Investment Portfolio Performance Assignment Example

Essays on Investment: Portfolio Performance Assignment The paper "Investment: Portfolio Performance" is an outstanding example of an assignment on finance and accounting. Stock A has a mean of 0.39 which is the expected return of investing in a single stock held by an investor. On the other hand, the standard deviation of stock A is 0.25 which implies that the risk of investing in stock A is 0.25. If the investors invest in stock B his expected return is 0.26 and the risk of investing in this stock is 0.28If the investor decides to invest in stock C his expected return will be 0.28 and the risk or the standard deviation will be 0.23 which is a risk of a stand-alone portfolio as compared to the diversification of his portfolio which has an effect of reducing the risk of a stock. Investing in stock D on the other hand yield a mean or expected return of 0.05 and a standard deviation of 0.37. This implies that stock D has a low expected return at high risk.Stock E has a mean of 0.25 and a standard deviation of 0.32. This implies that the sto ck will yield a low mean at a given high risk. Similarly, stock F yields a mean of 0.16 and a standard deviation of 0.15. The investor will prefer stock A which yields the highest mean with the given level of risk. Investing in a portfolio has the advantage of maximizing returns as well as minimizing the risk. (Risk diversification)It is worth noting that the standard deviation depends on the correlation coefficient if the proportion of investment is fixed. If the correlation is 1, it implies that two stocks are perfectly positively correlated and therefore their outcomes move in the same direction. A correlation of -1 implies that two stocks are negatively correlated and their outcomes are inversely related. That is, they move in the opposite direction simultaneously. For example, from the correlation matrix, the correlation between stock A and stock C is 0.30 which means that the two stocks are positively correlated, similarly, the correlation between stock F and stock D is -0.01 which means that the two stocks are negatively correlated. If stocks are perfectly negatively correlated then investing in them in a portfolio greatly minimizes their risk.Efficient portfolios are defined as those portfolios which yield the highest expected return at any given level of risk or the lowest level of risk for any expected return. Investors, therefore, tend to ensure that they hold those stocks which will minimize their risks. From the table of weights for optimal risky portfolio, the investor should invest in stock A which yields the highest expected return at a given risk.Beta is defined as the measure of volatility or sensitivity of a portfolio in comparison to the market as a whole. A beta of 1 implies that the stock is less volatile than the market. On the other hand, a beta of more than 1 indicates that the stock price is more volatile than the market. The betas of the six stocks are less than 1 and this means that they are less volatile or sensitive than the marke t.

Changing American Family Free Essays

Changing of the American Family Throughout the years we have seen families change from time to time. Not just in the actual household, but also in the media. From the nineteen fifties to present time, we can relate to the families in the media. We will write a custom essay sample on Changing American Family or any similar topic only for you Order Now In the nineteen fifties everything seemed to be more relaxed but strict at the same time. However, through the changes in time families have become a bit more chaotic at times and less strict. The families within the media have changed in many ways in whether it being as simple as becoming less strict or whether or not the father being in total control of the household. In the television sitcom Father Knows Best, everything seemed like a perfect family. The mother would stay at home and take care of the house and clean, while father would be at work and while the kids would be at school. The house would always be very clean and organized when the father and children would come home. The kids would never curse or back talk their parents due to respect. Every morning the family would sit together and eat a healthy breakfast and every evening the father and kids would come home to a dinner prepared for the family to eat together. The ideal of the American family in the nineteen fifties was more conservative. The family actually did stuff together and bonded. A few decades later, the media is still changing in time. In the television sitcom The Cosby Show, everything still seems like the perfect family to live in just a little more laid back and less strict. The family would still do stuff together, just not as often. The children would go to school during the day while both parents had to be at their jobs to provide for their family. When the kids would get home from school they would do their homework and then do what they wanted to do. Unlike in the sitcom Father Knows Best, the family did not always have breakfast together; it was more of a find what you want to eat and eat it ordeal. Each night the family would not necessarily have dinner together. In an episode we watched during class, a few of the children ruined a book of the fathers and so they made him dinner to try to make up for their wrong doing. The family had then eaten dinner without the mother and their brother. While comparing both shows and watching them both, you can see how the relationship between two American families have changed over a period of time even though it is in the media. In present time, we can still see much growth in the media. The American family is not so conservative. In the television sitcom George Lopez, many things have changed in the media from Father Knows Best and The Cosby Show. The family in George Lopez was a more chaotic family. The children misbehaved often and the mother and father would tend to get into arguments at times. George would always try to catch his children getting in trouble when they misbehave, whether it is by confronting them straight on, or trying to be sneaky by investigating the situation and then punishing them later. Usually at the end of every episode, it is always shown that George loves and cares deeply for his family. The article I am using to support with this essay is The American Family on Television: From Molly Goldberg to Bill Cosby written by Muriel G. Cantor. I felt most connected with this article because it relates to Bill Cosby and I am using The Cosby Show in my essay. This article is about the families within the media in comedy which all three television sitcoms I am using in this essay conduct with comedy. Comedy is one of the most popular choices to watch on television. The first section of the article concentrates on the background for the family life as portrayed in televisions comedies. The second section concentrates more on Molly Goldberg from the television series in the nineteen forties and then relates to Bill Cosby. The primary focus is on how gender, race, and class have been portrayed over time and whether the messages, issues, and themes about love and sex have changed and in what ways. After analyzing television from the nineteen fifties to present time period, the article concludes by noting that the family is not always presented as the perfect family. Family members often make fun of each other; sometimes they deceive each other to get their way; and often interact by putting each other down† (Canter, 1991). Like in the sitcom George Lopez, the family is basically the place where one goes for support and when you need someone to be there for you. Your family will always be there to support and help solve your problems and care for you. Throughout the media we have seen in most television shows how much families can be supporting. We have also seen how the American families have changed over the decades. In the nineteen fifties, the â€Å"father role† was being head of the household and the mother was to back him up with his every choice. If we were now to watch a television sitcom that was in the comedy genre, we would see how the mother does not sit back and let the father be head of the household. Most of the time the parenting role is equal between the mother and father now days. Sometimes the mother may be in charge of the household more than the father would be. I think if you were to watch television sitcoms throughout the decades then you will be able to identify how the American family has changed in time within the media. References James, E. (Producer). (1954, October 3). Father Knows Best. [Television broadcast]. Burbank, CA: Warner Brothers Burbank Studios. Cosby, B. (Producer). (1984, September 20). The Cosby Show. [Television broadcast]. New York City, NY: Carsey – Warner Company. Lopez, G. (Producer). (2002, March 27). George Lopez. [Television broadcast]. Los Angeles, CA: Warner Bros. Television. Cantor, Muriel G. (1991). The american family on television: from molly goldberg to bill cosby. 22(2), Retrieved from http://proxy. library. iue. edu:2359/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer? sid=a6b2c5f6-1784-4b50-a2da-9bfef4ad923f%40sessionmgr104vid=6hid=107 How to cite Changing American Family, Papers

