a feeling of spatial profundity and scope. Frith, a Quaker and flourished entrepreneur with a passion for expedition, became the most prominent English photographer of the Near East. He accomplished this aiming chic audience with his elegant photographs, stereo-view cards, and phot o-graphics publications featuring archeological and biblical locations. During his expeditions, Frith noted that tourists were the central audience of his photography collections. The most of the Mosque Emeer Akhor was of particular interest to me. Architecture is the art of construction. The art consolidates shapes, building techniques, and constructions of materials to create a building that is alluring to look at. This art as well works the means it requires to, and fits with what is around it. In these photograph we view a mosque with all its beautiful dome and striking patterns. It is shielded by a stonewall. The design of this mosque is an irrefutable Ottoman imperial style, likely as a challenge to the Sultan authority. The architecture of the mosque from the photograph yet has remained mostly faithful to its style accredited to the earlier dynasty. The stonewalls somehow gives one the feeling that the mosque was fortified by the then dynasty, to shield it from the crusaders. PART II Hank Pitcher’s paintings are founded in a certain feeling of place. He was born in Pasadena, California on July 20, 1949. Yet his parents relocated to Isla Vista, next to Santa Barbara. He was two years-old. Then, Isla Vista was a mere colony on the beach. On the other hand, Goleta was a farm town where kids rode their horses gown the street to buy chocolate at the store. At San Marcos High School, he was a coffee star and was hired by big-shot universities. Instead of soccer, he selected to attend the College of Creative Studies, an option program within the University of California at Santa Barbara, where he currently teaches painting. He divides his time between painting and surfing, engaging in each with devotion and

Intelligence-led policing requirements of COMPSTAT Essay

Intelligence-led policing requirements of COMPSTAT - Essay Example The implication of this is that the commander naturally throws in his ‘enthusiastic support and energetic leadership’ to the program and the immediate goal of the program considering that his name and reputation is on the line, which is tangibly manifested by his obligation to personally deliver the report in the presence of the top brass and other units. COMPSTAT, like ILP, is largely based on the analysis of crime-related data and statistics, with analysts forming an integral part of its operations collating all submitted crime-related data and making sense of them through the crime mapping. The analysts then prepare the COMPSAT book, upon which the week’s presentation and discussions during the standard COMPSAT session are based on. The only difference is that in the ILP, the data gathered and collected are not necessarily known facts and statistics but unconventionally gathered data from tips, leads and reports of suspicious activities. Meetings and sessions a re also held in the COMPSTAT policing program periodically conducted usually, at least, once a week. This meetings and sessions, however, cannot be strictly categorized as the strategic and tactical, as required in ILP, because they consist mostly of presentation by a commander of the crime-related incidents in his/her jurisdiction and the strategies taken as a consequence and an interrogation of some sort by a facilitator, usually the chief or his designated assistant, of the law enforcers commander.

