Monday, September 30, 2019

Modern Technology Has Brought the Resurgence of Identity Theft Essay

Identity theft is one crime that has spawned from technological advancements. Criminals have developed numerous strategies on how to steal confidential and personal information. Dealing with identity theft may be a challenge since law enforcement personnel may not be fully competent in handling the cases since they may lack the required skills to be able to deal with such a crime while private people and even businesses have lost much because of this type of crime. The number of cases of identity theft has been constantly on the rise; however, the prevalence of the crime may as well be blamed on modern technology itself. Modern technology has brought about many conveniences for ordinary people and even for identity thieves. From only less than 10,000 reported cases of identity theft in 1999, the figure steadily climbed reaching around 50,000 in 2003 and more than 80,000 in 2006 (Infocycle, 2007). In the United Kingdom, credit card fraud has also been consistently increasing. In 2007, over 7,000 credit cards and debit cards were either lost or stolen. CPP Card Protection has indicated a 77 percent increase in credit card fraud compared to the figure on 2006 (Experian QAS, 2008). According to a study by Gartner, identity theft claimed 15 million victims in 2006 alone. The US Justice Department has recorded 226 cases of identity theft in 2005 but in the first half of 2006 alone, there were already 432 cases. The FBI also indicated that it is working on 1,587 cases relating to identity theft (ITRC, 2007). Preventing identity theft may not be as easy as it seems. Joel Reidenberg and Lawrence Lessig said concentrating on the â€Å"architectures of control† to prevent identity theft is the way to go. Solove, on the other hand, indicates that â€Å"architectures of vulnerability† should also be considered in addition to â€Å"architectures of control†. According to Solove, shaping architectures should be the focal point in the protection of privacy and not on remedies and penalties. He noted that architectures often provide a vulnerable point that identity thieves take advantage of. It is this lack of security that identity thieves are able to use a person’s personal information. He suggests that a public identification system be created as a solution to the problem (Solove, 2003). It is exactly new technology that produces these architectures and they are greatly flawed since many people can still bypass its security functions evidenced by the prevalence of identity theft on the Internet. Identity theft has gained much notoriety in the advent of buying and selling on the Internet. However, identity thieves can still use the old methods for obtaining personal information. Common methods are stealing wallets or mails, looking through residential trashcans or business dumpsters, posing as someone legally permitted to access personal information such as credit reports, or bribing their way to get the information (Newman, et. al. 2005). A phishing scam is another method of getting personal information out of a person. The Anti-Phishing Workgroup indicated that there are only 4,564 phishing websites in July 2005 but the number increased to 23,670 as of July 2006. A study at the University of Indiana also indicated that 14 percent of phishing scams are successful which contradicts the Gartner report which indicates only a three percent success rate. The Gartner research also found out that financial losses from phishing scams were $137 million in 2004 rising to $2. 8 billion in 2006 (ITRC, 2007). The fight against identity theft may be considered rather ineffective since law enforcement personnel lack the necessary resources to combat such a crime which is computer-related. Britz indicates that this kind of crime requires law enforcers to have knowledge of computers and other digital stuff. It may be noted that many law enforcement agencies do not have well-trained personnel to handle such cases. These personnel may also be acting several capacities at a given time. Computer technology has increased at an exponential rate as did technology related crime and this would require that law enforcers be trained to effectively handle such crimes (Britz, 2004). As technology improves, security is being compromised and this can be proven by the increasing number of identity theft crimes. While it is true that online banking and other services on the Internet provide much convenience, it also provides lesser risks of capture for identity thieves. Law enforcers could do little do prevent identity theft or to investigate such since not all of them have the capacity to do so and identity thieves are improving their arsenal of identity stealing techniques. Technology might also be considered as the root of the prevalence of identity theft. Even as identity theft was not considered a crime before 1998, it has existed for a long time. Modern computing and telecommunications technology has once again popularized identity theft since identity thieves can better elude law enforcers compared to going to a bank and making a transaction using stolen information (Arnold, 2000). Legislation has always tried to address cyber crime, but it is challenging for lawmakers to keep up since technology quickly evolves and cyber crime evolves with it. A good approach would be improving security measures, educating users, adopting a vigilant approach in combating cyber crime and a police force that is well-equipped to handle such crimes (Alaganandam, et. al. , 2005). Identity theft and other cyber crimes are also classified as white-collar crimes, thus, offenders do not receive harsh penalties. They can even use the money plundered to pay for their defense and they serve at least only one year in prison (Arnold, 2000). Identity thieves must be dealt with harsher penalties since they operate on a much larger scale today and are even comparable to bank robbers only less inclined to being caught and given much less media attention. The number of cases of identity theft is increasing at an exponential rate but this could most likely be blamed on modern technology especially since the Internet has become commercialized. New technology comes with new opportunities for identity thieves to gain access to personal information and using it for personal gains. Legislation can address this problem but it would prove to be a challenge since identity thieves are finding new ways of how to steal personal information as technology develops. Legislation must also address this by rendering harsher penalties for cyber criminals as they operate just like ordinary criminals, the only difference is that they work discreetly and have not been given media attention. Also, the victims do not really know that they have been victimized until after some time the thieving takes places. References Alaganandam, H. , Mittal, P. , Singh, A. , & Fleizach, C. , 6 December 2005. Cybercriminal Activity. Retrieved September 7, 2008, from sysnet. ucsd. edu/~cfleizac/WhiteTeam-CyberCrime. pdf Arnold, T. 2000 June. Internet Identity Theft: A Tragedy for Victims. Software and Information Industry Association. Retrieved September 7, 2008, from www. siia. net/software/pubs/iit-00. pdf Britz, M. (2004). Computer Forensics and Cyber Crime: An Introduction. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Experian QAS. 22 August 2008. Holiday Fraud Threat. Retrieved September 3, 2008, from http://www. qas. co. uk/company/data-quality-news/holiday_fraud_threat_2614. htm Identity Theft Resource Center. 30 April 2007. Facts and Statistics. Retrieved September 3, 2008, from http://www. idtheftcenter. org/artman2/publish/m_facts/Facts_and_Statistics. shtml Infocycle. (2007). Government Bodies Must Play Their Part in Securing Against Identity Theft. Retrieved September 3, 2008, from http://www. infocycle. co. uk/index. php? option=com_content&task=view&id=43&Itemid=43 Newman, G. & McNally, M. 2005 July. Identity Theft Literature Review. Retrieved September 3, 2008, from http://www. ncjrs. gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/210459. pdf. Solove, D. (2003). Privacy, and the Architecture of Vulnerability. Hastings Law Journal, 54. p. 1227. Retrieved September 3, 2008, from http://ssrn. com/abstract=416740

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Case Study †Art Critical and Historical Studies Essay

