Elder Abuse and Neglect: Trends and Implications Essay

Considering the growing number of elder population in the world, and more specifically in the US, the reality of elder abuse or mistreatment has increasingly become a cause of concern specially for the health sector. Political and social forums have lent a stage for policy debates related to elder abuse. Though statistics show that elder abuse is common in many households and health care facilities, it is still considered as an underreported type of family violence. The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization define elder abuse as â€Å"a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action occurring within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person† (as cited by Perel-Levin, 2005). Abuse of elderly people occurs in several ways, and often the types of abuse overlap with one another. The five commonly identified categories of elder abuse are physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, financial or material abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. (Bergeron, 2005; Dyer and Rowe, 1999; Kingston & Penhale, 1995; Perel-Levin, 2005). Elder abuse is a violation of human rights Perel-Levin (2005) and it constitutes potentially serious health and social problems (Kingston & Penhale, 1995). Perel-Levin (2005) assert that because of the speed of population ageing worldwide, elder abuse will also increase unless interventions are done to address it. A study made by the National Center for Elder revealed that 1996 saw more than 500,000 victims of elder abuse in America and that the great majority (84%) were not reported. This implies that there are several millions of elder abuse victims who continue to suffer in silence and without due recourse or help from authorities (NCEA, 1996). In the UK, at least half a million older persons are abused each year, yet it is believed that most such abuse remains unreported because its victims are too frightened, ashamed or embarrassed to come forward (Department of Health, 2007; as cited in Cronin, 2007). Health professionals as well as researchers agree that elder abuse and neglect often take place in the context of illness and caretaking issues (Bergeron, 2005). It is ironic because these facilities should instead safeguard the welfare and well-being of patients and wards instead of condoning abuse and neglect or turning a blind eye. It is commonly believed that the risk factors for elder abuse are present caretaking facilities that are tasked to safeguard the welfare of the elders. These settings include home health care, mental health clinics, emergency departments, and acute settings, as well as in long-term institutional care (Bergeron, 2005). These contentions support the critical argument of this paper that the reality of elder abuse and its still blurred status in institutional policy orientations augurs many pejoratives and adverse implications for older adults particularly those residing in nursing facilities. A victim of elder abuse would most likely suffer from worsening health condition which could very well adversely affect his social relationships, mental health and life endeavours. Trends Various sectors of the society have taken the cudgel to win the battle against elder abuse, mistreatment and neglect. Heading the cry for eradication of the problem is the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) which is under the auspices of the US Administration for Aging. It is working closely with many other advocates. NCEA is composed of a consortium of professionals and experts from various disciplines, most of them being researchers, practitioners and educators (NCEA website). Addressing the elder abuse dilemma has also been pacing up at the World Health Organization and has commissioned researches to gather information about the problem for it to come up with working solutions and interventions on a global scale. The mandate of the NCEA gives an overview of the efforts of practitioners and advocates to solve the problem on elder abuse and to promote the dignity of elder persons. Elder abuse is studied and dissected in many aspects focusing on 1) causes and risk factors, 2) prevalence and incidence of elder abuse in various contexts (e. g. , the home and health care facilities), 3) clinical screening and abuse identification, 4) evaluation of risk assessment tools and elder abuse instruments, and 5) prevention and treatment protocols with emphasis on evidence-based practice, among others (NCEA website). In a research partly sponsored by the Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education and the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, it is asserted that family violence which includes child abuse, partnership violence and elder mistreatment has become a â€Å"major social, health and law enforcement issue† as it continues to impact on policy directions as well as strain the capability of law enforcement agencies, judicial bodies, social service agencies, and health care centers (Chalk & King, 1998). Elder abuse and neglect issues have been taken in political agenda. In a remarkable eye-opening testimony by Catherine Hawes (Professor and Director of the Southwest Rural Health Research Center at the School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M University System Health Science Center), she confirmed to the US Senate that indeed elder abuse is a sad reality in residential long-term care settings. The gist of her testimony contends that patients in such residential facilities are very vulnerable to mistreatment and abuse, that the problem elder abuse and neglect are caused by â€Å"low staffing levels and inadequate staff training†, that evidence suggests to the effectiveness of existing guidelines and practices to minimize the problem in residential facilities, and that the elder abuse problem in such settings have not been given the right attention (Hawes, 2002). Elder abuse and neglect has also become a critical issue in the fields of criminology and law enforcement. The number of elder abuse related studies in the field of criminal justice have escalated. A project conducted by the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging, with the assistance of the University of California , Irvine School of Medicine by virtue of a grant made by the National Institute of Justice, highlights several recommendations relating to medical forensic issues on elder abuse were presented and which may be used as a guide in research and policy endeavors of other practitioners. In another research, Blake & Dolon (2006) gives a comprehensive and methodical approach to the abuse and neglect issue that will be of great use to the criminal justice system and the social services sector, among others. Practical examples and situations are given to illustrate their concepts and to describe proposed interventions in the legal context (e. g. , establishment of guardianship), for the health sector (e. g. , diagnosis and treatment), and in the social services sector (e. g. , home care or counselling). Forensic studies also provide guidance in conducting research-based forensic interviews. One such study is that Cooper and King (2006), which set up clear interview guidelines in aid of forensic investigation of an offender who committed sexual assault against an elderly. An evaluation of the criminal justice response to elder abuse in nursing homes was conducted by Payne & Gainey (2006). Analyzing 801 cases of elder abuse in nursing homes revealed that physical assault is the most common form of abuse and that work stress contributes to elder abuse incidence. The researchers suggest that preventative measures should be implemented forthwith in nursing homes. Implications The health and medical sciences as well as occupational science are linked together because they focus on the health and well-being of human beings. Implications of elder abuse to the health sector come from different perspectives, but the essence of occupational science and justice are mostly integrated in these perspectives. For health care providers, they are not only in an ideal position to engage in early identification, support and referral of persons experiencing elder abuse but should also recognize and accept it as their responsibility to address the risks of elder abuse (Kingston & Penhale, 1995). However, Fulmer, et al (2004) say that the health care sector experience difficulty fulfilling these roles. Citing several studies, it was asserted that elder abuse treatment attitudes among nurses with older patients tend to be negative (McLafferty & Morrison, 2004) and that ignorance in hospitals of the problem of elder abuse is characteristic of the situation in general (Cohen, et al, 2006). Richardson, et al; (2002) found that at baseline, staff often do not recognize, record and report abuse. Still, Nahmiash and Reis (2000) found in their study that the most accepted and successful strategies for abused older adults are concrete: nursing and other medical care and homemaking assistance, thus health professionals, especially nurses, are likely to be among those accepted by abused adults. Accident and emergency departments are often the first point of contact for an abused older person (Dyer & Rowe, 1999). Notwithstanding the problems in recognising abuse and the complexities of dealing with older people, emergency nurses need not prove or disprove it is present; it is their responsibility though to act if they suspect it (Cronin, 2007) and they should not be afraid to seek help if they are suspicious of abuse, lest they fall short of their responsibility. (Dyer and Rowe, 1999). For the occupational therapist, an acute understanding of elder abuse and its symptoms could help him screen and identify elder abuse, refer incidence to authorities or to enhance therapeutic protocols to restore health and well-being of an abused elder. Knowledge of the experiences of an elderly patient will give the practitioner valuable insights on the patient’s physical state and mental condition and which will help the patient-therapist partnership in designing and implementing therapeutic programs. Conclusion The sad reality of elder abuse stares us into the face and we can’t help but stare back in terror and fear. The face of an old person with beaten black and blue or a disposition that showed the heartbreaking misery of being attacked or robbed by one’s own family are indeed not only poignant pictures but terrifying as well. Imagine millions of faces like these. It would be a terrible world to live in. As already underscored earlier, elder abuse is underreported. Even as statistics show that millions of abuse cases have been reported, there are millions more who are hidden and kept secret. The reported statistics is just the tip of the iceberg. As also discussed, elder abuse is committed in residential facilities by no less than the health professionals who are supposed to be the protectors of their health and well-being. This is a cause of panic. This is an issue that should not escape the judicious eyes and ears of law and government. Occupational science could contribute so much in policy-making as well as designing protocols to prevent or treat elder abuse. References Bergeron, L. R. (2005). Elder abuse: Clinical assessment and obligation to report. In K. A. Kendall-Tackett (Ed. ), Health consequences of abuse in the family: A clinical guide for evidence based practice.. Washington DC: American Psychological Association. pp. 109-128. Blakely, B. & Dolon, R. (2006). Elder mistreatment (from Crisis Intervention in Criminal Justice/Social Service). Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher Ltd. Chalk, R. and King, PA, eds. (1998). Violence in families: Assessing prevention and treatment programs.. Washington, DC: National Academy Press. Cohen, M. , et al. (2006). Risk of abuse by their caregivers: development of a screening tool for identifying elderly people at risk of abuse by their caregivers. The Journal of Aging and Health. Retrieved Sept 25 2008 from ttp://jah. sagepub. com/cgi/content/abstract/18/5/660 Cronin, G. (2007). Elder abuse: the same old story? Emergency Nurse. Vol 15, No 3 June 2007. Dyer, C. & Rowe, J. 1999. Elder abuse. Trauma 1999; 1: 163-169 Arnold Publishers Fulmer, T. (2004). Progress in elder abuse screening and assessment instruments. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Vol 52, No 2. Retrieved January 10, 2009 from http://www. hartfordign. org/publications/trythis/issue15. pdf. Fulmer, T. , Paveza, G. , Abraham, I. , & Fairchild, S. (2000). Elder neglect assessment in the emergency department. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 26, 436-443. Hawes, Catherine. (2002). Elder abuse in residential long-term care facilities: What is known about prevalence, causes, and prevention. Testimony before the U. S. Senate Committee on Finance, June 18, 2002. Retrieved April 13, 2009 from http://finance. senate. gov/hearings/testimony/061802chtest. pdf.

