The Grand Canyon free essay sample

The Grand Canyon National Park contains one of the most well known natural wonders of our country: The Grand Canyon. It is located in Arizona. Over the years, the Grand Canyon has attracted many visitors, and today the park sees nearly five million visitors yearly (NPS, History Culture). It has always been a target for human interest, going back to the days where Native Americans ruled the land and continuing through present times. However, like the rest of our natural world, the Grand Canyon faces many threats, mainly due to humans. What are these things that threaten the Grand Canyon, what is being done to combat them, and what else can be done to protect the Grand Canyon National Park? Within the Grand Canyon lays the Colorado River, which scientists believe carved it out 17 million years ago, much earlier than the previous estimate of 6 million years (Wilford). The river consumes the area over time, eventually forming the magnificent canyon that we see today. We will write a custom essay sample on The Grand Canyon or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The canyon runs east-west so it has a North Rim and a South Rim. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and 5,000 feet deep (Grand Canyon Facts). It contains several ecosystems and hundreds of unique species of animals and over a thousand species of plants (Grand Canyon Facts). The Grand Canyon contains very old objects that date from up to 12,000 years ago (NPS, History Culture), back to early Native American culture. Therefore, it has been known to, used by, and been occupied by humans for a very long time. According to the U. S. National Park Service, â€Å"the park has recorded over 4,800 archeological resources with an intensive survey of nearly Le 2 3% of the park area† (NPS, History Culture). The Grand Canyon was first given federal protection in 1893, but it wasn’t for nearly another 30 years that it would become a National Park. This happened in 1913, three years after the National Park Service was created (NPS, History Culture). The Grand Canyon is thus one of the oldest national parks in the country. Before it became a national park and a magnet for tourism, the Grand Canyon attracted explorers, pioneers, and corporations looking to harness resources from it. Being a national, the Grand Canyon has always been a target of conservation. The first such effort was started by Franklin D. Roosevelt, who in 1933 put people to work who were jobless due to the Great Depression (NPS, CCC). He created the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and filled it using poor and unemployed men. It lasted for nine years, and during its time they traveled around the country completing conservation projects at national parks and other sites. They engaged in projects such as â€Å"tree planting, trail construction, erosion control, forest fire fighting, state park development, and fire road construction† (NPS, CCC). According to the National Park Service, four federal agencies were used to make sure that the CCC was successful. The Department of Labor selected the workers, The Department of War transported, supervised, and managed their care, and the Departments of Agriculture and Interior designed the projects and supervised the Corps. What types of threats does the Grand Canyon face today? Well, there are many in fact. Due to pollution, building, and other human activities, nature is Le 3 often thrown out of balance, and without further human intervention to reverse these problems, natural habitats are threatened. According to a report by the National Parks Conservation Association, one challenge is â€Å"Colorado River management actions that do not incorporate adaptive strategies for protecting and restoring fish, river flows, riverine habitats, cultural sites, and archaeological resources along the river corridor† NPCA, 3). Other problems include sounds cape management, such as over flights that can disturb visitors, wildlife, and the 11 Native American tribes which live in the park (NPCA, 3). Greater and better relationships with these tribes are also wanted. Mining activities from the past and present, along with air pollution from nearby areas also pose threats to the health of the park. Due to environmental change, the canyon even faces threats from non-native animals intruding. According to Anne Minard of the High Country News, drought has recently brought bison into the park. They were originally taken into Arizona for an experiment to breed them with cattle, although that failed (Minard). â€Å"Biologists with the National Park Service say the huge animals (males can weigh up to 2,500 pounds) are wallowing in riparian areas and damaging cultural sites. They considered building a fence, but that would affect other wildlife, such as mule deer† (Minard). The NPCA also states that there are â€Å"front country and backcountry management and protection needs, particularly in regard to the challenges of park size, visitation patterns, and shortfalls in funding, which compromise efforts to preserve and protect the park’s resources. † Finally, the Grand Canyon faces the threat of climate change, like much of the Le 4 rest of the world. The Grand Canyon faces threats to its land, water, resources, wildlife, and even people. What are some things being done to address these problems and what more can be done to do so? The NPCA addresses each problem and makes recommendations. The river must go back to a more natural state, with a reduction in rafting and non-native oceangoing animals. The NPCA also recommends restorative flows to the river. For noise pollution, the park should prohibit flights and certain areas and put a cap on air tours. Mining is one thing that is already been addressed. The report states that â€Å"The Secretary of the Interior has temporarily barred the filing of new mining claims — including those for uranium — on the nearly one million acres of public land surrounding the Grand Canyon. † The NPCA recommends that Congress pass an act to permanently ban mining on these public lands. Since the park has no authority over air pollution from other areas, it must rely on government regulation to cut down on pollution. The park should press the government to continue regulating pollution. In 1991, environmental groups and a nearby Navajo electrical plant agreed to â€Å"drastically cut sulfur-dioxide emissions,† (Air Pollution) but there is still more to be done. As for non-native animals, greater effort must be undertaken to make sure that they are removed and that more are not brought in. When it comes to park management, the park needs more resources and funding to ensure that visitors have a great and safe experience and that all buildings and structures in the park are in good Le 5 condition. For building ties with the Native American tribes, the park should make them more involved and known to visitors, through areas like history, art, and â€Å"cultural significance† (NPCA, 4). When it comes to climate change, this is another thing that is beyond the park’s control, as it is a global event. The whole world must take action against climate change in order for both the Grand Canyon National Park and the Earth itself to be protected. â€Å"Grand Canyon Park Supervisor Steve Martin said he generally agrees with the report’s findings† (O’Keefe). The Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club, an environmental organization, has been working with the park for years on protecting its environment. The chapter aims to fight against climate change and preserve wildlife. Some of their objectives include stopping mining in the park and the surrounding region, limit off-road vehicle activity in the area, convince Congress to pass the Grand Canyon Watersheds Protection Act, and â€Å"promote resilient habitats† (Sierra Club). In conclusion, there are many things that threaten this grand park, and there are many challenges ahead for preserving the Grand Canyon.

