Peter Singer: The Golden Rule

World poverty is arguably at the forefront of issues plaguing our society as a whole today. I found an article displaying some of Peter Singers thought experiments that will further help display his beliefs. In his essay The Singer Solution to World Poverty, world-renowned author and philosopher Singer claims he has the solution. Singer asserts that materialism is the roadblock preventing the third world's climb from despair into prosperity.The author begins his essay by detailing two thought experiments; the first recounts a Brazilian film, â€Å"Central Station,† in which the main harasser, Dora, unknowingly causes a young boy to be sold into the organ trade. After some debates as to Odor's real motives, as well as further contemplation, Dora decides to rescue the boy (Singer).Singer applauds Odor's actions and notes that had Dora decided the boys fate was not her responsibility and kept the money she gained as a result of her part, the movie's audience would have demonic he r; conversely she maintains a positive light in the eyes of those watching the movie only by rescuing the boy. Singer further notes however, that most of those able to go see a movie, are in a better place than Dora herself, explaining how what she gave up to save the boy was of greater value than the audience could relate to (Singer).Singer then raises an ethical question: What is the difference between Dora selling the child into the organ trade, and the average American who chooses not to donate money to organizations that could benefit a child in similar situation of need? Singer acknowledges the situational differences of physically putting a child in that situation compared to mere inaction, yet, pointing out that he is a utilitarian philosopher; he claims the end results are the name (Singer). Singer's next thought experiment details a character named Bob who is close to retirement and owns a very valuable classic car.To sum things up Bob finds himself in a situation where a child is dangerously trapped on a train track. Bob is the only one around and the only way he can save the child is by diverting the train down a separate track, resulting in the destruction of the car. In the story, Bob chooses not to divert the coming train, the child is killed, and bob proceeds on in his life with the car, which brings him years of enjoyment and financial security (Singer). Singer argues that Bob's actions are clearly morally incorrect, and claims most would agree.However, Singer states that most readers who would quickly condemn Bob's actions are not much different. Singer cites calculations saying the $200 in donations, after all the deductions made by organizations and politics, would essentially save the life of an imperiled toddler in a third world country, or at least give them a significant chance at reaching adulthood (Singer). Singer next argues those who have money to spare and do not donate it, are effectively as morally wrong as Bob, who watched a hil l brutally die (Singer).Singer goes on to detail how much of the western world has massive wealth surpluses. He again cites research claiming the average American household spends close to forty percent, or twenty thousand dollars annually on superfluous spending. Singer marvels at how many children that small amount of money could save, and continues to detail that while a household income an increase, it's necessary spending proportionately does not, freeing up even more unneeded income. Through this logic Singer claims a household making $100,000 annually, could donate nearly $70,000.Singer wraps his argument up with a simple equation; all money being spent on luxuries and anything other than a necessity, should be given away. Furthermore, all money being spent on luxuries is indirectly resulting in the deaths of innocent youth, and those doing the spending, are morally responsible for avoidable deaths of impoverished children. Singer aims to demonstrate, that while Bob likely th ought he was quite unlucky to be put in such a situation, in fact he was not, and all of us with additional income are in the same boat.Clearly, Singer hopes to open the eyes of richer nations and invoke a sense of accessibility towards making their extraneous means count toward the world's well being, and arguably he does so. With the demonstrations of the detailed stories I explained earlier, Singer indeed executed his beliefs fairly well. Anyone with a conscious and decent moral compass can admit the life of another human being is worth saving, many would agree it would not hurt to give up western luxuries to do so.Singer makes it easy to see how the wealth of the western world could ago long way in restoring health and prosperity into some areas of the world which are very much in need. On the surface Singers conclusion: we ought to give a country in famine aid seems like it would work great. In the long run, Singer's plan will not be successful. Let's break down the logical com ponent of Singers argument. First off, Singer relies almost entirely on his consequentiality ethics this has some telling drawbacks.While the worldwide effect of such thinking is usually positive, since such ethics rely on cost/ benefit analysis, the hard conclusions are rarely so simple. A reoccurring problem with such thinking is the secondary, and tertiary effects are not usually factored in. Once we apply that critical template to Singer's thinking, some momentous issues emerge, namely, economics. If we as Americans were to take all our extraneous income, and simply donate it to countries in need, what would the end result be?The economic ramifications would gigantic, and while this may seem extreme, we could wind up in a simple role reversal, quickly finding ourselves in need. Again, this is extreme, but it effectively demonstrates the results. Our economy relies on extraneous spending, it is the only way it can sustain itself. Simply put there is no re- deeding effect from don ations, no recirculation of wealth, no more money to receive, and thus unnecessarily spend again. As a result, the supplemental income Singer refers to would quickly disappear.From a more cynical perspective, let's critique Singer's utilitarian views on a scarier level. A more chilling result from Singer's solution is population increase. As ‘immoral' as it may be, all of the children who do not live past there earlier years help keep the problem at bay. In reality if we were to embrace singer's solution, a quick result would be thousands of young impoverished children surviving into adulthood. A lightly slower result would be all of those impoverished children growing up, and raising impoverished families, effectively multiplying the problem.While as I said, this is cynical, it is also utilitarian. What is good for those impoverished children, is not necessarily good for society, and throwing all our extra income at them, isn't going to magically cure their situation. In actu ality though, my best argument for Singer's solution is a simple one. Think about it, how many impoverished children are in the age bracket (toddlers) that Singer refers to? One million? 100 million? At $200 per child, that large overestimation moms out to twenty billion dollars. Initially such statistics support Singers argument.The United States alone has a gross economy in the trillions, so shaving a little off the top should go a long way to help right? In reality world poverty is not a new problem, and I can think of several wealthy westerners, who collectively could easily write a check for that. And arguably have gone a long way in their attempts to do so. This argument speaks for itself; money is not the answer. While it definitely is one of the means necessary to help solve this problem, it is not the chief factor in fixing this issue. These people need societal and political reform. 200 per child is not going to halt genocide in Africa, or change the fact that certain soci eties in South America simply are not conducive to public health. All this goes to illustrate how much Singer chooses to leave out of his solution. Singer makes a solid argument, with huge social and financial implications, yet it is not without holes. The author, being both a scholar and a philosopher, has a smooth writing style, and it shows. He invokes Just the right amount of inquiry, logic, and writes with such an authority that it becomes easy to to question both his statistics and the evidence he either omitted, or did not realize.Due to this, Singer's argument itself is markedly effective, making it is easy to feel compelled from the points he makes, and the illustrations he uses. He invokes strong feelings of guilt, and assigns a social liability for the welfare of those less fortunate, but his support is ultimately less than pragmatic. While Singer's intentions are pure, and to such a degree are worth of some merit, simple logically analysis of much of his deductively supp orted report shows his solution is impractical. This is not to say

