Government Interventions are Failing - 1012 Words

Introduction Around the world, governments, mostly intervenes in the market in order to accomplish their policy objectives. The government’s policy objectives or goals could be related to economics, ranging from stabilization of prices, export promoting, encourage equal distributions for income and commodity protection. The examples as per above proves that government intervention is not only limited to economic effects but also influences the society. There are two (2) types of usual regulated government interventions, which are automatic and discretionary. Automatic can be defined as intervention which is based on rules and regulations. On the other side, government interventions which are discretionary mostly targets stopping, suspension or limitation of a certain contract market. An early review of government market interventions shows that discretionary based interventions usually fails in accomplishing targeted policy objective compared to interventions based on rules as the latter proves to be more successful in a market economy. At the same time, discretionary interventions give results that are undesired and this could be quite damaging to the government. The harmfulness in this aspect can be defined as total impact on those involved in either marketing or producing commodities. Government Intervention in the Markets Some of the reasons which cause government interventions are in order to overcome market failure, to accomplish an equal distributionShow MoreRelatedResponsibilities Of The Federal Government1126 Words   |  5 Pagesof the Federal Government. These threats include not only military and criminal activity but also the monetary system, as well as both manmade and natural disasters. We refer to this as our national security. Because of this, the Federal Government maintains the various branches of the military and multiple law enforcement angencies to ensure that protection. In this digital age, cyberattacks are an ever increasing threat to national security. These attacks not only target government agencies but alsoRead MoreShould We Assign Personal Responsibility For Obesity Epidemic?1649 Words   |  7 Pagesto be more active and take greater responsibility for their diets†. There are also views that obesity epidemic is not only about pe rsonal responsibility. David Satcher states that the obesity problem cannot be solved by treating it as a personal failing. In this paper, I will argue that assigning personal responsibility for obesity epidemic is not the solution to this growing public health crisis. Firstly, growing obesity epidemic can not be explained by only lack of responsibility of individualsRead MoreHayeks View Of Governing Inequality1545 Words   |  7 Pagesconsider inequality a public matter, therefore does not require governing. The latter however, would consider inequality a public issue that can only be reduced by government implementing policies to so. This essay will compare and contrast Hayek’s view of governing inequality with that of Stiglitz. To Hayek, strong state intervention restricts the freedom of individuals. His concept of freedom is without coercion and he is clear that people can only be coerced by other people and not by circumstanceRead MoreMilitary Interventions During Latin America1363 Words   |  6 PagesBA Military Interventions in Latin America During the 1960s and 1970s in Latin America, countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Chile all experienced some sort of authoritarian regime. According to O’ Donnell this new type of bureaucratic authoritarian military regime left many political scientists puzzled because of its quick ability to take over these countries. His prediction of what would happen to these countries were astonishing because it was pretty accurate. Larger countries in Latin AmericaRead MoreSubsidy1730 Words   |  7 PagesBackground. What this paper endeavours to illustrate is that government funding is sometimes necessary for the sustainable functioning of the economy and society from a holistic perspective. Firstly, let us define the term â€Å"subsidy†, and how this fits in an economic context. Oxford Dictionary defines â€Å"subsidy† as follows: â€Å"a sum of money granted by the state or a public body to help an industry or business keep the price of a commodity or service low† (OED Add. Ser. Vol. 3, 1997). SubsidisingRead MoreAddiction : The Problem Of Addiction900 Words   |  4 Pagesquickly becoming an epidemic. The reason for the rapid rise is due, in part, to the fact that many children are following in their addicted parents’ footsteps. The future of our country is at risk as more youth turn towards drugs and alcohol. The government should implement programs that support addicts and their children in order to stop the cycle of addiction. Children who have addicts in their family can be genetically predisposed to become addicts. When we support programs that help theseRead MoreCommunism And The Cold War Essay1127 Words   |  5 Pagescommunism. To understand Latin America’s communist history is to understand how much influence and intervention the U.S. had in the region during the Cold War. This report will serve to explain how communism spread to the western hemisphere, why the U.S. government had to stop that spread, and how they were able to stop many communist revolutions in Latin America. Before we explore the many U.S. interventions in Latin America, it is vital to understand why anti-imperialism was such a strong politicalRead MoreFragile States : Causes And Impact1484 Words   |  6 Pagescharacteristics of a state described as â€Å"fragile†, â€Å"failing†, or failed and address the possible causes of state failure as well as the â€Å"danger signs† that might warn of impending failure. No global definition exists for states described as â€Å"fragile†, â€Å"failing†, or failed because they come in all shapes and sizes. Yet, countries that have failed at the basic responsibilities of governance and sovereign authority are generally lumped into this group. Fragile, failing, or failed states share similar characteristicsRead MoreThe Doctrine Of The Responsibility1186 Words   |  5 Pagesdecade, it dictates that national sovereignty is not a right and holds governments accountable to protect their citizens. Many had adverse reactions to this breach of state sovereignty, which is outlined in the Charter of the United Nations, despite its necessity; from this it became clear that there must be international consensus detailing when it is appropriate to intervene and what measures should be taken. Recalling the failings of the Security Council to take action in necessary Secretary GeneralRead MoreThe Financial Crisis : Rescue Efforts855 Words   |  4 P agesprovoking the great recession in 2007. In an effort to promote economic stability the United States government intervened and provided financial assistance to institutions with the greatest losses. Furthermore, the government instilled stricter regulations within financial markets to prevent a similar financial collapse. While the impact of the financial crisis was severe, without the government’s intervention the depth of the crisis could have been far greater. Financial Crisis Impact The impact of

The Importance of Team Communication Essay - 1310 Words

The Importance 1 Running head: THE IMPORTANCE OF TEAM COMMUNICATION The Importance of Team Communication The Importance 2 Abstract This paper will discuss the importance of effective communication among teams whether in a professional or educational setting. The intended information will create a broader understanding of how team members establish communication: assigning a leader, what each member is expected to do in order to achieve the desired goal or goals and attain the knowledge of the total process. Through the effective use of communication, team members will be able to establish trust, have mutual support among members, and will be able to identify when a problem or conflict within the group arises, thus†¦show more content†¦Individuals should be honest with team members when communicating and not use information that may be questionable. By having open communication, team members will slowly begin to trust one another and realize that energy given towards the result is mutual. On the other hand, if disagreements occur, the team should have a system implemented where the issues may be reso lved in a timely manner and without creating any negative energy. Everyone Cheating with Modern 5 is entitled to express his or her feelings towards a particular topic. Individuals should not feel scrutinized at their suggestions on topics and compromising is vital to ensure the individual’s integrity. Teams will often experience conflict when communicating ideas simply because ideas that are communicated can be so drastic from individual to individual. Implementation of a proper negotiating system can alleviate stresses that may arise from conflict. Resolving the problems instead of trying to fix the individual is fundamental. (Lesson 16 Conflict Resolution 2000) According to Jim Temme and Jeanine Katzel, â€Å"For a teambuilding effort to work in the long run, management must be sincere in its resolve to see the teambuilding process through. Teams are not built overnight (Katzel, J and Temme, J, 1995 January 9, p. 112). † In addition, communicating involves more than just speaking one’s thoughts aloud, effective communication involves theShow MoreRel atedThe Importance Of Team Communication Essay1457 Words   |  6 Pagesof this paper is to show how communication is a very vital and important factor in a team’s success. I will cover how it helps to identify each individual team member’s role. I will discuss how team communication helps everyone in the team to understand the end goal, and I will also discuss how communication is a vital part of project planning within the team. The Importance of Team Communication Team dynamics is the unseen force that pulls and influences a team to act and react in a certainRead MoreThe Importance Of Team Dynamics And Communication1482 Words   |  6 Pagesaway from my experience was the importance of team dynamics and communication in collaborative projects, and this is particularly true in engineering fields, where it is absolutely essential to success, and, in my opinion, significantly more important than the skill of knowledge of individual team members after a certain point. Every team that I was part of during SciTech, the team for the semester challenge especially, had numerous issues in cooperation and communication, and conflict repeatedly arisesRead MoreTeam Communication: Importance, Methods, Benefits, and Challenges1349 Words   |  6 PagesTeam Communication: Importance, Methods, Benefits, and Challenges In order for a team to communicate effectively, the members should understand why effective communication is important; decide which methods to use; know the benefits they will reap; and how to overcome the challenges that will arise, because when communications fail many problems can arise such as, failure to meet goals, and unnecessary conflict. Parker (2003) says that, â€Å"open communication is an absolute requirement for successful†¦teamwork†Read MoreImportance Of Communication And Coordination At Virtual Teams Success Essay1475 Words   |  6 PagesTopic: The importance of Communication and Coordination in virtual teams Success. Research on this topic is relatively new, therefore; the research is ongoing to arrive at the destination (B.Arnett, 2008). Arnett argued in this respect and for this reason, there are still many areas researchers need to investigate and touched to complete the research on this perspective (B.Arnett, 2008).Since the world is moving towards the concept of globalization, the importance of virtual teams increases. ARead MoreThe Importance of Effective Team Communication and How It Is Achieved1313 Words   |  6 PagesRunning head: THE IMPORTANCE OF TEAM COMMUNICATION The Importance Of Effective Team Communication and How It Is Achieved Janette L. North-Kabore University of Phoenix References Internal Communication - Getting Your Companys Brand Across to Your Employees. (2009, February 17). Retrieved from http://www.teambuildingtips.com/team-building-articles/team-communication/internal-communication---getting-your-companys-brand-across-to-your-employees.html Introduction To Teams. (n.d.). RetrievedRead MoreThe Importance Of Effective Communication Within A Team And How This Was Accomplished1302 Words   |  6 PagesThis case study will focus on a case where the care provided to the patient had to be changed to meet altered patient requirements and the importance of effective communication within a team and how this was accomplished. Gibbs reflective cycle (1988) will be used to evaluate practice and the outcomes, whilst adhering to Local trust policies (2015) and NICE guidelines (2012). Confidentiality will be maintained in accordance with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC, 2012). This case study willRead MoreRole Of Leader, Leadership Type, Team Building And Importance Of Trust And Communication3095 Words   |  13 Pagesleading Vogue to be a successful magazine in the fashion industry. Hence, examine the development of leadership is essential. Communication can be seen as a bridge between leaders and followers while trust is the medium to let people have cooperation. Hence, this paper focus on analyzes the role of leader, leadership type, team building and the importance of trust and communication in the business. Introduction Anna Wintour, she works in the American Vogue in New York as the editor-in-chief since 1988Read MoreCase Study : Applied Leadership Theory Essay909 Words   |  4 Pagespurpose of the interview is to obtain responses from Chad Brake that will validate the importance of the objectives from a leader’s perspective. And lastly, this chapter will demonstrate the objectives that will be presented and documented as quantifiable analyses. The Interview Plan of Action Chapter four will focus on the successful habits of a healthy team builder and the leadership skills used to influence team members. The leader being interviewed is Chad Brake, the first shift Senior SupervisorRead MoreImportance Of Project Management For Nurse Students1056 Words   |  5 Pageshealth record, implementing of new system and a program to reduce readmission rate by identifying and monitoring high-risk patient discharges. M. Pontes, interviewee, proudly reported that she has a formal project management schooling (personal communication, September 25, 2014). M. Pontes is a registered nurse with Master’s degree works as a quality control specialist in the organization. As a quality control specialist M. Pontes coordinates and monitors performance and ensures that patient careRead MoreMgt311/ Wk4 Team Strategy Plan1184 Words   |  5 PagesTEAM STRATEGY PLAN STRATEGIES to build teams: * Selection of team members: When selecting employees to create a team, we must select individuals and pair them with others whom they get along well with. If otherwise, our teams will not prove successful. * Promoting trust: In order for a team to be compatible, all team members should be able to trust each other and know that they can rely on them without a doubt any time. To build our teams trust, managers can oversee that they engage in