Budgets Management Reference to the Budget of Aardvark Company

Budgets Management Reference to the Budget of Aardvark Company Introduction The management of any organization is charged with the responsibilities of steering the company or organization for continuing growth prospects. Most of the management activities involve the functions of planning, organizing, controlling, staffing and directing among others. Budgeting forms a way of controlling the organization’s operational activities as well as the resource allocation through forecasting.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Budgets Management Reference to the Budget of Aardvark Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Ideally, the environment conditions determine the budgeting process. Although budgeting is considered a very key function of management for effective control of performance, some opinions are also raised that budgeting focuses more on the past performance basing budgets on comparisons between the actual and budgeted amounts, which does not conclusively consider the dy namism of the business environment. It is worth appreciating the changes that are diverse in the environment today due to factors of globalization, changes in consumer behaviour and technology among others. Budgeting is worth evaluating in the concept of a changing environment and forms the core part of the organization driving performance and controlling of resources through strategies and the setting of targets. This report presents an analysis of the budget of Aardvark Company. It presents the standards used, ways in which it can be used for staff motivation for the improvement of performance, its strengths as well as the techniques for producing such forecasting. It also considers the behavioural issues of the budget and offers suggestions on how the negative effects can be averted. The Role of Management in Budgeting Management determines largely the performance and growth of an organization. The role of management in budgeting is very crucial due to their disposition in making decisions for the organization. Decision making thus influences the growth of their organization. Managers as leaders have to forge the budgeting process to enable them make crucial decisions that affect the entire organization and would affect the areas of planning, staffing, motivation of staff, performance measurement, and their role of leading and directing (Juchau et al., 2004). Budgeting is an expensive process that involves the various stakeholders for it to be objective and informed. Management thus has the responsibility of financing the budgeting process.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Drucker (2001) asserts of the changing environment of the business and as such suggests that managers have the role of considering the changes in the environment such as the technology, consumer behaviours and globalization. He suggests that managers thus have the role o f ensuring the budget is flexible enough to deal with such changes and that more emphasis is given to competitiveness. The other roles of management in the budgeting process include creating a performance climate, devolving performance responsibility for decision making to operational management, motivation of staff, customers and other stakeholders, supporting transparency in the organization, empowering operation managers, organizing for customer orientation, setting goals through benchmarking, forging for streamlining of the coordination of resource allocation and encouraging the need for innovation (Drucker, 2001). Analysis of Aardvark Company Budget This report analysis covers the format used, standards used, desirable characteristics or strengths of the budget and the behavioural issues addressed. It also offers recommendations of suggestions of how the standards of budgeting can be used in staff motivation for improvements in performance as well as the techniques for the prod uction of forecast estimates and how they can used as standards in budgeting. In addition, the report considers the behavioural issues that arise from the budgeting process and the ways of averting the negative ones. Analysis of Budget Format The budget for the company is a cash budget with monthly actual and budgeted amounts of a cash flow format. The purpose of this cash flow format is to enable the company maintain the cash level requirements. This format takes into consideration the cash changes in the actual sales in cash, accounts receivable, bank income, other incomes, sale of capital investment, payments of income taxes, accounts payable, purchase of merchandise, dividends payable, and other capital expenditure (Cunningham, Nikolai Bazley, 2004). It is a flexible budget to take into consideration the monthly changes in the expected receipts and payments to ensure the monthly surpluses and deficits are provided for. This is the reason for the differences in the actual and bu dgeted amounts from one month to another. The flexibility is to create precaution measures to meet the necessary expenditure such as income taxes and the issue of dividends.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Budgets Management Reference to the Budget of Aardvark Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The budget considers actual cash flow incomes since they represent the actual expected incomes for each month to enable the monitoring of such as debtors and capital investments. This budget is also of a capital nature with the inclusion of capital expenditures. This is to ensure the close monitoring of the investment to determine their benefit to the company and since they are involved in the creation of income. The other purpose for having the flexible nature of the budget is to incorporate the changes in the business environment such as technology, consumer behaviour to ensure the monitoring of the same. This is als o likely to increase innovation on a monthly basis. Additionally, the inclusion of accounts receivable is to provide the opportunities for understanding the behaviours of the customers. This will require the levels of debtors are regulated and it is much more effective to monitor the needs and requirements of the customers. The budget is participative since it includes the expenses as well as the incomes from the whole organizations and provides opportunities for growth (Weygandt, Kimmel Kieso, 2008). Standards of Setting the Budget The prudent consideration for a flexible budget is that it should have the budget reasonably fluctuating from the normal operational levels (Hart, Wilson Keers, 2000). The cash budget requires that the budgeted income is lower the actual income received while the budgeted expenses and payments need to be higher than the actual levels (Anandarajah, Aseervatham Reid, 2005). This is to cater for the surpluses and deficits in the changes in levels. This b udget has a good standard of monthly budgeting so as to cater for the changes expected through out the months. However, from the actual operational levels, the monthly budgets are too tight due to the closeness of the monthly budgets to the normal levels of operations. This for example has some months that are just budgeted as equal to the normal operations and some where the budgeted income is higher than the normal operations while in some the expenses budgeted for are lower than the normal operations. For example, the August month budget has higher cash sales expectations and accounts receivable while the month of June budget has a much lower level of expenses as compared to the normal operational levels. The advantage of this however, is that it does not allow for manipulation of records and costs by management (Steele Albright, 2004).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The setting of the standards has to be a joint cooperation between the management. However, this is normally done by a budget committee that includes the heads of departments together with an executive manager (Anandarajah, Aseervatham Reid, 2005). It is also necessary for the participation of the operational managers and supervisors to be included since they are the actual implementers of the budget. The standards of January used for the setting of the budget are not satisfactory to the extent that they are too tight that they do not provide for opportunities of fluctuations in surpluses and deficits (Weygandt, Kimmel Kieso, 2008). Budgeting as a way of Motivating Staff The process of budgeting is effective in staff motivation though it is faced with conflicts and opposition. This is because it is perceived to minimize the payments to the staff while some targets set are perceived unattainable especially if minimal communication is done. The standards to use for the motivation of staff in budgeting are to ensure the process is as participative as much as possible so as to ensure that the targets are realistic, attainable and with rewards (Parker, Ferris Oatley, 1989). This means that the staffs have to be involved in the budgeting process in some way while ensuring that it is not imposed on them. The budget becomes participative through being comprehensive and clear to the staff in terms of obligations, responsibilities and clarification of expectations through clear communication (Drucker, 2001). The goal of the process has to be in accordance to the mission of the organization while the individual goals have to be incorporated in the goals of the organization (Etherington Tjlsvold, 1998). It is important for the budget to incorporate the feedback standard where there is the possibility of having staff receive feedback of their performance with comparisons on the budget to ensure improvement. Rewards and other incentives are necessary for staff motivatio n especially where the budget presents added responsibilities to them. This is necessary as a motivation for the extra sacrifice especially through working of extra hours and minimized leaves. Further, the budget process has to allow for changes to ensure that the staff are flexible thus motivating them. The staff can be motivated through added challenges that come with new training with the improvement of the working environment. Challenging the workers can be done through appreciating and giving them opportunities for learning and improvement of their work (Hart, Wilson Keers, 2000). Techniques for Forecasting Estimates as Standards for Budget Setting The four main techniques used for forecasting estimates include: appropriation, flexibility of fixed and variable costs, capital budgeting and master budgeting (Anandarajah, Aseervatham Reid, 2005). Appropriation involves setting of maximum expected levels of certain expenditures which is based on the judgement decision of manageme nt. This includes expenses such as advertising and development in research. Flexibility approach includes the fixed costs and the varying costs subject to the changing circumstances that either increase or decrease the value. Capital budgeting on the other hand involves investments of capital nature that takes into consideration the discounted cash flow method. Master budgeting as a technique of forecasting includes all the revenues and expenditures of the organization. The techniques are used individually or as a whole depending on the type of budget. Desirable Characteristics of the Aardvark Company Budget The most desirable characteristic of the budget is the flexibility as it considers the changes in the month. Flexibility is revealed through the use of the cash flow format and the specification of the budget for each month in the trading period. The timeliness allows for flexibility as it takes into consideration the monthly changes that may affect the receipts and payments. Fu rther, it offers accuracy in the months through comparability with the actual results which is a way of creating the variances for adequate changes to be made in the future that go beyond the budgeting process (Neely, Bourne Adams, 2003). The budget is complete in that it includes the capital investments which show how feasible the management plans are in cash terms through the sales and purchases of investments and also illustrations of the financial impact of the policies of management such as the changes in credit policy revealed through the changes in the debtors. Ideally, the budget is complete since it also includes the actual receipts and payments while including the incomes and expenses expected from the whole organization (Cunningham, Nikolai Bazley, 2004). It also provides for the necessary expenditure associated with the business such as taxes and other investment expenses. Since the budget is of the cash format, it is relevant to Aardvark Company due to the nature of b usiness it is involved in (Drucker, 2001). This is through the inclusion of cash sales and making provisions for the accounts receivable and payable for monitoring. It is also relevant since it creates an opportunity for the organization to be able to pay out the dividends to the shareholders thus improving the shareholders value. The relevance of the budget is that it includes all the organization so that the application is participative for all the staff. The Aardvark cash budget has a characteristic of accuracy. This is due to the inclusion of the actual and budgeted amounts for each month which are closely related to the normal levels of operations. The accuracy of the same is seen through the inclusion of the capital investments whose sale or purchase represent an actual cash flow that affects the organization. Additionally, the accuracy is portrayed in the flexibility of the budget amounts from one month to another symbolising the inclusion of the changes in the environment. T his presents the fact that the budget considers such changes and is a likelihood of improving the competitive advantage of the company (Drucker, 2001).The budget also displays consistency in the budget allocations for the months. This consistency includes the factor that the goals of the company are considered. Behavioural Issues Associated with the Budget Plan The behavioural issues identified in this budget are the motivation through the participation and inclusion of the whole organization, participation of staff, rewards, conflicts, responsibility and waste as well as the differences in goals (Etherington Tjlsvold, 1998). Motivation is evidenced in the setting of targets especially the sales while the expenses and incomes are included in the organization budget. The participation of the budget is evident through the expenses and incomes that are basically representative of the whole organization. However, the level of participation of the department and staff in the setting of the targets is not stipulated. This is an issue that can lead to opposition and de-motivation of the staff through the increased control. Another issue is conflicts. These are likely from the lack of clear division of the departments, lack of clarity of the responsibilities, conflicts in the individual and company goals, disputes over the allocation of resources and the blame games incase of lack of attainment of the targets set (Etherington Tjlsvold, 1998). Waste is another issue that is likely to be experienced in this budget. This is because of the perception that the allocated amounts have to be spent. Additionally, the departments are likely to lead to waste especially due to the differences in the allocation of resources. The issue of conflicts as expected from the budget are mainly over allocation of resources, blames games, and goals differences among others. These can be avoided through clear communication of the responsibilities expected from the budget, increasing the pa rticipation of the staff in the budget process to make the targets set realistic and attainable and also ensuring objectivity and fairness in the allocation of resources (Etherington Tjlsvold, 1998). Further, there is also the need for interdependence of goals and the inclusion of individual goals to the company goals. Additionally, the conflicts can be dealt with by offering rewards and incentives for the motivation of the staff. Waste being a negative issue arises mainly from the perception that the allocated resources have all to be used and the overestimation of costs by managers (Steele Albright, 2004). This can be handled by ensuring correct, completeness and accuracy in record keeping, shifting of staff and managers as well as objective and independent auditing. Conclusion This report has provided an analysis of the budget of the Aardvark Company. The analysis has covered the format used, standards used, desirable characteristics or strengths of the budget and the behaviour al issues addressed. The report has also provided recommendations of suggestions of how the standards of budgeting can be used in staff motivation for improvements in performance as well as the techniques for the production of forecast estimates and how they can used as standards in budgeting. In addition, the report has considered the behavioural issues that arise from the budgeting process and the ways of averting the negative ones. Reference List Anandarajah, A. Aseervatham, A. Reid, H., 2005. Prepare and Manage Budgets and Financial Plans. French’s Forest: Pearson Education. Cunningham, B. Nikolai, A. Bazley, D., 2004. Introduction to Business and Accounting. Accounting: Information for Business Decisions. Mason OH: South Western. Drucker, P., 2001. Be data literate: know what to know. In Young, S. (2001). Readings in management Accounting. Englewood cliffs: Prentice Hall Publishers, pp 2- 3. Etherington, L. Tjlsvold, D., 1998. Managing Budget Conflicts: Contribution o f Goal Interdependence and Interaction. Revue Canadienne Des Science de l’ Administration, 15 (2), pp. 142-151. Hart, J., Wilson, C. Keers, B., 2000. Budgeting Principles. 2nd edition. French’s Forest: Pearson Education. Juchau, R. et al., 2004. The Role of Budgets in Decision Making. Accounting: Information for Decisions. Melbourne: Thomson Publishers. Neely, A. Bourne, N. Adams, C., 2003. Better Budgeting or Beyond Budgeting. Measuring Business Excellence, 7 (3), pp. 22-28. Parker, D. Ferris, R. Oatley, T., 1989. The Impact of Accounting Information on Managerial Behaviour and Performance: Accounting for the Human Factor. Sydney: Prentice Hall. Steele, R. Albright, C., 2004. Games Managers Play at Budget time. MIT Sloan Management Review, 1, pp. 61-64. Weygandt, J. Kimmel, D. Kieso, E., 2008. Budgetary Control and Responsibility Accounting; Tools for Business Decision Making. New York: John Wiley Publications.