Customer Service Positions Essay

There are several types of customer service jobs out in the world that have certain requirements and back rounds that need to be met in order to qualify for a certain job. I found a job post on Monster.com for a customer service management position through the company Ecovacs Robotic Inc. located in Glendale, California. A customer service manager is to provide excellent customer service policy for the organization, develop a customer service policy for the organization, manage and hire a team of customer service staff, and handle face to face inquires. Ecovacs is a company that sales different variety of electronics. To qualify for this position, you have to either have a Bachelors Degree or equivalent experience plus five years customer service experience. It is also required to have exceptional interpersonal communication and negation skills. (Monster.com) The major requirements to work at Ecovacs are performing excellent management, training, and development skills. As a customer service manager you must lead your team to meet organizational objectives and achieve results to build up the company you’re working for. Being able to organize and plan multiple priorities to meet deadlines. Ecovacs wants you to have two years’ experience in the electronic and technology industry of sales. Majority of the customer service positions for different companies requires the same criteria as far as managing a team of staff, knowing how to communicate, and being able to set up plans and meeting your goals as a team and company. A median salary for a customer service manager in the state of California is $38,000 a year. California’s salary is eight percent higher than average customer service manager salaries and incomes nationwide. Nationwide it ranges between $32,000 and $34,000 a year. (Indeed.com) On Jobpath.com they had an opening position for a medical receptionist in Illinois. A medical receptionist works in the Healthcare Services according to Jobpath.com. A medical receptionist does not require college level education. The requirements to become a medical receptionist are to have one to three years’ experience as a receptionist in a medical practice. It’s  required that you have open availability which means you are able to work a flexible schedule with rotating weekends. You must have a reliable source of transportation because you’ll have to travel to two different locations weekly. You must have knowledge of ICD-9 and CPI’s and have excellent written and oral communications skills. A medical receptionist job is checking in patients, answering phone calls and taking messages. It is required that you know how to communicate with insurance companies in order for customers to receive prescription coverage and have valid insurance information. A medical receptionist must be able to constantly be on your feet, engaging in several tasks which require a lot of multi-tasking. The average salary for a medical receptionists ranges from $23,000 to $25,000 a year nationwide. (Indeed.com) Working at Safeway we are a company that promotes excellent customer service. I decided to research the job of a cashier position. I visited Safeway.com for more information about a cashiers position. I did not find the information I needed so I went to Shrm.org for a detailed description about a cashier. A cashier, according to Dictionary.com is an employee, as in a market or department store, who collects payments for customer purchases. A cashier is responsible for maintaining guest services as company standard, generate sales, operate sales, operate cash registers, and follow all company policies at all times. A cashier must have a high school diploma or the GED equivalent in order to qualify for the position. (Snagajob.com) The requirements to become a cashier are being able to work varied hours and days as business dictates. You must be able to read, count, and write all documentation accurately. You must be able to communicate with associates and guests and be willing to anticipate customer needs. You also are required to maintain awareness of all product knowledge information, weekly promotions, and offer samples to customers when asking about a certain product, if you’re able to sample it. I know this first hand working in the bakery at Safeway. A cashier must also know how to make labels and tags for promotional items and product that goes on in sale in general. Also you must complete all duties assigned by management and communicate when you’re done with those duties or duty. Depending on what state you reside, a cashier can make $6.99 to $14.00 an hour or more. (Snagajob.com) The last job I decided to do research on was the position of a daycare assistant. My mother and sister are in the process of opening a childcare center so I thought it would be good to do research on the responsibilities of a daycare assistant. A daycare assistant is an employee who assists the director or teacher of a daycare facility with enrollment, hiring and supervising faculty, facility management, maintaining superb customer relations, handling management reporting tasks, and working with children from newborns to twelve years of age. (Indeed.com) The responsibilities of a daycare assistant is to set up activities and clean up after children. They also have to supervise children and help with jobs such as feeding and diapering toddlers and infants. Assistance keeps track of toddlers and infants behavior and communicates progress of children to parents. In order to become a daycare assistant, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. You must be CPR and first aid certified just in case a staff member or child chokes on food or an object. You also must get a background check in which you have to have a fingerprint clearance, no criminal background like child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, prosecution, and molestation. Assistants who want to become daycare teachers or supervisors usually should have a minimum of an Associates degree in the field of Childhood of Early Learning. (Ehow.com) According to Indeed.com, the average salary for daycare assistants are $38,000 a year nationwide. There are all types of customer service jobs out there that require all different types of responsibilities and education. Working in the field of customer service, I have met most of the requirements from each job I researched online. I want to work in the field of communication and I know it is required that I have a Bacherlors degree and exceptional customer service skills and have knowledge about my job. References Daycare Assistant resources Davies, Faith. â€Å"Day Care Assistant Job Description | EHow.† EHow. Demand Media, 22 Dec. 2009. Web. 19 Jan. 2014. http://www.ehow.com/facts_5790737_day-care-assistant-job-description.html â€Å"Job Not Found | Indeed.com.† Indeed.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2014. http://www.indeed.com/viewjob?cmp=Doodle-Bugs!-Children%27s-Centers&t=Child+Care&jk=c220f26e0c22377e&sjdu=PfqW7OX-Y30gm1KgHUU8l4rlETR0V6maUXSL9Dn0qzaLz8h-P_GYMqQakJ_0OjgHzv1wNooo0v2ri2iBDlHIvQ Cashier Resources â€Å"About SHRM.† Login. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2014. http://www.shrm.org/TemplatesTools/Samples/JobDescriptions/Pages/CMS_001514.aspx Safeway – Official Site.† Safeway – Official Site. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2014. http://www.safeway.com/IFL/Grocery/Home â€Å"Cashier Job Description.† – How to Become a Cashier. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2014. http://www.snagajob.com/job-descriptions/cashier-2 Medical Receptionist Resources â€Å"Medical Receptionist Position Description.† Jobpath.com Illnois, N.p., Web. 19 Jan. 2014 https://www.jobpath.com/medicalreceptionist Customer Service Manager Resources â€Å"Customer Service Manager: Job Description.† | Prospects.ac.uk. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2014. http://www.prospects.ac.uk/customer_service_manager_job_description.htm â€Å"Customer Service Manager.† Job in Glendale 91203, California US. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2014. Ecovacs Robotics Inc. http://jobview.monster.com/customer-service-manager-job-glendale-ca-us-128460946.aspx Major Website Resources To Find Jobs â€Å"Search Jobs for FREE with Monster.† Search Jobs for FREE with Monster. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2014. http://promotion.monster.com/keywordjobsearch-new/?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_n=olm_tm_srch_ggl_gen_sl&k_clickid=52fa51bf-8f42-fe09-033a-00003cc42730&k_trackingid=97Ãâ€"16314&gclid=CMHsgLWAjLwCFQPZQgod73MAFA

Comparison of Batteries

Lead Acid Cell vs. Button Cell Lead acid cells were invented in 1859 by the French Physicist Gaston Plante, and are the oldest types of rechargeable batteries. These types of batteries typically weigh at 5kg, but can range from half a kilogram to over 30 kilograms on the consumer market. Though their chemistry means a very low energy-to-weight and energy-to-volume ratio in comparison to other modern batteries, their ability to supply high surge currents means that the cells maintain a large power-to-weight ratio.This makes them highly desirable for use in large appliances such as motor vehicles, which require the high current provided by this type of battery. In comparison, Button cells are much smaller than lead acid cells. Button cells are shaped as small, squat cylinders usually 5 to 22mm in diameter and between 1 to 6mm in height and weigh little over several grams. The voltage and current produced by these batteries are small and steady, and these properties make them very suita ble for powering small portable electronic devices such as wrist watches, pocket calculators, hearing aids, and sometimes pacemakers.These batteries are usually not rechargeable, and last a long time, though lifespan depends on chemical composition and use. Chemistry Lead acid calls use a chemical reaction in order to produce a voltage between the output terminals. The battery contains two plates, and the discharge process is driven by the conduction of electrons from the negative plate back into the cell at the positive plate. All lead acid sells use Lead Sulfate in their reactions. These chemicals were originally contained as a liquid, but a technique has now been developed in which a gel electrolyte is used, preventing leakage.Negative plate reaction: Pb(s) + HSO? 4(aq) > PbSO4(s) + H+(aq) + 2e- Positive plate reaction: PbO2(s) + HSO? 4(aq) + 3H+(aq) + 2e- > PbSO4(s) + 2H2O(l) Overall reaction: Pb(s) + PbO2(s) + 2H2SO4(aq) > 2PbSO4(s) + 2H2O(l) Button cells are single cells, and are Primary cells, being not rechargeable. Button cells have both an Anode and Cathode separated by a separator contained within a metal â€Å"can†. Common anode materials are zinc or lithium, and there are a range of cathode materials, including manganese dioxide, silver oxide, and cupric oxide.Of notable mention is the mercuric oxide button cell, which was banned due to the toxicity and environmental hazard of mercury. Reaction between silver oxide (cathode) and zinc (anode): Zn + Ag2O ZnO + 2Ag These batteries are dry batteries, and are created with the ideal of a long lifetime. As such, they rarely leak if ever, and boast a steady electricity production over a long period of time. Both Lead acid cells and button cells rely on chemical reactions for the production of their energy.However, where a lead-acid cell would typically use an anode and cathode within a liquid or gel medium, button cells use solid anode and cathodes which react with each other through a separator. T his reflects their uses; where the chemistry of a lead acid battery allows it to produce large amounts of electricity in surges as needed to start appliances such as motor vehicles, the chemistry of Button cells allows for a slow and steady release of small amounts of charge. Cost and Practicality As was reflected upon under the chemistry subtitle, the batteries have been designed, and retain their designs, to specifically fit their uses.Though the size of the lead acid batteries does not allow for the powering of small portable devices such as watches, it maintains its usefulness in larger appliances and uses such as motor vehicles, which require a large amount of electrical energy to start up, but does not require a steady flow of energy. This is reflected in the property of these batteries being able to release large surges of energy. As these are designed for long use and provide large power, the cost for these are quite high, ranging from $100 to $300 each.In comparison, the bu tton cell battery is used for very small applications such as wrist watches and hearing aids. This is reflected in their small, convenience, and ability to provide a long lasting, steady flow of energy. However, this means that they are unable to supply large amounts of energy at a time, and are therefore unfit for use in industry and larger appliances such as motor vehicles. The cost of these batteries is much cheaper than that of the large, lead acid batteries, rarely coming up to above a few dollars. Impact on SocietyBatteries have had a large impact on society since their invention. In particular, lead acid batteries were among the first to be invented. These batteries have had a major impact on society; They have allowed for the powering of motor vehicles, which have become a major component in the lives of many living in developed cities. Though an older model of battery, these batteries continue to hold significant impact on society even today. In comparison, button cells pow er small, handheld portable appliances such as watches and hearing aids.This is asignificant difference from the impact of lead acid batteries. However, both batteries have impacted the life of many in developed societies, generally making life easier, and more convenient for all. Environmental impact Lead acid batteries are extremely hazardous to the environment. Lead is a hazardous metal, and poisonous to both environments and animals, and humans are not excepted. Though the use of lead in batteries is usually very controlled, the production of it is not; of three plants in Australia, two have required strict non-residential zones of 2-3 km.This implies that though all safety precautions are being taken, there is still a danger of contamination and danger to the environment. In comparison, button cells are much safer. Though non rechargeable, their recyclability means the mining of the metals used in batteries is reduced to a minimum. However, the environmental impact of these mat erials is determined by the actual materials used. This was reflected upon in the past, when mercuric oxide batteries were banned for the toxicity and environmental damage caused by mercury. References ttp://www. powerstream. com/Size_SLA. htm http://hyperphysics. phy-astr. gsu. edu/hbase/electric/leadacid. html http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Lead%E2%80%93acid_battery#Electrochemistry http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Silver-oxide_battery http://batteryuniversity. com/learn/article/types_of_battery_cells http://science. howstuffworks. com/electric-battery-info1. htm http://electrochem. cwru. edu/encycl/art-b02-batt-nonr. htm http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Button_cell#Properties_of_different_types http://www. lead. org. au/lanv3n2/lanv3n2-5. html