CQ- Self Assessment Free Essays

Interestingly, regardless to what cultural ethnic one may claim, or what their particular values are; one thing that Is a common factor to all Is that before we can understand someone else, we must first seek our own understanding. â€Å"Human beings are more than a product of their circumstances or geographic location. Their innermost beliefs and values ultimately influence how they act† (Reilly, 2013). We will write a custom essay sample on CQ- Self Assessment or any similar topic only for you Order Now An additional definition of cultural intelligence cited in this week’s lecture, puts a fine tune on the subject; as Early Moisakos) describes Its simply blending in with the mall stream of population, this explanation Is nice as It covers a lot of ground In Just a few short words (2004). Figuratively, a part of ones destination on earth is to face the challenges that have been set forth. Seemly, these challenges fall under the category of cultural intelligence as one fulfills his/her Journey of learning to cope with the world on different levels in general. However, when we speak on human beings, we are speaking generally on society and cultural because they run hand in hand. If here was no society, there would be no culture. Culture can easily be described as the different activities, beliefs, and behaviors, of Like Individuals. Each culture has their own set of values, morals, and organizational goals. There is such thing as well cultured individuals (sometimes referred to as upper-class) that may go an extra mile to gain knowledge on the different diverse aspects of life. This type takes the opportunity to go that extra mile in fulfilling their educational and Christian goals. They enjoy the finer things In life, and have no problem with doing hat Is necessary to malting that goal. Then there Is another type that settles for average they may have been talking about fulfilling the goals of a well cultured individual for the last twenty years, but has yet to take a step toward doing so. Lastly, there is a group of individuals who are totally content with living in poverty and hanging around the local food banks everyday seeing what that can get for free. These three categories are examples of what make up a society in any given societal The way that Livermore explains culture is so very Interesting because aspect. In the text he sheds light on Issues that at some point In an Individuals life these things were taken for granted, probably because one had no idea that these things had a title. In supporting this last sentence the author is making reference to how Livermore describes culture â€Å"as an elusive, dynamic concept that shapes everything we do, things such as eating, sleeping, and bathing as an abstract of how we read the Scriptures, relate to God and communicate truth, are all rooted In our cultural context† (2009 p. 90). As Livermore speaks on these concepts, It brings to mind how e have all become accustomed to, as a way of life. Our own life pattern has a lot to do with how one’s culture is created. Attaining as much knowledge as possible is always a plus because it assists in developing cultural intelligence. Speaking on the development of cultural intelligence; Reilly, offers important factors of gaining knowledge â€Å"gather facts about different people, places, political and economic systems, their traditions, diet and fashions, this can be done formally or informally, by using social networks or from first-hand experience† (2013). Additionally, once knowledge is gained it can be used toward building awareness and respect for others culturally. Respecting other cultures is a must. Some may think that because another individual may wear different types of clothing, or eat different types of food, or talk a little different than themselves, that it’s k to make fun or disrespect them. As we are all culturally different to some degree we must not Judge or be bitter towards anyone but instead show love, respect and kindness. As much knowledge as one may have on culture it doesn’t rut to periodically do a self-assessment. Self-assessments are designed to enhance our understanding of cultural intelligence (2009). It could probably be looked upon like taking your car in for an oil change, enhancing the durability of your car, making sure everything is running smoothly. Taking a self-assessment test gives one the opportunity to enhance themselves in all phases of cultural diversity. After completing the given self-assessment I was really surprise. Apparently I do not give myself enough credit. According to the interpretation of the score in neural, I fell under the guidelines of having an average ICQ in my ability to work in a diverse cultural setting. My knowledge of cultural strategic thinking surprises me as it showed excellent. This is the area that I would have thought to be average. Perseverance showed that I am excellent in cultural motivation, and the interpretation of my score for behavioral ICQ fell under the guidelines of being moderate, this one I don’t agree with at all. After my very first cultural experience, I honestly feel that I learned a lifetime worth of knowledge in regards to my behavior. Livermore, notes that â€Å"many individuals under-or overestimate themselves; therefore, a multilateral assessment has much greater validity’ (2013). For my ministry my behavior needs to be excellent. Over the next 12 months I will work earnestly at improving my two average scores. Miraculously, the two average scores being behavior and my ability to work in an average setting are the two that are of most importance to me simply because of my Spiritual calling to advocate with teens all over the world. I have absolutely no room for average in these areas, these hillier need help and the Holy Spirit has chosen me as one of His disciples in this particular ministry. My plan is to seek further testing, consulting and training in the needed areas. Instead of being a volunteer advocate for Boy Scouts of America twice a month, I will put in my bid to volunteer three times a month. This will give me hands on chance to work on my behavioral and cultural diversity setting skills. I will spend more time with my students in my youth ministry outreach program. Fasting more and prayer will be an additional item on my to-do-list. Instead of staying n my quiet place in prayer for an hour every day for the next 12 months I plan to add and additional thirty minutes. Being around people in general should also help with more activities at the local youth centers as well as at church. In conclusion, the ICQ self-assessment test has been completed; review and the finding have been reported. Several explanations or definitions of cultural intelligence from different scholars have been discussed and evaluated. Last, a twelve month plan to improve my overall ICQ has been added including a full discussion on my honest intentions. How to cite CQ- Self Assessment, Papers

Community Immersion free essay sample

It is the city base for Jeff Davis Parish which combined has 6 cities in the parish (U. S. Census Bureau, 2010). Jennings is considered a rural area with a population of 10,909 people residing in the city. According to the census bureau the city of Jennings is populated with Caucasians at 7,736, African Americans 3, 076, Asian 32 and Hispanics 101 (U. S. Census Bureau, 2010). Jennings has two sub communities the south side of town where most of the blacks are under the poverty line and some middle class residents. Downtown is where the whites and a few blacks live, these two sides a separated by a railroad track. The founding of Jennings was a manifestation of the dynamic spirit in Americans which led them to continually seek new frontiers and new areas of economic exploitation. The story of its growth parallels that of many other Louisiana towns, but in two respects it has a claim to distinctiveness: its middle western origin and its connection with Louisiana’s oldest oil field. Jennings McComb, for whom the town was named, was a contractor of the Southern Pacific Railroad. He built the Jennings depot on a divide peculiar to southwest Louisiana (Riser, 1948). It is known that he was president of the Louisiana Western Railroad Company and had been associated with Charles Morgan in certain railroad transactions. McComb accumulated a great fortune, not from the railroad transactions. McComb accumulated a great fortune, not from the railroad but from the acquisition of the patent for the arrow tie buckle used in the baling of cotton. In 1901 an Jennings businessmen brought in oil operators to develop the Jennings Oil Field. This marked the first production of oil in the state of Louisiana. Oil became an important element in the economy of Jennings, but rice, the basis of the town’s economy, was still cultivated. After 1906 oil production declined and the importance of the industry to Jennings decreased. Rice remained, as it always had been, the leading economic activity of the area (Riser, 1948). The one thing about this community is the buildings; they still resemble the old design from in the beginning. This community on one side of the tracks maybe crumbling, but Jennings is a growing city. Jennings can give the illusion of nothing is going on and deep down inside of the town is array of discrimination of race, social class, an economic status. II. Community Structure: Community Function Jennings has few clubs for socializing and due to the divide in the population by race. Socialization between the white and blacks are limited if they do not work together. There are normally around event times in the community two different parades one downtown for the white the other Southside for the blacks. The city is ran by the mayor elected, making all the decisions in the city. During events for the city the decision in regards to can it happen is left to the chief of police. The city has two law enforcement agency the city police which handles everything inside the city and the sheriff’s department which is for surrounding parish cities. Each area or parts of Jennings have police jurors that are elected for the area. Residents are to contact their police jurors with complaints; they are then brought before a town meeting that is held each month at city hall. The meetings are open to all residents in the parish; however they are not openly advertised. There are many community leaders, or shall I say power families. These are the people who basically can have anything they want in Jennings. These families have been living here from the beginning and own most of all the businesses in Jennings. Jennings with these power families there is a lot of corruption within the city. According to an interview conducted with a resident of Jennings, it is a visible corruption. They stated that it’s in the police department and in the court houses. The court house is located in central Jennings and shares a uilding with the parish sheriff’s department. The courthouse has two courtrooms and on judge. One Monday’s, Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s are court days in Jennings. Because this is the parish base surrounding cities in the parish have to attend court in Jennings. The mayor’s office is located across from the courthouse, basically if he is in office the office residents have the opportunity to speak with h im. Election for public office are held every two years, however the judge and chief of police have held the same positions for the last 4 years. They were reelected with majority of the vote. Observing and interviewing residents across the tracks with a low economic status on the government of Jennings. Residents of this community fear the police and the government of Jennings. Most of the residents don’t vote because they believe it does not work. On resident showed me the curfew signs located for two blocks in front of the only club in Jennings. Residents reported having to leave the city to socialize (Jennings Daily News, 2005). III. Community Characteristics Jennings is a booming city new school, shopping centers, restaurants, car lots and new additions to the hospital. This is all downtown Jennings, continue to drive to Southside Jennings and the economy changes. The economy in Jennings is low compared to other cities in Louisiana. Local business owner, own most of the shopping places. The other centers are chain stores and restaurants which provide employment in city. To obtain a good job some resident must leave the city and drive at least 30 miles to the nearest city for work. There are 3 public schools and 2 catholic schools in Jennings there is a technical school which provides training in different fields. Just recently I was informed that Southside had the only elementary school residents. According to the Jennings daily news the school was moved uptown Jennings. There are no schools located in the Southside community of Jennings (Jennings Daily News, 2005). Looking for resources in Jennings is like looking for a needle in a hay stack. There are limited resources in the area for residents living in poverty. There is no office of community services which provides applications and face to face case managers for additional household help; the nearest office is 45 minutes away. There is a health unit that provides parenting classes other services to needed residents. Caring Hands is the only resource of helping people pay bills if needed. They help with light bills, gas bills, and water bills if qualified. There is no transportation system in the city, residents with no cars must walk to the stores. The community even with the lack of services seems not to harm most of the community. It’s for the most part beginning to overcome the racism that has been a factor over the years. However it still a big issue here in Jennings. Jennings have develop over the years an array of issues that need to be addressed like the lack of community services, the sub community of Southside Jennings, lack of activities for children, and jobs. With all this going on the murders of eight young ladies since 2005 has divided and turned the downtown residents against the city police that the city police no longer operate alone in the city the Louisiana state police has taken over (Jennings Daily News, 2005). Its apparent when driving through and speaking with residents, the blacks in the community experience oppression from the local government as well as themselves. There is a large amount of discrimination not only with the government but the local police. Residents state even if they are not doing anything the good suffers for the bad. Police patrol Southside and allow no room for socialization. The park on the Southside is always empty most children rather stay in the house. The local police abuse their power an residents live in fear every day. Jennings, Louisiana do not have a homeless population, most residents that lose their homes move in with relatives. Make some home occupied with multiply families. In this community, it’s a plus along with all the other problems they do not need a homeless problem. IV. Summary and Conclusion Jennings, Louisiana a booming city, with hidden racial problems. Jennings with the majority of the population being white runs the local government, making all the decisions for the city. The lack of resources makes it impossible for some residents to access them. It’s a city that can be two different cities in one. Although education is accessible most of the black don’t attend. Jobs are limited less and there is no public transportation out of city to find jobs. Most residents live under the poverty line for the ones who do not are enjoying this community as long as the blacks stay on their side of the tracks. Reading Netting and observing this community there is a lot going on like Social Darwinism due to the blacks believing that income between not only rich and poor, but white and black is natural (Kettner, McMurty, Netting, 1998). The manifest destiny in which is going on in Jennings today.

