Thursday, October 31, 2019
Sit-Coms(American History) Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Sit-Coms(American History) - Research Paper Example Archie Bunker: Now thats where I got you, wise guy, theres a black guy who works down at the building with me, hes got a bumper sticker on his car that says Black is Beautiful so whats the matter with black beauties? M.A.S.H.: This show was based on three army doctors. This is recognized to be one of the dark comedies as it deals with very grave social issues which include race, and the various absurdity of life. The sitcom has dealt with women and their issues in life in a relatively lighter manner. The show has a number of dialogues to show how serious issues in those days have been dealt with and moved into a comedy as well. The dialogue below: Margaret, "Whats wrong Frank?" Frank, "Oh, those guys make me SO mad.........theyre always fooling around and nobody seems to care except you and me! Margaret, "I know Frank, theyre a disgrace! Not one of them is a respectable officer like you, they certainly dont deserve to wear those bars." FRANK SWELLS UP Margaret, "Theyre always conniving to make you look bad. Its time to do something about them Frank! Lets go call General Hammond right now and tell him what theyre up to. Ill bet hell put you in charge and get rid of those jokers, then WE can run this camp like it should be!" Frank puffing his chest out, "Youre right Snookems, lets go do that while theyre busy!" Margaret, "Oh Frank, I just love it when you take control." Wes Gehring "MASH turns 30: the TV series dark comedy was a paean to the ludicrousness of war. - Entertainment - television program review", USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), FindArticles.com, 06 Sep, 2009,
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Ethical Theories Essay Example for Free
Ethical Theories Essay A virtue is a trait of a certain person that is valued as being good from a particular point of view and answers the question of what actions are moral and what are not. Also, morality is the basis of being ethically correct and good. There had been several different ethical theories that exist in the society and each having different standards or basis for morality. One of the well known theories in the contemporary time in the field is virtue ethics which is one of the 3 major normative ethics approaches.            Virtue ethics originated in the ancient Greek times that takes inspiration from the works of the Greek philosopher, Aristotle while other theories in virtue ethics also incorporate elements from the works of Hume, Plato, Aquinas and as well as Nietzsche. Basically, virtue ethics gives importance on the character of a person. Thus, it is the character of a person that is the key element and the basis of being good or morally correct rather than laws/rules or even the consequences or outcome brought about by a particular action.            According to virtue ethics, we should look at the character of a person rather than his or her duties and actions. It is how one can be better person that is given emphasis rather than the right thing to do. It is easy to live a virtuous life according to Aristotle and that the main reason for those who do so is to be happy. Thus, a virtuous life gives happiness which is the main or ultimate goal of every human being according to virtue ethics.            In order to become a better person, virtue ethics suggest that one must practice virtuous acts on a regular basis. These acts will eventually become habitual and thus, making the habit of doing such acts as a natural day to day activity which in the long run, will make the person a better being. Thus, the ultimate aim of the particular person is to make people happy. Virtue ethics suggests that a person living a virtuous life will eventually do virtuous things not only to be happy but as well as to make people happy which in turn will be their main objective and goal in life of a virtues person.            Virtue ethics also assumes that all humans have capacities that are inherited and that, as stated earlier, actions that could improve these capacities are considered as ethical and those that hinder the improvement of these capacities are not, that is, if an action is able to develop the potential of the particular person, it is the morally right thing to do and otherwise, morally wrong. These, inherited potentials, according to ethical theories are wisdom and intelligence and so, in order to live a virtues life, we must be able to develop our wisdom and intelligence. Thus, rather than trying to define goodness or righteousness, improving one’s character is given the importance and is the basis of ethically good actions and is virtue ethics’ central theme.             By giving emphasis on the person’s being rather than actions, virtue ethics aims to achieve something that is genuinely wanted by the person rather than focusing on the incoherent ideas about the after-life which are found to be arguable. It is said that virtue ethics is applicable to all, can easily be understood and fits into both dos and don’ts of philosophies and as well as religion. Therefore, it is like a combination of both religion and philosophy.            Every ethical theory suggests standards of morality and according to virtue ethics, right actions are the results of being a moral person. It is by becoming a moral person that we will eventually know what actions are righteous from what are wrong and thus, we flourished as human beings. Virtue ethics also suggests that virtue is an important and admirable human characteristic just as courage and kindness. Virtue ethics also suggests that a good society is a result and accomplishments of virtuous people in that particular community. Thus, it can be said the virtue ethics is far more different than other ethical theories present such as Consequentialism that focuses on the results of a certain actions or Deontology that focuses on certain rules and duties of every individual as set by the society. Consequentialism would ask what actions will bring the most benefit and the least harm to the persons that are involved and will be affected by the action. On the other hand, Deontology will ask what actions are approved by the society and that are accordance to the moral rules or laws as dictated by the society or culture. Still, as mentioned earlier, virtue ethics does not focus on the action itself or on the result of that action or even in the set of rules that are present in the society but rather, on the character of the person involved in making the decision. By evaluating the points of these ethical theories, it can be said that all have their own strength and as well as weak points when it comes to decision making and one cannot be considered as superior to the other. Still, taking either side will also be dependent on the points of view of the person making the decision.            One problem with virtue ethics is that it is mostly not applicable or of little help to persons who are facing dilemma. The same thing also goes for Consequentialism and Deontology.  If for example, you can save a friend by lying to a certain person or group, would lying be the action by a virtuous man or is it considered as a simple lie that a virtuous man should avoid? In this case, it can be said that virtue ethics cannot be applied and does not help the person in making a decision.            Another problem faced by virtue ethics is that it cannot justify a certain problem for doing so would require a basis of what is moral. In this case, the decision on which virtues are considered morally correct and which are not are has to be made which is definitely a hard thing to do. Thus justifying certain actions based on what virtues are moral and what are not are still a big question.            On the other hand, it can also be said that the one of the distinct strength of virtue ethics is that it gives emphasis on the connection between our characters and our acts. It also views our character as whole and unified rather than treating each as isolated when it comes to making ethical decisions. Thus, a person’s virtue is considered as a totality and not as fragment of different aspects and that one character/trait is not isolated from the other. Thus, virtue ethics looks at the individual, something that most ethical theories fail to do.            There is no absolute theory that exists in which all will agree that it is definitely the right standard of living a virtuous life. Thus, every theory has its own critique and opponents. This is because of the difference in the experiences, knowledge and points of view of every individual, being unique in different ways. Thus, an ultimate theory can never really exist. The actions that must be taken by every individual defends on both his or her experiences and values together with the situation at hand and no theory will be able to solely suggest what ought to be and not be done. Therefore, decision making is not just a matter of theories and principles but of experiences, knowledge of the situation and of the people involved and the complete being of a person making the decision. Reference Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (2000). Virtue Ethics. Retrieved April 28, 2008            from http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ethics-virtue/#3
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Benefits of Regular Exercise for the Elderly
Benefits of Regular Exercise for the Elderly The benefits of regular exercise are numerous. Through multiple clinical trials, man has been able to deduce how exercise benefits the body and prolongs life. It reduces the probability of cardiovascular disease a leading killer disease in some countries in the developed world. It also helps keep obesity at bay and enables people across the age divide to maintain flexibility and independence over their lives. Exercise is also beneficial for mental well being in that it reduces the risk of getting depression. Many people have taken the prerogative to enroll in some sort of exercise programme. Due to lack of adequate information, not all individuals who partake in regular exercise are able to glean maximum benefits from their training programme. Time spent during exercise is an important factor. However, it is not the determining factor when it comes to how much an individual will benefit from the physical activity. Nutrition is an essential component of any exercise programme. This article aims at empowering the reader with information on how to maximize benefits from an exercise programme. PROVEN BENEFITS OF EXERCISE. Exercise prolongs life. People who engage in moderate to difficult exercise routines elongate their lifespan by one to four years (Jonker 2006: Franco 2005). Exercise also adds value to those additional years. Through health benefits to the lungs, heart and muscle, exercise ensures that a person not only lives long but is still productive in those extra years. Aging is a natural process of life. With time, the health of an individual deteriorates. This increases the risk of developing chronic health conditions. The good news is that regular exercise such as walking 3 hours per week can ward off the onset of some of these chronic health conditions (Chakravathy 2002). Exercise enables a person to have a better outlook of themselves, elevates self esteem and reduces the risk of getting depression (Elvasky 2005: Schetchman 2001). In recent years chronic non communicable diseases have formed a substantial portion of the disease burden in the world. In people with conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, stroke, myasthenia gravis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, exercise improves the standard of life (Stout 2001: Rochester 2003). Regular exercise spells out more benefits when it comes to metabolism of sugar in the body. It enhances plasma glucose control, can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes and if one develops the disease, it reduces the risk of death from complications in the cardiovascular system(Golden 2004: Virtartaite 2004: babyak 2001: Suh 2002: Church 2004: Short 2003: American Diabetes association 2003: McFarln 2004. Menopause results in decreased bone density. This is because of reduced estrogen levels in the body. Estrogen is bone protective. Post menopausal women are thus at higher risk of fractures because of weak bones. The fractures are more common at the hip joint and the femoral bone. Exercise has been shown to increase bone thickness and hence stronger bones in women of this age group (Cussler 2005: Kerr 2001). Osteoarthritis is a common skeletal disease that comes with advanced age. It affects joints in the body. Weight training and aerobics exercise has been shown to enhance balance in older people with knee osteoarthritis (Messier 2000). Exercise is not only for the adults. Exercise during childhood and teenage years ensure stronger bones later in life. Exercise during pregnancy is a healthy habit. Through it, an expectant mother is able to influence the size of her infant (Clapp 2003). METABOLISM, GETTING THE ENERGY WE NEED. Various metabolic processes interplay to ensure that body functions are maintained at optimum. These metabolic processes are affected by exercise. Once food is ingested, it undergoes digestion in the alimentary canal. With the aid of enzymes, the food is broken down into its basic components which are glucose, lipids and amino acids. Energy in the body is derived primarily from glucose. In the absence of glucose, fat is the alternative for energy production. Proteins derived from muscle mass