Case 1 Marquis and Almandoz Can an ethical bank support...

EXPERIENCE HBR.ORG Case Study The Experts Christopher Marquis is an associate professor at Harvard Business School. Juan Almandoz is an assistant professor at lESE Business School, in Barcelona. Can an Ethical Bank Support Guns and Frac king? by Christopher Marquis and Juan Almandoz Ken LaRoe, chairman and CEO, First Green Bank A John Replogle, president and CEO, Seventh Generation | B | HBRs fictionalized case studies present B l dilemmas faced by leaders in real companies and offer solutions from experts. This one is based on the HBS Case Study First Green Bank: Bringing Bloom to Desert Landscapes (case no. 9-413-073), by Christopher Marquis and Juan Almandoz. It is available at HBR.org. s the founder and president of a new†¦show more content†¦Two other board members agreed with her about the gym, so Jay had scaled back those plans. Twin Debates Neitha had been the one to solicit the first problematic loan application. Shed been talking to the head of a Colorado engineering company that developed pumping sys124 Harvard Business Review April 2014 tems used in hydraulic fracturing—fracking—and wanted to expand into making the polymers, emulsions, and surfactants the industry relies on. These materials, the executive said, would be significantly less toxic than those currently in use. Though ambivalent about fracking in general, Neitha had recommended that the executive approach Rocky Mountain Green Bank. But on hearing about the opportunity, Neithas fellow directors were divided. One side touted the economic and employment smoking in public areas were a perfect example, he said: Many of them went into effect before the dangers of secondhand smoke had been proved. So if it looks bad, it is bad. Jay thought ruefully. Hoping for a more nuanced perspective. Jay went next to the pastor, the Reverend Clyde Dahlberg, who, to Jays surprise, advocated a completely evidence-based approach: Make two columns, one for adverse environmental impacts, one for the positives, he said In some ways, it was just the type of loan the bank needed: Field Force was a solid performer, a growing source of local jobs, and a good corporate citizen. benefits of fracking, while the other inmatter-of-factly. Figure out a way to

Evolution Of The Origin Of Man - 862 Words

First Draft Creationists say that teaching evolution in school would go against what they believe about the origins of man. But Evolution does not cover the origins of man, but how entire species have changed with time. US public schools should teach evolution as scientific fact because there is fossil evidence, bacterial evidence, and there is evidence hidden inside of the genes in all living things. Fossil’s from all over the world show evidence of evolution and change in entire species. Scientists have found fossils of ancient birds with DNA that is nearly the same as modern day birds. But the ancient birds had feathers and legs just like that of modern birds. But they also have teeth, clawed digits on their forelimbs, and a tailbone much like one from a reptile. From this scientists have put it together that birds had evolved from ancient reptiles, and that reptiles and birds are both closely related to each other even today. Philip D. Gingerich, an paleontologist and a professor at t he University of Michigan had found a fossil which he called Pakicetus. It was an ancient mammal found in Pakistan and Egypt whose ear bones show that it is a member in the whale family but it has a skull that looks like a dogs. Philip proposed that this was ancient ancestor of modern day whales. Later Hans Thewissen, a former student of Philip D. Gingerich found another fossil that was a slightly more recent form of Pakicetus that had webbed feet and legs built for walking or swimmingShow MoreRelatedAnthropology and Its Branches1728 Words   |  7 Pagesphysical anthropology, which is the study of human physical character, in both the past and present. Anthropology emerged as an independent science in the late 18th century, it developed two divisions: physical anthropology, which focuses on human Evolution and variation, using methods of Physiology, Anthropometry, Genetics, and Ecology; and cultural anthropology , which includes Archaeology, Ethnology, Social Anthropology, and Linguistics. Anthropology is a holistic subject that covers all facetsRead MoreThe Evolution of Evolution1188 Words   |  5 Pagescreation of humanity have rapidly changed since the discovery of evolution. Nevertheless, there was a time before the world did not know the theory of evolution and the theories demonstrated by Sir Charles Darwin. Before the evolution, there were people who were subjected to religious ideologies of how mankind was created, they believed that the upper class was known to be â€Å"divine creatures†. However, the introduction of evolution leads the theory to be the base of biology and changes the minds ofRead MoreThe Theory Of Evolution Of Creationism977 Words   |  4 PagesThe theory of evolution is at odds with the views of many religions, and many people want to allow a religious view of creationism to be taught in the public school system. The foundation of evolution is based upon the belief that the origin of all ordered complex systems, including living creatures, can be explained by natural laws without the initiation or intervention of God. A person who believes in the biblical model of creation is viewed by some non- believers as a naive, narrow-minded religiousRead More Human Evolution Essay1020 Words   |  5 PagesHuman Evolution   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When people take a look at African history in general many topics and ideas come to mind. How the people of Africa lived, how they developed civilizations and cultures, and how their oral traditions came about are just a few examples. When I am trying to learn about different groups of people and different areas of the world I most likely start at the very beginning of their existence. Africa being the origin of man and the home for the majority of developments of early humansRead MoreDarwin s Theory Of Evolution Of Species1354 Words   |  6 Pagesdeeper and more impactful discussion; the origins of species. Prior to Darwin’s studies the discussion of the origin of man was dominated by creationism, or the belief that we derive from god, who created us all in his image. For the next thirty years, Darwin devoted himself to researching the long standing question â€Å"where did we come from?