Saturday, November 30, 2019

Population Essays - Environmental Issues, Population Ecology

population Population A population according to the funk and Wangnall Dictionary is a grouping of individuals subject to the processes of birth, death, and migration.. During the first 2 million years of our history the human population had very little effect upon the overall world ecosystem, with no more than 10 million members. In the New Stone Age, less than 10,000 years ago, the number of humans began to increase more rapidly. By the beginning of the Christian era it had reached 250 million, and by the year 1650 CE up to half a billion(Internet Source)Reproduction resulted un having children which were perfect for doing farmwork, collecting dowry and starting family. By 2030,the population is projected to hit eight to ten billion. With this rapid growth, concern for the future is inevitable. The planet can not handle anymore chaos and can not create enough food to disturbate to those who are in demand of it. A stable relationship with plants and animals must be attained or future populations will suffer. Problem About 140 000 million babies will be born, and 53 million will die which gives the overpopulated world an additional 84 million people per year. With the planet growing at alarming rate 230 000 per day people, With the increasing population, pollution is on the rise, making safe water scarce In Asia the population increases by 50 million, the population of Africa by 17 million and Latin America and the Caribbean by only eight million. Africa has the hightest growth rate at 2.36 %(Internet Source). These are places where people need children for work or if they don't want kids they have no way of getting contraception or to be informed about it, thus making the population grow at an alarming rate. Someone must feed the hungry, with each individual requiring about 2 200 calouries per day unfortunetly of the six billion over 220 million are malnourished. Causes of rapid growth Throughout history many have debated the plant's carrying capacity. As far back as 469 BC in Socrates time and to the present, have said that the world will suffer globally for there will not enough food for humans. Farmers of the past, present and the future have and will continue to prove these assumptions wrong. Farming is the elemant that has been keeping the assumpation wrong. Farming has been around since the 8000 B.C perhaps one of the most important inventions ever made Too many people are living on the plant presently, thanks to technology less people are dying due the quality of life that is improving, though its not directly related to malnutriention it's the speed of growth that is the cause of malnourshed and farming is the fuel that lets the population grow so fast. The root cause s of malnutrition is the lack of available and affordable food, health services, safe water, and proper sanitation. Technology not only lets the human race to live longer and healthier lives providing them with a better quality of life due to the fact that we eat better. Farming with the help of tecnology is the cause why we eat better thus letting the human population grow rapidly. Throughout history many have debated the plant's carrying capacity. As far back as 469 BC in Socrates time and to the present, have said that the world will suffer globally for there will not enough food for humans. Farmers of the past, present and the future have and will continue to prove these assumptions wrong. Farming is the elemant that has been keeping the assumpation wrong. Farming has been around since the 8000 B.C perhaps one of the most important inventions ever made. Without farming the world would not be able to reach the present size of the human population and the for seen future. Someone must feed the hungry, with each individual requiring about 2 200 calouries per day. Farming brings food to dinner tables and is what helps us to grow. It allows humans to grow and get taught new methods of technology to aid society in the future. Technology is not only beneficial for farming, but it increases the life expectancy of humans, thus less people are dying. and keeping the population under control . During the 14th century the Black Death wiped out a third of the population of Europe.(Grolier Encyclopedia) If the 14th century had our present day medicine or technology, this catasophy would have been unheard of. Triumph over disease on a worldwide scale did not come until 20th century with the introduction of antibiotics and DDT. DDT is a very active, broad-spectrum pesticide, particularly

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Battle of Lutzen in the Thirty Years War

Battle of Lutzen in the Thirty Years' War Battle of Lutzen - Conflict: The Battle of Lutzen was fought during the Thirty Years War (1618-1648). Armies Commanders: Protestants Gustavus AdolphusBernhard of Saxe-WeimarDodo Knyphausen12,800 infantry, 6,200 cavalry, 60 guns Catholics Albrecht von WallensteinGottfried zu PappenheimHeinrich Holck13,000 infantry, 9,000 cavalry, 24 guns Battle of Lutzen - Date: The armies clashed at Lutzen on November 16, 1632. Battle of Lutzen - Background: With the early onset of winter weather in November 1632, Catholic commander Albrecht von Wallenstein elected to move towards Leipzeig believing that the campaign season had concluded and that further operations would not be possible. Splitting his army, he sent the corps of General Gottfried zu Pappenheim on ahead while he marched with the main army. Not to be discouraged by the weather, King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden decided to strike a decisive blow with his Protestant army near a stream known as the Rippach where he believed von Wallensteins force was encamped. Battle of Lutzen - Moving to Battle: Departing camp early on the morning of November 15, Gustavus Adolphus army approached the Rippach and encountered a small force left behind by von Wallenstein. Though this detachment was easily overpowered, it delayed the Protestant army by a few hours. Alerted to the enemys approach, von Wallenstein issued recall orders to Pappenheim and assumed a defensive position along the Lutzen-Leipzig road. Anchoring his right flank on a hill with the bulk of his artillery, his men quickly entrenched. Due to the delay, Gustavus Adolphus army was behind schedule and encamped a few miles away. Battle of Lutzen - Fighting Begins: On the morning of November 16, the Protestant troops advanced to a position east of Lutzen and formed for battle. Due to heavy morning fog, their deployment was not completed until around 11:00 AM. Assessing the Catholic position, Gustavus Adolphus ordered his cavalry to assault von Wallensteins open left flank, while the Swedish infantry attacked the enemys center and right. Surging forward, the Protestant cavalry quickly gained the upper hand, with Colonel Torsten Stalhandskes Finnish Hakkapeliitta cavalry playing a decisive role. Battle of Lutzen - A Costly Victory: As the Protestant cavalry was about to turn the Catholic flank, Pappenheim arrived on the field and charged into the fight with 2,000-3,000 horsemen ending the imminent threat. Riding forward, Pappenheim was struck by a small cannonball and mortally wounded. Fighting continued in this area as both commanders fed reserves into the fight. Around 1:00 PM, Gustavus Adolphus led a charge into the fray. Becoming separated in the smoke of battle, he was struck down and killed. His fate remained unknown until his rider-less horse was seen running between the lines. This sight halted the Swedish advance and led to a rapid search of the field which located the kings body. Placed in an artillery cart, it was secretly taken from the field lest the army become disheartened by their leaders death. In the center, the Swedish infantry assaulted von Wallensteins entrenched position with disastrous results. Repulsed on all fronts, their broken formations began streaming back with the situation made worse by rumors of the kings death. Reaching their original position, they were calmed by the actions of the royal preacher, Jakob Fabricius, and the presence of Generalmajor Dodo Knyphausens reserves. As the men rallied, Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar, Gustavus Adolphus second-in-command, took over leadership of the army. Though Bernhard initially wished to keep the kings death a secret, news of his fate quickly spread through the ranks. Rather than causing to the army to collapse as Bernhard feared, the kings death galvanized the men and yells of They have killed the King! Avenge the King! swept through the ranks. With their lines re-formed, the Swedish infantry swept forward and again assaulted von Wallensteins trenches. In a bitter fight, they succeeded in capturing the hill and the Catholic artillery. With his situation rapidly deteriorating, von Wallenstein began retreating. Around 6:00 PM, Pappenheims infantry (3,000-4,000 men) arrived on the field. Ignoring their requests to attack, von Wallenstein used this force to screen his retreat towards Leipzig. Battle of Lutzen - Aftermath: The fighting at Lutzen cost the Protestants around 5,000 killed and wounded, while Catholic losses were approximately 6,000. While the battle was a victory for the Protestants and ended the Catholic threat to Saxony, it cost them their most able and unifying commander in Gustavus Adolphus. With the kings death, the Protestant war effort in Germany began to lose focus and the fighting continued another sixteen years until the Peace of Westphalia. Selected Sources History of War: Battle of LutzenGustavus Adolphus Sweden