are the least favored option when it comes to energy production. Breakdown of proteins requires a lot of energy. Ammonia is a byproduct of protein breakdown and it has harmful effects on health. In the setting of protein breakdown, damage to body organs and systems is inevitable. It also impairs the effectiveness of an exercise programme. Energy in the body is produced in the form of ATP. ATP production occurs in the mitochondria which are found within body cells. ATP is utilized in the body in various ways. It provides the energy required to power every energy consuming process in the body. It is also essential body building. It provides the energy required for repair of tissues and growth. Cleaving of a phosphate molecule from ATP to form ADP is the chemical reaction that releases energy. Nutrition and exercise are thus closely related. The role of nutrition is to provide enough energy to the muscles during the exercise and recovery period. It is important to know how muscles utilize energy during exercise. ATP is the first line energy source for muscles during contraction. However the amount of ATP stored in the muscle at any given moment is only adequate for one contraction. During exercise, rapid synthesis of ATP is therefore necessary to sustain the additional contractions. Creatinine phosphate is a molecule stored in muscle that facilitates the synthesis of ATP. This too has its limitations. This is because the stores of creatinine phosphate in muscle are also quickly depleted. Breakdown of glucose is responsible for replacing the depleted ATP and creatinine phosphate stores. A maximum yield of ATP is found when glucose is broken down In the presence of oxygen. This is called anaerobic metabolism. When oxygen is inadequate during glucose breakdown, lactic acid is formed. When the lactic acid builds up in muscle, it produces a burning sensation. The latter type of glucose breakdown is known as anaerobic metabolism and is common in exercises that are characterized by short bursts of activity. If glucose is depleted in the course of exercise, the body utilizes fat and proteins as alternative sources of energy. After exercise, the body will need to replenish the ATP stores in the muscles. This is an activity with high oxygen consumption. As mentioned earlier, anaerobic exercises are characterized by short bouts of activity. They are intense in nature and performed over a short period of time. They employ use of weights and are used primarily to build muscle bulk and strengthen muscles (Annianson 1981). Aerobic exercises are utilized in endurance training. These types of exercises are characterized by sustained low level muscle activity. One of the primary benefits of endurance training is weight loss. It also confers cardio protective benefits. Aerobic and anaerobic exercises can be carried out simultaneously. This widens the benefits an individual can glean i.e. one is able to lose weight and at the same time build up the muscle bulk. This is known as interval training (Martini 1995). MUSCLES AND AGING. With age, the muscle bulk reduces and muscles progressively weaken. This process is independent of lifestyle and exercise regimes (Brosss 1999). The elasticity of the muscles diminishes with time and they become more prone to injuries (Bross 1999: Braumgartner 1998). Their regeneration potential also decreases and repairs take longer. However age should not be a contraindication for exercise. Strength can be restored to weakened muscles through strength training (Anianson 1981: Frontera 1992). With advancing age, exercise helps keep weight in check and thus wards of diseases such as diabetes. It is advisable for the elderly to engage in activities that are not strenuous (Martini 1995). WHAT I HAVE LEARNED SO FAR. Benefits of exercise include weight control, prolonged life and mental well being. Metabolism is the process by which food is broken down to produce energy. Muscles utilize ATP for energy during contraction. Endurance exercises are cardio protective and result in weight loss while anaerobic exercises are utilized in building up the muscle bulk. TESTESTRONE REPLACEMENT. Andropause is the equivalent of menopause in women. It refers to the gradual decline of testosterone levels in men that occurs with age. Generally, 40-50% of men have low levels of testosterone by age 70 (Anawalt 2000). Symptoms experienced include decline in libido, heart disease and loss of bone and muscle. Growth hormone levels decline concurrently with those of testosterone (Karakelides 2005). Supplementing growth hormone and testosterone to enhance exercise looks like a viable option. However studies that have focused on this issue have found data that is insufficient to support this practice (Anawalt 2000). The risk of hormone dependent cancers is higher in the elderly and therefore any supplementation of testosterone should be approached with caution. Hormone replacement therapy if needed should thus be carried out under the watchful eye of a qualified physician. EXERCISE ENHANCING SUPPLEMENTS. Various supplements enhance muscle function. They include; Carnitine: this is an amino acid that aids in transport of fat into the mitochondria where it is broken down for energy production. Exercise capacity is enhanced when patients with kidney diseases or artery disease are given carnitine supplements (Baker 2001: Brass 1998). Carnosine: carnosine is present in muscle. Concentration of carnosine in muscle is highest during exercise (Suzuki 2002). Exercise is associated with formation of free radicals from the oxygen utilizing processes that take place (Yang 2000: Boldyrev 1997: Yneva 1999: Nagasawa 1999). Carnosine destroys the free radicals and prevents them from oxidizing body cells. It also protects proteins by inhibiting cross linking (Hipkiss 1997: Munch 1995). During strenuous exercise, carnosine also acts as a PH buffer thus protecting muscle from oxidation (Burcham 2000). Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): this is an essential enzyme that is utilized in the process of converting food into energy. It is located in the mitochondria. Oxidation processes take place continuously in the mitochondria. This results in the depletion of CoQ10 enzyme (Lonrot 1995: Dimeo 2001: Geneva 2004). Dysfunction of mitochondria coupled with depletion of CQ10 is thought to be an important causative factor in the development of age related diseases (Wallace 2009). This also results in production of less energy and increased synthesis of oxygen radicals (Choski 2007). The radicals further damage the mitochondria resulting in a vicious cycle (Di Lisa 2009). Shilajit: this is an organic substance harvested from biomass in the Himalayas (Schepetkin 2009: Goel 1990). It is famously utilized by ayurvedic practioners. It protects the body from illness and stress by acting as an adptogen. Advance in science has shown that it contains humic substances that enhance the flow of energy within the mitochondria (Agarwal 2007). A study conducted showed that shilajit decreased the rate of ATP decline in heart, brain and muscle tissue when given to rats that had been subjected to strenuous activity (Bhattacharyya 2009. The rate of depletion of CoQ10 was also slowed. When administered together, shilajat and CQ10 were found to have a synergistic effect. Shilajit contains two primary components that are essential for its function. These are fulvic acid and dibenzo-a-pyrones (DBPs). On its own, fulvic acid can initiate energy production in the mitochondria. It also prevents the oxidative damage to the mitochondria and transports DPBs into the mitochondria to aid in reactions that produce ATP(Piotrowska 2000; Ghosal 2006). When the mice were given oral CoQ10 supplements in isolation, there was increase in the levels of the enzyme in heart, liver and kidney tissues (Bhattacharyya 2009). However, when DBPs were supplemented concurrently with the CoQ10, the liver stores increased by 29% (Bhattacharyya 2009). Shilajit preserves ATP in the body. By ensuring that CoQ10 in the body is utilized maximally, it improves exercise performance. This was demonstrated in a recent study. People who took 200mg of Shilajit daily for 15 days had higher levels of ATP in the blood after exercise and the fitness score improved by 15%. Creatine: supplementing creatinine is beneficial. It increases both the lean mass and strength of the muscles (Nissen 2003; Kreider2003; Gotshalk 2002). ATP production requires phosphate molecules. Creatine acts as a donor of phosphate and thus enhances ATP production. In the setting of anaerobic glycolysis, creatine delays build up of lactic acid in the muscles. Muscle is not the only body tissue that benefits from creatine supplementation. Studies have shown that creatine is of benefit in patients with neurological degenerative disorders and it enhances memory in the elderly (Wyss 2002; Beal 2003; Tarnopolsky 2001; Matthews 1998; Tabrizi 2003; Laakso 2003; Yeo 2000; Valenzuela 2003; Watanabe 2002; Rae 2003). Branched amino acids: the basic building blocks of proteins are amino acids. There are two types of amino acids. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized in the body and are only sourced from the diet. Non essential amino acids are those that the body can synthesis. Leucine and isoleucine are examples of branched essential amino acids that have been shown to enhance performance and prevent breakdown of muscle during endurance exercise (Workman 2002; Shimomura 2006; Ohtani 2006). Unlike carbohydrates supplements, amino acid supplements have been shown to increase muscle strength in the elderly (Scognamiglio 2004). Glutamine: glutamine is an amino acid that is present in abundant amounts in the healthy body. Prolonged exercise, surgery or infection can decreases the levels of glutamine in the body. There is an increase risk of developing respiratory infections in athletes who engage in strenuous activity. This has been linked to reduced glutamine levels in the body as a result of the exercise (Castell 2002; Parry-Billings 1990). Supplementing glutamine in marathon runners had the effect of reducing respiratory infections (Castell 1996). When used in combination with glycine and L-cysteine, glutathione helps enhance synthesis of glutathione which functions as an antioxidant in the body (Rennie 1998). When levels of glutathione are low in the body, muscle tissue is broken down to supply glutathione. Supplementing glutathione will bar this from happening (Antonio 2002; Hankard 1996). Metabolic whey protein: protein supplementation has been a popular practice among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Exercise may deplete body energy stores. Protein supplementation will therefore provide an alternative source of energy and prevent muscle breakdown. Mechanical muscle function was found to be greater in patients who had protein supplementation compared to those who had carbohydrate supplementation (Andersen 2005). Plant protein: vegetable protein is an important source of proteins for vegetarians. With advancing age, blood vessels tend to lose their elasticity and hence their ability to dilate. Pea protein contains arginine which is used in synthesis of nitric oxide. This is a compound that is essential for dilation and relaxation of blood vessels (Zhou 2001).l. Contrary to common belief some vegetables contain higher amounts of protein when compared to animal based sources of protein. Polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC): muscle contraction is mediated by the nervous system. Information from the neural circuit is relayed to the muscle at the neuromuscular junction. Acetylcholine is the chemical mediator at this junction that relays this information. During exercise, PPC maintains plasma levels of choline which is a raw product used in the synthesis of acetyl choline (Buchman 2000). This ensures that there is continuous flow of electric information from the nerves to the muscles. Vitamin D: it is common knowledge that vitamin D is essential for proper bone health. It has recently come to attention that it is also important for muscle health. Vitamin D helps maintain muscle bulk by preventing shrinking of muscle fibers. Research has shown that adequate vitamin D intake reduces the risk of osteoporosis and muscle atrophy in the long run (Montero-Odasso 2005). D-ribose: D ribose is a molecule that is utilized during synthesis of ATP. Physical fatigue as a result of exercise is one of the chief reasons that puts off people from exercising (Annesi, 2005). During strenuous exercise, ATP levels in muscle can drop by up to 20% and it can take up to 72 hours for the muscles to replenish the ATP stores (Hellsten-Westing 1993; Stathis 1994). After exercise, many individuals feel spent. This has been linked to release of products of ATP break down into blood (Hellsten 1999). D-ribose will ensure that ATP levels in muscle are at optimum (Tullson 1988; Zarzeczny 2001). This will result in less fatigue after exercise and a person can happily look forward to the next exercise lesson. Exercise becomes an enjoyable activity instead of the drag many people have come to associate it with. D-ribose supplementation increases ATP stores in the muscle by up to four fold. This provides adequate reserve that can be utilized if need arises (Tullson 1991). D-ri bose also enhances recycling of the products of ATP breakdown. This enhances the speed of ATP synthesis (Zarzeczny 2001; Brault 2001). Muscles that are fatigued take longer to replenish ATP compared to well rested muscles (Hellsten-Westing 1993).. In 2004, a study showed that D- ribose accelerated the rate of recovery of ATP in muscle among sprinters (Hellsten2004). The following protocols may also be of interest. Obesity and weight loss. Trauma and wound healing. Male hormone restoration. Female hormone restoration. LIFE EXTENSION SUGGESTIONS. Creatine: 2 – 5 g daily Carnitine: 1000 – 2000 mg daily Carnosine: 1500 – 3000 mg daily CoQ10 (as ubiquinol): 100 – 300 mg daily Shilajit: 100 – 200 mg daily Branched-chain amino acids: containing at least 1200 mg L-leucine, 600 mg L-isoleucine, and 600 mg L-valine Glutamine: 500 – 1000 mg daily Whey protein: consider taking 20 – 80 g whey protein daily. It is most important to consume whey protein before and immediately after your exercise session to make sure adequate protein is available to depleted muscles. Plant Protein: 18 g protein from a blend of plants including pea Polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC): 900 – 1800 mg Vitamin D: 5000 – 8000 IU daily; depending upon blood levels of 25-OH-vitamin D D-ribose: 5 g, 1 – 3 times daily with food Also, the following blood tests may provide helpful information Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy Female Comprehensive Hormone Panel Male Comprehensive Hormone Panel Creatine Kinase DISCLAIMER. information contained in this article does not intend to disregard advice rendered to individuals by qualified clinicians. Before commencing on any diet or exercise programme, a person should seek professional advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The protocols described in this article are for adults only. Before use of any supplement, a person should familiarize themselves with the product information provided by the manufacturer. This information pertains to the dose, administration and contraindications. The authors and publishers of this article are not liable to injury or damage a person may endure after use of information contained herein.