Holistic Family-oriented Treatment Research Proposal

Holistic Family-oriented Treatment - Research Proposal Example I thought that it is better to choose a topic that will have enough novelty, would be previously unexplored, has possibility of yielding useful results, and would tend to fill the gap of knowledge in an area of healthcare. It is evident that a topic related to holistic medicine would best serve the purpose. To this end given the growing problem of childhood obesity, it would be worthwhile to explore the means of intervention at behavioral levels, since the major problem of childhood obesity is behavioral in terms of control of diet and increase in physical exercise. Since these are matters of personal behaviors, which need to be implemented at the life-course level and given the fact that conventional biomedical models of interventions have failed to implement these interventions successfully, it is clear that there are needs to conduct research so the practice norms related to this area is delineated. The holistic medicine philosophies may have a clue to these, and thus this research could be useful in practice. Obviously, this may not be able to solve the problem of childhood obesity entirely, but it may suggest pathways for new research in order to reach a solution for this ongoing and increasing health problem. My personal belief is that the growing problem of ... These interventions should be evidence based while clinically applicable. Modern biomedical model of healthcare only promotes some concepts which while implemented fail due to incomplete understanding of the matter. Preliminary Review of Literature It was decided from the preliminary review of literature that this topic could be suitable, since there hardly are researches based on the concept and implementation points of views in the holistic health field. Parallel review in the biomedical research indicated failure of interventions to achieve adequate result. Moreover statistical and epidemiological studies indicated growing problem of childhood obesity across the affluent societies worldwide. Therefore, this identified gaps in current knowledge, lack of knowledge about the interactions of different obesogenic covariates, the mode of their interactions at holistic levels, and deficiency of guidelines for clinical practice. In my view, these establish the need for research in this area. Development of the Focus Question The research problem was thus broken into a series of concepts intended to better examine the problem. The basic questions were intended to justify the study in terms of real existence of the problem in childhood obesity, which are related to implementation of interventions. Literature Review Based on the concepts, the key words were decided, and based on these key words, the published literature in the area of childhood obesity, obesogenic factors, role of behavior and family in shaping the behavior, the results and pitfalls in existing interventions against childhood obesity will be reviewed very critically, so the gap in knowledge, fault in implementation, and consequences of lacks in interventions are delineated. In order to establish the

Objectives Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Objectives Assignment - Essay Example 1. As a result of screening and educating the vulnerable persons and people with pre diabetes, 50% of the Native Americans will adapt to a healthy lifestyle changes, thereby reducing the new incidents of diabetes according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (Affective) 2. As a result of facilitating and encouraging the individuals with family history of diabetes and obese individuals for regular, moderate physical activity, Native Americans will be able to reduce new incidents of diabetes by 50% according to the American Diabetes Association (Klein et al, 259). (Psychomotor) 3. As a result of early detection and professional treatments, American Indians can prevent 70% of the incidents of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic related renal failure according to the National Health Institute. (Cognitive) 4. As a result of increasing the availability and the accessibility of professional health care services, Native Americans will be able to prevent complications of diabetes by 50 percent according to the findings of the National Health Institute. (Cognitive) 5. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) American Indians will be able to prevent more than 50% of the new incidents of diabetes as a result of reducing body weight and maintaining healthy weight throughout the life. (Psychomotor) 6. According to the American Diabetes Association due to introduction and implementation of national policies related to dietary and lifestyle changes, Native Americans can effectively reduce new incidents of diabetes by 30% (Klein et al, 260). (Cognitive) 7. Considering the findings of the vast number of researches conducted on American Indians for 30 years, American Natives will be able to reduce new incidents by 25% as a result of consumption of low fat and low caloric diet (Yancy et al, 769). (Psychomotor) 8. As a result of the awareness programs

HOW DOES HISTORY SHAPE US AND HOW DO WE SHAPE HISTORY Research Paper

HOW DOES HISTORY SHAPE US AND HOW DO WE SHAPE HISTORY - Research Paper Example Words have always had a great influence on people in the past. However, the trend is changing as time passes by. Mario Vargas Llosa has made the observation that many people nowadays are lacking the motivation and passion to read. On many occasions, gentlemen approach his book store to buy books for their wives and kids. These men claim that they cannot afford enough time to read since they are engrossed in their day to day activities. What has changed? Where did the compassion go? Men have got many obligations and responsibilities in life. They claim that they would not spend time burying their faces deep in to books. Statistics show that literature is becoming a female thing. More women are interested in reading than men. Some explain that middle class women can be able to read more because they work for fewer hours than men. It’s a pity for the men who are unaware of the pleasure that they are missing. A society in which the works of literature are hidden is full of vices. One of the key factors influencing the peoples’ interest in literature and reading habits is science and technology (Llosa, Mario). Science and technology can fail to play an integrating role. There is infinite richness of knowledge which has led to specialization. Literature will always be the common denominator of all experiences. Literature has enabled individuals from all walks of life to transcend history. Literature has always protected people against prejudice, racism and political sectarianism. Literature has always acted as weapon in the fights against discrimination, fear as well as exploitation. Therefore, without literature, history is as good as dead (Llosa, Mario).. Still on the subject of literature, William Faulkner’s speech reveals more. He feels that the award was given to him as a result of his hard work in the field of literature. He dedicates the award to writers like him be it men