Task Description: Select three artworks that use the physical environment as their inspiration/theme. One is to be a traditional European/early Australian landscape, one a Modernist work and one a Post Modern work. Write an Analysis of each, showing your understanding of how the four frames can provide different ways of appreciating artworks. As a result of the invention of photography the physical environment has been a source of artist inspiration. The evolution of the interpretation of the world around artists can be demonstrated by the exploration of the practice of traditional artist Eugene Von Guerard, modernist artist Rosalie Gascoigne and post-modern artist Janet Laurence. It is from this the audience is able to determine how the physical environment has influenced art and in turn provide insight to the varying perspectives on the appreciation of artworks. Eugene Von Guerard (b. Austria 1811 – d. London 1901) is a traditional European artist who explored the western physical environment. Living in Italy, Germany, Australia and England we can observe the influence which the environs had on his art marking. In the 1830’s Von Guerard trained in Giovanibattista Bassi’s art school in Rome and later studied landscape painting in Germany at the Dusseldorf Academy. Whilst primarily an artist, he also considered himself an explorer taking long treks in Australia and New Zealand. It was from these trips that had created finely detailed pencil drawings in sketch books. These were later used as the bases for his paintings. Von Guerard expressed nature as he remembered it both its overwhelming beauty and terror at times. It is evident in his works the observations he made on the light and colour within nature. He predominately worked in the convention at the time of oil painting. He used the medium meticulously in painstaking detail. Von Guerard’s deep examination of the land around him enabled him to gain an intense relationship with it which in turn reflected in his art making. Von Guerard being a romantic artist, observed the connections between art and nature. He gave a sense of place in the grandeur and beauty of the landscape. Von Guerard investigated the development of colonial art and found issues in the isolation parochialism (of narrow local interest) and within European traditions. His aversion to this resulted in his contribution to the movement away from English landscape tradition. This personal artist style was heavily influenced by Claude Lorraine, Nicolas Poussiu and Salvator Rosa. He was further inspired by the German Romantic landscape tradition; this is exemplified by Casper Friedrich who attempted to link man and God through nature. His influence to the art world saw him being appointed in 1870 to be the first master of school of painting at the National Gallery of Victoria. Here he influenced artist training for eleven years particularly Frederick McCubbin and Tom Roberts. During this period Von Guerard was renowned for his rigid adherence to picturesque subject matter and detailed treatment. It can be observed within North-East view from the Northern Top of Mount Kosciusko (1863) the romantic style of Von Guerard’s practice. North-East view from the Northern Top of Mount Kosciusko, an oil painting on canvas is immensely large scale at 66. 5 by 116. 8cm. Its meticulous detail heightens the overwhelming size exposing the grandeur of the mountains surrounding the artist. The areas of the foreground and the mound of large boulders on the left are particularly perplexing. The boulders are said to be introduced to emphasise human insignificance and enforce a sense of drama. They serve to provide a link between the foreground, the distant mountains and the sky, that records the passage from heavy rain to bright sunshine. These rocks echo those on peaks at the centre of the composition, gloriously patterned by the snow that has melted to reveal the grassy slopes underneath. The rich purples and oranges and lush greens, matched with the brutality of the rocks and the blankness of the white snow, capture a natural beauty that changes with the time of day and weather conditions. This exemplifies Von Guerard’s passionate emotions towards the landscape and the disappointment as the storm cuts the expedition short. The billowing rainclouds entering from the left create dark shadows over the foreground, the crisp greys and blues suggesting the cool temperatures of the area. Within the foreground the audience observes a narrative in the group of Professor Neumayers scientific expedition undertaking a magnetic survey. The central figure is speculated to Von Guerard to the left is Neumayer. In the distant sky he has captured an approaching storm. The inclusion of the human figures signals both the sense of isolation and the peacefulness of the scene, while also highlighting the vastness of the mountain. It is evident from examination of photographs, the topographical accuracy that Von Guerard evoked. The influence which the conventions at the time had on North-East view from the Northern Top of Mount Kosciusko is highly evident with the composition of the artwork. The framing by the rocks on the left was readily enforced at art schools during this period. Influences of the western world are apparent with relationships between science and art and god and nature. However Von Guerard has moved away from traditional English conventions with his sense of isolation, unknown location and anti-parochial views. By using meticulous detail he strived to depict beauty at its highest form. This meaning North-East view from the Northern Top of Mount Kosciusko was sublime, large and majestic. Unfortunately for Von Guerard this technique employed in North-East view from the Northern Top of Mount Kosciusko was considered a commercial failure. The isolation made it insignificant for the at the time audience to comprehend, this was fuelled with its sublime, grandeur nature. His raw dramatic approach to nature was poorly received. James Smith an influential critic, who had always been an enthusiastic supporter, dismissed Von Guerard’s work for its â€Å"microscopism†. Von Guerard ultimately had to sell the painting himself in Vienna, 1873. James Gleeson found it 100 years after it creation and passed it on to the Australian National Gallery. Von Guerard’s paintings are often praised by contemporary critics for their grandeur and faithfulness to nature, although they were also criticised for their photographic nature. Art Curator Candice Bruce who brought Von Guerard’s work back into the light in 1980, spoke of the work in a positive regard telling of the â€Å"high complexity and depth†¦ exposing audiences to the subtle charm of this fantastic land of monstrosities†. This positive reception is enforced by Geelong Galleries, Geoffrey Edwards who articulates of the â€Å"remarkable masterpiece†, that is â€Å"a golden vista†¦beautifully lit†¦ shines off its colonial enterprise† and has â€Å"no substitute†. Today Von Guerard’s paintings are valued for the compositions and executions as for the subject matter. His strong interest in Romantic association has resulted in a heavy influence in his art making. His practice is highly nationalistic in representation; this is evident in the exaggerated poetic purpose in North-East view from the Northern Top of Mount Kosciusko. Von Guerard’s practice a century later influenced Imants Tillers (b. Australia 1950) to create the appropriation of North-East view from the Northern Top of Mount Kosciusko, titled Mount Analogue (1985). Mount Analogue is an immensely large scale (279. 5 by 571. 5cm) oil stick and synthetic polymer paint on 165 canvas boards. It is a reinterpretation of the exact view of Von Guerard’s. His work challenges the authenticity of the original as it too is an interpretation, however it can be observed the different interpretations of the physical landscape. The examination of the practice of Von Guerard has determined the significant influence the physical landscape has had upon his inspiration as an artist. The audience is able to observe through the decomposition of his artwork North-East view from the Northern Top of Mount Kosciusko the vast perspectives in which we can appreciate artworks. Similarly, Modernist artist Rosalie Gascoigne (b. New Zealand 1917 – d. Australia 1999) draws inspiration from the Australian. Living in rural town of Monaro in the Southwest of New South Wales it is evident within her art making the influence the physical environment had. Rosalie Gascoigne became an â€Å"artist† late in life. She had studied literature at university, acquiring an abiding love of poetry. She later would come to describe her working practice by quoting Wordsworth on â€Å"emotion recollected in tranquillity†. Gascoigne never attempted to paint and never sought to go to art school. I’ve always known how hopeless I was at painting or drawing†. She spent many long days in solitude where she developed her highly original powers of observation. She broke the status quo of her time by creating assemblages of found materials including wood, iron, wire, feathers, signs, boxes, crates, lino, enamelware, galvanised tin, corrugated iron and masonite. These objects rather than accurately depict, elements of the world around her: the landscape around her home and the materials and textures of rural life. Travelling around the countryside collecting materials was integral to Gascoigne’s art practice. Gascoigne a bored 1950’s housewife having no training as an artist created works without considering conventions of the period. Her singular vision of the landscape was expressed in stunning decisive constructions made from the worn and weathered objects she found within it. She found the Australian landscape had a degree of personal freedom in it and became absorbed by â€Å"the width and the rock under your feet and the high sky†. She was not interested in describing the visual reality, picturesque beauty or stores of the Australian landscape, and chose to capture the essence of the landscape’s opography, space, air, vegetation and the daily and seasonal natural rhythms of nature, in compositions that were often startling in their refined simplicity. This was further influenced by the poetry of Peter Porter and David Campbell who also evoked their work around the landscape of Canberra. Gascoigne intricately has woven glimpses of her past feelings and experiences into her work creating art of an extraordinarily transcendent nature. Piece to Walk Around (1981) highlights the unique nature of Gascoigne’s practice. Piece to Walk Around, is comprised of bundles of saffron thistle sticks arranged into 20 squares each 80 by 80 by 1. 5 cm. These squares lay directly on the floor in a patchwork; one bundle running one way, then one other. The criss-cross formation recalls the undulating countryside, the ordering of agriculture and industry and the mottled effects of light and shadow on it. The work conveys a sense of infinite expansiveness and liberation experienced in the country, as manifested through the grid, here understood as an open-ended structure to which additional bundles of thistles could be theoretically added or subtracted. In Piece to Walk Around the literal depiction of the environment is stripped back to its very essence and the work becomes a microcosm of the landscape. The title is used to draw attention to the changing visual effects as one circles the work and the shifting play on the natural material. It is evident from the innovative nature of Piece to Walk Around that western conventions had little impact on Gascoigne’s practice. However Japanese influence is demonstrated through the formal composition and precise organisation of the bundles. The absence of art school allowed for Gascoigne to be singularly influenced by the world around her and not by conventions enforced by the art masters. The resolved use and order of her â€Å"found† materials reflects the influence her interest in flower arranging induced. The isolation of which she endured in the country allowed ability to entirely appreciate and observe the world around her before drawing inspiration from it. Piece to Walk Around was well received by the art world. Its simplicity made it easy for the audience to comprehend fulfilling Gascoigne’s aim to make art accessible to everyone. Gascoigne proposed that whilst â€Å"the viewer’s response to the landscape may differ† she hopes that â€Å"this picture will convey some sense of the countryside† and â€Å"induce in the viewer the liberating feeling of being in the open country†. Her Sydney dealer of over 10 years Roslyn Oxley said â€Å"she was very strong and to the point; there is never anything timid about her work†. Critic Sebastian Smee noted that â€Å"Gascoigne resembles a scavenging bowerbird in a world where the production of blue plastic has ceased. What to do? What to do†¦.? Nest while you can! †. This quote illuminates practice precisely highlighting the beauty and simplicity of her work from the influence of nature. Australian Art Collector reporter Judith White spoke of Piece to Walk Around being a â€Å"unique and imperishable contribution to art†. In 1994 Gascoigne was awarded an Order of Australia for services to art signifying her contribution to the art world. Piece to Walk Around was donated by the Gascoigne family after Roslyn Gascoigne’s death to the Museum of Contemporary Art allowing for a broader audience and the ability for her artwork to inspire a new generation. It was Gascoigne’s innovative practice that resulted in her success. Gascoigne’s engages minimalism’s sense of order in an original take on the physical environment. She employs a mixture Japanese of formal composition and rough Australian nature to break traditional conventions that define the individual styles. Gascoigne’s concepts from Piece to Walk Around were evident amongst a broad range of her artworks. Untitled 12 squares of 6 (1980-81) is another segment from the series in which Piece to Walk Around is derived from. It is created with identical composition as Piece to Walk Around however constructed from sawn weather wood to a large 90 by 119. 5cm. This artwork demonstrates the concept of how individuals can gather varying interpretations from the physical landscape and that this inspiration can impact upon the broad material practice of an artist. Through the analysis of Gascoigne’s practice, it can be observed the substantial influence that the physical landscape has had upon the artist. The audience is able to compare through the decomposition of Gascoigne’s artwork Piece to Walk Around the varying influences that the environment around them has had. It is through this the audience is able to full appreciate the construction of these artworks. It seems the influence of the physical environment has had on artists has continued to the present day through the examination of Post Modern artist Janet Laurence (b. Sydney, Australia 1947 – ). Living in the city of Sydney it is exceedingly evident within the strong messages within her artwork the influence the physical environment had upon her.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Benefits of mentoring