Friday, October 25, 2019
Essay --
Sustainable consumption is primarily concerned with the quality of growth, rather than the quantity of growth. Analysts have made two important observations regarding the current growth models. The first is that as emerging economies continue to grow, most of the wealth is accumulated in the hands of a few wealthy individuals, leading to large inequality in society. The second is that economic growth increases well-being in society, but only to the extent to which it provides for the basic needs of people. Beyond that, growth makes hardly any marginal contribution to well-being, while having damaging impacts on the environment. Aside from this, the World Economic Forum recently started to recognize sustainable consumption as an economic opportunity and future direction for business. Under-consumption is an aspect of unsustainable consumption. Many rural areas still need stable food supplies, shelter, energy, as well as infrastructure for health and education, which are essential to poverty eradication and are domains for sustainable consumption. The rural poor tend to live in fragile environmental areas, and their livelihoods heavily dependent on natural resource use and ecosystem services. Sustainable consumption ensures that these resources are exploited in an equitable manner and with long-term considerations From economic perspective, sustainable consumption can robust economic growth, the economy involves increased employment opportunities, increased use of foreign investment and the rate of unemployment and poverty reduced. Both are equal in developed economies can be accepted by all people, and to benefit from the economic development. Third is efficiency in the planning and development of the planned economy. This effici... ...orking with communities to develop drought-resilient agricultural techniques accessible to poor farmers. This has helped to reduce climate risks, increase yields and diversify food production. The techniques are based on local knowledge, use locally available materials and Cambodian innovations, and minimize labor costs. They include: integrated farming, where by-products of chicken and fish rearing provide organic fertilizers for vegetable production, enhancement of aquatic food species (fish, crabs, snails) that naturally live in flooded rice fields, drip irrigation, using cheap and locally produced materials, water harvested by traditional methods and innovations in mulching to retain soil moisture and the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and other innovations in rice production, to minimize external inputs, reduce vulnerability to drought and enhance yields. Essay -- Sustainable consumption is primarily concerned with the quality of growth, rather than the quantity of growth. Analysts have made two important observations regarding the current growth models. The first is that as emerging economies continue to grow, most of the wealth is accumulated in the hands of a few wealthy individuals, leading to large inequality in society. The second is that economic growth increases well-being in society, but only to the extent to which it provides for the basic needs of people. Beyond that, growth makes hardly any marginal contribution to well-being, while having damaging impacts on the environment. Aside from this, the World Economic Forum recently started to recognize sustainable consumption as an economic opportunity and future direction for business. Under-consumption is an aspect of unsustainable consumption. Many rural areas still need stable food supplies, shelter, energy, as well as infrastructure for health and education, which are essential to poverty eradication and are domains for sustainable consumption. The rural poor tend to live in fragile environmental areas, and their livelihoods heavily dependent on natural resource use and ecosystem services. Sustainable consumption ensures that these resources are exploited in an equitable manner and with long-term considerations From economic perspective, sustainable consumption can robust economic growth, the economy involves increased employment opportunities, increased use of foreign investment and the rate of unemployment and poverty reduced. Both are equal in developed economies can be accepted by all people, and to benefit from the economic development. Third is efficiency in the planning and development of the planned economy. This effici... ...orking with communities to develop drought-resilient agricultural techniques accessible to poor farmers. This has helped to reduce climate risks, increase yields and diversify food production. The techniques are based on local knowledge, use locally available materials and Cambodian innovations, and minimize labor costs. They include: integrated farming, where by-products of chicken and fish rearing provide organic fertilizers for vegetable production, enhancement of aquatic food species (fish, crabs, snails) that naturally live in flooded rice fields, drip irrigation, using cheap and locally produced materials, water harvested by traditional methods and innovations in mulching to retain soil moisture and the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and other innovations in rice production, to minimize external inputs, reduce vulnerability to drought and enhance yields.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Cda Autobiography Essay
My name is _______. I was born in Miami, Florida on September __, 1994. I was born into a large family with 5 older sisters and 2 younger as well. A few years ago I was graced with a niece, named __________; she has become the joy of my life. Most of my time, aside from working and school, is spent with her. Both of my parents were born _______, whereas my sisters and I were all born here in Miami. There’s a great dissimilarity in the way that things are done in______ and the way things are done here. The differences have brought a love and interest in all the diverse cultures of the world. As a child I always loved my teachers. They always found a way to make learning fun and exciting. I knew I wanted to work with kids when I got older and help them find learning just as fun and exciting as I did. Everyday I’d come home from school and teach what I’ve learned to my younger siblings using the same methods my teachers used. They began finding learning just as enjoyable as I’d hoped. From then on I was inspired to be part of the life changing team of childcare workers and instill the thoughts that learning is fun in young children today. I have lots of goals for a future in ECE. A projection of my short-term goals in ECE includes becoming a Child Development Associate. I feel that it would be an honor to be an educator to young children and introduce some of the behaviors that they will carry with them their entire life long. Some of my long-term goals include owning my own childcare center or becoming a pediatrician.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
All of the recipes emphasize Essays
All of the recipes emphasize Essays All of the recipes emphasize Paper All of the recipes emphasize Paper The idea of healthy living comes from recognizing that social systems function best when they promote the health of their individual members. This means that communities, companies, and government agencies must come together in order to cultivate the conditions by which health can be maintained, chronic disease can be mitigated or prevented, and the environment can be maintained with a minimal amount of pollution and toxins. In 2002, a forum dedicated to preventing chronic disease resulted in an â€Å"agreement for the development of an integrated health promotion and chronic disease prevention network in Alberta†(AHLN, â€Å"About†, par. 1). That network was the Alberta Healthy Living Network, an organization that bring together educational and practical measures in order to make advance the agenda of a more healthy lifestyle. The Networks primary concern is the reduction of chronic diseases like diabetes through instilling good healthy living habits. Healthy Alberta is another organization following a similar path. They emphasize active living and healthy eating, and their website provides copious amounts of information about both activities. It includes recipes like â€Å"flax banana bread,†â€Å"berry soup,†and â€Å"salmon oasis.†All of the recipes emphasize that food can be prepared in healthy ways and that choices can be made to prepare healthy foods, and that as a result of these efforts, one can live an overall more healthy lifestyle. In addition, it provides concrete suggestions as to activities one can enjoy, including Frisbee, sledding, walk and talk outings with friends, and so on. The point of all of these activities is to show how one can enjoy, often for free, the benefits of living in such a fine location, pretty much any time of the year, and that again, ones decisions matter. Pleasantly, many of the recipes and most of the activities do not come with much of a price tag, which opens up healthy living as a lifestyle for many, rather than a privileged few. Suffice it to say that the healthy living movement plays an important part in the social fabric of Alberta, as evidence by the many websites devoted to advancing the lifestyle. And this is a good thing, because healthy living lowers overall costs from poor health (government funds spent on care, loss of work hours from those with illness, etc.) and because healthier individuals tend to be happier individuals, and happiness is a value everyone can get behind. The governments efforts to partner with local businesses, nonprofits, and educators, serve an important function, not just integrating healthy living into the social fabric but making the overall weave of that fabric stronger and more vibrant. Cites: Alberta Healthy Living Network. Retrieved Jan 23, 2005 from AHLN website: ahln.ca/index.cfm. Healthy Alberta. Retrieved Jan 24, 2005 from Healthy Alberta website: healthyalberta.com/
Monday, October 21, 2019
Should a College Education Be Free Professor Ramos Blog
