Medical Laws and Ethics Record Management - 1160 Words

Type your name here Type your name here Before you begin, save this document to your computer. You will need to submit your answers in the area indicated below. | The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a national law that protects a patient’s rights to privacy. As a Medical Administrative Assistant, it is important for you to understand and uphold this law to protect your patients’ health information. In this assignment, you will practice applying HIPAA regulations. Click here to download the Personal Health Record (PHR) to answer the first three questions. | Tips for answering questions: * Read the question more than twice, if necessary, to make sure you understand what you are asked to do. *†¦show more content†¦| (See next page for part 3) Question 3: John was involved in an automobile accident and was taken to the Emergency Department by ambulance for treatment. The physician in the ED contacted Dr. Moodey’s office for information regarding John’s health as he was unconscious and unable to give a medical history. Dr. Moodey’s office was not able to contact Holly. According to the information on the Adult Health Information form, is there anyone other than Holly they can contact? Who? | 10 points | Directions to complete Question 3: * Use short responses, in complete sentences with proper grammar and spelling * Length of response should be between 2 to 3 sentences per question. | Usually when filling out information on a health form it gives you an option to add more than one emergency contact just in case one of them can’t be reached. In this case John listed his brother Jose Valez, as a secondary emergency contact. | (See next page for part 4) Question 4: under Title II HIPAA, what are the six items for â€Å"Patient’s Rights†? List them below. Created | 15 points | Directions to complete Question 4: * Use short responses, in complete sentences with proper grammar and spelling * Length of response should be between 2 to 3 sentences per question. | #1 Answer:The Privacy Rule is to protect the public health by striking a balance when public responsibility supportsShow MoreRelatedEthics in Medicine : the Relationship Between Law and Medical Ethics:1271 Words   |  6 PagesThe essay will discuss the ETHICS IN MEDICINE : The Relationship Between Law and Medical Ethics: Dispute and Legal Issues: A 32 year old woman was admitted to the Trauma Intensive Care Unit following a motor vehicle accident; she had multiple injuries and fractures, with several complications which continued to develop over the first couple of weeks. The patient rapidly developed Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome, was on a ventilator, and was continuously sedated. Shortly after the patientsRead MoreAHIMA and APPCA1029 Words   |  5 Pages(American Health Information Management Association) and APPC(American Academy of Professional Coders) code of ethics are and the relevance that these two have to the coding profession. Then I’m going to explain how AHIMA and APPC code of ethics are incorporated into the Medical Insurance Specialist (MIS) field, and why continuing your education is important in this field. Hopefully after reading this paper you will have learned the difference between AHIMA and APPC codes of ethics. American Academy ofRead MoreEthical Healthcare Issues Essay1193 Words   |  5 PagesDouglas Health Law and Ethics/HCS 545 October 17, 2011 Nancy Moody Ethical Healthcare Issues Paper In today’s health care industry providing quality patient care and avoiding harm are the foundations of ethical practices. However, many health care professionals are not meeting the guidelines or expectations of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) or obeying the organizations code of ethics policies, especially with the use of electronic medical records (EMR). Many patientsRead MoreEthical Considerations of Health Information Management1711 Words   |  7 Pages Ethical considerations of health information management Health information management Introduction For better internalization of ethical considerations of health information management, it is vital to comprehend how medical institutions perceive their interpretation of health information. It is also essential to intercede how these institutions practice managerial ethics towards the notion. Information is a representation of data in a manner, which is in the form of symbols (Meadow et alRead MoreThe Ethical Substance Of An Action1685 Words   |  7 Pagesfrom a health information management professional’s practice, the principles of their guidelines, coming under the topic of cyberethics, would include a more general doctrine of healthcare confidentiality that would cover safeguarding all patient information and engaging in any social or political efforts to protect personal (patient) privacy and confidentiality within or outside of their professional services. As a core value of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) guidelinesRead MoreAdministrative Ethics1083 Words   |  5 PagesAdministrative Ethics Misty Sorensen HCS/335 August 19, 2012 Christine Singel Administrative Ethics Patient privacy is the responsibility of the medical organization that treats the patient. Patients have the right to have their medical issues kept private from people that do not need to know the information. The federal government has created the HIPPA policy to help medical organizations understand and follow rules to protect the privacy of the patients that come to the organizationRead MoreThe Privacy And Ethics Of The Connecticut Department Of Developmental Services1457 Words   |  6 Pages DDS Privacy and Ethics for I.T. Leah McCarvill Post University â€Æ' Abstract Compliance in protecting information is of prime importance for Quality Management Division of the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services along with any Information Technology professionals. The information collected and stored within the multiple databases and QSR web application is sensitive and falls under (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) HIPAA laws and require all employees to be consideredRead MoreThe Responsibilities Of An It Professional1304 Words   |  6 Pagesan IT Professional are in Today’s World. It will also discuss the importance of maintaining the government and corporate data hidden with the legitimate need for whistle blowers. The paper will also cover how to maintain the privacy of medical and finical records and also allowing companies to market their products to those consumers that are interested. Finally, the paper will discuss finding the balance with companies, government, and the public and what is ethical and appropria te. Read MoreMid South Women s Health Center1502 Words   |  7 Pageswith advanced technologies in a skilled and caring environment †¢ Provide personal commitment to our patients †¢ Exhibits leadership towards critical issues †¢ Dedication to the community †¢ Medical Integrity †¢ Sensitivity and compassion to all of our patients CODE OF ETHICS AND BUSINESS CONDUCT The code of ethics and business conduct provide guidance to all employees on what is required of them when faced with multiple ethical and legal issues that may arise during their work shift. The code providesRead MoreUsing Technology For Managers ( Adm 310-01a )1345 Words   |  6 Pages Ethics Bryan E. Cratty Russell Ray BSM767 Appld Technology for Managers (ADM-310-01A) November 23, 2015 â€Æ' I have read and understand the plagiarism policy as outlined in the syllabus and the sections in the Student Catalog relating to the IWU Honesty/Cheating Policy. By affixing this statement to the title page of my paper, I certify that I have not cheated or plagiarized in the process of completing this assignment. If it is found that cheating and/or plagiarism did take place in the writing

Analyse the Speech of Barack Obama Essay - 1028 Words

In this essay I am going to compare and contrast the speeches of Barack Obama (‘Yes we can’) and Martin Luther King (I have a dream). When we talk about language, sometimes we mean speech (spoken language), sometimes writing (written language).Do you think is there any difference between spoken language and written language? Of course, speech is spoken and heard, while writing is written and read. There are many types of spoken languages such as news report, interview, speech, debates and conversations. In the spoken word, a speaker has more ability to engage the audience psychologically and to use complex forms of non-verbal communication whilst written language tends to be more complex and complicated than speech with longer†¦show more content†¦In addition, this repetition hammers it into the mind and links it with powerful and positive emotions of people. He uses powerful repetition and list of three to grab audience attention. This is shown where he stat e ‘’Yes we can to justice and equality, Yes we can to opportunity and prosperity, Yes we can heal this nation and Yes we can repair this world, Yes we can.’’ This tremble audience mind and feels more confident to achieve. Also, Obama uses the unity word â€Å"we† repeatedly throughout the speech. This is intended to show that Obama is the leader of the team yet more importantly he is still part of the team. ‘’I Have a Dream† by Martin Luther King is one of the most memorable speeches of all time. Martin Luther King was a civil rights activist who actually made a difference in the country. He transformed American society from a fake democracy into one in which all people can participate and achieve. The key message in the speech is that all people are created equal, it is not only the case in America at the time but also Martin Luther King felt it must be the case for the future. He argued passionately and powerfully to convey the messages toShow MoreRelatedWhat Is Your Definition of Leadership? Discuss and Critically Analyse One ‘Effective’ Leadership Case – and One ‘Less Effective’ Leadership Case. Summarise What These Cases Tell You About the Nature and Dynamics of Leadership.†2179 Words   |  9 Pagescommon goal. I see leadership as a process which can be improved over time and experience, but only by someone who has some in nate leadership competences. In determining what leadership means to me, I decided to analyse two different leadership cases. I will firstly discuss and analyse Nelson Mandela’s leadership style, which appeared to be mainly transformational. I will try to demonstrate how Nelson Mandela proved that leadership was a two-way process between the leader and his followers, andRead MoreThe Election Of The First African American President2401 Words   |  10 Pagesequality. The democratic Barack Obama promised to deliver a series of reforms and bills, focused on infrastructure, health care, clean energy and education. In his second inaugural speech four years later, he reiterated these beliefs, adding a special emphasis in social and racial equality. Obama’s actions and opinions do not exist in a vacuum, but are influenced, approved, supported and criticized by several government institutions as well as the public. While reviewing Barack Obama’s period as presidentRead MoreHow Images View International Politics2025 Words   |  9 PagesAmerican President Obama’s speech in the United Nations entails the security aspect. He talks about the threat emanating from the nuclear weapons. Further, he expatiated the threat of nuclear weapons to Israel, the whole gulf region, and even the global economy (â€Å"Remarks of President Barack Obama,† 2012). It concurs with one of the major assumptions of realism: security interests supersede other interests in world politics(Viotti Kauppi, 2011). Similarly, Israel’s President speech cautioned the possibilityRead MoreThe Syrian Civil War Essay1311 Words   |  6 Pagescivilians â€Å"in need for humanitarian assistance†. The scale of armed rebellion be tween government and opposition that lead to an increasing number of casualties among civilians did not remain unnoticed by the international community. The US President Barak Obama was the first who proposed humanitarian intervention after the use of chemical weapon in Syria. However, the military intervention was not launched in Syria because of lack of approval from the international community. The ambiguity of the conceptRead MoreStylistic Analysis of Obama’s Inaugural Speech1786 Words   |  8 PagesStylistic Analysis of Obama’s Inaugural Speech Abstract Higher level English learners always pay attention to English public speech, especially those inaugural speeches. They take them as fine literary efforts and good analysis material. This paper tries to give an analysis of Obama’s inaugural speech from stylistic perspective, in order to help to better appreciate Obama’s presentation skills. Keywords: stylistics, syntactic, lexics, rhetoric Barack Hussein Obama was elected to be the forty-fourthRead MoreMyths and Heroes1694 Words   |  7 Pagesto illustrate the fact that what they do influence us, our lives, our beliefs, our values My presentation will fall into 3 parts: First of all, Ill concentrate on how role models inspire us by their actions that move us to do the same, then Ill analyse how they encourage us to be the best that we can be before finally focusing on the fact that they are selfless and teach us how to be. Nowadays, a lot of successful people were seen as other’s model. Most of us looked up to someone. It is wildlyRead MoreComparison of the 1938 Munich Crisis and 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis and the Role of Nuclear Arms2588 Words   |  11 Pagesthe Soviet Union during the Cold War. In both cases, protagonists were influenced by the particular events, their domestic and geo-political state of affairs and the signals delivered and counter offers made from parties involved. This essay analyses the scenario, role of actors, and description of the outcomes of the two crises. The paper argues that the advent of the nuclear age, following World War II in 1945, shaped contemporary international relations. What makes the Cuban Missile CrisisRead More How the United States Must Handle China and Its Military in the 21st Century4404 Words   |  18 Pagesdevelopment and growth, they may pose critical future challenges for U.S. economic and political interests. With the election of President Obama there is hope for increased co-operation and heightened levels of friendship between the two nations. In November 2008, Hu Jintao and Barack Obama had a phone conversation in which the Chinese President congratulated Obama on his election victory. During the conversation both parties agreed that the development of U.S.-China relations is not only in the interestRead MoreLyndon B. Johnson and Vietnam War Era Essay3125 Words   |  13 Pageschallenge the status quo. Student attention was drawn to issues such as the Vietnam War, womens rights, and civil rights, while university administrators sought to maintain orderly campuses through increasingly restrictive regulations. This led to free speech and less suppression of the press and what they could or could not write. Not all the outcomes of the era were positive. The Vietnam War affected some veterans in a very negative way. Many veterans also suffered from negative stereotypes of VietnamRead More Women s Influence On The Workplace2760 Words   |  12 Pagessexual objects. Gruber analyzes the three different variables n while studying sexual harassment: occupational and workplace sex ratios, organizational policies and procedure for dealing with sexual harassment, and a woman’s marital status. His analyses concluded many work environments have insufficient methods for dealing and reporting sexual harassment toward women (Gruber 313). The lack of importance shown to the sexual objectification of women is creating a bigger gender gap in the workplace