Friday, November 22, 2019

Birth Control Pills - Why Theyre Free

Birth Control Pills - Why Theyre Free American insurance companies are required to provide birth control pills and other forms of contraception at no cost to women under guidelines announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in August 2011. The insurance rules calling for free birth control pills take effect on Aug. 1, 2012, and expand medical coverage under the health care reform law signed by President Barack Obama, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act helps stop health problems before they start, said then Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. These historic guidelines are based on science and existing literature and will help ensure women get the preventive health benefits they need. At the time the rules were announced 28 states required health insurance companies to pay for birth control pills and other forms of contraception. Reaction to Free Birth Control Pills The rule requiring insurers to provide birth control for women at no cost was met with praise from family-planning organizations, and criticism from the health care industry and conservative activists. Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, described the Obama administration rule as being a historic victory for womens health and women across the country. Covering birth control without co-pays is one of the most important steps we can take to prevent unintended pregnancy and keep women and children healthy, Richards said in a prepared statement. Conservative activists argued that taxpayer money should not be used to pay for contraception, and the healthcare industry said the move would force them to raise premiums and increase the cost of coverage to consumers. How Insurers Will Provide Birth Control Pills The rules give women access to all Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures, and patient education and counseling. The measure does not include abortifacient drugs or emergency contraception. The coverage rules allow insurers to use reasonable medical management to help define their coverage and keep costs down. For example, they will still be allowed to charge copayments for brand-name drugs if a generic version is available and is just as effective and safe for the patient. Copayments, or copays, are paid by consumers when they purchase prescriptions or go to their doctors. Birth control pills cost as much as $50 a month under many insurance plans. Religious institutions that offer insurance to their employees have the choice of whether to cover birth control pills and other contraception services. Reason for Free Birth Control Pills The Department of Health and Human Services considers the provision of birth control pills as necessary preventive health care. Before health reform, too many Americans didnt get the preventive health care they need to stay healthy, avoid or delay the onset of disease, lead productive lives, and reduce health care costs, the agency said. Often because of cost, Americans used preventive services at about half the recommended rate. The government described family planning services as being an essential preventive service for women and critical to appropriately spacing and ensuring intended pregnancies, which results in improved maternal health and better birth outcomes. Other Preventative Measures Covered Under the rules announced in 2011, insurers are also required to provide, at no cost to consumers: well-woman visits;screening for gestational diabetes;human papillomavirus DNA testing for women 30 years and older;sexually-transmitted infection counseling;human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening and counseling;breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling;and domestic violence screening and counseling. 2018: Trump Weakens Birth Control Coverage Mandate On November 7, 2018, the Trump administration issued two final regulations allowing employers to deny women insurance coverage for birth control measures as a preventative health service. The first of the two rules issued by the Department of Health and Human Services allows exemptions to the Obamacare contraceptive coverage mandate for entities that object to such coverage based on religious beliefs. The second final rule allows coverage exemptions to nonprofit organizations and small businesses that have moral, non-religious objections to contraception. â€Å"The Departments estimate the exemptions may affect the coverage of approximately 6,400 women, and state that in no case will they impact more than 127,000 women, which the Departments suggest is far more than will actually be impacted,† said the Department in a press release. The religious and moral exemptions provided by the rules apply to institutions of education, issuers, and individuals. However, the exemption for moral beliefs does not extend to publicly traded businesses, and neither the moral nor the religious exemption apply to federal government agencies or entities, according to the Department. â€Å"These rules affect a small fraction of the 165 million women in the U.S.† Stated the Department. â€Å"The rules leave in place contraceptive coverage guidelines where no religious or moral objection exists, and they do not change the Health Resources and Services Administration’s authority to decide whether to include contraceptives in the women’s preventive services guidelines for other entities.† Issued in the form of federal regulations at the direction of a presidential executive order, rather than an act of Congress, the rules may be amended or repealed at any time by the current or future presidential administrations. Updated by Robert Longley

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Who gets what from Middle East oil Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Who gets what from Middle East oil - Essay Example Another factor affecting Middle East is petrodollar recycling. Over the years, oil prices have been going up creating a lot of revenue for OPEC countries. The importing countries such as the US, UK, China and Japan pay heavy prices for oil to fuel their economies. However, as Higgins, Klitgaard, and Lerman note, much of this revenue by Middle East countries returns to the importing countries in terms of purchases of goods and services as well as foreign assets. The high oil price paid by importers slows economic growth but the purchase of goods by exporters from importers offsets this negative growth by improving consumption and investment. Countries like the US benefit from sale of foreign assets to the exporters to finance their current account deficits. Most of the sales to exporters come from European countries due to their proximity, and less from the US. The petrodollars are also used to finance investment projects in OPEC countries. For example, Saudi Arabia engaged in a giant construction program called Petro Rabigh, which is a joint venture of the state-run oil corporation Saudi Aramco and Sumitomo Chemical of Japan. This $ 1500 billion project produces plastic and other materials for sale in and outside Saudi Arabia. Saudi Aramco ranks first among oil companies worldwide in terms of crude oil production and exports. Besides investment, revenues are also used to bail out banks facing financial crisis such as Citigroup, Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley. They are also used to develop infrastructure.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Free Will and Determinism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Free Will and Determinism - Essay Example Determinists refuse the idea that any of these options are freely elected. They also claim that a man is not a segregated towards the nature's rule because he and his choices are nothing but more than the result of his surroundings. They frequently claim that the decisions are merely a product of disagreeing environmental authorities. An appropriate understanding of the nature of volition can resolve the obvious divergence between free will and causality. Secondly, it rejects the position that a man is just a result of his surroundings. Determinists argue that the nature of the life is such that it is ruled by certain universal scientific rules, so that each action is rooted by a particular previous cause. They claim that the human intelligence is also governed by these set of laws so that no substitute course of action is probable to humans other than the exact and distinctive set of past factors that caused that human action to be made. Therefore, human alternatives are not free as they are determined in front of time by whatsoever social, environmental, genetic, biological etc reasons caused such choices to be made. As a result, men cannot be held ethically accountable for their actions as they have no more control over the underlying series of events in reality than anybody else. (Bank, W. P., & Pockett, S., 2007). The determinist would stat... To the determinist, free will would not be potential under any circumstance. Especially, if it was caused by previous causes, all choice would pursue the severe rules of causation and if it was self-governing due to any previous causes. On the other hand, free will is free in the sense that the human intelligence has the capability to think about several decisions at a time and choose particular results. In reality, only one choice and simply just one decision is actually made by the brain which permits no uncaused, truly accidental or causeless reasons to enter the procedure. Other than the perception of the person making a choice, multiple decisions are probable and multiple results are considered. However the phrase free will does not refer to either uncaused or accidental actions but to our capability to assess multiple routes of actions, believe in different conclusions and then choose the action which is most expected to leave the world in a more pleasing state than if a person had chosen a different action or nothing in any way. (Bargh, J. A., Gollweitzer, P. M., Lee-Chai, A., Barndollar, K., & Troetshel, R., 2001). A more critical argument against free will is the judgment of a human intelligence to unresponsive matter, such as a car. In spite of everything, a man turns his key and the car either starts or not, depending on whether reality is such that the procedure of causation directs to an engine starting or to the battery being deceased. Correspondingly, the determinist will argue that the human intelligence will either make the precise or incorrect choices, depending on what former state it is in. However, a car and a human intelligence are basically dissimilar from each other.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Underground Economy Essay Example for Free