† Darwin became the first scientist to present a supported ar gument for evolution, with his crowned publication, â€Å"Origins of Species†, describing how all speciesRead MoreHow Charles Darwin Changed the World Forever1409 Words   |  6 PagesThere is one man in history who changed everything from the way we see everyday events in the world, and that man is Charles Darwin. Charles Darwin was a scientist who discovered the origin of life through a study on the Galapagos Islands. Before Darwin’s discovery, the world was looked upon as God’s playground where everything happened because of him. For example, if something bad happened to someone’s family like a disease it would be because they have angered God. Darwin lived during the dawnRead MoreThe Origin Of Life And Evolution1744 Words   |  7 Pageslast centuries. On the contrary, even though it is nearly 150 years since the Origin of Species (Charles Darwin, 1859), it seems paradoxical that there are still a great significant amount of people who maintain an a nti-darwian position on the origin of life and species. A poll done by Gallup Institute in 2004 showed that an approximate of 42% of Americans believe that humanity was created by God, 18% believe in an evolution directed by God, and only 26% of them support Darwin’s theory. In Great BritainRead MoreOn The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin915 Words   |  4 PagesHuman evolution has been of interest to people for quite some time. Even though in the publication of On The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin in 1859 human evolution was not specifically mentioned, only that light will be thrown on the origin of man and his history, Darwin did argue for the evolution of new species from older ones (1). Since then, interest in evolution, and especially human evolution, has been growing. An example of one of the first debates about human evolution is the debateRead MoreAnalysis Of Charles Darwin s The Origin Of Species Declared That Human Beings Developed Overtime From More Si mple Forms843 Words   |  4 PagesDarwin in his book On the Origin of Species declared that human beings developed overtime from more simple forms. Evolution suggested that the human species originated from ape-like creatures and gradually changed in structure. Essentially, given the changing patterns of weather and environment, the species had to acquire new skills and adapt to survive. Those that could not change were eliminated in a process that is known as Natural Selection (Larson 47). The Evolution theory, since its inceptionRead MoreHuman Evolution: How Humans Have Evolved800 Words   |  4 Pagesyears. Human evolution all started from our great ancestors, the chimpanzees. Human evolution started all in the continent of Africa. Due to global changes, evolution changed over time. Thus leading to the evolution of mankind. But man didnt just evolve from chimpanzees. There were a lot of scientific processes and different events that led up to final evolution of mankind. But wh at does it mean humans evolved from chimpanzees? Why is the human evolution such a small speck in the evolution graph of

Declaration Activity free essay sample

Jefferson chose to begin the Declaration with the words, â€Å"The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America. † Do you feel this was necessary? Why or why not? Could the 13 colonies have declared independence if they were not unanimous? Why or why not? Answers will vary. Most students might note that it was necessary for Jefferson to prove that the Continental Congress presented a united front to the world in order to prove that independence was the true goal of the colonies. Others may state that since each state provided signers to the document, it was obvious that all thirteen colonies accepted it. As to the question of whether the 13 colonies could have declared independence if they weren’t unanimous, answers will vary. Most students might state that independence would be difficult without the support of all thirteen colonies, but some might say independence without consensus was still possible. For instance, colonies that objected could be absorbed into Canada or find a way to peacefully co-exist with those that seceded. We will write a custom essay sample on Declaration Activity or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 2. How does Jefferson explain the reason for a formal declaration of independence? Why do you think it was necessary for Jefferson to state the â€Å"causes which impel them to the separation†? Answers will vary. However, some students may note that other nations, such as France and the Netherlands, also had colonial interests in North America and may have been concerned if British colonists declared independence for groundless reasons. Also, because of Jefferson’s background as a lawyer, it might have also been true that he was building his case for independence