Accounting Software Globalization and Industrialization

Question: Describe about the Accounting Software Globalization and Industrialization. Answer: Introduction In todays world of globalization and industrialization, the organizations have adopted the Information Technology for almost every sphere of business. One of the organizational areas is Finance and Accounting in which software technology is currently making its mark. In Australia, there are a variety of organizations that use different software to support the accounting function. It also depends upon the scale and size of the company as to which accounting software would suit it the best (Jadhav Sonar, 2009). Accounting software helps in automatic process, storing and analysis of all the Accounting and financial statements of the company such as cost sheet, balance sheet, receivables, payables etc. It uses and Information System that is based on a code and it analysis the data automatically that is fed into it. This literature review will cover various Accounting Software being used in Australia and what challenges they pose. Analysis Just like any other industry, Accounting software industry also has a similar history. With small companies starting to provide different solutions different organizations. Gradually the consolidation of companies leads to the rise of a few big giants that control the whole accounting industry industry (Gujarathi, 2005). The history of accounting software industry is dated back to 1990s when computer systems were the new things. In initial few years the large players like Microsoft dominated the market. In the current environment also, Microsoft is the market leader with its Microsoft Dynamics product. The companies like SAP and XERO also have a good market presence. The sheer size and the scale of the company could explain the competitive advantage of Microsoft. At this point, it is very difficult for any small company to compete with a big giant on the technology front. Since big organization would like their data to be secure and in safe hands, they would always go for big payers since they have the deep pockets to pay them. Thus, all the big companies use Accounting software provided by Microsoft (Microsoft Dynamics ERP is one example), Working Point Accounting Software etc. On the other hand, there are Accounting software companies like Myob, Saasu etc. that cater to relatively small organizations. Big organizations instead of buying one or two solutions buy the entire software support for their company that is known as the Enterprise Resource Planning software (ERP). As all the industries are moving ahead with cutting edge inventions and technologies everyday, one of the latest and most widely used technologies is Cloud. Cloud technology lets the companies keep their data at a secured cloud service providers database. From that database, services can be accessed on the fly and must faster. This has been a revolution as earlier the same services were given in house through personal databases and installations. In a similar manner, Australia also evolved by accepting the cloud based software solutions. All the big organizations such as Microsoft, working Point etc. have a bundle of services that include cloud services (their cloud management is cutting edge), personal installations etc. in the Accounting software space. Cloud has really added to their piggy bank since the investment in cloud development is only one time and then the services can be provided to huge number of customers at the same cloud and thus not incurring any additional cost (Cr eed, Daly, Dowdle Stevens, 2008). Also the investment is mostly in research and development and not on hardware or operational and overhead expenses. This also proves to be helpful for a longer period of time as is not in the case of hardware. All the organizations are getting more and more interesting since if they have the initial investment to do, it helps in reducing overall operations costs in the long run. The most interesting thing about the cloud services is that an organization can choose easy customizations based on their budget and scale. Thus, the services are not just limited to big organizations and this was a clear case in Australia. Earlier small organizations were not using accounting software since they could not afford conventional Accounting software services offered by big players (Mouritsen, Hansen, Hansen, 2009). Cloud services has led them to use these services at optimum costs and also reducing their future expense and gradually shifting to a process based operations But the use of accounting software in organizations in Australia can be compared with the organizations across of parts of the globe through the mentions in various theories. Frederick Winslow Taylor was an engineer and an inventor that combined his scientific knowledge into management principles to understand the affect of changes in the organizational operations that are brought by technology (Budhwar,Crane, Davies, Delbridge, Edwards, Ezzamel, Harris, Ogbonna Thomas, 2002). His Scientific Management Theory can be applied to Cost accounting in the following four aspects Collecting and gathering all information from the changes and converting them into principles and formulas to complete everyday tasks Always following a scientific approach towards achieving any goal and for that training of employees is required Closing the distance between technology and employees so that they can gradually use technology for the daily work To better adopt the technology and service, the work should be well divided between managers and workers so that everyone is on the same page regarding the technology. Some of the challenges and gaps that currently exists in the use of accounting software in organizations are Lack of depth to Small organizations In Australia, the use of accounting software is not increasing in small organizations at a good rate. The futuristic planning by small companies is lacking. A company would not invest if they were not futuristic and confident about the technology use (Mistry, Sharma Low, 2014). The decision on whether or not the investment should be made takes far too long because of which the companies looses on an opportunity to catch up with the industry growth The overall technology implementation must be done within an organization in a consolidated manner. All the functions of the organization must be connected using an ERP system and thus Accounting software must not be used as a separate service. This is required in order to use the accounting service along with other services in order to fully utilize and improve the functions end-to-end It is highly important to install and use accounting services in order to reduce the changes of human errors that are made intentionally or by mistake. It will mainly protect the company from fraudsters who are trying to game the system for their unsolicited use. A software service will be hard to break into and can be regulated much more easily Adopting accounting software along with other technology services will ensure a holistic organizational approach and understanding and thus the company would be able to move forward and compete other companies in a better way (Baldvinsdottir,Burns, Nrreklit Scapens, 2010). As the technology is surely going to improve and thus big companies in Australia will be adopting those, small companies have to start integrating accounting services with there core business as the competition in future would be immense. But since the technology costs are becoming lower and lower, small Australian companies have a good sign going forward and thus it is further more imperative to adopt new technology in account services Conclusions Recommendations The conclusion lies in the fact that the actual important of accounting software is un-ignorable. If a company wants to compete, cut on losses, stay in the business for a long run and grow at a higher growth rate than ever, technology and accounting service adoption is imperative. Also it is required internally for the growth of all the stakeholders as if the industry is moving forward, the company has to move forward also for its employees as the work satisfaction would exists if the employees are feeling themselves in the race or ahead of competitors (Cahill, 1998). If the company lacks in adopting technology services, the internal stakeholders satisfaction will also be lower. For deciding the accounting services a company want to adopt, a fair amount of industry research would be required, also taking reference from the bigger companies in terms of their adoption and implementation strategy will be of great help. At this point in time, Microsoft offers the best cloud solutions in the area of accounting. Also Working Point Accounting software would be a close competitor with good solutions. The major worry for Australian companies should consider is the growth and adoption of accounting services by smaller companies and thus players like Saasu and Myob will come into picture. Also it is important to understand where exactly the company needs improvement and decide the set of services to proceed with. Post vendor selection, the integration and adoption of the technology within the culture of the organization is important. A company should not only adopt the technology but also urge and educate every for its use. Thus, for a long-term vision and business, technology adoption must not just be a stepping-stone but should be imbibe within the values and culture of the company and an organization should strive to adopt new technology all the time in all the business spheres possible. References Baldvinsdottir,G., Burns, J.,Nrreklit, H.,Scapens, R. (2010). Professional accounting media: accountants handing over control to the system.Qualitative Research in Accounting Management, 7(3), pp. 395 414 Budhwar,P., Crane,A., Davies,A., Delbridge,R., Edwards, T.,Ezzamel,M., Harris, L., Ogbonna,E., Thomas, R. (2002). Organizing/theorizing: developments in organization theory and practice. Management Research News, 25 (8/9/10), pp.1 - 193 Cahill, D. (1998). Key Account Management: Using key accounts as partners to get to the learning organization.International Marketing Review, 15(3), pp.205 - 214 Creed, D., Daly, D., Dowdle, P., Stevens, J. (2008). A roadmap to help your organization become process-based. Journal Of Corporate Accounting Finance (Wiley, 19(5), 77-83. doi: 10.1002/jcaf.20420 Gujarathi, M.(2005). Use Of ERP Software In Accounting, inBill N. Schwartz,J. Edward Ketz(ed.).Advances in Accounting Education: Teaching and Curriculum Innovations 7(1), pp.207 220 Jadhav, A.S. and Sonar, R.M., (2009). Evaluating and selecting software packages: A review.Information and software technology,51(3), pp.555-563. Mistry, V., Sharma, U.,Low, M. (2014). Management accountants' perception of their role in accounting for sustainable development: An exploratory study.Pacific Accounting Review, 26 (1/2), pp.112 - 133 Mouritsen, J., Hansen, A. and Hansen, C.., (2009). Short and long translations: Management accounting calculations and innovation management.Accounting, Organizations and Society,34(6), pp.738-754.

The Epic of Gilgamesh

All through historic times, stories, poems, and songs have been written with common themes, which played a significant role in explaining some aspects of societal life. One of these is friendship. There is no one in the world who does not need a friend; therefore, it is a necessary aspect of life. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Epic of Gilgamesh- Theme of Friendship specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In the Epic of Gilgamesh, which was developed over a period of nearly a thousand years from about 2500 to 1500 B.C., friendship plays an important role in the development of the story. Gilgamesh, who is described as two-thirds god and one-third man, is the oppressive fifth king of Uruk while Enkidu is the ruler of the animals. The friendship between these characters develops in the course of the story. As the story begins, King Gilgamesh of Uruk is depicted to be in mature manhood and superior to all other men in both beauty and strength. There was no one who could match up with him in the ancient Mesopotamian society. The unsatisfied cravings of his demigod nature could not find a suitable mate for him in love or war. In addition, his unsatisfied daemonic energy made the people of Uruk to be unsatisfied with his reign. Because he was lacking love and friendship, Gilgamesh turned to excess and indulgence, and he celebrated his victories with too much debauched partying, which annoyed the individuals in the city as well as the gods in the temples. Because of his oppressive rule, the people asked for help from the gods since they feared that someday Gilgamesh would ask for a greater part of his divine heritage, challenge the gods and even rock the pillars of heaven if he was not controlled. Therefore, to counter the threat, the gods devised a plan of creating Enkidu, who was the mirror image of Gilgamesh. They believed that the king would divert his dangerous energies toward that rival there by stop challenging heaven. The gods then made Enkidu from clay and left him in the wilderness to live and eat as the animals do. In the wilderness, though he established friendship with the wild animals, his cravings for a mate were not adequately satisfied. Therefore, when a harlot from the city seduced him, he quickly agreed to leave and live in the great-civilized city of Uruk. When Enkidu goes to the city, he seems not to like Gilgamesh at first since the two engaged in a fight soon after they met. However, they quickly started to like one another. The theme of friendship is shown when the two giants become very close and start to rely on one another in conquering their enemies with ease. Thereafter, the solidarity between the two characters assists in developing the plot of the story, which is a mixture of pure adventure, morality, and tragedy, as subsequent experiences are based on this newfound eternal comradeship.Advertising Looking for essay on literature languages ? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The newly found comrades soon grow weak and become indolent with the city life. Therefore, Gilgamesh suggests a great exciting activity, which involves going to the forest to cut down trees so as to construct a memorable monument to the gods. However, since the terrifying demon called Humbaba is endowed with the responsibility of protecting the forest that is also prohibited to mortals, they have to kill him first. At first, Enkidu disagrees with this proposal but gives in after persuasion from his friend. Their friendship gave them the astounding courage and unwavering confidence to succeed in killing Humbaba. As the King of Uruk cleans himself, Ishtar offers to become his wife because his beauty was appealing to her; however, he turns her down with insults, recounting to her the dire fates that all her mortal lovers have met. Ishtar, the goddess of love and beauty, is infuriated at the rejectio n and goes to heaven to request his father, Anu, to send the Bull of Heaven to terrorize the people of Uruk. However, Gilgamesh and his compatriot work together to defeat the bull sent by the gods from heaven. After the success of their missions, Enkidu dreamt that they had gone contrary to the wishes of the gods so much that one of them must be sacrificed for murdering Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven. Thereafter, he quickly succumbed to a fatal disease after twelve days of suffering. The loss of Enkidu brings remorse to Gilgamesh and he realizes that death is inevitable. Because of the loss of the great friendship, he sets out on a journey to find Utnapishtim, the one man holding the secret of everlasting life. On the journey, he encountered various obstacles and on finally meeting Utnapishtam, he successively failed different tests that could have given him the secret of immortality. In the end, Gilgamesh, though being the King of Uruk, succumbed to the same fate that befell his fr iend. Although the type of friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu corresponds to contemporary friendship, it differs in some way from it. All through the ages, humans have treasured friendship since it determines our survival on this world. In the current society, human relationship is of essence for helping one another in times of difficulty, just as Gilgamesh and Enkidu assisted one another in conquering their enemies. Most people look for various traits in friends, especially attributes that they may be having in common. However, the current society takes friendship for granted. Most people see it as something that exists naturally.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Epic of Gilgamesh- Theme of Friendship specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More How many yearn for their better halves, as did Gilgamesh and Enkidu for each other? Who can go in the world to search for a suitable mate in love? The Mesopotamian society, as depicted by taming of Enkidu so that Gilgamesh could accept him, valued friendship such that they could go in search for it. I do not think that two ordinary peasants in Mesopotamia were capable of forming the kind of bond that existed between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. In the epic, Gilgamesh is depicted as being two-thirds god. Therefore, to make him have his equal, the gods created Enkidu to satisfy his cravings for a mate. This implies that the gods predestined their friendship, a thing that could not just happen among ordinary peasants in Mesopotamia. Before the coming of Enkidu, Gilgamesh had a cold heart and he never befriended anyone. However, the coming of Enkidu changed all these as he placed a check on Gilgamesh powerful energies. On the other hand, Gilgamesh pulled him out of his egocentricity. This even matching of characteristics is only possible when someone is specifically created for the other, but not otherwise as may be in ordinary men. This essay on The Epic of Gilgamesh- Theme of Friendship was written and submitted by user Lesly Patrick to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Agoraphobia(Anxiety Disorder) essays

Agoraphobia(Anxiety Disorder) essays The term agoraphobia has been widely misunderstood. Its literal definition suggests a fear of "open spaces". However, this is an incomplete and misleading view. Agoraphobics are not necessarily afraid of open spaces. Rather, they are afraid of having panicky feelings, wherever. these fearful feelings may occur. For many, they happen at home, in houses of worship, or in crowded supermarkets, places that are certainly not "open". In fact, agoraphobia is a condition which develops when a person begins to avoid spaces or situations associated with anxiety. Typical "phobic situations" might include driving, shopping, crowded places, traveling, standing in line, being alone, meetings and social gatherings. Agoraphobia arises; from an internal anxiety condition that has become so intense that the suffering individual fears going anywhere or doing anything where these feelings of panic have repeatedly occurred before. Once the panic attacks have started, these episodes become the ongoing stress, even when other more obvious pressures have diminished. This sets up a "feedback condition" which generally leads to increased numbers of panic attacks and, for some people, an increase in the situations or events which can produce panicky feelings. Others experience fearful feelings continuously, more a feeling of overall. discomfort, rather than panic. A person may fear having anxiety attacks, "losing control", or embarrassing him/herself in such situations. Many people remain in a painful state of anxious anticipation because of these fears. Some become restricted or "housebound" while others function "normally" but with great difficulty, often attempting to hide their discomfort. Agoraphobia, then, is both a severe anxiety condition and a phobia, as well as a pattern of avoidant behavior. Individuals do not develop agoraphobia because they are unintelligent or "weak". In fact, the opposite is true. Studies have shown that agoraphobics a...