Iq Testing Essays (594 words) - Intelligence, Psychometrics

Iq Testing Edu psy 115 Individual differences There have been many studies of IQ measurement. Some believe in testing and then looking at biology or heritage of the child. These people also like to use statistics to try to put some sort of explanation on IQ levels. Then there are other groups that use cultural ecology. They study IQ by what effect the environment has on a child, and feel testing it is unfair to the child. The problem is that these two groups rarely come together to help each other. So there are big questions as to what IQ really is and how it should be measured. At the very least, intelligence can be defined as the ability for complex thinking and reasoning. Pg 47,Ceci, Ph.D. One thing shows in studies that intelligence can depend on the situation. A person can be a great thinker at the horse race and make a lot of money. But the same person would not begin to understand how Wall Street works. The major points of the article began with asking the reader to glance at a couple of diagrams on the page .The higher your IQ is the faster you can recognize the hidden character in the diagram. The second was IQ is affected by school attendance. The author felt that having a high IQ would influence a persons decision to continue their education. But staying in school itself will elevate a persons IQ. Whenever a person decides not to stimulate themselves intellectually their IQ will fall. Even the few months over summer break students IQs go down. The third point was that IQ is not influenced by birth order. There was a notion for a number of years t hat the first-born was more intelligent, than the later siblings. This is not true, the fact is that people with higher IQs tend to have less children. This is because of the number of years spent in furthering their education; during the time they would be having children. So a familys size does influence the IQ of the individual. The fourth point is IQ related to breast-feeding. Studies have shown that breast-feeding increases a child IQ points by 3-8 points by the age of three. It is felt that breast-feeding increases the immune system, and allows more energy to be put into the nervous system. This may make learning at an early age more likely. Studies have also shown that IQ points have risen by around 20 points a generation. If a child of today were given an IQ test from fifty years ago they would score at a genius level. While the IQ test of today would make the child of fifty years ago look borderline mentally retarded. Pg 50, Ceci Ph.D. This is not a genetic effect as much as an environmental effect. A child born today has better nutrition, more schooling, and a better education system. That includes state of the art computers, and the ability to find information in seconds. Doctor Stephan Ceci, Ph. D. is a very intelligent man and has many good points in this article. I really enjoyed reading about his take on the measurement of IQ. What I really liked was the way he considered many different sources, and never disregarded a theory because he disagreed. What I take away from this article is that everyone has the potential for greatness. It is only up to the individual how far they want to achieve. Psychology Essays

The Asian Pacific Americans

The Asian Pacific Americans Watershed Years and the Effects of the Second World War in APA Communities A watershed is the period during which the World War II took place from 1939 to 1945. The war initiated many major changes in the history of the Asian Pacific Americans in all aspects of their lives. The self-esteem and confidence of the Asian Pacific Americans increased and many citizens of America saw an emergence of democracy and liberty. This resulted in a situation where the Asian Pacific Americans as well as other non- Native Americans in the country enjoyed more rights and opportunities than before.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Asian Pacific Americans specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Thus, the period acted as a bridge in the lives of many Asian Pacific Americans from a state where they experienced racial discrimination, prejudice, and oppression to an era where discrimination and oppression reduced. It was an age when Native Amer icans worked together with the Asian Pacific Americans and accorded each other fair and just treatment. The Second World War brought all Americans and Asians together irrespective of their race. Hence, the unity occasioned by the Second World War compelled the state to review the rights accorded to the Asian Pacific Americans. Human rights activists and the state encouraged non-Americans, which included Asians, to take up good and well paying jobs that were previously undertaken by the Native Americans. The issue of racial and gender discrimination subjected by the Native Americans on the Asian Pacific Americans reduced, and all the members of the Asian Pacific Americans living in the country started receiving equal treatment from employers and other service providers. Human rights activists and other special interest groups campaigned for the rights and equal treatment of non-Americans including the Asian Pacific Americans. In one of the instances, New York mayor and President Roos evelt’s wife negotiated with business people in Washington so that they would hire many Asians and Africans in well paying jobs. This was a good example of human rights activists’ role in promoting fairness and justice to all the American people regardless of their places of origin or race. Thus, employers who underpaid or overworked the Asian Pacific Americans reduced, and this increased the level of equality and opportunities among the Asian Pacific Americans and women. The Second World War brought the America and China together. The main objective of their unity was to win the war. This increased the self-confidence and self-esteem of the Asian Pacific Americans because they started receiving some level of respect from the natives. The adoption of capitalism in the United States further increased the social standing and the economy of America a factor that motivated many Asians to visit America. Professor Ronald Takaki notes that during the period many Asians witnes sed economic developments and growth. Thus, the livelihoods of the Asian Pacific Americans improved, their self-confidence increased, and the respect accorded to them by Native-Americans rose. America became an imperial and superpower, its economy grew, and many Asian Pacific Americans who formed the larger portion of visitors to the country started enjoying high wages and salaries.Advertising Looking for essay on asian? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The United States and China united with the objective of winning the Second World War. During the period, the livelihoods of the Asian Pacific Americans changed. State officials brought about changes to minimize the levels of controls that barred Asian immigrants from visiting or living in America. Additionally, laws governing interactions and intermarriages between Asians and Americans were relaxed as opposed to the previous stringent and straitjackets rules that did not permit intermarriages. Magnuson Act was very instrumental in bringing discrimination subjected to Asians living in America to an end. However, it was not until after the Second World War that the Native Americans started respecting and appreciating the Asian Pacific Americans, and thus the magnitude of prejudice experienced by Asians in America reduced. Asian Pacific American Immigration in early 19th century and Post-65 In the early 19th century, many Asians who visited America were successful and wealthy artisans or traders. However, California gold rush initiated mass immigration of Asians in America. The majority of the immigrants were unskilled and either low or middle-income earners. As opposed to the previous wealthy and successful traders who enjoyed good reception from Native Americans, these immigrants went through gender and racial discrimination from Native Americans. The natives changed their attitudes concerning Asians Pacific Americans, and hence subjected them to cold and unreceptive experiences. Regardless of the challenges that Asians went through, they continued coming to America in high numbers, and even started forming towns and centers, which bore their names like Chinese towns. However, some Asians who could not stand the experiences subjected to them returned back to their countries. Therefore, the number of immigrants and Asian Americans reduced drastically. In the mid of the19th century, the United States experienced a high level of immigration of Asians because of the gold rush in the state of California. Initially, the United States barred the immigration Asians. The country passed the Chinese Exclusion Act, which prevented further immigration of Asians especially Chinese from visiting America. Chinese Exclusion Act dictated that Asians did not have the permission to own land or even marry Caucasian women. However, the experiences of the Asian Pacific Americans changed in 1965 when the state passed the Immigration Act into law. The law permitted Asians to visit or even stay in America and championed for equal treatment of the Asian Pacific Americans. In 1965, there was a radical change in the American government. The state amended immigration rules and regulations meant to discourage Asians, Latin Americans, and Africans from visiting the country. Therefore, people from these countries could visit America with ease. Human rights and other civil activists championed for the rights of Asians and other Non-Americans to leaders such as Jeff Kennedy and London Johnson.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Asian Pacific Americans specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As a result, discrimination on Asians went down, and so they began receiving good and fair treatment from a majority of Native Americans. The civil activists, human rights activists, and the state started enacting laws that encouraged equal treatment of all the citizens living in America regardless of their gender or race. A good example is the Immigration and Nationality Act, which was passed by the state in 1965. The act initiated a turning point for many immigrants to America such as Asians and Latin Americans. The pressure from activists such and enlightenment of the citizens living in America on the importance of respect and effects of discrimination led to enactment of rules and regulations. These rules ensured that the Asians Pacific Americans received fair and just treatment from all the citizens living in America. In addition, the Magnuson Act further aided Asian the Pacific Americans, as it permitted their immigration to the United States. The state legislations minimized the problems encountered by Asian visiting the country. The landmark act of immigration in 1965 saw a tremendous increase in the demographics of Asian Americans who were mostly Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Indians, and Philippines. Wars like the first and the second world wars also affecte d the livelihoods of Asian Americans. The effects occurred because of America’s involvement in the war. The effects include family reunions, and increased understanding between Asians and Americans, respect between individuals living in and out of the United States. Post-65 Era Immigrant Experiences and how they Have Reshaped APA Communities Post-65 era was a period characterized by many changes regarding Asian Pacific Americans or Asians in America. One of the most notable changes witnessed in the era was the enactment of the Immigration Act that permitted the Asians to visit the country. The period also saw a reduction on the discrimination of Asian Pacific Americans. Another factor that increased immigration of Asians to America was the gold rush. Before the gold rush, America usually received a number of Asians who were wealthy, skilled, and successful traders. Their level of participation in the affairs relating to America was minimal. During that period, there were high levels of racial and gender discrimination. The gold rush became a major motivating factor to the Asian Pacific Americans. The event took place in the state of California and became one of the factors that increased the Asian populations in America. The Second World War was also another factor that brought many individuals together and acted as a uniting factor especially between countries. For instance, during the Second World War, the United States and China became allies. Therefore, the era was a turning point for Asians living or visiting America since many positive changes occurred during the period. As the Asian Pacific Americans experienced cultural changes as they migrated and stayed in America. The Asian Pacific Americans had to change their cultures from Eastern culture to western culture, which reflect the American culture. They started to establish towns that had the names of their native countries. A good example is the formation of Chinese towns by the Chinese individ uals living in America.Advertising Looking for essay on asian? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More During this time, there was a clash of culture, living styles, and other social aspects. Comparatively, Americans were more liberal and less conservative than Asians were because of their level of civilization. The interaction of the eastern and western cultures led to the development of a hybrid culture, which reflects cultural values and norms of both the Asians and Americans. Therefore, the interactions led to a relaxation of culture, alteration of the ways living, change in norms, and adoption of foreign cultures. Children from that period faced the challenge of either remaining loyal to their culture or adopting the new lifestyles of America. In some instances, the individuals behaved in a manner that demonstrated bicultural lifestyles. The challenges of cultural identities faced by the Asian Pacific Americans led to inter-generational conflicts. Intergenerational conflicts occur where there is a rapid change in cultural and social lifestyles in a population due to demographic factors. The conflicts cut across many generations of Asians in America. The first and second generations were likely to stick to the values of their homelands. However, the subsequent generations would not continue to uphold values, norms, and lifestyles. Conversely, they were likely to adopt new lifestyles and cultures. This resulted in some kind of inter-generational conflict. Since the Asians form one of the largest groups found in America, they are highly susceptible to the effects of culture change. In addition, intermarriages between Asians and Americans have led to the birth of a new generation of individuals who are neither Asians nor Native Americans. Thus, intergenerational conflicts just like any other socio-cultural change would continue. In this view, the culture of the young people among the Asian Pacific Americans is not similar to that of the old people because of the generational changes.