Medical And Social Disability Models

INTRODUCTION The traditional focus on individual impairment has been broadened by the modern concepts of disability to one that recognizes that the effect of impairment is not only dependent on the underlying condition, but is also dependent on the social and environmental factors (RACGP 2007). Therefore, impairment does not necessarily imply that one is disabled or handicapped by it. There are three main types of disabilities Physical disability Intellectual disability Developmental disability In this analysis we will focus on intellectual disability with particular emphasis on the impact of medical and social models on people with intellectual disabilities. INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY An individual is considered mentally retarded or intellectually disabled based on the following criteria: Where the individual has an intellectual functioning level (IQ) that is below 70 (Carlson 2010). Where significant limitations exist in at least two of the adaptive skill areas (Carlson 2010). Mental retardation manifests itself before attaining the age of 18 (Carlson 2010). IMPACT OF MEDICAL AND SOCIAL MODELS ON PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES Traditionally, explanations for disability were based on the medical model which views disability as a particular trait in an individual departing from the norm (Harris 2010). There is no doubt that the medical model has significantly impacted on persons with intellectual disability. As pointed out by many theorists, this model is primarily responsible for numerous beliefs and practices surrounding people with intellectual disability. The view that intellectual disability is objectively abnormal and undesirable has given rise to a large number of related assumptions including the view that disability is objectively bad, is a personal tragedy and thus something to be pitied, prevented and if possible, cured (Harris 2010). This notion perhaps explains many of the practices associated with it including institutionalization, involuntary sterilization, forced rehabilitation, euthanasia, social marginalization and even â€Å"mercy killing†(Harris 2010). In this regard, euthanasia refers to the medically assisted suicide whereby the individual with intellectual disability is subjected to death with the intention of putting an end to his/her suffering (Anon 2006). Since the medical model often falls short of providing a truly assisted living and instead proposing medically assisted suicide, its associated impacts on those with intellectual disability has been heavily criticized with many of the view that sanctity of life is paramount (Anon 2006). Indeed, the freedom of bodily autonomy and personal choice is fundamental freedom to every individual regardless of the disability. Aside from the medically assisted suicide, there is the aspect of forced sterilization. The most famous case of this involuntary sterilization was that of a woman in Virginia known by the name Carrie Bell who underwent a compulsory sterilization after having been alleged to be mentally retarded (Russel 2006). Carrie Bell became the first woman to undergo a compulsory sterilization in Virginia after the Supreme Court affirmed the compulsory sterilization law (Russel 2006). People with intellectual disability should however not be treated with such an invasive and irreversible procedure. The right to bodily integrity and reproduction are fundamental to personal identity regardless of disability. Also, persons with intellectual disabilities tend to be more often isolated and institutionalized either in a nursing home, hospital or care home. Such institutionalization denies them their basic right to freedom, citizenship and participation in the community. Supporting this view, Samuel Gridley Howe, founder of the Perkins Institution in Boston (the first residential institution for people with mental disabilities), rejected the trend towards lifelong institutionalization of persons with intellectual disability and instead proposed that they be stimulated by being absorbed back into the community among sound and typically developing persons, as opposed to their segregation away from the rest of the society (Carlson 2010). With the onset of the social model, there has been a shift in emphasis away from pathologising the individual to stressing on restrictive environments and societal attitudes (Harris 2010). This model views disability as a consequence of the environmental and societal attitudes that hinders people with impairments from interacting and participating in the society (Harris 2010). The model maintains that persons with disabilities are prevented from participating in the society due to social inequalities, discrimination, barriers to opportunities, insufficient support systems, prejudices and negative stereotypes, and general societal attitudes (Harris 2010). The possibility that mental health problems may be derived from social injustice such as negative stereotypes, social inequality, discrimination and oppression among others is not widely recognized (Harris 2010). It is a fact, however, that people with intellectual disability are more likely to experience such injustice and oppression as a direct consequence of their impairments (Harris 2010). They can experience a vicious circle of isolation, unemployment, poverty, scarce social and support networks as well as insecure housing among others. With the above in mind, it is worth examining some of the non-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practices that may be employed by social workers in their contribution to mental health services. NON-DISCRIMINATORY AND ANTI-OPPRESSIVE PRACTICES Initially, most of the mental health institutions in the UK, did not meet the needs of some people while others were overrepresented in the more coercive areas such as compulsion and detention (Roberts, et. al., 2008). However, with the enactment of the Provisions of 2007 Mental Health Act, concerns about the diminishing contribution of social workers to mental health services have been brought to light. Emphasis is now placed on professional collaboration and integration with the training of social workers, which has become the key to providing critical perspectives (Roberts, et. al., 2008). PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION AND INTEGRATION The widespread adoption of non-discriminatory and anti-oppressive approaches in social work and education has heightened the professional awareness and understanding of issues such as social exclusion, oppression, stigma and stereotypes (Roberts, et. al., 2008). Moreover, social workers have become more aware of their own potential oppression towards individuals with intellectual disability (Roberts, et. al., 2008). In this respect, the National Institute for Mental Health in England has reviewed the roles of a range of mental health practitioners and identified distinctive contributions from the different professions. Value based practice that involves working with this diversity has been developed and is currently at the heart of the mental health policy and practice (Roberts, et. al., 2008). DEVELOPING SUPPORTIVE NETWORKS AND REDUCING ISOLATION Social workers have a key role to play in developing supportive networks for those with intellectual disability and reducing their marginalization and discrimination in the society. Providing therapeutic emotional support and group work approaches to service provision as well as promoting development of practical skills demonstrates the value of networking and mutual support to those with intellectual disability (Roberts, et. al., 2008). For example, a study based in Northern Ireland assessed some of the benefits of therapeutic group work on children with intellectual disability (Roberts, et. al., 2008). The study identified improvements in children’s self-esteem and confidence, improved social interaction and improvements in their academic achievement as well (Roberts, et. al., 2008). EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION It is a fact that disability is often associated with all kinds of discrimination including discrimination in terms of employment and education. In terms of employment, people with mental disabilities are often considered as a hazard and are seen as having potentially greater risk of falling ill (Lago & Smith 2010). In terms of education, the view of disability has significantly contributed to separate education for many disabled children. Emphasis has often been placed on corrective treatment for their impairments at the expense of access to mainstream curriculum and contact with other able bodied peers (Lago & Smith 2010). Hence, in a number of circumstances, these individuals have been alienated from the society. In demonstrating its commitment to equality and social inclusion of people with mental disabilities, part of the underlying standards of the National Service Framework for Mental Health in the UK is to ensure equality in treatment and access to services for all, regardless of the disabilities, gender, ethnicity, age, religion or sexual orientation (Roberts, et. al., 2008). This aims at promoting social inclusion whilst addressing discrimination issues which are often associated with mental ill-health. PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE AND SELF-DIRECTED SUPPORT Equally important is the promotion of independence and self-directed support to individuals with mental disabilities. In this context, Independence involves giving those with disabilities absolute control over the services and systems that support them (Adams et al, 2002). Key to this is the need to firmly place the principle of independent living within the support systems and at the centre of mainstream public life (Adams et al, 2002). Support services are essential to ensure the independence of these individuals. These services range from access to equipment, health services, personal assistance, independent information, to support from peers and advocates (Adams et al, 2002). In order to achieve this goal, a number of organizations have been developed in the UK. The Self-Directed Support Scotland (SDSS) is one such organization which actively promotes independent living for the disabled by working alongside other organizations with the aim of supporting and championing self-directed support to the mentally disabled individuals (Adams et al, 2002). Independence may as well be promoted with the use of a person centred approach to planning, which focuses on individuality and emphasizes on the importance of independence and autonomy. VALUES UNDERPINNING PERSON-CENTERED APPROACH Traditionally, people with intellectual disability have had little input into the design and delivery of services that they receive (Towell & Sanderson 2004). There is however a growing body of evidence of a change in service provision towards a more person centered approach. Person centered approach refers to an approach that enables people to take a lead in planning all aspects of how social care services that they receive are delivered (Mansell and Beadle-Brown, 2004a). Professional services provided to people with disabilities have traditionally been based on the person’s impairment (Smull & Lakin 2002). Professional efforts have tended to channel services to these individuals according to the category of their impairments such as sensory impairment, learning difficulty or loss of mobility (Smull & Lakin 2002). This has led to a process of assessment that analyzes and quantifies the impairment and its impact based on the ability to undertake a range of tasks (Smull & Lakin 2002). The most serious consequence associated with such an assessment is that the participation of such people in ordinary community life is then seen to be dependent on their success in achieving these goals (Dowling, et.al, 2006). Person centred planning challenges this notion of â€Å"dependence†. It goes beyond the â€Å"needs led† or â€Å"holistic† assessment and considers a person’s aspirations as neither limited by entitlement to neither services nor dependent upon professional development (Dowling, et.al, 2006). It is concerned with the whole of someone’s life, not just their need for services. In this regard, person-centred planning is high on the national policy agenda in the UK (DADHC 2009). The main principles and values underpinning person centred planning include: Independence; – as pointed above, a person centred planning goes beyond the â€Å"needs led† approach and considers a person’s aspirations as neither limited by entitlement to neither services nor dependent upon professional development (DADHC 2009). Equality: – Person centred planning challenges the unequal power structures that have long characterized the relationship between the users and their service providers (DADHC 2009). In this regard, Sanderson al (2002) suggested that organizations need to operate from a position where they have â€Å"power with† service users as opposed to that where they have â€Å"power over† them. Inclusion: – person’s centred planning seeks to develop a better and shared understanding of the person with the disability and identify the person’s aspirations and assess what support him/her might require (DADHC 2009). Choice: – the person must be consulted throughout the planning proces s and he/she chooses the setting and timing of meetings as well as who is to be involved in the process (DADHC 2009). In this regard, Sanderson (2000) considers friends and family as a part of the planning process. However, the ultimate decision lies with the service user. IMPORTANCE OF PERSON CENTRED PLANNING IN CARE DELIVERY Its importance in care delivery includes (Sanderson 2000); Helping people achieve their aspirations Clarifying the supports needed to pursue these aspirations Help shape contributions from a range of service agencies by ensuring that they are directed at meeting the goals of the user. Energizes and motivates people based on their understanding and commitment to supporting people with disabilities. CONCLUSION There is no doubt that the medical and social model has significantly impacted on persons with intellectual disability. Clearly, we have identified several practices associated with disabilities including institutionalization, involuntary sterilization, forced rehabilitation, euthanasia, social marginalization and even â€Å"mercy killing†. There is need for social workers to ensure non-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practices in their association with those with intellectual disabilities. A person-centred planning is equally essential in the delivery of care services to people with mental disabilities. REFERENCE Adams, et al., 2002. Anti-Oppressive Practice, Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan Ltd: 227–236. Anon, 2006. â€Å"Eugenics, euthanasia, and physician assisted suicide: an overview for rehabilitation professionals†. Journal of Rehabilitation Carlson, L., 2010. The faces of intellectual disability. Bloomington: Indiana University press Department of Ageing, Disability & Home Care (DADHC), 2009. Exploring and implementing person centred approaches. Sydney, Melbourne: Australian Catholic University press. http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0005/228290/DADHC_PersonCentred201208.pdf {Accessed 20th January 2012} Dowling, et.al, 2006. Person-centred planning in social care, London: Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Available from http://www.jrf.org.uk/system/files/9781859354803.pdf { Accessed 23rd January 2012} Harris, J.C., 2010. Intellectual disability: a guide for families and professionals. Oxford. Oxford University Press. Lago, C. and B. Smith, 2010. Ethical practice and Best practice. http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/35379_01_Lago_&_Smith_2e_Ch_01.pdf { Accessed 23rd January 2012} Mansell, J. and J. Beadle-Brown, 2004a. â€Å"Person-centred planning or person-centred actionPolicy and practice in intellectual disability services†, Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 1–9 Roberts, et.al, 2008. SCIE Research briefing 26: mental health and social work. http://www.scie.org.uk/publications/briefings/briefing26/ { Accessed 25th January 2012} Russell, P., 2006. Sterilization of intellectually disabled minors Sanderson, H., 2000. PCP: Key Features and Approaches. Retrieved August 25, from http://www.helensandersonassociates.co.uk/PDFs/PCP%20Key%20Features%20and%20Styles.pdf {accessed 25th January 2012} Sanderson, H., E. Jones and K. Brown, 2002. â€Å"Active support and person-centred planning: strange bedfellows or ideal partners?† Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 31–8 Smull , M. and K.C. Lakin, 2002. â€Å"Public Policy and Person-Centered Planning†. In Holburn, S., Vietz, P.M., (Eds.) Person Centered Planning: Research, Practice, and Future Directions. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes The Royal Australian College of General Practictioners (RACGP), 2007. Disability. Available from http://www.racgp.org.au/scriptcontent/curriculum/pdf/disability.pdf {accessed on 20th January 2012} Towell, D. and H. Sanderson, 2004. â€Å"PCP in its Strategic Context: Reframing the Mansell/ Beadle-Brown Critique†. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 17, 17-21 Trevithick, P., 2000. Social work skills: A practical handbook. Buckingham, Philadelphia: Open University Press.