Should a College Education Be Free Growing up I always thought about going a university, many teachers made it seem so promising. I was always into school since I was a young girl in elementary school, I had no idea how expensive college was. When high school arrived I remember being in a program known as AVID, which was supposed to prepare you for college. I was ecstatic about being in this program, I thought it was going to help me with so much, but College expenses never crossed my mind, only because I thought it was going to all be paid for somehow. My AVID teacher  was continuously bringing up applying for grants and scholarships but I was confused, I had not realized that you had to pay for college classes. Being the only one in my family that had planned on going to college was extremely difficult, I had to learn about this all by myself. It made me extremely anxious and nervous, because I knew I was not going to be able to afford to get into the college that i wanted to. Education has been offered to everyo ne who lives in the united states, but what good does it do if you cannot accept the education that is offered to you? Education is essential for everyone in our lives today, in able to have a successful life you must be educated in a career. There are so many people in America who cannot afford this education, it is extremely difficult for someone to come up with the college funds especially if there are other responsibilities that need to be taken care of at the same time as fees for college. Although education is offered to everyone, it does not mean that the same opportunity is offered to everyone as well, because education is so expensive most people won’t even think about applying for college and the fact that everyone has different financial issues also effects it. Education should be offered free to everyone, with this opportunity so much more people will be able to receive an education and all have the equal opportunity to be successful in life. Having a good educati on affects a persons well being in many aspects, such as financials stability, better opportunities, and a better lifestyle. Education is beneficial in tons of ways and can help the people in America pursue way more if it was offered for free.  Countless people believe  that free education can not only benefit the individuals but it can also benefit our entire country.  Considering that everyday more jobs are required some type of college experience or degree, education is not only becoming a more important aspect in today’s nation but it’s also a necessity at this point and time of generation. An improved educated workforce can make economy in America grow faster, because more people will have a set career due to the free education that will be offered and more people will be able to help with the community now by being able to contribute on paying taxes. More people will be employed with good paying jobs and will not be struggling with paying their own taxes or maybe even not having to rely on government assistance. According to an article written by numerous college graduates, â€Å"Since the mid-1900s, Americas top one percent of income earners have increased their portion of the countrys income by more than double†(Redefining College Affordability: Securing Americas Future with a Free Two Year College Option), so giving this opportunity of free education can  make a huge impact and result to an increased amount of money circulating within the economy especially because when people have more money they spend  more money. This can also result to more than enough taxes, that can go towards free public colleges. Free college education can not only affect us economically but it can affect everything that is around us in a beneficial way. The reason making college free is important  isn’t just because economic issues, it’s for our knowledge expansion. We should want every American to have an equal opportunity to receive a free education that they want so that they will be able to be a successful educated person. Without the offering of free education  for everyone in the nation, it can be possible that America can be even more socially divided. Majority of people believe that being at a college level education is a necessity, especially since you will always be in a good position financially when having a college education. Although there are programs that offer to cover some of your school necessities, it is still not enough for someone to receive a full education. Education should be free for everyone, especially if it is going to benefit us not only in our intelligence but also our economy. Offering free education to everyone will allow more people to go to college and will even make the percentages of graduates increase. Throughout college many people have to drop in the middle of their semester due to financial issues. Offering this free education for everyone will help students focus on school because they wont have to worry about not being able to be financially balanced with school and other responsibilities such as work. Free college education is something people will not take be taken for granted, because your college education depends on your future which is also why many more people would be taking this opportunity extremely serious. Despite of what people have to say about it being wrong to make education free, at the end of the day free education will benefit us and there is nothing better than having the rate of college graduates increase, because it’s going to mean more people are going to be successful and economy will improve for all social classes. In an article it is said that, â€Å"in 2015, the total amount of student loan debt in America was estimated to be about $1.3 trillion (over 39 percent higher than it was just four years earlier). And student loans are, by far, the most dominant type of financial aid. During the 2012-2013 school year alone, about 10 million college students took out student loans (a 66-percent increase from a decade earlier)† (Education at a Glance 2018: OECD Indicators). People have spend so much on money for college, for example, students have been taking large amount of school loans just to be able to pay and attend college courses which affects the economy terribly, because after all those loans students have tak en out they will be charged interest in the future which makes it harder on the students to pay them off. Not everyone can fully afford a college education and the money that is given to students is not enough coverage for a full education, even though there are ways to receive money  for college it still does not make an impact for students that are still struggling after they’ve received financial assistance for college. With Free education being offered to everyone we will be able to get rid of owing so much money and students will be able to focus on their education in the future they will be able to afford to participate on helping pay taxes in order for others to receive their education as well. Education is an important aspect in todays society and most importantly in our nation. All students should be eligible to receive funds for college so that they are able to pursue a career through the education that can be given to them. Free college tuition will make a great impact on the students financial and scholarly plans. Our government of this country can be investing in students that can possibly be the leaders of our future, such as doctors, teachers, and many others that will make our country a better place to live. Giving people the option to receive free education will expand the opportunities of many people who strive to be an educated and successful person, and everyone would be able to put they’re effort and get to see how much potential they have. Free education can change the lives of many people in different ways, it is important that we offer everyone the equal opportunity of education. By providing free education we are more likely to have successful futur e for many people. Lumina Foundation, Redefining College Affordability: Securing Americas Future with a Free Two Year College Option, website last visited on March 1, 2016. U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, website last visited on January 27, 2017. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Education at a Glance 2018: OECD Indicators, website last visited on September 24, 2018. W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, The Effects of the Kalamazoo Promise Scholarship on College Enrollment, Persistence, and Completion, website last visited on March 4, 2016.
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Why Was the ACT Called the American College Test
Why Was the ACT Called the American College Test SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Three little letters, one big test. Wondering what the letters ACT actually stand for? The answer reveals a lot about the history of the test as well as its goals. Read on to learn about the name of the ACT and why that matters. How Did the ACT Come to Be? The SAT has been around in some form or another since 1901, and was made by the College Board (itself founded in 1899). Beginning in 1925, when it was named the â€Å"Scholastic Aptitude Test,†the SAT aimed to measure scholastic skill through logical reasoning, as opposed to explicitly testing subjects learned in school. As the only college admissions test for the first half of the twentieth century, the SAT had a monopoly on the market. For students who struggled with the SAT, they had no other options. An education professor named Everett Lindquist at the University of Iowa disliked this. He also particularly disliked the SAT’s emphasis on logical â€Å"aptitude†as opposed to acquired knowledge. He wanted a test to more accurately judge how students of different backgrounds would do in college. This was because college enrollment patterns in the U.S. were changing, and more and more students wanted to enroll. While the SAT was particularly popular in the Northeast, and especially among elite schools, educators in the Midwest and beyond wanted a test that would judge what students had learned, as opposed to innate â€Å"aptitude.†The University of Iowa, where the ACT was created. In 1959, the professor created the â€Å"American College Test,†or A.C.T., that judged students on what they had learned in school, not logical reasoning skills. The test quickly grew in popularity, with over a million students per year taking the test by the 1970s. It became a well-known alternative to the ACT, and today, all colleges accept both the ACT and SAT for admission. What Is the ACT Known as Today? As of September 1996, The American College Test became just the ACT, with the initials no longer standing for anything. But why would the ACT no longer want to be called the "American College Test"? Isn’t it a fairly innocuous name? After all, the test is designed for admission to American colleges. Dropping the meaning â€Å"American College Test†helps the ACT brand be more flexible, especially in the twenty-first century. There are several reasons being called the ACT as opposed to the â€Å"American College Test†is a smart move. 1. It helps the ACT remain level with the SAT, so the two tests can no longer be easily categorized and compared. The SAT also dropped its original meaning (â€Å"Scholastic Aptitude Test†) and is only known by its initials. As both of the tests are widely used nationally and as of 2007 all colleges accept both, the ACT probably wanted to look like an equal alternative to the SAT, as opposed to a more niche option. 2. Dropping the name broadens the test's scope. The ACT is now a part of regular testing in many states. If it were called a â€Å"college†test it would be a harder sell as a test for school district progress. Furthermore, the ACT now has other products and services. It has expanded into elementary and middle school testing, through Aspire. It also creates test preparation products. In short, it’s no longer a company that just makes a college admission test, so dropping "college" from the name is helpful. 3. The ACT can now compete internationally. By getting rid of â€Å"American†in its name, it’s easier to sell the ACT abroad as an alternative to the SAT. As ACT participation grows worldwide, it doesn't make sense to keep calling it an American test. Does This Change How You Should Study for the ACT? The ACT was created in response to the SAT, and thus will always want to make itself seem like the more student-friendly option. Its more straightforward name – American College Test as opposed to Scholastic Aptitude Test – reveals its more straightforward mission, to test content students learn in school, rather than test reasoning ability or logic. Although the ACT has changed so it now tests broader skills like scientific reasoning (and the SAT in turn has worked to become more â€Å"relevant†and to stop testing obscure words, among other changes), it still is generally seen as the more straightforward counterpart to the SAT. Comparing the ACT and SAT can often feel like comparing apples and oranges. If you’re deciding between the two tests, take the ACT’s history and goals into consideration. Most students tend to do better on one test or the other. What’s Next? So how can you decide for sure whether you should take the ACT or the SAT? Use our fool-proof method to discover the test you’ll be best at. Learn more about the ACT – how it’s scored, how long it is, and get a guide to each section (English, Math, Reading, Science). So how long should you study for the ACT? Learn how to maximize your score here. Want to improve your ACT score by 4+ points? Download our free guide to the top 5 strategies you need in your prep to improve your ACT score dramatically.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Research Paper Outline with Reference Citations Essay
Research Paper Outline with Reference Citations - Essay Example . Outcomes related to ethics can be viewed in all aspects of the organization, from the perception of employees regarding fairness, to the engagement and retention and finally to the reputation and sustainability. Culture might not be the only determinant of organizational behavior, but it certainly has its influence. A company can amend and reinforce its ethical culture with symbols, stories, routines and rituals. The organizational culture explains both the ethical actions and the unethical behavior within an organization. Collection of like- minded employees strengthens the unitary culture within the organization and promotes their ethics even more. Leadership behaviors which support the ethical behaviors leads in formation of an ethically-oriented culture (LRN). The idea that is sent by the business leaders through the organizational culture helps in determination of the business ethics at the workplace- how ethics are defined, promoted, perceived, demonstrated and lived. On the basis of foundation of clear and solid corporate values for the ethical behavior, decision making can be done, fostering fairness, trust, compliance and transparency. With increasing size of organization, leaders have to understand that people come from different perspectives, values, backgrounds and cultures. Chmielewski, C. (2004). Values and culture in ethical decision making. Retrieved 2 Mar 2014 from, http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Resources/Clearinghouse/View-Articles/Values-and-culture-in-ethical-decision-making.aspx Lockwood, N.R. (2009). Business Ethics: The Role of Culture and Values for an Ethical Workplace. Retrieved 2 March 2014, from https://www.shrm.org/Research/Articles/Documents/09-0711_RQ_4_2009_FINAL.pdf Congress, E.P. (2004). Cultural and Ethical Issues in Working with Culturally Diverse Patients and Their Families: The Use of theCulturagram to Promote Cultural Competent Practice in Health Care Settings. Retrieved 2 March 2014 from,