Analysing Britains Role In The European Union Politics Essay

Analysing Britains Role In The European Union Politics Essay It was only on January 1, 1973 that Britain became an official member of the European Union. Ultimately, what was seen through this was twenty-two years of little participation from Britain in the affairs of Europe. Twenty-two years before its entrance, Britain was given the opportunity in 1950 to participate in the negotiations that paved the path for the emergence of the European Coal and Steel Community; nevertheless, when an invitation was extended to the Labour Government of the time, Prime Minister Clement Attlee declined to participate in these discussions. Later, when the ECSC and its six member-states passed consensus to expand the ECSC, Britain was invited to the negotiations but Prime Minister Anthony Eden ultimately withdrew his Conservative party from the discussions. By 1974, a year after its official membership, Britain had become regarded as an awkward partner to the European Union, a standing that continues to be seen between Britain and the EU as a result of the pol icies that Britains respective leaders have taken towards the European Union. Conservative Government Strained Relations of 1973 1974 Edward Heath, who took the reins of Britain in 1970, was at the helm of building a stronger relationship with the European Union. His pro-European attitude led to the ultimate admittance of Britain into the EU. Nevertheless, admission came at a time when Britain and the rest of Europe began to see a strain to their economies. The success that the EEC had seen prior to Britains admission was not shared; instead, Britain entered during a period of recession which led its membership to not have positive connotations with Britons. While Edward Heath and Georges Pompidou had started to build a close relationship after Britains entrance, Britains attempt at increasing the quality and size EECs institutions and proposing the concentration of its activities in Brussels angered the Commission because, through it, Britain continued to imply that the Commission was ineffective. When it came to the Economic and Monetary Union, Britain once again earned a reputation of being an awkward partner in the EU. Britain disappointed its EU partners when it declared that it would not enter the sterling into the joint float unless certain agreements were reached by the EEC to underwrite the sterlings value. While the rest of the member-states had agreed to place the bank in Luxemburg, Heath insulted the EU by pressing for centralization of the European reserve bank to be located in Brussels, which fared negatively for him as a result of member-states believing that Britain was meddling in issues that they have no involvement in. As Britain continued to slowly integrate into the EU, the British government continued to strain its relationship with the other EEC members. Instead of acting in a diplomatic manner, British officials openly voiced their opinions of the incompetence seen within the EEC, which often angered the original six. Heaths push for what he believed were necessary changes to the external energy policy of the EU was often seen as conflicting with the positions of the other member states; France had continued to insist that an internal policy would need to be first established before the EU could even consider the feasibility of an external policy. The British, on the other hand, did not believe that internal energy policy was as crucial as the EUs external policy on the matter. Unfortunately, the start of the Arab-Israeli war brought about oil shortages that brought many EU nations down to their knees; the Dutch and the Germans, who at first supported Britains argument in preventing an interna l policy, began suffering heavily from the shortages in oil and shortly after began supporting the creation of an internal European oil/energy policy. In a show of their awkward partnership, Britain decided that not back down from their original position of rejecting an internal energy policy for the EU, which led the continuing of European oil shortages. Britain focused on its own domestic interests, feared that the establishment of internal energy policy would give the EU an opportunity of obtaining access to Britains oil reserves in the North Sea. As a result, Heath would not concede to EU pressure and refused to consolidate and distribute energy resources equally amongst EU member-states. What started as a constructive and optimistic entry into the EU ended with conflict and stress between Britain and the EU member-states. While Heath was genuinely interested in strengthening the European Union, his actions were seen as Britain being uncooperative as a result of its desire to benefit from the EU for the sake of its own national interests. Regrettably, the Labour party that took office in 1974 would continue Britains role as an awkward partner. Labour Government of 1974-1979 The Labour party that succeeded Heaths government in 1974 began to take a backseat in international politics as it attempted to repair the country. Domestically, Britain had become plagued with economic and political problems caused by both the oil crisis and by Heaths inability to control British trade unions (Guido, 1984). As a result of the oil crisis, inflation hit British society hard and was predicted to remain on the rise, while the balance of payments saw a deficit in the billions by the end of 1974. While Prime Minister Harold Wilson had to work with hung Parliament, he also found himself, at the same time, being forced to deal with the problems of his divided country. Britains membership in the EU continued to be an issue to many Britons, which allowed Wilson to unite Britain in a campaign against the European Union (Bilski, 1977). Wilson, in seeing the negative opinion Britons had of the EU, decided to become a protector of Britains national interests by pressing for British membership in the EU to be renegotiated with acceptable terms. What began as peaceful negotiations that aimed to adapt and reshape the terms of Britains membership in the EU soon turned harsh by April 1974; at the renegotiations held in April, Britain demanded to have the right to withdraw itself from the EU if any future negotiation led to terms that Britain would not agree to (Ernst, 1974). While the Commission was disappointed with Britains tone, it felt obligated to sit down with Britain to renegotiate its terms of membership. After Wilson strongly campaigned for his government against the EU on CAP; cash rebates; and Britains membership terms, domestic polls showed that a higher percent of Britons supported EU membership. While the referendum produced high support for membership from the public, Wilson continued to see hostility towards the EU from within his own party. As such, Britain found itself again as an awkward partner to the EU based on the negotiations of pollution control and Britains claims from the ERDF. When the EU proposed changes to emission limits, Britain quickly rejected the proposal and claimed that the standards were unsuitable for Britain. While the EU suspected that Britain was influenced by its chemical industry, West Germany argued that the lax standards that British chemical plants had gained by not accepting the emission limits would give British companies a price advantage over European competitors. In continuing the souring of its relationship with the EU, Britain was accused of making claims from the ERDF for projects that were supposed to be funded by British funds. The ERDF was established with the mindset that only projects that were not funded through national money could be claimed. Instead, Britain had decided to put in only claims that would allow it to recover the money it had itself put into the ERDF fund. To the EU, this attempt at recovering its own funds showcased Britains inability to have a community-based mentality. Finally, when it came time to look into energy policy again, Britain once again took the steps to make it an awkward partner with the EU. Britain continued to object the proposal of placing controls on the production and distribution of oil energy even when the EU attempted to accommodate each and every demand by the British government. Nevertheless, Britain continued to argue that it needed more time to look into the effects of such proposal, which angered all the member-states who wanted to obtain an accord on an outline of the policy. In discussing the upcoming conference of 1975, Britain showed again showed its disinterest in cooperating with the EU when it announced that it would not agree to be represented by a single EC seat at the Paris conference. Annoyed, Germany sent out a letter to the member-states that expressed anger at the lack of community within the EU as a result of Britains position on the seat allocation. Germany argued that with its weak economy, Britain was in no position to negotiate on these issues without any consequences (Davidson, 1975). Members-states continued to argue that the negative attitude of the British government hindered their ability to develop a common policy. While the Wilson administration tarnished Britains reputation within the EU, the emergence of James Callaghan as the next Prime Minister did little to make the EU hopeful of a better relationship with Britain. While Callaghan took a peaceful approach towards the EU early on, domestic hostility towards Britains membership in the EU continued to remain high; which led Callaghan to remain cautious in his relationship with the EU. The letter from Callaghan to Labour Secretary Ron Hayward, while positive at first, continued Britain on its negative relations with the EU. Callaghan claimed that the EU was not working in the interests of Britain and that the only reason for not withdrawing from the EU was that it would tarnish Britains relations with the United States. Callaghans statement in regards to the US angered member-states who complained that Britain was providing more attention to the United States than to its partners in the EU. A prominent theme in Callaghans government, US-Briti sh relations did little to lift Britains reputation within the EU, and its relations would continue to spiral downward with the rise of the Thatcher government. Rise of Thatcher: 1979 to 1990 Elected in 1979, the Thatcher government that rose to power following Callaghans Labour government became quickly aligned to the U.S. government, much to the anger of Britains EU partners who were against influence stemming from the United States. Nevertheless, by 1981, the European Union was suffering an economic downturn and was facing bankruptcy. In order to counter this problem, the EU proposed increasing the VAT ceiling by an additional one percent, which Britain strongly refused to accept. Relations between Britain and the EU continued to sour during this financial crisis because Britain continued to hold up any compromises and refused to agree on any proposals set forth by the EU. As the EU member-states grew irritated with Britains reservations on agreeing to new agricultural prices, member-states decided to call for a majority vote on the price levels. In retaliation, Britain protested this action, stating that it breached Britains right to utilize a veto on the topic. Never theless, already weary with Britains inability to compromise, member-states rejected Britains complaint because they believed that agricultural price levels were not of national interest for Britain. As a result of Britains lack of cooperation, France