before the world community, similar to what he might do if he were pleading a case before a jury. 3. Next, review the two sections of John Locke’s Two Treatises of Government. In your own words, how does Jefferson use Locke’s ideas in the preamble of the Declaration? Students will note similarities between Locke’s thoughts on natural rights and Jefferson’s mention of â€Å"inalienable rights, including â€Å"Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. They may also note Jefferson’s view that â€Å"all men are created equal. † 4. According to Jefferson, what was the purpose of government? What does Jefferson suggest should happen whenever government becomes â€Å"destructive of the ends for which it was created? According to Jefferson, how do governments derive their powers? Jefferson would note that the purpose of government was to protect the â€Å"inalienable rights† that man received from â€Å"their Creator. † In his view, if government became 2 â€Å"destructive,† it was the right of the citizens to â€Å"alter or abolish† that form of government and replace it with a better one. Jefferson believed that governments derived their power â€Å"from the consent of the governed. † In other words, the citizens of the nation permitted the government to rule. 5. Jefferson noted that â€Å"all men are created equal,† suggesting that this was â€Å"selfevident. Speculate as to w hat he meant by that statement. What sorts of conflicts and misconceptions may have stemmed from this statement? Answers will vary as to what Jefferson meant by the â€Å"all men are created equal† statement. Some students may note that Jefferson made this statement as a slave owner and had no intention of granting citizenship status or equality to his black slaves. Other students might speculate that Jefferson believed in a literal interpretation of this phrase and had no intention of granting equality or the right to vote to women. Also, students may note that some white men (if they were not property owners) did not have the right to vote. 6. Next, look at the list of grievances that Jefferson lists as reasons that the King has violated the natural rights of the colonists. Below, list the three grievances that you feel are the worst violations. Explain why you believe them to be important. Also, note that Jefferson points to King George III in his list of grievances despite the fact that Parliament passed the acts and approved the taxes that led to the colonists calling for independence. The King, on the other hand, was a monarch with limited power. Why would Jefferson blame the King for the problems leading to the Declaration? Explain your view. Answers will vary. Based on their study of the American Revolution and viewing of the series, many students may point to grievances that allowed the British military occupation of colonial cities (for example, the Boston Massacre), imposing taxes without consent (a grievance that is typically mentioned in textbooks), grievances that limit selfgovernment and possibly grievances that caused insurrections of Native Americans. Most students would probably note that it would be easier for the colonists to focus their anger on one individual, King George, than on the Parliament. His likeness was on colonial money, so he was known by all the colonists, while most members of Parliament were not known to the average colonist. Focusing anger and displeasure on one individual could provide a great psychological boost to the independence movement. 7. In the summer of 1776, Jefferson may not have recognized that his declaration would be studied and revered by generations. However, the Declaration has gained that status over time. Write a paragraph that explaining your view of why that has happened. If you do not feel that the Declaration is revered, explain why. Many students who feel that the Declaration is revered will probably note that Jefferson’s statements regarding fundamental rights are representative of our government’s foundation today. In addition, they may also note that the Declaration is displayed in a 3 similar manner (and in a similar location) as the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights, thereby giving it the same status. Other students may note that the document helped unite various factions in the Continental Congress, paving the way for independence. Some students may note that in 21st Century America, the Declaration has no legal â€Å"force,† and therefore while it is an important historic document, its importance is significantly overstated. 8. The colonists had been fighting British soldiers for over a year before the Declaration was written and the formal declaration of war against Britain was announced. Why do you feel it took so long for the colonists to formally announce a declaration of war against the British? The length of time between the fighting at Lexington and Concord and the actual declaration of war probably occurred because most colonists (and many delegates to the Continental Congress) hoped for some sort of reconciliation with Britain. They felt that a declaration of war might antagonize the British and make reconciliation difficult, if not impossible. Answers will vary. 9. John Locke died in 1704, over 70 years before Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. In your estimate, would Locke be happy with the way Jefferson used his Two Treatises to justify independence from Britain, which was Locke’s native country? Below, either write a fictitious letter from Locke to Jefferson critiquing his use of Two Treatises in the Declaration of Independence or a fictitious letter from Jefferson to Locke explaining how he adapted Locke’s theory in writing the Declaration. Answers will vary.