Friday, October 18, 2019
Behavioural Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words
Behavioural Finance - Essay Example Fair distribution 8. How can fair distribution of resources be achieved? 9. What factors are to be considered in ensuring fair distribution? 10. How is inequality a challenge in fair distribution? Inclusion criteria Inclusion of the material for literature was based on relevance to the research questions and its relevance to the research topic Exclusion criteria Any material that was deemed irrelevant to the research topic was discarded; the relevance of the material to the research topic was determined by reviews of its title and abstract Relevance of research questions to the topic The view has been taken that a progression through the research questions will provide an in depth overview of the research topic. The research questions have been designed to capture all views of the new economic paradigm and the different aspects of the new economic paradigm that scholar have identified. Despite the limited literature that is available in this area, the research questions have helped t o conduct an exhaustive literature review. Table of contents Abstract 2 Table of contents 5 Introduction 6 Happiness and Well-being 7 Efficient allocation of resources 9 Ecological sustainability 11 Fair distribution 12 Analysis of the literature 13 Conclusion 14 References 15 Introduction The world has for a long time yearned for a change, the people recognise that the social, political and economic conditions in the universe are not at par with the needs of the society. Ancient economists such as Adam Smith in his ‘wealth of nations’ argued that competition would be used to distribute good and services in the world as individuals were taken as rational beings. However, it has been discovered that human beings are not rational... However, despite these advancements, the variation gap between the wealthy and the underprivileged has been rising, both in nation-to-nation comparison and within the countries. Adverse and extreme climatic conditions have increased in frequency and severity and adapting to these changes has now become a reality. Due to the rising population, the demand for natural resources has risen which has led to overexploitation of natural resources and degradation of the environment, food and oil prices have skyrocketed and debt crisis in most countries has reached an alarming levels. This paper will deal with the new economic paradigm and all the perspectives that are associated with it. These trends shows that the world has no option but to act; however, there are more benefits that come with change than just avoiding the negative effects that may result due to failure to change. Change and innovation through testing and advancement of new models are key determinants in human advancement, for instance, the global financial and European debt crisis does not only require people to imagine of a better world, but rather, to act and create that world. The need for a new economic paradigm was boosted when the 193 member states of UN general assembly adopted a consensus resolution 65/309 on happiness: towards a holistic approach to development, this resolution characterised happiness as fundamental human goal and a universal aspiration.
Human resource management Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Human resource management - Coursework Example This would include human resource planning, recruitment, selection and training in organizations. The recruitment and selection process would depend on the kind of establishment that is set up. This must be accompanied with the right kind of training and development programs to equip candidates with the requisite skills and expertise. However, training programs must b customized to meet the individual training needs of employees. Training might be internally conducted by the organizations catering to their own needs and skill requirements. However, there are a large number of training institutes in the region offering wide variety of training for organizations. Off the job training is most widely used by the private sector firms in UAE. In UAE, organizations are encouraged to practice group activities and team work. Thus training might be imparted on group problem solving activities. Organizations can also undertake high level skill training for their workforce. The key role of HRM is ensuring employee performance and productivity. This includes identifying the key components of candidates’ performance. It is important that the performances of employees are monitored by their immediate supervisors, peers, colleagues, subordinates and themselves. This is useful in making a complete review of their performance in the organization. A crucial component of performance management system is performance appraisal system. The appraisal system is considered to be most crucial for encouraging individual performance and raising their level of satisfaction too. The competitive structure of the UAE labour market and the cut throat competition existing between organizations calls for strict performance appraisal system. Under the system employees would be compensated or rewarded according to the evaluation of their performance. Employee performance must be aligned and rated against organizational goals and
WRITTEN INTERVIEW Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
WRITTEN INTERVIEW - Essay Example The World is a mixture of people who are different from each other and that is what makes it so interesting to get to know about each other. In this reference I conducted an interview of a person who is a part of a different culture. The main reasons were to study the different characteristics that a person possesses and the things he or she acquires while growing up in a different culture. I would not disclose the name of the person that I interviewed due to his request but would like to mention the culture where he comes from. The person belonged to a Muslim family. The person had proper good schooling and claimed a Bachelors degree later in Business Administration. He also had a Masters degree in the same field and was working in a reputable organization since the past four years. The person highlighted some major issues relating to people of his age group in their culture concerning problems like physical, cognitive and psychosocial developments. The first aspect of physical development is related to the food that is been given to the person and as most Muslim countries are third world countries hence physical development has always been a problem. Early deaths, improper growth these have been problems related to the Muslim community. Though physical development has not been a major problem for the Muslim community but it has been a reason to hinder their success and development. The thinking ability of most Muslims is seen as of extremism and is also thought of as conservative all over the globe but in reality it’s not the same. The Muslims are very open to every aspect of life and this negative bias that has been created is due to some people who do not actually know what are the morals of the Muslim culture. According to the interview people of thi s culture are very good and concentrated thinkers. They follow the rationality principal and all the set of ideas that they believe on come from their Holy Book Quran. These set of
Thursday, October 17, 2019
References Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1
References - Essay Example Keep in mind that many of these tests are designed to test your intelligence, critical thinking skills, behavioral patterns and decision-making ability. These tests are not designed to test your potential IQ or examine your previous work history. Also, many employers will notice when a candidate appears to be nervous or stressed over a pre-employment test and immediately question whether you are an adequate fit for the stresses of the everyday work environment. Relax, take a deep breath, and concentrate on exuding as much confidence as possible when taking the pre-employment test. The personality test is probably the most common pre-employment test given by employers today. These tests are designed to test your answers to questions to examine your personality and test whether the personality type would be a good fit for the potential job. Employers can learn a lot about job candidates through these tests, but these are not tests that should cause you to worry. There literally is no right or wrong answers because the information is all about you. It is always best to answer these tests as honestly as possible because the employer will receive an almost immediate score report of the personality test. At this point, the employer has already begun a pre-test interview, so they have had a little time to get to know you. If your personality scores far different than what they know about you, this can raise serious concerns for the employers. Be honest at all stages in the application process, especially on the personality tests. First of all, you need to take your time and read every question completely. Follow the instructions exactly as they are written because many tests are also designed to test your ability to follow directions. Also, many pre-employment tests work on a rating scale usually around 1-5. Each rating system may be
Nuclear Power Future Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Nuclear Power Future - Essay Example As nuclear fuel is free from carbon emissions, there are less ethical issues associated with the nuclear power. Farming outside the nuclear power plant produces the normal yield. There is no impact of nuclear power plant on the surroundings. The unit of the nuclear power is much less as compared to the oil or gas based power (Harrison & Hester, 2011, p44-58). The cost of the fuel required to run the nuclear power plant is much lesser as compared to the coal, oil or gas. Other alternate energy resources are less capable of providing the base load. The plans of the Hitachi Company to develop the nuclear power in Britain are quite clear to support the sustainable development in the region. The lessons from the Japan are well learned by the company and the company ensure that no further accidents will happen in Britain. The company ensures that the Britain will lead the renewable capacity by 2018. A large investment should be welcomed to develop nuclear power. In most of the developed and under developed countries, the power crises are rising due to the massive industrialization in the past few decades. It is nearly impossible to predict the future of power generation regarding the coal, oil or gas, as the fossil fuel resources are shortening day by day and the demand for power is increasing day by day. To maintain the economic and social stability, there is need to develop the power generation systems that are capable of generating more power to meet the current as well as future power demands (Nuclear energy Agency, 1993). Britain is considered to be emitting major amount of fumes while generating electrical energy in the region. After the installation of the Nuclear power, the emissions regarding the power generation will reduce significantly and thus the motto of environmental protection will be fulfilled. As the project is supposed to create 6000 jobs while constructing the each plant and 1000 permanent jobs for the operations of
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
WRITTEN INTERVIEW Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
WRITTEN INTERVIEW - Essay Example The World is a mixture of people who are different from each other and that is what makes it so interesting to get to know about each other. In this reference I conducted an interview of a person who is a part of a different culture. The main reasons were to study the different characteristics that a person possesses and the things he or she acquires while growing up in a different culture. I would not disclose the name of the person that I interviewed due to his request but would like to mention the culture where he comes from. The person belonged to a Muslim family. The person had proper good schooling and claimed a Bachelors degree later in Business Administration. He also had a Masters degree in the same field and was working in a reputable organization since the past four years. The person highlighted some major issues relating to people of his age group in their culture concerning problems like physical, cognitive and psychosocial developments. The first aspect of physical development is related to the food that is been given to the person and as most Muslim countries are third world countries hence physical development has always been a problem. Early deaths, improper growth these have been problems related to the Muslim community. Though physical development has not been a major problem for the Muslim community but it has been a reason to hinder their success and development. The thinking ability of most Muslims is seen as of extremism and is also thought of as conservative all over the globe but in reality it’s not the same. The Muslims are very open to every aspect of life and this negative bias that has been created is due to some people who do not actually know what are the morals of the Muslim culture. According to the interview people of thi s culture are very good and concentrated thinkers. They follow the rationality principal and all the set of ideas that they believe on come from their Holy Book Quran. These set of