Business & Project Creation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Business & Project Creation - Essay Example equently observe a variety of aspects concerned in entering, or not entering, a market, together with the markets structural blockades to entry and the probable response of competitors. Market Analysis can work out a study using a mixture of surveys, focus groups, questionnaires and/or telephone interviews. This before time analysis will make one more conscious of companys strengths and weaknesses and progress chances of gaining an aggressive benefit and increasing market share. The Market Analysis Team has foundation abilities in performing market assessments and public strategy impact assessments using an analysis model. Any cost-effective model — which reproduces a detailed nominal cash flow for fresh products — estimates earnings, cash flows, and debt payment to estimate a projects leveled cost-of-launch, nominal Internal Rate of Return, and annual Debt-Service-Coverage-Ratios. The Market Analysis Team encourages and facilitates greater acceptance of new technologies in the market by functioning with services and other stakeholders to recognize suitable technologies and to deal with system incorporation matters. The Market Analysis Team fosters improved understanding of the role of markets by identifying market barriers and opportunities, and promoting market-based solutions, when possible, to achieve greater development. The Market Analysis Team informs and guides the key conclusion makers in order to optimistically manipulate progress decisions. This contains developing the establishment of nationwide and regional electorates through work with a range of interest groups, and given that support to client and stakeholder groups to widen and execute market-based plans for its products. The Market Analysis Team carries out assessments of the insinuations of industry reorganization for its new products technologies. One has to execute analyses of diverse suggestions for a normal, transmission pricing, and autonomous system operators; as well as analyses

Process Analysis Essay on the Language of Mordovia

Process Analysis on the Language of Mordovia - Essay Example This paper was also able to explain important aspects and developments which now seem to impact on the preservation and use of the Mordovian language. These details formulate part of this paper’s critical analysis. Such details provide links between societal changes and their impact on the language. The explanation of the writer is orderly and detailed. The essay was able to present a structured paper as it discusses the Mordovian language based on the contribution of their society and the Russian historical developments. The paper is highly substantive. In evaluating the content and substance of this paper, it has been noted that the author has concentrated his analysis on a historical context. Although this analysis process is helpful in evaluating the development of the language, it does not provide details in relation to development milestones which would also have impacted on the growth or the decline of the language. The content of the paper is also lacking in more speci fic details in terms of the Russian influence and in terms of the people’s acceptance of their language and changes in such language. The materials, as well as the discussions of the references chosen to support this study, are very much relevant and appropriate for this paper. They help provide support for the contents and for the substance of this topic, as well as provide clarity for some vague aspects of the subject matter. In effect, the topic for this essay is very much relevant because there are various changes being seen in the development of this language – changes which are contributing to the decline of this language’s usage in Mordovian society. The essay is highly informative in terms of presenting important aspects of the Mordovian language, its people, and its history. The discussion is not based on a unidimensional discussion, it is based on a dynamic and diverse perspective on the Mordovian language. The essay even made a clear pitch towards its discussion on the future of the language and its current prospects based on the contemporary global situation. The author tried to ensure that the paper was plagiarism free, however, there are gaps in the paper which seem to indicate that the statement being made are of the author’s own words, when in fact they come from a resource material. The paper needs to be improved in terms of summarization and paraphrasing in order to avoid plagiarism and to ensure that the author’s own words are not used as personal words for this paper. It would have been more appropriate for the student to use more words like â€Å"according to,† â€Å"in the book by,† â€Å"based on,† and similar words which indicate that the statement is not of the student’s own opinion or analysis. This essay is based on the APA format and the student made use of proper APA formatting. The reference page however is not properly formatted. The APA format is not supposed to be n umbered and the references must be placed on a hanging indent. The indents for each paragraph are also not based on the APA format. The flow of ideas from one paragraph to the other is mostly logical. For the most part, the links for the different paragraphs are based on the logical movement of ideas. However, there are some gaps in the flow with some of the paragraphs failing to provide links to the next paragraph.

Solution of the Problems in the Daily Routine Essay

Solution of the Problems in the Daily Routine - Essay Example However, I have been able to come up with my own solution. I shall describe the solution later, but first I shall describe the solutions that others offered to me. I was told that I should be determined about getting rid of my habit of clumsiness. If I decide once and for all, that I have to be active, that is all. But, I have tried so many times to use this solution, but all in vain. I have been telling myself every time that I will be more determined the next day, but the next day never came that made me determined to be active. I have been told to take part in healthy activities so that I do not get time to be lazy at all. That was also not useful since my laziness kept me from indulging in any sports or any other healthy activity. My health has also been declining due to my laziness to go into the kitchen and eat something healthy. I have been relying on readymade junk food due to my laziness of not willing to cook something for me, or even ask mom to cook something special. All I have wanted is to lie down with a packet of popcorns and watch movies till late at night. I am really sick of myself, and also sick of the solutions that others have to offer. Hence, I decided to come up with my own solution. I have tried this one, and have come up with fruitful results. I have come up with the solution of positive reinforcement.  I studied somewhere that if you give someone a reward after he does a good task, this makes him willing to do that task more and more, and with more energy. This strategy evokes motivation and determination, more than anything else. So, I decided to make up a to-do list for every coming day, with a reward at the end of the list, which meant that if I was able to complete all to-dos mentioned in the list for the next day, then I would give myself a reward, like going for a leisure walk for an hour with my best friend, or I would lie down and watch the latest Twilight series with my friends, or I would sleep till late morning the next da y.  

Significance of Forensic Evidence Research Paper

Significance of Forensic Evidence - Research Paper Example Forensic evidence usually involves factors like modern computer, DNA fingerprints, forensic anthropology, toxicology, autopsy techniques and much more. Forensic evidence, therefore, has some significance to criminal justice and has some impacts on law. However, forensic evidence raises questions as to whether there are enough constitutional safeguards to help in maintaining the privacy of people. Moreover, forensic evidence has some great assets and liabilities. Forensic evidence has appreciable significance to criminal justice. For instance, forensic evidence has assisted in the arrest of people who commit rape crimes. In the past, when someone was raped, it was not simple to establish who did the rape. This was because the technological level was not so advanced. With forensic science, test can be carried out on a victim of rape to determine the person who did the rape. This technology simply collects some fluids from the rape victims for example semen and then it is taken for the DNA test. The results from such tests are in most cases accurate. This has therefore, been of positive significance to criminal justice. Another significance of forensic evidence to the criminal justice is in the accounting sector. Since the sector of accounts majorly deals with finances, it is prone to criminal activities. The sector of accounts has in the past lost many finances because of fraud cases by those in management, especially the accountants. Presently, forensic technology is also used in the financial sector to detect fraud cases. Financial sectors are, therefore, employing forensic accountants who assist in the detection of fraud. This has helped the courts in judging the cases that involve mismanagement of funds because before, such judgments were not easy to make. The judgments were not easy to make because in most situations there was no clear evidence. Forensic accounting has, therefore, contributed significantly to criminal justice. In crime scenes, the police inv estigators or rather the technicians of crime scenes usually examine all available evidence carefully and dust the scenes of crime purposely to retrieve some fingerprints in case of existence. These fingerprints are usually used to detect the individuals who were present at the time the crime occurred. These individuals can, therefore, help in the investigation process or if they are the criminals then the law acts on them. The detection of the characters with the same fingerprints like the ones collected the scene of crime is usually done with the assistance of forensic science. The evidence from this method is in most cases accurate hence the law courts find it easy to sentence such criminals. This forensic method, therefore, has helped in criminal justice significantly. Forensic evidence is also significant to the criminal justice because it gives the law courts clear evidence on the murder cases. Forensic science can be used in testing the bloodstains at a crime scene. Bloodstai ns and spatter analysis engages the examination of a crime scene, extension and trajectory of the blood in the crime scene (Kiely, 2001). It can, therefore, be used to determine a death cause, a victim’s location and the weapon used or the perpetrator. These collections are then taken to the forensic laboratory for analysis and finding of the results. It is the result from