Firm performance Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Firm performance - Research Paper Example ,000 - $3,000,000 - $4,400,000 = - $2,400,000 profit Now, assuming $3,000,000 fixed costs ($4,400,000 + $3,000,000) / 200,000 = $37 average total cost ($25 - $37) x 200,000 = $200,000 x (-12) = -$2,400,000 profit -2,400,000 / $80 worker wage = 30,000 workers laid off What should be done at the firm In the first scenario, the business breaks even, thus when fixed costs increase over $600,000, the business should shut down production or at least consider its capacity in terms of labor and the pricing of the finished output. At $1,000,000, the business takes a profit loss of $400,000. Certainly at fixed costs increasing to $3,000,000 rather than the $1,000,000, the business is taking a profit loss of $2,400,000 which is substantial and would be difficult to offset without a significant cut in labor. In a practical firm environment with manufacturing, this is likely not feasible. In the third scenario when assuming fixed costs of $3,000,000, it would require laying off 30,000 workers, wh ich is 60 percent of the entire labor force. Below is the calculation for the new worker productivity with laid off workers when fixed costs total three million dollars. 200,000 units of output / 20,000 = 10 total worker productivity (a raise from 4 in scenario 1) There is really not enough data provided about the dynamics of worker responsibility or the tangibles of the production system to determine whether workers can increase their productivity without considering layoffs of 60 percent of the staff. However, as aforementioned, it is likely not feasible to reduce the workforce by such a significant volume without reducing output. The total worker productivity calculation is a quantitative evaluation tool that does not take into consideration the operations environment or capacity. The most logical course of action would be to raise the selling price of the finished product from $25 to a more competitive market price that will allow for profit to be achieved. A small fraction of t he workforce, say 10 percent, would provide for $400,000 cost savings and could likely be achieved with careful production planning, consolidation, or other operational changes. By adding an additional $5 to the selling price, revenues would increase from $5,000,000 to $6,000,000, which would provide profit in the scenario where fixed costs are $600,000, when assuming $1,000,000 and much closer to break-even when the fixed costs are assumed at $3,000,000. Profit of $1,000,000 by reducing 10 percent of the workforce and enhancing pricing structure from $25 to $30 would add $1,400,000 to revenues and worker cost savings. With subsequent pricing increases, the losses can be offset without disrupting productivity or output volumes. The business should consider market conditions and demand factors before establishing an appropriate price increase to ensure that business is not lost and the output product can still be competitive in the marketplace. When prices increase,

Celebrated Cases Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Celebrated Cases - Essay Example overwhelming evidence, the offender was found guilty of several counts of aggravated sexual assault and felony murder for killing the young girl while committing other atrocities on her. The jury ruled that Timmendequas carried out the crime â€Å"purposely† and â€Å"out of his own conduct†, propping his eligibility for a death penalty. He was sentenced to death, a ruling that was upheld by the Supreme Court of New Jersey on appeal (Scheb, 2010). This Case was the basis for the adoption of Megan’s law. With all the controversy surrounding it, it requires that the names of sexual offenders and pictures of their faces be distributed to members of a community in the event that such an offender resides among them. The profiles of these offenders are also available in databases accessible by any interested group or persons (Shultz, 2005). The New Jersey legislature was prevailed upon to adopt the Sex offender Community Notification into law. Eventually, the U.S Congress cemented a legislation that required every State to register certain specified offences and the offenders. It subsequently raised the bar for every State to implement community notification. This law had unanimous approval in most States, with some such as Florida not bothering to debate the positives over the negatives of enacting such a law (Siegel, 2011). However, Courts took a more critical assessment of these laws and struck out parts of the provisions . Scholars of law also had varied reactions and criticism. . Coming before it was the Weterlling Act enacted by Congress in 1994, stipulating that all offenders charged and convicted with sexual offenses be registered. The Megan Case provided a platform for the improvement of this Act: Emanating from the huge debate it elicited nationwide, there emerged the policy for mandatory registration of all sex offenders, including related offences such as false imprisonment and kidnapping. It would not only stop at that, communities were to be notified if

The Benefits and Dangers of Nuclear Energy Essay - 1

The Benefits and Dangers of Nuclear Energy - Essay Example Controlled nuclear fission is used to generate electricity and uncontrolled nuclear fission is used to make nuclear weapons, such as atomic bombs and hydrogen bombs. Nuclear fission also produces a large amount of nuclear wastes. â€Å"In nuclear weapons, fission and fusion of certain slightly radioactive materials release energy in a huge explosion† (Medalia, 2004, p. 1). â€Å"The element uranium is the main fuel used to undergo nuclear fission to produce energy since it has many favorable properties. Uranium nuclei can be easily split by shooting neutrons at them. Also, once a uranium nucleus is split, multiple neutrons are released which are used to split other uranium nuclei. This phenomenon is known as a chain reaction. Nuclear Fusion: Nuclear fusion is the process of joining two atoms smaller than iron such as hydrogen or helium to produce heavier atoms and that large amount of energy is produced in this reaction, which is much more than the energy produced by nuclear fission. Nuclear fusion is the main source of energy in the universe because all the stars including the sun produce energy by nuclear fusion. Other than nuclear fission, man has not yet discovered a method to control nuclear fusion, and nuclear fusion is not used to generate electricity. Scientists are working hard to discover a method to control nuclear fusion so that it can be used to generate electricity. Nuclear fusion is only used in hydrogen bomb which is the deadliest weapon humanity has ever seen. The temperature required to start a nuclear fusion is so large that it is provided by the explosion of an atom bomb. Benefits of Nuclear Energy: The largest advantage of nuclear power is that it does not emit any harmful gases to the atmosphere like carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, or nitrogen dioxide, that is, no green house gasses like carbon dioxide is emitted to the atmosphere, and so using nuclear fuel can reduce global warming. As nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide are not emitted, acid rains can also be reduced. The only emission from nuclear reactors is water vapor. Hence nuclear energy is known as clean energy. â€Å"It is difficult to explain to a non-specialist (though it is actually true) that the nuclear reactor of a nuclear power station is nothing like an atomic bomb, that the power station burning coal or oil offers much greater danger and harm to the environment as well as a biological threat to people than does a nuclear station or breeder reactor of the same capacity rating† (Sakharov, 1978, p. 12). â€Å"Although the initial cost of building nuclear plants is high, th e running costs are relatively low. One reason the costs are low is that nuclear plants need only a small amount of uranium to produce a lot of energy. In fact, if the cost of uranium is doubled, costs would only be increased by 7%. 1 truck of uranium produces as much energy as 1000 trucks of coal!† (Advantages of Nuclear Power, 2012). Efficiency: Another major advantage of nucl

Wedding Ceremony Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Wedding Ceremony - Essay Example 2:18, 21-24: "The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him'...and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh." Over the years however wedding ceremonies have lost their original worth as world has become highly media-sensitive and couples plan their "dream weddings" according to what wedding planners suggest. That was not how things used to be in old times. This definition however fails to highlight the actual meaning and worth of a wedding ceremony. In most cultures weddings underscored the need for transition from one stage of life to another. It may no longer be seen that way but in Greek cultures for example, wedding marked the transition of a woman from one "oikos" to her new "oikos". "She changed from a parthenos, a maiden, to a nymphe, a married woman without children, when she married and then finally to a gyne, an adult woman, when she bore her first child. The entire set of marriage rites focused on the bride and her relocation to a new oikos and kyrios, the most important transition in her life." (Powers, 1997)... She would also get rid of her toys and childhood belongings. However the most important part of the ceremony was the hairdo and the dress. Roman bride would wear the dress only once and her hair would be styled in a particular manner. The veil was a must and it had to be worn by all brides. The veil had a very high symbolic value: It continued as one of the main symbols and components of the wedding ceremony, routinely mentioned by many authors. Indeed, the verb used of the woman marrying, nubo, is related to nubes, a cloud, and means literally 'I veil myself'. From this come nupta, a married woman, nova nupta, a bride, and nuptiae, the wedding. The event turns on the bride and her veiling. (Treggiari, 163) The veil was again an important symbol in Indian weddings. Brides would wear a red dress which was called a sari. This dress would be adorned heavily and the girl would keep her head low so as to appear docile and shy on the day of her wedding. The actually wedding day was preceded by Mayoon, a ritual where girl would be covered with yellow color tumeric mix called Ubtan. This was done to make her body glow. There would be many other rituals than followed including goad-bharri which was done to make sure that the bride will have children. This was a way of blessing the bride with good omen. In most cultures, wedding was also a sacred ceremony. It had strong religious and cultural worth. In many Muslim cultures for example, bride and groom's families would arrange Milad where people would come together and recite the Holy Quran to invoke God's blessings on the couple. Similar rituals would take place in other cultures too according to their sacred beliefs. Things