Benefits of mentoring Mentoring provides critical guidance to a young person on his or her path to success. Mentoring is to support and encourage people to make their own learning in order that they boost their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the person they want to be. Mentoring is a powerful development and consent. A mentor is a guide who can help the mentee to find the right direction and who can help them to develop solutions to career issues. Mentors are advisors, teachers, sources of funding and guides about classes, careers, jobs, graduate schools and life choices. Above all, mentors are motivators and role models, who believe in their mentees, see their potential, and help them get where they want to go. Mentoring really is something that can benefit everyone. As well as helping the mentee develop and advance through their career, the mentor can gain extra skills and understanding from the relationship. There is satisfaction in being able build up skills in helping someone else grow. The supportive, healthy relationships formed between mentors and mentees are both actual and long-term and contribute to an anchor of benefits for mentees and mentors. For a mentor, they have an opportunity to invest themselves in someone who looks for what they can offer. Mentoring for a mentor can also help build leadership skill because it helps develop the ability to motivate and encourage others. Another benefit for the mentor is improving communication skills because the mentee may come from different environment or background and the mentor and mentee may not speak the mentor the same language, which leads to finding a way to communicate more effectively as the mentor handles a way through the mentoring relationship. Additionally, the mentor learns new perspectives by working with someone less experienced, they gain a fresh perspective on things and learn a new way of thinking, which can help in work life as well as personal life. Along with that, mentoring can help with advancing your career because showing that the mentor has helped others learn and grow is becoming more and more necessary to advancement in today’s business world. F inally, the mentor gains personal satisfaction, seeing your mentee succeed as a result of your input is a reward itself. There are many benefits for youth. Mentoring youth can help as they go through challenging life transitions, along with dealing with stressful changes at home or transitioning with adulthood. Having the guidance, encouragement, and support of a trusted and experienced mentor can provide a mentee with a full extent of personal and efficient benefits. Close, healthy, supportive relationships between mentors and mentees that last for a serious portion of time are key to success. There is a wide range of mentors. Parents and guardian are obvious choices, as they are generally in the lives of youth and some are the most influential people in their lives. But there are teachers, coaches, ministers, and neighbors that are great options outside of parents and guardians. They are referred to as informal mentors because they are naturally-occurring and not matched, they all have the capacity to be good roles models, inspire youth and shaped their future. Mentors for youth are also available through formal and structed mentoring programs. Qualities takes a big role in mentoring. The most important role of a mentor is to support and encourage young people as they struggle to overcome obstacles and solve problems. Particularly when young people feel glum, upset with families, or unhappy with life situations, mentors are there beside them granting them to talk about anything and reminding them of elemental value. Secondly, a mentor is an active listener. Many times teenagers mention how little they feel listened to by most adults but mentors are different. Mentors always listen first and then speak. Along with listening there is pushing just enough, most teens don’t respond well to being pushed out of their comfort zone. They appreciate when mentors push them beyond what they might think they are capable of. Teens can tell whether an adult is legitimate interested in them and those who are just playing the role. Mentors value young people’s ideas and honor their changing feelings and moods.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Argentina Economy - Analysis Project Research Paper

Argentina Economy - Analysis Project - Research Paper Example Argentina economy is the third biggest economy in Latin America, with high standards of living and per capita income. Argentina is an upper middle-income economy and exhibits the characteristics of a strong foundation for future market size expansion, and increments in foreign direct investment. It also exhibits an augment in the percentage of high technology exports as a share of the entire manufactured products. Argentina gains from rich natural resources, high literacy rates of its population, an agricultural sector which is export oriented, and a diversified industrial base. Traditionally, Argentine economy had been agriculture based, but in the recent years, service and industrial sectors have grown in importance (Paolera & Taylor 88). Prior to the 1880s, the country relied on the salted meat, leather, hide, and wool industries for the larger component of its foreign trade and the generation of local income and earnings. Over the years, the country has experienced economic expansion in the various sectors. Argentina is among the international principal producers of agricultural commodities. The country is amongst the top producers and exporters of fruits and vegetables, maize, soybeans, honey, wheat and sorghum among others. In 2010, the agriculture sector accounted for 9 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (Paolera & Taylor 90). The manufacturing sector of the economy accounts for 19 percent of the country’s economy. The manufacturing and agriculture sectors of the economy are well integrated; more than half of the country’s industrial exports are agricultural in nature. ... 0, the country experienced persistent economic crises, relentless current account and fiscal deficits, high inflation rates, escalating external debt, and capital outflows. A severe economic depression, escalating external and public indebtedness, and bank run culminated in 2001 were the most serious social, political and economic crisis in the Argentina turbulent history. In December 2001, interim President Adolfo Rodriguez SAA declared a default on the government’s external debt, which was the biggest in history. President Rodriguez resigned a few days after taking office (Baer & Fleisher 8).3 In early 2002, Rodriguez’s successor, Eduardo Duhalde, declared an end to the peso’s 10 years long 1-to-1 peg to the U.S. dollar. During this year, there was deterioration of the economy with real GDP being 18 percent lower compared to that of 1998 and almost 60 percent of the Argentines were living under the poverty line. After six years, the economy started to grow with an average real GDP annual growth rate of 8.5 percent. The economy took advantage of previously inactive labor and industrial capacity, a bold debt restructuring and diminished debt burden, excellent global financial conditions, and expansionary fiscal and monetary policies. Also, the economy experienced high rates of inflation (Baer & Fleisher 10).3 However, in early 2007, President Nestor Kirchner’s administration responded to the inflation through price restraints on businesses and export taxes and controls. In late 2007, Cristina Kirchner succeeded her husband as President, and the rapid growth of the economy of previous years started to slow down sharply in 2008. This was as a result of government policies, which reduced exports and the global economy fell into recession. The economy has recovered

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Risk Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Risk Management - Case Study Example The first concern area is the president and founder decision to hand shareholding to family members. This may be seen as a measure to safeguard the company’s interests and those of the main shareholders, it also poses significant threat as it limits the company’s access to additional capital, the assumption here being that any amounts that the company may have at the time are already committed to improving the business. Another eminent risk is the exposure of the company’s assets; as presented in the case, the company’s total assets are valued at 52.6 million dollars. In case these assets are destroyed by any type of occurrence, it would cost the company about $73.5 million to replace them. It is definite that such loss would also translate to a loss of significant information stored in the equipment. Other costs that the company should consider is through disruption - in any case, that there is such an eventuality the company’s operations will defi nitely be disrupted. The entire period of disruption represents a significant loss of company revenue. Yet another major point of concern is the company’s revenue. The case indicates that the company’s revenue has been on the rise for the past two years and dipped in the third year by a significant amount - 15 million. A quarter of this revenue is generated by a single employee, which implies that the firm is overly reliant on a single or a few individuals. This implies redundancy as well as inefficiency which are significant risks. The greatest risk in this case is the fact that if this individual leaves the company, then this hugely affects the company’s revenue stream (Hamilton, 2004). This will definitely have a spiral effect as the company operations rely on the revenue generated by its activities. The last significant threat to the company is loss of market share. The case indicates that the firm

Brief a case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Brief a case - Essay Example Once the work under the second contract was completed the defendant called the plaintiff’s computer operator once monthly to enquire as to how the computer system was working and asked for the claim number had been arrived at. The software program modified by the defendant contained insurance claims by the plaintiff’s clients and each claim was identified by a specific number. As it turned out the computer system crashed when it reached claim number 56789. The crash had been orchestrated by the defendant who had been losing clients. The defendant had deliberately and secretly entered a â€Å"conditional statement† in the plaintiff’s software program which directed the program to stop working when it reached claim number 56789. Satisfied that the plaintiff had already paid the defendant more than enough money for his services, the plaintiff hired another expert to fix the problem. It was this expert who discovered the conditional statement entered by the de fendant. In any event, the second expert fixed the plaintiff’s computer and was paid US$7,000 for his troubles. The plaintiff subsequently sued the defendant for breach of contract with respect to the second contract. The plaintiff sought compensatory and punitive damages against the defendant. Specifically, the plaintiff sought US$18,000 in punitive damages and US$7,000 in damages, the amount paid to the second expert to remedy the problem deliberately created by the defendant. RULE: As a general rule in the law of contract, punitive damages are not awarded. However, under breach of contract claims, punitive damages may be awarded where the award is necessary for deterring â€Å"morally culpable conduct† (Halpin v Prudential Ins. Co. 48 N.Y. 2d 906). Although the plaintiff specifically requested punitive damages, punitive damages can be awarded even when it is not

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Stem Cells Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Stem Cells - Essay Example Stem cells are not specialized and have the capacity of renewing themselves through a biological process called cell division. Moreover, research has shown that when stem cells can be induced to become specific organ specific cells or became a tissue with special functions (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2002). Stem cells play a critical role in some organs like the bone marrow and the gut whereby they divide regularity to replace damaged or worn out tissues. There are two major kinds of stem cells. They include embryonic stem cells and somatic or adult stem cells. Stem cells are important for any living organisms in many ways (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2002). In this scenario, 3-5 years old blastcyst or the embryo inner cells give rise to all body tissues and organs with different specialized functions like the heart, lungs, eggs, sperm cells and many other cells with different specialized functions. Moreover, on adults, stem cells play a crucial role through the regeneration capacity they are able to regenerate cells that have been lost through disease, normal wear or injury. Due to their unique capacity to regenerate new cells, stem cells have played a potential role in treating diseases like heart diseases and diabetes. Research is ongoing to establish on how to use these cells to treat disease, and there are several achievements in this field that is now called reparative or regenerative medicine. One of the cons surrounding the stem cells is controversy concerning the ethics. This is because until recent years scientists have been using aborted embryo to derive the embryonic stem cells from which is unethical. However, with the advancement of technology, researchers currently use ethical methods like the Induced Pluripotent Stem cells (iPS). The cells are artificially derived from non-pluripotent cell like the somatic cells (Explorable.com, 2008). The use of pluripotent stem cells had shunned the controversial

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 52

Marketing - Essay Example First and foremost, SWOT analysis helps to evaluate the internal and external environment of the program where it will implement. This will help the health care institution or program to determine the amount of material needed for the installation of the program (Wijngaarden, Scholten, & Wijk, 2007). It will help evaluate possible strength, weakness, opportunities and threats to the new service or new health care program. Considering the case of Coventry Health Care Company that implemented SWOT analysis for its planning and initiation of service, it was clearly noted that the company had to change its implementation plan because they evaluated that their infrastructure can undergo a lot of threats. The only way that helped Coventry health care company understand the threats was the usage of SWOT analysis before their entry in the market (Wijngaarden, Scholten, & Wijk, 2007). Thus, it can be said that SWOT analysis is a very effective marketing took that can be applied carefully to determine possible threats or strengths for the new service in the market. Usage of SWOT analysis is highly recommended in health care industry. Wijngaarden, J., Scholten, G., & Wijk, K. (2007). Strategic analysis for health care organizations: the suitability of the SWOT-analysis. The International Journal of Health Planning and Management, 27(1),