proposed removing Britain as a member of the EU and making it a nation with special status in the EU (Hansard, 1982). When the EU finally ran out of money in 1984, it proposed adding an additional budget of two billion to aid them for the rest of the year. As usual, Britain became an awkward partner by announcing that it would reject a supplementary budget, asserting that the EU should learn how to operate with the budget it had been already been given. Hearing this, member-states grew weary with the already unpopular British government and labelled Thatcher as being counter-productive to the success of the Union (The Economist, 1984). Member-states were disappointed with Britains primary concern over the budget rather than on the wellbeing of the EU partnership. Already blacklisted as a hardliner, Thatchers strong cooperation and identification with the U.S. did little to help her image with the EU. The Reagan Administration, on a hunt for terrorists in Syria and Libya, was set on placing restrictions on these two countries and urged Britain to join its cause. Britains involvement in urging EU sanctions against Syria left many EU member-states troubled by Britains strong partnership with the United States. While the early 1980s saw a more peaceful and relaxed time for the interactions between Britain and the EU, Britain did appear again as an awkward partner by the end of the 1980s. When proposals for a single European currency were suggested at the 1988 meeting in Hanover, Thatcher quickly responded that she would not take any steps of integrating the sterling pound into the EMS. Additionally, Thatcher rejected any ideas of creating a European central bank, stating that a central bank would require a central government to succeed, to which she argued that her government was not ready to accept a centralized European government. Nevertheless, frustrated by Britain, the EU decided to proceed without the British and establish a committee to look into the possible ways to strengthen the EMS (Hansard, 1988). Concerned at the route that the EU began taking, Thatcher publically denounced the committee and proclaimed that Britain would never agree to the establishment of a European Central Ba nk, a statement which continued to strain relations between Britain and the EU (Ibid, 1988). When discussing a European technological cooperation budget in 1986, Britain once again was labelled as the EUs awkward partner in its refusal to accept the amount of funding proposed by the other member-states. The EU believed that it would be giving Britain more value for its investment in research and development; nevertheless, Britain would not budge from its original budget proposal (Peel, 1987). Once Britain backed down and agreed to fund the program in 1987, member-states had become frustrated with the termination of the program as a result of lack of funding from the British (Sharp, 1987). When the EU expressed interest in reviving the plans for the European Defence Community in 1987, Thatcher warned against the idea in fear that the establishment of such defence policy would counter the links that the EU and Britain had established with the United States. These strong views from Thatcher made Britain seem to be uncooperative with the goals set forth by the EU. While some member-states were also unwilling to establish an EDC, the tone that Thatcher used which made her sound more concerned with Britains relationship with the United States made Britain an awkward partner for the EU. Her focus on preserving ties with the United States rather than worrying about European interests greatly hindered her ability to work with her EU partners. At home, Margaret Thatcher began facing attacks from the Labour party, who accused her of attempting to slow the development of the European Union (Independent, 1989). They argued that the EU would continue its development with or without Britain and that it would be dangerous for Britain to be left as a second-class member (Independent, 1989). The public was further enraged by Thatchers tone against the EU; numbers in the country showed that the public had become more pro-Europe since the referendum in 1975 (Independent, 1989). As a result, Thatcher saw herself being forced to become much more neutral and conciliatory towards the EU. While members of her cabinet continued to attack the EU on monetary policy, Thatcher decided to accept only the first condition of the Delors proposal for the creation of a monetary union. Thus, throughout 1989 and 1990, the proposal for a monetary union became a primary theme for both the EU and Britain. Due to the fact that Thatcher personally opposed Britains membership in the ERM, government officials quickly grew angry with her stance and many subsequently resigned from their posts. Officials argued that Thatchers views were not consistent with the views of the British government and that by remaining out of the ERM, Britain would be unable to take part in the discussions surrounding a monetary union. With a government pressing for entry into the ERM, Thatcher eventually agreed that Britain would become a member of the ERM on October 5, 1990 (Elliott, 2005). While Thatcher agreed to enter the ERM, her partnership with the EU once again became awkward when she refused to allow the EU to move to the second stage of the Delors report. Much to the anger of Parliament and her cabinet, Thatcher argued that national interests could not allow her to hand over the sterling to the EU (Hansard, 1990). As a result of her stubbornness, the EU saw Britain as an awkward partner and Thatcher lost her Deputy PM, who resigned in frustration. Her Deputy PM argued that the uncooperative tone that Thatcher had taken with the EU would make it more difficult for Britain to hold influence over the future of the monetary union. Additionally, he blamed Thatcher for the inflation that Britain was suffering as a result of her disinterest in joining the ERM (Independent, 1990). The resignation of Geoffrey Howe slowly gave way to the end of Thatchers reign as Prime Minister and rise to the government of John Major in November 1990, which hoped to build better relatio ns with the European Union. Conservative Government of 1990 to 1997 While the Major administration that took over tried to mend relations between Britain and the EU, it constantly found itself returning towards the hostile relationship found under the reign of Thatcher. In 1991, President Delors provided Britain an opportunity to accept an opt-out clause in regards to accepting a single currency. While Thatcher still argued against the concept of accepting any compromise on monetary union, Major felt that an opt-out clause in the Maastricht Treaty would help Britain overcome its hesitation on the topic. Nevertheless, because only Britain was given this opt-out opportunity, it was again placed as an awkward partner as a result of its unwillingness to completely cooperate with the union. By 1992, Britain had assumed the EU Presidency and now found itself strongly on the defence of the Maastricht Treaty. Major believed that standing in complete support of ratification of the Treaty would show the EU that Britain was dedicated to its role within the EU. At the same time, he believed that the treaty would hinder attempts at centralizing the EU. Nonetheless, Delors interpretation of the Maastricht Treaty as an opportunity for the EU to become a federalist state upset both Britain and many of the EU member-states. As a result, Denmarks referendum led to a defeat of the treaty, which shocked many nations, including Britain. Consequently, Major now found himself advocating the ratification of a treaty that every other member-state had wanted to renegotiate. Thatcher condemned Majors support for the Maastricht Treaty and called for a British referendum on the treaty. With trouble at home, Major faced anger and criticism from member-states who claimed that Britain continued t o remain focused on her self-interests and ignored the problems facing the EU as a whole. Fear that France would vote against the Treaty gave way to a loss of confidence in the ERM, which led to the pound sterling being forced out of the ERM as a result of Britain being able to maintain the sterling above its set lower limit (Hansard, 1992). This latest development in the problems during the British presidency only served to fuel Britains role as the EUs awkward partner. As a result of resentment towards the EU within Britain, Major struggled to maintain positive relations with the EU; the nominations for the President of the Commission in June 1994 showcased Britains struggle and awkwardness as a partner. At the meeting, Major vetoed the appointment of Jean-Luc Dehaene, announcing that he would never agree to his nomination (Barber, 1994). EU member-states grew angry by Britains stance, claiming that Britain was driven by its domestic interests rather than its interests with the EU. Britain became the awkward partner when the Council was forced to agree on the nomination of Prime Minister Jacques Santer of Luxemburg instead of their original nomination. Majors actions against Germanys nomination of Dehaene quickly deteriorated Britains relationship with German Chancellor Helmut Kohl. What started as a desire for complete EU cooperation ended with Britain having a tarnished reputation amongst its EU partners. Majors actions against the EU, through his threats, vetoes, stances and public speeches, led to his government being isolated from the politics of the EU. While a large portion of the problems with the EU emerged as a result of influence stemming from domestic policy at home, Majors angry tone towards the EU over the election of a new commission President, and over the mad cow crisis of 1996 only served to further distance Britain from the EU. Britains Present Day Status Though this report only discusses the governments of Heath, Wilson, Callaghan, Thatcher, and Major, it is important to note that despite the fact that relations have somewhat improved between Britain and the EU, there still remains tension between the two partners to make Britain continue its path as an awkward partner. While the Blair and Brown administrations have improved Britains relationship with the EU, there still exists an awkward relationship between the two partners. Though political parties have change, Britain continues to maintain its position as the EUs awkward partner as a result of the domestic fear in accepting the EUs role and influence in British politics; the strong sense of maintaining national pride and through the rejection of European federalism; and finally, as a result of the continued focus on maintaining a strong relationship with the United States. Nevertheless, while domestic uncertainty towards European Union has remained prevalent in Britain, one can say that the EU has indeed had an impact on British politics and Britains foreign policy. Once known for its dominant decision-making role in international affairs and in its own domestic policies, Britain has shifted its view of global politics to that where it has realized that its relationship with the United States and the EU are equally important for the success of the nation. Thus, while Britain still remains an awkward partner to the EU, the steps and actions that Britain has taken in the two most recent administrations and with any luck in the upcoming administration can be claimed as an attempt by the British nation to take slow and calculated steps towards ultimately embracing its membership within the European Union.