Marketing - Mini-cooper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Marketing - Mini-cooper - Essay Example Demand in the United States, especially, has taken off, thanks to a marketing strategy designed to build mystique through stealth advertising and limited distribution†( Maynard) Mini Cooper has attracted world not only because of the unique features, but because of the innovative marketing strategies as well. The manufacturer BMW has created waves of innovation in marketing and advertising strategies adopted for their car Mini Cooper which captured the attraction of the worldwide people. This paper briefly analyses the features of Mini cooper and the marketing strategies adopted by BMW for marketing their product mini cooper in international market. â€Å"From the toggle switches for the windows and fog lights to the rocker buttons for the fan-speed controls, every switch and dial in the Mini feels of a piece with Mini and only the Mini. In truth, some of the components are gently massaged BMW parts, but thats not really obvious. And besides, BMW is a prestigious brand, so its not as if youre getting second hand Daewoo stuff in your Mini†( Frank). Mini Cooper is not only attractive in appearance, but it is filled with lot of useful features which other cars of same type may not possess. Its hatch layout is well designed, with a low well for groceries and with seat uprights that flip forward 50/50. Mini Cooper excels in safety features also compared to its competitors. It has defeated its competitors in most of the road tests and also excelled in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests. Moreover, it comes with six airbags (front, side, headliner), while its competitors only has standard front airbags. F or an additional $500, people can purchase a Mini Cooper with stability control that will help keep the car on track in an emergency situation. ‘A marvelous marriage of British character and German know-how, the 2009 Mini Cooper is stylish, fun to drive and remarkably good on gas. Stellar fuel economy, sharp handling, excellent all-around

Public Affair class summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Public Affair class summary - Essay Example Furthermore, the government uses Public Relations for purposes of influencing the public, to behave in a way that is conducive to them. Public Relations is therefore an important tool of governance and promotion of accountability. Chapter Two of this book analyzes the importance of Public Relations to administrators and the government. For instance, this chapter denotes that Public Relations is important in helping administrators to achieve efficiency in whatever they do. Public relations achieve this objective by helping administrators to achieve the central mission of the agency, and helping to fulfill the democratic responsibilities of the government. Some of the missions that Public Administration helps to achieve include customer relations, delivery of services, provision of information, etc. By enabling administrators to provide information, public relations help to depict accountability of the government agency, to the people. Furthermore, an efficient and effective public relations tool helps a government agency to conduct its affairs and mission in a less expensive manner. Another important role of public relations is political. It is used for purposes of advancing the political autonomy and power of the agency. In short therefore, the functions of public relations are categorized under the following three groups (Lee and G, 9), Fitch talks about how federal agencies communicate with their employees and the public. This chapter examines the difference between Federal agencies, and other agencies. The major difference denoted is that in a federal agency, communication is structured and hierarchical. This means that communication emanates from the manager to the junior officers. This is in terms of instructions and policies of the organization (Fitch, 251). Furthermore, these organizations have a spokesman or woman, whose role is to communicate with the media or relevant authorities that seek any information

Evolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Evolution - Essay Example The Theory of Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics put forward by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1809 states that modifications acquired during one’s lifetime are inherited by the next generation. â€Å"Ex. giraffes acquired a long neck slowly over time as each generation of giraffe stretched its neck slightly longer in trying to reach leaves high in trees† (Principles of Evolution, n. d). Lamarck’s theory seems to be in agreement with the Darwinian Theory which states that evolution produces life forms adapted to their environments. However, Lamarck argued that the organism itself can control the direction of change whereas Darwin did not agree with that postulate. â€Å"For a long time it was mistakenly thought that evolution was a simple linear progression, with humankind at the top of the ladder. We now understand that evolution proceeds with species on one branch giving rise to other branches and so on† (What is evolution?, n. d). We have lot of animals in this world which like the leaves in big trees. For example, elephants, cattle etc like the leaves of some big trees. However, these animals do not have such a big neck like the giraffes. These animals also should have tried a lot in the past to reach out the higher branches of the trees. But they never got their neck extended just like giraffes.

Light Trapping Properties of Solar Cells

Light Trapping Properties of Solar Cells Abstract In this paper, we have investigated the light trapping properties of solar cells based on one-dimensional photonic crystal (1DPC) by using finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. Light trapping is essential for thin film solar cells due to the limited absorption in long wavelength range. Here, we used different types of solar cell structures and to explore their photonic ray theories (electric field propagation) and numerical simulations. The one-dimensional thin film solar cell consists of distributed Bragg’s reflector (DBR), Metal back reflector, grating and anti-reflection coating (ARC). The influence of the grating period and depth, the optimal path length has to be increased. These numerical simulations indicate that this combined photonic structure is capable of improving the external quantum efficiency and their absorption. As well as the relative enhancement increased up-to 60% for thin film silicon solar cells. We further to investigate high efficiency of thin fi lm solar cell using different structure. Index terms: Finite difference time domain (FDTD), distributed Bragg’s reflector (DBR), the grating, metal reflector, anti-reflection coating (ARC) and relative enhancement factor. Introduction The scientific community is intensively working to achieve high efficiency thin film solar cells based on silicon. Among the various energy sources, solar energy is well considered to be very promising and achieved wide applications for space and global power generation. The silicon based thin films are cheaper and easy fabrication due to well developed silicon technology. The Silicon based thin films have been the choice as active materials for solar cells, such as crystalline silicon (c-Si), amorphous silicon (a-Si), micro crystalline silicon (ÃŽ ¼c-Si) and so on [1]. The efficiency of silicon thin film solar cell (TFSC) is low due to their weak absorption in longer wavelength range. Thus the light trapping mechanism for thin film silicon solar cell becomes a vital role to improve the conversion efficiency. The crystalline silicon solar cells integrated with the DBR, metal reflector, ARC and grating. Therefore, the incident light is expected to be partially absorbed in the active l ayer of crystalline silicon (c-Si), after the support through the front anti-reflection coating layer (Si3N4) and the back reflector of aluminum (Al) or dielectric (DBR) layers. We are realized that incident light is scattered into the DBR due to the periodic grating and reflected back at the bottom interface. Therefore the way of light trapping in this design is different from usual reflectors based on metals or photonic crystals [2, 3]. In this paper, we will focus on strongly corrugated photonic crystal absorbers made up of a-Si and SiO2 layers are periodically patterned. Finally, the optical presentation of the structure will be indicated by their integrated absorption, the absorbed spectral range between 300-1200nm. This paper deals with the modeling and designing of solar cells using FDTD method. Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the solar cell structure Designing Approach Finite difference time domain (FDTD) method as a sophisticated computational method used to model advanced devices. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of solar cell composed of anti-reflection coating (ARC), diffraction grating and photonic crystals also known as distributed Bragg’s reflector. The distributed Bragg’s reflector (DBR) consists of alternate layers of amorphous Si (a-Si) and silicon-di-oxide (SiO2) with their refractive index 3.6 and 1.45 and thickness 56nm, 138nm respectively. The thickness of the each layer is determined by the quarter wave principle (t = ÃŽ »C /4n), where, n-is the refractive index and ÃŽ »C is the center wavelength of photonic band gap. On top of the DBR, diffraction grating is embedded which is made of a-Si and SiO2, with duty cycle (Gdc=0.5ÃŽ ¼m), period (Gp=0.6ÃŽ ¼m) and thickness (Tg=0.1ÃŽ ¼m).The anti-reflection coating (ARC) layer is made of silicon nitrate (Si3N4) and their thickness 0.07ÃŽ ¼m. Result and Discussion The wave propagation designed solar cell is shown in figure 2. We have used commercial available Full WAVE tool supplied by RSoft. We can see light interaction into the device, when one light is made incident on the solar cell. The shorter wavelength is absorbed by the active region while longer wavelength moves toward bottom layer. The grating interaction gives scattering and diffraction of light where as DBR reflects remaining light. This mechanism finally force the light waves into active region. We have designed and analyzed four different structures of solar cells to understand the light trapping mechanism. Figure 2 Schematic diagrams of solar cell structure and their electric field distribution Figure 3 (a) show absorption of solar cells in accordance to wavelength from 300 to 1200nm. To compare the performance of designed devices we have designed a planer solar cell which mainly consists of anti-reflection coating of silicon nitride. The solar cell absorption of DBR and ARC based solar cell is found to be improved than reference solar cell. However, DBR, ARC and GRA based solar cells show distinct absorption as comparisons to cell C1 and C3. We can see added absorption peak in the red and infrared part of solar spectrum for the case of cell 2. Figure 3 Absorption (a) and Quantum efficiency (b) of designed four solar cells Figure 3b shows Quantum efficiency of different types of thin film Silicon solar cells. The solar cell (C2) composed of DBR, ARC and GR Solar cell C2 shows enhanced quantum efficiency then solar cells C1 and C3. The solar cell C2 peaks between 600 and 1160nm range, which indicates the efficient trapping of light. However, reference cell has the less quantum efficiency show sharp as compare to cells C1 and C3. The overall quantum efficiency is found to be increased between the 700 to 1160nm wavelength range. The quantum efficiency clearly exposes the light absorption enhancement of the light trapping structure in certain wavelength range only. The different solar cell structure shows the highest performances and their relative efficiency was achieved up to 60%, it is compared to the reference cell. Figure 4 J-V characteristics for solar cells with different back structures The figure 4 shows the short circuit current versus voltage characteristics of four designed solar cells. The highest short circuit current can be absorbed for cell C2, C3 and C1 respectively. The short circuit current enhancement factors are 21mA/cm2, 53.8mA/cm2 and 60.5mA/cm2. The overall short circuit current of DBR with grating structure got more enhancements (~60%). Table-I shows the short circuit current, open circuit Voltage, relative enhancement factor and cell efficiency of different solar cell structures. Table-1 The comparison of optical characteristics of C-Si solar cell with different back structures with reference structure All the back structures are improved the cell efficiencies as shown in table I. The open circuit voltage (VOC= 0.7V) and the fill factor (FF=84.5%) are similar to all the structures. The back reflectors showing significant enhancement as evidenced by figure 3. Figure 5 The efficiency enhancement of c-Si solar cells with different structures The characteristic of different back reflector with active region and their enhanced efficiency as shown in figure 5. The combination of periodic grating and DBR structure indicates 60% enhancement, while aluminum with grating structure indicates 53.4% enhancement, it is compared to bare silicon or without any reflector on the back surface. It is simulated as a compare to the perfect periodic cell structure. Conclusion In conclusion, we proposed new photonic light trapping structure and the numerical simulations indicate that this combined photonic structure is capable of improving the cell efficiency by more than 55% for thin film silicon solar cell structure. We investigated the mechanism for an efficient light trapping structure for thin film solar cells using FDTD method. At wavelength range between 400 to 1200nm, we got stronger absorption peaks for silicon with metal and grating. The efficiency also increased, it is much more considerable. These results are providing a path to achieve low cost and strong efficiency enhancement for thin film silicon solar cell. Integrated of self assembled alumina and DBR for more light trapping in silicon photo voltaic (PV) devices. The high efficiency solar cell will be greatly more evident for smaller cell thickness and improved their absorption. Further, we will get more cell efficiency using metal nano sphere and texture the grating structure. Reference [1] L.Zhao, Y.H.Zuo, C.L.Zhou, H.L.Li, H.W. Diao and W.J.Wang, A highly efficient light trapping structure for thin film silicon solar cells, Solar energy 84 (2010) 110-115. [2] Krc. J, Zeman, M, Luxembourg, SL Topic, M.Modulated photonic-crystal structures as broad band back reflectors in thin-film solar cells.Applied Physics Letters, (2009), 94(15), 153501-153501-3. [3] Lord RayleighSec. R. S. On the maintenance of vibrations by forces of double frequency, and on the propagation of waves through a medium endowed with a periodic structure, Vol. 24, issue 147, (1887), 145-159. [4] A. Taflove, S.C. Hagness, Computational Electrodynamics, 2nd ed., Artech House, Norwood, MA, 2000. [5] A.F. Oskooi, D.Roundy, M. Ibanescu, P.Bermel, J. D. Joannpoulos, S.G. Johnson, Computer Physics Communications 181 (2010) 687. [6] Xing sheng, steven G. Johnson, Lirong Z. Broderick, Jurgen Michel and Lionel C. Kimerling, Integrated photonic structures for light trapping in thin film Si solar cells, Applied Physics Letters 100 (2012), 111110. [7] L.Zeng, Y.Yi, C.Hong, J.Liu, N.Feng, X.Duan and L.C. Kimerling, Efficiency enhancement in Si solar cells by textured photonic crystal back reflector, Applied Physics Letters 89 (2006), 111111.