Underground Economy Essay Every year, economics becomes a hot-button issue for politicians and ordinary citizens across the country. Politicians stake their careers on promises of economic revitalization, and individuals grouse when the forecast for the national economy is less than inspiring. Most economists measure an economy’s health by a variety of factors, such as the Gross Domestic Product, tax returns, poverty rates, and unemployment rates (Koopmans 575). But how accurate are these numbers? And if they are not accurate, then is society receiving a truthful picture of the overall economy? Many scholars stimate that as much as twenty percent of the GDP goes unreported every year (Kacapyr 30-31). In addition, surveys confirm that up to 25 million Americans are leaving large portions of income out of their tax files (Bartlett, â€Å"Going Underground†). In fact, the IRS estimates that an astounding one trillion dollars of income is left out of tax documents every year (Speer 15). Many factors contribute to this disturbing trend, such as crime and questionable business practices. However, one hot-button issue in particular has emerged as a significant factor in underground economy activity. For Texans, illegal mmigration is a little-disputed reality. For the American economy, Texas is an undeniable omen of the devastating impact of the underground economy. The term bears many other names (including informal and shadow economy), and has been defined in numerous ways, including those economic activities that circumvent or evade . . . the tax code and â€Å"unmeasured economic activity† (Priest 2259). The last definition, in its simplicity, best defines the underground economy. When many people think of unreported earnings, they may picture traditional illegal activities such as drug smuggling, prostitution, and gambling. While such activities do comprise a large part of the underground economy, millions of ordinary and otherwise law-abiding citizens participate in the underground economy every day. A 1994 auditor’s report states that, â€Å"The underground economy is not all smugglers. It is hundreds of thousands of otherwise honest people who have withdrawn their consent to be governed, who have lost faith in government (Dawson 18). For example, general laborers who are paid ‘under the table’ are for the most part honest individuals that nevertheless make up the estimated ? of Americans who earn â€Å"unofficial income† each year (Bartlett, â€Å"Going Underground†). What are the reasons for this illicit activity, and what effect does the underground economy exert on the overall economy? One major aid to the underground economy according to most experts is tax laws. Supply-side economics holds that any changes in marginal tax rates will have an important effect on resource use (Gwartney and Stroup 114). In other words, the presence of taxes greatly impact the economic decisions of businesses and employers alike. A big benefit for underground employees is the absence of income tax and social security reductions. In the underground economy, gross income and net income are equal. Employers also avoid costly payroll taxes when they engage in underground activities (Sennholz, â€Å"The Underground Economy†). Data gathered from the Census Bureau seems to confirm the prominence of tax evasion. The group estimates a twenty-five percent non-response rate for questions relating to income (Speer 15-16). Further, a Federal Reserve study found that when the tax burden increased by ten percent, underground activity rose by up to three percent. Self-employment and small business tax rises are particularly linked to underground economic expansion (â€Å"Underground Dwellers,† National Review). Another important determinant of underground participation is unemployment. Numerous studies have found a positive correlation between unemployment and underground participation. Individuals (especially those supporting families) who cannot find a well-paying job often feel that they have no other choice but to work in whatever job becomes available. Such citizens may work underground while still accumulating welfare and unemployment checks (Bajada 281-284). Surveys of inner-cities suggest that a gap does exist between the income reported to social welfare agencies (an average of $10,000/year in one California study) and the â€Å"actual† income level disclosed in confidential questionnaires (an average rise of $5,000/year in the California study). (Speer 16) Illegal aliens represent one prominent group who benefit from underground activities. Immigrants from poorer countries such as Mexico can be illegally paid under the minimum wage and still accumulate earnings significantly higher than if they found work in their home country. Such arrangements benefit both the employees and the employer (who avoids paying minimum wage and benefits) financially (Schlosberg 45- 47). The ramifications of underground economies on the economic picture are enormous. As previously mentioned, statistical data used to calculate the health of an economy can become irreparably skewed by missing underground information. Poverty rates and unemployment rates are overestimated (Bajada 181), which can present an overly bleak forecast for a state’s or country’s future (as evidenced by the American Demographics Index of Well-Being) (Kacapyr 31). In addition, small businesses and firms lose income opportunities because they are reluctant to move businesses into areas hich are deemed (perhaps falsely) as â€Å"poor† (Speer 16), resulting in a loss of revenue for affected regions. In return, the lack of legitimate businesses only stimulates the underground economy. National and state savings rates are also underestimated, which may lead to faulty focus in social welfare programs (Justice and Ng, â€Å"The Underground Labor Force is Rising†). Since these anti-poverty programs make up more than 70% of public aid programs (Paglin 2254), then it is vitally important that the facts and figures which are used to support and implement such programs are as accurate as possible. The programs that do work will lose important funding, due to tax shortfalls (Anderberg, Balestrino, and Galmarini 651). Likewise, the increased burden on taxpayers can create lower morale amongst even more otherwise law- abiding individuals (Bajada 187). For example, when the federal government is forced to raise taxes in order to fulfill missing income taxes, more citizens will become involved in underground activities in order to replenish their own incomes (Gwartney and Stroup 115-116). And the cycle continues. In the world of economics, there are no easy answers. Texas has learned this hard esson first-hand as its own underground economy thrives, largely due to a booming population of illegal immigrants. According to estimates by the Pew Hispanic Center, Texas-based illegal immigrants account for roughly ten percent (1. 6 million out of 11 million) of the overall United States illegal citizen population. Most of these undocumented citizens have settled in seven populous regions, including Houston (Combs, â€Å"Undocumented Immigrants in Texas†). Researchers project that the population of Texas will comprise of over fifty percent Hispanics by the year 2030 (Johnson, â€Å"Texas 2025). Of these fifty percent, a majority will enter the growing workforce of undocumented workers. Many of these undocumented workers arrive from the most education- and poverty-stricken regions of Central America and Mexico (Johnson, â€Å"Texas 2025†). Therefore, most illegal citizens, desperate for secrecy and any money for their disadvantaged families, accept jobs for little income and virtually no benefits. Despite a 1980s state mandate that banned companies from employing undocumented workers (â€Å"The Costs of Illegal Immigration to Texans† 7), Texas continues to be a prolific workplace for illegal immigrants. In addition to its proximity to the Mexican border, the heavy tourism and farming present in the state makes the region an attractive draw for the surplus of service, construction, and field jobs that constitute most undocumented employment. What are the ultimate effects of Texas’ booming undocumented, underground economy? Since the state does not focus on income taxes, most tax losses result from the disadvantaged economic situation most illegal immigrants encounter. Less income itself means less spending and therefore less sales tax—taxes which generate a large portion of state revenues (Bartlett 12). The greatest costs to the state economy, however, are accrued in public assistance. Just as state laws sought to punish employers for hiring illegal immigrants, the United States Supreme Court struck a blow to Texas’ immigrant control efforts by ruling that children of undocumented citizens must be allowed entrance into the public education system. Since this 1982 ruling, the state has spent roughly $7085 dollars per year on each student (including each undocumented student). If reports by the Texas Education Agency are accurate, the annual cost of schooling undocumented students is 957 million dollars (Combs, â€Å"Undocumented Immigrants in Texas†), nearly one billion dollars per year. Healthcare represents another crucial cost of the underground economy. Since virtually all undocumented workers receive no health insurance, these individuals must rely on public health services when they do fall ill or get into accidents. In Texas, most of these services are readily available to anyone—regardless of citizenship status—due to the Indigent Healthcare and Treatment Act. Emergency care, treatment of infectious diseases, immunizations, women’s and children’s health services, and even mental and substance abuse programs can all be obtained by illegal immigrants. The Texas comptroller conducted a comprehensive study at the end of 2006 which highlighted the extreme cost of such services per year. By applying a formula which measured state expenditures against the estimated undocumented population, the comptroller found costs of three and a half million dollars annually in emergency medicine alone. Federally mandated assistance services such as Medicaid netted an additional 38 million dollar cost per year in relation to illegal immigrants. Overall, the comptroller put total healthcare costs based on underground activity at a conservative 58 million dollars. Most of these expenses fall onto local governments and businesses in the private sector, as does the estimated 130 million dollars in annual illegal immigrant incarcerations every year (Combs, â€Å"Undocumented Immigrants in Texas†). The impact of illegal immigration on small business entrepreneurs perhaps highlights the most lasting cost to Texas’ future. A prevalence of underground economic activity steals from and slowly strangles the economy that is ‘above the ground. ’ Consider the plight of one contractor, a man who already charges at rates drastically reduced from those of his competitors. Despite his willingness to adjust to the economic climate and the spirit of capitalism, this legal worker—who compensates all of his employees fully—recently received a dismissal from a potential client that has become all too common: â€Å"I have two other bids here that are half what you’re asking† (McHugh, â€Å"Notes from the Underground Economy†). Documented workers, already struggling in a struggling economy, must face even more obstacles simply because they expect a living wage. The government has done little to address this problem. By the turn of the century, fewer than 1000 employers nationwide were being held accountable for hiring illegal immigrants. If this lax approach to the problem continues, in the United States and in Texas in particular, the dire prediction of Texas State Representative Pete Gallego will transform into a grim reality: â€Å"By the year 2025, if we keep doing what were doing now, Texas will have the economy of a Third World country. †