Fluoridation and Toxicity Issues Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Fluoridation and Toxicity Issues - Assignment Example Nevertheless, there are three things I have learned from the lecture of Nokes. One of these is that the claims to the negative effects of fluoride on the human body – weakening of bones, Down syndrome, Cancer, birth defects, reproductive effects, renal and gastrointestinal effects, lower IQ, and other bone disorders – basically have no scientific bases (Nokes). Moreover, these claims may have only been due to traditional knowledge about the harmful effects of fluoride as a raw material and in large amounts. I have also learned from this that I should not believe advertisements or negative propaganda or any type right away. Furthermore, I believe that the best thing to do with something confusing is to deal with it in a logical way, specifically by using â€Å"What, Why, When, How, Where, Who† (Nokes). Through this logical investigation on fluoridation as explained by Nokes, one can find out that much of the claims that other people have against fluoride are actua lly unsubstantiated by scientific evidence and logic. The second thing I have learned is that the potential harm from fluoride is least likely to happen because although fluoride can be harmful in large amounts, the government has set a limit to this. This limit is actually a standard value at 0.01 g/mL while the actual amount of fluoride added by the city government to water is 0.001 g/mL. This is just a mere 10% of the actual threshold value, which means that it is impossible that the fluoride will ever cause any harm. However, I would still like to think that the harm that fluoride causes may not exactly depend solely on the amount. Sometimes, I would like to think that fluoride is like acid that no matter what the amount, it will cause some damage to the material. The third thing I have learned from Nokes’ lecture is that just a small amount of fluoride is added to the water and that even this amount relative to water is much smaller in concentration. For example, althoug h fluoride is 134,000 mg in 1 kilogram of the HFA compound, this seemingly large amount of fluoride actually only translates as 7.46 x 10-6 kg/L when mixed with water (Nokes). This means that water is a great neutralizer of chemicals as it is the universal solvent. The fluoride in water therefore, if water fluoridation is to be carried out soon, is definitely much lower than what can possibly cause any harm. However, as what I have explained earlier, sometimes some chemical reactions may kill someone regardless of the amount of the reactants involved. This means that a small amount of fluoride may actually still cause some harm which is just as intense as when it is caused by fluoride above safe levels. Moreover, sometimes I would like to think that some damage caused by fluoride may accumulate in the human body as more and more fluoride is being ingested through fluoridated water. Furthermore, there could also be some complications that will take some time before it can take effect as a disease. In fact, although I am convinced by Nokes’ lecture, he did not shed light on all the aspects of the fluoridation of water. I would therefore like to suggest that there should be a more thorough investigation of the case of the fluoridation of water in Hamilton City. All aspects should be answered especially those involved in the

Airports of the Future Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Airports of the Future - Term Paper Example Decision Support Systems constitute a class of computer-based information system that includes knowledge-based systems supporting the activities of decision making. Future Traffic The condition of future traffic is questionable. It is likely to grow in a much higher rate. This is due to the fact that the domestic market is not yet saturated and the drastic increase in population and national wealth. Increase in globalization will also give more reasons to travel for long distances for personal reasons and business. The traffic has also increased steadily due to a reduction in costs due to such changes like deregulation of the economy by the airlines, lowering of the fuel prices, rise in revenue due to the introduction of yield management systems and more efficient and larger aircraft that have to engines and fewer pilots. The international components are likely to expand due in the future due to factors like growth or increase in the number of foreign visitors and improvement in the range of aircraft facilitating the long distance travel. In order to adjust to globalization, airports will have to install customs and adopt international standards of service and communication. Cargo traffic is also expected to rise due to the advancement of companies in terms of systems of distribution around electronic commerce. The growth of cargo carrier will also be hastened due to suppliers substituting websites for mortal and brick stores and shipment to customers directly for in-store inventories and warehouses (Neufville, 2000). Future Airport Designs There are likely massive changes in the design of airports. However planners must be careful as this may affect the airport’s airside in regard to the length, spacing an orientation of the runways as well as the landslide as concerns the functions and configuration of the buildings of the airport passenger. These changes will be as a result of increase in economic significance of air transportation that lead to indivi duals concerned to look after the facilities of the airport and treat them as businesses. Furthermore, there are estimates of the economic benefits that accompany main airport expansion that will surely have an effect on the future airport systems planning and design. Airside: future airports with long runways that are unconstrained in their operations will allow the aircraft that is heavily loaded to travel unusually long ranges. This will transform the patterns of international travel drastically. New massive airports are will also be expected, those with sets of unusually long parallel runways. These will act as counterpieces of transfer hub or new economic area. The design of these airports will result to New Large Aircraft (NLA) that will demand separation of taxiways, runways and buildings more than is considered standard at the moment. Therefore, there is a greater chance in the change of patterns of international and intercontinental gateways. Due to the increase in the leve l of traffic and number of airports in the metropolitan, main airports will not be able to hold all kinds of traffic. This will lead to the emergence of complementary clusters of airports that will serve international cheap fare or charter airlines. Landslides: airport passenger buildings will also be likely to change much in the future. The changes are likely to rearrange the allocation of spaces and types facilities in the

Socioeconomic Factors in Local Policing Research Paper

Socioeconomic Factors in Local Policing - Research Paper Example Eastpointe’s most widespread race is the white which is 65.65% of the entire population. The other races take the other percentage; black 29.5%, Hispanic 2.09%, Asian 1.09%, Native 0.42% and others3.34% (Locallabs, 2012). Education level in this city is relatively lower than the level of the State’s and nation’s education, averagely. Therefore, this paper seeks to discuss the demographic aspects of Eastpointe, its transformation and the projected future trends of these demographics. It will examine the race, gender, age, employment, housing, wealth distribution, schools, trend in crimes and their effect on policing. Race refers to a particular geographic human population which is distinguished by characteristics which are genetically transmitted across the group. In addition, these groups of people are united on the base of a common history, geographical distribution or nationality. Thus, Eastpointe is a city which has a number of races; the whites, the blacks, Hispanic, Asian, and Native Americans such as American Indian and Hawaiian and other races from other parts of the world. The whites and blacks are the most dominant races in the city with a population of 21297 white people and 9575 black people. Out of 100%, the white people cover 65% whereas the blacks cover 29%. For the same year, Hispanics were 677 people covering 2% of the entire population; the Asians have a population of 353, covering 1% of the city’s population whereas the natives (American Indians) have a population of 130 with a 1%. There is a population with two or more races. These people are 933 in total, covering 2% of the city’s population. Compared to the race population of previous years, say 2000 where the whites had the greatest percentage (92.1%) and the blacks 4.7%, the population of the white race has greatly declined to 65% as other races increased in population; blacks to 29%,