Outline of Chapter 2 Essay Example

Outline of Chapter 2 Essay chapter 2 chapter outline module 5 Neurons: The Basic Elements of Behavior The Structure of the Neuron How Neurons Fire Where Neurons Connect to One Another: Bridging the Gap Neurotransmitters: Multitalented Chemical Couriers module 6 module 7 The Brain The Nervous System and the Endocrine System: Communicating within the Body The Nervous System The Endocrine System: Of Chemicals and Glands Studying the Brain’s Structure and Functions: Spying on the Brain The Central Core: Our â€Å"Old Brain† The Limbic System: Beyond the Central Core The Cerebral Cortex: Our â€Å"New Brain† Neuroplasticity and the Brain The Specialization of the Hemispheres: Two Brains or One? Exploring Diversity: Human Diversity and the Brain Try It! Assessing Brain Lateralization The Split Brain: Exploring the Two Hemispheres Becoming an Informed Consumer of Psychology: Learning to Control Your Heart—and Mind—through Biofeedback Psychology on the Web The Case of . . . The Fallen Athlete Full Circle: Neuroscience and Behavior 46 The Deepest Cut Wendy Nissley carried her two-year-old daughter, Lacy, into O. R. 12 at Johns Hopkins Hospital to have half of her brain removed. Lacy suffers from a rare malformation of the brain, known as hemimegalencephaly, in which one hemisphere grows larger than the other. The condition causes seizures, and Lacy was having so many—up to forty in a day—that at an age when other toddlers were trying out sentences, she could produce only a few language-like sounds. As long as Lacy’s malformed right hemisphere was attached to the rest of her brain, it would prevent her left hemisphere from functioning normally. We will write a custom essay sample on Outline of Chapter 2 specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Outline of Chapter 2 specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Outline of Chapter 2 specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer So Lacy’s parents had brought her to Johns Hopkins for a hemispherectomy, which is probably the most radical procedure in neurosurgery. (Kenneally, 2006, p. 36) neuroscience and behavior It took nearly a day, but the surgery to remove half of Lacy’s brain was a success. Within a few months, Lacy was crawling and beginning to speak. Although the long-term effects of the radical operation are still unclear, it brought substantial improvement to Lacy’s life. The ability of surgeons to identify and remove damaged portions of the brain is little short of miraculous. The greater miracle, though, is the brain itself. An organ roughly half the size of a loaf of bread, the brain controls our behavior through every waking and sleeping moment. Our movements, thoughts, hopes, aspirations, dreams—our very awareness that we are human—all depend on the brain and the nerves that extend throughout the body, constituting the nervous system. Because of the importance of the nervous system in controlling behavior, and because humans at their most basic level are biological beings, many researchers in psychology and other fields as diverse as computer science, zoology, and medicine have made the biological underpinnings of behavior their specialty. These experts collectively are called neuroscientists (Beatty, 2000; Posner DiGirolamo, 2000; Gazzaniga, Ivry, Mangun, 2002; Cartwright, 2006). Psychologists who specialize in considering the ways in which the biological structures and functions of the body affect behavior are known as Behavioral neuroscientists Psychologists who specialize in behavioral neuroscientists (or biopsychologists). They seek to answer sevconsidering the ways in which the eral key questions: How does the brain control the voluntary and involunbiological structures and functions tary functioning of the body? How does the brain communicate with other of the body affect behavior. parts of the body? What is the physical structure of the brain, and how does this structure affect behavior? Are psychological disorders caused by biological factors, and how can such disorders be treated? As you consider the biological processes that we’ll discuss in this chapter, it is important to keep in mind why behavioral neuroscience is an essential part of psychology: our understanding of human behavior requires knowledge of the brain and other parts of the nervous system. Biological factors are central to our sensory experiences, states of consciousness, motivation and emotion, development throughout the life span, and physical and psychological health. Furthermore, advances in behavioral neuroscience have led to the creation of drugs and other treatments for psychological and physical disorders. In short, we cannot understand behavior without understanding our biological makeup (Plomin, 2003a; Compagni Manderscheid, 2006; Plomin et al. , 2008). 47 looking ahe ad module 5 Neurons The Basic Elements of Behavior learning outcomes 5. 