Monday, September 23, 2019

Efficient Functioning of a Capitalist System Coursework

Efficient Functioning of a Capitalist System - Coursework Example The country's law should also assist companies to come-up with their CSR policies; hence the company law has to bring required amendments. Like other countries, the concept of CSR is gaining momentum in the UK and the company law system is incorporating required changes so that companies can carry out their social responsibility. UK company law system is considered as an over-complicated system which has a blend of both modern and radicalism. All the UK listed companies have to comply with the combined code and they have to publish the Turnbull report. This report ensures that the company will manage its non-financial risks and it will pay due respect toward environmental, social and ethical factors along with its main business practice. The UK government always tried to maintain a balance between shareholders interest and this view was clearly reflected in the white paper that provides a guideline which the companies have to follow. A government of the UK has always supported the id ea that the duty of the director of a company has to be codified and the new director should gain an introductory idea regarding the duty toward society. After considering all the factors into account, the UK government had introduced certain amendments like draft clauses, volume II- Schedule II, 2 (b) which was a step toward modernizing the company's lawyer. Different thinkers have the different view regarding capitalism and CSR. The term corporate was well defined by Melvin Aron Eisenberg in the following fashion â€Å"the business corporation is an instrument through which capital is assembled for the activities of producing and distributing goods and services and making the investment. The business corporation should have as its objective the conduct of such activities with a view to enhancing the corporation's profit and the gain of the corporation’s owners.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Assessment Plan for Unit Cu697 Handle Mail Criteria 4.1 †5.2 Essay Example for Free

Assessment Plan for Unit Cu697 Handle Mail Criteria 4.1 – 5.2 Essay 4.1 At Proactive Personnel we always use Royal Mail to send out our mail our packages. The options we use to send out our outgoing mail are 1st class, 2nd class and special delivery. The way we are able to tell what mail needs to go 1st, 2nd or special delivery is by our employees placing the mail in the specific trays to which they need, where as special delivery is known by ‘rec’ been wrote on the mail. 4.2 The way our postage prices are worked out is by using the Royal Mail franking machine. We choose the option that we require for the mail, then we weigh the mail/package on the scale on the franking machine to which we are then given a price. Once this is done we simply place the mail under and the machine stamps the mail. If the mail is too big there are special stickers used which get stamped and stuck on the package. 4.3 At Proactive Personnel we do not require the use of a courier service. If we ever did need to use one there are numerous companies ranging from DHL to Fedex that we could use. If we had a large parcel that needed to be delivered we would pay for the company to come collect it and then deliver it to the destination. The cost involves the labour done by the driver, the fuel and the safety of the package. 4.4 This is covered in 4.1 4.5 This is covered in 4.2 4.6 When franking the post and handling the mail we do not record the post, however we do occasionally have to top up the franking machine. This is done by an internet connection set up to the bank account. Once the machine is topped up we make a receipt using the franking machine these are then stored, to which we can see how much was used in a period of time and compare them. 4.7 The post here at Proactive Personnel is sent and received daily the quantities vary. We usually send out the post nearer the end of the day depending on how much there is to stamp it can vary from one hour before to 15 minutes before the end of the day. Wednesday we usually send the payslips out, so there is a large quantity which usually takes a while. 5.1/5.2 During the process of the all above numerous problems can happen. The problems can be the franking machine running out of ink, a letter that has been left behind, post being stamped the wrong price.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Embryonic And Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Biology Essay

Embryonic And Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Biology Essay INTRODUCTION: Stem cells are cells which are found in almost all multicellular organisms. Stem cells was proposed by a histologist Maksimov. A in 1908. They develop into many different types of cells in the body during their early life and growth and serve as a internal repair system in many tissues. Formation of new cells can be seen when stem cells division starts these new cells can either form a stem cell or other types of cells like muscle cells,brain and red blood cells with specialized functions. Stem cells are the objects in biomedical research and are differentiated from other types of cells by two main characteristics. Firstly, Stem cells are the undifferentiated cell types they possess the capacity of both self renewable during cell division. Secondly, Potency which means they can be differntiated into differnt types of specialized cells with specific function.(Bishop et.al., 2002). Stem cells can be totipotent and pluripotent. In some organs like gut or bone marrow the st em cells divide either to replace or repair the damaged or worn out tissues while in other organ system like pancreas they divide under some specific function Totipotent stem cells can give rise to a functional organism as well as to every cell type of the body. Pluripotent stem cells are capable of giving rise to any tissue type, but not to a functioning organism. Multipotent stem cells are more differentiated and thus can give rise only to a few tissue types. For example, a specific type of multipotent stem cell called a mesenchymal stem cell can produce bone, muscle, cartilage, fat, and other connective tissues. (Pittenger et.al., 1999). They are two types of Stem cells 1) Embryonic stem cells 2) Adult stem cells also known as somatic cell or tissue specific. Embryonic stem cells are derived from the blastocysts and are pluripotent instead of totipotent because they do not have the ability to become part of the extra-embryonic membranes or the placenta while the adult cells are present in adult tissues while the stem cells found in developed tissues are the Adult stem cells and the example for this is the hematopoietic stem cells of blood which cannot give rise to the cells of a different tissue, such as nerve cells in the brain (Frankel et.al.,1999). The difference between between embryonic and adult stem cells(somatic) is their origin that is embryonic cells can differntiate into any c ell types but adult stem cells are limited and can differentiate into the cells of their own tissue by this the grown cells wont be rejected by the immune system during treatment and these cells also differ by mutation frequency (James et.al.,2002). The stem cells derived from the human embryo is known as Human embryonic stem cells and these cells are for reproductive purpose. While, in 2006 researchers have observed new type of specialized adult cells this cells are called as Induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs). Parthenogenetic stem cells are also one type of stem cells derived from activated human oocytes USES: Stem cells are useful in treating diseases like diabetis and heart diseases and many works are being done on how to use stem cells for cell based therapies in treating diseases which is also called as regenerative medicine. Stem cells have the ability to replace the damaged cells and can be used in treating heart failures. spinal injuries and parkinsons diseases for example, neural stem cells are able tp regenerate nerve tissue damaged by spinal injury. Stem cells are useful in screening toxins in substances such as pesticides and also used during development of new methods for gene therapy that may help those who are suffering from genetic illiness. They are also used in pharmaceutical industry for testing the new drugs before testing on animal and humans. Induced pluripotent cells are the adult stem cells have been genetically remodelled to an embryonic stem like to express genes and factors which maintains the properties of embryonic stem cells. EMBRYONIC AND INDUCED PLURIPOTENT STEM CELLS: Embryonic stem cells are from the earliest stages of human embryo that develop into eggs by invitro fertilization while other embryos are developed for research and extracted after five days growth. It is known that embryonic stem cells divide indefinitely so only a single embryo can form lines of cells to use for treatment.(Thomson et.al.,1998) These cells are undifferentiated but has a ability to differentiate into any cell, tissue or organ in the body. These stem cells can also become nerve, muscle cells or any other type of human cells. The process involved in formation of ES cells is the ovaries are removed and after 76hours of copulation they are treated with media containing serum overnight.The following day the inner cell mass of embryos are removed and cultured on fibroblast after few weeks colonies grew which showed pluripotent characters referred to as ES cells. Embryonic stem cells are used to treat a host of diseases, such as Parkinsons disease, spinal cord injury, and d iabetes (Martins.,1981). For research, these embryos are destroyed in the process of deriving embryonic stem cells. ES cells have got a great potential for long term therapies but the issue arises regarding safety. Transplanted ES cells have uncontrolled growth and could generate tumours which is seen in laboratory cultures by scientists and there are not sure how they behave inside the body. So, this is to be studied before proceeded in clinical trials while another issue is tissues derived from the ES cells are rejected by patients immune system after transplantation. To overcome this issue tissue rejection currently, drugs can be used which suppresses the immune system but these drugs can be infectious thus drugs without any side effects are being investigated by the researchers or alternatively adult stem cells can be used. The major issue is in process of extracting the embryonic cells the embryos have to be destroyed this is opposed by many people and raises ethical issues. Al ternatives are being investigating by combining the stem cell technology with cloning by a method called (SCNT) somatic cell nuclear transfer.(Stewart et.al.,2007). It is a method which involves insertion of the nuclei of the somatic cell into the oocyte which develops into the embryo. This embryo derives the embryonic stem cell lines which is carried out in several mammalian species but till date No ES cells have been successfully developed by this method and also requires destruction of many embryos compared to other methods. And the other issue by usig this method is therauptic human cloning would lead to reproductive human cloning which leads to maral and social danger. The use of ES cells got many ethical issues as it is derived by destroying the embryos which raises fundamental concers of human life. (Tabar et.al.,2001). Problems associated with stem cell research according to the researchers embryonic stem cells are known for the cell baesd therapies as they are more versatile than adult stem cells but the same properties of these cells make them unusual for therapy as these will migrate all over the body and produce tumours. Growing and maintaining embryonic cell lines prove that they are problematic by performing experiments in mice as some of these get mutated and unusable to the patients. To overcome this problem adult stem cells acan be used to eliminate mutation tissue incompatibility. The pharmaceutical companies could not puruse these therapies due to financial incentives ( Phimister and drazen,2004). Recent advances in stem cells have new applications possible for stem cell based technology. It is now possible to reprogram differentiated human somatic cells into pluripotent cells that are functionally equivalent to embryonic stem cells. In 2006, specialized adult cells are been reprogrammed genetically to assume a stem cell like state called as Induced pluripotent stem cells. (Fenno.et.al., 2008). The use of ES cells as an alternative to oocytes which can be reprogrammed as an Human somatic cells. This can be done by fusion of human embryonic stem cells with fibroblasts which results hybrid cells.(Cowan et.al.,2005). These cells exhibits morphology and growth proper of embryonic stem cells and also express their genes. Transplantation of induced pluripotent cells into mice resulted in tumour containing variety of tissues on injection into the blastocyst showed mouse embryonic development This shows that Induced Pluripotent stem cells can be produced from fibroblast on addition wi th defined factors like oct3/4,Sox2 and klf4(Takahashi and Yamanaka.,2006). Researchers have demonstrated a novel technique for production of IPS cells by transforming Adult Skin cells which is considered as a fast reliable and safe method, viruses were used to insert the specific genes into the adult cell would result in increased potential for adverse outcomes and also increases the chance of genetic defects thus it would affect the patient treating with stem cell therapy.(Soldner et.al.,2009) Thus, alternatively transgenes or reprogramming proteins can used for insertion to overcome the risk and after induction using protein factors or virus free factors that can be removed to induce pluripotency which develops into IPS cells that does not have any risk.(Kaji et.al.,2009) As, IPS cells also raises ethical problems related to germline alterations. However using virus free factors can overcome the problem of germline alteration. In 2010, researchers have used Induced pluripotent stem cells to treat rodents suffering with parkinsons disease and this research was successfull this is done by transplanting the induced pluripotent cell neuron into the rodents mid brain injury which is similar to Parkinsons disease in humans by this the cells became functional and showed improvement. Thus induced pluripotent cells may be useful for future disease models and cell-based therapies. Induced pluripotent stem cells offer immense potential for regenerative medicine and studies of development and diseases. Thus analysis of genomic transcriptional activity, gene activation, allele specific gene expression and DNA methylation shows that the somatic cell was reprogrammed to an embryonic state which provides a system for investigating the mechanisms. To Induce pluripotent somatic properties which are similar to ES cells properties is done by introducing active genes or derivatives of RNA or protein products into the somatic cell but this process of acquiring pluripotency is not genetically but involves Epigenomic Reprogramming. There are differences between ES and IPSC cells regarding chromatin structure and gene expressionby showing few similarities while the other reports show that there is epigenetic differences and alteration. Reprogramming of a somatic cell into pluripotent state requires complete change of Somatic cell to an ES cell like state but this is not repo rted yet. On performing genomic profiling of the DNA methylomes of both ES and Induced pluripotent cells similarities are seen but every single line shows different reprogramming variability compared to both ES cells and other Induced pluripotent stem cells. Patterns of DNA methylation are seen as epigenetic change at the tips and centromeres of the chromososmes and show differences in CG methylation and histone modifications. Thus, Induced pluripotent cells may not be suitable substitute for embryonic cells. (Lister et.al., 2011). CONCLUSION: Human embryonic stem (ES) cell research has been the best way for the cell-based therapies for a number of diseases but the issue raises with destroying the embryos to produce these cells. The use of IPS cells has less ethically problematic than the use of Embryonic cells as production Of IPS cells does not require destroying the embryos. But the use of induced pluripotent cells raises ethical concerns to somatic cell reprogramming as there is a difference seen between the ES and Ips cells and the debate over stem cell therapy is increasingly becoming irrelevant but ethical issues regarding the Embryonic stem cells would not entirely go away.So, the study of all the types of stem cells should be done as it is not known which is useful for the cell replacement therapticus.