Roles and Responsibility in Lifelong Learning Essay Example for Free

Roles and Responsibility in Lifelong Learning Essay In the course of my research, I discovered that the teaching profession, like many other professions is being guided by a set of legislations, which can also be referred to as the code of conduct for the teaching profession. This set of legislations has been put in place for the effective management of teachers. These legislations guide the roles and responsibilities of us teachers. WHAT ARE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Chambers Combined Dictionaries defined role as ‘a part played in life, the function of a person or thing’. With the in-depth understanding that my role as teacher exceed just teaching in the class room, I have come to appreciate the key legislations that guides the teaching profession. My role as a teacher requires me amongst other titles to be a guardian, an instructor, a director. The key aspects of legislation and regulations that that guides the teaching profession in England are, but to not limit to: I being a teacher must have an in-depth knowledge of the subject that I teach in other to be confident in transferring it to my students. As a teacher, I must posses the ability to Plan, Prepare, Deliver and also Assess the student. This is to aid the subject understanding or academic development of the student. (Dept for Education May 2012).[1] From my understanding the course of planning and preparing would also create some form of enthusiasm from me (the teacher) towards the subject that I teach and my job in general. The law demands that I am fair towards every single student that I am responsible for and I also treat my student with respect no matter their culture, ethnic background, religious belief, sexual orientation and political view, ability or dis-ability. (Equality Act 2010). In all educational setting a teacher is expected to practice the inclusive method of teaching, as by so doing, no student or group of student feels pigeonholed. Having said that, the code of practice expect me not to be incognisance of the fact that there are different theories of learning. As a good teacher I need to have detailed understanding of these theories and when to apply them. I should be able to set high standard, motivate and inspire my students. Keep detailed record of learner’s activities, assessment and progress. The ministry of Education ‘‘demands that I should be trained and prepared to address the daily challenges that is been exhibited by different students In the learning centre’’. Remarkably Dr S.Wallace has enlightened teachers and student teachers on challenging behaviour in the lifelong learning sector and how to deal with it. (S.Wallace. 2007 p.1)[2]. Finally all teachers must are to ensure their continual professional development (CPD). B: AN ANALYSIS OF BOUNDARIES IN THE TEACHING PROFFESSION Professionalism demands that boundaries be set between a service provider and his or her client, in this case between the teacher and the leaner. In the education sector it is the duty of the teacher and the school authority to set out these boundaries for both staff and learners, but it is the express duty of the teacher to ensure that these boundaries are established because we are in most cases the only contact the learners make in the learning centre for a given period of time These boundaries define the effective and appropriate relationship between the teacher and the learners. Teachers are to ensure that they dress appropriately to the learning centre. Firstly, due to the popular ‘saying dress the way you want to be addressed’. Secondly the teaching role makes the teacher a role model as well and the impression they make on the learner has a huge impact on the learner’s life. (Kyriacou 2001)[3] Teachers are to ensure that they do not enter into any personal relationship with the learners, be it in the further education setting or otherwise. Personal relationship may lead to favouritism and erode the teacher’s sense of good judgement. We teacher are not to give our personal information to the students and these include personal telephone number and addresses and we are to at no time entertain our students in our home. Teachers are to use good or appropriate language at all times. Also teacher are to be cautious of their physical contact that they make with students. Depending on the setting were they are, it would be advisable for no physical contact to be made except in emergencies or for health and safety reasons. For the purpose of this research I think it would also be ideal for teacher to always evaluate the circumstances that they are in and how the set boundaries are affecting any particular situation or student. C: A REVIEW OF POINTS OF REFFERAL TO MEET THE NEEDS OF LEARNERS Every learner has the right to expect that they will receive high quality learning, appropriate to their needs and circumstances in a safe and healthy environment’. (Success for All, DES 2002)[4] At the point of referral it is imperative that initial assessment is carried out for the school authority to know of any risk or support plan that need to set up for the learners. It could be that some learner requires the support of a teaching assistant. It might be a case whereby the learner requires an assistive technology to make learning easier for the individual. Take for instance, I have student in my class who is having an issue of drug and alcohol addiction or misuse, I would have a discussion with the learner, with his or her permission and the school authority’s a the learner would be referred to agency who helps people with drug and alcohol problem, i.e The National Treatment Agency For Substance Misuse run by the NHS or any other available agency dealing with drugs and and alcohol misuse. The therapy that such a student receives from this referral impacts greatly on the learners study and life in general, which then create some sense of satisfaction to me as a teacher, knowing that I have fulfilled my role not just as a teacher but also as a mentor D: AN EXPLANATION OF HOW TO PROMOTE APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR AND RESPECT FOR OTHERS In every organisation and learning environment it is important for some ground rules to be set by management and for the purpose of this research, teacher. These ground rules create orderliness in the learning centre and mutual respect from both learners to teachers and amongst learners themselves. These ground rules as to start from the teacher. The teacher is to first ensure that he is not late for class as this could give room to student to get dis-engaged even before the start of the lesson. Teachers should arrive early to create a conducive and supportive learning environment for the students. This would enable the students to settle down to work or study upon their arrival to class. Teachers are to ensure that there is a clear guide about the day’s lesson because ‘’ it has been recognised that students like to know the confines within which they are expected to work’(Ann Gravell 3rd Edition).[5] Create a settling in activity that engages every learner in the class room i.e a quiz or a timed group work, this way, every student gets involved in the lesson for the day. There should be a clear communication network from the teacher to the learners. There should be fairness and equal praise or discipline of the learner so there is no case of favouritism which can lead to disorderliness in class. References Gravells,A. (2008) Preparing to teach in the life long learning sector. Third edition. Learning Matters. London, Sage publication. Kyriacou.C (2001) Essential Teaching Skill. 3rd Edition. Cheltenham, united kingdom. Nelson Thornes Limited Wallace S (2007). Managing Behavior in the LifeLong Learning Sector. 2nd Edition. Exeter, England. Learning Matters. P.1 Ministry of Education, (2012) Dept For Education and Special Needs. Teacher’s Standard. England. www.education.gov.uk

Analysis Of The Partition Of India

Analysis Of The Partition Of India To understand and answer why the British believed that the partition of India was necessary individuals need to know what influence the British had on India in the period of time the partition of India occurred, what the partition of India is and the impact that the partition of India has had and in return one is able to understand why the British believed that the partition of India was necessary. To gain this knowledge a wide range of resources need to be peruse for instance academic websites and journal articles by respected historians need to be used. Such resources include documents from UCLA that explore the partition of India in terms of the relationship that the two countries shared, The UK department for International Developments Yvan Guicheaua, who explores the processes of violent political mobilisation, which is an overview of contemporary debates and crise findings, Saumitra Jha and Stevens article demonstrates the effects of the ethnic cleansing while exploring reposit ion of populace. Another informative article is Mridu Rai article which explores the effects that the partition of India has had on the people of India and Pakistan, it also shows their perceptions of Pakistan and its founder, Manserghs book explores the Indian army and colonial legacy demonstrates the world wars in which India supported Britain, it shows the effects that it had on the Indians. Finally another useful tool is Hist107 lecture slides which explored British Rule and the partition of India. When reading and understanding these resources and factors involved with the partition individuals are competent to understand why the British believed that the partition of India was necessary. To begin with, it is important to understand the influence that the British had in India before the partition of India. The relationship between the British and India begin on the 31st of December 1600 when a group of merchants integrated themselves into the East India Company and were given supremacy on all dealings with the East Indies. The companys first cargo arrived in India via ships at the port of Surat in 1608.  [1]  In 1615 King James I gained the rights for the British to ascertain a factory at the port of Surat and in turn the British overshadowed the Portuguese and were able to witness a substantial expansion of their trading venture in India.  [2]  The below is a influential quote which demonstrates the influence the relationship that has began forming between the Indians and the British that have started settling onto the Indian continent. In the middle of the seventeenth century, Asia still had a far more important place in the world than Europe. So wrote J. Pirenne in his History of the Universe, published in Paris in 1950. He added, The riches of Asia were incomparably greater than those of the European states. Her industrial techniques showed a subtlety and a tradition that the European handicrafts did not possess. And there was nothing in the more modern methods used by the traders of the Western countries that Asian trade had to envy. In matters of credit, transfer of funds, insurance, and cartels, neither India, Persia, nor China had anything to learn from Europe.  [3]   This quote demonstrates the position which the East India Company brought upon them when they began its trading with Britain in the early 17th century. Manifestly the British had embarked on India in exploration to sell British exports to Continental Europe, but discovered little demand for the produce. Likewise to the Portuguese they discovered numerous Indian made products that they could traffic in Britain at a profit.  [4]  These factors are what established the monopoly that Britain had over India, this manipulation relationship started early on in the formation of British India. Subsequently it is important to understand what the partition of India ensued. The Partition of India was the progression of separating the subcontinents. This process which took place in 1947 allowed India to achieve its independence from the British Raj. The Northern, primarily Muslim unit of India became the country of Pakistan, while the Southern and preponderance Hindu section developed into the Republic of India.  [5]  The partition of India was associated with mass violence and ethnic cleansing where there were over 2 million deaths of Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs, in attendance were also over 75000 women and children who were raped in addition 12-15 million people where compulsorily relocated between the two countries.  [6]  The partition of India was related to India wanting its independence from Britain; during World War II the British sought India once again to provide essential soldiers and materiel for the war effort. The INC was hostile about sending Indians to bat tle and go down in another British war due to the unfaithfulness following World War I, the INC distinguished no benefit for India in the sacrifice of the war. The Muslim League conversely decided to support Britains call for volunteers during an effort to gain British favour in support of a Muslim realm in post-independence northern India. As independence approached the country commenced to descend towards a sectarian civil war.  [7]   In February of 1947, the British government proclaimed that India would be established independence by June 1948. With the country sliding further into pandemonium, Mountbatten unwillingly settled to the formation of two separate nations and with this moved the independence date up to August 15, 1947.  [8]  By course of the assessment in favour of partition completed, the parties subsequently faced the impractical task of completing a border between the new states.  [9]  Muslims engaged two main districts in the north of the subcontinent on opposite sides of the country which was separated by a majority-Hindu section in between the districts. In addition, all over most of northern India associates of the Muslim and Hindu religions were mixed with the population of people who were of Sikhs, Christians and other marginal faiths.  [10]  In the wealthy and fertile region of the Punjab, the problem was extreme with an equal combination of Hindus and Muslims. Neither side wante d to relinquish this valuable land, nor sectarian hatred ran high. The border was drawn right down the middle of the province, between Lahore and Amritsar.  [11]  On both sides, people scrambled to get onto the right side of the border, or were driven from their homes by their erstwhile neighbours. At least 10 million people fled north or south, depending upon their faith. On August 14, 1947, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was founded. The following day, the Republic of India was established to the south.  [12]   Finally now through understanding what the partition of India was, and why it happened individuals can now understand why the British believed that the partition of India was necessary. Through looking at the evidence presented clearly the reason for why the British believed that the partition of India was necessary was due to India gaining its independence. One of the main thoughts of why the British thought that the partition of India was necessary was because the Muslim people of India wanted their own separate state  [13]  . This factor plays a major role in the reasons behind why the partition of India occurred. Once it is understood the influence that British had on India at the time of the partition, what the partition was and the reactions it had individuals are able to understand why the British believed that the partition of India was a necessary thing to do. Through reading a range of sources from Yvan Guicheaua, Saumitra Jha and Steven, Mridu Rai, Mansergh and using websites such as UCLA history and politics individuals are able to clearly see that even though the partition of India had negative effects such as the mass violence and ethnic cleansing where there were over 2 million deaths of Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs, in attendance were also over 75000 women and children who were raped in addition 12-15 million people where compulsorily relocated between the two countries  [14]  . The Partition of India was actually something that the Muslim Indians wanted due to wanting their own separate state and the British were trying to assist them when India gained its independence from Brit ish India.