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Nuclear Power Future Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Nuclear Power Future - Essay Example As nuclear fuel is free from carbon emissions, there are less ethical issues associated with the nuclear power. Farming outside the nuclear power plant produces the normal yield. There is no impact of nuclear power plant on the surroundings. The unit of the nuclear power is much less as compared to the oil or gas based power (Harrison & Hester, 2011, p44-58). The cost of the fuel required to run the nuclear power plant is much lesser as compared to the coal, oil or gas. Other alternate energy resources are less capable of providing the base load. The plans of the Hitachi Company to develop the nuclear power in Britain are quite clear to support the sustainable development in the region. The lessons from the Japan are well learned by the company and the company ensure that no further accidents will happen in Britain. The company ensures that the Britain will lead the renewable capacity by 2018. A large investment should be welcomed to develop nuclear power. In most of the developed and under developed countries, the power crises are rising due to the massive industrialization in the past few decades. It is nearly impossible to predict the future of power generation regarding the coal, oil or gas, as the fossil fuel resources are shortening day by day and the demand for power is increasing day by day. To maintain the economic and social stability, there is need to develop the power generation systems that are capable of generating more power to meet the current as well as future power demands (Nuclear energy Agency, 1993). Britain is considered to be emitting major amount of fumes while generating electrical energy in the region. After the installation of the Nuclear power, the emissions regarding the power generation will reduce significantly and thus the motto of environmental protection will be fulfilled. As the project is supposed to create 6000 jobs while constructing the each plant and 1000 permanent jobs for the operations of
The invisible white privilege Essay Example for Free
The invisible white privilege Essay White people, from birth, automatically benefit from their light skin color, enjoying the privileges relating to child care, education, hygiene, careers, politics, etc. Compared to white people, people of color are at a distinct disadvantage. They are treated differently than white people, and they are the ones that suffer, not having this same privilege. In Peggy McIntosh’s article White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, McIntosh describes how whites carry the invisible privilege. In society, white people are treated better than non-white people since segregation, beauty trends, political power, social connections, and street crime seem to be better for them. According to McIntosh, White Privilege is an invisible package of unearned assets granted to white people (McIntosh 1). They can enjoy special advantages that are beyond common advantages of people of color. White privilege is a social constructed phenomenon. Besides physical appearance, there is no biological difference between white people and the non-white people. It is society that distinguishes whites from people of color, and it tends to recognize all races besides those who are white. Living in a society of white dominance, whites are carefully taught to ignore the fact that white privilege puts them at an advantage. This is because, according to McIntosh, deconstruction of white privilege threatens the myths and ideas about this nation, and it challenges the notion of equal opportunity and meritocracy (McIntosh 2). There are many ways that white privilege still exists today. Here are five examples of white privilege I find out in my life. 1. White parents do not have to be worried about their kids being scared at school. I learned from the news that at Delavan-Darien High School, the American Diversity class divides students into whites and non-whites, and tell non-whites students, â€Å"you have been oppressed and you are still being oppressed†. 2. White women represent beauty and lead the trends. Speaking of this, why don’t we take a look at the proportion of white models in the 2013 New York Fashion Week? An official statistic shows that out of the 5,000 styles in last New York Fashion Week, around 80 percent were modeled by white women. Fewer than 1,000 styles were given to women of color (Dries 1). 3. White people occupy Congress. In Congress the total is 87 percent whites, which is divided into 85 percent in the House and 96 percent in the Senate (Portero 3). The voices of politicians of color are often drowned out in the politic sea of white dominance. 4. White people are able to achieve success more easily by using their connections. Because of belonging to the dominant group, white people have more connection than people of color do. Based on this, they are more likely to succeed. 5. Whites do not have to be worried about being shot one day on the street. A well-known example can be the Shooting of Trayvon Martin. Making a run to the store to get some refreshments for his brother and himself, Martin was shot and killed by the neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman because, according to Zimmerman, â€Å"he was very suspicious. †I think if Martin were a white guy, Zimmerman would not have seen him as a â€Å"real suspicious looking guy†. In society, people regard whites’ lives as morally neutral, normative, and ideal. Whites are elevated above people of color. Although I believe all racial groups are harmed in the long run by racism, white privilege still exists as a daily reality throughout every part of the structure in the United States. Work Cited Dries, Kate. New York Fashion Week Was Chock-Full of White Models. Again. Jezebel. N. p. , 17 Sept. 2013. Web. 21 Oct. 2013. McIntosh, Peggy. White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack. Welsey, MA: Wesley College Center for Research on Woman, 1988. Print. Portero, Ashley. Congress Still a White Male Lawyers Domain; Members More Religious Than Most Americans. International Business Times. N. p. , 27 Feb. 2012. Web. 21 Oct. 2013.
Monday, October 14, 2019
Singapore tourism vulnerable to climate change
Singapore tourism vulnerable to climate change Conclusion The overall aim of this research is to understand the ways in which tourism in Singapore is vulnerable to climate change. Predicting climate change is complex but even more complex is predicting how people will respond to that change (Perry, 2005, 94). Therefore, tourists, who are major players in this tourism business, are exceptionally crucial. This study employs tourists perceptions and opinions as well as statistical data from government sources in understanding how tourism in Singapore may be affected under predicted climate change scenarios in the coming decades. Three research objectives were developed for addressing this aim as mentioned in the introduction. In this concluding chapter, summary of the results for each of these objectives would be highlighted. Objective one: To document the nature climate as a resource for tourism in Singapore Atmospheric weather conditions may impact tourist demand, participation, experiences and satisfaction (de Freitas, 2003; Yu et al, 2009). Singapores â€Å"hot and sunny†weather condition and all-year-round sunshine acts as a huge impetus attracting tourists. The significance of climate among other factors was revealed in the survey and confirmed the findings by Hamilton, et al (2005) that weather and climate can act as both push and pull factors. Despite acknowledging that climate is an important resource for tourism in Singapore, this study made an interesting finding that weather did not prove to be the ultimate choice affecting tourists decision to Sentosa. Attractions in the destination was consistently ranked first when respondents were asked the importance of factors relevant to their visit to a country for tourism as well as the most important factor affecting their decision in visiting Sentosa. With attractions being the most important factor affecting tourists choice to Sentosa, there is high possibility that Sentosa may be chosen in spite of the likely bad weather. Tourists indicate that they would likely substitute beach tourism for other activities such as indoor sightseeing attractions within Sentosa which are not weather dependent. Hence visitation to Sentosa is unlikely to be affected because of the diverse types of attractions Sentosa provides. This indirectly points to a bigger picture that for destinations attracting mostly day visitors, climate change may have smaller implications, since potential visitors are more likely to change plans or adapt to the on-site weather conditions (Aylen et al., 2005). Objective two: To estimate future effects and risks on the tourism sector under direct predicted climate change scenarios The tourism sector in Singapore generates more than S$12 billion in tourism receipts yearly and employs about 60% of the workforce in Singapore (MOM, 2009; MTI, 2009). Given the increasing importance of the tourism industry to the economy, it is critical to understand the implications of climate change for the industry. Climate change has the potential modify tourist demand and travel patterns (Scott et al., 2004). Although climate change may bring about new opportunities for some countries, Singapore would most likely be faced with more challenges. Firstly, with global warming, Singapore may become too hot and humid for comfort. Secondly, with the climate of other regions and countries changing for the better, the need for a winter escape to warm climate countries diminishes. In addition, the study investigated the reactions of tourists behaviour to the possible direct impact of climate change that might most probably impact Singapore in the coming years. Increasing rainfall days would most likely result in a decrease in days of stay with tourists indicating that they would still choose to come to Singapore but avoiding that heavy rainfall periods. On the other hand, in the case of an increase in temperature or rainfall events which are highly unpredictable, it seems that tourists would more likely accept and plan their activities to suit these random weather conditions. These fairly negative results demonstrate the need for the sector to look into ways that can improve the attractiveness and competitiveness of Singapore as a tourist destination. Studies have shown that tourists are capable of adapting and changing their travel behaviours when facing uncertainties and unexpected factors. Stewart Vogt (1999) suggest that tourism plans often were changed, especially regarding on-site activities. Therefore, what is most important is the initial motivation of attracting tourists to Singapore. Singapore must prove herself as a worthy destination with many alternative activities that is available for visitors facing extreme hot weather or sudden rainfall due to the changing climate. With Singapores tourism industry being highly diversified without favouring any particular type of tourism, there is a balance of both indoor and outdoor attractions to provide visitors satisfactory tourism experiences even under uncertain weather conditions. In addition, statistics show that shopping, is one of the main motives of tourists coming to Singapore as well as a high revenue earning sector, with Orchard Road being the most visited site in Singapore. Thus, if shopping which is non-weather dependent, is one of the main attractions motivating tourists to Singapore, it seem possible that climate change may have little impact in changing tourists minds about visiting Singapore. Objective three: To discuss mitigation policies employed or suggested by the UNWTO access the consequences of employing these strategies in Singapore Two mitigation strategies are reviewed: encouraging short-haul destinations and market climate policy instruments which includes taxation. Singapore is a small island state with only the Southeast Asian region being within its short-haul destination. Thus, promoting short-haul destination as a mitigation strategy may lead to detrimental economic consequences for Singapore as a result of vast lost of a significant potential share of tourists. Between the two strategies reviewed, the latter seems to be a more desirable. This is reflected in 75% of respondents expressing willingness to increase their spending on green facilities which includes fuel efficient aeroplane. They believe that it is their social and environmental responsibility to spend a little more for the sake of the environment. Although mitigation strategies for the tourism industry may not be welcomed by both tourism operators and tourists as they are likely to result in an increase in cost of travel or inconvenience, thus reducing competitiveness, they are deemed essential. Unlike natural disasters or terrorist attacks, climate change is not just a short-term effect that could then be quickly forgotten. As King concludes aptly â€Å"In my view, climate change is the most severe problem we are facing today, more serious even than the threat of terrorism†(2004: 176). Therefore, the need for mitigation strategies in Singapore to reduce the trend of future climate change impacts is a pressing necessity.