Checking Immigration Case Status With USCIS

Checking Immigration Case Status With USCIS The  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services  (USCIS) agency has upgraded its services to include checking case status online  and using a virtual assistant online to answer questions. Through a free, online portal, MyUSCIS, there are multiple features. Applicants can submit an online request, get automatic email or text message updates when a case status changes and practice the civics test. Being that theres  a multitude of immigration options from applying for U.S. citizenship  to green card residency status and temporary working visas to refugee status, to name a few, MyUSCIS is the one-stop  site for all applicants requesting U.S. immigration. The USCIS Website The USCIS website has directions for getting started on MyUSCIS, which allows an applicant to review their entire case history. All an applicant needs is the applicants receipt number. The receipt number has 13 characters and can be found on the application notices received from USCIS. The receipt number begins with three letters, such as EAC, WAC, LIN or SRC. Applicants should omit the dashes when entering the receipt number in the web page boxes. However, all other characters, including the asterisks, should be included if they are listed on the notice as part of the receipt number. If missing the application receipt number, contact the USCIS Customer Service center at 1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (TTY) or submit an online inquiry about the case.  Ã‚   Other features of the website include filing forms electronically, checking office case processing times, finding a doctor authorized for completing a medical exam for adjusting status and reviewing filing fees. A change of address can be recorded online, as well as finding local processing offices and making an appointment to visit an office and speak with a representative. Email and Text Message Updates USCIS allows applicants the option of receiving an email or text message notification that a case status update has occurred. The notification can be sent to any United States mobile phone number. Standard cell phone text messaging rates may apply to receive these updates. The service is available to USCIS customers and their representatives, including  immigration lawyers, charitable groups, corporations, other sponsors, and you can register for it online. Create an Account It is important for anyone who wants regular updates from USCIS to create an account with the agency to ensure access to case status information.   A helpful feature from USCIS is the online request access option. According to the agency, the online request  option is a web-based tool that allows an applicant to place an inquiry with USCIS for certain applications and petitions. An applicant may make an inquiry on selected forms that are beyond posted processing times or selected forms where the applicant did not receive an appointment notice or other notice. An applicant can also create an inquiry to correct a notice received with a typographical error.

Health care issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Health care issues - Essay Example There are several challenges that the governments around the world are facing, however, financial challenges in the health care sector seem to be of utmost importance. According to a survey conducted on top issues a hospital faced, financial challenges topped the list of 13 challenges that the respondents were asked to rank (American College of Healthcare Executives(ACHE’s)(2011). The survey also took a closer look at the top 3 concerns. Medicare reimbursement and bad debts were major contributors to the financial problem. Another major contributor was increase in cost of staff and supplies. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Health Research Institute, ‘In 2010, the emphasis on cost continues. (PWC, 2010). In a its annual report published in December 2009 the institute stated that managing costs and getting more out of less will be the second most important challenge for the health care industry. Second only to the impact of Health Reforms (PWC, 2010). MEDICARE CHALLENGES Medicare, a health care program taking care of the elderly has been facing problems for quite some time now. The problem has been two-fold: on one side the overall cost of providing health care is going up and on the other hand there is a large number of baby boomers who are going to be eligible for Medicare this year (Levey, 2009).

Judaism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

Judaism - Essay Example But what sets Judaism apart from other monotheistic faiths, like Islam and Christianity? Cunningham and Katzew clearly explained that Judaism acknowledges only the the Torah as a source of revelation. The Torah, in general, comprises the thorough description of God’s plan for hmanity. In their essay, Cunningham and Katzew provide an exploratory, analytical, and thorough description of the theology and tradition of Judaism. They provide an explanation of practices, values, and beliefs, theology as conveyed in mythological stories, and standards of symbolic act and rites. They also talk about scripture and revelation, God’s teachings, the series of tradition represented in the narrative of the oral and written Torah, and signs and representations in Judaism. But more importantly, Cunningham and Katzew take a courageous leap forward by arguing that none of the historical epochs can be dismissed from the shared processes between Christianity and Judaism. The authors support the assumption that the major monotheistic religions are

Explain the ethical significance of the Sermon Essay Example for Free

Explain the ethical significance of the Sermon Essay The Sermon on the Mount is one of the key sections of the New Testament, in which Jesus builds upon the Decalogue to form the first blueprint of Christian ethics. Jesus was preaching in direct contrast to the Greek philosophy of stoicism, which sought to separate man from his emotions. Emotions, especially love, feature heavily in the Sermon on the Mount. It remains ethically relevant over 2000 years later for many reasons, the first of which is the underlying principles behind it. Jesus did not come to abolish Old Testament law, but to fulfil it. The Jews were trapped in a system of harsh legalism, where obedience was motivated by fear rather than love. The Pharisees made a grand display of holiness by keeping the law, but the Sermon on the Mount teaches that their hearts were empty. Jesus built on the Ten Commandments to create a system ruled by mercy, love and dedication to God. Even if the culture changes the basic ethical principles behind the sermon do not change. It is a moral code that focusses as much on inward moral disposition as it does our external actions: Jenkins wrote, â€Å"inner attention and attitude is crucial. † Even if a typically good action is performed with sinful thought then it becomes immoral. The most important thing to realise about the Sermon on the Mount is that it is impossible for anyone to keep it completely, as it demands perfection. Although they will never be free from sin in this life, Christians use the sermon in order to try and become more like Jesus, who was perfect. The Sermon is all about Christian sanctification. Jesus speaks not only on what Christians should do to be moral, but he also explains why it is important to be ethical in the first place. He states that Christians are the salt and light of the world. Salt is significant because it represents purity, preservation and flavour. Therefore we understand that Christians should maintain a good ethical code in order to set an example to society and to preserve it from total corruption. The image of the light is also key: in the Bible light always symbolises joy and blessing. A light is visible to all, and so the Christian should seek to make Christ visible to all through their actions. A light is also a warning, representing the Christian’s duty to lovingly warn their fellow-men about their sin. Further on in the Sermon Jesus admonishes that, â€Å"If the light then within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! † Furthermore, the Sermon on the Mount gives many specific examples of Christian ethics, the first of which is regarding murder. Jesus equates anger to murder, and speaks of the fires of hell. This is contrary to the contemporary universalist view of Jesus and his death which has led some scholars to claim that when he speaks of hell it is merely metaphorical. Regardless, Jesus is affirming that you cannot be right with God until you are right with your fellow men, which all relates to the salt-and-light reputation of a Christian. Jesus also teaches about adultery and sexual morality. Again he equates the inward sin of lust to the outward sin of adultery. He also declares that marrying a divorced woman counts as adultery, a part of the Sermon that even Christians have begun to disregard. This is contrary to the Old Testament where Moses permitted – but did not command – divorce due to the hard heartedness of the people. The close relationship between a husband and wife mirrors the relationship Christ shares with his Church, which is why sex features so highly in Christian ethics. Love, when fully understood. Is opening oneself to another completely and can succeed only where trust and fidelity are present. Subsequently, another part of the Sermon on the Mount that is ethically significant would be where Jesus deals with how we should relate to other people. The standards set by Jesus are so high it is easy for Christians to look down upon those that are struggling. Jesus, ever a carpenter’s son, uses the metaphor of the speck in your brother’s eye and the plank in your own. We are all sinners and it would be highly hypocritical to judge another when we are also flawed. We never know the whole story about someone and it is impossible to be impartial in our judgement. The Jews were familiar with the concept of loving your neighbour and not judging him, but they did not feel the same about their enemies. Jesus commanded us to show agape love towards our enemies. Such love does not naturally come from the heart, but is instead must be put into action through one’s own will. As Jesus was merciful and forgiving to sinners, so we should be. This is vital to Christian ethics. Another ethical aspect of how we relate to other people is how we treat those who are poorer than us. It is not enough to simply preach to them, but we must take care of their physical needs as well as spiritual. Jesus said, â€Å"Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. † Charitable giving was a fundamental part of Jewish life, but Jesus added another element: it was only ethical if done with the correct motivation. The Greek word translated as hypocrite in the Bible literally means ‘actor’. This is why Jesus commands us to give in secret, lest we become boastful. Moreover, there is a definite eschatological aspect to the Sermon on the Mount as it draws to a conclusion. This emphasises to the Christian how their ethics are eternally significant and will be considered on the Day of Judgement. Jesus states that few will enter the Kingdom of Heaven and that not all that profess to believe in him as Lord will be saved. He warns of false prophets who will come in sheep’s clothing; in this situation the ethics presented in the Sermon on the Mount are vital so a Christian can identify who is a true believer. We are not saved by works, but they are an important part of our Christian identity. The Sermon on the Mount also has certain evangelical tones throughout. It shows the unbeliever what is required of them if they follow Jesus, and the severe consequences if they do not. Spurgeon wrote of this passage, â€Å"The shepherd best discerns his own sheep, and the Lord, Himself alone knows infallibly them who are His. † To conclude, there are conflicting theories regarding the nature of the Sermon – certain theologians such as Calvin believe it is a compilation of many separate sermons. Others debate technical details, such as whether it was preached on a mount or a plain. However, something that every Christian will agree on is that the Sermon on the Mount is of the upmost important as a foundation for Christian ethics. Stott said, â€Å"The Sermon on the Mount is probably the best-known part of the teaching of Jesus, thought arguably it is the least understood, and certainly it is the least obeyed. †