Medicare and Medicaid Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Medicare and Medicaid - Essay Example Part B covers: Eighty percent of the approved charges are paid by Medicare Part B after annual deductible is met. It is optional to enroll for Medicare Part B and the Medicare program stays constant from state to state. [1] [2] Medicaid: It means financial aid to pay for care. It is an assistance program which is funded both by the federal government and the individual states. It helps individuals of all ages with low income and medical costs and the eligibility requirements vary from state to state. People who have Medicare coverage can also qualify for Medicaid as they have low income and Medicaid covers their deductibles and co-payments which would have to be paid by them if they were not under Medicaid. It does not cover any kind of custodial care. It covers inpatient and outpatient hospital services, laboratory and x-ray services, physician services, nursing facility services, home health services and services of a nurse-midwife. Every state program includes some prescription drug coverage. There are special rules for people who apply for Medicaid for long-term care: Medicare should modernize and update its package of services according to customers needs because customers try alternative medicines and cross geographical boundaries to get the treatment. Therefore in order to satisfy them, changes have to be made. Patients are troubled with the complexity, paperwork, and regulatory

The Mountain Man Brewing Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Mountain Man Brewing Company - Essay Example As a result, Chris Prangel, the company’s new manager is faced with tough decisions which he has to make. This is because of the desire to convince his father, the company’s founder, and other executives that the new brand can achieve success in the market without negative market impacts on the traditional beer. It is in this regard that a marketing campaign with an integrated marketing approach is recommended in this paper as a way of aiding Prangel’s decision making. Market Report The market that is presented in this case is that of a beer company which is faced with a challenge and dilemma in marketing its new brand. This challenge results from the desire to promote the new brand without affecting the positive image of quality and authenticity which the traditional brand has received from its consumers in the market. This market report is presented in form of an analysis of the business case with an aim of coming up with the most appropriate recommendation for the company’s new manager for solving the challenges and dilemmas that the company is faced with. ... The response that Prangel wants to implement as a result of the decline in sales is the introduction of a new brand, the Mountain Man Light, which is targeted at the youth. Prangel’s decision seems to have yielded fruits because a 4% annual growth of the new brand was registered within the US. Nonetheless the performance of the traditional brands continues to decline. A focus group study on the company’s market by a regional advertising agency reveals that the preferences of various consumers in different age groups vary. The older generation preferred the traditional Mountain Man Lager while the younger generation desired the Mountain Man Light. Chris Prangel is in a marketing dilemma in deciding between the marketing of Mountain Man Light as oppose to the traditional Mountain Man Lager brand. Mountain Man Lager was very successful by 2005. This is demonstrated by the fact that the beer sold over 520, 000 barrels which earned the company more than $50 million. Moreover the brand had grown into the top of Virginia’s beer market. It is notable that in the beer business, the brand plays the major role in defining the decision of consumers for purchase and consumption of a specific brand. However , multiple other factors such as taste, quality, price, occasion, tradition, brand image and authenticity play major roles in the decisions of consumers. Authenticity of the Mountain Man Lager was the main approach that was used by the company in marketing its brand by the demonstration of its rich family history to the consumers. The success of the Mountain Man brand was specifically a success because of the target of the company on the blue collar consumers. This made the brand popular among working class men in Virginia. The fact that Mountain Man Lager was a

Black hawk down lessons learned pertaining to the Army's 5 logistics Essay

Black hawk down lessons learned pertaining to the Army's 5 logistics characteristics - Essay Example Indeed, the true meaning of disciple among the military is that the military is well structured with programs and regulations. For instance the military has manuals and policies that regulate all that they do from the barracks to the offices to operations. One outstanding policy that regulates the military’s operations is what is known as logistics. Logistics in the literary world may be said to be the availability of resources but in the military, â€Å"logistics is the process of planning and executing force sustainment in support of military operations† (Global Security Organization, 2001). This essay looks at an influential component of logistics known as logistics characteristics. The paper shall review what constitutes logistics characteristics, the importance of logistics characteristics and lessons learned from the Army’s five logistics characteristics in relation to specific military and global events such as the famous Black Hawk Down. Components of Log istics Characteristics and how they relate to the FM 100-5 The Field Manual, commonly referred to as the FM is an important component of military operation in determining basic how-to’s. ... 2-0). This means that once the military is out there to keep peace, they mandate involves an entire complicated process of getting procedures achieved and thus operating within certain means and environment. During most of these operations, resources are not always in abundance for the day-to-day activities of the military. However this is no excuse for operations not to take place. In the event of scarcity of resource, the army’s logistics characteristics come to play with the philosophy that â€Å"scarce resources require logistics operations to be efficient, not wasteful† (Global Security Organization, 2011). When resources are well handled, logistics operations become both effective and efficient and the fundamentals of operation as stated in the FM 100-5 become achieved. Logistics characteristics are well organized into five components, which are briefly discussed below. Anticipation The FM 100-5 notes that the responsibility of ensuring successful use of logistics depends on the corps logisticians. Once the corps logistician is said to be pursue anticipation, it is expected that the corps logistician becomes highly proactive rather than reactive. Just as the logistics characteristics mentions anticipation as the need for the logistician to see ahead into the future, the FM 100-5 talks about intelligence gathering, stating that officers and leaders â€Å"gather intelligence to gain advance warning and anticipate likely enemy courses of action† (p. 2-6). A proactive logistician should be in the position of seeing into the future in the management of logistics. Without such a characteristic, the logistician is going likely to fail the entire team in the sense that they

Operations Management Essay Example for Free

Operations Management Essay 1. Discuss how just-in-time manufacturing might affect a Job Shop (Consider both positive and negative impacts on both internal and external operations). Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing may affect a Job Shop both positively and negatively. The most important affect is that it improves the performance of job shop production. JIT also eliminates waste and/or decreases work in progress (WIP) in that same sense. JIT allows for products that are produced to fulfill an immediate demand for them. JIT emphasizes on quality. Quality is very important in JIT manufacturing because it decreases or eliminates costs and increases profits by producing high quality products the first time around. JIT allows for quality products to be transformed from raw materials into finished goods as expediently and efficiently as possible without delay. Some of the negative affects are unskilled or untrained workers. They may not make quality products because they are not trained properly or often. It may affect external operations by promoting competitive bidding between vendors to provide needed inventory. Sometimes this can cause friction between long-standing vendors and the company when they’re out bid by another vendor. It can tarnish the business relationship. 2. You operate a dairy farm, raising cows for the production of raw milk products. Briefly identify the levels of vertical integration that you would anticipate being possible for such an operation (include both backward and forward integration in your response). Operating a dairy farm, raising cows, would be a very challenging business to conduct. The competition for market share is outrageous. One level of vertical integration that I would anticipate is to possibly setup my own distribution center. I would face some challenges because I’d have to hire workers with this type of expertise, along with the knowledge of farming. Though I’d have to invest more capital and purchase or allot warehousing space for the added inventory, in the long run it would be much more economically beneficial to my farming business. I would become my own distributor, thus passing these savings to my customers, while gaining market share. Another level of vertical integration would be that I’d purchase more land to have grass to feed my cows, instead of purchasing feed from a feed company. That type of integration is called forward integration. 3. Discuss the concept of the â€Å"Process Spectrum†. Use examples where appropriate. The Process Spectrum is made up of five major types of manufacturing processes that a company may use to get to an end product, or a finished good or service. The continuous flow process is characterized by the flow of material. During this process, the material hardly ever stops, but moves constantly from one process to another. Using the continuous flow process, the time to transform raw material into a finished project can be easily estimated. The Job Shop process is the most flexible of the processes. Unlike the continuous flow process, the Job Shop process it group’s similar equipment together. This most often allows for products to flow from one machine to a different type of machine and back to a previous type of machine, if needed, unlike the continuous flow process. This process fulfills an outside customer’s order by an agreed-upon date and whatever quantity ordered. The batch flow process is most similar to the job shop process, in that the equipment is grouped by function rather than product. Unlike the job shop process, it produces products in an established lot size that move into an inventory from which further production or final customer orders are filled. The Line Flow process mostly resembles a moving assembly line, such as in the auto industry. In contrast to the continuous flow, the line flow is more flexible, less automated, and more labor/worker driven. The hybrid process is where the first part of the flow of materials resembles the batch flow process, while the latter part resembles a line or continuous flow process. In a hybrid process, on process separates the inventory by parts or semi-finished inventory, to be passed to the other process for assembly or finishing. 4. Compare and contrast the â€Å"Worker Paced Line Flow Process† and the â€Å"Machine Paced Line Flow Process† as relates to capital use, process speed, pacing, and materials requirements. In comparing and contrasting the â€Å"Worker Paced Line Flow† and â€Å"Machine Paced Line Flow† processes in reference to capital use, it is fairly cheap to manufacture and or service the customer base in the worker paced line flow than the machine paced line flow. Though the equipment is specially designed to produce the quality products of the company, the difference in capital use is greater in the machine paced line flow because the operations are most likely larger in size than the worker paced line flow process. In a worker paced line flow, the process of making raw material into a finished product is increasingly fast, such as in a fast food restaurant. The customers expect to be served in a decent time frame and expect their food to be fresh, hot, and in good or great quality. The product flow depends on the immediate demand. The greater the customer base, the greater the need to produce products and in a faster pace. However, it is still dependent upon the pace of the workers and their pace is monitored and adjusted by management as deemed fit for customer demand. In a machine flow process, the process of speed is fast. This is based upon the speed of the machine producing the product. However, machines can be set to achieve a set goal by management. In reference to materials requirements, in a worker paced line the amount of material or inventory needed or required is closely estimated by the amount of sales. In a machine paced line flow process, the amount is not known for certain until a production plan is established. 5. Briefly discuss the concept of the â€Å"cost of quality†. Consider both positive and negative costs associated with a typical quality program in a manufacturing facility. My understanding of the term â€Å"Quality is Free† is to make the product to specifications the first time, as to avoid the costs associated with correcting all of the defects. Poor quality could lead to poor customer relations, which is bad because most businesses are advertised through â€Å"word of mouth†. To scrap means to start over from the beginning. That’s not good because you’ve made the product twice at twice the cost. Costs can be mitigated when the products are inspected and tested to detect defects at different stages of WIP, before rolling out to the market. This is a good process to have in place. Ensuring workers are properly trained and cross-trained is a good preventative measure to have in place. The more processes a worker can perform, the more productive the company can be.