Buying Behaviour Purchasing and Marketing Management

Question: Discuss about the Buying Behaviour for Purchasing and Marketing Management. Answer: Introduction Any business organisation exists to serve its consumers. Consumers are the cause and purpose of all business activities. Thus, to serve its customers well, it becomes implicit for the business to study the factors that lead its consumers to make purchase decisions. The following report aims to provide insight into the concept of buyer behaviour and the internal and external factors that lead to purchase decisions with the help of an example. Concept of Buyer Behaviour Buyers behaviour may be defined as the study of the processes involved when individuals or group select, purchase, use or dispose of products, services, ideas or experiences to satisfy their needs (Quester, 2011). It tends to study the consumer under the roles of user, payer and buyer. The study of consumer behaviour is essential to develop a fuller understanding of customers need and the factors influencing their purchase decisions using the underlying theories of psychology, economics and anthropology (Brennan, Binney and Parker, 2014). This in turn helps in developing effective marketing strategies to attract them to make a purchase. Typically, four types of buying behaviours exist for any consumer, viz. routine buying, complex buying, limited decision making and impulse buying (Baker and Parkinson, 2016). However, the major and minor purchase decisions of a consumer are shaped by many internal and external factors. These factors play an important role in deciding their stimuli, brand preference, purchase motives, consumption patterns and influences (Masterson and Pickton, 2014). These factors are discussed in detail in following sections in the context of making a major purchase like buying a car. Internal Influences Internal factors influencing the consumers decisions are the psychological factors that are inherent in the consumers themselves. These factors include motivation, perception, learning and experience and beliefs and attitudes of the consumer. For example, in order to buy a car, motivation and attitude of consumers help them to make positive decisions. It is because, motivation acts as a driving force that impels an individual to take action to satisfy his or her needs (ffing and Stasing, 2013). According to Maslows Hierarchy of needs theory, social motivation is one of the effective factors that influence the decision-making process of an individual. It is because in order to maintain the effective level of social status, individuals need to satisfy the basic needs as well as secondary needs (McGuire, 2012). In terms of purchasing a car, the secondary need is related to the show off the reputation in the society. Perception is also an internal factor that influences the buying behaviour of consumers. It is because, on the basis of perception, an individual makes a decision whether to purchase the product or not. For example, attractive advertisements about the car communicate the quality and features of the car, which influences the perception of individuals and motivate them to make positive purchase decisions related to the product (Chon, Pizam and Mansfeld, 2012). External Influences Apart from the internal factors, external factors also influence the consumer buying behaviour in the market. External factors include the political, culture, social class and reference groups, etc. because these factors are associated with the groups that the individual belongs to and interacts with. In this, the cultural factor indicates the traditions, taboos, values and basic attitude of the entire society in which the individual live. This factor positively affects the purchase decisions of buyers (Egan, 2014). For example, in the Asian countries, at the time of the festive season, people more prefer to buy property or car as compared to the normal days of a year. On the other hand, social class can be defined as a group, which is more or less homogenous and ranked against each other in order to form a social hierarchy (Liu, 2013). The buying decisions in these classes mainly depend upon the income level. For example, consumers from the middle and upper class generally spend money on purchasing semi-luxury or luxury property as compared to the lower class. It is because middle or upper class has more money to spend on the property (Mills and Law, 2013). Conclusion From the above discussion, it can be concluded that consumer buying behaviour influence from different factors and environment. In this, internal and external factors both positively and negatively impact on the buying behaviour of the consumers. It is because internal factors such as attitude and beliefs, personality, perception and motivation support the individuals to fulfil their basic needs in terms of making positive purchase decisions related to the major purchases such as car or holiday packages. On the other hand, external factors such as social class, economy, politics, and culture also influence the consumer buying behaviour in terms of taking purchase decisions related to the property. References Baker, M. J. and Parkinson, S. T. (2016). Organizational Buying Behaviour: Purchasing and Marketing Management Implications. USA: Springer. Brennan, L., Binney, W. and Parker, L. (2014). Social Marketing and Behaviour Change: Models, Theory and Applications. UK: Edward Elgar Publishing. Chon, K. S., Pizam, A. and Mansfeld, Y. (2012). Consumer Behavior in Travel and Tourism. UK: Routledge. Egan, J. (2014). Marketing Communications. USA: SAGE. Liu, W. M. (2013). The Oxford Handbook of Social Class in Counseling. USA: OUP. Masterson, R. and Pickton, D. (2014). Marketing: An Introduction. USA: SAGE. McGuire, K. J. (2012). Maslow's hierarchy of needs. An introduction. Germany: GRIN Verlag. Mills, J. and Law, R. (2013). Handbook of Consumer Behavior, Tourism, and the Internet. UK: Routledge. Quester, P. (2011). Consumer Behaviour: Implications for Marketing Strategies, 6th edn. USA: Mc-Graw Hill. ffing, C. and Stasing, V. (2013). The Effect of In-store TV in Supermarkets on Customer-based Brand Equity for Consumer Goods. Germany: GRIN Verlag.

What Is WordPress Used For Everything - Here Are 4 Examples

WordPress is the most popular website platform in the world, which makes it a top-drawer consideration when building a new site. However, if you’re unfamiliar with this Content Management System (CMS), you ask the question: â€Å"What is WordPress used for?†The short answer to this question is: â€Å"Just about everything! As a platform, WordPress is flexible, feature-rich, and secure enough that few applications are truly outside its reach. Like anything else, however, there are situations in which WordPress is a particularly strong choice.In this post, we’re going to provide an answer to â€Å"What is WordPress used for?† To do this, we’ll walk through four types of websites you can build easily using the WordPress software. Let’s start from the top! So, what is WordPress used for? If you know anything about WordPress, you may know it started life as a blogging platform. In fact, there’s a common misconception that blogs are all Wor dPress is truly good at. While this isn’t true – as you’ll see throughout the next few sections – its still perfect for this type of site.The fact that WordPress was originally built with blogs in mind means many of its basic features and structure lend themselves to this application. There’s a built-in option for creating posts, for example, as well as a robust comments system. Plus, it would be hard to find a platform easier to pick up.It’s perfectly possible to create a WordPress blog using only the platform’s default features. However, there are a few things you may need if you want your blog to really stand out:A blogging theme. This will provide your site with the right look and layout for a blog. There are literally thousands of options to choose from, many designed for specific topics and niches.Some basic plugins. These will add useful functionality to your blog, and we’d recommend picking up at least a few. Most cruci al for blogs are a strong anti-spam plugin, a contact form plugin, and a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) plugin.That’s really all you need to run a successful blog on WordPress. Plus, you can expand it over time, adding new features and even maintaining it alongside one of the other website types covered below.2. PortfoliosAt this point, you may be wondering: â€Å"What is WordPress used for besides blogs?† While it’s long been valuable for businesses to establish themselves online, theres increasing importance for individuals to do this as well. Having a strong portfolio website can be the key to getting jobs, finding clients, and building a reputation.It may seem like WordPress would be less suited to this type of site. After all, blogs are dynamic and constantly changing, while a portfolio is a largely static resource. However, WordPress makes it just as simple to build normal web pages as it does blog posts.You can use WordPress pages to set up everything r equired for your portfolio – a contact page, a services page, and even a showcase of your work. More importantly, no portfolio is complete without plenty of images, both of you and of what you provide. That’s where the WordPress Media Library comes in very handy, enabling you to upload, edit, and manage your media files easily.Like blogs, portfolio sites don’t require a lot of extra features in order to shine, although you’ll want to consider:A portfolio theme. Even more so than with blogs, having the right layout and look can make or break your portfolio. Since you’ll want to keep it streamlined and easy to scan, a one-page theme such as Hestia may be ideal.A contact form plugin. We mentioned this under the blogs section as well. However, it’s absolutely crucial here. If you’re trying to form connections and solicit work online, you need to provide an easy and fast way for visitors to get in touch.Some type of gallery plugin. Especia lly if you’re a creative type, you’ll want to show off your best projects in your portfolio. A robust gallery plugin makes it much easier to display your work in the best possible light.3. Business sitesAs we’ve established, WordPress is an excellent choice for smaller, more personal projects. This is actually another common myth about the platform. People wondering â€Å"What is WordPress used for?† often assume it’s only suited to small-scale sites.In fact, WordPress is a frequent and smart choice for business websites of all sizes (including the really big ones). There are a number of reasons for this. It’s highly customizable, which means it’s easy to ensure your site reflects your company’s branding. You can also add just about any feature you need to the platform, whether via a plugin or custom coding. Plus, it’s a very secure option for building your site.Putting together a business site  often requires extra fu nctionality, given it will be an important part of establishing your company’s reputation, and maybe even increasing conversions.  More specifically, you’ll want:A highly-customizable theme. This can either be a business-specific theme, or something multipurpose. Most importantly, your choice should enable you to fully personalize your site’s appearance – the last thing any business wants is a cookie-cutter website.An email marketing plugin. If you don’t have an email list for your business, now is the time to set one up. It’s a hugely beneficial way of communicating with your target audience and increasing sales. Plus, you can add an opt-in form to your site to encourage visitors to sign up.An analytics tool. Tracking your website’s visitors, clicks, and other metrics is key for determining what you’re doing right and where you can improve. You can simply use an online tool like Google Analytics, or go one step further and i ntegrate analytics right into your website.Finally, instead of installing a number of smaller individual plugins, you may want to look for an all-in-one solution. Jetpack is the perfect example – a WordPress plugin that helps your business out with design, marketing, and security.4. E-Commerce storesNow, let’s look at an even more ambitious answer to the question What is WordPress used for? What if you want to set up a fully-functioning online store? As you’d expect, WordPress is an excellent option for e-commerce. In fact, its actually the  most popular way to create an e-commerce store (yes, even more popular than Shopify!).However, theres a  caveat – WordPress doesn’t include built-in e-commerce functionality. This means you’ll need at least one plugin to create your store.Youll find that WordPress-powered stores benefit from a lot of the platform’s inherent advantages, such as its security and scalability. You can build a mode stly-sized store with WordPress, and eventually grow it into a massive venture. Plus, it’s easy to run a WordPress store alongside a blog or business site.As we noted, you’ll need a tool to add e-commerce functionality to WordPress, such as product pages, carts, and payment gateways. There are a lot of options, but WooCommerce is the standout choice for most users. Installing this plugin will add much of what you need to build a store and sell products through WordPress.Along with WooCommerce, you’ll want to look for:A dedicated e-commerce theme. This is vital for any store, since default or multipurpose options aren’t usually suited to e-commerce. Plus, if you’re running a parallel website, you’ll need a theme that integrates the two aspects smoothly.A strong security solution. Selling products or services online necessitates handling sensitive customer data. While WordPress is inherently secure, you’ll benefit from adding as much pr otection to your store as possible. Jetpack is again a good option here, as is a dedicated security plugin like Wordfence. Also, make sure you pick a WordPress host that makes it easy to use HTTPS.Built-in backup functionality. Your store will be constantly changing and gathering new data. A solid backup tool is a must, so you never risk losing any information. Fortunately, there are many WordPress backup plugins  up to the task.You may also want to check out WooCommerce’s comprehensive library of extensions. While not required, these will add all sorts of features to your site, letting you shape it into whatever kind of store you want to build.So what is WordPress used for? Everything!Despite how much WordPress has evolved since its beginning, some people still mistakenly believe it’s just a blogging platform. This couldn’t be further from the truth. As weve discussed, while it’s still a fantastic option for blogs, it can do so much more.While the answ er to â€Å"What is WordPress used for?† is â€Å"Nearly everything†, it stands out particularly well when you’re building:Blogs.Portfolios.Business sites.E-commerce stores.Wondering if you can use WordPress to build the website of your dreams? Ask away in the comments below (but the answer is probably, yes!). What can you build with #WordPress? Check out these 4 examples