Video Game Violence Make Teens and Children More Aggressive Essay

The term violence is a broad word that has many different views depending on what it is associated with. When it comes to teens and children, violence can be anything from pushing, shoving, and fighting too. Violence has and always will be an ongoing problem around the world. Everything that can be done to prevent it will benefit our society. Today’s video games and featured television shows have become much more graphic than they have ever been, showing brutal images that can be accessed by all ages. Video games have become one of children’s favorite leisure activities, and they spend long amounts of time playing them. It has been shown that children with high exposure to such violent games have a much higher score of serious violence (Freedman 2002). After playing these games for long and countless hours, children begin to view these behaviors as acceptable while out with their friends or in public. Violence is any action that may cause harm to another such as pushing, fighting, language, wrestling, and killing. Violent video games have a strong positive correlation with aggressive behaviors because of intense graphics, lack of effective parental control, and the amount of time playing these games. Aggressive Minds. Video games that are made these days are completely different from how they were made a decade ago. The games are much more detailed and realistic, and they give you the feeling that you are actually in the game. Elizabeth Carll, PhD in Psychology says â€Å"A comprehensive analysis of violence in interactive video game research suggests exposure increases aggressive behavior, aggressive thoughts, angry feeling, and physiological arousal and decreases helpful behavior†. Children that have played thes... ...ngs, E., Karas, T., Winsler, A., Way, E., Madigan, A., & Tyler, S. (2009). Young children's video/computer game use: relations with school performance and behavior. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 30(10), 638-649. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. JAMA and Archives Journals (2007, July 4). Study Examines Video Game Play Among Adolescents. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 18, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070702161141.htm Straus, M. (1972). Measuring Intrafamily Conflict and Violence: The Conflict Tactics (CT) Scales. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/pss/351733. Violent Video Game Campaign (1998-2011). Are you worried about the increasingly violent and graphic content in video games? Retrieved February 18, 2011. Van Horn, R. (1999). Violence and Video Games. Phi Delta Kappan, 81(2), 173. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Analysis of Editorial and Advertising Content for Glamour Magazine

{draw:rect} UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER *FACULTY OF *BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT {draw:custom-shape} COURSEWORK SUBMISSION SHEET This sheet must be completed in full and attached to the front of each item of assessment Before submission to the School Office. Student Name: Maria Lynch Registration No: B00351233 Programme Title: CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR Module Code/Title: BMG378 Lecturer: Donald Mc Fetridge Date Due: April 16th 2010 (NB: Latest hand-in time is on the due date unless otherwise advised) Submitted work is subject to the following assessment policies: 1 Coursework must be submitted by dates as specified by the Subject committee. Students may seek prior consent from the [Course/Subject] Director to submit coursework after the official deadline; such requests must be accompanied by a satisfactory explanation and in the case of illness by a medical certificate. 3 Coursework submitted without consent after the deadline will not normally be accepted and will therefore receive a mark of zero. CO NTENTS Introduction 3 Analysis of advertising content 3 Analysis of editorial content 4 Magazines target market 5 Marketing and promotional content 6 Product strategy 7 The importance of consumer behaviour 7-8 Future trends 8-9 Conclusion 10 Bibliography 11 Appendix 12 Introduction I have been asked by my lecturer to analyse the editorial and advertising content of a lifestyle magazine of my choice. The magazine that I have chosen is Glamour; the reason that I chose this magazine, is because it is Britain’s number one women’s magazine and has been in circulation for over seventy years. Glamour is a prestigious fashion magazine first printed in 1939 by Conde Nast Publishing who are responsible for numerous fashions and lifestyle magazines including Vogue, Men’s Vogue, Allure, GQ and many more. Topics addressed by the magazine include: Love, Fashion, Sex, Beauty, Health and lifestyle and Celebrity gossip. Glamour is recognised as a world class fashion magazine and it is now published in the US, UK and numerous countries across Europe. Analysis of advertising content The advertising director for Glamour is Grace Dawson, and the fashion Assistant is Kerryn Grady, the products advertised are all premium brands like Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, DKNY, D&G and many more. The number of pages used in the magazine to advertise products greatly exceeds the number of pages with editorial content. The front cover of the magazine is dominated by Danni Minogue, a highly influencing style icon for more than two decades and the main topics addressed in the March 2010 issue. The magazine is printed on high quality glossy paper sending out a message of being luxurious, some of the advertising companies have attached samples of the products they are advertising and there is also a free gift offer from Benefit make up with every subscription to the magazine. The back cover is a celebrity endorsed by Charlie Theron for J’adore Dior perfume, a high cost to any marketing department, and on the inside of the back page is Cheryl Cole endorsing L’Oreal Hair products, inside of the front cover is a double spread advertising Lancome. These are the most expensive advertising spaces that a company can buy in a magazine as they are the first and last pages the reader looks at making them more memorable. There are a number of advertisements for men’s products such as aftershaves throughout, which are more likely a tactic by marketers to target women to buy these products as gifts as it is solely directed towards a male reader. There is a strong presence of sex in the advertising content; many of the images are provocative images to advertise the clothing ranges mostly, images that would not have been acceptable to print in the editions in the early 1940’s, people of today are becoming desensitised towards these images as they are more familiar with them. {draw:custom-shape} {draw:frame} Analysis of editorial content The editorial content starts on page 74, all pages before this are mainly advertisements and some acknowledgements and details of all editors, directors and managers. The editorial content starts with the topic of sex, which is then followed by a conservative political view and an exclusive interview with David Cameron although there is not much depth to the editorial content the writer takes a more light hearted approach researching Cameron’s personal life, his appearance and daily regime than into political views and issues surrounding the conservative party. The front cover has all the main issues addressed in the magazine in a bold red and black font with the largest most important being â€Å"723+ styles fixes†. Inside about quarter of the way in is a page devoted to readers letters and how much they have appreciated articles from previous issues and how they have helped the reader in their personal situations, with the winning letter receiving a camera to the value of ? 150. {draw:line} {draw:line} {draw:line} {draw:line} {draw:custom-shape} {draw:frame} Magazines target market Glamour magazine is marketed towards career orientated heterosexual women, who are fashion conscious with targeted reader age of between 19 and 50. The socio economic class of the women that read this magazine would be typically either lower middle class or middle class, professional or junior management, educated and possibly with a political interests and a high level of disposable income as the goods advertised are designer brands such as D &G, Calvin Klein and premium brand make up like Lancome and Dior. In the 70’s VALS Value and lifestyle segmentation was developed for commercial purposes in California in an attempt by SRI International to have a better understanding of consumer lifestyle. Created to identify and group people accordingly so that they could predict consumer values and motivations to that they could target to the correct customers and make marketing attempts more efficient. Table 9. 4 page 400 Consumer Behaviour, Ray Wright By using the VALS table I would group the target reader of Glamour as achievers. Marketing and promotional content Glamour magazine has been available to buy as a paper copy since 1939 and in more recent years has become available digitally. The cost of buying a paper copy of Glamour is a fixed price of ? weekly, and is available in any large supermarket or book store, once a paper copy has been bought the reader can use the promotional certificate inside to get six copies at half price and get a free gift also. By accessing the Glamour website customers can avail of accounts based marketing, Glamour allow their readers to subscribe online which offers them business to customer savings and free gifts with their subscription, the proce ss is simple, the reader only has to click on the subscription link and follow the direct debit instructions. Glamour is Britain’s No. women’s magazine, with circulatory figures for Glamour year ending 2009 were 515,281 according to Audit Bureau of Circulation Glamour’s promotional presence online is that on all the Conde Nast Publications, there is a footer throughout the websites which gives the user links to all Conde Nast publications and all of their brands, for example the footer is placed on all Conde Nast websites making Glamour Magazine accessible from other websites such as Vogue and GQ. The footer also offers the reader the option of contacting the magazine in numerous languages including Polish, Spanish, French and German. Product strategy It is crucial that all elements of the product strategy complement each other, by ensuring the right mix of product, pricing strategy, promotion and place, will determine the success of the good/service. Identifying the need for the product is the basis, the pricing strategy must be realistic and meet the needs of the target market, Glamour has a set weekly price of ? 2 for their magazine, and the average cost of a magazine is between 50p and ? 4 making Glamour priced at middle of the range. The promotional element of Glamour’s magazine is done with the use of A list celebrities on the front cover, fashion icons and idols, selling provocative images and the colours that make the magazine stand out amongst others, alongside the online promotion that Conde Nast Publications offer to all their brands using the medium of each brands individual website. The product must be placed where the targeted consumer will be able to access it easily; Glamour is sold through Newsagents, book stores, supermarkets and through pre paid subscriptions. The importance of consumer behaviour It is important that a company understands consumer behaviour, it could be the difference between the success or failure of a marketing strategy, if the wrong customers are targeted the efforts will be ineffective and a waste of resources. By appreciating the importance of consumer behaviour marketers will be able to predict better the trends of the consumers and change their products or services to meet the ever changing customer wants and demands. One way of understanding better consumer behaviour is using loyalty cards to track what the consumer is buying and when they buy. Consumer behaviour theories are crucially important to companies as they help understand Psychology of consumers like Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs of individuals helps outline the basics of psychological need, which therefore helps to market products better and adapt marketing campaigns appropriately. Issues that may influence consumer behaviour may include ethical, or social changes, like the discovery of child labour issues or fur versus fake fur, are consumers as willing to buy if they know issues such as this. According to Dragon International (1991), and the Cone and Roper study (Simon, 1995) consumers are interested in ethical behaviour beyond those issues that directly impact on them, and would be more discriminating in their purchases if they were given more information about ethically and socially responsible activities. Future trends Future trends that I would predict for the magazine industry is that the decline in circulatory figures will continue, with the presence of the internet becoming stronger and the people trying to become more environmentally friendly. According to ONS, 70% of homes in the UK now have internet access which is a rise of 28% since 2006. I predict that many of Glamour’s readers will switch from their hard copy and move onto reading their favourite articles online, whilst on the go from mobile devices, although I don’t believe that the digital copy will be the only copy available, hard copies may become fewer and more expensive, as some readers will still enjoy the smell and touch of a paper magazine. Internet Access 0% of households had access in 2009 Office of national statistics {draw:frame} Conclusion In conclusion, having analysed Glamour magazine I have found that the reader is being targeted with an enormous amount of advertising content, over half the magazine is adverts for premium products which appear in all Glamour issues only changing moderately, eventually leaving these advertisements unnoticeable. Throughout the magazine there is very little editorial content of which has very little conten t or depth, the reader is mostly purchasing advertisements. This magazine already has a strong online presence of which I believe will only get stronger following their downturn in psychical sales. Bibliography Books Foxall, Gordon R. Consumer psychology for marketing / Gordon Foxall, Ronald Goldsmith, Stephen. – 2nd ed . . . . – London : International Thomson Business Press, 1998 . Wright, Ray, 1942- Consumer behaviour / Ray Wright. – London : Thomson Learning, 2006 Antonides, Gerrit, 1951- Consumer behaviour: a European perspective / Gerrit Antonides and W. Fred v. Chichester : Wiley, 1998 Electronic resources http://www. glamourmagazine. co. uk/default. aspx? gclid=cjxurovo3qacfsu8laodm0r9fg: accessed via www. glamour. com accessed 29/03/2010 https://www. magazineboutique. co. uk/secureonline/quicksubs_tpl. asp? m=469&src=2214 accessed via www. glamour. com 29/03/2010 http://www. condenast. co. uk/ accessed via www. glamour. com accessed 05/04/2010 http://www. abc. org. uk/SearchResults. aspx? SearchInput=glamour&Where ToSearch=Data accessed via: http://www. abc. org. k/ : accessed 05/04/2010 http://loft965. files. wordpress. com/2010/02/430danniiglamourcover. jpg accessed via www. google. com 05/04/2010 http://media. onsugar. com/files/2010/02/07/1/485/4852708/61f6142ea24cbac7_Dannii_Minogue. jpg accessed via www. google. com accessed 05/04/2010 http://www. gq-magazine. co. uk/ accessed via www. glamour. com accessed 11th/April/2010 http://www. vogue. co. uk/ accessed via www. glamour. comaccessed 11th/April/2010 http://www. statistics. gov. uk/cci/nugget. asp? ID=8 accessed via