Why The Crucible Remains Important Today Essay -- Essay on The Crucibl

Why ‘The Crucible’ Remains Important Today For a story of any kind to have any relevance or meaning some 50 years after being written and indeed almost 400 years after it was set, it needs to contain themes and ideas that have been uniformly felt and experienced by people from all walks of life as well as continuing to speak to and have meaning to new and changed generations of people. Years after being written, Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’, still successfully speaks to numerous generations of people, that although live in different countries, under different governments and belong to different peer groups, experience the same issues that the characters of ‘The Crucible’ experienced as well as the same issues that were experienced by Arthur Miller at the time of writing. ‘The Crucible’ effectively addresses not only the issue of conformity found in all social groups, it illustrates the remarkable amount of power a select group of people may possess, purely because it is they who are entitled to interpret the various law and morals by which people live as well as the numerous injustices that continue to torment mankind. A strong theme in ‘The Crucible’, conformity is an idea or even an issue that has been present and has plagued mankind for generations. The indisputable need to conform to the Church’s view and those of its ministers is gravely evident in ‘The Crucible’ and causes much personal conflict in the play’s characters. The group of accused charac-ters must eithe...

Handwashing Related Literature

There are grave consequences when people do not wash their hands or wash them improperly. It is known that hands are the main media for contaminants getting to people, whether the infections are airborne, oral or tactile. Infectious diseases that are commonly spread through hand to hand contact include the common cold, and several gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhoea (WaterAid, 2006). Human hands usually harbour microorganisms both as part of a person’snormal microbial flora as well as transient microbes acquired from the environment (Lindberg et al, 2004).According to Kartha (200! ), many people consider handwashing a waste of time. However, they are unaware that hands are hosts to many bacteria and viruses that can cause infectious diseases. Every human being comes in contact with germs and bacteria in their daily life. These harmful microorganisms are present all around – on door knobs, faucets, light switches, tables, and railings. People touch these things during the day while doing their routine work without much thought, and then touch their face, eyes, nose, and sometimes eat food too.Through these acts, the microorganisms get into the body, causing several diseases. People, who are careless at washing hands, risk catching flu, or cold, or any gastrointestinal illness (Kartha, 2001). Mayo Clinic (2009) also asserted that as people touch one another, surfaces and objects throughout the day, they accumulate germs on their hands. In turn, they can infect themselves with these germs by touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Hands serve as vectors transmitting pathogens to foodstuffs and drinks and to the mouths of susceptible hosts (Huttly, 1997).Many food borne diseases and pathogenic microorganisms are spread by contaminated hands. If pathogens from human faeces enter a person’s mouth, they will cause diarrhoea. School going children are exposed to greater risks of diarrhoeal disease by consuming contaminated water and food (Dasg upta, 2005). Students in schools or colleges are more likely to take meal and water without washing hands and may be exposed to risk of infection (Tambekar et al, 2007). If proper treatment is not given, this can prove fatal, particularly to children (WHO, 2006).In Ghana, funeral celebrations are very important social functions at which hundreds of people gather. From experience, one important activity during such gatherings is handshaking. Indeed, it is considered offensive and disrespectful for cultural values when one does not proffer his hand for shaking. It is however unfortunate that when people are served snacks and food during such occasions, handwashing facilities are not made available. People therefore eat with unwashed hands.The advent of some serious gastrointestinal illnesses (for example, cholera) had been traced to such gatherings. Handwashing defined Handwashing is defined as the act of cleansing the hands with water or other liquid, with or without the inclusion of soap or other detergent, for the purpose of removing soil or microorganisms (Biology-online, 2011; Medconditions, 2011). 2. 6. 1 Attitudes of handwashing Handwashing has been an age old practice globally. It is carried out for varied reasons, including religious, cultural, health and moral reasons.Attitudes towards handwashing are very important. They go a long way to determine the practice of handwashing and its effect on health. In a study by Hoque et al (1995), 90 women from randomly selected households in rural Bangladesh were observed washing their hands after defaecation. Thirty-eight percent of the women used mud, 2% used ash, 19% used soap, and 41% used water only without a rubbing agent. A total of 44% of women washed both hands, while 56% washed only their left hands.About 78% of the women dried or wiped their hand on their clothes and the rest let them air dry. According to SHEWA-B (2007), in Bangladesh (and in some regions of the sub-continent), observations on handwash ing practices identified that handwashing with water alone before food preparation and eating was quite common (47 – 76%), but washing hands with soap or ash was observed =2% of the time. Washing of both hands with soap or ash was more common after defaecation (17 – 18 %), after cleaning a child’s anus (22 – 24%) or after handling cow dung (12 – 20%).Findings also showed that availability of handwashing materials such as soap, ash or mud at the site of handwashing was low, with approximately 30%, and =1% of households having the specified material. Water availability was high. Hand drying was observed to take place before preparing food, after defaecation, after eating and before serving food. A high proportion of females did not dry their hands after handwashing. A staggering one out of three Americans skips handwashing after going to the bathroom.Only 30% of people who have coughed or sneezed into their hands wash their hands afterwards. Kids are even worse. In a survey of junior high and high school boys and girls, only 58% of girls and 48% of boys washed up after using the rest room (Wisegeek. com, 2011). Worldwide rates of handwashing with soap are very low. While many wash their hands with water, only a small percent use soap at critical times. In Ghana, for example, the rates for handwashing with soap after defaecation is 3% and after cleaning up a child is also 3% each (PPPHW, 2010). 2. 6. Economic considerations Efforts to modify human behaviour are complex. People can only expect to be successful if there is an understanding of what motivates, facilitates, and hinders adequate handwashing behaviour (Curtis et al, 1997; O’Boyle et al, 2001). Curtis et al (2001) noted that modern methods of promoting handwashing can be effective and cost-effective on a large scale. Studies suggest that soap is widely available, even in poor households in developing countries, although it is mostly used for bathing and washing c lothes (Borghi et al, 2002).In rural India and Bangladesh, soap is often considered a beautifying agent or for the physical feeling of cleanliness which it gives, rather than being associated with the removal of microorganisms or health benefits (Hoque and Briend, 1991; Hoque et al, 1995). In low income communities, soil, mud or ash may be used as a zero cost alternative to soap for handwashing (Zeitlyn and Islam, 1991). Hoque et al (1995) again reported that altogether, 81% of non-soap users stated that they might use soap, but were unable to afford it. Critical times for handwashingA defensive strategy is important when trying to avoid infecting oneself with an illness lying in wait (Wisegeek. com, 2011). According to Mayo Clinic (2009), frequent handwashing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness. Although it is impossible to keep hands germ-free, washing hands frequently can help limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses and other microbes. It is possib le that people do not wash their hands as often as they should. Handwashing prevents both diarrhoea and respiratory infections effectively whendone properly and at critical times.The critical times must be observed and conscious efforts made to clean hands at such times. A number of sources (Mayo Clinic, 2009; ASH, 2011, All Family Resources, 1999 and CDC, 2010) agree on a number of critical times when hands must be washed. The critical times include: ? Before preparing food; ? Before eating; ? Before treating wounds or giving medicine; ? Before touching a sick or injured person; ? Before inserting or removing contact lenses; ? After preparing food, especially raw meat or poultry; ? After using the toilet/bathroom; ? After changing a diaper; After touching an animal, or animal toys, leashes or waste; ? After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing into your hands; ? After touching a sick or injured person; ?After handling garbage or something that could be contaminated, such as a cl eaning cloth or soiled shoes; ? Whenever hands look dirty. Some include also washing hands after handling money (ASH, 2011), before going home, immediately one gets home, on arrival at the workplace (All Family Resources, 1999), after combing hair (USDA, 2011) and after smoking (Earth’s kids, 2011). . 6. 4 Process of handwashing Though people know the importance of handwashing, not many know how to do it properly. Handwashing does not mean just running water over your palms. It has to be done very carefully and in detail (Kartha, 2001). Mayo Clinic (2009) suggests the following steps: ? Wet hands with (running) water; ?Apply cleansing agent; ? Lather well; ? Rub hands vigorously for at least 10 to 20 seconds, remembering to scrub all surfaces, including the backs of hands, wrists, between fingers and under fingernails; ? Rinse well; Dry hands with a clean or disposable towel or dryer. The above steps have been advocated by several sources as well. These include ASH (2011); Al l Family Resources (1999); CDC (2010); Kartha (2001); Wisegeek. com (2011) and Gavin (2011). 2. 6. 