Free Essays on Biodiversity

Is Biodiversity Overprotected.† David N. Laband and E.O. Wilson. 2001. Issue 2. This article covered both sides of the argument over protection of biodiversity. Laband supports the claim that biodiversity is in fact overprotected while Wilson argues that it is not. Laband’s major argument is that the cost of biodiversity protection is placed unfairly on landowners by those living in urban areas. Wilson explains that the two things that need to be done to help maintain biodiversity are to preserve â€Å"hotspots† as well as increase education in the media and social sciences in the area of conservation biology. The major strength was that the article covered two differing points of view which gave it balance. It was good to have more than one opinion. This though was also the biggest weakness because the two sides, while being different, did not speak directly too each other. Laband discussed unfair cost responsibility while Wilson talked about conservation in much broader terms such as education. I liked the reading because it highlighted the two things that I agree with as being the most important aspects of conservation. I agreed with parts of both arguments but would say that I agree with E.O. Wilson a bit more. I think this reading was assigned because it is a very good introduction to some of the fundamental issues that we face when we look at the issue of conservation of biodiversity. It showed how a lot of factors go into a certain issue and why its never a simple task of figuring out what is the best path to take.... Free Essays on Biodiversity Free Essays on Biodiversity Is Biodiversity Overprotected.† David N. Laband and E.O. Wilson. 2001. Issue 2. This article covered both sides of the argument over protection of biodiversity. Laband supports the claim that biodiversity is in fact overprotected while Wilson argues that it is not. Laband’s major argument is that the cost of biodiversity protection is placed unfairly on landowners by those living in urban areas. Wilson explains that the two things that need to be done to help maintain biodiversity are to preserve â€Å"hotspots† as well as increase education in the media and social sciences in the area of conservation biology. The major strength was that the article covered two differing points of view which gave it balance. It was good to have more than one opinion. This though was also the biggest weakness because the two sides, while being different, did not speak directly too each other. Laband discussed unfair cost responsibility while Wilson talked about conservation in much broader terms such as education. I liked the reading because it highlighted the two things that I agree with as being the most important aspects of conservation. I agreed with parts of both arguments but would say that I agree with E.O. Wilson a bit more. I think this reading was assigned because it is a very good introduction to some of the fundamental issues that we face when we look at the issue of conservation of biodiversity. It showed how a lot of factors go into a certain issue and why its never a simple task of figuring out what is the best path to take....

Job Spotlight Administrative Assistant

Job Spotlight Administrative Assistant There are currently almost half a million open job postings for qualified administrative assistants- do you have what it takes?Table of contents.What is the job?Where to search for jobs?  Average salary for an administrative assistantHow to get the job?  How to advance your career as an administrative assistantEmployers are seeking applicants with a minimum of an associate’s degree- and the job requirements have evolved from answering phones and fetching coffee. Today’s administrative assistants can expect to not only field incoming calls, but also connect callers to the appropriate contact person, as well as data entry, daily problem-solving, managing office supplies and ordering, coordinating company events, maintaining the boss’ calendar, supervising interns, composing memos and mass emails, and serving as the first point of contact inter-departmental communication.It is an under-appreciated and at times overwhelming role, but it can help prepare you to mo ve onward and upward in administrative jobs in pretty much any field you can think of. [Source: Payscale]Titles for your job searchAdministrative assistantExecutive assistantOffice managerOffice assistantReceptionistCustomer service representativeTellerBookkeeperMerchandiserAccount payable clerkWhere to work?Here are the current top hiring locations for administrative assistants:Spartanburg, SCSpringfield, MAKingsport/Bristol, TNHagerstown/Martinsburg, MDColumbus, GAUtica/Rome, NYMcallen/Edinburg/Mission, TXPeoria, ILHickory/Lenoir/Morganton, NCHuntington/Ashland, WVAnd here are the current top hiring  organizations  for administrative assistants:Wells FargoMacy’sBank of AmericaFamily DollarSeasTargetLowe’sHome DepotHR BlockPetsmartCertifications and skillsIf you’re not already, it’s time to become an expert at Microsoft word, excel, outlook, and powerpoint. Figure out what publications online and in-print contribute to your industry and read them reg ularly. Make sure your written and verbal communications skills are on point- odds are you’ll be called upon for proofreading, at the very least.Though you  don’t have to be great at math, you should definitely be organized enough to handle accounts received and payable, which means tracking bills and checks on their way in and out of the office. If you can, consider taking an accounting course or two- or even getting a certification to bolster your hard skillset. [Source: Wanted Analytics]The bad news is, you have to deal with a lot of personalities, and not all of them will be terrific. The good news is, your skills will be thoroughly transferable, so you can job search by researching companies instead of being limited to a few companies that provide opportunities for a rare specialty.The job can be high stress, until you can master compartmentalizing and set healthy work-life boundaries so your to-do list doesn’t follow you home.Expected salaryThe median ye arly salary for administrative assistants is in the $30k range, and the median hourly rate is under $15. [source: Wanted Analytics]Develop your resumeThe soft and hard skills that make an excellent administrative assistant can come from nearly anywhere- and entry level positions will help polish any skills that you’re still developing. Make sure you frame any experience you’ve had in terms of working with the public, reporting to a busy supervisor, balancing demanding tasks, and communicating efficiently with your colleagues.See also:  3 entry-level job seeking mistakes to avoidAccumulate references/letters of recommendationFor your references, select people who’ve seen you in action at your busiest without cracking under the pressure! Send them a copy of your latest resume and the job posting before you list them as a reference, so they know which of your skills to emphasize when they talk you up.Apply in person or onlineDo your research to find out whether t he company you’re applying to work for accepts applications online (in which case be extra vigilant about uploading the correct and well-proofread versions of your documents; usually saving them as a pdf is most effective), or whether you should drop off a folder with your resume, letters of recommendation, and cover letter.Apply here:  Administrative assistant jobsInterview like a proMany of these basics are widely available online- dress professionally, nothing too flashy or revealing or casual, no cologne, plenty of deodorant, neatly groomed and well-rested. Don’t make the mistake I make nearly every time of over-thinking your handshake or arriving way to early and downing a giant iced coffee while you’re waiting across the street!Research the business ahead of timeKnowing how old the company is, who its founders were, what their mission is, and how your position fits into their overall business will help you answer questions like â€Å"why are you the bes t fit for ABC corp’s downtown office?† or â€Å"what will you bring to ABCs professional atmosphere?† with poise and confidence.In summary: know what you have to offer, and know what they need.Be prepared to highlight 5-7 personal anecdotes that showcase your skills It’s not enough to say you’re organized, describe a project you worked on that required you to exercise all of your organizational skills like planning ahead, coordinating with vendors, tracking payments, running an event, etc.Follow up graciouslyThe morning after your interview, be sure to send a thank-you note or appreciative email to everyone you met with- or if you emailed with only one point person, ask them to pass on your regards. You want to express thanks for their time and information, and reiterate your enthusiasm for the position.See the bigger pictureWhen I first started working as an assistant, I was eager and ready-to-please, but eventually, I got burned out on menial task s and what I perceived as a lack of respect- people talked over me as though I were invisible in meetings and seemed to only think of me when it was time to order things.What I had to realize was that being invisible actually gave me great access to the levels of the company where I wanted to work anyway, and that being the one responsible for keeping everyone in pens and copy paper actually meant everyone relied on me.Be the one everyone wants to knowThe all time great administrative assistants, like Mrs. Landingham on The West Wing or Donna on Suits or Joan Holloway-Harris on Mad Men, thrive because they are the hubs of their offices. If you want to know anything that’s going on, you go to them, and you ask politely, and hope they are feeling helpful. This can be you!As long as you recognize when you’re paying your dues, and are generous with your time and knowledge, people will appreciate your role as gatekeeper.Prove yourselfAnother crucial component is being able to effortlessly pull off the impossible- or at least make it look easy. Assisting is all about anticipating needs, thinking ahead, and taking initiative to make the higher-ups’ jobs run smoothly.I used to get exasperated when my bosses hounded me about small assignments. Eventually I realized the way to avoid follow-up emails with the little urgent exclamation point was to communicate quickly and clearly, even if it was just a quick â€Å"this is still in the works, estimated delivery date is 4/12† note that didn’t even get a response. My bosses learned to trust I would turn jobs around exactly when I said I would, and they could rely on me to communicate if I hit a snag.Be a trusted confidanteI am not going to lie. Office gossip is great. It is fun, it builds work-friendships like nothing else, and seems like a great way to boost your own standing when you’re the one with the intel. But, a truly great administrative assistant knows that loose lips sink s hips- if your boss is trusting you with a big project, or access to confidential information, your career will be better served by keeping a lid on it and being worthy of that trust.Look at tasks that seem more personal than administrative as a sign that you’re becoming indispensible- don’t let it derail your other work, but see what professional benefits come after you demonstrate your ability to keep someone’s confidence.Now that you know what the job looks like, where and how to look for it, and what to do when you get there, you should have everything you need to decide whether a career as an administrative assistant is right for you. Good luck and happy searching!Apply here:  Administrative Assistant jobs

What is Plagiarism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 12

What is Plagiarism - Essay Example It is even found in articles found in newspapers and magazines; for example in 2010, renowned New York Times reporter and Pulitzer winner were Chris Hedges was found to plagiarize directly from another reporter’s work. At the college level where we are exposed to so many research articles and writings and are often expected to present writings of our own, it becomes almost impossible not to succumb to the temptation of using materials that we may have read or seen somewhere. This is where most students and scholars go wrong. Students are not aware of the fact that even paraphrasing without citation is very much unethical and therefore most end up plagiarizing owing to ignorance of rules of ethical writing. The habit of abiding by plagiarism rules needs to be instilled from a young age. Students need to be first made aware about the existence of â€Å"plagiarism† and its rules and should be first given warnings about plagiarizing in their own papers. They should be encouraged to read articles but also acknowledge them in case they are using the same for their own work, hence students must also be introduced to citation approaches. This initial introduction at least ensures that all students are equally aware of plagiarism and therefore any student found indulging in plagiarism, later on, would have done it out of choice rather than ignorance. Students found to plagiarize should be punished according to the degree of plagiarism detected. The punishment should become harsher with subsequent instances by the same person. Even though homework might seem less important than research articles, students and scholars found to indulge in any kind of plagiarism need to be treated equally a nd hence punishment should be the same for usage of plagiarized material.