Nature of globalization Essay

Globalization is a term used to explain the new era just like we learn about different periods such as stone age. It entails that people around the world are more connected to one another than ever before in terms of †¢ Information flow through sophisticated means unlike in early ages where messengers and drum beating was used for communication. †¢ Money transfers and goods transportation is quicker and efficient all over the world. Goods and services produced in one part of the world are necessarily available in all parts of the world. †¢ International travel is more convenient and faster than ever. (Martin, 2004) All this changes have been as a result of advance in technology, basically the computer. This is what has enabled globalization. Globalization can be found in five different areas; economic, cultural, political, religious and social systems. Globalization therefore, can be understood as the tendency or the process of businesses, technologies or philosophies to spread throughout the world. Nature of globalization Globalization is something that is very new in the world. For the last 30 years, there was no much discoveries in computer technology although there were computers and they were only used in the developed countries. This is why we cannot say there was globalization since globalization simply means making the world a â€Å"global village† in that every information and services are available and accessible to all the people around the globe just as it is in a small village. The idea of globalization has made it possible to harmonize the cultures of people all over the world. That is because people are able to carry out businesses across boundaries without traveling, using different currencies, making instant payment and in developed countries they use a common currency for example the Euro that is used all over Europe and the US dollar that is used by many countries. It is possible therefore, that the whole world will in future be using one common currency. This is what is referred to as economic globalization. According to Sachs (2005) technology in information has made transfer of information and especially educational information to be available across the globe. This is what has brought the idea of e-learning through the Internet. The changes in culture of the people is being felt especially in the African societies which had very stronghold in their traditions but today this has little or no influence on peoples ways of life especially in the young generation, for example changes in sexual inequality. This is as a result of globalization, people copy the lifestyles or cultures of others from the developed countries due to interaction, travels and high speed information transfer. For this same reason people are able to change their religious believes because the gospel has taken a new line, i. e. it is global reaching every corner of the globe. Conclusion When we talk of globalization we definitely have to think about the major participants in this idea. The United States dominates in this global traffic in information and ideas. (www. globalpolicy. org) The American music, movies, television and software’s are so dominant , so sought after by everybody and so visible that they are now available in every corner of the earth, including the developing countries in sub-Sahara Africa. References Raskin. P. T(2002), The Great Transition Boston Tellus Institute p31-42. Alex MacGillirray (2006) A Brief History of Globalization. New York. p122-127. Sachs,T. (2005), The end Poverty New York p 13-23 Martin, W. (2004), why globalization works, New York: Yale University Press, pg 210-235 Global policies, Available from, www. globalpolicy. org (Retrieved December 14, 2007) What is globalization, Available from, www. globalisation101. org (Retrieved December 14, 2007)

The Most Significant Event in My Life Essays

The Most Significant Event in My Life Essays The Most Significant Event in My Life Essay The Most Significant Event in My Life Essay Essay Topic: Maus The most significant event in my life One day, when I was lying on the bed and started to relax myself. Suddenly, a question jumped out from my mind. What was the most significant event that I had experience in my life? At the moment that I was wondering what was the answer. An answer came in to my mind. It was a trip. It was my first visit, to a country that I had always been told was my great grandfather’s motherland. It was a land I knew no more about than what the travel brochures told me. Having come to Malaysia as an infant, I knew no other home or way of life than what I was used to in Malaysia. However, my trip to India in the summer of 2005 was a significant event that made me see myself as well as the world around me in an entirely different perspective. It was quite overwhelming actually; it was as if I was propelling into another vortex, one with pungent odours of curry and saffron. It was an entirely different atmosphere, one with snake charmers, palm readers, and attractive religious rituals. However, it was an environment with not so attractive sights as well. There were poverty and disease everywhere, men and women, emaciated due to lack of food and proper medical attention. Almost everywhere I turned there was someone, young or old, man or women, so withered from hunger and diseases that each bone on their body could be seen, so poor that they barely had enough rags to cover their body. This is the real side of India, one of disease and malnutrition poverty. A country, in which outmoded diseases like malaria, and tuberculosis are not only in existence, but run out of control. Nothing is safe; water is contaminated thus, causing an ideal location for disease. Of course, there is the beauty and enigma of India, the mystery of the mausoleum known as the Taj Mahal and the serenity one experiences by practicing yoga on the banks of the holy Ganges, as well as other tourist attractions. However, they are merely tourist attractions. It is not until I looked at the real face of the rural side of India behind the cover-up of tourist sites, did I realize how lucky I have been to escape the poverty and misery felt by millions of Indians. I have always had a natural affinity towards the field of medicine, and for me taking biology in my high school and it was the only course I truly enjoyed. I loved staining animal cells and identifying the nucleus or mitochondria. I was one of the few students who actually anticipated the frog dissection in the spring and anxiously awaited it all through the fall semester. And when dissection day arrived I was the first one to put on those latex gloves, grab a scalpel and pin the frog down, set it in anatomical position and make that first incision. Due to my intense interest in biology, the idea of medicine as a career was my ambition. The trip to India had helped me to stick on my ambition. Seeing the people in misery, depleted by the disease and lack of medication, is a sight that made me appreciate my good fortune. After this event or can be said as an adventuring trip, I felt that my life is far better than those millions Indian and I felt that I’m so lucky and I hope to help them in the rest of my life.

Caribbean Culture

Caribbean culture is identifiably linked to the approaches to survival taken by her peoples. Discuss this statement critically. Essay 2: The intellectual contribution of the Caribbean. Education has forever been a priority for the Caribbean region. From the mass of the Caribbean population have come some of the world’s best minds, creative intellect and imagination. The common heritage of a history rooted in exploitation and the struggle for freedom and independence have formed the foundation of an extraordinary commitment to education on the part of Caribbean societies over the years. While some may argue that the quality of education in the region is on the decline there is no doubt that Caribbean societies continue to maintain education as one of their highest priorities. Discuss this statement critically. Essay 3: ? Caribbean Integration It will be recalled that the Caribbean islands were among the first areas to be impacted by early globalization, in the form of European maritime expansion. The initial result was the extermination of the majority of the indigenous population. There followed mercantilism, slavery and the plantation system, and centuries of rivalry and wars among the major colonial powers. This left a legacy of political and linguistic fragmentation that constitutes the main obstacle to regional integration. Discuss this statement critically. Caribbean Culture Caribbean culture is identifiably linked to the approaches to survival taken by her peoples. Discuss this statement critically. Essay 2: The intellectual contribution of the Caribbean. Education has forever been a priority for the Caribbean region. From the mass of the Caribbean population have come some of the world’s best minds, creative intellect and imagination. The common heritage of a history rooted in exploitation and the struggle for freedom and independence have formed the foundation of an extraordinary commitment to education on the part of Caribbean societies over the years. While some may argue that the quality of education in the region is on the decline there is no doubt that Caribbean societies continue to maintain education as one of their highest priorities. Discuss this statement critically. Essay 3: ? Caribbean Integration It will be recalled that the Caribbean islands were among the first areas to be impacted by early globalization, in the form of European maritime expansion. The initial result was the extermination of the majority of the indigenous population. There followed mercantilism, slavery and the plantation system, and centuries of rivalry and wars among the major colonial powers. This left a legacy of political and linguistic fragmentation that constitutes the main obstacle to regional integration. Discuss this statement critically.