1 Explain the structure of a neuron. The nervous system is the pathway for the instructions that permit our bodies to carry out everyday activities such as scratching an itch as well as more remarkable skills like climbing to the top of Mount Everest. Here we will look at the structure and function of neurons, the cells that make up the nervous system, including the brain. 5. 2 Describe how neurons fire. 5. 3 Summarize how messages travel from one neuron to another. 5. 4 Identify neurotransmitters. The Structure of the Neuron LO 1 Playing the piano, driving a car, or hitting a tennis ball depend, at one level, on exact muscle coordination. But if we consider how the muscles can be activated so precisely, we see that there are more fundamental processes involved. For the muscles to produce the complex movements that make up any meaningful physical activity, the brain has to provide the right messages to them and coordinate those messages. Such messages—as well as those which enable us to think, remember, and experience emotion—are passed through specialized cells called neurons. Neurons Nerve cells, the basic Neurons, or nerve cells, are the basic elements of the nervous system. Their elements of the nervous system. uantity is staggering—perhaps as many as 1 trillion neurons throughout Dendrites A cluster of fibers at the body are involved in the control of behavior (Boahen, 2005). one end of the neuron that receives messages from other neurons. Although there are several types of neurons, they all have a similar strucAxon The part of the neuron that ture, as illustrated in Figure 1. In contrast to most other cells, however, carries messages destined for other neurons have a distinctive feature: the ability to communicate with other neurons. cells and transmit information across relatively long distances. Many of the body’s neurons receive signals from the environment or relay the nervous system’s messages to muscles and other target cells, but the vast majority of neurons communicate only with other neurons in the elaborate information system that regulates behavior. As you can see in Figure 1, a neuron has a cell body with a cluster of fibers called dendrites at one end. Those fibers, which look like the twisted Remember that Dendrites branches of a tree, receive messages from other neurons. On the opposite Detect messages from other of the cell body is a long, slim, tubelike extension called an axon. The axon neurons; Axons carry signals carries messages received by the dendrites to other neurons. The axon is conAway from the cell body. siderably longer than the rest of the neuron. Although most axons are several s tudy aler t 48 Chapter 2 neuroscience and behavior Dendrites Terminal buttons Cell body M o ec vem tric ent of al i mpu lse el Myelin sheath Axon (inside myelin sheath) Figure 1 The primary components of the specialized cell called the neuron, the basic element of the nervous system (Van De Graaff, 2000). A neuron, like most types of cells in the body, has a cell body and a nucleus, but it also contains structures that carry messages: the dendrites, which receive messages from other neurons, and the axon, which carries messages to other neurons or body cells. In this neuron, as in most neurons, the axon is protected by the sausagelike myelin sheath. What advantages does the treelike structure of the neuron provide? millimeters in length, some are as long as three feet. A xons end in small bulges called terminal buttons, which send messages to other neurons. The messages that travel through a neuron are electrical in nature. Although there are exceptions, those electrical messages, or impulses, generally move across neurons in one direction only, as if they were traveling on a one-way street. Impulses follow a route that begins with the dendrites, continues into the cell body, and leads ultimately along the tubelike extension, the axon, to adjacent neurons. To prevent messages from short-circuiting one another, axons must be insulated in some fashion (just as electrical wires must be insulated). Most axons are insulated by a myelin sheath, a protective coating of fat and protein that wraps around the axon like links of sausage. Terminal buttons Small bulges at the end of the axons that send messages to other neurons. Myelin sheath A protective coat of fat and protein that wraps around the axon. All-or-none law The rule that neurons are either on or off. Resting state The state in which there is a negative electrical charge of about 70 millivolts within a neuron. s tudy aler t Think of a neuron as a sausage, and the myelin sheath as the case around it. LO 2 How Neurons Fire Like a gun, neurons either fire—that is, transmit an electrical impulse along the axon—or don’t fire. There is no in-between stage, just as pulling harder on a gun trigger doesn’t make the bullet travel faster. Similarly, neurons follow an all-or-none law: they are either on or off, with nothing in between the on state and the off state. Once there is enough force to pull the trigger, a neuron fires. Before a neuron is triggered—that is, when it is in a resting state—it has a negative electrical charge of about 70 millivolts. When a message arrives at a neuron, gates along the cell membrane open briefly to allow positively charged ions to rush in at rates as high as 100 million ions per second. The sudden arrival of these positive ions causes the charge within the nearby part of the cell to change momentarily from negative to positive. When the positive charge reaches a critical level, the â€Å"trigger† is pulled, and an electrical impulse, known as an action potential, travels along the axon of the neuron (see Figure 2). psych 2. 