Hinduism Essay -- Religion Spirituality Carvaka Yoga Essays

Hinduism In India there are six orthodox schools of philosophy which recognize the authority of the Vedas as divine revelation, and they generally function as pairs - Nyaya and Vaishesika, Mimamsa and Vedanta, and Samkhya and Yoga. Those who did not recognize this authority were the Jains, Buddhists, and materialists. Even in India where spiritual ideas dominate the culture there were some who were skeptical of those ideals and held to a materialist view of the world; they were called Carvaka, and their doctrine that this world is all that exists is called Lokayata. The materialists did not believe in an afterlife and found sense perception to be the only source of knowledge, denying the validity of inference or general concepts. They focused on the senses and the four traditional elements of earth, water, fire, and air. Consciousness for the Carvaka is only a modification of these elements in the body. The soul is also identified with the body, and pleasure and pain are the central experiences of life, nature being indifferent to good and evil with virtue and vice being merely social conventions. This worldly philosophy naturally ignored the goal of liberation (moksha) or simply believed that death as the end of life and consciousness was a liberation. However, they also tended to neglect the value of virtue or justice (dharma), placing all of their attention on the worldly aims of pleasure (kama) and wealth or power (artha). Although Carvaka ideas are mentioned in some ancient writings, their own ancient writings were lost, and much of what we know of the early materialists is based on criticisms of other schools. However, a famous, ancient drama called The Rise of the Moon of Intellect (Prabodha-candrodaya) reveals some of the beliefs of this worldly movement. In this play Passion is personified and speaks to a materialist and one of his pupils. Passion laughs at ignorant fools, who imagine that spirit is different from the body and reaps a reward in a future existence. This is like expecting trees to grow in air and produce fruit. Has anyone seen the soul separate from the body? Does not life come from the configuration of the body? Those who believe otherwise deceive themselves and others. Their ancient teacher Brihaspati affirmed the importance of the senses, maintaining that sustenance and love are the objects of human life. For the materiali... ...ch developed into the Vaishnavite faith in medieval Hinduism. The poem begins with Dhritarashtra asking Sanjaya what is happening not only on the field of Kuru but also on the field of dharma (virtue, duty). Sanjaya describes how both armies are arrayed against each other blowing their conch horns to show their readiness to fight. Then Arjuna asked Krishna to position his chariot between the two armies, and there he saw many of his relatives on the other side, causing him to feel faint and consider not fighting. Even though the others are killing, Arjuna does not think it would be worth it to do so, even for sovereignty of the three worlds, let alone an earthly kingdom. Evil would come to him, he says, if he should kill his relatives. How could this bring happiness? This family destruction is wrong and would destroy ancient family duties and bring on lawlessness, which would lead to corruption of the women and caste mixing. Why should he kill for greed of royal pleasures? It would be greater happiness for him to be killed unresisting and unarmed. Thus Arjuna's mind was overcome by sorrow. Krishna, who is called the Lord, responds by upbraiding Arjuna for timidity and cowardice

Emerging Markets: Brazil Case Study Essay

I. Summary Brazil’s agricultural advantage stems from its extensive natural resources. The country’s competitors either utilize more supplies or more time in order to yield an amount that can rival Brazil’s production. Although every other country desires the agricultural production capable of Brazil, Brazil‘s government is determined to invest in industrialization in order to modernize its economy. While Brazil has a large amount of natural resources available for use, its government must provide the funding of the growing industrialization, to include: energy, materials, and increased employee earnings. II. Problem Brazil’s success in agriculture is attributed to vast lands, diverse climates, and a large population pool for labor (Brazil Agribusiness Report – Q4 2013, 2013). Without regard to its solid base in agriculture, the Brazilian government is attempting to modernize the economy through industrialization. Alongside this movement comes the â€Å"Brazil† cost: the increased operating cost of energy, raw materials, and wages. Also, in addition to paying more to industrialize, the government compensates domestic, uncompetitive industries enabling the theory of protectionism. III. Effective Solutions/Strategies In response to Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff’s desires to become a world-class manufacturing base, the country can reassess its comparative advantage in agriculture and redirect resources solely to those businesses. According to Brazil Agribusiness Report – Q4 2013, its agricultural production is yielding lower than expected numbers with respect to international standards and, therefore, still has potential for growth. Alternatively, Brazil can strategize by addressing agricultural weaknesses via industrialization. First, seize the opportunity to grow and re-attack infrastructure to promote expansion and competition. Then, allow for raised incomes, as they will decrease farmers’ debts and allow for reinvestment in the economy. Finally, although the â€Å"Brazil cost† will hurt in the short-term, a higher-paid population will result in a hygienic environment  producing greater quality of products. Therefore, previously instated non-tariff barriers due to health concerns will decrease allowing for a greater degree of expansion. IV. Questions for Discussion Why is Brazil’s agriculture so competitive? Why do its manufacturing industries lack competitiveness? Brazil’s agriculture is competitive because its environment contains natural and inexpensive resources that other nations would have to spend extra time and money to produce or acquire. Furthermore, Brazil gained a distinctive comparative advantage in agriculture and livestock by doing away with nontariff barriers and reducing import tariffs on similar products other countries were trying to bring into the country (Brazil: Economic background, 2006). With regard to underdeveloped manufacturing industries, Brazil lacks competitiveness for the same reason its agricultural competitors fall short. The â€Å"Brazil cost† of energy, raw materials, and wages is exponential compared to another nation primed to capitalize on manufacturing. As a result, domestic industrial products are costly compared to international competitors so consumers will frequent the competitor. Why have Brazil’s governments in both the 20th and 21st century been eager to develop world-class manufacturing? According to the closing case, the Brazilian government seeks to modernize its economy through world-class manufacturing. I would argue that the core reason is to achieve globalization through a combination of manufacturing and agriculture. Employing globalization means greater economic growth and standards of living, as well as attracting numerous low-end manufacturing jobs. Therefore, by modernizing its economy, Brazil fortifies its potential as a developed economy, which could launch it onto the global platform for competition in industry. How can Brazil shift some of its resources from uncompetitive industries to competitive industries? Via resource mobility, Brazil can shift resources used in uncompetitive industries to competitive industries in order to bolster the competitive industries’ potential. Furthermore, the government can shift strategic intervention and subsidies from uncompetitive industries to competitive industries. ON ETHICS: While President Rousseff’s critics accuse her of ignoring Brazil’s lack of comparative advantage in manufacturing, her supporters argue that her policies force Brazil to reduce its dependence on  foreign-made manufacturing goods. If you were to participate in this debate, which side would you be on? I would be on the side of her supporters. Through research, I have found that Brazil has extraordinary potential to grow its agricultural sectors through industrialization. By reducing manufacturing imports and producing and employing its own industrial products, Brazil not only increases domestic income and the standard of living, but also solidifies the nation’s comparative advantage in agriculture. Although, I will say that finding the balance between directing resources towards industry versus agriculture will be a delicate quest. References Brazil: Economic background. (2006). (). New York: The Economist Intelligence Unit. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/docview/466598073?accountid=27203 Brazil Agribusiness Report – Q4 2013. (2013). (). London: Business Monitor International. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/docview/1436333107?accountid=27203