5 Correct length of time Equally important is the length of time that hands are to be washed. The key is to lather up hands and rub vigorously for at least 15 to 20 seconds. Some suggest singing ‘Happy Birthday’ or the ABCs to keep a child washing hands for the correct amount of time (Wisegeek. com, 2011).Earth’s Kids (2011) suggested that children sing a fun song while washing hands to mark the time of 15 – 20 seconds, so that they know how long they wash. Gavin ((2011) said to use soap and lather up for 20 seconds. Mayo Clinic (2009) noted that wet, soapy hands should be rubbed together outside the stream of running water for at least 20 seconds. CDC (2010) suggested scrubbing hands for 20 seconds, and while singing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice to get to 20 seconds. PPPHW (2008) also suggested singing any local fun song that would make up to 20 secon ds while hands are being rubbed together after applying cleansing agent.According to ASH (2011), hands must be rubbed together for at least 10 seconds while singing ‘Happy Birthday’ once for a perfect length of time. Rub hands vigorously until a soapy lather appears and continue for at least 15 seconds (All Family Resources, 1999). Mohave County Information Technology (2001) also recommends rubbing hands briskly for at least 20 seconds. From the foregone discussions it can be seen that rubbing hands together vigorously for anytime between 10 to 20 seconds or more should be adequate for pathogen reduction on the hands. Quantity of water needed for rinsing handsAccessible and plentiful water has been shown to encourage better hygiene, particularly handwashing (Curtis and Cairncross, 2000). Also, interventions to improve water quality at the source along with treatment of household water and safe storage systems have been shown to reduce diarrhoea incidence by as much as 4 7% (WHO, 2008). Hoque et al (1995), in a study, observed that as many as 74% of the 90 women rinsed their hands with 0. 7 litre of water or less. They however recommend that rinsing with 2 litres of clean water was protective, although such volumes may be difficult tosustain in the absence of on-plot access to water.Since pathogens removed during handrubbing have to be rinsed away, there must be a reasonable flow of water (Standard Operating Procedures, 1997). Mayo Clinic (2009) suggested the use of running water for rinsing hands. Water scarcity has an impact on hygiene practices such as handwashing. It could lead to person-to-person transmission due to inadequate personal and domestic hygiene. Water scarcity can therefore result in faecal-oral, skin and eye infections (Cairncross, 2011). Temperature of waterContrary to popular belief, scientific studies by Michaels et al (2002), and Laestadius and Dimberg (2005), have shown that using warm water has no effect on reducing the micro bial load on hands. Hot water that is comfortable for washing hands is not hot enough to kill bacteria. Microorganisms proliferate much faster at body temperature (37 degrees C). However, warm, soapy water is more effective than cold, soapy water at removing the natural oils which hold soils and bacteria (US Food and Drugs Administration, 2006). All Family Resources (1999) indicated that warm water should always be used for handwashing.ASH (2011), Kartha (2001), Wisegeek. com (2011) and Gavin (2011) also suggested the use of warm water for handwashing. CDC (2010) said that clean running water that was warm or cold could be used. The temperature of water has not been shown to be important in handwashing (Standard Operating Procedures, 1997). Efficacy of cleansing agents in microbial reduction Esrey et al (1991) have suggested that reducing the rate of pathogen ingestion causes the incidence of severe infections to begin to fall before that of mild ones. The reduction in the severity of infection is the ultimate purpose of handwashing.Therefore microbial reduction on hands would reduce the ingestion of pathogens since the hands have been proved to be the main transport route for gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory tract infections, skin infections (eg. impetigo) as well as eye infections (eg. conjunctivitis). This makes the agent employed in handwashing a necessary factor. Water only Pure water has a pH of seven, which makes it neutral. It is also known as a universal solvent. A number of studies (Cairncross, 1993; Ghosh et al, 1995; Khan, 1982; Oo et al, 2000) suggested that handwashing with water only provides little or no benefit.The application of water alone is inefficient for cleaning skin because water is often unable to remove fats, oils and proteins, which are components of organic soil (Standard Operating Procedure, 1997). Kalanke (Mali) (2011) noted that handwashing with water alone does not remove many germs. Hoque and Briend (1991), on the contra ry, showed that whilst less effective than when using a rubbing agent such as soap, mud or ash, some reductions in contamination were found when washing with water alone.Data on the effectiveness of handwashing with soap-based formulations, compared with water alone, in the removal of bacteria and viruses (Ansari et al, 1989; Mbithi et al, 1993) suggest that, in most (but not all) cases, liquid soap-based formulations were more effective than water only. However, the authors concluded that the differences were not statistically significant. Ash Hoque and Briend (1991) indicated that the use of alternative rubbing agents (mud or ash) provided the same benefits as soap.Again, Hoque et al (1995) also found that the use of ash and soap all achieved the same level of cleanliness. Ash, however, is considered less pleasant on the hands compared with soap or soil (Hoque and Briend, 1991). Despite the positive lifesaving potential of handwashing with soap (ash), proper handwashing is not bei ng practiced regularly by children in schools and homes (WASH United, 2010). Citrus lime fruit Scientifically known as Citrus aurantifolia, there are two natural groups of the citrus lime fruit – acid (sour) limes, and acidless (sweet) limes.The ‘West Indian’ lime, also called Mexican and Key lime is round, small-fruited, moderately seedy and highly polyembryonic; it has a thin, smooth rind, greenish flesh and a citric acid content ranging from 7% to 8%. It is usually grown as a seedling, as no satisfactory rootstock is known, but in Ghana it is grown on Rough lemon stock (Samson, 1986). Soap A number of studies indicate that washing hands with soap is the critical component of the handwashing behaviour (Cairncross, 1993; Ghosh et al, 1997; Khan, 1982; Oo et al, 2000). Kartha (2001) noted that the most essential thing required to wash hands is soap.Again, studies have shown that hands can carry faeces to surfaces, to foods, and to future hosts, and handwashing wi th soap is effective in removing pathogens (Han et a. , 1986; Kaltenthaler et al, 1991; Ansari et al, 1991). Improvements in access to safe water and adequate sanitation, along with the promotion of good hygiene practices (particularly handwashing with soap), can help prevent diarrhoea (Black et al, 2003). PPPHW (2011) affirmed that promoted on a wide enough scale, handwashing with soap can be thought of as a ‘do- it-yourself’ vaccine. Choice of soapDebate has been ongoing about the best type of soap to be used in handwashing. A study by Aiello (2007) indicated that plain soaps are as effective as consumer-grade antibacterial soaps in preventing illness and removing bacteria from the hands. Mayo Clinic (2009) admonished people to keep in mind that antibacterial soap is no more effective at killing germs than is regular soap. Using antibacterial soap may even lead to the development of bacteria that are resistant to the products’ antimicrobial agents – maki ng it harder to kill these germs in the future.Commenting on favoured features for soap, women in Ghana cited a range of attributes – smell, cost, texture and durability, and its capacity to be used for multiple purposes. For the women, the most important attribute was the smell of the soap, andthe most popular scents were mild lime and lemon. Concerning cost, cheaper soaps were preferred, although women were sometimes willing to pay more if the soap was larger or they thought it would last longer. Commenting on texture / durability, associated with cost, women preferred harder bar soaps or liquid varieties as they thought they lasted longer.So strong was the preference for hard soaps that many stored soap in cool or sunny or airy places to harden them before use. Some women thought liquid soap more economical since only a peanut size was adequate for each hand wash. Many women preferred laundry bar soap because it could be used as a multipurpose soap such as for laundering, bathing and washing dishes at the same time (PPPHW, 2010). The act of handrubbing It has been suggested by Hoque et al, (1995) that the key component of the handwashing process is the mechanical rubbing of the hands.They noted that the trend towards better results from handwashing with both hands, increased frequency of rubbing and an increased volume of rinsing water all support the prime importance of scrubbing / frictional motion and consequent washing out of loose bacteria with water. Although results of studies carried out suggest that the use of a rubbing agent is important, the authors suggested that the nature of the rubbing agent is a less important factor. Soap, they indicated, was more effective than soil and ash because soap users tend to rub their hands more and use more water to rinse away the soapy feeling on them.CDC (2011) advised people to rub hands together vigorously to make a lather and to continue scrubbing for 20 seconds because it takes that long for the soap and scrubbing action to dislodge and remove stubborn germs. Beneficial effects of handwashing Handwashing has been regarded as a key infection-control practice since Semmelweis suggested its introduction in health care settings (Semmelweis, 1847 in Koo, 2008). The handwashing behaviour has been shown to cut the number of child deaths from diarrhoea (the second leading cause of child deaths) by almost half and from pneumonia (the leading cause of child deaths) by one-quarter (WHO, 2008).The strong causal relationship between hand hygiene and gastro-intestinal disease risk has also been demonstrated by meta-analysis of community based interventions. Curtis and Cairncross (2003) estimated a reduction of 42 – 47% in diarrhoeal diseases associated with handwashing. Fewtrell et al (2005) showed a 44% reduction in diarrhoeal illness associated with handwashing. In a study, Aiello et al (2008) estimated that handwashing with soap combined with education could produce a 39% reduction in gastrointestinal illness. All the three meta-analyses were carried out using data from studies conducted in both developed and developing countries.In a review of hand hygiene studies involving respiratory tract infections, Rabie and Curtis (2006) reported that hand hygiene (handwashing, education and waterless hand sanitizers) can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by 16%. Aiello et al. (2008) also estimated that the reduction in respiratory illness associated with the pooled effects of hand hygiene (handwashing with soap, use of alcohol handrubs) was 21%. A study conducted by Luby et al (2005) reported the impact of handwashing with soap on pneumonia in children under five, in squatter settlements in Karachi, Pakistan.The results indicated a 50% reduction in pneumonia in the intervention compared with the control group. Luby et al noted that a link between handwashingand the prevention of pneumonia in developing countries is plausible on the basis that, in developing co untries it is known that viruses cause pneumonia. Another study found that children under 15 years living in households that received handwashing promotion and soap had half the diarrhoeal rates of children living in control neighbourhoods (Luby et al, 2004).Because handwashing can prevent the transmission of a variety of pathogens, it may be more effective than any single vaccine. Handwashing can also prevent skin infections (eg. impetigo), eye infections (eg. conjunctivitis), intestinal worms, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and Avian Flu. It benefits the health of people living with HIV/AIDS. Handwashing is effective in preventing the spread of disease even in overcrowded, highly contaminated slum environments (PPPHW, 2008).