What are the types of Discrimination Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

What are the types of Discrimination - Assignment Example Those that do not share the same beliefs will be subjected to hard work, working lengthy hours and working under unhealthy conditions (Roscigno, 2007). Perception discrimination is the second type of discrimination. Managers may discriminate an employee based on the perception that people have on the race of the employee. Some races are perceived to be intelligent while others are perceived to be foolish; hence, the manager will treat an employee based on that perception. Sexual orientation is also used by managers. Many times, women are perceived to be weaker than men hence men may end up getting the best position than the women. The third type of discrimination is indirect discrimination. The age of a worker may be a discriminating factor. For example, if the manager is old, opinion of the young employees will not be valued since there believe they don’t have experience in their work (Roscigno, 2007). Sexual harassment is the fourth type of discrimination. Sexual harassment is most common in many organizations, where the manager sexually abuse the employees for them to get promotion, easy jobs and to avoid punishment. Victimization is the fifth type of discrimination where a person is treated badly because of not supporting the manager; it may be due to complaint the person had filed against

Foreign Policy in the US Essay Example for Free

Foreign Policy in the US Essay

Teaching Children about Animal Rights Essay -- Personal Narrative, Com

The issue of animal rights is often overlooked in this society, and I've wanted that to change for as long as I can remember.   My original idea was to start a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at my high school, but I was afraid I wouldn't be able to raise enough interest and the project would be a flop. For quite a while, I had a very difficult time coming up with another idea, until I started thinking of all the horrible stories of animal cruelty that I'd heard and read. Teenagers and adults who had neglected, starved, beaten and abused innocent, defenseless creatures. What was the source of all this? Obviously these people had never experienced the joy an animal can bring to your life. Perhaps I could find some children with whom to share that joy. Perhaps I could teach them a little bit about how to care for and respect animals as everyone should. I started searching for a church youth group to whom I could talk. I called several churches and got several answering machines. After playing phone tag with voice mail and secretaries for a couple of weeks, I finally got in touch wi... ...y are not the children who need education. They're already involved in something that is going to teach them these kinds of lessons - they're not the neglected, inactive children who grow up to be abusive towards animals and people. That is why I've decided that my work with children is far from over.   The children who truly need my help cannot be found in a youth group or a Cub Scout pack. How I am going to reach these children, I do not yet know. I am fortunate to have the drive, vision and experience I've gained so far to help me along the way.

North or South, Civil War Essay

â€Å"At any time, the South can raise, equip, and maintain in the field, a larger army than any Power of the earth can send against her, and an army of soldiers men brought up on horseback, with guns in their hands. † (from Senator James Henry Hammond’s â€Å"Cotton is King,† Document Library, March 4, 1858) The Confederates have their advantages and weaknesses in their economy, diplomacy, and military and so do the Union. However, the Confederacy stood above the Union with their advantages of the southern states. They were determined to protect their laws to maintain the efficiency of their country after secession from the Union. The Confederacy was better equipped and more prepared to win the Civil War. Although the Union had some advantages in their economy, the Confederacy was better equipped economically. In their economy, the southern states had better agricultural production for their values of farmland ranging from about zero dollars up to four hundred and fifty millions of dollars; and the abundance of crops such as temp, rice, cane sugar, and tobacco in Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, and Missouri. The values of the southern farmland could be used so it can be sold to other people or countries when they needed more money for the expenses of the war. Also, the abundance of crops can be sold for money which could be used to help out the Confederacy or it can be used as a resource for soldiers during the war. The southern states were doing well economically because of their cotton production of five to forty-five bales of cotton per square miles. Interactive Map for Cotton Production) Since their farmland had great value it meant that they have a great amount of land for the land to be worth a lot which allows their production of cotton to expand even more. The production of cotton helps them earn profits which can be used for the war and cotton can be used to make clothing for soldiers. The crops could be used as food for the soldiers who are fighting in the war because it can provide them a full stomach, a happy mind, and lots of energy so that they would be more concentrated on protecting their country. The agricultural production of the Confederacy would enable them to keep their soldiers content so that they would focus more about fighting and a hopeful idea that they actually can win with all the food and money they can get. They are prepared to fight the Union. The Confederacy’s diplomacy with different countries and people allowed them to be one step closer to winning the Civil War. The South is prepared to stop their cotton production which can bring them a lot of profits which can be used to be spent on war expenses. Even if they stop their cotton production and to start planting again, they would still be able to earn huge amounts of profits from experience. (Speech by Sen. James Henry Hammond) The Confederacy would have enough profits from the years of cotton production to provide them with the money needed for the war and their losses. The alliance between the Confederacy and Great Britain gives them an advantage which the Union doesn’t have. Speech by Sen. James Henry Hammond) Great Britain relied on the Confederacy’s production of cotton for their country’s economy to work properly, but the Union wants to stop the production of cotton which creates an alliance between Britain and the South. As long as the Union goes into war with the Confederates, Great Britain would bring their entire army over to help the Confederacy win the war against the Union. They were prepared to be allied at any moment to protect the flow of their economy which the North doesn’t have since most of the other countries also relied on South’s cotton production. Confederacy’s alliances with other countries will make them more prepared to win the war against the Union as they already are. In the military proportion, Confederacy had more experienced and intelligent generals and commanders than the Union even if they had more commanders. Many of the generals attended the U. S. Military academy at West Point. As an average Southern generals who attended West Point were mostly ranked higher than the Northern commanders. Southern commanders like P. G. T. Beauregard of Louisiana graduated with a rank of the third highest in 1838 and Robert E. Lee of Virginia who graduated with the second highest rank during 1829 unlike Don Carlos Buell of Ohio graduated with the rank of 32 who was a Northern commander. (Meet the Commanders) The Confederate commanders being able to graduate with high ranks means that they are more knowledgeable than the Union commanders. Since they graduated at the top of their class they know from knowledge about what are the right things to do during the war and they should be able to figure out advantages to increase their chances at winning. The Confederates also had commanders who were more experience with wars because of their experience of fighting in previous wars. A Southern commander, John B. Magrudger had military experience in the Second Seminole War and the Mexican War while Northerner Nathaniel P. Banks of Massachusetts had no previous military experience. Meet the Commanders) The Confederacy having more commanders who had more military experience from previous wars allows them to know some possible advantages and weaknesses that they might have for their army and the enemies since it might have happen before. Experience and education is what makes you more prepared for war with strategies and ideas being created. Overall, the Confederacy has a huge advantage over the Union as that they are more prepared to win the Civil War against the Union. The profits from their agricultural production of their economy leaves them one less thing to be worried about to be prepared for the war. The production of cotton brought the alliance of foreign countries with the Confederacy because of their reliance on the cotton production for profits that keeps their economy going and creates a better diplomacy. The more experience that the commanders received from previous wars and the higher ranking they had in military school increases the knowledge for preparations for the war so that you can increase the chances of winning against the Union. The Confederacy were prepared to win against the Union in the Civil War with all their preparations.