Friday, September 20, 2019

The Silence Of The Lambs Essay -- Silence Lambs Cannibalism Essays

The Silence of The Lambs   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Clarice Starling, a student preparing for a life in the FBI, hunts a serial killer by use of vague information given to her by an incarcerated psychologist. Hannibal â€Å"The Cannibal† Lecter relays information to Clarice in exchange for information about herself. The killer, known only as "Buffalo Bill", kidnaps large women, keeps them alive for a few days, and finally skins them. Clarice works against time as Buffalo Bill takes his newest victim, a U.S. Senator's daughter, and the countdown to death begins. "The Silence of the Lambs" was chosen for the title because it is Clarice Starling's ultimate goal for the bloodcurdling screams of the lambs in her nightmares to cease. When she was younger, she witnessed the slaughtering of a herd of lambs and to this day she awakens horrified some nights to escape the nightmares that she so longs to end. She believes deep down that if she catches Buffalo Bill herself she will sleep soundly in the silence of the lambs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  My first interpretation of Clarice was that she was very bright and observant. She reads people very well and is quick to make an accurate judgement, as in with Frederick Chilton, the prison warden. I believed that she was a very strong woman and was very careful to appear that way to others.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Clarice Starling did have a large change in herself. She began the story with a careful mentality; a risk would have been unheard of. She was always making sure she w...

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and The Social Pressures of Adolesc

Although we live in modern times, stigmas regarding gender identity cease to exist. These biases are prevalent within various cultures. Male and female adolescents are stifled from expressing themselves based on how they personally relate to their own femininity or masculinity and sex roles. The cause of this constriction of emotions is due in large part to these young people being coerced into obeying the rules of society. In addition, societal constructions seem to totally disregard the physiological and biological aspects of adolescent puberty. We acquire sexual orientation and gender identity during adolescence due to puberty, culture and our surrounding environment. For instance, puberty takes place over several years in which physical growth and psychological changes occur, concluding in sexual maturity. The average onset of puberty is at age 10 or 11 for girls and age 12 or 13 for boys. Physiological changes in body composition, the individuals’ height and weight are some of the most significant parts involved in pubertal maturation. Boys develop an adams apple, girls begin their menses, and the growth of pubic hair begins to surface. These changes are influenced by hormonal activity. Hormones play an organizational role, preparing the body to behave in a certain way once puberty begins. Puberty begins with hormone production, which in turn causes a number of physical changes. This is triggered by the pituitary gland which secretes hormonal agents into the blood stream, initiating a chain reaction. The male and female gonads are subsequently activated, which puts them into a state of rapid growth and development. The testes primarily release testosterone, and the ovaries predominately rel... ...hy T. F. (2005). The Search for the Gay Gene. Brittish Medical Journal. 330, 7498, 1033-1036. National Mental Health Association, (2005)., What Does Gay Mean. . retrieved April 10, 2012, from http://www.nmha.org/whatdoesgaymean/whatdoesgaymean.pdf Regan, C. & Fogarty, K. (2010). Understanding Sexual Minority Adolescents. University of Florida IFAS Extension, Vol. 1. retrieved April 10, 2012, from http://www.edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy749 Volpicelli, J. & Szalavitz, M. (2000). Recovey Options The Complete Guide, How You and Your Loved Ones Can Understand and Treat Alcohol and Other Drug Problems . US & Canada: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.. Ward, E. G. (2005). Homophobia, Hypermasculinity and the US Black Church. Taylor & Francis Group, Vol. 7, No. 5. retrieved April 11, 2012, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/4005477 Watson, J. B. (2008). Behaviorism. Tuscon, AZ: West Press.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

One Nation Under God Essay -- essays research papers

Would God categorize his children? That is a question that I believe most would give a simple and direct answer: No. Would the United States categorize their citizens? Although the Amendment suggests that all men and women are equal, the fact is, the people of the United States are continuously being classified. So, if indeed the United States is one nation under God, why do we continue to sort ourselves through unreasonable and unethical factors? The misinterpretation of race has shattered the American society and for all that it stands. We should correct America’s immoral actions and assumptions that separate God’s children in hope of reforming the United States toward true equality. The United States is supposed to be a nation of equal beings, yet the government, companies, and organizations in America use race in questionnaires and forms. For example, ******************* admissions form asks to check one of the boxes containing the following: African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, White, Other, and Prefer not to answer. Prefer not to answer should be the most logical choice, but still, the question of race in general, should not be of any concern, especially for filing purposes. Despite the fact, we are haunted by the categorization of our "ethnic background," which vaguely describes our personality. Many other organizations... One Nation Under God Essay -- essays research papers Would God categorize his children? That is a question that I believe most would give a simple and direct answer: No. Would the United States categorize their citizens? Although the Amendment suggests that all men and women are equal, the fact is, the people of the United States are continuously being classified. So, if indeed the United States is one nation under God, why do we continue to sort ourselves through unreasonable and unethical factors? The misinterpretation of race has shattered the American society and for all that it stands. We should correct America’s immoral actions and assumptions that separate God’s children in hope of reforming the United States toward true equality. The United States is supposed to be a nation of equal beings, yet the government, companies, and organizations in America use race in questionnaires and forms. For example, ******************* admissions form asks to check one of the boxes containing the following: African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, White, Other, and Prefer not to answer. Prefer not to answer should be the most logical choice, but still, the question of race in general, should not be of any concern, especially for filing purposes. Despite the fact, we are haunted by the categorization of our "ethnic background," which vaguely describes our personality. Many other organizations...

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Preventing Tooth Decay in Hispanic Preschool Children: Program Development