The Importance of Accountability

Accountability is the act of accepting ownership over action and their contribution to the organization. Leadership and staff can influence large and small group and empower them to meet the objectives for the organization. The purpose of this paper discusses accountability in health care industry, and employee accountability. How accountability applies to ethical consideration in leadership and management, check-and-balance process, and accountability affect working culture. Why is accountability important in the health care industry?Concerning accountability, there are three levels to consider first, organizational accountability second, management accountability last, worker accountability. They share information to keep those who need to know. They set goals for themselves and people, and their team, and they explain how those goals measured. They monitor the goals and provide feedback. They consider potential outcome of their action, and decision. They take responsibility for th eir action as well as those people under them. They learn from their mistake, and help others learn from their.Health care industry set specific mandates and requirements for financial reporting, which sets deadline for compliance and rules and requirement (Turk, 2012). The integrity in the accounting standard applies to government and business practices (Turk, 2012). Organizations need to take responsibility for their action. The key component is to continue monitoring goals and objective. The accountability begins at the top and encompasses each level of the organization. How is an employee’s accountability measured in the health care industry?Employee accountability is the same as manager accountability, and the expectations should held accountable for meeting or not meeting these expectation. The biggest problem is communicating that why everyone understands the expectation of the company. The goals for the individual are used to measure success. The expectation includes attitude, work ethic, and skills, work habits this has to be understood so that the supervisor and employee have the same understanding (Turk, 2012). When expectation of the employee is met, the organization rewards him.If they are not met the organization resolve the problem, or consequence come behind the mistake. Leadership need to have feedback sessions with their employee to let him know positive and negative outcome, and recognize him in front of his peers. The goals are to admit their mistake and learn from them. How does accountability apply to ethnical consideration in leadership and management? The United States health care system faces challenges in providing quality health care to diverse population (Napoles-Springer, 2005).The effort to identify the culturally health care from the perspective of ethnically and diverse in detail to define cultural competence level of medical encounter are lacking the skills, and knowledge to identify the different cultural values and pra ctices (Napoles-Springer, 2005). The measure could used to access how cultural competence of provider is associated with patient outcomes (Napoles-Springer, 2005). The cultural competence measure the quality of health care associated with patient outcome.The ethnical responsibility carries certain degree of respect, cooperation, share knowledge, and teamwork. The problems arise with staff members and department, but building rapport with the department can improve the work experience, and the experience of patient treated through the health care industry. The employer ethnical responsibly are to orientation and training on new and existing equipment, empowered employees to be more productive, and happy with his job.There should be a chain of command where staff member could resolve issues What does check-and-balances process look like in a successful organization? The check-and-balance process support employee ensures a transparent working environment, and keep ethical employee from manipulate and intimidate by others. The proper check-and-balance prevents individuals ignoring ethical guidelines, and deters bad behavior. An organization structuring a set of check-and-balance needs where problems develop and how they can fix it.The process start with leaderships they must become aware and involved in the organization. The organization should have tight control and failure to follow policy and procedure will be deal with. Leadership must act ethically and insisting that the staff do the same. Leadership must be on guard for that area where ethical lapse occurs and provide the check-and-balance to prevent them. How does accountability affect an organization’s working culture?Health care industry shares the fundamental commitment to enhance the quality of care for those needing health care service, and create effective health care delivery system (American College of Healthcare Executive, 2010). The goal is to create a workplace that attracts and keeps the best employee with the opportunity for personal and professional development, which includes education, specialty training, and access to career goal. Mutual respect and care create a work environment, which everyone believes valued and appreciated, and looking forward to go to work every day.Communication is critical for a company set up regular meeting invite feedback. Encourage employee to contribute innovative and quality ideas. Coordinate and monitoring activity keep focus on goals and action. Provide accurate information to employee, and ensure that the action is consistent with the company objective and goals, and established deadline when task must be complete, and review task ongoing and in progress (American College of Healthcare Executive, 2010) How can you maintain a positive working culture and avoid a working culture of blame?A positive workplace lead to increased in productivity, better employee morale, and the ability to keep skilled worker (McFarlin, 2012). First a clear vision or mission for the organization this defines the foundation of the organization. Second, hired positive employee an individual with friendly smile, upbeat personality, handles conflict, and interact with others. Third, establish an open-door-policy be accessible to the staff, have one-on-one meeting listen to feedback both positive and negative.Fourth, communicate with the staff keep them inform on what is going on with the organization be honest with the staff about upcoming changes in the organization. Last recognized the staff accomplishment, and establish reward system for excellent performance, and thank an employee for a job well done. Encourage staff member to recruit potential employee. The employee will have a better feel of which he want to work with, and the goal is to promote a positive work environment (McFarlin, 2012). ConclusionIn conclusion this paper discusses accountability in health care industry, employee’s accountability, the ethical consider ation in leadership, and management. The checks-and-balances process and the accountability work culture. Accountability must begin at the top and run through the organization. Accountability in health care industry must have good communication; defined goals at each level, monitoring feedback, consequences are part of the process. The responsibility of the organization holds staff accountability for the outcome of health care.

Loving Art essays

Loving Art essays Art has captivated me since early childhood. From my first macaroni and glue project to my most recent attempts at anatomical studies, art has grown from a mild interest to an integral part of what defines me. The constant challenge of updating and improving technique and styles, as well as continuously finding new inspiration, has always brought me deep satisfaction. I can still vividly remember the precise moment when art really came into my life. It first piqued my interest while I was a primary student in New Jersey. I was sitting at my table, visibly grumpy, while the other children cheerily threw paste and pasta onto a sheet of poster paper. I had just finished my macaroni man, but instead of proudly wanting to show it to the teacher, I sat there confused. I intuitively knew there was something more to art than that. However, for the next few months, this was the caliber of work that was expected of us. I asked the teacher if I could do something else, something harder, but she merely smiled and told me my macaroni project looked pretty. It was obvious, even to a child like me, that I would not get help with my newfound interest. At that moment, I found my resolve. If I were to progress, it would have to be on my own accord. For the first time in my life, I became cognizant that only through hard work and dedication could I eve r achieve anything meaningfuland for the first time in my life, I wanted more than ever to do so. The next year I moved back to Beijing. Unlike countless other fleeting childhood interests, art stayed with me. After practicing for a year with little to show for it, in the later part of the third grade, I sought professional help. Luckily, the father of a close friend happened to teach drawing. This man, Mr. Lee, would be my first true art teacher. Before I met him, I only drew aliens and dinosaurs. That quickly changed after Mr. Lee introduced me to ...

Critical review of the patient's rapid response to the team policies Essay

Critical review of the patient's rapid response to the team policies of Riyadh Military hospital - Essay Example 5 b.1 Early Signs of Patient Deterioration †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 5 b.2 Strategy Used in Activating the Rapid Response Time and Time Spent to Activate Response †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 8 b.3 Time taken to Transfer Patients from Ward to ICU and Emergency Cases wherein the Hospital has No Available Bed †¦. 9 b.5 Application of the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendations) when Treating Acute Patients †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 10 b.6 Clinical Issue related to DNR (do not resuscitate) in case the Patient is Suffering from Physical Deterioration †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦... 12 III. Conclusion and Recommendations †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢ € ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦... 13 References †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 17 Appendix I – Summary of Signs and Symptoms wherein the Rapid Response Team should be Deployed ........................................................................................ 22 Introduction To avoid a sudden cardiac arrest or death, healthcare professionals should not delay the provision of life support and other related health care needs of the patients (Williams et al. 2011; Hillman et al. 2005). Published back in 2007 in an article entitled â€Å"Safer Care for the Acutely Ill Patient†, the National Patient Safety Agency (2007) reported that 576 out of the 1,804 hospital deaths were due to diagnostic errors, unrecognized patient deterioration that were left untreated, and problems with resuscitation aft er a sudden cardiac arrest. Based on the most recent accident and emergency report coming from the Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES) in England, the number of patients admitted for accident and emergency between April 2009 to March 2010 was 15.6 million (NHS 2011). In Scotland alone, the NHS reported that the number of admitted patients who were given accident and emergency services last December 2011 was 129,100 (NHS 2012). As a common knowledge, accident and emergency cases includes not only life-threatening scenarios but also some minor injuries which could be easily treated by the health care professionals. Because of the daily inflows of emergency cases received by each of the local hospitals each day, the standard waiting time in UK before the patient could receive health care intervention was 4 hours (NHS 2012). Considering the average waiting hours before each patient could receive health care intervention, this study will focus on discussing clinical strategies used in UK and Riyadh Military Hospital (RMH) to ensure that its health care professionals are able to deliver quality care and treatment to each patient on a timely basis. In relation to the significance of rapid response team in saving the lives of the patients who were admitted in emergency department, this study will compare and contrast the rapid response team policies for acute patients in UK and the Riyadh Military Hospital. Established on December 1978, Riyadh Military Hospital (RMH) also known as the â€Å"Riyadh Armed Forces Hospital† is a tertiary healthcare facility in Riyadh City in Saudi Arabia (RMH 2012). To enable the readers gain better understanding with regards to the effectiveness and differences between the ICU rapid response team in both countries, this report will first discuss the main purpose of rapid response team. As part of critically reviewing the effectiveness of

Discuss the activity in the laboratory that are designed to assure Assignment

Discuss the activity in the laboratory that are designed to assure Quality (Collection of specimen - Reporting ) - Assignment Example It is also important to collect the specimen with sterile instruments while preventing the specimen from coming into contact with any disinfectants (Stokes & Ridgeway 1980, p10). These precautions prevent the specimen from becoming contaminated while avoiding killing off any pathogens in the specimen. Lastly, there are specific procedures to be followed depending on the type of specimen being collected. Proper collection of specimens ensures that laboratory testing is accurate and safe. Once a specimen reaches the laboratory, thorough records must be kept for quality assurance and accuracy. It is especially important that care "should be taken to prevent reporting results on the wrong specimen and transposing digits in reporting quantitative data" (Kumari & Bhatia 2003, p160). The records must be detailed enough to determine any possible sources of error during testing. Keeping detailed and accurate records is essential for quality