0 www. mhhe. com/psychlife Neurons 49 Module 5 neurons: the basic elements of behavior Figure 2 Movement of the action potential across the axon. Just before Time 1, positively charged ions enter the cell membrane, changing the charge in the nearby part of the neuron from negative to positive and triggering an action potential. The action potential travels along the axon, as illustrated in the changes occurring from Time 1 to Time 3 (from top to bottom in this drawing). Immediately after the action potential has passed through a section of the axon, positive ions are pumped out, restoring the charge in that section to negative. Time 1 Voltage Time 2 ++ +++ – – – – – – Time 3 Voltage Voltage Positive charge Negative charge Direction of impulse Action potential An electric nerve impulse that travels through a neuron when it is set off by a â€Å"trigger,† changing the neuron’s charge from negative to positive. Mirror neurons Neurons that fire when a person enacts a particular behavior and also when a person views others’ behavior. The action potential moves from one end of the axon to the other like a flame moving along a fuse. Just after an action potential has occurred, a neuron cannot fire again immediately no matter how much stimulation it receives. It is as if the gun has to be reloaded after each shot. Eventually, though, the neuron is ready to fire once again. Neurons differ not only in terms of how quickly an impulse moves along the axon but also in their potential rate of firing. Some neurons are capable of firing as many as a thousand times per second; others fire at much slower rates. The intensity of a stimulus determines how much of a neuron’s potential firing rate is reached. A strong stimulus, such as a bright light or a loud sound, leads to a higher rate of firing than a less intense stimulus does. Thus, even though all impulses move at the same strength or speed through a particular axon—because of the all-or-none law—there is variation in the frequency of impulses, providing a mechanism by which we can distinguish the tickle of a feather from the weight of someone standing on our toes. Although all neurons operate through the firing of action potentials, there is significant specialization among different types of neurons. For example, in the last decade, neuroscientists have discovered the existence of mirror neurons, neurons that fire not only when a person enacts a particular behavior, but also when a person simply observes another individual carrying out the same behavior (Lepage Theoret, 2007; Schulte-Ruther et al. , 2007). 50 Chapter 2 neuroscience and behavior Mirror neurons may help explain how (and why) humans have the capacity to understand others’ intentions. Specifically, mirror neurons may fire when we view others’ behavior, helping us to predict what their goals are and what hey may do next (Oberman, Pineda, Ramachandran, 2007; Triesch, Jasso, Deak, 2007). Mirror neurons may help explain how (and why) humans have the capacity to understand others’ intentions. LO 3 Where Neurons Connect to One Another: Bridging the Gap Synapse The space between two If you have looked inside a computer, you’ve seen that each part is physically connected to another part. In con trast, evolution has produced a neural transmission system that at some points has no need for a structural connection between its components. Instead, a chemical connection bridges the gap, known as a synapse, between two neurons (see Figure 3). The synapse is the space between two neurons where the axon of a sending neuron 1 Neurotransmitters are produced and stored in the axon. neurons where the axon of a sending neuron communicates with the dendrites of a receiving neuron by using chemical messages. 2 If an action potential arrives, the axon releases neurotransmitters. 