Pdf Silence! the Court Is in Session †Vijay Tendulkar Essay

Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, JNTUACEP,YSR Kadapa (Dist),Andhra Pradesh, India ABSTRACT A criticism against Indian Judicial system that ‘the failure of modern legal theory and practice lies in its understanding of what it is to be a human being’ can be undoubtedly attributed to the themes of Vijay Tendulkar’s play Silence! The Court Is In Session. The play barbs against existing judicial system at two levels. Firstly, it can be studied as a ‘legal plea’ which demands for emancipation, equality and liberation of women and stresses the need for a social transformation of law, culture, and social patterns which release women’s potential, where the legal curriculum has neglected issues of central concern of women like: rape, domestic violence, reproduction, unequal pay, sex determination and sexual harassment, from Benare’s ‘case study’: Secondly, the play can be a thesis on elite-court relations in India as an unsatisfactory arrangement, where being structurally part of the state, the courts are expected to maintain a high degree of independence and to be ensured of a democratic policy. The play is highly relevant as it discusses the present atrocities occurring on women throughout India including Delhi ‘Nirbhaya’ gang rape case and demands for verdict and bits the elite society to ponder on the issue seriously. Key words: Judicial system, Unequal treatment, Legal plea, elite-court relations, Play within the play Dr. MEDIKONDA SAMBAIAH Mrs. KATUMALA SANDHYA Article Received on : 26/03/2013 Article revised from: 28/03/2013 Article accepted on: 28/05/2013 The stimulus for Silence! The Court is in Session came from a real incident for the writer. Tendulkar met an amateur group which was on its way to stage a mock-trial in Vile Parle, a suburb of Bombay. While overhearing their conversation, the outline of a play began taking shape in the writer’s mind and resulted in the creation of Silence! The Court is in Session. The play was written for Rangayana at the instance of Arvind and Sulabh Deshpande and was first performed in March 1971 in Madras. When the play was first performed in 1967 for a drama competition by the small group, it was rejected by the judges who said it was not play. But later it received The Kamaladevi Chatterpadhyaya award and was translated in fourteen Indian languages. The play was staged all over India in different versions. In a sense Marathi drama found a place on the national map and Tendulkar was recognized at the national level. When asked in an interview: â€Å"This play is a caustic satire on the social as well as justice†¦.The mental agony suffered by the girl throughout the play is in no way less than the legal punishment. Is that all you 102 VIJAY TENDULKAR’S ‘SILENCE! THE COURT IS IN SESSION’†¦| Medikonda Sambaiah et al Research Journal of English Language and Literature (RJELAL) A Peer Reviewed International Journal – http://www.rjelal.com wished to convey or something more?† Tendulkar said: â€Å"This is exactly what I had in mind. If I say anything else now, that will be an after-thought. An undaunted girl of Benare’s make-up could have, besides defending herself, made a  counter-attack , tearing to pieces the dos and don’ts of the selfish society. Had I shown her aggressive that would have been attitude, not hers? Otherwise also the playwright should only suggest leaving the rest 1 to the viewers.† The opening scene of the play turns into a marvellous piece of satire by pitting the self-consciously independent, vehemently assertive, and immensely cheerful Benare against the utterly selfish, hypocritical and malicious amateur artists and paves the way as to how they are going to judge and reverse the natural justice. The scene depicts how an average middle class woman strives and struggles for preserving her womanhood and motherhood and her thirst to be accepted by the society. As the curtain rises, Samant, a local chap and Leela Benare, the heroine are found conversing. She springs a surprise on the rustic Samant with a sudden confidential proposal: â€Å"Let’s leave everyone behind, I thought, and go somewhere far, far, away – with you†! [Silence! The Court is in 2 Session]. When she makes this observation, she has Professor Damle in her mind. Benare, after telling Samant that the school management is holding an enquiry against her â€Å"just because of o ne bit of slander†. [58] The depiction of unsecured condition of Benare explores the problems that exist among Indian women towards legal rights and her absence of awareness about legislations and their enforcement and inadequacies of legal provisions. The tragic and bottle neck like situation reminds the audience of Banavari Devi, Nina Sahni, Tasneem Sheikh Suhail, Delhi model Jessica Lal and Nirbhaya claims Vijay Tendulkar as a man of relevance to the contemporary society, where the practices like – eve teasing, whistling at girls, bottom pinching and are common phenomenon among Indian youngsters, apart from big incidents like gang rapes and murders. The purpose why the dramatist has selected different persons from different backgrounds can give some clues about the judicial circle and their Vol.1.Issue.1.;2013 judicial culture. In fact, all these characters are the representatives of the existing personalities in judicial circle with their personal, familial, educational, ethical and professional defects. Mrs. Kashikars, Sukhatme, Balu Rokde, Gopal Ponkshe and Karnik are the various typical personalities  in judicial circle. The very fact of Mrs. Kashikar’s collusion in the attack on Benare demonstrates how women internalize the dominance of men over themselves as a natural phenomenon and turn against other transgressing women as the ‘other’. Had Benare been the economically power, she might have protested more actively. Her present position is evidence that among educated women, concern for status has a positive relationship with age and employment. It has been found that the working educated women have higher concern for status than the non-working women or house wives. The commencement of the ‘Mock-trial’, which constitutes a ‘play-within-the-play’, offers Tendulkar ample scope to dissect and lay bare the dormant ills of discontent in the psyche of these urban hypocrites. Though, they gang themselves up against a hapless Benare for the time being, they have nothing but spite for one another. Rokde symbolizes lumped public which is enveloped in the culture of dependency and carried away by the lures of money, power and threat. Throughout the play, he is not allowed enough time to exercise his intelligent challenges to prospective jurors. Ponkshe and Karnik are the other two catalysts who have their active role in the plot against Benare. When Benare goes into the inner room to wash her face, Karnik takes Ponkshe aside and indicating the inner room into which Benare has just gone, tells him if he knows anything about her: â€Å"About her, About Miss. Benare. Rokde told me†. The stylistic gimmicks used by Ponkshe and Karnik sometimes speak a lot louder than the words they actually speak. As witness their technique is not to argue the case but to present the issues. These two people represent the educated elite in the society, who have to demand for ‘order of proof’ as yardstick before asking the jury to measure the complaint. But these people lack the logical order of proof for their expert testimony. The interrogatory procedure is so convincing that the legal professionals have been encouraging litigation more and more by giving impetus to disputes. There is a widespread belief both among litigating public and legislators, the intervention of lawyers in court 103 VIJAY TENDULKAR’S ‘SILENCE! THE COURT IS IN SESSION’†¦| Medikonda Sambaiah et al Research Journal of English Language and Literature (RJELAL) A Peer Reviewed International Journal – http://www.rjelal.com proceedings have the built-in tendency to delay the disposal of cases. The legal profession is no longer service-oriented but profit-oriented. Sometimes lawyers on both sides join hands to make both the parties compromise even if the clients have to suffer the loss. Majority of the lawyers harass their clients for more and more fee, false bills, while not taking the required interest in the case. In all his arguments there is no ethical creation of evidence. He indulges simply in word games and forgets the joint liability of Damle. All these things show that Mr. Sukhatme’s role in the play is a replica of the legal professionalism and an evidence of how â€Å"there is a fall in efficiency and standard at the Bar and which is on the verge of collapse.† In a perceptive analysis of justice, gender and the justice in American society, Deborah Rhode observed: â€Å"Without a fundamental reordering of cultural values, women cannot hope to secure true equality, and social status. In that constructive enterprise, law can play a modest but more effective 4 role.† This is more so in Indian society with a high level of illiteracy and strong traditions of gender inequalities. That is what happens in Benare’s case. Certainly, the play Silence! The Court is in Session is a question against existing legal curriculum. There is no roadmap for the image of reality in the procedure of the prosecution. There is an absence of trial dynamism in the play. The entire trial rotates around gimmick but is not based on evidence. There is no opening statement which tells to the jury the plaintiff claims in a direct and reasonable way. It must give the jury an overview of what the evidence will show and what the evidence will be without argumentative hype and individualistic exhibitionism. Missing direct or cross examination ruthlessly rules out the fundamental rules of natural justice i.e. ‘no body can be a judge in his own cause’ and ‘no body should be condemned unheard’. The foundations for the verdict ‘let the witness be himself’ is not at all observed. There is no review of the evidence offered by both sides. The judge rules based on what the lawyer presents. It seems that instructions to jurors will directly affect their judgment. The doctrine of 5 locus standi, a principle that the judicial time as well as energy ought not be wasted  over hypothetical or abstract questions, has been neglected and the truth that the trial is the ‘time of decision’ and the ‘moment of truth’ has been gained and gathered, assessed, weighed and measured for hours together in the dock room. Vol.1.Issue.1.;2013 Vijay Tendulkar who is acclaimed as ‘articulatory of violence’ in the modern Marathi theatre brings another dimension of the ‘cruelty’ in the play. He demands that the concept of cruelty is to be redefined along with the socio-economic changes in the society. The playwright proves how it could be possible that cruelty was ‘intentionally aimed at’ by the provisions of the law itself. It seems that he joins with radical criminologists in seeking to redefine ‘harm’ in the criminological arena of victimology. Similarly, the playwright focuses on the maleness of legal proceedings, specifically the trial of sexual crimes like abortion and pre and extra marital relationships. Simply, in trials the procedure is designed to break down the story of the woman complainant both by subjecting it to vigorous doubt and by implicitly serializing it. The victim becomes an object of the male gaze and forced to relieve her ordeal, which itself becomes another assault. In the play, it is very clear that the exploration of body and sexuality is done through fierce and bold debate by the testimonies of Balu Rokde and Karnik. Tendulkar poses another important question to the legal provisions of women in India. If the child is a legitimate one, the father is honoured with the guardianship of the child. But if the child is illegitimate the mother is the guardian, and she alone has to bear the stigma and humiliation of every day social pin-pointing as well as the responsibility of bringing up the child. The law makes no distinction between legitimate and illegitimate child when it imposes on the father an obligation to maintain 6 children. But if it is under the guardianship of the mother, the man escapes everyday disgrace by merely paying the maintenance amount, at the most! To put it briefly, ‘the law recognizes the patriarchal system of family in which father 7 supreme.† Doubtlessly, it is the supreme talent of the dramatist that the violence of the play is superbly sugar-coated with the technique of play within the play. Without this technique Tendulkar  could not have made his characters directly attack Benare on the charge of infanticide. The play is widely acclaimed for this technique. Dnyaneshwar Nadkarni pays a tribute to the play: â€Å"Silence! The Court is in Session comes as a turning point in Tendulkar’s career. It has a play in rehearsal and a real-life story, and the two intertwine to produce some unusual 8 confrontations.† 104 VIJAY TENDULKAR’S ‘SILENCE! THE COURT IS IN SESSION’†¦| Medikonda Sambaiah et al Research Journal of English Language and Literature (RJELAL) A Peer Reviewed International Journal – http://www.rjelal.com However, Tendulkar depicts Benare as â€Å"a modern 9 woman† who is capable of protecting herself and 9 her body in a male dominated society . He does not let Benare kill herself or feel shy about the whole episode, but makes her fight till the end. Apart from all the criticism as she faced in the play, the character of Benare remains as a lovely spark from the thunderbolt of Tendulkar, in the Modern Marathi theatre. She is a new woman pleading for freedom from social and legal norms. Even though Tendulkar 10 said that writing this play was ‘drudgery’ to him, the credit of raising him to the top of the Indian theatre goes to this play Silence! The Court is in Session. Vol.1.Issue.1.;2013 REFERENCES 1. Vijay Tendulkar. â€Å"Drama: The Most Difficult, But the Most Powerful Medium.† Interviews with Indian Writers, New World Literature Series, B-18, p.280 2. Vijay Tendulkar. Collected Plays in Translation: Silence! The Court is in Session, translated by Priya Adarkar, New Delhi, Oxford University Press, 2003, p.55. 3. Quoted in â€Å"System on the Verge of Collapse†, India Abroad , New York, February 4, 1994. 4. Deborah Rhode. â€Å"Justice, Gender and the Justice† in Crites Lawra L, and Hepperle Winifred L (eds), ‘Women, The Courts and Equality’. 1978, p.10. 5. Roma Mukherjee. Women, Law and Free Legal Aid in India, Deep & Deep Publications Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 1998, p.64. 6. Sect. (2), Adoptions and The Hindu Maintenance Act, 1956. 7. Ved Kumari. â€Å"Place of Women and Child in Guardianship† in Lotika Sarkar and B. Sivaramayya (eds), ‘Women and Law: Contemporary Problems’ Vikas PublishingHouse Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi, 1994, p.242. 8. Sudhir Sonalkar. â€Å"Vijay Tendulkar and the Metaphor of Violence†, The Illustrated Weekly of India, November 18-24, 1993, p.20. 9. Veena Noble Dass. â€Å"Women Characters in the Plays of Tendulkar†, New Directions in Indian Drama (ed) Sudhakar Pandey and Freya Barva, Prestige publications, New Delhi, 1994, p.11. 10. Vijay Tendulkar. â€Å"Interview†, The Indian Literary Review, Vol.I, p.12. 105 VIJAY TENDULKAR’S ‘SILENCE! THE COURT IS IN SESSION’†¦| Medikonda Sambaiah et al