Main Themes Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Main Themes - Assignment Example The most important theme of Acuna’s book is to view the Mexican history in complete isolation and to understand their individuality that has been influenced by foreign elements but not completely dominated by them. The Spanish invasion expanded from Mexico to various parts of southwest America, including Texas. With their ever-increasing influence, the indigenous population was then relegated to the status of slaves and the changing roles women were also attributed to the reforms brought about by Spanish invaders, who slowly dominated almost every aspect of their life. The invaders exploited the resources that the region was abundantly endowed with. (Acuna, 2010) The resistance from the Natives then provides an explanation for the friction between the communities that has been reported in the subsequent years. The Mexican population has suffered from great discrimination and was vastly marginalized in the society. This is the main purpose behind Acuna’s writings that aims to highlight the fact that Mexican population once reigned over the region where they are treated more or less like second rate citizens. Acuna has tried to breakdown the misconceptions that were exploited by the colonizers to brand their race as inferiors. The chapters provide a sound historical background, but on a personal level I feel intrigued by the evolution of Mexican culture that took place as a result of these

Diabetes Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 4

Diabetes - Research Paper Example The A1C Diagnostic Tool The testing of diabetes has long been faced with a myriad of challenges that include insufficient diagnosis of the disease. Several diabetes diagnostic tests have been developed over the years but all of them are not accurate as the Haemoglobin A1C level test. The A1C test is undertaken to test the amount of sugar present in the red blood cells. The test looks into the average blood glucose levels in patient’s body for a period of two to three months. The A1C test uses an averaging system whereby a patient’s blood glucose levels are tested based on a percentage system (Cunha-vaz, 2011). Diabetes tests conducted using the A1C diagnostic testing tools have been very accurate in estimating blood sugar levels of a patient over a long period of time. Compared to other tests, the A1C test does not require a patient to fast without food for periods of time since the test can be conducted at any time (Ford-Martin, 2004). A1C Research Tests A research was conducted to test the effectiveness of the A1C diagnosis test in South Korea over a period of 6 years. The test was conducted to find out the best levels for haemoglobin A1C level for different diabetes patients this included patients belonging to different races. The research targeted a total of 10,038 participants were included in this research and they first underwent a 75-g oral glucose test tolerance test at baseline with two year follow up. Among the research participants, 572 of them had a previous history of having diabetes (Ford-Martin, 2004). From the results a receiver operating characteristic curve was used to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of the A1C cut-off. The results established that at the baseline 635 participants representing 6.8% had previously undiagnosed diabetes. An A1C cut-off of 5.9% produced the highest sum of sensitivity at 68% and specificity (91%). At the end of the research, after 6 years 895 (10.2%) participants had developed diabetes. An A1C cut-o ff of 5.6% had the highest sum of sensitivity (59%) and specificity (77%) in the identification of consequent 6-year incident diabetes. After variations in adjustment it was found that men with A1C baseline of 5.6% had a 2.4 fold increased risk while women with the same baseline had a 3.1 fold increased risk of contracting diabetes in the future (Cunha-vaz, 2011). The research study was successful in concluding that patients with a 5.9% A1C cut-off identified participants with undiagnosed diabetes. The study also concluded that people with A1C equal or greater than 5.6% had increased risk of contracting diabetes in the future. Integration of A1C The research study undertaken by researchers on the agreed levels of Haemoglobin A1C test was important in determining the agreed levels of A1C suitable for diagnosing diabetes. From the research we are able to learn that doctors have found out that people with Haemoglobin A1C level of ? 5.6% have a higher risk of contracting diabetes. Due t o the accuracy of using the A1C diagnosis testing, Doctors are now able to easily detect diabetes in the body. Many researchers agree that the A1C test and research was important in coming up with a standardised A1C cut-off which was put at the level of 6.5%. The results of the South Korean research concluded that the A1C levels of 5.9% contributed to patients contracting type 2 diabetes (Cunha-vaz, 2011). While on the other hand, the same study was conducted among the Japanese population and they found out that an A1C cut-off

Stem Cell Research - The field of stem cell research Essay

Stem Cell Research - The field of stem cell research - Essay Example Many of the signals required to induce formation of specialized adult cells must be present in these tumors, but unlike embryos, tumors generate adult cell types in a hopelessly undirected manner. If a developing embryo is not to end up a mass of disorganized tissues, it must do more than generate adult cell types. Embryos must orchestrate and choreograph an elaborate stage production that gives rise to a functional organism. They must direct intricate cell movements that bring together populations of cells only to separate them again, mold and shape organs through the birth of some cells and the death of others, and build ever more elaborate interacting systems while destroying others that serve only transient, embryonic functions. Throughout the ceaseless building, moving, and remodeling of embryonic development, new cells with unique characteristics are constantly being generated and integrated into the overall structure of the developing embryo. Science has only the most rudimentary understanding of the nature of the blueprint that orders embryonic development. Yet, recent research has begun to illuminate both how specific adult cells are made as well as the central role of stem cells in this process. The term "stem cell" is a general one for any cell that has the ability to divide, generating two progeny (or "daughter cells"), one of which is destined to become something new and one of which replaces the original stem cell. In this sense, the term "stem" identifies these cells as the source or origin of other, more specialized cells. There are many stem cell populations in the body at different stages of development. For example, all of the cells of the brain arise from a neural stem cell population in which each cell produces one brain cell and another copy of itself every time it divides. The very earliest stem cells, the immediate descendants of the fertilized egg, are termed embryonic stem cells, to distinguish them from populations that arise later and can be found in specific tissues (such as neural stem cells). These early embryonic stem cells give rise to all the tissues in the body, and are therefore considered "totipotent" or capable of generating all things. Review of the Research While the existence of early embryonic stem cells has been appreciated for some time, the potential medical applications of these cells have only recently become apparent. More than a dozen years ago, scientists discovered that if the normal connections between the early cellular progeny of the fertilized egg were disrupted, the cells would fall apart into a single cell suspension that could be maintained in culture. These dissociated cells (or embryonic stem cell "lines") continue to divide indefinitely in culture. A single stem cell line can produce enormous numbers of cells very rapidly. For example, one small flask of cells that is maximally expanded will generate a quantity of stem cells roughly equivalent in weight to the entire human population of the earth in less than sixty days. Yet despite their rapid proliferation, embryonic stem cells in culture lose the coordinated activity that distinguishes embryonic development from the growth of a teratoma. In fact,

Violence Against Nursing Workplace Health And Social Care Essay

Violence Against Nursing Workplace Health And Social Care Essay Nurses are on the front lines and the back bones in the health sectors . Workplace violence is becoming an important issue that all organizations, these behaviours , especially that of bullying are detrimental and effect staff , patients , and outcome. Violence are defined as ( an incident that results in physical injury).(Duncan, Hyndan 2001 as cited in Denise,2009). Regarding to many research I found that nurses in emergency department and in mental health sectors are the most high risk staff who are facing violence form patients , their families and visitors because of many factors that I will discussed on my paper . The aim of my research is review background of workplace violence . In addition to, identify situations and specific patient groups susceptible to being involved .Furthermore , identify the most health care sectors that are more susceptible to violence and factors leading to violence in these sectors depend on research articles to support my paper .Besides, identify the best nursing practice in the management of patient hostile behaviour and violence because nurses play a major role and the most staff dealing with different type of patient and cases. Finally, identify the role of health sector to minimize the risk of violence against nurses and the recommendation need it to prevent violence in health sectors . Violence against Nursing in Health sectors Work place violence is a serious occupational risk towards nursing.(International Council of nurses 2002 , Mc paul and Moore 2004 as cited in Jessica, Altair ,Lara, Cathy, Linda and Susan,2009).In hospital violence occurs most frequently in psychiatric wards, emergency departments ,waiting room ,and geriatric units.(Sofield and Salmond 2003 as cited in Jessica et al., 2009) they conducted studies and found that 35% to 80% of hospital staff suffering from violence either if its verbally or physically.. The causes of work site violence are multifaceted and diverse .In hospitals ,clinics, health home setting, co-workers ,family members, patients or visitors may cause or contribute to violent events.(MaggieTerriy,2005).The escalating risk in emergency department environment are reflective of patient under influence of drugs and alcohol abuse are often associated factors in patient-initiated violence on nursing staff , miscommunication and low staff levels leads to anger and long waiting times for patient.( Chalermrat , Virasakdi ,Suparnee ,Teem Rassamee,2008 ).Beside, related to emergency situation and increasing number of patient with dementia and psychosis .Other risk factors are prevalence of guns and weapons that being carried by patients and their family or friends. (Gordan,Donna,MargretPatricia,2010).In addition , lack of staff training or visible security ward. For instance, patients illnesses and unpleasant feeling ,as well as, the anxious and stress by patients and their fami ly member and also visitors are often escalated by not enough space All these factors contributing and may incite physical and verbal abuse against emergency department staff. On the other hand, nurses working in psychiatric setting have a higher risk for becoming victims of violence too. According to Gordon and Donna and Margared and Patricia,2010 was conducted a research about Workplace Violence in Health care Setting : Risk factors and protective Strategies and identify the risk factors in to perpetrator ,worker and setting environment risk factors. The perpetrator risk factors such as patient with mental health disorder like dementia, schizophrenia and alcohol and drug abuse have been associated with risk for workplace violence .However, setting and environmental factors that were related to increase risk for violence included day time versus evening and nighttimes hours .Equally important, work factors that were associated with violence include workers gender , the research show that women experienced a higher risk of verbal violence ,in contrast, men experienced physical violence.Besides,other characteristics of worker factors are number of hours wor ked per week and marital status. Employees in health care settings cant prevent all violent events,however,they can use vary strategies to protect themselves against consequence of workplace violence. Management of patient violence Nurses Violence against nurses can be dangerous aspect of ones nursing career. By providing the greatest amount of direct services to patients. nurses play a very great degree valuable role in the quality and efficiency of care and curative services.(Myduc,Stephen,Jay,Carri,Kenneth,2009). Violence can be prevented and avoided by nurses who are aware ,well trained and in control .Nursing care should be in corporate activities within the domains of providing physical, psychological and emotional support through assess physical and emotional and psychological needs for violent .In addition to maintain privacy and personal safety. Besides physical and emotional support , the nurses should enhance safety of the patient and their family by focusing on the needs of family as a whole ,also full assessment for patient and family . In addition , a calm environment and greeting can stop noisy arguments ..(Maggie and Terry,2005). Moreover, good communication skills and proper intervention are more important to reduce the effects on mental health people and performance because some patient who are violence under the influence of drugs and alcohol even the visitors of patient.(Chalermrat et al.,2008). Finally, promote self efficacy by provide patient care plan ,health education and provide information about local and national help and support and available opinion. Further-more ,encourage safety planning and recognizing the patients experience regarding their situation and respecting and support patient and their family decision.(Gordon,2008). Violence preventing training for hospital is one step in reducing the incidence of violence in hospital emergency rooms. Potentially, violence patients and visitors can be recognized by the hospital staff by attending training in violence prevention .Also, alert supervisors to any concerns about safety and report all incident immediately in writting.(Tessa,Sue,Maureen,John,Martha,Sabina,Sandra,Greg,2010). Staffs work together or with a professionally trained individual to provide an open atmosphere in which to discuss the critical violent incident and need to learn donà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢t meet aggression with aggression. Role of health care sector All of the government initiatives in arrangement in light fixture and making the manager responsible to ensure well-being of their staff and put place reporting and monitoring systems ,but more emphasis is need in identity of the trigger factors to patient behaviour and appropriate management. Similarly, the nurse play major role with violent patient ,of course the health sector play a major role to protect their staff and preventing violence .Facility administrator should provide a culture of support to those person who experience violence exposures in the work. In addition , can use a conventional and a credible system data to develop programs that increase staff safety and reduce the occurrence of violence exposure. To prevent and avoid violence , staff need to understand both violent activities and their development in the workplace . Education the staff regarding the function , role and responsibilities of the emergency nurse and the department may reduce the tension between staff. Also, education and training staff in the administration regarding the appropriate response to aggression behaviour if necessary. Moreover, close relationship with the police to tackle violence against staff to deal with the abuse behaviour once occurs.(Magie,2005). Equally important, provide enough staff member including nursing, medical officer support and security staff , besides , reduction of waiting time and the development policies and procedures to deal with the situation in case of emergency. Finally, provide video camera in emergency department to be used as evidence if necessary.(Ontario Nurses association,2008). Conclusion Nursing is a hard profession its physically and intellectually demanding. It requires patience and ability to relate to diverse types of patients ,communication skills and flexibility. Violence at work place is a complex problem which demand multifunctional actions and cooperation even with safety policies and procedures in place ,hospital and other health care setting can be dangerous places ,filled with individuals who are under stress .Part of nurses job to raise awareness in the health and aged care sectors and the community about the incidence of violence and its unacceptability as a workplace hazard are beginning to empower nurses to report violent incidents, to act to minimize risk , and to ensure their employers accept their legal obligations to provide a safe place for nurses to work and to provide care for the community. Work place violence is unacceptable not only in nursing place ,but also in all workplace . An important planning ,systematic assessment and effective responses strategies are necessary to deal with mental health illness and violent patient in any sectors ,some times its difficult, but by training sessions and copying strategies it could help to prepare nurses for violence in workplace. Failure to prevent workplace violence , it could result in prosecution , loss of valuable employees , productivity and efficiency. (Stella,MalcolmJan,2008).