Roman Republic History and Facts Essays

Roman Republic History and Facts Essays Roman Republic History and Facts Essay Roman Republic History and Facts Essay Essay Topic: The Republic Rome According to legend, the city of Rome was founded by two twin brothers Romulus and Remus. They were kidnapped when they were still babies and left near the Tiber River. The wolves cared for them but when they grew up, they found a shepherd and the shepherd also cared for them. They founded the city of Rome but they quarreled with the leader of it but some historians say that the name of the city has been theirs. Romulus won and named him the city of Rome. History of Rome Rome was governed by kings, but after only seven of them had ruled, the Romans took power over their own city and ruled themselves. They then instead had a council known as the senate which ruled over them. From this point on one speaks of the Roman Republic. The word Republic itself comes from the Latin (the language of the Romans) words res publica which mean public matters or matters of state. The senate under the kings had only been there to advise the king. Now the Senate appointed a consul, who ruled Rome like a king, but only for one year. This was a wise idea, as like that, the consul ruled carefully and not as a tyrant, for he knew that otherwise he could be punished by the next consul, once his year was up. | Rome knew four classes of people. This division was very important to the Romans. The lowest class were the slaves. They were owned by other people. They had no rights at all. The next class were the plebeians. They were free people. But they had little say at all. The second highest class were the equestrians (sometimes they are called the knights). Their name means the riders, as they were given a horse to ride if they were called to fight for Rome. To be an equestrian you had to be rich. The highest class were the nobles of Rome. They were called patricians. All the real power in Rome lay with them. The Roman Republic was a very successful government. It lasted from 510 BC until 23 BC almost 500 years. In comparison the United States of America, it only exists since 1776 less than 250 years. Ancient Roman Gods 12 Greek Olympians| 12 Roman Olympians| Hera Queen of heaven (Zeuss wife) and goddess of marriage| Juno goddess of Marriage| Zeus King of gods/heaven| Jupiter A. K. A Jove The King of the gods and the god of the sky| Hades god of underworld| Pluto – god of the dead| Poseidon god of sea| Neptune god of the Sea| Hestia goddess of hearth/domesticity| Vesta goddess of the Hearth, the Home and the Roman state| Ares god of war| Mars god of War| Hephaestus Blacksmith of gods| Vulcan god of Fire, the Forge and Blacksmiths| Apollo god of music| Apollo god of the sun, music, medicine and healing, archery and prophecy| Hermes Patron of thieves and merchants/traders, messenger of Zeus| Mercury Messenger of the gods and Finance. goddess of moon| Diana goddess of Hunting| Aphrodite goddess of love and beauty| Venus goddess of Love and Beauty| Athena goddess of wisdom, justice, crafts, and war| Minerva goddess of Wisdom|

How I Quit

How I Quit Whether looking for a job to pay the bills or taking the next step on your career, the search can feel like an endless day and night grind. We’ve all been there – written numerous cover letters, tweaked words on resumes, and gone to networking events where we know no one. The old adage is true, â€Å"it’s a full time job finding a full time job.† But, it is also important to remember that part of the process should be fun. You should be focusing on learning about yourself, what you want to spend your 10,000 hours on, and how you can learn from your failings to make yourself a more attractive job seeker to employers. On top of all of that, sometimes it is just good to draw inspiration from other people’s successes and failures. After hours of job hunting, take a moment and enjoy these inspirational career tidbits.Jimmy Fallon reads #HowIQuitWhile you might be looking for your next job, it is important to remember that not all jobs are dream jobs. And sometimes, even dream jobs turn out to be nightmares. Many jobs run their course, so Fallon highlights some quirky #HowIQuit stories.This is Off CampusThe Off Campus Podcast is relatively unknown in the burgeoning podcast world, but it is certainly drawing attention of late. Each episode is an interview with someone honing in on their experiences in pursuing their dream, what worked, and what did not. [Embed] https://soundcloud.com/this-is-off-campus/malik-yoba-adviceFor more, visit http://thisisoffcampus.org/interviews.Marina Shifrin’s Interpretive DanceRemember when I wrote that sometimes dream jobs turn out to be nightmares. It seems like this was the case for the now viral-famous Marina Shifrin, whose catchy video has nearly 20 million views on YouTube! Here is the video and then a little more about the sudden fame Shifrin received.What happened after she quit? Visit huffingtonpost.com/shira-lazar/i-quit-kanye-west-dancing_b_4067344.htmlIt could be worsePossibly one of t he best things about finding a job is that you do not have to look for another one every waking hour anymore! On the other hand, you could be Homer Simpson, who has had (in this video) 101 jobs.Got a story on how you quit? Share it using #PursueYourDreamTJN

Analysing a newspaper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Analysing a newspaper - Essay Example The society was structured in a manner that male dominated over women. Most leaders were male chauvinists hence male supremacy reigned. The legal system did not incorporate ways of dealing with domestic violence. Most women who suffered violence ended up being victimized as part of the problem. The article on The Guardian website gives a review on how domestic violence issue has been handled in the UK. The news value is educative and concern peaceful co-existence in a family or domestic set-up. The news is also bad as it highlights violence in homes. Violence affects relationships and consequently leads to health and psychological problems. The news angle is neutral but rebukes perpetrators of violence. It does not support violence in heterosexual or homosexual relationships. The article has employed a criticism language on the government for laxity in coming up with an appropriate legislation in time. The editorial agenda is to sensitize readers on the need to stop domestic violence in families (Humphreys et al. 2013). The article gives insight on how the fight against domestic violence has come a long way. With no legislations relating to domestic violence, most men took advantage of the situation. However, with the emergence of civil and human rights movements, the vice came to shame. Most citizens became sensitized on the need for peace in the family. Couples had to find better ways to resolve their differences. Women’s Aid was founded in 1970 as a feminist movement and campaign tool. Domestic violence and gender oppression became a priority to deal with for the group. Domestic violence and numerous forms of abuse were decisively dealt with by Women’s Aid among other groups that were founded. In 1979, statistic revealed that two women got killed weekly by their former or current partner. The articles makes cites government statistics and other two sources on domestic violence. The sources add information about the

Socrates Discourse Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Socrates Discourse - Essay Example In that context Socrates classifies his oppressors to be as much enshrined in the machinations of the past as in the present. Socrates unravels the ploys of his detractors to attribute his fame and name to some esoteric ability to perform mysterious and unnatural feats. As per Socrates, his fame could be deemed to be the direct outcome of a wisdom that is natural and human and therefore not beyond the aspirations of any human. As per the words of Socrates, his present plight originated from his honest and bold audacity to question the validity and truthfulness of the elites of his times, be it the politicians, seers, poets, artisans or teachers. The trial of Socrates originated not from some personal sin or crime, but rather from the daring of the accused to indulge in a free play of ideas, thereby making the populace see through their proponents’ so called wisdom and sensibility. As per the Apology, the only crime Socrates seems to have committed is to challenge the status qu o of the elites of his times. In

The impact of cultural differences on the hierarchy of a hotel Research Paper - 1

The impact of cultural differences on the hierarchy of a hotel - Research Paper Example Customers would think that quality service is being delivered to them if the employees can understand them better. Whether it is food, services, employee policies etc, the global requirements need to be considered in all operations. While cultural diversity and incorporating the trends of globalization is indispensable for the hotel industry, various cultural conflicts occur as a result of this cultural diversity. These misunderstandings are of various types and due to various reasons. Every culture has a different set of beliefs and norms and when people of different cultures come together and work, differences are bound to arise. These differences become more challenging in an industry where customers to be dealt with are also from different cultures and have different demands. While various inter-cultural challenges are faced, one such issue is the impact of cultural differences on the hierarchy of a hotel. People from poorer countries usually have lower positions and from the developed have higher positions. This creates a barrier amongst the higher and lower level employees and creates many problems regarding cultural differences as what one may think is right as part of their culture, the other might not. This study aims to determine the impact of cultural differences on the hierarchy of a hotel. The findings of this study would be very helpful in determining how the barrier between high and low-level employees can be reduced in the light of cultural differences. Cultural diversity if managed properly can help to increase organizational performance (Kemp & Dwyer, 2001). There are various levels in an organization where culture has an influence and where a higher degree of cultural awareness is essential (Roper & Brookes, 1997). This study would hence facilitate in understanding how this diversity can be managed in a batter way to become a pro rather than a con for a hotel. Finally, it would also aid in giving better understanding to hotel managements

The Effects of War on Afghan Women, Children and Refugees Public Health Essay Example for Free