History of Frankincense, Ancient Aromatic Tree Resin

History of Frankincense, Ancient Aromatic Tree Resin Frankincense is an ancient and fabled aromatic tree resin, its use as a fragrant perfume reported from a multitude of historical sources at least as early as 1500 BC. Frankincense consists of the dried resin from the frankincense tree, and it is one of the most common and sought-after of aromatic tree resins in the world even today. Purposes Frankincense resin was used in the past for a variety of medicinal, religious and social purposes, and many of those purposes are still used today. Its perhaps best-known use is to create a permeating scent by burning crystalized pieces during rites of passages such as weddings, childbirth, and funerals. The incense is and was used to smooth and oil hair and sweeten the breath; soot from the incense burners is and was used for eye makeup and tattoos. More pragmatically, melted incense resin is and was used to mend cracked pots and jars: filling the cracks with frankincense makes a vessel watertight again. The bark of the tree is and was used as a red-brown dye for cotton and leather clothing. Some species of resins have a delightful flavor, which is sampled by adding it to coffee or by simply chewing it. Frankincense also is and was also used as a household medicine for dental problems, swellings, bronchitis, and coughs. Harvesting Frankincense has never been domesticated or even truly cultivated: the trees grow where they will and survive in place for very long periods. The trees have no central trunk but seem to grow up out of the bare rock to heights of about 2-2.5 meters or about 7 or 8 feet. The resin is harvested by scraping a 2 centimeter (3/4 of an inch) opening and allowing the resin to ooze out on its own, and harden on the tree trunk. After a few weeks, the resin has dried and can be taken to market. Tapping the resin is done two to three times a year, spaced out so the tree can recover. Frankincense trees can be overexploited: take away too much resin and the seeds wont germinate. The process was not easy: the trees grow in oases surrounded by harsh deserts, and overland routes to market were difficult at best. Nonetheless, the market for incense was so great the traders used myths and fables to keep rivals away. Historical Mentions The Egyptian Ebers Papyrus dated to 1500 BC is the oldest known reference to frankincense, and it prescribes the resin as a use for throat infections and asthmatic attacks. In the first century AD, the Roman writer Pliny mentioned it as an antidote to hemlock; the Islamic philosopher Ibn Sina (or Avicenna, 980-1037 AD) recommended it for tumors, ulcers, and fevers. Other historical references to frankincense appear in the 6th century AD in the  Chinese herbal manuscript Mingyi Bielu, and numerous mentions appear in both old and new testaments of the Judeo-Christian bible. The Periplus maris Erythraei (Periplus of the Erythryean Sea), a 1st century sailors travel guide to shipping lanes in the Mediterranean, Arabian gulf and Indian Ocean, describes several natural products, including frankincense; Periplus states that South Arabian frankincense was of a finer quality and more highly prized than that from East Africa. The Greek writer Herodotus reported in the 5th century BC that frankincense trees were guarded by winged serpents of small size and various colors: a myth promulgated to warn off rivals.   Five Species There are five species of frankincense tree which produce resins suitable for incense, although the two most commercial today are Boswellia carterii or B. freraeana. The resin harvested from the tree varies from species to species, but also within the same species, depending on local climatic conditions. B. carterii (or B. sacra, and called olibanum or dragons blood) is thought to be the tree mentioned in the bible. It grows in Somalia and the Dhofar valley of Oman. The Dhofar valley is a lush green oasis, watered by monsoonal rains in sharp contrast to its surrounding desert. That valley is still the leading source for frankincense in the world today, and the highest grade resins, called Silver and Hojari, are only found there.B. frereana and B. thurifera grow in northern Somalia and are the source of Coptic or Maydi frankincense, treasured by the Coptic church and Saudi Arabian Muslims. These resins have a lemony scent and today are manufactured into a popular chewing gum.B. papyrifera grows in Ethiopia and Sudan and produces a transparent, oily resin.B. serrata is Indian frankincense, golden brown in color and mainly burned as incense and used in Ayurvedic medicine. The International Spice Trade Frankincense, like many other aromatics and spices, was carried from its isolated origins to market along two international trade and commercial routes: the Incense Trade Route (or Incense Road) that carried the trade of Arabia, East Africa and India; and the  Silk Road  that passed through Parthia and Asia. Frankincense was extremely desired, and the demand for it, and the difficulty of getting it distributed to its Mediterranean customers was one of the reasons the Nabataean culture rose to prominence in the first century BC. The Nabataeans were able to monopolize the frankincense trade not at the source in modern Oman, but by controlling the Incense Trade Route that crossed Arabia, East Africa, and India. That trade sprang up during the classical period and had a huge impact on Nabataean architecture, culture, economy and urban development at Petra. Sources: Al Salameen Z. 2011.  The Nabataeans and Asia Minor.  Mediterranean Archaeology and Archaeometry  11(2):55-78.Ben-Yehoshua S, Borowitz C, and HanuÃ… ¡ LO. 2011.  Frankincense, Myrrh, and Balm of Gilead: Ancient Spices of Southern Arabia and Judea.  Horticultural Reviews: John Wiley Sons, Inc. p 1-76. doi: 10.1002/9781118100592.ch1Erickson-Gini T, and Israel Y. 20113.  Excavating the Nabataean Incense Road.  Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage Studies  1(1):24-53.Seland EH. 2014.Archaeology of Trade in the Western Indian Ocean, 300BC–AD700.  Journal of Archaeological Research  22(4):367-402. doi: 10.1007/s10814-014-9075-7Tomber R. 2012.  From the Roman Red Sea to beyond the Empire: Egyptian ports and their trading partners.  British Museum Studies in Ancient Egypt and Sudan  18:201-215.

Conversion Factor Definition and Examples

Conversion Factor Definition and Examples A conversion factor is the number or formula you need to convert a measurement in one set of units to the same measurement in another set of units. The number is usually given as a numerical ratio or fraction that can be used as a multiplication factor. For example, say you have a length that is measured in feet and you wish to report on it in meters. If you know that there are 3.048 feet in a meter, then you can use that as a conversion factor to determine what the same distance is in meters.   One foot is 12 inches long, and the conversion factor of 1 foot to inches is 12. In yards, 1 foot is equal to 1/3 yard (conversion factor of 1 foot to yards is 1/3) so forth. The same length is 0.3048 meters, and it is also 30.48 centimeters. To convert 10 feet to inches, multiply 10 times 12 (the conversion factor) 120 inchesTo convert 10 feet to yards, multiply 10 x 1/3 3.3333 yards (or 3 1/3 yards)To convert 10 feet to meters, multiply 10 x .3048 3.048 metersTo convert 10 feet to centimeters, multiply 10 x 30.48 304.8 centimeters Examples of Conversion Factors There many different types of measurements that sometimes require conversions: length (linear), area (two dimensional) and volume (three dimensional) are the most common, but you can also use conversion factors to convert mass, speed, density, and force. Conversion factors are used for conversions within the imperial system (feet, pounds, gallons), within the International System of Units (SI, and the modern form of the metric system: meters, kilograms, liters) or across the two.   Remember, the two values must represent the same quantity as each other. For example, its possible to convert between two units of mass (e.g., grams to pounds), but you generally cant convert between units of mass and volume (e.g., grams to gallons). Examples of conversion factors include: 1 gallon 3.78541 liters (volume)  1 pound 16 ounces (mass)  1 kilogram 1,000 grams (mass)  1 pound 453.592 grams (mass)1 minute 60000 milliseconds (time)  1 square mile 2.58999 square kilometers (area)   Using a Conversion Factor For example, to change a time measurement from hours to days, use a conversion factor of 1 day 24 hours. time in days time in hours x (1 day/24 hours) The (1 day/24 hours) is the conversion factor. Note that following the equal sign, the units for hours cancel out, leaving only the unit for days.

Public Policy Agenda Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Public Policy Agenda - Essay Example Agenda setting mark the primary step towards finding solutions to life problems. Evidently, the world is full of many public problems. This ranges from social challenges, public intrusion to health complications. All these challenges require both human intervention and political interception; however, in many instances viable answers fail to appear. In such instances, agenda setting remains the most viable option for solutions. Many organizations within or outside the government rely on agenda setting for solutions. Agenda setting is the ability to prioritize issues based on importance. The prioritization and opportunity cost incurred during decision make agenda setting a key recipe in public problems. It, however, is important to note that agenda setting does not give an overall look at a public problem but an integrated approach. Notably, the government has a sole role of providing and guaranteeing services for the public both at the present and the future. In many instances, some problems fail to appear in the government’s radar due to many reasons. To start with is the fact that government decisions are based on importance, priority and magnitude of problems. As a result, diseases that affect a limited magnitude of people cannot get attention as compared to a serious disease that spread and affects many people. In addition, government decisions and agenda setting remain based on interest and economic benefit various decisions derive to the public. A feeder road within the village cannot be considered before tarmacking a road leading to an industrial area. As a result, the feeder road may not appear or acquire the government’s attention although it is a problem. There are different kinds of agendas based on role, arrangement and results. Traditional agenda according to the Roberts rule of order puts items in order

Censorship in Television and Movies Research Paper

Censorship in Television and Movies - Research Paper Example Hollywood has been influenced by the censorship requirements since as early as 1930s. The Hays Code may be termed as one of the earliest attempts made by the president of Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA) to bring a level of security, harmony and just expressionism within the field. Hays highlighted the issues which were or could impact the society negatively. Hays contributions were to hold back the nudity, sexuality, profanity, violence and the like factors which were eminent in the then media. The reputable position of Hays code pressurized the studios on accepting the codes and following them in order to stay in business. The studios also followed the code in order to avoid any boycotts against their studios which may have severe financial implications. To avoid any uncalled circumstances studios chose to follow the code requirements. During 1966 the social changes increased the censorship requirements at local and public level. The public responses led to the elimination of scenes which they found ethically, morally or socially harmful, boycotts against such movies or media content and refusal to show certain scenes. However, the censorship policies are somehow limiting the freedom of speech, expression and the freedom to take informed position due to lack of knowledge of the whole issue. Censorship limits the media content to show one side of the picture which is normally termed as the brighter side. Non-exposure to the social evils like sexuality issues, nudity and governmental and other corruption limits the thoughts and knowledge of the public regarding their own society which they have the power and ability to change (Bernstein 1999). One of the basic aims of censorship is to avoid the delicate matters like sexuality and sexual issues. People argue that sexuality and the related issues as exposed on the television and movies are having negative impact on our society. People are getting more and more conversant with sexuality and at an early age are sexually active due to media portrayal including the exposure in the movies and the television. However, it should be noted that knowing about an evil does not assure evil acts of the people. Knowing things help people in keeping themselves from such things and also educate them to combat situations where they may be harmed by them. Sexual education in the modern society is a crucial issue. People, and specially the younger generation, often risk their physical, social and mental wellbeing due to unawareness about unsafe sex and its consequences. The disease and the outcomes of sexual relationships which surround the lives of the individuals throughout their life span can be portrayed through movies and television content to increase awareness among the youth about the horrors of such acts. In response to the claims made in favor of censorship to avoid sexuality and related issues, it can be argued that media is used to educate people and increase their unde rstanding which helps in reducing issues like HIV, abortions, maternal deaths, illegal children, single parent children and so on (Semonche 2007). Censorship clearly breaches the freedom of press, speech and expressionism. Placing limitations on the film makers and television programs directly influence their exposure of the reality which would have been otherwise exposed. Media plays a vital role in directing the thoughts and viewpoints of the public towards a certain goal.

Orangization Behavor- Phase 2 DB Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Orangization Behavor- Phase 2 DB - Essay Example The company is growing and to enable the company to cater to the different cultural markets, CSD will have to incorporate diversity and train the employees to be culturally sensitive about many issues. An organization can be viewed in many ways; it can be a machine, designed to be highly precise and organized, it can be an organism with a lifespan during which it grows, becomes weak and then dies, it can be an instrument of domination which is exploited by the wealthy and powerful. Thus organizations can be defined through metaphors, in itself it is complex and no single metaphor can define it completely. (Morgan, G, 1997). Within an organization there is a lot of communication taking place, information keeps flowing back and forth. Types of communication channels that are open to organization are formal and informal channels. Both of these channels have many techniques within them. In the formal channel there is upward and downward communication, and horizontal communication. In the informal channel, there is the grapevine and management by wandering around. Keeping in mind that the structure of the organization is a matrix structure, all types of formal communication should exist. Employees need to report to their supervisors with problems and feedback from the customers, while supervisors should share knowledge about the product to avoid problems such as selling the wrong widgets. Apart from this, since there has been a recent change in the structure, the department heads need to get together so that they can bring the organization together. The sales department is responsible for the sales and the customer services. They have only been concentrating on sales, it needs to be communicated to them that customer service is also a vital part of the company. Also to integrate diversity within the organization the department heads needs to cooperate so that all