Sunday, October 13, 2019
The Uncontrolled Ambition of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth Essay -- Macbeth
The Uncontrolled Ambition of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth    There is basically uncontrolled ambition throughout William Shakespeare's tragic drama Macbeth. In this essay we will explore numerous examples of this on the part of the two protagonists, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.  Blanche Coles states in Shakespeare's Four Giants that the protagonist's ambition was not the usual narrow, personal ambition:  He has admitted to a vaulting ambition. We have no other evidence of personal ambition except, possibly, his own word in this speech. Onrushing events crowd the thought out of his mind and out of our view. We do have ample evidence of his ambition for his family, ambition for a son who might succeed him. [. . .] We think normally of ambition as a personal thing, but it is not always so. Macbeth's stupendous imagination, as revealed later in the play, gives him a breadth of vision altogether out of keeping with a narrow, personal ambition. (50-51) Samuel Johnson in The Plays of Shakespeare explains the place of ambition in this tragedy:  The danger of ambition is well described; and I know not whether it may not be said in defence of some parts which now seem improbable, that, in Shakespeare's time, it was necessary to warn credulity against vain and illusive predictions. The passions are directed to their true end. Lady Macbeth is merely detested; and though the courage of Macbeth preserves some esteem, yet every reader rejoices at his fall. (133)  In "Memoranda: Remarks on the Character of Lady Macbeth," Sarah Siddons mentions the ambition of Lady Macbeth and its effect:  [Re "I have given suck" (1.7.54ff.)] Even here, horrific as she is, she shews herself made by ambition, b... ...iion of Critical Essays. Alfred Harbage, ed. Englewwod Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1964.  Johnson, Samuel. The Plays of Shakespeare. N.p.: n.p.. 1765. Rpt in Shakespearean Tragedy. Bratchell, D. F. New York, NY: Routledge, 1990.  Kemble, Fanny. "Lady Macbeth." Macmillan's Magazine, 17 (February 1868), p. 354-61. Rpt. in Women Reading Shakespeare 1660-1900. Ann Thompson and Sasha Roberts, eds. Manchester, UK: Manchester University Press, 1997.  Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Macbeth. http://chemicool.com/Shakespeare/macbeth/full.html, no lin.  Siddons, Sarah. "Memoranda: Remarks on the Character of Lady Macbeth." The Life of Mrs. Siddons. Thomas Campbell. London: Effingham Wilson, 1834. Rpt. in Women Reading Shakespeare 1660-1900. Ann Thompson and Sasha Roberts, eds. Manchester, UK: Manchester University Press, 1997. Â
Saturday, October 12, 2019
Virgin and Child with Four Angels by Gerard David Essay -- Paintings A
Virgin and Child with Four Angels by Gerard David The Virgin and Child with Four Angels was painted by Gerard David in about 1510, right in the middle of the Renaissance. The painting is rectangular in shape and appears to be about two feet long by maybe a foot and a half wide. It is oil painted on wood and it looks to be in very good condition. The painting is an image, as its title suggests, of the Virgin with the infant baby Jesus. This, of course, was a very common subject during the renaissance and for years before and after it. There are countless paintings of the Virgin and Child from that time period, probably because of the power and influence of the church at the time. People were much more involved in the church and, therefore, the subjects they painted or requested to be painted were typically religious themes. Many also felt that by commemorating such religious figures it might even help them gain a spot in heaven. In any case, in this particular version of the Virgin and Child there are also four angels in the scene - two who are flying above the Virgin holding a crown over her heard, and two who are sitting on either side of her playing instruments. Beyond her there is a large archway that opens into a landscape with a view of some grass and trees, some architecture, and some mountains in the far distance. The virgin is wearing a red garb and the baby Jesus is barely draped in some white cloth. That, of course, is a basic description at a quick glance. In examining the painting further, it becomes obvious that this is prime example of Renaissance painting. To begin with, the composition is completely balanced, almost symmetrical. The four angels are placed evenly around the Virgin, with two on each side. On one side an angel plays a harp and is balanced by an angel on the other side, strumming some type of guitar. The two flying above Mary are basically in the same position. Even the church in the background seems to be matched with a mountain in the distance. The columns and archway that border the painting are, in fact, completely symmetrical. And the Virgin and Child are in the center. It is, again, a beautifully balanced composition, typical of the Renaissance. The composition is also completely filled, but not overcrowded. Even with the flying angels, the painting appears rational; ... ...ead, which can also be seen on the wings of both of the angels holding it. Then again, that goldish hugh is seen in the instruments that then angels on both sides of Mary are playing. Blues and greens are used in a balanced manner throughout as well. On one side, the angel playing the harp is dressed in a light blue that is similar to the blue of the sky. The other angel is dressed in green, like the greens used in the trees and grass of the landscape beyond. The way these colors are painted, too, is very much in the style of the Renaissance. There is no visible brushstroke whatsoever. The entire painting is smooth, almost as if it wasn't really painted. This, too, adds to the realistic effect of the painting. The influence of the Italian Renaissance can clearly be seen in this painting by Gerard David. The composition is balanced; illusionism through perspective creates a recession in space; detailed modeling and shading make the painting appear realistic and human; vibrant colors are spread throughout; and a smooth, brushless texture adds to that realistic appearance. This work demonstrates the beauty and detail that was brought to if during the Renaissance.
Friday, October 11, 2019
General and Application Controls in Information Technology
Information Technology has answered our many problems. It has made the life of individuals, groups and organization very easy compared to the former years where technology was something in dreams or on paper. Information Technology is referred to the various sophisticated and state of the art technology like computers that help us to manage our businesses (Senn, 2003).The most important part of the business for example is their huge amounts of data, the problem of storing them and then retrieving them for a useful purpose. Companies realize that data should never be treated as a useless collection of numbers, no matter how old they are. They also came to an appreciation that data can be used to give the companies the competitive edge they need, especially after they became conscious about the â€Å"marketing paradigm†.The Information Technology helps these companies to create, process, store, protect, transmit and retrieve data (Senft & Gallegos, 2008). Besides these, Informat ion technology has helped give impetus to the globalization process. It has reduced the world to a global village where the communication problem is no more an issue, especially after the advent of the internet. Now you can even make calls using the internet. All you need is a microphone and speakers to talk to anyone, at any time sitting anywhere in the world.The companies also realize that there processes (that take place within their organization to come up with their products) have become more cost effective (Senn, 2003). This has allowed business to efficiently utilize their resources and probably the most important one (which is usually saved at the end of the process) is the time. Through technology, companies are able to enhance the quality of their products and processes.BACKGROUNDGeneral Control of the Information Technology aids to guarantee the consistency of the data. This means that the data being produced is showing the performance of the system that you have installe d, and that it is producing the desired results. It ensures that the machine is working perfectly fine. You can then check upon your business process if there is an anomaly or inconsistency in your data. You can be sure of the right data for the wrong processes.Thus you can improve upon your business processes to correct your data. General Control of Information Technology usually encompasses the environmental control (Senft & Gallegos, 2008). This means that you understand the extent of the outside environment or the system beyond the boundary of your system and clearly out of your hands does shape your business in a certain way. But in what way does it affect you depends on the various environmental control you have at hand.USES AND IMPLICATIONSThe General Control also focuses on the different management changes that are brought within the business system or environment. Changes are a verily a very stressful task with in the organization.Information Technology helps to make sure t hat the changes brought therein is acceptable with the norms, organizational culture and the rules and regulations of the business itself (Senft & Gallegos, 2008). During the life of the business, many programs (complex or simples) are written to help businesses achieve their desired results.For example a company may find itself in the need of a Data Base Management Systems or a Data Warehouse. They may either purchase it or they may build it themselves. In both the cases, the company needs to mould the coding to suit their business requirements. It helps the source code’s reliability within the program.Businesses work on projects. For advanced business and for businesses that care to expand in the long run, find themselves in the need of developing software or systems. On the other hand, software houses whose main business is to develop and sell customer’s customized softwares goes through a complex life cycle to design, develop, test, implement and maintain the softw are.General Control helps to achieve that too. It helps to simplify the whole cycle which may extend to a number of years depending on the size and complexity of the software (Turban, Leidner, McLean, & Wetherbe, 2007).