Preventing Tooth Decay in Hispanic Preschool Children: Program Development School of Nursing Health Teaching and Promotion Preventing Tooth Decay in Hispanic Preschool Children: Program Development Dental caries is a single most prevalent chronic infectious disease amongst US children (US Dept of Health and Human Services, 2000). Caries progression in younger children is more rapid and severe than in adults, resulting in the ailment known as Early Childhood Caries. According to National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) morbidity report almost 20% of children 2-5 years old had untreated dental caries (2012).In order to prevent tooth decay and promote good oral hygiene in young children, the community nurse will coordinate with East Los Angeles day care centers to hold a series of short classes for groups of parents 10-14 at a time just before the end of day care’s business day. These classes will focus on preventing caries development in preschool children by raising awarene ss amongst parents. The education will target Hispanic day care centers, and the goals of the program will be achieved by educating parents and their preschool children on factors that contribute to cavities formation, and strategies to prevent caries progression.Health Prevention Need According to Dental Health Foundation (DHF) children in California have twice as much untreated dental caries as the rest of the nation (2000). DHF further indicates that national minorities are at higher risk to develop dental problems. Variables such as socioeconomic status and educational level directly correlate with the rates of the dental disease prevalence (US Dept of Health and Human Services, 2000). According to NCHS, almost 40% of Mexican children from families that are below 100% of poverty level have untreated dental issues.Additional factor that contribute to dental cavities progression is lack of insurance. More than quarter of Californian preschoolers and elementary school students have no dental coverage (DHF, 2000). The practice of giving a nocturnal bottle is still utilized by more than 30% of Californians, and is considered as most common factor that contributes to tooth decay (US Dept of Health and Human Services, 2000). Caries in children may be source of severe pain, interfere with learning, diminish overall quality of life, and potentially lead to life-threatening infections.Fortunately, dental caries is easily preventable by following basic oral hygiene strategies. However due to lack of knowledge and other socio-economic and cultural barriers, these guidelines frequently are not followed, and children suffer from tooth decay and associated problems. The goal of this educational course closely replicates oral health goals set by Healthy People 2020, which emphasizes importance of education and prevention (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2012).A joint effort of public health professionals, day care centers personnel, and individual parentsâ €™ involvement can halt the progression of caries and prevent the tooth decay in children. Characteristics of Learners This program will involve parents and their preschool children, and child care providers. Considering the geographical location of proposed courses (East Los Angeles), the most of the participating children are of Hispanic heritage, three to five years old; include both gender, and most likely bilingual. Piaget coined a term of preoperational intelligence to describe the cognitive learning in children ages 2 to 6 (Berger, 2008).Preoperational cognition, according to Piaget, denotes learning that occurs before understanding logical operations. Children’s cognitive processes at this age are magical and egocentric (Berger, 2008). Lev Vygotsky, in contrast to Piaget’s theory emphasized the social learning as an important part of knowledge formation. Vygotsky recognized the importance of guided participation in learning process of preschool children. He provided four steps created by caregivers that motivate children to learn: challenge presentation, assistance availability, instructions, and encouragement.Another prominent social development theorist, Eric Erikson described preschool children being in the initiative versus guilt state, which characterized by child balancing effort and expectations of adults (Berger, 2008). Preschool children may have prior knowledge of basic oral hygiene strategies, but need assistance and supervision. Additionally children at this age are able to follow two or three step instructions, curious and motivated, do distinguish cause and effect in simple situations.Berger states that young preschool children have healthy growing organisms, but greatly influenced by genetics, nutrition, socioeconomic status, and other factors (2008). The long standing tradition of encouraging children to eat traced in low-income Hispanic families is turning into the overeating epidemic in the US (Berger, 2008). Besides overeating, poor dietary choices, such as snacks with little nutritional value, but high in sugar, fat, and salt pose a direct danger to oral health. The second category of learners in this course is comprised of adult Hispanic parents of preschool children, and caregivers at day care centers.Both parents and caregivers are most likely emerging adults with ages ranging from 21 to 35. Most of them belong to lower socioeconomic status, with public health being the only source of healthcare coverage. As much as 45% are uninsured (NCHS, 2012). Almost 25% of these adults live below poverty level, and median per capita in income is almost 2. 5 times less than that of rest of California (United States Census Bureau, 2012). Forty four percent of East Los Angeles population reported having a high school diploma, and only 5. 4% achieved baccalaureate degree as highest level of education (United States Census Bureau, 2012).As much as 97% of population is of Hispanic descent, and almost half o f them are foreign born individuals. Catholicism is a predominant religion amongst Hispanic population. People of Hispanic origin have strong values of family relations, religion, tradition and customs. They might have preconceived ideas of oral hygiene, but most likely not follow the guidelines. Hispanics have a strong respect to healthcare providers, and their culture prescribes obedience and compliance, making them open to learning to certain degree (Berger, 2008).They might have limited English proficiency and be illiterate, which makes learning process harder. Nursing Diagnosis A multitude of nursing diagnoses are applicable to the situation of poor oral hygiene. Various problems arise from the potential adverse effects of infection and caries. But for this educational course two interrelated nursing diagnoses were identified. The first nursing diagnosis is ineffective oral health maintenance related to knowledge deficit, cultural beliefs, and lack of material resources as evid enced by reported poor dentition status in children (Wilkinson, 2005).The second diagnosis directly stems from the first one: knowledge deficit related to lack of exposure and unfamiliarity with information resources as evidenced by inadequate demonstration of proper teeth brushing and flossing techniques (Wilkinson, 2005). These two diagnoses will guide the content of educational course with focus on relevant needs. Client-Centered Educational Goal Wilkinson includes goals into the nursing diagnoses for evaluation of outcomes (2005). Goals are descriptions of desired family or client actions that can be measured or directly observed (Wilkinson, 2005).Upon completion of this course parents will express knowledge of importance of proper oral hygiene, demonstrate correct brushing and flossing techniques, and identify strategies that reduce progression of caries. The following education plan is tailored to the client-centered goals with objectives that reflect clients’ needs. Le arning Objectives Rankin, Stallings, and London state that leaning objectives have to be clearly formulated, time-limited, verifiable (measurable), and attainable in order to achieve effective learning (2005).A curriculum for health professionals and child care providers by California Childcare Health Program was used in the process of objectives identification (2005). To achieve stated educational goal six objectives: two of each learning domain were formulated. Cognitive objectives: 1. After attending a class on oral hygiene (condition), parents will state (performance) the detrimental effects of snack and drinks high in sugar, and nocturnal bottle on progression of teeth decay prior to the end of class (criterion). 2.After attending a class on oral hygiene (condition), parents will state (performance) the need to assist children with brushing until age of 8 by the end of class (criterion). Affective objectives: 1. After discussing a recommended routine of oral hygiene (condition) , parents will verbalize (performance) their feelings associated with changes in the routine by the end of the class (criterion). 2. After discussing effects of sugar on tooth decay and importance of dietary modification (condition), parents will state their challenges associated with breaking he nocturnal bottle habit in their children (performance) routine by the end of the class (criterion). Ppsychomotor objectives: 1. After observing instructor perform correct brushing techniques (condition), parents and children will demonstrate a repeat demonstration (performance) routine by the end of the class (criterion). 2. After attending the class (condition), children will demonstrate â€Å"lift the lip† technique (performance), to allow their parents inspect the teeth by the end of the class (criterion). Content OutlineContent outline allows structured learning environment and provides guidance to the instructor. The content outline for oral health should include information on basic teeth anatomy, teeth eruption pattern, signs and symptoms of caries and teeth infection. The signs of infection may include gum or facial swelling on affected side, foul odor, drainage, and visible cavities and discoloration (California Childcare Health Program, 2005). The information of possible outcomes of untreated infection need to bi disclosed. Children may complain of pain and discomfort.Further, content outline should include demonstration of correct brushing techniques, both for parents and children, and information on relationship of sugar and night-time bottle to tooth decay. The session should include questions and answers section to allow parents and children validate their understanding. Active discussion is encouraged to promote disclosure of feelings associated with necessary changes. Content outline need to incorporate information on public health resources available to low income families to meet material needs. Instructional Strategies and MediaThe proposed e ducation program will take place in the day care centers in East Los Angeles, CA, 1 hour prior to the end of business day. The course will be divided into 2 parts, first focusing on dental health concepts, and the second will be devoted to the correct brushing techniques and evaluation of learning. Teaching will be conducted in group format with estimated 10-15 participants. Group format allows sharing of concepts between members and more comfortable environment (Rankin et al. , 2005). The first part will be in the lecture format, reinforced by booklets both in English and Spanish anguages. Video material and plaster model of jaws will be utilized, to demonstrate teeth anatomy. Rankin and others note that instructional videos are more effective in conjunction with practice and return demonstration (Rankin et al. , 2005). Therefore, the second part of the session will focus on demonstration of brushing strategies, different positions to assist parents with brushing, and dental produc ts. Demonstration can reinforce psychomotor objectives achievement, and lectures and videos are effective in meeting cognitive objectives (Rankin et al. , 2005).At the end, parents will be allowed to ask questions and reflect on their feelings, which will result in achievement of affective learning objectives. Instructional media listed above will include resources and materials recommended by â€Å"Promoting Children’s Oral Health: Curriculum for health professionals and child care providers† with permission of its developer – California Childcare Health Program. These include 4-minute â€Å"Lift the Lip† video on basic oral exam for parents and day care center providers, â€Å"Healthy teeth begin at birth† booklet, and the â€Å"What do you think? questionnaire to evaluate parents understanding and validate their feelings and concerns. All the materials are available in English and Spanish (California Childcare Health Program, 2005). Evaluation of Objectives and Program Evaluation Strategies To evaluate the outcomes of educational session, the lecturer will use a modified and simplified â€Å"Evaluation questionnaire† available from â€Å"Curriculum for health professionals and child care providers† to reflect both on cognitive learning, and to assess program perceived effectiveness (California Childcare Health Program, 2005).This tool includes questions with answers utilizing Likert scale to elicit feelings related to course effectiveness, and a simple test to assess knowledge. Observation of return demonstration of teeth brushing by both parents and children will serve as evaluation strategy for psychomotor objectives. Observation allows the teacher to provide feedback and corrective measures (Rankin et al. , 2005). The questions and answers session at the end of the class will assist the evaluation of achievement of both cognitive and affective objectives, by allowing participant verbalize their feelings, and validate their learning.Several open ended questions are included in the written questionnaire as well. Conclusion The oral health of children is greatly impacted by such socioeconomic variables, as their parents’ income, education, culture, prior experience, and insurance status. Preschool children from Hispanic families in state of California are at higher risk to develop dental cavities compared to the rest of the state. Basic strategies and spread of information about dental health can prevent progression of dental caries and greatly improve future quality of life in preschool children.This program will teach parents, caregivers, and children on proper teeth brushing techniques, disseminate knowledge on basic oral health concepts, and provide a list of public resources available to overcome financial barriers. References Berger, K. S. (2008). The developing person through the life span. ( 7th ed. ). New York. NY: Worth Publishers. California Childcare Health Program. (2005). Bright Futures Toolbox: Health Professionals and Human Services Providers. Retrieved from National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center: http://www. ucsfchildcarehealth. org/pdfs/Curricula/oral%20health_11_v7. df National Center for Health Statistics. (2012). Health, United States, 2011: With Special Feature on. Hyattsville, MD. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www. cdc. gov/nchs/data/hus/hus11. pdf#076 Rankin, S. H. , Stallings, D. K. , & London, F. (2005). Health promotion: Models and applications to patient education. In Patient Education in Health and Illness (5 ed. , pp. 27-46). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. The Dental Health Foundation. (2000). The Oral Health of California’s Children: Halting a Neglected Epidemic.Oakland, CA: Dental Health Foundation. United States Census Bureau. (2012). State & County QuickFacts. Retrieved from United States Census: http://quickfacts. census. gov/qfd/states/06/06208 02. html United States Department of Health and Human Services. (2012, August). Oral Health. Retrieved from Healthy People 2020: http://www. healthypeople. gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview. aspx? topicid=32 United States Department of Health and Human Services. (2000). Oral health in America: A report of the Surgeon General. National Institutes of Health,