Free Will in Oedipus the King Essay -- Sophocles Oedipus Rex Essays

Free Will in Oedipus the King Oedipus the King by Sophocles is the story of a man who was destined to kill his father and marry his mother. The story continues in the tradition of classic Greek plays, which were based upon the Greeks’ beliefs at the time. The ancient Greeks believed that their gods decided what would ultimately happen to each and every person. Since those gods destined Oedipus to kill his father and marry his mother, Oedipus’ life was definitely fated. However, the gods only decided where Oedipus’ life would eventually lead; they never planned the route he would take to get there. All the decisions that Oedipus made in order to fulfill his destiny, and the decisions he made after the fact, were of his own free will, and were largely shaped by his mien. Probably the most relevant examples of the exercise of free will are in the events which lead up to the play and which fulfill Oedipus’ prophecy. When Laius and Jocasta hear of their newborn son’s fate, their first instinct is to kill Baby Oedipus. But they cannot do the deed outright; they instead make the choice to pin his feet together and leave him on a mountainside. This turns out not to be the best choice for them, but at least it was a choice. Perhaps the most barefaced example of free will is in the murder of Laius and his men—not so much the murders themselves but the circumstances surrounding the murders. This is how Oedipus describes the incident to Jocasta: Making my way toward this triple crossroad I began to see a herald, then a brace of colts drawing a wagon, and mounted on the bench†¦a man, just as you’ve described him, coming face-to-face, and the one in the lead and the old man himself were about to thrust me off the road—brute force— a... ...is eyes out and Jocasta would hang herself. The people involved were completely responsible for their actions. Technically, everything that happened in the play was outside the realm of the prophecy since the prophecy was fulfilled before the story even started, so therefore, there is no fate in Oedipus the King! Free will is abound in Oedipus the King; any character who makes a decision of their own accord is a testament to that. Even Oedipus, whose life was fated from the start, made many decisions, ranging from how to fulfill his destiny to how to punish himself after finding out he had indeed murdered his father and married his mother, and most of which were shaped largely by his personality. WORKS CITED Sophocles. â€Å"Oedipus the King.† The Bedford Introduction to Literature. Ed. Michael Meyer. 6th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2002. 1289-1331.

Essay --

April Greiman is a contemporary designer who is recognized all across the world. Through her life she is known as the first designer to use computer technology. Her work is signature for her use of different materials, texture, and color. She has also inspired many people, and has been inspired by many professors and artist in her lifetime. She continues today to impress people with her knowledge of graphics, architecture, and environment. April Grieman was born in New York City in 1948. She studied art in Switzerland at Basel School of Design. She then studied at the Kansas City Art Institute. After graduating, she moved back to New York City to work as a freelance artist until 1976. This same year, she moved to Los Angeles, California, where she opened â€Å"Made in Space, Inc.† This became a well-known graphic design studio. In 1980, April Greiman was among the very first graphic designers to fully realize the design potential in the Macintosh Apple computer. She also picked up on Quantel Painbox digital technology. She is one of the most influential graphic designers using the digital media. In 1982, Greiman became the head of the design department at the California Institute of the Arts. In the 1990’s, she wrote and published a book called â€Å"Hybrid Imagery: The Fusion of Technology and Graphic Design.† April Greiman has worked as a designer for the MAK Center for Arts and Architecture in L os Angeles. Since then, April continues to work today for companies such as Espirit, Benetton, Sears, and AOL/ Time- Warner, Microsoft, the US Postal Services, and the architects Frank O. Gehry, RoTo Architects, and others. April Greiman has received numerous awards and distinctions for her work. April works at the border some of the discipli... ...itional photographic images and cutting- edge digital images, including a life-sized self-portrait. These images were various personal images with personal significance. She told her audience to â€Å"think with the heart† and reach her audience emotionally. This was one of the first major commissions that started her successful on going career. Another successful commission was the design for Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts as seen in Figure 2. This was commissioned in 1993 in Southern California. In this project, she worked closely with RoTo Architects. German had been sought- after for her expertise in color, surfaces and materials. She is known for this piece for the materials and color applied to the buildings interiors, exteriors, and campus. With this building she included the design of exterior tiles and other architectural elements and printed pieces.

The Philosophy of Education :: School Teaching Teachers Essays

The Philosophy of Education Personally, being an educator gives me a chance to have a great impact on the world. I have always enjoyed seeing the look on someone’s face when they make a new connection or learn something. I have many strong beliefs in the education process and many times feel that the needs of the student are overlooked. As a teacher, the students would be priority and that is the backbone of my teaching philosophy. I know that I am not very experienced and have much to learn. This I will strive to do throughout my education and even when I enter the teacher workforce. The reason I chose upper level Biology and Natural Science as a concentration is I have a passion for nature and science. I think that many times, children are not exposed to these things when they grow up for one reason or another. As a teacher, I plan on instilling a since of appreciation of nature and the environment into the children as much as possible. I understand that there are limitations onto which this can be done including student background, lack of resources, and limited time constraints but I would take it on myself to do what I can learning science as exciting as possible. My classroom would be run with the attitude of the students in mind. First of all, the main emphasis of class would be learning science, not good behavior. I guess I would take a non-authoritarian view of discipline. By high school, the students know how to behave and constantly pointing out the right way to behave is only going to make them do the opposite for attention. The only time a student would be punished is if their actions are taking away from the learning process. At this point in my education, I would probably say I would let the principle deal with the discipline considering only severe cases would need punishment. This, as with many of my views, may change with increased education and experience. As for my classroom, it would probably be very busy in regards to appearance and activity. I think surrounding the students with pictures and things of that sort related to class is very conducive to a positive educational environment. I would somewhere have a student prepared locations where students are responsible for researching and displaying a topic probably after presenting it to the class.

How is God Related to Sufferings in Psalms and Job? Essay

The book of Psalms and the Book of Job are both parts of the bible that share stories of sufferings, faith and worships. The book of Job was written more than 2,500 years ago which relates the story of Job. Job was a good man and dearly loved by God but in the end must suffer to test the strength of his faith. Since Job believes he is not forsaken by God he trusts everything in the hands of God. One day God thought of testing Job’s faith if it is enough to carry him through the trials he would bestow on him. He asks Job what he knows about Him being his God. Job did not fully satisfy God with his answers although God knows what is inside his heart. But God wants to know the extent of Job’s faith to Him and thought of a plan to test Job’s faith. One day great numbers of insects attack Job’s crops and ate almost every plant he has. Rain did not come and he could not till his land. Then he starts to wonder why despite his closeness with God things like these could happen. He tried to talk to God but God does not answer. Falling to starvation he became terribly sick and begged for God’s help but God is nowhere to be found. When he felt that everything is hopeless and was about to die, he called again to God and ask why he was being forsaken and abandoned. He looked into the heaven and said despite he was forgotten by God, his faith still remained in him. Suddenly God touched him and he quickly regained his strength. God told him that he let these things happen to make Job realized that it is only through suffering and trials that a man will prove his faith in him. That he has not really abandoned him but was with him during the time he was suffering. God has to do things to Job to test the strength of his faith. Job did not leave his faith and so he reaped the love of God even more. That is why God is related to the suffering in this book as a way to test Job’s faith and remained to it even during the time of great suffering. This gives us the lesson that regardless of the suffering we have God will come to our aid as long as we keep our faith to him (Society, 2008). If the Book of Job tells the story of the suffering and strength of faith in God, the book of Psalms were collections of songs of prayers and praise. This book was written by the Hebrews who believe in the might and love of God. A Psalm is a poem that is accompanied by musical instruments and so they are actually poems that have been made into songs. David was mainly the composer of the songs on Psalms which he sang with his harp. There are different kinds of Psalms and all were originally written in Hebrew. Hebrew alphabet is composed of 22 letters and an alphabetical Psalm starts its first verse with the first letter of the alphabet, the second verse begins with the second letter and so on. These Psalms were the hallelujah, thanksgiving, praise, historical, penitential, imprecatory and messianic psalms. Among these Psalms that are related to repentance are the penitentiary psalms which confess the sins of man, the Imprecatory Psalms which tells us how God is angered by sinners and how he will judge them and the messianic psalms advises us about the coming of the Messiah (Books, 2008). Theologians provide explanation on the Book of Psalms that is now within the New Testament. According to them we as people may also experience suffering the same as Jesus Christ had suffered in the cross. But our suffering should not be believed as punishment for the sins we made but to strengthen us and ready us for a more harmonious destination. In Psalm 3, David has suffered the consequences of his sin with his adulterous relationship with Bensheba. He relate this suffering into a poem and then it became one of the collections of songs. In Psalm 119:68, 75 indicate that suffering befalls to us to see the goodness, righteousness and the strength of our faith with our God. Many songs within the Book of Psalms indicated the suffering of man we face as Christians. In Psalm 22, there are also Psalms that questions God and why do we need to suffer. And so God is related to suffering in the Book of Psalms to tell us through the songs that we should not sin and be righteous so that we will be blessed (Futato,1999) . References Society, A. B. (2008). Why Does God Allow Suffering? Journal. Retrieved from http://www. bibles. com/absport/news/item. php? id=102 Books, O. T. (2008). Chapter 7: Job and Psalms. Journal. Retrieved from http://www. middletownbiblechurch. org/oldtesta/oldtes7. htm Futato, M. D. (1999). Suffering As The Path To Glory. Journal. Retrieved from http://www. pressiechurch. org/Theol_2/suffering_as_the_path_to_glory. htm