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Cezanne’s Apple Notes and Quotes Essay
Schapiro’s psychoanalytic approach, that is, his search for the underlying meaning and relevance to the painting, * Thesis: While Schapiro’s argument shows a well-considered analysis of the artist’s life as a source of interpretation of Cezanne’s work, much of it is based on suggestion and fantasy. As in all historical interpretation, Cezanne’s work should be viewed within the context of the artist’s historical and biographical framework, but with a formalist analysis of the works that enables the viewer to interpreted not only their personal value, but their intended communication. riticism of Cezanne’s art cannot and, I believe, should not be limited by critical schools of thought. Also, though perhaps it has been the nature of critics to make vastly differentiating interpretations of Cezanne’s work, both forms of analysis add to the richness of the dialogue that can expand one’s preconceived notions of the work and widen the scope of understanding and perspective. Contrary to views of critics such as Roger Fry whose formalist analysis deduces Cezanne’s works as only a problem of form and color, Schapiro seeks more symbolist meaning within the subject matter chosen by the artist. * Schapiro argues that the objects placed within the still-life display â€Å"a game of an introverted personality who has found for his art of representation an objective sphere in which he feels self-sufficient, masterful, free from disturbing other spheres. Schapiro believes that fruit is never the theme, rather, they are a symbol of his emotion and personal concerns. * Schapiro makes the case against a purely formal interpretation: â€Å"It might be supposed that in still-life painting the meaning of the work is merely the sum of the denotation of the separate parts, yet there may be connotations and a comprehensive quality arising from the combined objects and made more visible and moving through the artistic conception. †¦ (i. e. black clock 1870, still w. compotier 79-82, blue vase 83-85, still w. cupid 95, or pples and oranges 95) There is in still like a unity of things like the unity of a scene of action, one must recognize the context of the objects in reality, their connection with a mood or interest or type of occasion. (24) * Cannot look at these as purely sexual, an element in a painting serves more than one function. Apples could be chosen means of emotional detachment and self-control, the fruit providing an objective field of colors, and sensuous richness lacking in his earlier passionate art and not fully realized in his later nude paintings. Sexual displacement could be an unconscious factor. Certainly, Cezanne has a strange relationship with the human figure in his earlier works. In his early works, sexual gratification is directly displayed or implied. A modern Olympia (1873), Bacchanal, and his other pictures of the nudes show that he could not convey his feeling for women without anxiety. In his painting of the nude woman, where he does not produce an old work, he is most often constrained or violent. there is no middle ground of simple enjoyment. In Leda and the Swan, the writer argues that it is a striking instance of the defusing of a sexual theme through replacement of a figure by still-life objects. Cezanne’s fruit is not yet fully part of human life. Suspended between nature and use, it exists as if for contemplation alone. (25) In Cezanne’s painting of landscape, too, and sometimes of the human being, we recognize the same distinctive distance from action and desire. He seems to realize a philosopher’s concept of aesthetic perception as a pure will-less knowing. * The still-life objects bring to awareness the complexity of the phenomenal and the subtle interplay of perception and artifice in representation. (19) Still-life eng ages the painter in a steady looking that discloses new and elusive aspects of the stable object. At first commonplace, it may becomes in the course of that contemplation a mystery, a source of metaphysical wonder. (20) Still-life calls out a response to an implied human presence. The represented objects, in their relation to us, acquire meanings from the desires they satisfy as well as from their analogies and relations to the human body†¦ They are a symbol or heraldry of a way of life. (23) * Yet, though the nature of the Apples seems to deserve far richer analysis of simple line and form, the use of apples as a restraint of Cezanne’s â€Å"morbid fantasies†(29), seems to evoke some fantastical properties of its own. * Apple as a displaced erotic interest? Apple has erotic sense–symbol of love, an attribute of Venus and a ritual object in marriage ceremonies. The apple is a natural analogue of ripe human beauty (6). Philostatus, Greek writer of 200 AD, describes a painting of Cupids gathering apples in a garden of Venus, which serve as the source of Titian’s painting of the cult of Venus, and indirectly Rubens’ picture of putti carrying a parland of the fruit. * Apples (1875) For Cezanne, the apple is equivalent to the human figure. He could project typical relations of human beings as well as qualities of the larger visible world–solitude, contact, accord, conflict, serenity, abundance and luxury–and even states of elation and enjoyment. * In passing from the painting of fantasies to the discipline of observation, Cezanne made of color–the principle of art allied to sensuality and pathos in romantic painting but underdeveloped in his own early pictures of passion–the beautiful substance of stable, solid object-forms and a deeply coherent structure of the composition. It is extremely doubtful that he could have reached his goal had he followed Delacroix in his choice of subjects. But in the self-chastening process, the painting of still-life–as latent symbol and intimate tangible reality–was, perhaps more than his other themes, a bridge between his earlier and his later art. (33)
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Avoiding Future Frauds with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Essay Example for Free
Avoiding Future Frauds with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Essay It is clear that the establishment of the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) act in 2002 was specific to reducing future financial fraud and imposing criminal penalties for publicly traded companies. What is not clear is whether or not the act has proved to be successful in its implementation and governance. The establishment of the act and subsequent amendments are intended to protect the public from fraud in the financial accounting of publicly traded corporations. In 2002, there were opinions both for and against the effectiveness of SOX. More than a decade later, there are still opinions on both sides of the debate. Criticism of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act The effectiveness of the Sarbanes-Oxley act has been highly criticized since its inception. One of the major contentions is that the Sarbanes-Oxley act has no provisions to differentiate the requirements for small publicly traded businesses from large conglomerates (that lead and often monopolize the marketplace). Publicly traded companies that are small in size may find the costs of compliance prohibitive to the future of their business (Coustan, 2004). Critics of SOX believe that this unnecessarily reduces the number of players in a competitive marketplace. The cost of compliance can be excessive for some smaller companies. Auditing expenses cause companies to seek private investment and become privately owned (San Antonio Express-News, 2007). Ten years ago, critics expressed â€Å"fears that small, publicly listed companies might not meet internal control reporting requirements without substantial additional expense; some may have to delist because of it. It could mean only larger companies will go public†(Coustan, 2004, p. 1). In recent years, this debate continues. Critics still express concerns â€Å"that Sarbanes-Oxley is overreaching and has placed unnecessary restrictions on corporations that have and will continue to unduly inhibit corporate performance until they are removed†(Brite, 2013). Another major contention of critics is that the costs of compliance for outweigh the benefits in an international marketplace. Those against SOX feel that the costs outweigh the benefits and speak out in public forums stating that the â€Å"Sarbanes-Oxley has burdened the US financial market with costly rules and regulations that have reduced international competitiveness†(debate.org, 2014). There are those that openly share the opinion that the implementations of regulatory overkill through the 2002 Sarbanes-Oxley act â€Å"wrongfully make the innocent suffer for the guilty†(Gilmore, 2013). The reporting requirements of SOX are specific to businesses in the United States. Unlike American business, international business does not have the same requirements. â€Å"Regulatory compliance opposes economic costs on organizations and can affect their competitive advantage†(Srinivasan, 2014, p. 44). Increasing the cost for American business decreases competitive advantage in the worldwide marketplace. In addition to cost and competitive advantage, the structure of the bill has also been called into question. The Court of Appeals recently found difficulty with the wording of the amended 18 USC, citing that â€Å"paragraph (b) of the statute includes the word â€Å"knowingly†while paragraph (c) does not†(Bishop, 2013). The opinions of the Court of Appeals lends to the public opinion expressed in published CPA perspectives that â€Å"SOX was a hastily assembled bill†(Moran, 2013). Involved and cumbersome requirements cause confusion and frustration for companies attempting to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley act even more than a decade after its implementation. Companies and lawmakers alike have had difficulty over the years with the interpretation of and compliance with the act. â€Å"SOX brought about many changes to the way public companies had to operate, and there was some question as to how these would stand up over time†(Moran, 2013). Positive Aspects of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Despite complaints by critics, there are positive aspects of the Sarbanes-Oxley act that have withstood the test of time. Initial reactions have softened after smaller businesses were granted some relief in later amendments of the act. Larger businesses found that compliance with the act increased investor confidence and contributions. In addition, the resultant increase in financial transparency has improved business relationships on many levels. First and foremost, there are many of the opinion that the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley act increased investor confidence and protection in the marketplace. â€Å"Does Sarbanes-Oxley prevent all bad actors from defrauding investors? No law could accomplish that. But it can and has deterred such activity†(Gillian, 2012, p. 1). Those in support of the Sarbanes-Oxley act agree that there is a positive side for investors and the businesses in which they invest. â€Å"A 2005 survey by the Financial Executives Research Foundation f ound that 83 percent of large company CFOs agreed that SOX had increased investor confidence, with 33 percent agreeing that it had reduced fraud†(Hanna, 2014, p. 2). With an increase in confidence and a perceived reduction of fraud, investors could more confidently make intelligent business decisions on the purchase and sale of publicly traded companies. Those on the positive side of the SOX act believe that the effects on small business have softened. Studies show that as companies become more accustomed to the costs of compliance, the expense decreases (San Antonio Express-News, 2007). In addition, the effects on smaller companies were ultimately deferred. â€Å"Audit standards also were modified in 2007, a change that reportedly reduced costs for many firms by 25 percent or more per year†(Hanna, 2014, p. 1). Although the costs of compliance decrease retained earnings, investors are more confident in the reliability of company reports (Gillian, 2012). â€Å"The cost of being a publicly traded company did cause some firms to go private, but research shows these were primarily organizations that were smaller, less liquid, and more fraud-prone†(Hanna, 2014, p. 1). These modifications of the act allowed more small businesses to remain competitive in the marketplace. Business relationships have also improved with increased transparency. The reduction of information asymmetry is a direct benefit to both the company and the investors. â€Å"Information asymmetry is a situation in which one party in a transaction has more or superior information compared to another†(Brite, 2013, p. 1). Periodic testing of internal controls required by SOX 404, increases transparency among internal and external stakeholders of the business. The American Institute of CPAs states on their website that â€Å"section 404B has led to improve financial reporting and greater transparency†(American Institute of CPAs, 2006 – 2014). To evaluate the effectiveness of SOX in preventing future frauds, one must take into consideration the many different situations in which the legislation is applicable. Enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley act increases corporate responsibility and sets restrictions on auditor services. This certainly reduces the potential for fraud; however it does not eliminate it. From a business perspective, compliance is beneficial. The costs of implementing the requirements may be high; however the benefit of increased investor confidence in a publicly traded environment is higher. There are going to be situations in which fraud is inevitable. Fraudulent wrongdoers and companies will find loopholes and the recent Court of Appeals case is evidence of that fact. As with any law, this regulation will reduce the frequency of, but not prevent, purposeful future criminal activity. References American Institute of CPAs. (2006 – 2014). Section 404B of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. believe the Sarbanes-Oxley Act has failed? -believe-the-sarbanes-oxley-act-has-failed Gillian, K. (2012, July 24). It Enhanced Investor Protection.
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