Monday, September 16, 2019

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in War Veterans

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER IN WAR VETERANS SC-PNG-0000009299 Alwin Aanand Thomson American Degree Program SEGi College Penang 1. 0 INTRODUCTION Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any event that results in psychological trauma. This event may involve the threat of death to oneself or to someone else, or to one's own or someone else's physical, sexual, or psychological integrity, overwhelming the individual's ability to cope.As an effect of psychological trauma, PTSD is less frequent and more enduring than the more commonly seen acute stress response. Diagnostic symptoms for PTSD include re-experiencing the original trauma(s) through flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma, and increased arousal—such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, anger, and hyper vigilance. Formal diagnostic criteria in DSM-IV-TR require that the symptoms last more than one month and cause significa nt impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning (American Psychological Association). . 0 DIAGNOSIS Criteria The diagnostic criteria for PTSD, stipulated in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (Text Revision) (DSM-IV-TR), may be summarized as: A: Exposure to a traumatic event This must have involved both (a) loss of â€Å"physical integrity†, or risk of serious injury or death, to self or others, and (b) a response to the event that involved intense fear, horror, or helplessness (or in children, the response must involve disorganized or agitated behavior). The DSM-IV-TR criterion differs substantially from the previous DSM-III-R stressor criterion, which specified the traumatic event should be of a type that would cause â€Å"significant symptoms of distress in almost anyone,† and that the event was â€Å"outside the range of usual human experience. † B: Persistent re-experiencing One or more of these must be present in the victim: flashback memories, recurring distressing dreams, subjective re-experiencing of the traumatic event(s), or intense negative psychological or physiological response to any objective or subjective. C: Persistent avoidance and emotional numbingThis involves a sufficient level of: †¢ avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma, such as certain thoughts or feelings, or talking about the event(s); †¢ avoidance of behaviors, places, or people that might lead to distressing memories; †¢ inability to recall major parts of the trauma(s), or decreased involvement in significant life activities; †¢ decreased capacity (down to complete inability) to feel certain feelings; †¢ an expectation that one's future will be somehow constrained in ways not normal to other people. D: Persistent symptoms of increased arousal not present beforeThese are all physiological response issues, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, or problems with ange r, concentration, or hypervigilance. E: Duration of symptoms for more than 1 month If all other criteria are present, but 30 days have not elapsed, the individual is diagnosed with Acute stress disorder. F: Significant impairment The symptoms reported must lead to â€Å"clinically significant distress or impairment† of major domains of life activity, such as social relations, occupational activities, or other â€Å"important areas of functioning†. (DSM-IV-TR, American Psychiatric Assocation) . 0 PTSD IN WAR VETERANS 3. 1 Facts & Figures Operation Iraqi Freedom has become the deadliest American military conflict since the Vietnam War. Uto 13 percent of the troops returning from the deployment have reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With the daily violence in this war torn country, service men and women are subjected to increased levels of stress which can trigger PTSD. After fighting for their country and risking their lives, allowing them to re turn home only to be haunted by their actions degrades everything they were sent to Iraq to accomplish.Since the Vietnam War, methods of treating PTSD have developed and lowered the number of cases, but simply lowering the number of cases is not good enough. Unless service members can be prevented from experiencing these negative emotions, every one of them is engaged in a possible suicide mission. With the proper procedures introduced and carried out as proposed, not only the service members can be helped, but their families as well. Due to current operations in the Middle East and the recent combat operations in the past decade, many citizens have met somebody who has experienced their share of combat related stress.When you look at somebody who has been in combat, they may look like your average person on the outside, but on the inside lays memories of the violent scenes of war torn countries. Their mental health may not be noticeably altered, but they could very well suffer from haunting memories, flashbacks, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can produce emotional responses caused by the trauma endured during combat operations. It does not have to emerge immediately, but can actually happen weeks, months, or even years after the traumatic event.PTSD was often referred to as â€Å"combat fatigue† or â€Å"shell shock† until 1980 when it was given the name post-traumatic stress disorder. According to William Welch of USA Today, PTSD is produced from a traumatic event that provoked intense fear, helplessness, or horror. The events are sometimes re-experienced through intrusive memories, nightmares, hallucinations, or flashbacks. Symptoms of PTSD include troubled sleep, irritability, anger, poor concentration, hyper vigilance, and exaggerated responses.Emotions felt by victims of PTSD include depression, detachment or estrangement, guilt, intense anxiety, panic, and other negative emotions (2005). Out of over 240,000 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan already discharged from the service, nearly 13,000 have been in U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) counseling centers for readjustment problems and symptoms associated with PTSD (Welch, 2005). Operation Iraqi Freedom has become the deadliest American conflict since the Vietnam War and because of this, new data detailed by Cep79m. v shows that 12 to 13 percent of troops returning from Iraq reported PTSD symptoms while about 3 to 4 percent reported other mental distress. A new Army study found that 11 percent of troops returning from Afghanistan reported symptoms of mental distress. Although wartime psychology was just beginning during the Vietnam War era, later studies showed that nearly 15 percent of troops who served there suffered PTSD. The most recent studies found that nearly 30 percent of the Vietnam War veterans have developed physiological problems after returning from the war.PTSD estimates for veterans of the first Gul f War range between 2 and 10 percent (2004). These numbers are based on several key factors. The amount of combat related stress varies by unit and will determine the amount of emotional stress a soldier in that particular unit will experience. For example, according to The New England Journal of Medicine, out of 1709 Soldiers and Marines surveyed, those who returned from Iraq reported higher rates of combat experience and frequency than those returning from Afghanistan. It’s probable that those who experience more combat situations are more likely to suffer to PTSD.As noted in The New England Journal of Medicine, out of those surveyed, 71 to 86 percent deployed to Iraq reported engaging in a firefight as apposed to only 31 percent in Afghanistan. Soldiers and Marines returning from Iraq were significantly more likely to report that they were currently experiencing a mental health problem, were interested in receiving help for their mental problems, and actually used mental h ealth services (Hoge et al, 2004). As noted earlier, according to William Welch of USA Today, PTSD is produced from a traumatic event that provoked intense fear, helplessness, or horror (2005).Being wounded while in combat is a perfect example of an event which provokes intense fear. Among those who participated in a recent survey, 11. 6 percent reported being wounded or injured while in Iraq compared to 4. 6 percent of those in Afghanistan (Hoge et al, 2004). This is a clear indication that the events a soldier experiences during deployment will have influence on the possibility of PTSD after redeploying to the United States. Intense situations do not revolve around being wounded or injured. Operation Iraqi Freedom has become the deadliest American conflict since the Vietnam War.As a result, CNN notes that 90 percent of those who served in Iraq reported being shot at. A high percentage also reported killing an enemy combatant, or knowing somebody who was injured or killed. Approxim ately half said they handled a body while serving in Iraq (2004). In addition to CNN’s article, Cep79m. tv announced amazing data showing one in four Marines reported killing an Iraqi civilian while one in four Army soldiers reported engaging in hand-to-hand combat. More than 85 percent of those surveyed know somebody who has been injured or killed. More than half claimed handling corpses or human remains (2004). 3. Treatment and Prevention There is help available to those returning from the war torn countries. Almost 17 percent of the troops surveyed, who served in Iraq, suffered mental health problems while less than half of them have looked for professional help after ending their tours (Cep79m. tv, 2004). Sergeant First Class (SFC) Doug Sample of the American Forces Press Service reports that â€Å"service members can get confidential counseling through the military services’ ‘One Source’ program. The 24-hour-a-day service is for service members and t heir families, and provides quick, professional assistance with problems† (2004).The reason only half of them are seeking help could be the possibility of negative attention from their unit. Dr. William Winkenwerder says that a main barrier preventing soldiers from getting help â€Å"is the perception of stigma that some individuals have about coming forward to get that care and counseling† (Gilmore, 2004). CNN interviewed Staff Sergeant (SSG) Georg-Andreas Pogany who saw an Iraqi body which had suffered severe trauma on his second day in Iraq. Suffering from a nervous breakdown and struggling to sleep that night, he decided to tell his superior officer.He was afraid he would freeze up on patrol and was worried about the consequences. Instead of being given help, he was told to reconsider his concerns for the sake of his career. A translator attached to the 10th Special Forces Group was sent back and charged with cowardice after experiencing the same type of emotional s tress. Though his charge was dropped, his record is still uncertain (2004). Post-traumatic stress disorder may not be preventable in every individual who steps foot inside a combat zone, but things can be done to lower the number of cases which occur after deploying.The army, for example, works under a â€Å"tough and realistic training† motto. They train their soldiers during peacetime as if they were actually in a combat zone. Live-fire ranges along with tough and realistic training have helped soldiers prepare for combat and the numbers developed from the data is surprisingly low. But that doesn’t surprise many people because according to Gilmore, they have used information from former prisoners of wars to help train today’s service members to be ready for combat (2004). The military works on a schedule allowing units to use live fire ranges at certain times with a certain number of live rounds.A possibility to help lower the amount of PTSD cases related to i ntense combat situations would be allowing soldiers to use live fire ranges more often. If this means raising taxes a little more to allow for a larger budget, then by all means, it’s worth it. Before, during, and after deployment, service members are given counseling sessions to prepare them for intense situations as well as teaching them about the possibility of mental health damage. This has been a change since the Vietnam War, which could be another factor which has helped lower the amount of PTSD cases throughout the military.Another possible solution to PTSD would be to brief soldiers throughout their entire career. Before Operation Enduring Freedom, it had been nearly 10 years since the last major conflict which involved ground forces. In those 10 years, if soldiers were given briefings on the possibility of mental health damage after combat, there is a chance they would have been more prepared to deal with those situations. The Department of Defense could easily make it mandatory that each service member receives several briefings each year during their entire military career to include during deployments. Citing recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention research, Winkenwerder noted some people seem more predisposed to develop depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorders as a result of negative childhood experiences† (Gilmore, 2004). Apparently, the better the life a child has while growing up, the more ready for combat they will be. The Department of Defense requires each applicant for the armed forces to take a test which allows them to qualify for a certain job within the military.Another possibility would be adding a section to the test which measures the type of childhood an applicant experienced. They could then choose only those who did not have many negative childhood experiences, if that statement is at all accurate, to fill their combat oriented positions. 4. 0CONCLUSION According to the data gathered during re cent surveys, it is clear that although the violence of war will remain the same, it is possible to lower the percentage of service members who experience mental disturbance such as post-traumatic stress disorder from combat situations. It may be impossible o completely rid the volunteer force of the possibility of PTSD, but with enough counseling before, during, and after combat operations, the percentage of those who suffer from it may be lowered dramatically. More tough and realistic training will also help set soldiers into the mindset of what it takes to survive a combat situation. The treatment and prevention is there, but does not seem to be used quite enough. Not using the prevention methods is almost like sending our troops on a suicide mission. Cep79m. tv, (2004, July 1). Soldier Mental Illness Hits Vietnam Level. Retrieved April 6, 2012 from http://www. cep79m. v/soldiermentalillness. htm (http://www. cep79m. tv/soldiermentalillness. htm) CNN, (2004, July 1). Combat stres s: The war within. Retrieved April 10, 2012 from http://www. cnn. com/2004/HEALTH/07/01/post. traumatic. stress/ (http://www. cnn. com/2004/HEALTH/07/01/post. traumatic. stress/) Gilmore, G. , (2004, July 1). Combat Degrades Some Troops’ Mental Health, Report Says. Retrieved April 16, 2012 from http://www. defenselink. mil/news/Jul2004/n07012004_2004070106. html (http://www. defenselink. mil/news/Jul2004/n07012004_2004070106. html) Welch, W. , (2005, February 28). Trauma of Iraq War Haunting Thousands Returning Home.Retrieved April 16, 2012 from http://www. commondreams. org/cgi-bin/print. cgi? file=/headlines05/0228-01. htm (http://www. commondreams. org/cgi-bin/print. cgi? file=/headlines05/0228-01. htm) NIMH  · Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Research Fact Sheet†. National Institutes of Mental Health. Retrieved April 16, 2012 from http://www. nimh. org/ptsdfactsheet/ A soldier carrying his wounded compatriot Smoking as a common stress reliever among soldiers. Trauma tic flashback occurring on duty. Anti-depressants are common among veterans. Traumatic enough to bring the toughest of men to tears.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Non-Violence as the Bigger Statement Essay