Thursday, November 14, 2019

The Many Mothers of Alfred Hitchcock Essay -- essays research papers

When looking at the works of Alfred Hitchcock there are many recurring themes. Wrong man, classic Hitchcock villains, and the use of staircases are just three of the many attributes you see when watching a Hitchcock film. My favorite, however, would have to be Hitchcock’s portrayal of the mother. Whether she is there for comic relief as we see in Shadow of a Doubt, or as the root of all evil as you see in Strangers on a Train and Notorious, the mothers he creates are far from ordinary. Either their naà ¯ve nature or pure hated for others help to link these movies to one another. Notorious, which was produced in 1945 but not released until 1946, has an extraordinary mother figure. She is a skinny frail woman with a heart of lead. She is controlling and evil at heart and seems to be the cause of all trouble yet never gets any of the blame. When they discover that the girl is working for the FBI, the mother takes matters into her own hands and convinces her son to do away with the girl. You never see her saying much, yet you can see what she is thinking as she stares with those vacant eyes of hers. You can actually see the evil which is inside of her with one look in her eyes. She is by far one of the scariest and uncaring mothers we have seen thus far. The mother in Strangers on a Train (produced in 1950, released in 1951) has a slightly less aggressive role. Even though she is less active in what Bruno does now that he is grown, she is still the reason and cause for the way h...

Monday, November 11, 2019

Molson Coors Case Study

A. Major classifications of an income statement are: †¢Income from continuing operations before tax †¢Discontinued operations (net of tax) †¢Net income from continuing operations †¢Other revenues and expenses †¢Operating income †¢Extraordinary items (net of tax) †¢Net income before extraordinary items †¢Net income †¢Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (net of tax) B. Companies various activities and transactions differ in stability and risks thereby indicating a need for information about various components of earnings.The requirement to provide classified income statements help users better assess the persistence of earnings and the risk related to various components of net income. Income statements may include non recurring items which should be considered in determining future earnings and or cash flows, moreover GAAP require separate disclosure of a number of these items, for instance discontinued operations, thereby gi ving a better picture of financial statements. C. In accounting, current income statements do not reflect future expectations.Part of the roles of accounting information is for evaluation and valuation. Persistent income of a company will affect the assumptions of future earnings and or cash flows, which will help to better project a company’s valuation. D. (INSERT ANSWER HERE) E. (INSERT ANSWER HERE) F. (INSERT ANSWER HERE) G. (INSERT ANSWER HERE) H. (INSERT ANSWER HERE) I. (INSERT ANSWER HERE) J. i. Non-operating items are the following: Interest expense-it is related to non-operating liabilities and Interest income- it is related to long-term loans. Debt extinguishment costs.Minority interest: the part of the net income destined to the minority owners is considered as non-operating. Discontinued operations. ii. 20072006 Interest expense(126462)(143070) Interest income2658716289 Debt extinguishment costs (24478) 0 Other income1766217736 Non-operating items (106691)(109045) Tax 28%(29873)(30533) Non-operating items after tax (76818)(78512) Discontinued operations (17682)(12525) Minority interest (15318)(16089) Total non-operating items (109818)(107126) iii. 20072006 Net income497192361031 Net expense 109818107126 NOPAT607010468157 K.Non-operating assets: current notes receivable Notes receivable Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations Non-operating liabilities: short term borrowing Current portion long-term debt Current liabilities of discontinued operations Long-term debt Derivative hedging instruments Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations k. ii. 20072006 Total assets 1345156611603413 Non-operating assets -194503229290 Operating assets 1325706311374123 Total liabilities 62854245739275 Non-operating liabilities -2907976-2523472 Operating liabilities33504483215803 Net operating assets 99066158158320L. (2007) : 607010/9906615 = 6. 13% (2006): 468157/8158320 = 5. 75% RNOA has increased from 2006 to 2007 but is is low compared to industry. m. Operating profit margin (2007) 607010/ 6190592= 9. 81% (2006) 468157/ 5844985 = 8. 01% Net operating asset turnover components (2007) 6190592/ 9906615 = 0. 625 (2006) 5844985/ 8158320 = 0. 716 The operating profit margin =9. 81 % that means that the company realized 9. 8 cents of operating profit this indicator have increased from 2006 to 2007even if the operating asset turnover has decreased. n. Non-persistent items:Debt extinguishment costs Other income (expenses) Loss from discontinued operations Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle o- i The effective tax rate is 0. 8% = 4186/534378 p. The following income statement shows persistent earnings. 2007 as reported Presistent Net sales $6,190,592 $6,190,592 Cost of goods sold (3,702,921) (3,702,921) Gross profit 2,487,671 2,487,671 Marketing, general and admin. (1,734,408) (1,734,408) Special items, net (112,194) (111,663) Operating income 641,069 641,600 Interest expense (126,462) (126,462)Interest income 26,587 26,5 87 Debt extinguishment costs (24,478) 0 Other income (expense), net 17,662 7,384 Total other expense (106,691) (92,491) Income before tax 534,378 549,109 Income tax expense (4,186) (153,751) Minority interests (15,318) (15,318) Income from continuing operations 514,874 380,040 Loss from discontinued operations (17,682) 0 Net income $497,192 $380,040 q. Persistent Interest expense $(126,462) Interest income 26,587 Other income / (expense) 7,384 Nonoperating items reported on a before-tax basis (92,491) Tax at marginal rate of 28% (25,897)Minority interest (15,316) Total nonoperating items $ (81,912) Persistent Net operating profit after tax $461,952 Net income Persistent income Return on net operating assets 6. 13% 4. 66%1 Net operating profit margin 9. 81% 7. 46%2 Net operating asset turnover 0. 625 0. 625 These numbers are mainly informative about the company’s future profitability. To use the numbers to evaluate management’s performance, we may include these one-time charges. But to use the number to value the firm, the persistent numbers are better predictors of future, expected profits.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Social work and Drug Use