An Analysis of The Harlots House Essay -- Harlots House Essays

An Analysis of The Harlot's House      Ã‚  Ã‚   Oscar Wilde's "The Harlot's House" was written in 1881, towards the latter part of the Victorian era.   This genre is a poem containing 12 stanzas.   The point of view in this piece is from the narrator's perspective early on, the narrative distance moves further distant in the fourth stanza, zooms in, then out again.    The narrator is walking down a street and pauses, with his companion, "beneath the harlot's house"   (Wilde, Longman p. 2069: 1.3).   In the next two stanzas Wilde transitions to the inside of the house depicting a partygoers atmosphere in "Inside, above the din and fray"   (2.1) and shadows of the figures inside are projected onto the blind (3.3).   This movie projector type visual picture gives this poem a choppy edited effect.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The imagery of this poem is vivid.   The shadowy figures of the occupants at the harlot's house are portrayed as "mechanical" (3.1).  Ã‚   The narrator and his companion watch at all that is happening at this house of ill repute.   The reader gets the sense that both stand below the window for quite some time.   Whether through fascination, or wondering how people live "on the other side of the tracks", clearly there is some allure to standing on this street watching the "ghostly dancers spin to sound of horn and violin" (4.1-2).   There are two more dances described, a quadrille in the fifth stanza, a saraband in the sixth.        Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Wilde moves the picture from a fantasy like dream, with dances and gaiety, to a pointed change of stark reality he affects by wordage.   In the 20th line, a "phantom lover" is pulled close to a "clockwork puppet" (7.1-2).   The "horrible marionette" comes to the porch to smoke, "upon ... ...ng hours and there was little to celebrate.   "Britian grew richer, but it was not the poor who benefited from this revolution" according to the Longman Anthology   (Longman p. 1818).   "The overcrowded conditions in the cities created urban slums of unimaginable wretchedness"   (p. 1819).      This wretchedness is mirrored in "The Harlot's House."   The harlot's marionette is portrayed as alive but not really living, and the narrator who stands on the street thinks he condemns a wretched lifestyle.   The irony is that, he is perhaps, just as lifeless as the marionette (only more so for being a hypocrite).    He is probably just as "dead" as the "dead dancing with the dead" at the house.    Works Cited Damrosch, David, et al., ed.   The Longman Anthology of British Literature: Vol. B.   Compact ed.   New York: Longman - Addison Wesley Longman, 2000.