Impact of the Recession on Construction Contractors Essay

The current crisis in the world’s financial system has left the construction industry facing its toughest challenges for a generation. Salaries are falling; job cuts are predicted to reach 400,000 in England alone; and the impacts look set to get much worse before they get better. No country is immune from the impact of this and the UK, and much of the rest of the world, is already in, or about to enter a recession. Even buoyant construction markets such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are starting to feel the effect, with construction growth rate expected to slow from 20% to 15% in 2009 (Al Mal Capital). The United Nations (UN) predicts world economic output will shrink by as much as 0.4% in 2009 (UN’s World Economic Situation and Prospects Report, 2009). These are serious times, however, the industry needs to be prepared to contribute to the recovery by retraining workers, maintaining the highest of standards of quality and supporting innovation. Construction professionals must not lose sight of their commitment to issues of sustainability, health and safety, ethical business practices and improved building standards. These will future-proof the industry and allow it to grow after the economy recovers. Companies seeking to find an extra edge in an increasingly competitive marketplace are likely to employ greater innovation as they look to become more efficient. This could have far reaching benefits for the industry in the future, where innovation has never been more vital. Construction Output It is clear that construction is in for a period of deflation. Forecasts suggest that there will be a 7% decline in output over the next three years, however, this figure is heavily contingent on Government spending coming through as planned (Construction Products Association). In the second quarter of 2008 new order figures were at their lowest level since 2004; 14% below the average last year. Housing orders were down 30%, private industrial orders by 36% and commercial orders by more than  £1bn from 2007 (Construction Products Association). A rapid decline in private work has been partly propped up by more public sector spending, however the outlook for the private sector over the next few quarters is set to get worse. The Olympics will prop up the industry to a certain extent but the cessation of office development will have a much greater effect. Overall, even if all public sector funding was spent next year, the construction industry in 2009 would still see the largest percentage of fall in output since the early nineties, when over 500,000 left the industry. This has been brought about by the sharp fall in private sector investment in construction – offices, retail, entertainment, as well as private house building. Public Sector Spending The Government’s decision to bring forward  £3bn of capital spending on infrastructure was cautiously welcomed by the construction industry (Pre-budget statement, November 2008). Given the extremely high levels of borrowing that the Treasury is expecting over the next few years, there is a risk that Government will fund later debt repayments with cuts in capital spending on construction further down the track. There is also a risk that delays in the Government’s existing build programmes will lead to increased under-spend. Programmes such as the Building Schools for the Future Programme have already fallen behind schedule, and reports suggest that this is as a result of bureaucracy rather than lack of funding. Business Finance and Loss of Confidence According to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), more than half of British firms have seen a decline in the ease of access to capital since the onset of the credit crunch; 30% of businesses have been, or expect to be refused new credit; and 78% expect business conditions to be worse next year. The Government must urgently take steps to unblock the financial markets and improve the flow of capital to business. The fiscal mitigation measures that were recently announced by the Chancellor (Pre-budget statement, November 2008) were not sufficient to address the underlying loss of confidence facing all UK businesses (and people). More innovative ways could be investigated by Government to help the industry survive, such as providing credit insurance; relaxing bonding requirements on public projects; setting up project bank accounts; and providing tax breaks/concessions for sustainable construction R&D. At present, the latter has effectively ground to a halt largely as a result of the deeply entrenched uncertainty that abound. Jobs & Loss of Skills Almost 400,000 jobs in the construction sector in England could be lost over the next two years (assuming GDP shrinks by 2.2% in 2009 and rises by 0.75% in 2010). It is predicted that the worst affected area will be London, where 23% of workers are expected to be made redundant (Public and Corporate Economic Consultants for the Local Government Association). On the other hand, Eastern Europeans are responding to the downturn in the market by returning home, and this has eased the severity of the job situation in many instances. Given the forecasts for construction output in 2009, it could be assumed that jobs in the public sector may offer more security than those in the private sector. This reinforces the need for Government to establish how an accelerated public spending package will be implemented. It is essential that the government makes sure timetables don’t slip, and that it does what it can to speed up deal flows and bidding times. Through no fault of its own, the Construction Industry, in particular the house-building Industry, is having to dramatically re-structure and down-size merely to survive. The loss of technical resource and therefore expertise has been considerable and there are already signs that an upturn in the fortunes of the UK economy will not see these people return. This is a real concern, particularly as the science and technology that underpins UK sustainable construction is becoming even more complex and at a time when we need experienced people if we are to meet our sustainability objectives. Furthermore, it is not something that can be addressed overnight by short-term training and/or education. Procurement It has been reported that the credit crunch is likely to reverse the industry’s trend towards negotiated contracts and partnering. Instead, there could be a swing back towards single-stage, lowest bid tenders aimed at achieving the lowest possible outturn cost. While single-stage tendering may be seen as a quick fix during the economic downturn, this does not take the long-term view, nor adequately consider best value for money. It does however provide a more risky financial environment which is likely to become a fertile breading ground for claims and liquidations as contractors cut their profits to secure work in a decreasing market. Partnering has proved itself as the most efficient way of undertaking all kinds of construction work including new buildings and infrastructure, alterations, refurbishment and maintenance. Indeed the figures show that that in the four years from 2001 to 2005,  £700m of public money was saved, and the potential for two and a half billion in savings, would have been feasible had best practice been adopted across the board. When times are hard, best practice is at its most crucial to successful business. Fraud An unexpected knock-on effect of the credit crunch has been a dramatic rise in worldwide construction fraud. Evidence suggests that the average construction company’s loss to fraud has increased by 69% in the last year (Kroll Global Fraud Report), driven largely by tough economic conditions. A total of 890 senior executives participated in the worldwide survey, which covered 10 industries, with just over one-quarter based in Europe. More than 95% of the construction companies surveyed said they had suffered from corporate fraud in the past three years – up by 77% from last year’s survey. Most frequent types of fraud occurring in the construction industry include theft of physical assets or stock, financial mismanagement, management conflict of interest, and corruption and bribery. Companies will need to be even more vigilant than usual to reduce fraud in the construction industry. Sustainability Opinion is divided about the impact of the credit crunch on the sustainability agenda. A recent survey from the UK Green Building Council (UK GBC) suggests that while the conventional building industry suffers, the sustainable building sector is experiencing growth. Asked whether the financial crisis has impacted on their organisation in tackling sustainability, 56% of UK GBC members said sustainability had become a bigger focus. Only 18% said the credit crunch has had an adverse effect on efforts to address sustainability. On the other hand, a survey of small-medium sized contractors suggests that tough government targets on sustainable construction are being missed, as buildings fail to achieve the standards set by the Code for Sustainable Homes (National Federation of Builders). The survey revealed that contractors appeared to be quite knowledgeable about the driving issues and regulations for sustainability, but in over half (53%) of projects tendered for, sustainability was not a client requirement. Either way, it is important that new buildings, not least those procured by government, are of the highest possible environmental standards. Green building can be at the heart of a low-carbon economic recovery, boosting growth and creating green collar jobs. This is particularly true in existing homes and buildings, where we need a massive programme of refurbishment to cut carbon, reduce energy bills and produce more comfortable places to live and work. By continuing to build using sustainable technologies the built environment will be preserved for future generations, and a proven record in sustainable design will be invaluable in gaining new contracts in the growing sustainable market. Education and Training The future success of the construction industry depends on the availability of skilled professionals. The credit crisis poses a significant threat to the number of students enrolling in graduate construction courses. Students may be apprehensive about pursuing a career in construction in this unstable climate. This would result in a loss of specialist skills, which in turn would hinder the recovery and future development of the industry. Sandwich courses could be at particular risk because of the lack of available placements available. Many companies are reducing the number of placements they have for students or not taking on any at all. This could result in a reduction in the number of places available on the courses because they can not guarantee work experience placements. Apprenticeships in the UK house-building industry have also suffered as a direct result of the credit crunch. However, opportunities still exist in the bigger public sector infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals, railways and roads. As a result of these risks the Government is working with Construction Skills to try and secure as many positions as possible for students. A new taskforce is being created to ensure that construction training is as effective as possible, and apprenticeship funding will also be increased to over  £1 billion to try and prevent skill shortages (Department for innovation, Universities & Skills). For professionals already within the industry, there is research to suggest that individuals with specialist skills or training could potentially gain a competitive advantage in the current economic climate (Chartered Institute of Management). The research predicts that professional qualifications could result in an additional  £152,000 in lifetime earnings. It also suggests that a working knowledge of sustainable building and other innovative methods will be a particular advantage, with major projects on the horizon requiring an extensive skilled workforce in these areas. It is important for employers to train and encourage further development if they want to secure the future of the construction industry. This will ensure that their workforce is properly trained in up-to-date techniques and will put them in a stronger and more competitive position to win new contracts when market conditions improve. Although it may be inevitable for some to make financial cuts to survive, it is crucial to maintain a constant number of new innovative minds that will allow the industry to recovery and continue to grow.