Drug misuse in Britain is a substantial and growing problem, with a significant and profound impact on the health and social functioning of many individuals. Parker et al (1995) highlight that: â€Å"Young people are increasingly using a wide range of drugs and alcohol at a younger age and the age of initiation into drug use appears to have lowered. † This assignment aims to discuss what drugs are and the individual effects and social implication of drug use. It will compare and contrast the different terms associated with drug misuse, for example recreational drug use and drug dependency. It will examine the consequences, advantages and disadvantages of decriminalisation and legalisation of drugs as well as the advantages and disadvantages of prescribing using heroin as an example. It will also look at theories surrounding substance misuse and will consider how social workers have been granted more flexibility in their intervention with substance misusers since shifting from the view that drug and alcohol misuse is a disease. In addition to this it will highlight existing debates concerning the recent and current drug policy in the UK. Service users who experience drug problems are often subject to stigmatisation, discrimination and marginalisation not only as a result of their substance use but also as a result of age, gender and poverty. However, Harbin and Murphy (2000, P. 23) highlight that: â€Å"Drug addiction can effect anyone without regard to race, class, gender or age. † This assignment will also look at what services and interventions, such as harm reduction strategies, are available to drug misusers and the accessibility of these services. The World Health Organisation (1981, P. 227) define a drug as: Any chemical entity or mixture of entities, other than those required for the maintenance of normal health (like food), the administration of which alters biological function and possibly structure. † Therefore this means that when legal drugs, such as headache tablets, or illegal drugs, such as cannabis, enter the bloodstream they can affect how a person feels. Drugs can be grouped into three main types: stimulants such as cocaine, depressants for example heroin, and hallucinogens such as magic mushrooms. (http://www. knowthescore. info, 2005). In addition to the different groupings the law divides drugs into three classes: A, B and C. Classification is based on the harm that specific drugs may cause to individuals, families and communities. (NHS Health Scotland, 2004, P. 10). Class A drugs include heroin, ecstasy and crack. In order for drugs to work, they must first enter the body. The main ways that a drug can be administered include: orally, smoking, snorting and injecting. How a person will react after taking drugs will depend on a number of factors such as the type of drug, how it is taken, what it is mixed with, the social context and whether the person is on other drugs at that time. Factors which may influence drug taking can be split into two broad categories: individual influences for example personality or genetics and environmental influences such as society, peer pressure or family. (Swadi, 1992, P. 156). All drugs affect the brain's limbic system irrespective of there legality. Different drugs act on different areas of the brain and alter the chemical balance and these changes are responsible for the feelings and sensations sometimes associated with drug use. (NHS Health Scotland, 2004, P. 7). Scientists call this the â€Å"reward† system. Usually, the limbic system responds to pleasurable experiences by releasing the neurotransmitter dopamine, which creates feelings of pleasure. This could explain why people go on to misuse drugs. However, some people can occasionally use drugs without developing a tolerance or withdrawal symptoms whereas other people abuse drugs by repeatedly using them to produce pleasure, alleviate stress, or avoid reality. This can lead to other drug related problems such as drug dependency. There are two types of dependency, psychological and physical. â€Å"Physical dependency occurs when the body is deprived of drugs†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. this deprivation leads to physical symptoms that vary with the drug. † Whereas â€Å"psychological dependency †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ is based more on the individual's traits (habits, lifestyle) than on the substance itself. It is the memory of the pleasure associated with the object of the dependency that the individual thinks about often and longingly. † (http://thebrain. mcgill. ca/flash. par. tml, 2002) This highlights that different drugs have different effects and will require different interventions depending on the substance being misused. Drug dependency is characterised by craving a drug so much that it has control over the person's life. For example if someone is dependent on heroin and goes without it for any length of time, they will suffer extremely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms for several days. Taking heroin will make the drug user feel ‘normal' again (Drugs Know your Stuff, 2005). In this respect the drugs are having a ‘medicinal' effect on the individual because the drug relieves the person from their withdrawal symptoms. Drug use in today's society is a problem not only for the individual but for their families and communities. Drugs: protecting families and communities (2008) supports this by saying: â€Å"The most damaging effects for communities are those caused by drug dealing, drug related crime and anti-social behaviour, which can undermine stable families and cohesive communities. † In the UK drug the social effects of addiction are most commonly associated with criminality. Drugs know your stuff (2005, P. 21) identifies that: â€Å"Every year about 40,000 people in the UK are arrested for drug offences. † An example of a drug related offence could be shoplifting. This might enable the drug user to raise money to finance their drug use. It may also be associated with the stereotypical image of young people wearing hooded tops sniffing glue or `shooting up' in shabby flats who are labelled `junkies'. However, drug use does not always fit into this image as it is not age, gender or class specific. For example, white middle class people who use cocaine as a recreational drug do not need to get involved in crime to support their drug use. Therefore drug use is not always linked to crime. This is in contrast to the view of the Governments 1998 drug strategy which had the main objective the plan to tackle drug abuse, first and foremost, as an approach of reducing crime. It focused primarily on criminality and supported drug users who had committed crimes. In addition to this, new measures were introduced under the Drugs Act (2005) where the focus is also primarily on criminality. The new Act has implemented new police powers to test for class A drugs such as heroin. These measures include â€Å"testing on arrest† which means people who are arrested for trigger offences are tested for drugs on arrest rather than when charged. The aim of this is to steer more offenders into treatment and away from crime. This will ensure that those who misuse drugs are not charged but helped to engage in treatment. However, King (2007) does not agree and believes that these measures should be discarded as they are ineffective and inefficient. As an alternative King recommends that greater use should be made of specialised drug courts. According to the recent Government drug strategy (1998) there was a particular focus on problematic drug users and links to crime because statistics showed they were responsible for 99% of the costs to society (estimated between i10 and i16 billion) 88% of which is drug related crime. (The Drugs Act, 2005) Therefore, often as an alternative to imprisonment a drug misusing offender within the criminal justice system will automatically be given priority to access treatment. Drug Treatment and Testing Orders made under Section 1A (6) of the 1991 Criminal Justice Act required offenders to attend drug treatment as a condition of a probation order. † (Hough et al, 2003, P. 6). This may cause problems because when faced with a prison sentence or a treatment programme the majority of people would most likely choose the latter even when they do not want help for their drug problems. Ironically, someone who is serious about getting help for their drug problems and has not broken the law will usually be placed on a long waiting list for treatment. Although, Tackling Drugs Changing Lives (2005) state that the average national waiting times for treatment have fallen almost three quarters since 2001; (from 9. 1 weeks in December 2001, to 2. 3 weeks in June 2007). However, this still could possibly result in non offenders slipping through the net especially since the most common referral route into treatment is self referral (NTA, 2006, P. 7). Thus possibly resulting in them not getting the treatment or support they require at that time. Therefore whilst they remain on the waiting list for treatment social workers have a responsibility to give advice on minimising harm associated with drug misuse. Government policy has prioritised criminal costs of drug use King (2007) states that the wider issues that surround drug misuse such as the effects on communities, families and health are not taken into account. Therefore advocates a harm reduction policy by saying: â€Å"Given that drugs may, and often do, cause significant harm to individuals, their family, their friends and their communities, the main aim of the law should be to reduce the amount of harm that they cause. In response to the 1998 drug strategy The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), (2007) comment, through its Commission, that drugs are a matter of health and not just crime. The Commission argues that addiction to drugs and other substances should be treated as a chronic health condition and a social problem, not just a crime or cause of crime. In addition to this they also recommended that the primary aim of the new drugs policy should be to reduce harm. The review of the National Drug Strategy in 2008 argued that the previous drugs policy did little to help the problematic drug users and to mitigate the impact on drugs in society. Professor Anthony Kings the Chairman of the RSA Commission explains that in their view drugs in society are not just about crime. They criticised the previous strategy by saying there was too much emphasis on crime and that there needed to be a shift from crime reduction and the criminal justice system onto an understanding of the more varied and complex social problems. For example the social consequences of drug use can include social exclusion. People may lose their friends and family because of the stigma that surrounds drug misuse resulting in isolation. In addition to this drug use can have an impact on living standards and may result in homelessness for example if their drug use is given priority over their household outgoings such as rent. Therefore King (2007) suggests that there should be wraparound services which include individual social needs such as employment and housing as these problems often come hand in hand with chaotic drug use. The work of Professor A King has informed the new Government drug strategy and prior to the 2008 drug strategy being unveiled it was suggested by Prime Minister Gordon Brown that the new strategy would adopt a more holistic approach when working with drug users and there would be more support for people undergoing treatment. However, when the Government's new 2008 10-year drug strategy was revealed there were proposals to shake-up the welfare system, effectively punishing drug abusers who fail to get â€Å"clean†. The Press Association (2008) highlighted that benefit payments to drug users may be reduced if they drop out of treatment. This could possibly result in people not accessing treatment for the fear of dropping out and having their income reduced. Therefore the new strategy gives no consideration to relapse. Drug relapse is a process that begins when an individual slips back into old behaviour patterns and as identified by Regan (2003) as being the most damaging characteristic of drug taking. Relapse may occur because drug users are often stereotyped and may find it hard to reintegrate back into society. Therefore this proposal may not be very effective. In addition to this if a drug misusing parent's benefits are cut and they are faced with buying food, for their children, or drugs that they are dependent on they may not necessarily be capable of making a rational decision. Cleaver et al (1999, P. 245) lends support to this by stating: â€Å"Family income may be used to satisfy parental needs. Purchasing food and clothing or paying essential household bills may be sacrificed. † However it is recognised that parental drug use may not always affect the parent's capacity to look after their children well. The British Medical Association (1997, P. 8) highlights that: â€Å"Drug use itself by parents need not constitute a risk but neglect or abuse may be associated with problem drug use and should be addressed appropriately. † However, long term drug misuse could impact on the families' living standards and possibly result in a requirement for Social Services to intervene under section 17 of The Children Act 1989. In addition to this people may resort to crime so they can afford the drugs they are dependent on. Critics of the new drug strategy say there should be more focus on treatment and less on punishment (http://drugshealthalliance. et, 2008). Therefore better strategies need to be introduced to encourage drug users into treatment. An improvement to enable this could be not giving General Practitioners the choice to avoid providing drug treatment. This would allow people to be seen straight away by their General Practitioner and not placed on long waiting lists with other agencies. All drugs, hard or soft, illegal or legal can cause social problems to some degree. Although, it is suggested that many drugs are thought to cause problems merely because they are illegal. However, The British Medical Association (1997, P. 385) highlights that: â€Å"Both the Green and White Papers, Tackling Drugs Together, rejected any arguments for legalisation or decriminalisation on the grounds that wider use and addiction are very serious risks which no responsible Government should take on behalf of its citizens. † In contrast to this view Mullis (2003, P. 3) argues that all drug laws should be abolished. The legalisation of drugs would mean that people could buy drugs but only through legal sources, thus removing a major criminal resource and reducing crime levels. The British Medical Association (1997, P386) also suggests that crime would be significantly reduced if drugs could be purchased legally and money spent on law enforcement could be spent on treatment and education. On the other hand there is evidence that drug users commit crimes for other reasons and not just to finance their habit. Many drug users are involved in crime even when they have access to drugs on prescription such as methadone. (Graham and Bowling, 1995, P. 49). Therefore the social background of the drug user may also contribute to why they commit crimes. However, even if crime was not considerably reduced, people buying drugs through legal sources would know the strength and quality of what they were using thus possibly reducing the risk of overdose. If drugs were legalised there is no evidence to indicate that crime levels would reduce. People would still need money to purchase drugs from legal sources and as highlighted by Robertson (1998, P. 209) it is uncertain that legislation would significantly reduce the cost of drugs. In addition to this alcohol and nicotine are highly addictive drugs that hold legal status. King (2007) suggests that the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) should be repealed and replaced with a Misuse of Substances Act which includes alcohol and tobacco. As well as being addictive they can also cause major health problems. For example smoking can cause chronic lung disease, coronary heart disease, strokes, and various cancers. â€Å"Some doctors have even reported that nicotine is just as addictive as heroin or cocaine, which indicates quite clearly as to how people become hooked so rapidly and stay hooked for so long. † http://www. helpwithsmoking. com/effects-of-nicotine. php) Heavy drinking is linked to suicide, murder, fatal accidents, and many fatal diseases. It can increase chances of developing cirrhosis of the liver, and it has been associated with many different types of cancers. However, the NHS Direct (2008) underline that drinking a moderate amount of alcohol will not do any physical or psychological harm. In a recent survey Lifeline publications (2007) highlig hted that approximately 114,000 people die every year from smoking tobacco. About 40,000 people die from using alcohol and the least amount of deaths occur as a result of all illegal drugs put together and is about 2,000 people. This clarifies that: â€Å"Although drug misuse poses risks to the user and others, from a health perspective it still remains a small problem in relation to the medical harm caused by alcohol and nicotine. † (The British Medical Association, 1997). Therefore it is evident that the reason why some drugs are illegal is nothing to do with dangerousness. If drug classification is based on the harm that specific drugs may cause to individuals, families and communities. NHS Health Scotland, 2004, P. 10) then unquestionably nicotine and alcohol would both be classified. However, consideration needs to be given when looking at the above figures because more people may use alcohol and/ or tobacco because they are socially