Eutrophication Process Steps

Eutrophication Process Steps Eutrophication is world-wide environmental issue environmental problems that are related to high concentration nutrients. It is the process due to increment of algae productivity which affects adversely aquatic life and also human and animal health. It is mainly influenced by humankind activities that include agriculture and sewage effluent due to creating high amount of nutrients. The mechanism of eutrophication is briefly described in Figure 1. Large amount of nutrient input to the water body is the main effect and high level of phytoplankton biomass results that lead to algal bloom. Consumption of oxygen close the bottom of the water body is the result. The other effects of the process can be divided two categories that are related to: nutrient dispersion, phytoplankton growth Nitrogen and phosphorus are two main nutrients for aquatic life. In addition, A silica is also necessary for the diatoms. Nutrient concentration in the water body changes during eutrophication. The nutrient is the limiting factor, if it is not be available for algae develop. The sufficient factor to determine limiting factor is the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus compounds in the water body is an important factor for control mechanism. (Table 1). Phosphorus is generally limiting factor for phytoplankton in fresh waters. For large marine areas frequently have nitrogen as the limiting nutrient, especially in summer. Intermediate areas such as river plumes are often phosphorus-limited during spring,but may turn to silica or nitrogen limitation in summer. The enrichment of water by nutrients can be of natural origin but it is often dramatically increased by human activities. This occurs almost everywhere in the world. There are three main sources of anthropic nutrient input: runoff, erosion and leaching from fertilized agricultural areas, and sewage from cities and industrial wastewater. Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen (from animal breeding and combustion gases) can also be important. According to the European Environment Agency, the main source of nitrogen pollutants is run-off from agricultural land, whereas most phosphorus pollution comes from households and industry, including phosphorus- based detergents. The rapid increase in industrial production and in in-house consumption during the 20th century has resulted in greater volumes of nutrient-rich wastewater. Although there has been recently a better management of nitrogen and phosphorus in agricultural practices, saturation of soils with phosphorus can be noted in some areas where spreading of excessive manure from animal husbandry occurs. Nutrient removal in sewage treatment plants and promotion of phosphorus-free detergents are vital to minimize the impact of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution on Europes water bodies7. Since 1980, nitrate concentrations in major EU  rivers have generally remained constant. There is no  evidence that reduced application of nitrogen fertilizers  to agricultural land has resulted in lower nitrate  concentrations in rivers. Indeed, concentrations in  some regions in Europe, such as Brittany, or Poitou in  France, and Catalunya in Spain, are still increasing. More detailed information on nitrates are to be found  in the companion pamphlet in this series nitrate and  health and in the E.C. report mentioned in (6). wastewater treatment and less phosphorus in household  detergents. Phosphorus release from industry  has also fallen sharply (Figure 3) whereas phosphorus  from agriculture, despite a reduction in the consumption  of phosphate fertilizers in the EU, remains an  important source of phosphorus pollution.   Unfortunately, due to the main role of nitrogen in the  eutrophication process in summer in the coastal zone,  the reduction in the discharge of phosphorus from  rivers into the sea has not been visible, except in very  specific sites. In most cases the phosphorus released  by the sediments into the open sea is sufficient to  allow eutrophication to occur, although external inputs have sharply decreased. In fact, only the Dutch coast  has benefited from the improvement of the water of  the Rhine, everywhere else the situation is stable or  has worsened. Some activities can lead to an increase in adverse  eutrophication and, although they are very specific,  they should be noted: Aquaculture development: Expansion of aquaculture  contributes to eutrophication by the discharge of  unused animal food and excreta of fish into the  water; The transportation of exotic species: Mainly via the  ballasts of big ships, toxic algae, cyanobacteria and  nuisance weeds can be carried from endemic areas  to uncontaminated ones. In these new environments  they may find a favourable habitat for their diffusion  and overgrowth, stimulated by nutrients availability; Reservoirs in arid lands: The construction of large  reservoirs to store and manage water has been  taking place all over the world. These dams are built  in order to allow the collection of drainage waters  through huge hydrographic basins. Erosion leads to  the enrichment of the waters of these reservoirs by  nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen Factors supporting the development  of eutrophication Besides nutrient inputs, the first condition supporting  eutrophication development is purely physical it is  the containment (time of renewal) of the water. The  containment of water can be physical, such as in a  lake or even in a slow river that works as a batch  (upstream waters do not mix with downstream  waters), or it can be dynamic.   The notion of dynamic containment is mostly relevant  for marine areas. Geological features such as the  shape of the bottom of the sea, the shape of the  shores, physical conditions such as streams, or large  turbulent areas, and tidal movements, allow some  large marine areas to be really contained, exhibiting  very little water renewal. This is known as dynamic  containment. In other cases, due to tidal effects, and/or streams,  some areas that would seem to be prone to containment  see their waters regularly renewed and are not  contained at all and are therefore very unlikely to  become eutrophic. Other physical factors influence eutrophication of  water bodies. Thermal stratification of stagnant water  bodies (such as lakes and reservoirs), temperature  and light influence the development of aquatic algae. Increased light and temperature conditions during  spring and summer explain why eutrophication is a  phenomenon that occurs mainly during these seasons. Eutrophication itself affects the penetration of  light through the water body because of the shadow  effect coming from the development of algae and  other living organisms and this reduces photosynthesis in deep water layers, and aquatic grass and  weeds bottom development. Main consequences  of eutrophication The major consequence of eutrophication concerns  the availability of oxygen. Plants, through photosynthesis,  produce oxygen in daylight. On the contrary, in  darkness all animals and plants, as well as aerobic  microorganisms and decomposing dead organisms,  respire and consume oxygen. These two competitive  processes are dependent on the development of the  biomass. In the case of severe biomass accumulation,  the process of oxidation of the organic matter that has  formed into sediment at the bottom of the water body  will consume all the available oxygen. Even the oxygen  contained in sulphates (SO4  2-) will be used by  some specific bacteria. This will lead to the release of  sulphur (S2-) that will immediately capture the free oxygen  still present in the upper layers. Thus, the water  body will loose all its oxygen and all life will disappear.  This is when the very specific smell of rotten eggs, originating  mainly from sulphur, will appe ar.   In parallel with these changes in oxygen concentration  other changes in the water environment occur: Changes in algal population: During eutrophication, macroalgae, phytoplankton (diatoms, dinoflagellates,  chlorophytes) and cyanobacteria, which  depend upon nutrients, light, temperature and water  movement, will experience excessive growth. From  a public health point of view, the fact that some of  these organisms can release toxins into the water or  be toxic themselves is important.   Changes in zooplankton, fish and shellfish population: Where eutrophication occurs, this part of the ecosystem is the first to demonstrate changes. Being most sensitive to oxygen availability, these species may die from oxygen limitation or from changes in the chemical composition of the water such as the excessive alkalinity that occurs during intense photosynthesis. Ammonia toxicity in fish for example is much higher in alkaline waters. Effects of eutrophication The effects of eutrophication on the environment may, have deleterious consequences for the health of exposed animal and human populations, through various pathways. Specific health risks appear when fresh water, extracted from eutrophic areas, is used for the production of drinking water. Severe impacts can also occur during animal watering in eutrophic waters. Macroalgae, phytoplankton and cyanobacteria blooms Algae display varying degrees of complexity depending on the organization of their cells. Macroalgae, phytoplankton and cyanobacteria may colonize marine, brackish or fresh waters wherever conditions of light, temperature and nutrients are favourable. Cyanobacteria have been largely studied in fresh water systems, due to their ability to proliferate, to  form massive surface scums, and to produce toxins that have been implicated in animal or human poisoning. Some species of algae may also contain toxins, but incidents where fresh water algae are at the origin  of cases of human or animal illness have very seldom been reported. Coloured toxic tides caused by algal overgrowth have been known to exist for many centuries. In fact the Bible (Exodus, 7: 20-24) states all the water of the Nile river became red as blood and fish which were in the river died. And the river was poisoned and the Egyptians could not drink its waters. Algal blooms were observed in 1638 by fishermen in north west of Iceland. Fjords were reported to be stained blood red and during the night produced a kind of phosphorescence. The fishermen thought that the colours could be due to the blood of fighting whales or to some marine insects or plants (Olafsson and Palmsson, 1772). The first scientific report of domestic animals dying from poisoning as a consequence of drinking water that was affected by a blue/green algae  bloom was in 1878 in lake Alexandrina, Australia. In coastal and estuarine systems, however, where  conditions are less favourable to the proliferation of  cyanobacteria, which need oligo-elements such as iron, toxic algae such as dinoflagellates have been observed and have been at the origin of health  troubles. There is growing evidence that nutrients,  especially nitrogen, favour the duration and frequency  of such toxic blooms, and concentrations of toxin in  the cells. Health effects linked to toxins of cyanobacteria in  fresh waters Some cyanobacteria have the capacity to produce  toxins dangerous to human beings. Toxins can be  found either free in the water where the bloom occurs  or bound to the algal or cyanobacterial cell. When the  cells are young (during the growth phase), 70 to 90%  of the toxins are cell bound, whereas when the cells Cyanobacteria have been largely studied in fresh  water systems, due to their ability to proliferate, to  form massive surface scums, and to produce toxins  that have been implicated in animal or human poisoning. Some species of algae may also contain toxins,  but incidents where fresh water algae are at the origin  of cases of human or animal illness have very seldom  been reported. Coloured toxic tides caused by algal overgrowth have been known to exist for many centuries. In fact the  Bible (Exodus, 7: 20-24) states all the water of the  Nile river became red as blood and fish which were in  the river died. And the river was poisoned and the  Egyptians could not drink its waters. Algal blooms were observed in 1638 by fishermen in  north west of Iceland. Fjords were reported to be stained  blood red and during the night produced a kind of  phosphorescence. The fishermen thought that the  colours could be due to the blood of fighting whales or  to some marine insects or plants (Olafsson and Palmsson,  1772). The first scientific report of domestic animals  dying from poisoning as a consequence of drinking  water that was affected by a blue/green algae  bloom was in 1878 in lake Alexandrina, Australia. In coastal and estuarine systems, however, where  conditions are less favourable to the proliferation of  cyanobacteria, which need oligo-elements such as  iron, toxic algae such as dinoflagellates have been  observed and have been at the origin of health  troubles. There is growing evidence that nutrients,  especially nitrogen, favour the duration and frequency  of such toxic blooms, and concentrations of toxin in  the cells. Health effects linked to toxins of cyanobacteria in  fresh waters Some cyanobacteria have the capacity to produce  toxins dangerous to human beings. Toxins can be  found either free in the water where the bloom occurs  or bound to the algal or cyanobacterial cell. When the  cells are young (during the growth phase), 70 to 90%  of the toxins are cell bound, whereas when the cells fresh waters. People may be exposed to toxins  through the consumption of contaminated drinking  water, direct contact with fresh water or the inhalation  of aerosols. Toxins induce damage in animals and  humans by acting at the molecular level and consequently  affecting cells, tissues and organs (Table 3). The nervous, digestive, respiratory and cutaneous  systems may be affected. Secondary effects can be  observed in numerous organs. Age or physiological  conditions of the affected individual may determine the  severity of the symptoms. A variety of symptoms,  depending on the toxins implicated, are observed  such as fatigue, headache, diarrhoea, vomiting, sore  throat, fever and skin irritations. Cyanotoxins can be classified into three groups: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Hepatotoxins. These are the most frequently observed cyanotoxins.  Experiments using mice indicate that they cause liver  injury and can lead to death from liver haemorrhage  and cardiac failure within a few hours of exposure at  acute doses. Chronic exposure induces liver injury  and promotes the growth of tumours. Questions remain concerning the effects of repeated  exposures to low levels of toxins. Animal experiments  have shown liver injury from repeated oral exposure to  microcystins, the most frequently observed cyanotoxins. It is thought that the high prevalence13 of liver  cancer observed in some areas of China could be due  to the presence of microcystins in water supplies. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Neurotoxins. These are generally less common and act on the nervous  system. In mice and aquatic birds, they cause  rapid death by respiratory arrest, sometimes occurring  in a few minutes. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Dermatotoxins. These induce irritant and allergenic responses in tissues  by simple contact. The global toxicity of a cyanobacterial proliferation is  not constant in time or space, making it difficult to  assess the health threat although some acute poisonings  have led to death (Tables 3 and 4). The release of cyanotoxins in water has been at the  origin of several outbreaks affecting animal or human  health (Case studies p. f12). About 75% of cyanobacterial  blooms are accompanied by toxin production. The presence of cyanobacterial toxins after potabilization  treatment represents a health threat for patients  undergoing renal dialysis treatment. Monitoring of eutrophication   Monitoring is useful if it is performed for a purpose. The main reasons for monitoring a water body for  eutrophication are: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To prevent the occurence of eutrophication; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Early warning purposes. Public health authorities  need to know when eutrophication is likely to start in  order to allow them to implement preventive actions; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To know the level of development of the process, and have a precise picture of the quality of the water. This is mostly relevant for water companies, which  have to deal with eutrophic waters; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Research. The reality is that monitoring systems are often multipurpose. Monitoring and management  of cyanobacterial growth in fresh waters  for public health purposes Chorus and Bartram (1999) have proposed the following  monitoring and management scheme to water  treatment plant operators and managers as an alert  level framework. It provides a graduated response to  the onset and progress of a cyanobacteria bloom. This tool initially comes from Australia. Three response  levels are defined: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Vigilance Level is defined by the detection of one colony, or five filaments, of a cyanobacterium in a 1 ml  water sample. When the Vigilance Level is exceeded,  it is recommended that the affected water body is  sampled more frequently at least once a week, so  that potentially rapid changes in cyanobacteria biomass  can be monitored. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Alert Level 1 is initiated when 2,000 cyanobacterial  cells per ml or 0.2 mm3/l biovolume23 or 1 ÃŽÂ ¼g/l chlorophyll- a24 are detected. Alert Level 1 condition  requires an assessment to be made of the total toxin  concentration in the raw water. A consultation should  be held with the health authorities for on-going  assessment of the status of the bloom and of the suitability  of treated water for human consumption. Monitoring  should be conducted at least once per week. It may also be appropriate at this time to issue advisory notices to the public through the media or other means. Government departments or interested authorities or those with legal responsibilities should also be contacted, as should organizations that treat or care for members of the public with special needs. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Alert Level 2 is initiated when 100,000 cells per ml or 10-mm3/l biovolume or 50 ÃŽÂ ¼g/l chlorophyll-a are detected, with the presence of toxins confirmed by chemical or bioassay techniques. This density of cells corresponds to an established, toxic bloom with high biomass and possibly also localized scums. In this situation there is a need for effective water treatment systems and an assessment of the performance of the system. Hydro-physical measures to reduce cyanobacteria growth may still be attempted. If efficient water treatments are not available (see technical annex), a contingency water supply plan should be activated. In extreme situations, safe drinking water should be supplied to consumers in tanks and bottles. Media releases and contact with consumers should be undertaken via mail of leaflets informing that water may present danger for human consumption but is still suitable for the purposes of washing, laundry and toilet flushing. National water quality monitoring programs Few national water quality monitoring programmes include parameters which indicate eutrophication or a risk of algal or cyanobacterial overgrowth. In Europe, North America, Japan and Australia, local monitoring plans which check the occurrence of toxic species in areas where shellfish or fish are consumed, are implemented. This is based on sampling at strategic points and analysis of phytoplankton and/or shellfish. The frequency of sampling generally depends on the sea- son. Table 6 summarizes the monitoring systems in some EU Member States. They only allow the monitoring of toxic blooms, which are only a part of the eutrophication consequences. Technologies such as satellite imaging can be used to monitor large water bodies. The same technique can be applied to monitor the extent of high chlorophyll-a concentrations reflecting the phytoplankton biomass of the upper layers of the eutrophic area. Possible parameters used for monitoring purposes According to the definition of eutrophication, it is clear that formulae such as an increase of x grams of bottom macrophytes per square meter or y micrograms chlorophyll-a per litre are not suitable to define a threshold, which, when exceeded, will describe eutrophication. Such unique parameter does not exist. Moreover, in order to define the magnitude of eutrophication, two measurements are required: That of the system in its reference conditions, and in its current or predicted future condition. As baseline data for a site is the exception rather than the rule, this makes it difficult to test eutrophication using a case-by-case approach. Nevertheless, as the first signs of adverse eutrophication is a decrease in the oxygen concentration in the lower layers of the water body of stagnant waters, and an increase in pH due to photosynthesis (CO2 depletion), these parameters, together with direct microscopic observations, are likely to be the only ones that can help forecast the likelihood of the start of such a process as long as a model integrating physical conditions, nutrient inputs and biological effects has not been locally validated. Prevention25,26 The causes that drive eutrophication are multiple and the mechanisms involved are complex. Several elements should be considered in order to assess the possible actions aimed at counteracting nutrient enrichment of water supplies. The use of computerised models now allows a better understanding of the role of each factor, and forecasting the efficiency of various curative and preventive measures. The best way to avoid eutrophication is to try to disrupt those mechanisms that are under human control; this clearly means to reduce the input of nutrients into the water basins. Such a control unfortunately does not have a linear effect on the eutrophication intensity. Integrated management should comprise: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Identification of all nutrient sources. Such information can be acquired by studies of the catchment area of the water supply. Knowledge of industrial activities, discharge practices and localization, as well as agricultural practices (fertilizer contribution/plant use and localization of crops) is necessary in order to plan and implement actions aiming at limiting the nutrient enrichment of water. The identification of sewage discharge points, agricultural practices, the nature of the soil, the vegetation, and the interaction between the soil and the water can be of great help in knowing which areas should be targeted. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Knowledge of the hydrodynamics of the water body, particularly the way nutrients are transported, and of the vulnerability of the aquifer, will allow determination of the ways by which the water is enriched with nutrients. Anthropogenic nutrient point sources such as nontreated industrial and domestic wastewater discharge can be minimized by systematic use of wastewater treatments. In sensitive aeras, industries and local authorities should control the level of nutrients in the treated wastewater by the use of specific denitrification or phosphorus removal treatments. Diffuse anthropogenic nutrient sources can be controlled by soil conservation techniques and fertilizer restrictions. Knowledge of the agronomic balance (ratio of fertilizer contribution to plant use) is very relevant to optimize the fertilization practice and to limit the loss of nutrients. Diffuse nutrient losses will be reduced by implementation at farm level of good practices such as: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Fertilization balance, for nitrogen and phosphorus, e.g. adequation of nutrients supply to the needs of the crop with reasonable expected yields, taking into account soil and atmospheric N supply. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Regular soil nutrients analysis, fertilization plans and registers at plot level. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Sufficient manure storage capacities, for spreading of manure at appropriate periods. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Green cover of soils during winter, use of catchcrops in crop rotations. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Unfertilized grass buffer strips (or broad hedges) along watercourses and ditches. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Promotion of permanent grassland, rather than temporary forage crops. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Prevention of erosion of sloping soils. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Precise irrigation management (e.g. drip irrigation, fertilisation, soil moisture control). In coastal areas, improvement in the dispersion of nutrients, either through the multiplication of discharge points or through the changing of their localization, can help to avoid localized high levels of nutrients. Reuse and recycling, in aquaculture and agriculture, of waters rich in nutrients can be optimized in order to avoid discharge into the water body and direct consumption of the nutrients by the local flora and fauna. Water resources are environmental assets and therefore have a price. There are market-based methods to estimate costs and benefits, and these make it possible to use cost- benefit analysis as a useful tool to assess the economic effects of abatement of eutrophication or other pollution problems. Benefits range from higher quality drinking water and reduced health risks (Photo 29) to improved recreational uses (Photo 30). The effects on human health from the lack of sanitation and the chronic effects of toxic algal blooms are two of the many indirect effects resulting from eutrophication. Numerous cost-benefit analyses of pollution abatement have clearly demonstrated that the total costs to society of no pollution reduction is much higher than at least a reasonable pollution reduction. Consequently, it is necessary to examine the prevention of pollution and restoration of water quality in lakes and reservoirs from an economic standpoint. The result of such examinations should be appli ed to assess effluent charges and green taxes. International experience shows that these economic instruments are reasonably effective in improving water quality and solving related water pollution problems. Thus, effective planning and management of lakes and reservoirs depends not only on a sound understanding of these water-bodies as ecological systems but also of their value to people as recreational areas and water resources. In the past, several management strategies were developed and applied to solve problems of decreasing surface and groundwater quality. These were often a response to acute critical situations resulting in increased costs of water. The demand for good quality fresh water was only solved partially and locally; this was because too few resources were allocated too late to solve the problems. Early prevention is by far the cheapest method to avoid later pollution. Eutrophication Management Recognizing that the specific needs of policy-makers and administrators are usually different from those of the strictly technical audience, the primary purpose of this digest is to provide quantitative tools for assessing the state of eutrophication of lakes and reservoirs; to provide a framework for developing cost-effective eutrophication management strategies; to provide a basis upon which strategies can be tailored for each specific case according to the physical, social, institutional, regulatory and economic characteristics of the local area or region; and to provide specific technical guidance and case studies regarding the effective management of eutrophication. The approach presented in this document (Figure 1) also is sufficiently general that it can be applied, with relative little modification, to the assessment of other environmental problems and to the development of effective management strategies for such problems. An approach for achieving the basic objectives stated above consists of the following components, applied approximately in the order presented: identify eutrophication problem and establish management goals; assess the extent of information available about the lake/reservoir; identify available options for management of eutrophication; analyze all costs and expected benefits of alternative management/control options; analyze adequacy of existing institutional and regulatory framework for implementing alternative management strategies; select desired control strategy and distribute summary to interested parties prior to implementation; and provide periodic progress reports on control programme to public and other interested parties. designation of bad (unacceptable) versus good (acceptable) water quality in this digest is based on the specific intended use or uses of the water resource. That is, water quality management goals for a lake or reservoir should be a function of the major purpose(s) for which the water is to be used. Obviously, there are water quality conditions to be avoided because of their interference with water uses. Ideally, for example, a lake or reservoir used as a drinking water supply should have water quality as close to an oligotrophy state as possible, since this would insure that only a minimum amount of pre-treatment would be necessary to yield a water suitable for human consumption. For such a waterbody, the content of phytoplankton (and their metabolic products) in the water should be as low as possible to facilitate this goal. Further, if the water is taken from the bottom waters of a lake during the summer (usually the period of maximum algal growth), it should be free of interferring substances resulting from decomposition of dead algal cells. Eutrophic lakes and reservoirs also could be used as a drinking water supply. However, extensive pre-treatment would be necessary before the water was suitable for human consumption. Some water uses may require no treatment at all, regardless of the existing water quality. Examples are fire-fighting purposes and the transport of commercial goods by ship. Further, in areas with extremely limited water resources, virtually all of the water may be used for various purposes (with or without treatment), regardless of its quality. Therefore, although humans can use water exhibiting a range of water quality, there is a desirable or optimal water quality for virtually any type of water usage. Though it is not quantitative in nature, a summary of intended water uses and the optimal versus minimally-acceptable trophic state for such uses is provided in Table 3. In addition, an example of the values of several commonly measured water quality parameters corresponding to different trophic conditions, based on the international eutrophication study of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (1982), is provided in Table 4. Thus, it is possible to identify acce ptable or optimal water quality for given water uses. Given these factors, a prudent approach in setting eutrophication management goals is to determine the minimum water quality and trophic conditions acceptable for the primary use or uses of the lake or reservoir (Table 1), and attempt to manage the water body so that these conditions are achieved. In a given situation, if the primary use or uses of a waterbody is hindered by existing water quality, or else requires water quality or trophic conditions not being met in the waterbody, this signals the need for remedial or control programmes to achieve the necessary in-lake conditions. 21 the problem? The governmental role It is recognized that a range of different forms of government, as well as economic conditions, exist around the world. Consequently it is difficult to provide general guidelines regarding the role of the government in environmental protection efforts that will cover all possible situations. However, virtually all nations also contain some type of civil service infrastructure which, if properly used, can be an effective instrument with which to address governmental concerns. Even so, as noted earlier, not all