Man as a social being Essay

Man is a social being and can never live a mundane routine always. Man undergoes different swings and moods in his daily life. Hence,the saying â€Å"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy† holds very true. Unlike a computer or any mechanical tool,man gets worn out or gets tired easily.He cannot perform any repeated activity continuously without a break. Let me take an example of a particular student who was a typical bookworm .He was very hardworking and he did studies and nothing else the whole day.Ironically,his marks never used to show the efforts he used to take.The reason for this paradox was that he always kept poring into books. He never used to take even a small interval of rest.This forced his mind to start daydreaming and remain in reveries. This would naturally affect his academic and over all performance in school activities. There is another reason to support this statement. On taking a break from a usual activities,say ,studies would give a pinch to the person. He/she would feel somewhat guilty for wasting his/her time into other activities.This would instigate the person to study harder and go in a faster rate with full concentration in his studies.Thus, even a half an hour break would save hours of time which would just be wasted in reveries . Taking a small interval of break would give a change to the mind .The person would feel refreshed to go back to work in a better mood. A person weared out or in a bad swing would feel joyous and happy if he/she takes a break by doing something interesting or even by taking rest for a while. One could take a break by involving in any sport activity or spend some time with a hobby. Going for sports could be a good time-pass.This will improve one’s health and naturally enrich one’s mind because a sound mind always dwells in a sound body.It would also improve a person’s talent in sports or other co-corricular activities like drawing,music etc.A person could improve himself in an over-all way,not only in work but also in play. Hence ,I strongly believe in this thought provoking phrase for it is not  always just work but also play that would make Jack a boy of brilliance.

Universal education and gender parity essay

Some 104-121 million kids of primary school age are non in school, with the worst deficits in Africa and South Asia. Girls are disproportionately affected, peculiarly in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and East Asia and the Pacific, where 83 % of all out-of-school misss live ( UNESCO, 2004 ) .Cosmopolitan Education and Gender Parity EssayIn this essay I will discourse whether I believe that Africa will make the planetary end of cosmopolitan primary instruction and gender para at all degrees of instruction by 2015. I will utilize my findings to separate whether I believe Africa will make the specified ends by 2015. First I will concentrate on whether Africa will make the planetary end of cosmopolitan primary instruction by 2015. Harmonizing to African Development Bank Group ( 2009 ) Most African states are on path to accomplish cosmopolitan primary registration by 2015, if current tendencies continue, nevertheless even though harmonizing to The United Nations ( 2010 ) registration in primary instruction has continued to lift and is making 89 per cent in the development universe the gait of advancement is still deficient to guarantee that, by 2015, all misss and boys finish a full class of primary schooling. The African Development Bank Group ( 2009 ) states that if actions are taken to better entree to primary instruction for kids from hapless families, for kids who live in rural countries, and for HIV orphans will decrease the job at manus. With all Inquisitions the African Development Bank Group ( 2009 ) states that Africa as a whole has an addition in the primary completion rates nevertheless The United Nations ( 2010 provinces that half of the sub-Saharan African states have at least one in four kids of primary-school left school in 2008 therefore although acquiring kids into school is a critical first measure one needs to maintain the kids go toing categories, this will so increase the chance that one will have the full benefits of instruction. Harmonizing to The United Nations ( 2010 ) Household information from 42 states show that rural kids are twice every bit likely to be out of school as kids populating in urban countries. The information besides show that the rural-urban spread is somewhat wider for misss than for male childs. But the biggest obstruction to instruction is poverty. Besides the rural-urban spread, there was an mean addition of 5.3 per centum in completion rates in 17 African states between 2005 and 2006 ( African Development Bank Group 2009 ) . The mean primary completion rate is low in states in struggle and in states emerging from struggle and therefore current tendencies show that the continent is improbable to accomplish the primary completion mark ( African Development Bank Group 2009 ) . Harmonizing to the United Nations ( 2010 ) in order to run into the end, states will besides necessitate to guarantee that there are adequate instructors and schoolrooms to run into the demand. Between now and 2015, the figure of new instructors needed in sub-Saharan Africa entirely equals the current instruction force in the part ( United Nations 2010 ) . Harmonizing to the United Nations ( 2010 ) many states educating misss is widely perceived as being of less value than educating male childs which now brings me to the whether Africa will make gender para at all degrees of instruction by 2015. Harmonizing to the African Development Bank Group ( 2009 ) the continent continues to do advancement toward gender equality and authorization of adult females, the African development Bank Group stated the misss ‘ primary school registration rate outstripped that of male childs between 2000 and 2006 nevertheless despite these additions, misss still account for 55 per centum of the out-of-school population in the part farther more it was found that In 2008, there were 96 misss for every 100 male childs enrolled in primary school ( United Nations 2010 ) . Harmonizing to the United Nations ( 2010 ) in Secondary Education 95 misss for every 100 male childs enrolled in secondary school. In 1999, the ratios were 91:100 and 88:100 for the two degrees of instruction, severally. Despite this advancement, gender para in primary and secondary education-a mark that was to be met by 2005-is still out of range for many developing parts ( United Nations 2010 ) , hence most African states have yet to accomplish gender para in secondary instruction, about four old ages after the mark day of the month of 2005. Merely 11 states have achieved this mark ( African Development Bank Group 2009 ) . Harmonizing to the African Development Bank Group ( 2009 ) even though topographic points such as Lesotho and Namibia had more misss enrolled in secondary schools than male childs it is extremely improbable that African states will make the mark of gender para in secondary instruction by 2015, if current tendencies continue, nevertheless 10 states have a gender p ara in secondary instruction. Harmonizing to the African Development Bank Group ( 2009 ) the advancement towards gender para in third instruction is besides slow and merely eight African states have achieved gender para in third instruction. In sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia, for illustration, merely 67 and 76 misss per 100 male childs, severally, are enrolled in third degrees of instruction ( United nations 2010 ) and therefore many African states have reported advancement in gender para in regard to adult literacy, in 2007 eight states reported the mark as achieved ( African Development Bank Group 2009 ) . The African Development Bank Group ( 2009 ) say that with the addition in adult female in third instruction work forces ‘s societal and economic places are threatened, hence immature work forces are withdrawing into traditional and spiritual establishments that shore up their places and authorization. This is ensuing in increasing force against adult females and on juncture, to spiritual and other cultural struggles in society ( African Development Bank Group 2009 ) . Consequently, in order to safeguard the promotion of adult females ‘s authorization, a set of policies should besides be introduced to guarantee that male educational and employment chances are non significantly eroded in the procedure ( African Development Bank Group 2009 ) . Harmonizing to the United Nations ( 2010 ) adult females do stand for a big portion of waged workers ; nevertheless it does non intend that they have secure, nice occupations. In fact, adult females are typically paid less and have les s unafraid employment than work forces. Therefore in decision I feel that Africa will non make the planetary end of cosmopolitan primary instruction and gender para at all degrees of instruction due to the ends holding a mark of guaranting that by 2015 kids everyplace male childs and misss likewise will be able to finish a full class of primary schooling and to extinguish gender disparity in primary and secondary instruction sooner by 2005 and in all degrees of instruction no subsequently than 2015 ( United Nations 2010 ) . Already harmonizing to the United Nations ( 2010 ) most African states have yet to accomplish gender para in secondary instruction, about four old ages after the mark day of the month of 2005 and that many scholars leave school before making their concluding twelvemonth in the primary instruction sector and many of them being misss. This consequences in less girl scholars making secondary and third instruction which causes so the gender issue within the secondary and third degrees of instruction. Therefore for Africa to make these ends by the allocated clip they need to get down taking drastic steps and concentrate on making schooling chances for the hapless and unless this occurs we will non make these ends.

Maternal stress as a potential risk factor for having an offspring Research Proposal

Maternal stress as a potential risk factor for having an offspring with a ventricular septal defect - Research Proposal Example ency, misalignment or failure of fusion of the components of the interventricular septum, viz., endocardial cushions, aorticopulmonary septum and the muscular part of the septum, is the primary cause of the ventricular septal defects (Shinebourne et al, 2006). A hole or complete absence of the septum allows the blood to mix in the ventricles, which is supplied to the lungs as well as the rest of the body giving rise to symptoms like ‘blue babies’. Soto et al (1980) gave an objective classification of the ventricular septal defects (VSD). On the basis of angiograms of 220 children with VSD, they observed that the defects in the septum could present with the following morphologies - perimembranous defects; muscular defects and subarterial infundibular defects. Perimembranous defects as well as the muscular defects were further divided into three sub-groups each. A stressful life of the mother has been studied as a risk factor for a number of congenital malformation in the offspring, e.g. orofacial cleft (Montenegro et al, 1995), neural tube defects (Carmichael and Shaw, 2000) and conotruncal heart defects (Suarez, 2003). Carmichael et al (2007) have conducted a comprehensive population based case-control study involving 1355 mothers and calculated a ‘stressful life event score’ based on exposure to 18 possible stress-events and its association with congenital birth defects. Their results showed that a 3-point increase in the stress score increases the odds-ratio of a birth defect to 1.45 ( C.I. 1.03-2.06) and the risk is further aggravated to O.R. of 2.35 (CI = 1.47 – 3.77), if the mother is not taking vitamin (folic acid) supplement during early pregnancy. Hansen et al (2000), in a rare 12 year prospective study with a 16 months retrospective component, reported an increased incidence of cranial-neural-crest malformatio ns as well as other congenital malformations in children born to mothers exposed to severe life events like death, hospitalization for