India Child marriage

Child marriage in India From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Small child brides in India Child marriage is a common practice in many countries around the world, however it is especially prevalent in India, where more than one third of all child brides live. [1] According to UNICEF, 47% of girls are married by 18 years of age, and 18% are married by 15 years of age. [2] These marriages are often performed without the consent of the girls involved in the marriage. Indian law has made child marriage illegal, but it is still widely practiced across the nation.The highest rates are seen particularly in the rural states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. [3] It affects both boys and girls, but statistics show that girls are far more likely to be forced into a child marriage than boys; however the percentage of girls forced into child marriage in India has declined in recent years. Many consider child marriage to be a human r ights violation, resulting in death, health problems, poverty, violence, and lack of education. Contents Definitions of child marriageUNICEF defines child marriage as a formal marriage or union before 18 years of age. [4] UN Women defines child marriage as a forced marriage before 18 years of age because they believe children under age 18 are incapable of giving their consent. [5] History of child marriage Political turmoil Child marriage, also known as Bal Vivaha, is believed to have begun during the medieval ages of India. At this time, the political atmosphere was turbulent and ruled by Delhi Sultans in an absolute monarchy government.The sultans had an extreme commitment to their religion and forced many to convert, causing socio-cultural unrest, and Hindu women suffered the most. These days of the Delhi Sultans produced practices such as child marriage and lowered the status of women even further. They invented the ill omen of giving birth to a female baby and believed that you ng unmarried girls caused disaster. Child marriage became a widespread cultural practice with various reasons to justify it, and many marriages were performed while the girl was still an infant. [6] Military alliancesIndian feudalistic society became present, where characteristics such as honor, rivalry, and animosity were important qualities to possess, and because of this, families and kingdoms created strong military alliances to preserve or destroy power between them. To ensure the alliance was upheld by both sides, each family exchanged a young member of their household who was reared and educated at the other family's estate. The children were the assurance that the alliance between the families was honored, but in case it wasn't enough, the families made a marriage arrangement to deepen the alliance even further.They believed the marriage wouldn't work if they waited for the young children to grow up because they could possibly pick someone outside of the alliance. If they pe rformed the marriage while the children were still young and susceptible to their parents' influence, the children would have no choice but to marry who their parents chose to strengthen the alliance. [7] The caste system The caste system is also believed to have contributed to the growth of child marriage. Castes, which are based on birth and heredity, do not allow two people to marry if they are from different castes.This system was threatened by young people's emotions and desires to marry outside their caste, so out of necessity, child marriage was created to ensure the caste system continued. [8] Laws against child marriage The Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 The Child Marriage Restraint Act, also called the Sarda Act,[9] was a law to restrict the practice of child marriage. It was enacted on April 1, 1930, extended across the whole nation, with the exceptions of the states of Jammu and Kashmir, and applied to every Indian citizen.Its goal was to eliminate the dangers plac ed on young girls who could not handle the stress of married life and avoid early deaths. This Act defined a male child as 21 years or younger, a female child as 18 years or younger, and a minor as a child of either sex 18 years or younger. The punishment for a male between 18 and 21 years marrying a child became imprisonment of up to 15 days, a fine of 1,000 rupees, or both. The punishment for a male above 21 years of age became imprisonment of up to three months and a possible fine.The punishment for anyone who performed or directed a child marriage ceremony became imprisonment of up to three months and a possible fine, unless he could prove the marriage he performed was not a child marriage. The punishment for a parent or guardian of a child taking place in the marriage became imprisonment of up to three months or a possible fine. [10] It was amended in 1940 and 1978 to continue raising the ages of male and female children. [11] The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006Coming i nto effect on November 1, 2007, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) was put into place to address and fix the shortcomings of the Child Marriage Restraint Act. [12] The change in name was meant to reflect the prevention and prohibition of child marriage, rather than restraining it. [13][14] The previous Act also made it difficult and time consuming to act against child marriages and did not focus on authorities as possible figures for preventing the marriages. [15] This Act kept the ages of adult males and females the same but made some significant changes to further protect the children.Boys and girls forced into child marriages as minors have the option of voiding their marriage up to two years after reaching adulthood, and in certain circumstances, marriages of minors can be null and void before they reach adulthood. All valuables, money, and gifts must be returned if the marriage is nullified, and the girl must be provided with a place of residency until she marries or becomes an adult. Children born from child marriages are considered legitimate, and the courts are expected to give parental custody with the children's best interests in mind.Any male over 18 years of age who enters into a marriage with a minor or anyone who directs or conducts a child marriage ceremony can be punished with up to two years of imprisonment or a fine. [16] — Latest Judgment Under Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 — It has been held by the Delhi High Court that Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 overrides all personal laws and governs each and every citizen of India– 2012 [Volume No. 3] JCC [Journal of Criminal Cases] Page No. 148 – IN The High Court of Delhi – Hon’ble The Acting Chief Justice ; Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjiv Khanna ; Hon’ble Mr. Justice V. K. Shali – Date of Judgment – 27th July, 2012 – Court on Its Own Motion [Lajja Devi] Vs. State – W. P. [Crl. ] No. 338 of 2 008 — Smt. Laxmi Devi & Anr. Vs. State [GNCT of Delhi] & Others – Cril. M. C. No. 100/2011 and Crl. M. A. No. 3737 of 2011 – Maha Dev Vs. State [GNCT of Delhi] & Anr. – W. P. [Crl. ] No. 821 of 2008 and Crl. M. A. No. 8765 of 2008 — Devender @ Babli Vs. State [GNCT of Delhi] & Anr. – W. P. [Crl. ] No. 66 of 2010 — Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 – section 2[a] – Issue for Consideration – [i] What is the status of marriage under the Hindu Law when one of the parties to the marriage is below the age of 18 years prescribed under Section 5 [iii] of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and Section 2 [a] of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, and [ii] When the girl is minor [but the boy has attained the age of marriage as prescribed] whether the husband can be regarded as the lawful guardian of the minor wife and claim her custody in spite of contest and claim by the parents of the girl – what is the effect of Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. — Held: – The object behind enacting the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 was to curb the menace of Child Marriage, which is still prevalent in this country and is most common in rural areas – Child Marriage is such a social evil which has the potentialities of dangers to the life and health of a female child and plays havoc in their lives, who cannot withstand the stress and strains of married life and it leads to early deaths of such minor mothers – It also reflects the chauvinistic attribute of the Indian Society- Even after the passing of the new Act i. e. – Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, certain loopholes still remain, the legislations are weak as they do not actually prohibit child marriage . It can be said that though the practice of child marriage has been discouraged by the legislations but it has not been completely banned – Having regard to the legal/statutory position that stands as of now leaves us to answer first part of question No. by concluding that the marriage contracted with a female of less than 18 years of a male of less than 21 years of age would not be a void marriage but voidable one, which would become valid if no steps are taken by such court has option[s] to order otherwise [Paras 1,25,26,35,40] – Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 – Section 3 – The girl, if mature, cannot and should be denied her freedom and other wishes should not get negated as of she has no voice and her wishes are of no consequences – The Court while deciding, should also keep in mind that such marriages are voidable and the girl has the right to approach the Court under Section 3 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 to get the marriage declared void till she attains the age of 20 years. Para 48 ] – Indian Penal Code, 1860 – Section 375 & 376 – In case the girl is below 16 years, the answer is obvious that the consent does not matter – Offence under Section 376 Indian Penal Code is made out – The charge sheet cannot be quashed on the ground that she was a consenting party – However, there can be special or exceptional circumstances which may require consideration, in cases where the girl even after attaining majority affirms and reiterates her consent. [Para 49] — Indian Penal Code, 1860 – section 375 – Consummation, with the wife below the age of 15 years of age, is an offence under Section 375 – No exception can be made to the said constitutional mandate and the same has to be strictly and diligently enforce – Consent is such case is completely impartial, for consent at such a young age is difficult to conceive and accept – It makes no difference whether the girl is married or not – Personal law applicable to the parties is also immaterial. Para 50 ] — Indian Penal code, 1860 – Section 375 & 376 – Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 – Section 3 – If the girl is more than 16 years, and the girl makes a statement that she went with her consent and that statement and consent is without any force, coercion or undue influence, the statement could be accepted and the court will be within its power to quash the proceedings under Sections 363 or 376 Indian Penal Code, 1860 – Here again no straight jacket formulae can be applied – The court has to be cautious, for the girl has right to get marriage nullified under Section 3 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 – Attending circumstances including the maturity and understanding of the girl, social background of girl, age of the girl and boy etc. have to be taken into consideration. [Para 51] – Indian Penal Code, 1860 – Section 363/366/376/465/467/494/497/120-B/506 Indian Penal Code – Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 20 06- Section 3 – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 – Section 482 – As per the ossification test, the girl/petitioner No. 1 was found between 17-19 years of age – As per the school leaving certificate, she was 17 years of age on the date when the parties solemnised marriage – Since she has given the statement that she married of her own accord to the petitioner no. and was more than 16 years of age, FIR under sections 363/366/376/465/467/494/497/120-B/506 Indian Penal Code registered against the petitioner no. 2 is quashed. — Marriage and Guardianship – In this writ petition, the question is only of validity of marriage and guardianship – Even if the age of the girl is taken as 15 years of age at the time of incident i. e. – 27. 10. 2006, she would be 21 years of age as of now – she has not filed any proceedings for declaring the marriage as void. Therefore, the marriage becomes valid now – The question of gua rdianship does not arise at this stage as she is major and during the period she was minor she resided at Nirmal Chhaya- Thus, the writ petition is disposed of in the above said terms. — Held: – As per the facts noted in Para 10 above, Shivani @ Deepika at the time of her marriage was less than 16 years of age, her date of birth being 3. 6. 1994 – It was directed that she would remain at Nirmal Chhaya – However, as the per the aforesaid date of birth i. e. – 3. 6. 1994, she has attained majority on 3. 6. 2012 – The petition was filed by Sh. Devender Kumar who married her habeas corpus was claiming her custody. She has attained majority, she is free to go anywhere – with these directions, this petition stands disposed of. [Para 56,57 & 58] — Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 which now stands repealed by Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. Para 16] – Thus, irrespective of personal laws under Act child marriages are p rohibited. – By declaring that the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 shall apply to all citizens, the parliament has intended to allow the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 to override the provisions of Hindu Marriage Act to the extent of inconsistencies between these two enactments. Similarly, Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 will override the personal law. [Para 20] – Thus, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, being a special law, will have overriding effect over the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 to the extent of any inconsistency between the two enactments.For this reason, the court took the view that Section 3 of Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 would have overriding effect over the Hindu Marriage Act and the marriage with a minor child would not be valid but voidable and would become valid if within two years from the date of attaining 18 years in the case of female and 21 years in the case of male, a petition is not filed before the D istrict Court under section 3 [1] of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 for annulling the marriage. Similarly, after attaining eighteen years of age in the case of female, or twenty one years of age in the case of a male, the marriage shall become a full-fledged valid marriage. Until such an event of acceptance of the marriage or lapse of limitation period, the marriage shall continue to remain as a voidable marriage. Para 21] – If the marriage is annulled as per Section 3[1] of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, the same shall take effect from the date of marriage and, in such an event, in the eye of law there shall be no marriage at all between the parties at any point of time. [Para 22] – Stronger punishments for offences under Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 have been prescribed and that the offences have also been made cognizable and non-bailable but, this does not in any event have any impact on the validity of the child marriage. †” It has made a specific provision for void marriages under certain circumstances but did not render all child marriages void. [Para 23] — Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 as noticed above is a secular law and is a latter enactment, which specifically deals with the problem of child marriages. Religion of the contracting party does not matter.Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 being a â€Å"Special Act† and being a subsequent legislation, to this extent and in case there is any conflict, will override the provisions of Hindu marriage Act or for that matter nay personal law. [Para 30] — Registration of marriage has still not been made compulsory. Compulsory registration mandates that the age of the girl and the boy getting married have to be mentioned. If implemented properly, it would discourage parents from marrying off their minor children since a written document of their ages would prove the illegality of such marriages. This would probably be able to tackle the sensitive issue of minor marriages upheld by personal laws. Para 38] —- The marriage contracted with a female of less than 18 years or a male of less than 21 years would not be a void marriage but voidable one, which would become valid if no steps are taken by such â€Å"Child† within the meaning of Section 2[a] of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 under Section 3 of the said Act seeking declaration of this marriage as void. [Para 40]. CEDAW The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, commonly known as CEDAW, is an international bill attempting to end discrimination against women. Article 16, Marriage and Family Life, states that all women, as well as men, have the right to choose their spouse, to have the same responsibilities, and to decide on how many children and the spacing between them. This convention states that child marriage should not have a legal effect, all action must be taken to enforce a m inimum age, and that all marriages must be put into an official registry. 17] India signed the convention on July 30, 1980 but made the declaration that, because of the nation's size and amount of people, it's impractical to have a registration of marriages. [18] Why parents choose child marriage Parents of a child entering into a child marriage are often poor and use the marriage as a way to make her future better, especially in areas with little economic opportunities. During times of war, parents will often marry off their young child to protect her from the conflicts raging around her. Some families still use child marriage to build alliances, as they did during the medieval ages. Statistically, a girl in a child marriage has less of a chance to go to school, and parents think education will undermine her ability to be a traditional wife and mother.Virginity is an important part of Indian culture, and parents want to ensure their daughters do not have pre-marital sex, and child marriage is an easy way to fix this. [19] Consequences of child marriage Early maternal deaths Roza Olyai, an Indian gynecologist and the National Chairperson for the Adolescent Health Committee of the Federation of the Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India said, â€Å"Early marriage has many medical risks. The reproductive organs are not fully developed. The body is not ready. Teenage mothers, especially those below 18 years, risk hypertensive disorder, eclampsia, pre-eclampsia, and post-partum hemorrhage. â€Å"[20]Girls who marry earlier in life are less likely to be informed about reproductive issues,[21] and because of this, pregnancy-related deaths are known to be the leading cause of mortality among married girls between 15 and 19 years of age. [22] These girls are twice more likely to die in childbirth than girls between 20 and 24 years of age. [23] Girls younger than 15 years of age are 5 times more likely to die in childbirth. [24][25] HIV and AIDS Girls enterin g into a child marriage are sometimes significantly younger than their husbands, who can be more sexually experienced. Marrying young and being sexually active can increase a girl's chance of becoming HIV-positive by more than 75%. [26] Infant healthInfants born to mothers under the age of 18 are 60% more likely to die in their first year than to mothers over the age of 19. If the children survive, they are more likely to suffer from low birth weight, malnutrition, and late physical and cognitive development. [27][28] Fertility outcomes A study conducted in India by the International Institute for Population Sciences and Macro International in 2005 and 2006 showed high fertility, low fertility control, and poor fertility outcomes data within child marriages. 90. 8% of young married women reported no use of a contraceptive prior to having their first child. 23. 9% reported having a child within the first year of marriage. 17. % reported having three or more children over the course o f the marriage. 23% reported a rapid repeat childbirth, and 15. 2% reported an unwanted pregnancy. 15. 3% reported a pregnancy termination (stillbirths, miscarriages or abortions). [29] Fertility rates are higher in slums than in urban areas. [30] Lack of education and poverty Marrying young is often associated with a lack of education and higher rates of poverty. Because of household responsibilities, pregnancy, and child rearing, young girls do not have access to schooling and income opportunities. [31] Violence Young girls in a child marriage are more likely to experience domestic violence in their marriages as opposed to older women.A study conducted in India by the International Center for Research on Women showed that girls married before 18 years of age are twice as likely to be beaten, slapped, or threatened by their husbands[32] and three times more likely to experience sexual violence. [33] Young brides often show symptoms of sexual abuse and post-traumatic stress. [34] Pr evention programs in India Apni Beti, Apna Dhan (ABAD), which translates to â€Å"Our Daughter, Our Wealth,† is one of India's first conditional cash transfer programs dedicated to delaying young marriages across the nation. In 1994, the Indian government implemented this program in the state of Haryana.On the birth of a mother's first, second, or third child, they are set to receive 500 rupees, or 11 USD, within the first 15 days to cover their post-delivery needs. Along with this, the government gives 2,500 rupees, or 55 USD, to invest in a long-term savings bond in the daughter's name, which can be later cashed for 25,000 rupees, or 550 USD, after her 18 birthday. She can only receive the money if she is not married. Anju Malhotra, an expert on child marriage and adolescent girls said of this program, â€Å"No other conditional cash transfer has this focus of delaying marriage†¦ It's an incentive to encourage parents to value their daughters. â€Å"[35]The Internati onal Center for Research on Women will evaluate Apni Beti, Apna Dhan over the course of the year 2012, when the program's initial participants turn 18, to see if the program, particularly the cash incentive, has motivated parents to delay their daughters' marriages. â€Å"We have evidence that conditional cash transfer programs are very effective in keeping girls in school and getting them immunized, but we don’t yet have proof that this strategy works for preventing marriage,† said Pranita Achyut, the program manager for Apni Beti, Apna Dhan. â€Å"If Haryana state’s approach proves to be valuable, it could potentially be scaled up to make a significant difference in many more girls’ lives – and not only in India. †[36]