Failure Analysis Strategy Change Essay Example for Free

Failure Analysis Strategy Change Essay Movies have always been a past time enjoyed by many. As the technology continues to grow, many video stores are going out of business and digital or online movies are rising in popularity. Blockbuster Video and Netflix are businesses that have been affected by these changes. Blockbuster opened in 1985 with the mission statement of â€Å"Our corporate mission is to provide our customers with the most convenient access to media entertainment, including movie and game entertainment delivered through multiple distribution channels such as our stores, by mail, vending and kiosks, online and at home. We believe Blockbuster offers customers a value-prices entertainment experience, combining the broad product depth of a specialty retailer with local neighborhood convenience† (Farfan, 2010). Blockbuster continued with the vision statement of â€Å"At Blockbuster, diversity means valuing differences. It’s corporate value that must be continually developed, embraced, and incorporated into the way we do business† (Farfan, 2010). Blockbuster operated with more than 7,400 stores worldwide and also operated through 1,600 franchise stores. As technology started to change, customers began streaming movies from the Internet as well as using kiosks, such as Redbox, for movie rentals. Competition became a large factor in Blockbuster and the failing of the company, but a large part of the failure was due to manage changes and misunderstanding of the business as a whole (Dunston, 2014). Blockbuster Failure In 2006 and 2007, Blockbuster was approached by the CEO of Netflix, Reed Hastings, asking them to acquire Netflix. Hastings knew that Netflix had not formulated a plan to stop Blockbuster from stealing their customers, at the rate of a million per year. Blockbuster decided that the company did not  need Netflix because Blockbuster had a stronger and larger growth, but then a change that was never expected happened. A new CEO was named for Blockbuster after a boardroom dispute. The man appointed CEO didn’t fully understand the business and what Blockbuster needed in order to remain above the competition, especially Netflix. The CEO started changing plans for the company and even pulled out the Internet efforts that had been in place for Blockbuster. Within 18 months, 85% of the capital value of the company had been lost; within in 2 years, it was completely gone (Dunston, 2014). Netflix Netflix views themselves as â€Å"freedom of on-demand and the fun of indulgent viewing† (Netflix, 2014). Netflix also focuses on the convenience of the no-hassle, online cancellation and offer movies and TV series network. Technology and good leadership is how Netflix became the leader in the industry (Halal, 2010). Netflix executives understood that the emerging technology was rapidly changing the delivery of movie rentals. CEO, Hastings, developed â€Å"strategies involving Internet streaming, convenient customer service, and the virtual organization to deliver it cheaply and flawlessly† (Halal, 2010). Another part of Netflix’s technology strategy was to avoid the burden of having to go to a video store for customers. Customer service is key to a successful business, so Hastings used a monthly subscription to allow customers to have access to unlimited rentals, including no late fees. Instead of the hassle of renting movies, the focus is providing convenience. With the mission statement and vision of â€Å" Our core strategy is to grow our streaming subscription business domestically and globally. We are continually improving the customer experience, with a focus on expanding our streaming content, enhancing our user interface and extending our streaming service to even more Internet-connected devices, while staying within the parameters of our consolidated net income and operating segment contribution profit targets,† shows that the company wants the best for the company as well as their customers (Netflix, 2014). NetFlix Organizational Theories In reading many articles online about the success of NETFLIX the two organizational behavior theories that have been seen in this company have been decision-making and system approaches. Netflix’s huge decision to become a virtual DVD rental via online instead of going to actual in-store purchases like Blockbuster, has placed them at the top of the food chain. The technological advances alone for Netflix has change the industry forever, they took the systems approach by understanding the company’s input and output process and integrated the drive in developing new adaptive capacities and innovation. Blockbuster’s organization theory of scientific leadership placed a great deal into how the company ran it’s in store business and how the objectives and decisions were placed within the company. If Blockbuster could focus more on the click feature like how Netflix did, and not dismiss the idea that it would be a revolutionary change in the industry and within Blockbusters stockholders. Roles of Leadership and Management Per Netflix (2014) it has a â€Å"functional organizational structure, which aims at its functions themselves, rather than by customer segments or regions†. They have a CEO; Reed Hastings has 6 departments that have managers within them that run it. The organization beyond those 6 managers is not as structured as the top echelon is, they run their departments as they see fit. The CEO has instilled in their managers the management style of â€Å"Context, not Control† (Siegler), implying that very little control is given to employees, rather employees are held responsible for their actions and are expected to work efficiently and independently. Because of this idealists approach to management and how successful the company has been with it, they have found that they have no need to change their management style yet. Organizational value within Netflix has been on promoting the â€Å"stunning colleagues† (Netflix.com, 2014), and their importance in a great workplace. They have 9 values that they show is priority number 1 at Netflix, â€Å" judgment, impact, curiosity, innovation, courage, passion, honesty and selflessness (Siegler). The basic values that they believe as a company are workplace efficiency, emphasis on effective over effort, management best practices, retention practices, and large emphasis on a large salary, rather than stock options and bonuses. They believe that this  creates an environment that promotes productivity, and efficient work environment, which shows in colleague retention and overall happiness at Netflix. Part 2: Leading Organizational Change As the CEO of Blockbuster it is my responsibility to evaluate the organizations structure as well as the power and political issues within the company. The CEO can be disconnected to what is going on at the operations level of the company if he or she does not put forth the effort to be involved. As the CEO I will be involved in the operations of the company and be a leader employees can look up to. To implement the organizations change I will use a strategy based on John Kotter’s 8 step plan for change. John Kotter’s 8 steps are â€Å"establishing a sense of urgency, forming a powerful guiding coalition, creating a vision, communicating the vision, empowering others to act on the vision, planning for and creating short-term wins, consolidating improvements and producing still more changes, institutionalizing new approaches†(Mintzberg, Lampel, Quinn 2003). As the CEO of blockbuster I see that technology is changing and we must keep up. If we do not keep up with the technological advances we are doomed to fail. I see the company as a technology company and not just a movie rental company. I do not want Blockbuster to just survive, I want Blockbuster to thrive. Blockbuster will start investing in new internet technologies and streaming services. We will align ourselves with major motion picture studios to ensure that we get the newest movies and offer our customers the best services possible. Upper management will actively seek new opportunities and new world markets to expand our services. All employees will be encouraged to provide new ideas and mediocrity will not be accepted. Every aspect of the company will be evaluated and our services will provide our customers with the greatest movie streaming value. Reference Dunston, Dain (2014). When Blockbuster Forgot What Business They Were In. Retrieved from www.daindunston.com Farfan, Barbara (2010). Company Mission Statements – Complete List of World’s Largest Retail Missions. Retrieved from www.retailindustry.about.com Halal, Bill (2010). How Netflix Beat Blockbuster: An Exemplar of Emerging Technologies. Retrieved from www.billhalal.com Mintzberg, H., Lampel, J., Quinn, J. B. (2003). The Strategy Process: Concepts, Contexts, Cases (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall Netflix Long Term View (2014). Retrieved from http://ir.netflix.com Netflix Capstone and Final Report (2014). Retrieved on January 7, 2014. http://mgmtclarity.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/capstone_final_report.pdf