In the documentary _Eyes on the Prize_, John Lewis- an attendee of the 1960 Nashville Lunch Counter Sit-In, regales the use of nonviolence in their fight for racial equality, saying â€Å"We took our seats in a very orderly, peaceful fashion†¦We just sit there, and we continue to sit all day long†¦ But for me, I’ll tell you; it was like being involved in a holy crusade. It became a badge of honor† (PBS). The Civil Rights Movement, which began in 1954, was so deeply impactful largely in part to the unusual nature of its participant’s actions against their opposition. Scarce physical tactics or retaliation was threatened against the white opposition on the black insurgent’s behalf in order to achieve what they sought. Instead, the African Americans took a stance of nonviolence as their weapon of choice, hoping to reach a middle ground of peace between all of the nation’s races. Some of the historical and structural causes at the core of this stance were the guidance of Martin Luther King Jr., the organized fight to dismantle long-standing norms of racial segregation within the white communities, and the effort to raise awareness to a blind political system. In introducing the concept of social insurgency, Doug McAdam says, â€Å"At the close of 1876-1930 period, the southern black population was only just beginning to develop the institutional strength so vital to the generation of social insurgency† (McAdam 94). Historically, black Southern Americans had experienced little to no sense of togetherness as a community; it would take someone or something with enough passion and commitment to bring them together. Obtaining a leader to push such idealistic views for the African American race is practically a requirement to incite immense social change. An organizer is the heart of the movement, because they diffuse centralized direction and coordination (McAdam 47). Having Martin Luther King Jr. as a guiding force behind the Civil Rights Movement was, arguably, the biggest motivation for non-violence as a directive in community institutions during this period. In his _Letter from Birmingham Jail_, often called the Call for Unity, Dr. King says, â€Å"In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic  steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self-purification; and direct action† (Letter 2). Martin, born and raised in the church, came from humble beginnings; his father, a pastor, sermonized many ideals of a future of peace and the effectiveness of words over physicality. Dr. King went on to preach the ideals of a future based on equality, regardless of skin color or nationality, to his followers. His goals primarily focused on the rise of the nation as a whole- as one- rather than just the rise of the African American race. In his _Chicago Freedom Movement Rally Speech_, he stated, â€Å"The Negro needs the white man to free him from his fears. The white man needs the negro to free him from his guilt† (King). Dr. King was aware that for there to be peace and success for our country, we would have to learn to coexist as one community, instead of having one dominant race in any aspect. In another excerpt from the Chicago rally, he summarizes his intent with nonviolence, saying, â€Å"Nonviolence does not mean doing nothing. It does not mean passively accepting evil. It means standing up so strongly with your body and soul that you cannot stoop to the low places of violence and hatred. I am still convinced that nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon, it cuts without wounding† (King). In result, his practices flourished, inspiring others to come together and follow in his footsteps. Historically, it also aided that typically only violence had been used to fight battles and/or change things in the past, which had only gotten them to the point they found themselves at then. The typical day-to-day life of White Southerners consisted of structural norms within the economy, the government, and social customs. Breaking down the barriers of such an established arrangement would never be an easy feat. Blacks in the South knew this and therefore banned together, creating solid organizations such as CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference), and the SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee). These organizations were so vital to the cause and effect of the nonviolence movement, as â€Å"A conductive political environment only affords the aggrieved population the opportunity for successful insurgent action. It is the resources of the minority community that enable insurgent groups to exploit these opportunities† (McAdam 43). As could be expected, white oppositionists reacted extremely violently to the changes  that were being force-fed to them through the motions of the Civil Rights Movement. The way of life that they’d known for so long was being threatened and as human nature would have it, we are programmed much of the time to fear what we do not know. African American advocates in the South were brutally beaten, humiliated, and killed as a retaliation tactic. Thus, such actions sparked black insurgence to essentially stray away from â€Å"feeding the fire†, and instead choose to demonstrate the direction of race relations that they strived for. In order to achieve results, they had to ban together to strengthen their ideals within the community, thus creating strong indigenous organizations as a backbone for their fight. McAdams states, â€Å"†¦the same dynamic is evident in regard to the relationship between organizational strength and insurgency, with the pace, character, and outcome of collective protest shaping the availability of those organizational resources on which further movement activity depends† (McAdam 53). Thus, as the black insurgent groups gained the social stability, they were able to engrain their nonviolent tactics within a larger audience as they gained support. It was such growth of backing that allowed them to create cracks in the barriers that upheld the white Southerners’ traditions. It was also such groups that were the pillar to sustain an ongoing protest. The Political Process Model that McAdam lays out considers that â€Å"a structure cannot function without the routinized exercise of structural power, and any threat to structural power becomes a threat to that system itself. Thus†¦any system contains within itself the possibility of a power strong enough to alter it† (McAdam 37). Politically, much opportunity was to be gained for black insurgents through the use of non-violent action. W.E.B. DuBois issued an example of such a possible process of advancement, saying â€Å"We need sufficient income for health and home; to supplement our education and recreation; to fight our own crime problem; and above all to finance a continued, planned and intelligent agitation for political, civil, and social equality† (B., DuBois 197). Since the black population felt so absolutely undermined as a race by the government, it would do them no good to repeat the same actions as those before them when trying to change the way things worked. McAdam discourses that â€Å"the point is that any event or broad social process that serves to undermine the calculations and  assumptions on which the political establishment is structured occasions a shift in political opportunities† (McAdam 41). In other words, if someone is questioning the way the government works in the first place, already a shift has been sparked in the standards, just by drawing attention to it. To some degree, all changes involving social movement for the nation are going to imply some level of struggle to change and/or pull for institutionalized power (McAdam 36). Using this explanation in the cause of the non-violent tactics, once the aggrieved population shed light on the issues of political alignment through a peaceful approach, the movement only continued to gain attention and leverage over political opponents. McAdam sums it up when he synopsizes, â€Å"the contention is that, far from remaining constant, the organizational resources available to southern blacks increased simultaneously with the expansion in political opportunities† (McAdam 87). Like most ideals in life, the concept of nonviolence as a promising tactic for change started with one individual. Martin Luther King Jr. not only believed in what he preached, but practiced it in his own life. Through his consistent stand-by of nonviolence, the subsequent growth in support through organizational groups, and said group’s ability to power through the withstanding customs of white folk, nonviolence flourished. In his closing statements, McAdam reminds, â€Å"it must be remembered that the movement was able, in a matter of years, to dismantle a thoroughgoing system of caste restrictions that had remained impervious to change for some seventy-five years†¦These gains are hardly insignificant† (McAdam 232). Therefore, though near the end black insurgency took a turn for the worse, the influence that nonviolence caused on the nation absolutely left a lasting imprint on history. Work Cited B., Du Bois W. E. Dusk of Dawn. Millwood, NY: Kraus-Thomson Organization, 1975. Print. King, Martin Luther, Jr. â€Å"Chicago Freedom Movement Rally Speech.† Courtesy of the King Center. Atlanta, Georgia. African-American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp. September 24, 2014. King, Martin Luther. _Letter from Birmingham Jail_. Stamford, CT: Overbrook, 1968. Web. 24 Sept. 2014. McAdam, Doug. Political Process and the Development of Black Insurgency, 1930-1970. Chicago: U of Chicago, 1982. Print. PBS, prod. â€Å"Ain’t Scared of Your Jails.† _Eyes on the Prize_. PBS. N.d. _PBS_. Web. 23 Sept. 2014.