3 Neurotransmitters travel across the synapse to receptor sites on another neuron’s dendrite. Axon Axon Synapse Dendrite Synapse Neurotransmitter Neurotransmitter Synapse Receptor site Receptor site 4 When a neurotransmitter fits into a receptor site, it delivers an excitatory or inhibitory message. If enough excitatory messages are delivered, the neuron will fire. A Neurotransmitter Dendrite B Figure 3 (A) A synapse is the junction between an axon and a dendrite. The gap between the axon and the dendrite is bridged by chemicals called neurotransmitters (Mader, 2000). (B) Just as the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle can fit in only one specific location in a puzzle, each kind of neurotransmitter has a distinctive configuration that allows it to fit into a specific type of receptor cell (Johnson, 2000). Why is it advantageous for axons and dendrites to be linked by temporary chemical bridges rather than by the hard wiring typical of a radio connection or telephone hookup? Module 5 neurons: the basic elements of behavior 51 communicates with the dendrites of a receiving neuron by using chemical messages (Fanselow Poulos, 2005; Dean Dresbach, 2006). carry messages across the synapse to When a nerve impulse comes to the end of the axon and reaches a terminal the dendrite (and sometimes the cell button, the terminal button releases a chemical courier called a neurotransbody) of a receiver neuron. mitter. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry messages across the Excitatory messages Chemical synapse to a dendrite (and sometimes the cell body) of a receiving neuron. messages that make it more likely that a receiving neuron will fire and an The chemical mode of message transmission that occurs between neurons is action potential will travel down its axon. strikingly different from the means by which communication occurs inside Inhibitory messages Chemical neurons: although messages travel in electrical form within a neuron, they messages that prevent or decrease the move between neurons through a chemical transmission system. ikelihood that a receiving neuron will fire. There are several types of neurotransmitters, and not all neurons are Reuptake The reabsorption of capable of receiving the chemical message carried by a particular neuneurotransmitters by a terminal button. rotransmitter. In the same way that a jigsaw puzzle piece can fit in only one specific location in a puzzle, e ach kind of neurotransmitter has a distinctive configuration that allows it to fit into a specific type of receptor site on the receiving neuron (see Figure 3B). It is only when a neurotransmitter fits precisely into a receptor site that successful chemical communication is possible. If a neurotransmitter does fit into a site on the receiving neuron, the chemical message it delivers is basically one of two types: excitatory or inhibitory. Excitatory messages make it more likely that a receiving neuron will fire and an action potential will travel down its axon. Inhibitory messages, in contrast, do just the opposite; they provide chemical information that prevents or decreases the likelihood that the receiving neuron will fire. Because the dendrites of a neuron receive both excitatory and inhibitory messages simultaneously, the neuron must integrate the messages by using a kind of chemical calculator. Put simply, if the excitatory messages (â€Å"fire! †) outnumber psych 2. 0 the inhibitory ones (â€Å"don’t fire! †), the neuron fires. In contrast, if the inhibitory www. mhhe. com/psychlife messages outnumber the excitatory ones, nothing happens, and the neuron remains in its resting state (Mel, 2002; Flavell et al. , 2006). If neurotransmitters remained at the site of the synapse, receiving neurons would be awash in a continual chemical bath, producing constant stimulation or constant inhibition of the receiving neurons—and effective communication across the synapse would no longer be possible. To solve this problem, neurotransmitters are either deactivated by enzymes or—more commonly— reabsorbed by the terminal button in an example of chemical recycling called reuptake. Like a vacuum cleaner sucking up dust, neurons reabsorb the neurotransmitters that are now clogging the synapse. All this activity Messages Traveling between Neurons occurs at lightning speed (Helmuth, 2000; Holt Jahn, 2004). Neurotransmitters Chemicals that LO 4 Neurotransmitters: Multitalented Chemical Couriers Neurotransmitters are a particularly important link between the nervous system and behavior. Not only are they important for maintaining vital brain and body functions, a deficiency or an excess of a neurotransmitter can produce severe behavior disorders. More than a hundred chemicals have been found to act as neurotransmitters, and neuroscientists believe that more may ultimately be identified (Penney, 2000; Schmidt, 2006). Neurotransmitters vary significantly in terms of how strong their concentration must be to trigger a neuron to fire. Furthermore, the effects of a particular neurotransmitter vary, depending on the area of the nervous system in 52 Chapter 2 neuroscience and behavior Dopamine Pathways Name Acetylcholine (ACh) Location Brain, spinal cord, peripheral nervous system, especially some organs of the parasympathetic nervous system Brain, spinal cord Brain, spinal cord Effect Excitatory in brain and autonomic