Childhood Obesity And Obesity Epidemic Health And Social Care Essay

Childhood Obesity And Obesity Epidemic Health And Social Care Essay Han et al. (2010) identified that the global prevalence of childhood obesity has significantly increased over the last ten years. Story et al. (2009) note that adolescent obesity as a significant global challenge for health in the 21st century, noting that the prevalence in the United States had quadrupled from 1966 to 2003-2006. In the United States, the Centre for Disease Control postulates that the American society has become obesogenic (CDC website). Moffat (2010) notes that as early as the beginning of the twenty first century the obesity epidemic was legitimately acknowledged as both a medical and societal problem. Health professionals continue to sound the alarm that obesity is a serious health concern for children and adolescents and places them at risk for a myriad of health problems, not only during their youth but also as adults. Freedman et al. (2007) posit that childhood obesity increases the risk for cardiovascular disease during adolescence and adulthood. Further to th at, they went on to argue that outside of the health risks that childhood obesity poses, the magnitude of the problem is often overlooked from the economic costs perspective. Trasande and Chatterjee (2009) noted that in 2009 in the United States, increased health-care and utilization and expenditures were concentrated among adolescents. They went on to underscore that the immediate economic consequences of childhood obesity are much greater than previously realized and emphasized that there needs to be continued concerted efforts made to reduce the burden of this major co-morbidity. The burden is not isolated to just childhood and adolescence as Serdula et al. (1993) purport the view that obese children and adolescents are more likely to become obese as adults, a view later reinforced by Whitaker et al. (1997). In one study they identified that it was estimated that eighty percent (80%) of children who were overweight at aged ten to fifteen years were obese adults at age twenty-five . In a subsequent study Freedman et al. (2001) found that twenty-five percent (25%) of obese adults were overweight as children. Moffat (2010) notes that a number of studies conducted in the United States indicate that there exists an association between childhood obesity and low household income and food insecurity. As a result, she notes that children of low socio-economic status are the ones who bear the brunt of the obesity epidemic. It is also well documented that there is a higher prevalence of childhood obesity among ethnic minorities and immigrant children. Gordon-Larsen et al. (2003) and Sorof et al. (2004) noted that the prevalence of obese children was higher among Hispanics and African-Americans, who predominantly made up the low socio-economic status bracket of the United States. Poverty in the United States is highest among children, 20% of all children in the United States live in poverty, Kotch (2005), and consequently if poverty serves as a risk factor for obesity, they are going to be the population most affected. It is important to note that while at-risk populations are relatively easily identified, the very factors contributing to the obesity epidemic remain complex and not well understood. Basch (1999) identifies poverty as the single underlying cause for most diseases in the world today. Kumanyika Grier (2006) argue that low income communities or households may find it increasingly difficult to provide the resources or funds needed to provide children with nutritious meals or opportunities for sufficient exercise. The availability, affordability and appeal of foods that are low in nutritional value, but high in fat, sugar and calories, means that those in the lower socio-economic bracket find it easier to afford that meal plan. Further to that, persons in the low socio-economic bracket do not have access to food stores that sell healthy foods. In the United States, Powell and Chaloupka (2009), note that while the prices for low nutrition foods have been decreasing over the past few decades, the cost for healthy foods has been increasing, directly impacting the food options for the poor. Poverty affects not only the eating habits of minority groups but also influences their physical activity. Children, who live in poor households, normally live in poor or low income communities with crowded streets, marked by a lack of safe outdoor space or facilities in which they can play, Dwyer et al. (2006) and Franzini et al. (2009). A lack of physical activity or even a decrease in physical activity, coupled with increased fat and calorie intake are factors that can influence weight and lead to obesity in children. Other researchers, while they concur with the view that low socio-economic status is a determinant of childhood obesity, they go to note that other cultural and environmental factors exist, (Gordon-Larsen et al. 2003; Wang et al. 2007). Culture as a contributing factor must be considered in terms of its ability to influence behavioural patterns. Earlier arguments posited on stigmatization of excess body fat. However, children and adolescents in ethnic minorities find excess body fat and obesity to be less stigmatizing and less associated with a dissatisfaction of body types, Stice et al. (2006). Further to that, among Hispanics for example, a situation with which we can identify in the Caribbean, children who are small are considered to be sick or malnourished. In other low-income communities, such as African Americans, thin is associated with drug addiction or poverty, Jain et al. (2001). Here we see the stigma being attached to thin or small body types, creating an environment wher e obesity is acceptable, even preferred. Further to that, societal changes have also led to an adoption of sedentary lifestyles; a lifestyle that often times appear to be more pronounced among the minority groups. They are found to own more televisions than non-ethnic minority children and consequently spend more time watching television, and being exposed to advertising for high fat diets, Kain et al. (2004) and Kumanyika and Grier (2006). Having had discourse on the causes and aetiology of obesity in children and adolescents, identifying it as epidemic in the United States with long term implications for health, the question on prevention becomes more pertinent and leads to the identification of interventions. From the ongoing debate it seems that prevention of childhood obesity needs to incorporate a change in societal status, change in behavioural and cultural patterns as well as addressing the biological factors of obesity. McClaskey (2010) notes that with the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity in the United States, efforts at prevention must aim at protecting children, especially the vulnerable groups. She noted that some health centres in the US, are employing the use of a modified version of the national obesity programme We Can, to implement childhood obesity clinics, in an effort geared at reaching an underserved patient population. From the literature reviewed, it seems that while physicians are aware of the growing epidemic and its implications for health, Hall (2010) found that few actually initiated interventions on weight management with children. The impact of obesity among children and adolescents on morbidity, mortality and cost for healthcare, means that there is a need to engage not only the at-risk groups, but physicians as well on the need to overcome barriers to the resolution of this public health concern. Foremost in prevention and intervention is the need for education as re lates to the development and management of obesity. Healthcare professionals can and should be used in health promotions. The Institute of Medicine recommends that prevention of obesity should be encouraged in children and adolescents by tracking patients BMI, providing evidence-based counselling, and having healthcare teams act as role models, (IMO, 2005). This they argued, provides the opportunity to identify persons at risk and to provide opportunistic lifestyle advice, as well as provide pro-active care such as referral to a nutritionist or other actions geared at improving the nutritional and physical activity habits of the identified children. Hebebrand (2010) notes that efforts aimed at prevention should seek to incorporate the schools as school settings have proven important for health behaviour interventions. Such interventions in the US have seen the removal of vending machines from school compounds as well as prohibiting sale of sodas to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. The food industry in the United States has also responded to the need to modify diets by making products lower in caloric density. They have also developed foods with components claimed to assist in weight loss, (Gaullier et al. 2005) Roberto et al. (2010) noted in a study conducted, that childrens snack preferences can be influenced by the use of licensed characters such as Elmo being placed on the packages. As a result, they concluded that as a means of reducing childhood obesity, licensed characters to advertise junk food to children should be restricted. One of the most notable arguments for prevention indicates a need for prevention to begin in the early stages of the life of a child. Aranceta et al. (2009) underscore the need for the adequate nutritional status of the mother during pregnancy. At the community level, education on nutrition has been incorporated into the maternal care given to women. It serves to ensure their nutritional health as well as the future nutritional health of the infant. In 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama joined the campaign to fight childhood obesity. Her Lets Move Campaign is seeking to raise the nutritional level of school meals and improve access to healthier foods in deprived communities. That campaign has seen the inclusion and use of mobile food markets, in states such as Virginia. Further to that, parents are encouraged to enrol their children in extra-curricular activities. President Obama has also called for an additional one billion dollars to fund child nutrition programmes. Champions for Change, another campaign group, is advocating making changes in kitchens, homes, schools and neighbourhoods across America. It purports the need for more fruits and vegetables, more activity, which means less television, and more voices raised for healthy changes. Against this backdrop, from a public health perspective primary prevention of childhood obesity requires a population-wide approach that is multifaceted and that aims at promoting healthier eating practices, an active lifestyle and access and provision of care to children to ensure early detection of risk and thereby increase prevention. In 2004 the WHO approved the Global Strategy on Diet and Physical activity, encouraging all of its member states to develop and implement national action plans aimed at a reduction in obesity rates. Obesity, as previously noted, can have adverse health, social and emotional effects. It also increases the risk among adolescents for disability and premature death as adults. Story et al. (2005) notes that there are metabolic and physiological abnormalities associated with adolescent obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemias, orthopedic problems and type 2diabetes. Cowie et al., (2006) Ogden et al.(2006) and Reininger et al. (2009) have all documented findings that postulate that in the United States, underprivileged Hispanics have excessively higher rates of type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer as compared to whites; diseases for which obesity has been noted to be a risk factor. The life-long consequences of this rising epidemic are or should be a serious concern for health planners. Increased morbidity means increased utilization of health service, increased supply of health care for example pharmaceuticals, which translates into increased cost of healthcare and notably, the at-risk population is the one least likely to be able to afford access to the required health services. That places an additional burden on social security. Research suggests that obesity-related chronic diseases previously found in adults such as hypertension and osteoarthritis are now appearing in minority children (Frenn et al., 2003; Kumanyika Grier, 2006; McCarthy et al., 2008). Therefore, addressing obesity during childhood, particularly in ethnic minority populations, is a priority in preventing escalating co-morbidities in adulthood and the adverse health outcomes associated with such co-morbidities. A review of the plethora of literature that deliberates on the topic childhood and adolescent obesity presents not solutions to this growing epidemic but points to a need for continued research aimed at identifying effectual prevention interventions for that age group. It highlights a void in the data on socially accepted, sustainable, and culturally appropriate interventions for the at-risk population, minority groups. All of these possible interventions, if they are to be successful, can only be integrated into mainstream society if they are a part of a coordinated system that includes multi-sectoral participation and involvement of all of the stakeholders.