acceptable and hold legal status. If all drugs were legal, or the same amount of people who smoked used illicit drugs, then drug related deaths may significantly increase. However King (2007) suggests that the majority of people who use drugs are able to use them without harming themselves or others. Which means, according to King, the use of illegal drugs is not always harmful anymore than alcohol use is always harmful. Although it is paramount that people are still aware of the risks involved when using legal or illegal drugs. For example high impact adverts explaining the effects on all drugs as well as warning messages on alcohol similar to the messages on cigarette packets. Although King suggests that illegal drug use is not always harmful, heroin has been ranked the most dangerous drug by researchers The Lancet (2007). These finding were based on three factors which were: physical harm; potential for dependence and the impact on society such as costs to health care. Heroin dependency is an increasing problem in the UK which causes high social and criminal costs. (Stimson, 2003, P. 1) Therefore, some view prescribing the drug as a way to reduce drug-related crime and others emphasise the advantages of heroin prescribing as a way of reducing health problems, for example blood borne viruses. However prescribing heroin may have risks as well as benefits. Prescribing might attract more people into treatment. More heroin users might get help as they would be identified thus resulting in fewer untreated heroin users in the community. In addition to this prescribing would stop or reduce illicit heroin use. This would undercut the black market in illicit heroin possibly helping to phase out drug dealers. BBC News (2002) also highlights that the idea has gained favour amongst some senior police officers, who believe it could reduce the amount of drug-related crime. However General Practitioners worry that prescribing heroin would maintain the level of dependency reducing any motivation for a person to stop using the drug creating an â€Å"addict for life. Therefore this may not necessarily be the best response to drug misuse. Since we live in a drug taking society it is paramount that there are interventions available to substance misusers to help minimise any potential harm. Under the National Occupational Standards social workers have a duty to manage risk to individuals, families, carers, groups, communities, self and colleagues. Social workers can help to reduce risks by implementing harm reduction strategies. â€Å"Harm reduction policies, programmes, services and actions work to reduce the health, social and economic harms to individuals, communities and society that are associated with the use of drugs. † (UKHRA, 2005) Harm reduction has a very high profile in drug treatment programmes it aims to focus on issues such as needle exchange schemes and the risk of infection. The strategy is led primarily through the NHS and influences the Drug Action Teams (DAT). However, the strategy mainly focuses on minimising harm associated with intravenous heroin use. The NTA (2006, P. 7) highlights that: â€Å"Heroin was identified as the main problem drug for over two thirds (67 per cent) of clients receiving drug treatment. † Nevertheless, the strategy accepts that people are drug dependent and therefore consideration is given on how best to reduce harm this includes access to information and clean injecting equipment. However, information needs to be widely available, written in relevant languages, and produced in an accessible format. Without any focus on harm reduction there are issues with blood borne viruses such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C that could be overlooked. Hepatitis C is a viral disease that destroys liver cells and can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Balkin (2004) identifies that: â€Å"Most new cases of Hepatitis C occur in people who use contaminated needles or injecting equipment for drug use. † Therefore although there are harm reduction programmes available for dug users they may not be easily accessible. For example, an intravenous heroin user who needed clean needles is not likely to travel a few miles by bus to collect them. This could result in the person using, or sharing, dirty needles which increases the risk of blood borne viruses. With this is mind it may be useful to establish if there are mobile needle exchange services available to especially in rural areas where people are often more isolated and may be less likely to travel long distances for clean needles. The advantages of this service could be that because the service comes to the people who need it, clean injecting paraphernalia is more likely to be used therefore helping to reduce the risks of blood borne viruses. However, there may be some users who might be worried about using, or not want to use, a mobile needle exchange service. This could be because of the stigma attached to drug use and they may be worried about neighbours finding out that they have a drug problem. Another service that may possibly help drug misusers to minimise harm is drug consumption rooms. However this service is currently not available in the United Kingdom. â€Å"Drug consumption rooms are places where dependent drug users are allowed to inject drugs in supervised, hygienic conditions. There are approximately 65 drug consumption rooms in operation in eight countries around the world but there are none in the UK. † (http://www. jrf. org. uk/pressroom/releases, 2006) Drug consumption rooms may help to minimise blood borne viruses and fatal overdoses. They would also help to take drug use off the streets and reduce numbers of discarded needles in public places. â€Å"Drug users who congregate in public areas or open drug scenes are often homeless and marginalised, and lack access to social and health care services. Studies suggest that severe health risks are linked to street-based injecting. † (Klee, 1995; Best et al. , 2000). Additional services within the drug consumption rooms can include needle exchange, safer injecting advice, Hepatitis B vaccines, safer sex information as well as counseling, showering and washing facilities. However, as highlighted by Drugscope (2004), there are some areas of controversy concerning drug consumption rooms. For example could the Government justify providing a service that enables people to engage legitimately in activities that are both harmful and illegal? Since drug users will take drugs regardless of there harmfulness and legality the Government should take into consideration that drug consumption rooms have potential benefits. However, if these rooms were available in the UK they might encourage people to use hard drugs or increase drug related problems in the areas where they were located. In addition to this support from communities and local services such as police would be required if the consumption rooms were to be work in communities. New or amended legislation may also be necessary since under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) drug possession for personal use is an offense. However if drug consumption rooms were legal then would drug possession be legal? If this was not the case then there would be a contradiction between the two. Other services available within the United Kingdom for drug misusers include voluntary agencies such as drug support agencies, counselling, rehabilitation and aftercare services. Services available need to be both accessible and available to people who require them. There are many different models that can be used when working with people with addictions. However: â€Å"When working with substance misusers it is helpful to consider two different models, the ‘disease' model and the ‘wheel of change'. † (Goodman, 2007, P. 103). In the 19th century the first disease concept was established. This model considered that alcohol and drugs were evil and people who misused them were labelled victims. Therefore, alcohol and drugs addiction was starting to be seen as a disease that required treatment. In the 20th century the second disease concept evolved and alcohol consumption was once again socially acceptable. Only a small minority of individuals developed a problem with excessive drinking. However, alcohol and drug addiction was still considered as an illness that required treatment and support. Goodman (2007) highlights that the disease model works for some and is supported in self help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. He goes on to explain that people accessing the programme are told that they have a disease which prevents them from controlling their drink or drug problem. Consequently they need to avoid former drinking associates or drinking situation. However this model has implications as the nature of the disease has never been identified. It also suggests that a person with drug or alcohol problems has no choice or control over their decision making thus taking away their personal responsibility. Dick (2006) lends support to this by saying: â€Å"Drug misuse is not a disease; it is a decision, like the decision to step out in front of a moving car. You would call that not a disease but an error of judgement. In addition to this by following the disease model there is no consideration given to other factors such as psychological, cultural and family factors which may influence why someone may misuse substances. Therefore it does not adopt a holistic approach when supporting the service user. However according to National Institute on Drug Abuse (2008) drug addiction is a brain disease and highlights that: â€Å"Although initial drug use might be voluntary, drugs of abuse have been shown to alter gene expression and brain circuitry, which in turn affect human behaviour. Once addiction develops, these brain changes interfere with an individual's ability to make voluntary decisions, leading to compulsive drug craving, seeking and use. † However, although this model will work for some people it may restrict social workers with their intervention because the model requires complete abstinence. Therefore there would be no harm reduction strategies needed such as needle exchange. The model also contradicts the General Social Care Council Codes of Practice (2002) as it does not work in an anti-oppressive manner. For example, by following the disease model approach the service user is not treated as an individual with individual needs and choices but as a person with no choice, control or autonomy over their situation because they are labelled as having a disease. In addition to this because the model does not adopt a holistic approach factors such as housing, employment and education are not taken into consideration. Although this model works for some consideration still needs to be given to the wider problems that surround drug misuse. The second model, the ‘wheel of change' was designed by Prochaska and Diclemente (1994). It was produced from work they had done with people wishing to change their smoking behaviour, it soon became evident that their theory was helpful for all addictive behaviours. It is a holistic approach and looks at areas such as housing and financial issues when supporting someone throughout the different stages of their alcohol or drug problems. Since the model is holistic it also allows social workers to work in partnership with other agencies such as housing. As far as social work practice is concerned this model is the value base of the codes of practice as it works within a positive framework promoting anti oppressive practice. In this model there is a cyclical process. It starts with a period of pre-contemplation when the service user does not know or feel that they have a problem. For those who are thinking about change they are at the contemplation stage. This is when the service user acknowledges the risks and problems caused by their behaviour and recognise the benefits of changing their behaviour. This may be when services are accessed, such as drug treatment agencies, for support. Following the period of contemplation service users who feel that change is desirable and possible begin preparing for the change. This stage of the cycle involves setting goals and making plans. Social workers can help service users by using motivational interviewing. This emphasises the empowerment of the service user and seeks to involve them in the work of changing their behaviour. It is non-judgmental, non-confrontational and non-adversarial. The approach attempts to increase the service users awareness of the potential problems caused, consequences experienced, and risks faced as a result of the drug taking behavior. However a great deal of commitment is required from the service user for this model to work. Once the goals have been established the changes need to be implemented. If plans are clear and goals are realistic they are more likely to be long lasting because service users may feel they can reach their aim. Strategies to deal with problematic situations that may arise, such as relapse, are also very important, as are rewards for success and ongoing support. Adapting to this new behaviour is a difficult period where huge support is required, such as positive encouragement, to enable the service user to move into a period of maintaining the change. However service users need to believe in the possibility of change otherwise this model will not work. For example, someone who had committed a crime for a drug related offence and chosen treatment over prison may not identify their drug use as a problem. Therefore this model would not work because they have not even pre contemplated change. The wheel of change model links with the social model and allows social worker more flexibility when working with service users who misuse substances because it is predominately about empowerment and it involves the service user. This approach helps people recognise the risks involved with their behaviour and allows them to do something about it. Conclusion Drug misuse in Britain is a substantial and growing problem. It is not only a problem for the individual but for the Government and society. Problems for the Government could include increased crime resulting in financial costs and overcrowded prisons. Problems for the individual include social exclusion, physical and mental health problems, finance and legal issues and relationship problems. Problems for society include increased crime and increased cost on resources for example treatment and rehabilitation, police and social service involvement. Therefore treating the individual would benefit society and the Government. Policies to help treat individuals should include wraparound services which include issues such as housing, legal and financial issues and should also offer good aftercare treatment. However the new 2008 10-year drug strategy focuses more on punishment than on treatment and does not take relapse into consideration. Therefore new strategies need to be introduced to encourage people into treatment. In addition to access to treatment should be made easier for non offenders because at present problematic drug users who commit offences get preferential treatment over those who also have problematic drug problems but have not committed any offences. Society place different values on drugs and although alcohol and nicotine are highly addictive drugs they hold legal status and are socially acceptable. However, although legalising all drugs may be unrealistic and could possibly encourage drug use it would allow drugs to be bought from legal sources. Therefore crime levels may reduce and people would know exactly what they were buying thus possibly preventing overdose. There is a large emphasis on harm reduction strategies, which mainly focus on heroin misuse, and although interventions such as needle exchange services are available for drug misusers they are not always easily accessible. Introducing drug consumption rooms to the United Kingdom has advantages as well as disadvantages. It is a controversial subject and has many contradictions regarding the law. However provided they were supervised and people used them the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The disease model allows social workers limited flexibility when working with service users who misuse substances as it does not adopt a holistic approach. It also links with the medical model as the individual is regarded as a victim. It suggests that a person with drug or alcohol problems has no choice or control over their decision making thus taking away their personal responsibility. In addition to this it does not take into account harm reduction as the aim of the disease model is complete abstinence. Whereas the wheel of change model takes into consideration the possibility of relapse when working with drug misusers and respects the autonomy of the service user to make their own decisions. It allows social worker more flexibility because it is predominately about empowerment and it seeks to involve the service user changing their behaviour. It adopts a holistic approach when working with people with addictions of any kind and therefore social workers work in partnership with other agencies or professionals to help support the individual with additional problems that link to their substance misuse. The wheel of change model takes into account both physical and psychological factors again allowing social workers more flexibility with their intervention. Although the disease model can work for some individuals it requires limited intervention from social workers whereas the wheel of change model adopts a holistic approach which gives social workers more flexibility when working with service users who misuse substances.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Drive-By-Wire Cars are the Future essays