Books Vs. Movies Essay Example for Free

Books Vs. Movies Essay Why are audiences so upset with the way the movie turned out after reading the book? † Ask any reader who has seen the movie version of a favorite book, and the answer will usually be, the book was better.† (Corliss, 2005, p. 1)They are frequently disappointed because the movie versions are not sticking to their all-time favorite book. Growing up with books like Harry Potter, as readers or having someone reading to us our minds wonder off to this mystical land, picturing how our heroes and villains would look and act. As they take in the words, the reader can almost smell the trees and here the wind blow through the castles. Reading a book compared to watching the movie brings up controversy; with books readers use their minds while watching a movie people sit back and enjoy. It all starts with the book and how the reader’s mind starts to imagine what it will look like; the smell, taste, and feel. Then they bring the movie with the director’s view on the story. Let’s start with how people view the story that they are reading. The reader will take the story from the book and make it their own personal story, internalize from their own perspective and imagination. Each reader will see and interact with the story in their way. With Harry Potter readers, some say they feel closer to the main characters because it easier to see what’s going on in their minds. The directors have read the same books too and have challenges to overcome. Bringing Harry Potter to life on the big Screen, and appease all the children that have read the books. His job is to make the movie exciting; some books have some narrative that can just drag on. Sometimes what you read may not work in the movies. Some directors like to change things up so the viewers will be surprised and not be bored because they know everything that was going to happen. Now, back to how the audience sees the main character in a different light concerning reading, then on the big screen. The book builds this character that they grow to like; readers may see themselves as the leading actor. Some readers will picture their favorite actor playing the part. Characters are what keeps the readers coming back every time or make it impossible to put the book down because they want to find out what happens next. As a reader, you feel closer to what’s happening; you feel all the emotion that the characters are going through. Concerning the big screen, the character usually gets a brief back ground. The director determines the character for you; he will pick the actor for the spot. Sometimes they will pick a different gender to play the part. The director has to take a book like Harry Potter and cut some of the characters out so that the main character gets more time. They also cut out scenes. Let’s take for example, the Dursleys family that was to keep Harry safe when not in school. After the third film they cut them out most of the other films. In book 4 they were to meet the Weasleys and that was cut out for the movie. (Bibbiani (2011)), â€Å"The audience spent way too much time with the Dursley family over the course of the franchise to deny them their only redeeming moment.† The director will put his own insights and how he pictures the characters to be and what scenes he wants. The story line people see in our mind from reading may change on the big screen. With reading, they get the whole story from beginning to the end, the readers will know everything about their character; including where they live and what time period they’re from. It all goes back to how they imagine it will be like. In every story it starts out slow so it can build you up to the main event. It may take up to 100 pages to explain a character. After reading the book, must readers feel that they lived another life, unless it’s a series, the reader will feel completed. However, with the movie there are time constraints to think about and they need to achieve the right rating for the movie. In the books the writers has more freedom with the story line, when it comes to the movie they need to make sure it targets the right audience. The Harry Potter movies always have been geared toward children and teens, so they cut things out to achieve that goal. The Goblet of Fire was a 734- page book that would be a 10 hour movie. The screen writer Steve Kloves said †it took him two years to figure out how to make the movie and deciding what parts to cut out† (Corliss, 2005, pp. 3-3). They took the first hundred pages and put it into a thrilling 20 minutes. They need to make the movie exciting by cutting out some of the narrative and zipping through some of it. There are some movie critics that love the movies because they cut out the boring narration of the books. Readers interact with the book and use their minds to imagine the story while movie-audiences are more passively enjoying the movie. We see how and why things change from reading books and how the movie may have a different concept. When reading books, a person is creating their own movie in a sense. You know how the character speaks, what they look like. Where the director is showing how he perceived the story and characters. Can we as readers see books and movies as different entities? Not all movie versions might be considered worse than the books. Books require your imagination to run wild with in the story. Movies are an in-depth perspective toward the story. In some people opinion they need to change some of the details from the book to make the movie more enjoyable. Think about how dull that movie may be if you put everything from the book into the movie. Next time you are out watching a movie and you have already read the book try to remember that it is not going to be how you imagined it, it’s someone else’s story and how they perceived it. â€Å"If we were more naà ¯ve, new to the plot and characters, things might be different, but since we’ve read the books, and read them emphatically, possibly more than once we can’t know that for sure. We can only compare to what we know, and already love† (Mario Mario, 2012, pp. 3-2). References: Bibbiani, W. (2011). Crave Online. Retrieved from http://www.craveonline.com/film/articles/171155-the-top-ten-things-the-harry-potter-movies-left-out Corliss, R. (2005, Nov.). Books Vs. Movies. Time, (),. Retrieved from http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1134742,00.html Mario, A., Mario, R. (2012, may). The Trouble with Making Books We Love into Movies. The Atlantic Wire, (), 5. Retrieved from http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2012/03/trouble-making-books-we-love-movies/50220/