The Effects of War on Afghan Women, Children and Refugees Public Health Essay INTRODUCTION Armed conflicts have been major causes of disease, suffering and death for much of human history. The fatalities, injuries and disabilities suffered on the battlefield are obviously direct effects of conflict. But there are also health consequences from the breakdown of services and from population movements. The diverting of human and financial resources away from public health and other social goods contributes to the spread of disease. These indirect consequences of war may remain for many years after a conflict ends. Both the experience of conflict itself and the impact of conflict on access to health care determine the physical health and the psychological well-being of women and girls in very particular ways. Women are not only victims of the general violence and lack of health care they also face issues specific to their biology and to their social status. To add to the complexity of the picture, women also carry the burden of caring for others, including those who are sick, injured, elderly or traumatized. This in itself is stressful and often contributes to illness. Defining Terms Gender: The term gender includes both masculinity and femininity, not just one or the other. Across continents and cultures, established gender norms and values mean that women typically control less power and fewer resources than men. Not surprisingly, this often gives men an advantage in the economic, political, and educational arenas, but also with regard to health and health care. Certainly, there are instances where gender differences hurt mens health as, for example, when greater risk-taking among young men leads to higher accident rates, or higher levels of violence between men leads to greater death and disability . But, by and large, many health professionals believe that gender inequalities have led to a systematic devaluing and neglect of womens health. Children: are those who are still under the care of their parents. Who is below the legal age. After more than two decades of war, the health of Afghanistans people is ranked among the worst in the world. More than 800 children die every day, largely from preventable diseases. Nearly 1 in 4 Afghan children will not reach his or her fifth birthday, and their mothers do not fare much better. An Afghan woman is 100 times more likely to die of pregnancy-related problems than her American counterpart. These deaths are preventable. Since the fall of the Taliban, the Afghanistan Ministry of Health has been working steadily to improve access to basic health services specifically focusing on reaching women and children. Since early 2002, with funding support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Management Sciences for Health has been working with the Ministry of Health to establish a foundation upon which a national health care system can be built and health services can be delivered within Afghanistan. The Effects of War on Afghan Children and Women Public Health War is one of the most destructive human activity. It destroys not only the physical side of a person but it degrades the human dignity. These happens to Afghanistan. Today it has one of the world’s poorest human development. Among the population of 24 million roughly 10.7 million are children under the age of 18 and half of the remaining population is women. The crisis of more than 23 years has left devastating effects on the health and well being of millions of women and children. It has killed over 1.5 million people, including more than 300,000 children. An extensive review of   social, physical, and mental health of Afghan children with an aim to depict the severity and complexity of the situation induced by war of more than a decade. Child Vulnerability Indicators in Afghanistan Series of wars and drought for more than three years have threatened the survival and existence of tens and thousands of women and children. According to a survey 60 % of Afghan children have lost their family member, and 39 percent have lost their home. The burden of poverty falls heaviest on the children, who frequently abandon education in order to contribute to family income. They work on farms, collect water and firewood and scavenge the garbage cans for food scraps. In Kabul alone, more than 50,000 children work as shoe polisher, selling fruits or newspaper or begging on the streets. More than five million people with a huge proportion of children are internally displaced. More than 6 million displaced Afghans represent the largest single group of refugees world-wide. Alone in Pakistan approximately three million Afghans have taken refuge in the last few years. Children comprise 20 % of the total number. Poverty prevails, with 80% of people living below the poverty level. Adult life expectancy is 45 years for men and 47 for women. According to the UNICEFs estimations more than 5 million people-70 percent of them women and children rely on humanitarian aid to survive. 75% of the population living in rural areas have no access to any kind of health facilities. According to the UNICEF, 2001 the total number of under five population in Afghanistan is 728049. War induced displacement and famine have forced large populations to move towards big cities in search of food and shelter. Among the internally displaced populations majority is under five, approximately 429567 in Kabul, 80930 in Logar, 126000 in Wardak, 49700 in South Parwan and 41852 are in Kapisa. Displaced populations are exposed to an unprecedented scale of disease, deaths and disabilities. Reports show that one in every four children dies before his or her fifth birthday and one in five children is born in a refugee camp. Infant mortality is 165 (per 1000 live births), under five child mortality 257 (per 1000 live births) and prospects for improving child health are still dimmer. Maternal morality is one of the highest in the world, i.e., 1700 per 100,000. Poor obstetric care and illiteracy have been proved to have a direct relation to the infant mortality. The deteriorating child health has been out of focus for decades. Repeated wars, political turmoil and disasters have left grave effects on the physical and mental health of children. Post traumatic disorders, widespread infectious diseases, malnutrition have increased the sufferings of Afghan children to an unacceptably higher level. The situation of internally as well as externally displaced Afghan children is grim. The trend of childhood mortality in Afghanistan from 1955 to 1990 has remained almost static and has shown very little improvement change so far. Neighboring countries like China and Iran, both have achieved considerable decline in the under five mortality ranging from 225 to 38 and 239 to 45 respectively while infant mortality in Afghanistan is still 165 (per 1000 live births) and childhood mortality 257 (under five per 1000 births)11. Nutritional Crisis and War injuries among children According to UN agency around 120,000 Afghan children currently face famine. Iodine and vitamin A deficiency is largely noticed. Report from Terre Des Hommes determined that chronic malnutrition remained high, with 53.7% of children between 6–59 months stunted, including 27.3% severely stunted making children more vulnerable to disease. An estimated 7.5 million children and adults are currently at risk of hunger and malnutrition. Rights of children were seriously and widely violated. Girls’ right to education and sports is still overtly denied. Socio-cultural norms put additional restrictions on women and girls. Because of the current crisis it is predicted that about 20–40 000 children could die and around 10 million people will be forced to live on US$1 a day. It certainly impacts access to health services, health allocations by the governments, access to drugs against HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria, and child health. There are currently estimated 5.3 million vulnerable people inside Afghanistan. Country’s health system performance is paralyzed and extensively damaged during the war on terrorism. None of the children growing up today in Afghanistan has ever known peace. It is estimated that over 2 million Afghans suffered from mental health problems. UNICEF-supported study in 1997 found that the majority of children under 16 years in Kabul suffer from psychosocial war trauma. Ninety-seven per cent had witnessed violence and 65 per cent had experienced the death of a close family relative. Experts say that approximately 30%–50% of a population undergoing violent conflict develops some level of mental distress. There are estimated 10 million land mines, the equivalent of roughly one for every child. Reported by Save the Children survey, 85% of all unexploded ordnance (UXO) victims were children in Kabul, during the years 1990-94. Alone 3,000 injuries from landmines and UXO in 1999 have been reported. More than 130,000 Afghans under the age of 18 have been killed by land mines so far. Disease Profile Measles, cholera, tuberculosis, malaria, meningitis, hepatitis, typhoid, childhood respiratory infections, and diarrhea are the major killer diseases. Diarrhea alone causes the death of 85,000 under five children per year. Two to three million malaria cases with 6% P. falciparum were notified to the health authorities in the last few years. Similarly leis mania affects seriously women and children in Afghanistan. Immunization coverage is profoundly low. Lastly noticed overall mortality due to measles and related complications was 10.8% in Kabul. In South Asia, over 40 percent of the total confirmed cases of polio occurred in Pakistan and Afghanistan in 2000. The mass migration of Afghans to Pakistan and to other neighboring countries has posed serious threat to the global polio eradication program. Moreover a tuberculin survey in Pakistan revealed that the prevalence of tuberculosis infection was 13.8% (May 1985) in a sample of 4108 Afghan children (average age of 8 years). Thirty-three percent had not received their BCG vaccination. A survey during the 1990–94 on cancer reported 22 % prevalence of 1655 children. 69% were males, 31% females Afghan refugees referred to the cancer hospital in Northern Pakistan. The Afghan Women In recent years more and more societies all over the world have begun to recognize the vital contributions of women to commerce, their communities, and civic life. Whether it be Afghan women voting in a presidential election or women starting micro-businesses in Ethiopia, the worldwide trend toward greater equality is clear. Yet the denial of womens basic human rights is persistent and widespread, as a 2005 United Nations Population Fund statement put it. ON DECEMBER 13, 2003, 502 members of Afghanistans constitutional Grand Council, or loya jirga, met in the capital, Kabul, to begin writing the document that would henceforth shape governance of an Islamic, representative democracy. Three weeks later, after at least two rocket attacks near the councils meeting place and even more explosive politicking among the councils members, the council emerged with a new constitution. Among those who watched the process with attention were Afghan women and their activist partisans in other parts of the world, who wanted the new constitution explicitly to reflect the rights and needs of women. They had particular reason to worry that the assembly gathered in Kabul would be hijacked by conservative extremists who would interpret womens rights narrowly using religion as an excuse, or who might eliminate mentions of womens human rights altogether. The Grand Council met just two years after the United States toppled the Taliban, the extremist party that had been in control of Afghanistans capital since 1996. The American objective was to destabilize a regime that had given refuge to Osama bin Laden and the leaders of Al Qaeda, whose bases were in Afghanistan. At that time, the United States linked its military agenda in Afghanistan with the need to liberate Afghan women from oppression. As First Lady Laura Bush put the matter in a national radio address in November 2001, The brutal oppression of women is a central goal of the terrorists. Long before the current war began; the Taliban and its terrorist allies were making the lives of children and women in Afghanistan miserable. The first lady went on to assert that the removal of the Taliban from power would mean the liberation of Afghan women. For the next year, Afghan women were big news: There were books and reports, and pictures on the front pages of newspapers showing formerly illiterate women learning to read. Women began the work of reconstructing their lives by returning to the streets, to school, to work. Then the war in Iraq began, and Afghan women, and Afghanistans reconstruction, became old news. By the beginning of 2003, warlords in provinces who had been allies of the United States when it went to war against the Taliban were instituting measures themselves that were reminiscent of the Taliban era. Human Rights Watch reported in January 2003 that in the Western province of Herat, girls and boys would no longer be permitted to go to school together. Because most teachers are men, the ruling effectively shut girls and women out of an education. Other restrictions against interactions between the sexes were imposed; girls or women seen in public with a male might be taken against their will to a hospital to check for their chastity. These alarming trends coincided with a sharp drop in international scrutiny, although Afghan women themselves continued to seek access to good health, higher education, and equal pay for their work. Their experience in the last two years has made it clear that simply removing a dictatorial regime and installing a democracy does not automatically guarantee womens rights. Indeed, the challenges facing womens effort to make sure their rights are legally enforceable in the future highlight broad conflicts in Afghanistan between conservative and liberalizing factions of the future government and between forces competing to control interpretations of Islam in the public sphere. Islam is the prism through which human rights are articulated in Afghanistan, and it is it is therefore crucial for women that their rights to education, work, and freely chosen marriages be articulated in its terms. The importance of the relationship between Islam and rights is one supported by women. Indeed, Ninety-nine percent of Afghan women are Muslims, and their faith is extremely important to them. Most feel their rights are available to them through Islam, says Masuda Sultan, the spokesperson for Women for Afghan Women (WAW), a New York City-based grassroots organization of Afghan women and their supporters. Sultan explains that the number of women who frame their rights in secular terms is much smaller. Womens rights doctrine that would take Islam into account was in evidence in the making of the Womens Bill of Rights, authored in September 2003 by a representative group of 45 women who found ways to interpret relevant Islamic edicts in ways that amplified their human rights. The bill of rights was the achievement of a unique conference on women and the constitution sponsored by WAW. Organized with the help of the Afghan Womens Network and Afghans for Civil Society, the Kandahar conference brought women together to deliberate over how their rights could best be reflected in the constitution. Kandahar, unlike the more liberal capital, is one of Afghanistans most conservative provinces, and it was unclear until the day of the conference whether it would be secure enough for the gathering to take place. It was, but only under heavily armed guard. The conference participants comprised elite female decision-makers as well as largely illiterate everyday women from all over the country. For some, simply completing the trip, whether alone or in the company of a male relative, was itself a triumph. Over the course of three days, these women reviewed the 1964 constitution on which the 2003 draft was based and began composing the 16-point bill of rights, framed by the demand that the rights be not simply secured in the constitution but implemented. Some of the demands are basics on the menu of modern human rights: women require mandatory education, equal pay for equal work, freedom of speech, and the freedom to vote and run for office and to be represented equally in Parliament and the judiciary. But other points are specific to the situation of Afghan Muslim women and responsive to the recent forms of deprivation imposed by the Taliban and long-standing excesses based on tribal convention. There is, for example, the demand that women and children be protected against sexual abuse, domestic violence, and bad-blood price when one family compensates a second for a crime by giving them one of the familys women. There is a request for the provision of up-to-date heath services for women with special attention to reproductive rights. Under the Taliban women were denied healthcare by male doctors, who were not allowed to touch the bodies of women to whom they were