Drive-By-Wire Cars are the Future essays Concomitant cars have large pedals, steering wheels, and dashboards. Enter such a car and one will immediately become circumscribed. Ones feet must go on the pedals and ones hands must be placed on the steering wheel (Bertone). Likewise, true comfort can never be plenary until one is able to shift positions. Nevertheless, drive-by-wire technology is anon going to change all that by replacing clunky and inaccurate mechanical systems with highly advanced and precise electronic sensors (Brauer). Accordingly, car manufactures are developing state of the art drive-by-wire systems to ameliorate vehicle safety and comfort while simplifying car design and production. Despite this, there are huge logistical, cultural, and legal hurdles. Society will have to build smarter roads, perhaps including such features as fine-tuned global positioning system transmitters (Wylie). Moreover, people will have to give up control of their cars. Additionally, current drive-by-wire prototypes typically cost m illions and are not even legal to drive on most streets. Consequently, What well see more of in the next 10 years is driver-assistance features, such as lane keeping and spinout control (Wylie). Every year automobiles become just a little bit more refined as new technology replaces old ones. It started with luxuries like electric start and hydraulic brakes and continues today with direct injection, yaw control, and, of course, drive-by-wire technology (Brauer). In retrospect, the 1921 Duesenberg was the first production car to have hydraulic brakes, considered revolutionary then. Using hydraulic fluid pressurized by a master cylinder, the system exerted extreme pressure to activate and expand the drums in traditional drum brake systems and the piston calipers on modern disc brakes (Time Warner Cable). However, over 80 years later even with advent of anti-l...