Hedonism Essay -- Papers

Webster's dictionary defines hedonism as "the ethical doctrine that pleasure, variously conceived of in terms of happiness of the individual or of society, is the principal good and the proper aim of action" or "the theory that a person always acts is such a way as to seek pleasure and avoid pain." With this definition in mind, and with further examination of John Stuart Mill's theory on hedonism, I am going to argue that hedonism is not an exclusive or distinct way of thinking. In fact, I think that with the exception of possibly a few people, most people are very hedonistically inclined. "Hedonistic utilitarians identify happiness with feeing pleasure and avoiding pain, meaning that the more an individual enjoys pleasure and avoids pain, the happier that individual is" (phil.tamu.edu). Now, is this really a new and profound thought? If you avoid pain, you will lead a happier life? With a few exceptions, I don't know many people who see pain as enjoyment. Most people I know have made it a point to enjoy themselves in so me fasion or another, and that doesn't include the enjoyment of pain. "Mill's overall subject is the right of the indivieual to think and act for himeself of herself. For Mill this does not mean the right to think and act as you please (Castell 360). Eventhough Mill encouraged independent thought and actions, he did not justify running around and doing whatever you liked. According to the Hedonic Society, what they call Enlightened Hedonism ("a naturalistic and humanistic lifestance advocation the ration cultivation of pleasure and happiness for all") can be state... ...ve a relatively balanced life, you would include both physical and intellectual aspects of your life. Whether or not you would be labeled a "Hedonist" would remain to be seen. If you incorporate the greater needs of others into your individual immediate needs, then technically, yes, that would be Hedonism. But, I would venture to say that you would be labeled "a nice person."  Works Cited Castell, Alburey, et al., Introduction to Moern Philosophy: Examining the Human Condition. (New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2001). "Hedonism." Stanford University (online) www.stanford.edu/~quixote/philosophies.htm#hedonism* . (12/03/2001). "John Stuart Mill." unknown (online) *www-/ phil.tamu.edu/~gary/intro/lecture.mill_1.html. (12/03/2001). "What is Enlightened Hedonism?" Hedonic Society (online) *www.hedonicsociety.org/custom/html*. (12/03/2001)

Use of Insanity and Madness in Hamlet Essays -- Literary Analysis, Sha

It is or is it not true that Hamlet was faking his insanity? I’m not saying Hamlet was faking the whole thing. The meaning for insanity on Dictionary.com is â€Å"a permanent disorder of the mind.† I don't think Hamlet had a permanent disorder of the mind he knew what he was doing and even planned the majority of the events that happened. Most of the time anyway. Having your father die is bad enough, but to have your mother marry your uncle, within a few weeks of your father’s death? Then to see the ghost of your dead father. That would drive anyone a little insane, but maybe not to the extent that everyone thought Hamlet was acting. Hamlet is torn between acting sane and letting everyone else see him as insane. Hamlet is so grieved by his father's death that he begins to think of suicide. â€Å"O,tht this too too soid flesh would melt thaw and resolve itelf into a dew!† (Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 129-130). Hamlet's next thought to be mad when he begins to follow the ghost. Horatio attempts to tell Hamlet not to follow the ghost, Horatio questions him to about what might happen if the ghost â€Å"assume some other horrible form Which might deprive your sovereignth of reason. And draw you into madness†(Act 1, Scene 4, Lines 72-74)? Throughout the play Hamlet seems to act insane then sane again. His comment to his friends best describes his madness when he says, â€Å"I am but mad north-north-west: when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from handsaw† (Act 2, Scene 2, Lines 378-379). Hamlet is insane only when he thinks it is best for him to be insane. He uses his insanity as a way to vent his feelings toward others in the play. Hamlet’s display of insanity allows him to prove that Claudius did in face murder his father. After seein... ...s 319-326). Hamlet leaves his final words to Horatio. He tells him that he leaves behind a story unknown, and that he would like him to give up his happiness until the pain is gone and the story is told. In summary, I do not think that hamlet was insane. I think he had every right to be mad and upset at everyone who done him wrong. He should not have held all of his feelings inside. If I had been Hamlet, I had been mad and wanted to avenge my father's death also. If he had been insane he would not have done all the things that he'd managed to do. It was a pretty smart plan that Hamlet had created, and it almost work, if everyone didn't die at the end. Works Cited Shakespeare, William. â€Å"The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark† Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing. Ed. Edgar V. Roberts. 9th Ed. New York: Pearson Longman, 2009. Print

Airplane Safety Essay -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The main purpose of the article, Airspace Blunders, is to identify the leading causes for airspace incursions, more commonly known as near-midair collisions, and to provide alternative courses of action to prevent them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Prior to 9/11, the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) reported 10 clearly defined categories of causes; Unfamiliarity, Complex airspace, Overlying airspace, High workloads, Trusting technology too much, Confusion over landmarks, Problems getting clearances, Cutting it too Close, and finally, â€Å"I didn’t realize†¦Ã¢â‚¬    Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Of the causes identified, one was pilots being unfamiliar with the airspace boundaries, not being able to pick out local landmarks based on a section chart, understanding urban settings, strict noise abatement procedures and identifying different airspace classes. When you add in rapid-fire communications, high traffic flows and the complexity of a new patch of airspace, the challenges become much greater. The article suggests pilots being better prepared may mitigate these obstacles. This entails making sure the charts have proper scaling to signify key landmarks. These charts must then be studied. Prior to the flight, pilots were recommended to contact local pilots and flight instructors to obtain a sound understanding on normal clearances and potential problems.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When flying in complex airspace, the potential for flying into restricted airspace increases. Filing IFR for flight operations is an easier and safer option.   Ã‚  ...

African americans and Native americans Essay

African Americans and American Indians or Native Americans are two of the major subordinate groups in America today. They face many forms of oppression from the dominant group and have many things in common when it comes to this oppression. I would like to focus on five specific types of oppression they face: stigmatization, segregation, ethnocentrism, prejudice, and discrimination. African Americans are facing stigmatization far less these days, but if one looks back a half-century, they will find countless examples. Stigmatization can include the de-humanization, labeling, characterizing, and degrading of a group. During slavery, blacks were stigmatized into the happy and carefree characters Mammy and Sambo. This was done to show that slavery was good and blacks probably wouldn’t be able to function in free society. When slaves were freed, blacks were painted as savages that could not be trusted to live normally. Caricatures of blacks with exaggerated features and portraits of the characters Sambo and Mammy still exist today. For Native Americans, stigmatization is far worse. Countless sports teams have a Native American as their mascot, some having very derogatory names such as the Washington Redskins. â€Å"Indians† were also portrayed as evil in countless western movies and as ruthless savages in others. These stigmatizations make â€Å"Indians† seem more like fantasy characters than real people. Many people do not realize that these stigmatizations are very hurtful and detrimental to society. Segregation, the separation of two or more groups based on physical characteristics, is another issue that still plagues African Americans and Native Americans. From the moment Europeans set foot on what is now America, they have been forcing â€Å"Indians† farther and farther west. The American government created reservations for the â€Å"Indians† so that they could have the valuable resources that they â€Å"needed†. Treaties were signed and broken, and the â€Å"Indians† moved farther along the Trail of Tears. Reservations still exist today and for the most part Native Americans have are not integrated into American society. Most would like to think that after the Supreme Court case Brown vs. Board of Education, segregation no longer exists for African Americans. Sure it’s not like we still have separate drinking fountains, but by and large blacks and whites are separate. In all major cities large housing projects have been created for low-income persons. The vast majority of the people living there are black. Most inner city schools are almost entirely made up of minorities. Legal segregation is no longer a problem anymore, but social segregation is still a major problem in society today and something needs to be done. Ethnocentrism is the feeling by one group that they are superior to another based on ethnic background. Native Americans have always been the victims of this. They were forced to leave their homeland by the â€Å"superior† Europeans and thought not good enough to live among them. Native Americans still live mostly separate and many people still degrade them and think of them as inferior both mentally and physically. Most people have not been exposed to them yet judge them anyways. This is very sad and disturbing. African Americans were thought of as the lowest, stupidest, least civilized people on earth. The whites thought they were far superior and showed this by literally stealing African Americans from their homeland of Africa and forcing to into slave labor. Even after slavery, white supremacy groups such as the KKK still exist and continue to be a proponent for the inferiority of African Americans. Many think of blacks as being less far less intelligent and civilized even today. Prejudice and discrimination are two of the biggest problems facing African and Native Americans today, and the two go hand in hand. Prejudice involves negative attitudes towards ethnic groups, which can include beliefs, thoughts, and stereotypes. Discrimination is taking action on these prejudices by denying certain rights and opportunities to these groups. Prejudice leads to discrimination of these groups. African Americans as well as Native Americans are discriminated against in employment opportunities, housing options, public school resources, and countless other ways. They are  discriminated against because of these prejudices and stereotypes.For example, say a black man walks into a store with his white friend. The employees of the store are more likely to offer service to the white man and will probably follow the black man to make sure he is not shoplifting. The prejudice views they hold cause them to discriminate against the black man. These problems are very real even today and unless society as a whole addresses them and ways to stop them, they will continue to destroy the fabric of our country.

Moby Dick Narrative Essay

1.In this video, we immediately learn of an obsessed captain who wants revenge. Why does he want revenge and against whom or what? The captain wants revenge because he lost his leg to Moby Dick. 2.Who is the narrator of Moby Dick and what is the first line of the novel? The first line of the novel is â€Å"Call me Ishmael† and the narrator is Ishmael. 3.There are two significant Biblical allusions mentioned in the film. To whom do these allusions reference? How are the names significant? The two significant Biblical allusions are Captain Ahab which is the King Ahab in the Bible and the whale, which is a symbol of God or the Devil. See more: how to start a narrative essay for college 4.The narrator states that Moby Dick symbolizes three different meanings for three different characters. List the characters and the meaning which Moby Dick symbolizes for each of them. Captain Ahab sees Moby Dick as the devil. Starbuck sees Moby Dick as just a fish and Ishmael accepts both of them. 5.Why did Melville choose to write about whaling? Why was the industry significant? At that time whale oil was very popular and it made the whale industry a hit, therefore; Melville wrote about whales. 6.What did Melville do when he was 21? He set sail towards the South Pacific, but after four years he returned and wrote about his visit with everyone on the island 7.What established writer did Melville befriend while he was writing Moby Dick? While he wrote Moby Dick he befriended Nathaniel Hawthorne. 8.Comment on the four harpooners of the Pequod; politically, why were they significant? The four harpooners were of different races and represented different cultures. 9.What happens to the Pequod towards the end of the book? Ahab? Ishmael? They were out at sea, and noticed that deep in the ocean a whale was giving birth, but that all of it was terrorized because of other whalers that set in. Ahab is killed and Ishmael is the only survivor of Pequod. 10.What were the final years of Melville like? Melville’s final years were filled with personal tragedies and failure. 1.Ahab, do you think if you killed Moby Dick, your life would be better? 2.Ahab, do you want revenge because of the loss of your leg or because he took something more than your leg, like your pride? 3.Ahab, what would you have done if the whale didn’t bite your leg? 4.Ahab, why don’t you every mention your wife or son? Is a whale more important than them? 5.Ahab, how do feel about yourself knowing that you let people die for your obsession with Moby Dick?