not related, and severe restrictions on womens movements made it difficult for female doctors to supply healthcare. Women made it clear they wanted the right to marry and divorce according to Islamic law. At the end of the conference, the document was presented publicly to President Hamed Karzai, and women were promised that their rights would be incorporated explicitly into the new constitution. However, when the draft constitution was released in November 2003, there was no explicit mention of womens rights. Instead, the constitution granted rights to all Afghan citizens. As Ritu Sharma, the co-founder and executive director of the Womens Edge Coalition and Afifa Azim, the director of the Afghan Womens Network, argued in a joint editorial on the eve of the councils meeting, lumping together men and women in the text of the constitution, rather than clearly designating rights for women as well as men is an important distinction because Afghan women are not issued the identification cards given to men. Therefore, some men argue, women are not citizens and entitled to equality. A crucial question at the Grand Council was whether women would be identified separately from men in the final constitution. It was a triumph when the constitution that was released contained an article stating that The citizens of Afghanistanwhether man or womanhave equal rights and duties before the law. At the same time, other challenges remain. The introduction of womens rights to the national political agenda cannot itself be taken for granted while control of the country is still in question. Although it is true that on paper, the government of Afghanistan is headed by President Karzai and moving toward democracy along well established lines such as the creation of a constitution, the actual situation in many parts of the country do not reflect this shift in power. The Taliban have reasserted power in Southern and Eastern parts of the country. Indeed, in the few days leading up to the meeting of the constitutional Grand Council, coalition forces waged their largest attacks to date on Taliban members who threatened violence against the proceedings. As a recent Amnesty International report also noted, Northern Alliance commanders who committed human rights abuses under the Taliban government now hold government positions themselves (the October 2003 report, Afghanistan: No one listens to us and no one treats us as human beings. Where these commanders govern, womens movements remain as restricted, or nearly as restricted, as they did before they were liberated. So, one of the threats to womens rights is related to the ongoing danger to the entire nations stability as well as to the ability of the most conservative or militant actors in Afghanistan to influence the political process. Extremists exploit claims to Islam to intimidate women. This means that although women themselves frame their rights in terms of Islam, they can also be intimidated into making claims for interpretations that dont serve their needs at all. Sultan explains: Security is still a huge issue, and regional warlords and extremists are around. A woman who doesnt speak in terms that acknowledge Islam will face trouble. The affirmation of being Muslim is important because otherwise theyll be called infidels or be threatened or seen as secular or non-Muslim. in the view of Sultan and others who work closely with Afghan women, is to promote the education of women in Islamic law and history so that they can express their own rights as well as refute interpretations that do not serve them. As the legal system begins to hammer out laws that confirm the bases of the constitution, such knowledge will be increasingly important. Jurists are qualified in Afghanistan through higher education or training in Islamic law. As Sultan notes, these qualifications leave open the door for those trained informally by radical Islamist clerics to shape law. Womens education in the language, tradition, and law through which they understand their rights and themselves is a practical and necessary step in this context. This may appear counterintuitive to onlookers in the United States and Europe, whose recent revolutions in rights have often taken place in social and political contexts that opposed democracy to religion. Enhancing the rights of women by encouraging their access to religious education may also seem counterintuitive in the present media environment, which is saturated by the idea that Islam is inherently undemocratic. But women working for their rights in Afghanistan make it clear that both Islam and democracy are evolving practices that permit competing interpretations. It is their right to shape both in ways that confirm their identities as women, Afghan citizens, and Muslims. The needs of women and children; Refugees in Iran Since at least the 1970s Afghans have been coming to Iran, some in search of work, others to seek protection. The political dominance by the Taliban since 1995 has been a significant factor in the acceleration in the flow of refugees. Refugees who came in the 1980s were given green cards’ which entitle them to live and work in Iran, and to benefit from schooling and health care. In the early 1990s the government’s policy towards refugees changed in the face of the worsening domestic economic situation. After 1992 the authorities stopped issuing refugee cards. The vast majority of Afghans who arrived in Iran since 1992 are considered illegal and have no right to asylum. Furthermore, between 1992 and 1994 many thousands of refugees lost their legal status in a systematic campaign of confiscations of green cards from Afghans living in Khorassan province (bordering Herat). It is not uncommon to find families who repatriated under the UN-sponsored programmed in 1996 and 1997, who have returned to Iran because of hardship or fear of persecution. These families had to give up their refugee cards when they repatriated and now live as illegal’ refugees who risk being arrested if found. In such a situation it is extremely difficult to keep accurate figures on the number of refugees in Iran. According to recent official figures, there are about 1.4m Afghans in Iran at present, of which only 22,000 (1.7 per cent) are living in camps. The vast majority of Afghans live integrated into Iranian society scattered around the country, mostly in cities where they can get jobs but also in villages and settlements in rural areas. The refugees areas are Kerman, Shiraz, Sistan- Baluchistan, Mashad, Teheran and Shahriyar (Teheran province). The area in which refugees face the most difficulties (in the south- eastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan), and highlighted the neglected issue of child labor. The most common types of work done by women and children and the income they earn. Work done at home includes shelling pistachios, cleaning wool, making brooms, cleaning saffron, making chains and carpet weaving. Children usually start work at an early age (sometimes as young as five years old). Once they reach school age, those who can get into school study about four hours a day at school and work between four and ten hours every day. Many Afghan children attend schools not formally recognized by the Ministry of Education and run by the Afghans themselves. There are at least 10 informal Afghan schools in Mashad and about 24 in Teheran, serving from 50 to 500 children each. NGOs such as Ockenden Venture and Global Partners have been supporting such schools for over a year now with their own funds and some funding from UNICEF. They have provided books and teaching materials, and have conducted eye tests for children and provided spectacles. Ockenden Venture has also organised some teacher training. MSF France has been carrying out a school health project in Mashad, and a local Afghan NGO (Relief Committee for Destitute Afghan Refugee Families) is helping to identify Afghan schools in Teheran and distribute books. Many questions remain unanswered as to why some children attend these schools and others do not. Aspirations versus reality The aspirations of Afghan women and children contrast heavily with the reality of the back-breaking, repetitive and poorly-paid jobs. The reasons for taking poorly paid and low-skilled work are illiteracy, being undocumented, having children to look after, and opposition from the husband or his family. The work has to be part-time, home-based and not requiring a green card’. One obstacle which the women identified also suggested its own solution. They said that their lack of familiarity with Iran, and particularly with job opportunities, means that they tend to take on the same jobs that other Afghan women are already doing. It was suggested that a job-search service would enable them to access information on other job opportunities. Education: the top priority Having seen the poverty of many refugee families at first hand, Afghan women needs to put income-earning opportunities as their top priority. In fact the top priority identified by almost all the groups was education: for the Hazaras it was education in general, but especially literacy; for the Pashtun women it was skills- training. They all believed that they could improve their own lives if they had some education. Solutions The impact of previous conflicts and recent war on children’s social, physical and mental health is enormous and needs a great deal of attention and commitment from the Government. While the debate of reconstructing Afghanistan is currently in progress, saving the future of nation and child health development must be a top priority. Joining these efforts, international assistance is direly needed to handle the deteriorating child health situation. Improving child health in Afghanistan is certainly a daunting task and will require committed and holistic efforts over period of years. Every aspect of child health needs to be dealt with an appropriate strategy. As evident from the facts that infectious diseases and war induced injuries contribute heavily to the current burden of disease, deaths and disabilities in Afghanistan. Therefore WHO’s strategies need to be universally adopted in the country. The strategy of integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) addresses five major killer diseases with a simple and cost effective manner. War has left tens and thousands of orphans. Fewer than five children currently make a large proportion of Afghan’s population and immediate attention. In the prolonged period of war tuberculosis control program was severely disrupted. Tuberculosis control network need to be immediately restored, drugs provided with the Directly Observed treatment; short course (DOTS) strategy among internally displaced and non-adhered patients. All interventions need to focus equally on providing rehabilitation and treatment for mental illnesses, robustly expand and include program for massive immunization in their essential package of services. All legal measures need to be taken to protect children’s rights and specially that of girls to education, health and social choices at all fronts. For Refugees Using focus group discussions in the context of understanding the problems and aspirations of urban Afghan refugees has given us a great deal of information to which we did not previously have access. In particular, the fact that the refugees were able to participate in drawing up recommendations regarding the future work of NGOs was a very positive experience. It encourages the beneficiaries themselves to think about their situation and to come up with solutions. It also gives the organisations working with refugees a much clearer picture of the hopes and fears of a refugee community. Past experience at ICRI has shown us that involving the refugees themselves in decision making improves the implementation process, bringing about better results. This does not mean that one method should replace the other, but rather that the methods should be regarded as complementary. We know that the single most important factor which determines the living conditions of refugees in Iran is their legal status. In Afghanistan Samar   bring to the forefront the health and human rights challenges that face Afghan women and children. A leading authority on these issues in her country, Samar founded the Shuhada Organization in 1989 to implement innovative programs in health, education, construction, and income generation that improve the lives of women and children in Afghanistan and those living as refugees in Pakistan. The Shuhada Organization has grown to become the largest female-led non-government organization in Afghanistan and operates an extensive network of hospitals, clinics, schools and shelters as well as numerous other programs and services for women and children. â€Å"Boston University is honored to host Dr. Samar as a visiting scholar,† said Gerald T. Keusch, M.D., associate dean of Global Health, BU School of Public Health, and director of the Global Health Initiative. â€Å"Her work to improve the lives and healthcare for Afghan women and children under extraordinarily difficult conditions has made her an icon in global health and her efforts will ideally lead to new policies that will advance the country’s medical and education infrastructure.† The recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the 2004 Jonathan Mann Award for Health and Human Rights, Samar is an international symbol of the steadfast courage required to demand basic human rights for women and children in Afghanistan. In addition to directing the Shuhada Organization, Samar served as the country’s first Minister of Womens Affairs during the interim government, leading the effort to restore economic, political, legal and social rights to women. In her current role as Chair of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission, she oversees the conduct of human rights education programs across the country, implementation of a nationwide women’s rights education program, and monitoring and investigation of human rights abuses. The Global Health Initiative at Boston University was established to promote multi-disciplinary research, education, outreach and policy studies across and beyond the Boston University community, and to contribute to reducing disparities in health through the generation of new knowledge, the education of students as â€Å"global citizens,† and the development of partnerships with global health leaders, scholars, and practitioners around the world. In Afghanistans villages, provincial centers, and Ministry of Public Health; in clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies; in classrooms, workshops, and training centers—REACH is empowering the Afghan people to rebuild a health system damaged and neglected during more than two decades of war. A community health worker teaches a mother in a rural Afghan village how to care for her sick child. A young woman improves her literacy level to qualify her for midwifery training. An Afghan midwife attends refresher training about safe motherhood. A provincial health team develops an immunization campaign to protect children against common diseases. The Afghan Ministry of Public Health develops management systems and standards to improve service delivery. Over seven million men, women, and children have access to primary healthcare services. Increasing access to Afghan health services thru (REACH) Through a performance-based grants program and technical support for training and education, REACH has enabled expansion of Afghanistans child health, maternal health, basic obstetric care, and family planning services now accessible to 7.1 million people. REACH grantees have trained over 5,000 community health workers who are working in 14 of Afghanistans 34 provinces. Providing health education in Afghanistan REACH promotes health education and behavioral change that is improving the ability of individuals, families and communities to protect their health. REACH also provides health-based accelerated literacy training to qualify young women to enter nursing and midwifery schools. Strengthening health systems Working with the Afghan Ministry of Public Health to develop and implement national health policies, standards, and management and information systems, REACH is helping Afghanistan shape its healthcare system for the future. Through close collaboration with counterparts in Afghanistan and with the international donor and nongovernmental community, REACH is addressing immediate needs while ensuring that current activities are consistent with long-term development objectives. References: Armstrong, J., Ager, A. (2005, March). Perspectives on disability in Afghanistan and their implications for rehabilitation services. International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 28, 87-92. Cultural Orientation Project. (2002). Afghanstheir history and culture. Retrieved October 20, 2004, from http://www.culturalorientation.net/afghan/atoc.html Cummins, C. (2002). The front linenursing refugees. Journal for Community Nurses, 7(1), 7. Daly, C. M. (1999). 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