Monday, November 4, 2019

Amy Chua

Amy Chua, from the very beginning dives into her thesis, which she argues from the introduction continued all through part one of â€Å" Day of Empire† and without a doubt, throughout the entire book. Chua’s clear, distinctive thesis can be condensed into two main points. To begin with, she explains how for every society that has been allowed to be called a hyperpower have been – at the time, considered to be â€Å"tolerant†. In every instance to achieve supremacy, every hyperpower had to enclose a certain quantity of tolerance, the extent of freedom that an individual has to prosper in all aspects of their life, ranging from religious, cultural, linguistic, to conversing with people of different upbringings. Tolerance is suggested as the prerequisite for global domination. However, conversely she also indicates that intolerance has been shown as the reason for the downfall of a hyperpower or a result of the demise. The second concept she introduces in her thesis is the idea of a great nation to become a hyperpower, they must have â€Å"glue† that binds, and embraces them together. Critics argue that modern America is in the first stages of losing its identity, with nonchalant laws of immigration, granting just about every immigrant into the states. Chua acknowledges to some degree that, hyperpowers that have fallen as a causality of lost identity, however this reverts back to her first notion. When the population succumbs to disjunction, it’s most likely the repercussion of intolerance within the nation. In the case on point, America’s â€Å"glue† problem lies outside of its borders. America is seen across the world as an icon, however it does nothing to enforce its image or bring together the other nations that follow in its footsteps. Amy Chua’s thesis from the get-go helps to depict the tone, and attitude of the rest of this novel.

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Tertullian, From Apologia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Tertullian, From Apologia - Essay Example bout worship and nothing ulterior, they would be wise enough to convert to the true religion and end the persecution that they inflicted on Christians at that time. Tertullian is not a man with moderate temperament and his defense for Christianity is very fiery in Apology. He is very forceful when advocating for Christianity and uses every opportunity to discredit the roman polytheism which was the tradition of the Roman Empire and also was against the worship of the emperor as he felt they were mere idolatry and superstitions that were baseless. His love for Christianity would not allow him to sit back and watch while the people who worshipped with him were persecuted by the Romans who did not care even a little about the religion and felt that it was a threat to the traditional roman ways. Tertullian was looking to end this so that there would be harmony between the two factions and probably the Romans crossing over to Christianity. His cause was helped by his education as he was a ble to explain things much better. Apologia is the Latin word for apology and it means to explain; Tertullian was trying to do this in his apology. He tries to make the roman people view Christianity from a different angle as they had perceptions that were untrue about the religion. His education was very useful as he was able to talk to the other educated Romans and have their attention. There were ridiculous accusations leveled against Christianity like incest, atheism and even cannibalism and he tried hard to help the people understand the values of Christianity as a way of helping clear the reputation of Christianity that was stained by false accusations. He also felt that rather than persecuting them, the Romans should have thanked the Christians as all they did was expound the truth to the citizens who believed and followed other religions other than Christianity. They totally deserved the plaudits that Tertullian was trying to get them as they persevered the pain and suffering