Motivation to Help Essay

This paper discusses the social psychological perspective on helping. It tackles the factors that lead people to help other people and the theoretical basis on such actions. It also includes a reflection on the altruistic property in helping. Motivation to Help The murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964 as one of the most disturbing cases where almost 40 people were witnesses but none of them called the police in time to rescue her. This baffled social psychologists as to how this was possible. The result of their investigation was the formation of the concept of the Genovese Syndrome. This condition is theorized to exist on certain emergency situations where people encounter a diffusion of responsibility. This was because of the notion that there will be someone who will carry out the responsibility (Alex, 2008). On a personal account, an example of this behavior was observed in the sidewalk near a well-known shopping center. A lady, approximately aged 50 years was walking on the nearly crowded pavement when two men riding a motorcycle snatched her bag. It was not easily taken from her since she tried to defend herself and her belongings. The struggle made the two men shoot the lady until she was down on the sidewalk. The initial reaction of the people there was to run away from the scene. When the two men quickly left, the people slowly went towards the lady. Nobody helped until the lady screamed in pain. There are a number of factors that have resulted to the lack of responsiveness of the people on the victim. One of which is the bystander effect. Since there are more people in the area, the responsibility of helping the victim is divided among them. Each of these people had two choices of whether they should act or wait for someone to do it. Thus, the more people there are in the area means that people feel less obligated (â€Å"The Bystander Effect†, n. d. ). Also, the scream of the lady may have somehow alarmed the people around her, which may have motivated the some people to finally help her. Basically, there are five steps to helping or prosocial behavior. First of all, in order to help, there must be a realization that something is happening. It must also be interpreted as an emergency. The person who is to help must also feel the responsibility towards the situation. He must also know how he is going to help. Finally, the costs of helping are also assessed (Stocker, n. d. ). In this particular scenario, the five steps were evident. Although the initial reaction was to run because of the gun shot, people did realize that it was an emergency situation. However, because there were a lot of people, they did not have much responsibility for the situation because of the assumption that someone will act. When the lady screamed and the two men left, it was the time when someone helped, knowing that the costs are already low and it was no longer dangerous. There are many theories which explain why people are motivated to help. However, the most widely accepted theory on the subject is the theory of Victor Vroom, known as the expectancy theory. This simply states that people are motivated to help because they are expecting something in return such as a reward, or a good performance appraisal (Shah, n. d. ). Based on this theory, the act of helping may not be truly altruistic because of the tendency to expect for something in return. If the one helping does not want anything as a reward, it may be because of other outside factors such as his social image, religion, or the dictate of the society. Nevertheless, additional helped could have been offered in the situation, knowing the there were a lot of people in the situation. If all of them felt responsible for the incident, it is most likely that the crime would have been prevented. References Alex. (2008, February 13). The Genovese Syndrome: When Nobody Helps. Retrieved July 14, 2010, from Neatorama: http://www. neatorama. com/2008/02/13/the-genovese-syndrome-when-nobody-helps/ Shah, K. , & Shah, P. (n. d. ). Theories of Motivation. Retrieved July 14, 2010, from Laynetworks: http://www. laynetworks. com/Theories-of-Motivation. html# Stocker, S. (n. d. ). Social Psychology. Retrieved July 14, 2010, from http://webcache. googleusercontent. com/search? q=cache:P4aNe4_DzhsJ:www. spsp. org/student/intro/ppt/myers15. ppt+five+steps+to+prosocial+behavior&cd=4&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ph The Bystander Effect. (n. d. ). Retrieved July 14, 2010, from Changing Minds: http://changingminds. org/explanations/theories/bystander_effect. htm

Natural environment Essay

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater introduces an essential factor the architect incorporated in the perspective of organic architecture by striking the balance between technology and the environment. He utilized building materials in the likes of concrete and steel, contemporary resources which appeared quite artificial to the average man or woman (Hoffman 18; Levine 217). Technological advancement usually denotes an unwelcoming and unattractive facet of society, not just in the environmental realm but in the social aspect as well. At the same time as the country progresses towards the 20th century, the relationship between technology and the environment grew all the more crucial as far as the designs Wright conceives. He acknowledged that the technological advancements constitute an vital element of the society into which humanity is born. As an architect, he considered it his purpose to identify the common ground where technology and the environment exist in harmony with one another (Hoffman 18; Levine 217). The spectacular profile and structures he conceptualized, particularly in his most recent works became feasible with the aid of technological advances. Nonetheless, it took a human factor for cultivation (Hoffman 18; Levine 217). However, others believe that the building materials he incorporated were far from what were generally regarded as organic elements found in nature. In what manner can the cantilevered concrete, a feature of the structure communicate with the environment? In response to that query, the architect requests his audiences to consider nature as an abstract form (Hoffman 21; Levine 217). Wright suggests that his audiences treat nature as an innate feature of the material. The moment an individual identifies the fundamental component of masonry, brick, and wood, their nature was identifiable every time they are being utilized allowing them to function in the rising contemporary society (Hoffman 21; Levine 217). Undeniably, his works has evermore altered the landscape of the country, and similar to several built environments, his brand of architecture mirrored the socio-cultural aspects of the times beginning in the year 1890 until 1960 (Hoffman 21; Levine 217). Analyzing his designs would even offer significant insights concerning the concepts of organic architecture. His influence in field of architecture remains undisputed. The character of the structures he designed imposed not a style rather a manifestation of awareness which encouraged other versions of the forms in the contemporary society (Hoffman 21; Levine 217). Several other architects drew inspiration from the proximity of environmental occurrences (Hoffman 21; Levine 217). The Fallingwater serves as a contemporary representation of the basic need to identify with nature by means of immersion. Forming a cantilever above the waterfall of a winding creek, the Kaufmann house is nestled amid the forest. The rhythm of flowing water is heard around the place and suspended balconies offer the feeling of blending with nature. Such connection delivers an intimate connection with the built as well as the natural environment. The clean geometric architectural forms start to expose the inherent properties present in the basic structure of the natural environment. Works Cited Hoffmann, Donald. Understanding Frank Lloyd Wright’s Architecture. Chelmsford, Massachusetts: Courier Dover Publications, 1995. Levine, Neil. The Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1996.

A Light to My Path

Grady has only known life with his mama and playing with Missy Caroline (from A Candle in the Darkness) when he’s sold away from the Fletcher plantation. He serves a slave trader for many years before managing to be gambled away to a kinder owner, Massa Fuller. When Massa Fuller begins calling on Miss Claire, Grady and Kitty’s paths cross. The pretty, naive artist intrigues Grady, but his hatred for anyone white clashes with her subservient attitude. Though Missy Claire treats her like an animal, Kitty is wholly devoted to the only person who’s shown her even the barest scrap of affection. The Civil War begins shortly after their owners marry. Grady sees this as the perfect opportunity for escape, but Kitty is terrified of the idea. Which will win, her love for Grady or her fear? And Grady must choose between his hatred and the Jesus he believed in as a child. Blending breathtaking historical detail with intriguing characters, Lynn Austin crafts a deep tale with important spiritual truths. The Refiner’s Fire series, which can be read in any order, will have the most appeal to women, even for those who don’t prefer books set during the Civil War. Pick up A Light to My Path and prepare for a soulful escape to the past. — Katie Hart, Christian Book Previews. com Book Jacket: This powerful conclusion to Lynn Austin’s REFINER’S FIRE series brings to a close one of the most acclaimed sagas in Christian fiction ever. Each of the first two novels won Christy Awards for Historical Fiction. Now Austin completes her trilogy with a dramatic examination of the Civil War through a slave’s perspective. Riveting, eloquent, and gripping as all of her previous works, it’s the conclusion for which you’ve been waiting. A Light to My Path Grady has only known life with his mama and playing with Missy Caroline (from A Candle in the Darkness) when he’s sold away from the Fletcher plantation. He serves a slave trader for many years before managing to be gambled away to a kinder owner, Massa Fuller. When Massa Fuller begins calling on Miss Claire, Grady and Kitty’s paths cross. The pretty, naive artist intrigues Grady, but his hatred for anyone white clashes with her subservient attitude. Though Missy Claire treats her like an animal, Kitty is wholly devoted to the only person who’s shown her even the barest scrap of affection. The Civil War begins shortly after their owners marry. Grady sees this as the perfect opportunity for escape, but Kitty is terrified of the idea. Which will win, her love for Grady or her fear? And Grady must choose between his hatred and the Jesus he believed in as a child. Blending breathtaking historical detail with intriguing characters, Lynn Austin crafts a deep tale with important spiritual truths. The Refiner’s Fire series, which can be read in any order, will have the most appeal to women, even for those who don’t prefer books set during the Civil War. Pick up A Light to My Path and prepare for a soulful escape to the past. — Katie Hart, Christian Book Previews. com Book Jacket: This powerful conclusion to Lynn Austin’s REFINER’S FIRE series brings to a close one of the most acclaimed sagas in Christian fiction ever. Each of the first two novels won Christy Awards for Historical Fiction. Now Austin completes her trilogy with a dramatic examination of the Civil War through a slave’s perspective. Riveting, eloquent, and gripping as all of her previous works, it’s the conclusion for which you’ve been waiting.