nervous system; inhibitory elsewhere Function Muscle movement, cognitive functioning Glutamate Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) Excitatory Main inhibitory neurotransmitter Memory Eating, aggression, sleeping Serotonin Pathways Dopamine (DA) Brain Inhibitory or excitatory Muscle disorders, mental disorders, Parkinson’s disease Sleeping, eating, mood, pain, depression Pain suppression, pleasurable feelings, appetities, placebos Serotonin Brain, spinal cord Inhibitory Endorphins Brain, spinal cord Primarily inhibitory, except in hippocampus Figure 4 Some major neurotransmitters. which it is produced. The same neurotransmitter, then, can act as an excitatory message to a neuron located in one part of the brain and can inhibit firing in neurons located in another part. (The major neurotransmitters and their effects are described in Figure 4. ) One of the most common neurotransmitters is acetylcholine (or ACh, its chemical symbol), which is found throughout the nervous system. ACh is Michael J. Fox, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, like Muhammad Ali, has become a strong advocate for research into the disorder. The pair is seen here asking Congress for additional funds for Parkinson’s research. Module 5 neurons: the basic elements of behavior 53 involved in our every move, because—among other things—it transmits messages relating to our skeletal muscles. ACh is also involved in memory capabilities, and diminished production of ACh may be related to Alzheimer’s disease (Mohapel et al. , 2005). Another major neurotransmitter is dopamine (DA), which is involved in movement, attention, and learning. The discovery that certain drugs can have a significant effect on dopamine release has led to the development of effective treatments for a wide variety of physical and mental ailments. For instance, Parkinson’s disease, from which actor Michael J. Fox suffers, is caused by a deficiency of dopamine in the brain. Techniques for increasing the production of dopamine in From the perspective of . . . A Health Care Provider How might your understanding of the nervous system help you explain the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease to a patient with the disorder? Parkinson’s patients are proving effective (Kaasinen Rinne, 2002; Willis, 2005; Iversen Iversen, 2007). In other instances, over production of dopamine produces negative consequences. For example, researchers have hypothesized that schizophrenia and some other severe mental disturbances are affected or perhaps even caused by the presence of unusually high levels of dopamine. Drugs that block the reception of dopamine reduce the symptoms displayed by some people diagnosed with schizophrenia (Baumeister Francis, 2002; Bolonna Kerwin, 2005; Olijslagers, Werkman, McCreary, 2006). recap Explain the structure of a neuron.  ¦ A neuron has a cell body (which contains a nucleus) with a cluster of fibers called dendrites, which receive messages from other neurons. On the opposite end of the cell body is a tubelike extension, an axon, which ends in a small bulge called a terminal button. Terminal buttons send messages to other neurons. (p. 48) message to fire, it releases an action potential, an electrical charge that travels through the axon. Neurons operate according to an all-ornone law: Either they are at rest, or an action potential is moving through them. There is no in-between state. p. 49) Summarize how messages travel from one neuron to another.  ¦ Once a neuron fires, nerve impulses are carried to other neurons through the production of chemical substances, neurotransmitters, that actually bridge the gaps—known as synapses—between neurons. Neurotransmitters Describe how neurons fire.  ¦ Most axons are insulated by a coating called the myelin sheath. When a neuron receives a 54 Chapter 2 neuroscience and behavior may be either excitatory, telling other neurons to fire, or inhibitory, preventing or decreasing the likelihood of other neurons firing. (p. 52) Identify neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are an important link between the nervous system and behavior. Common neurotransmitters include the following: acetylcholine, which transmits messages relating to our muscles and is involved in memory capabilities; glutamate, which plays a role in memory; gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), which moderates behaviors from eating to aggression; dopamine, which is involved in movement, attention, and learning; serotonin, which is associated with the regulation of sleep, eating, mood, and pain; and endorphins, which seem to be involved in the brain’s effort to deal with pain and elevate mood. p. 53) evaluate 1. The is the fundamental element of the nervous system. and send messages through their 2. Neurons receive informatio n through their . 3. Just as electrical wires have an outer coating, axons are insulated by a coating called the . 4. The gap between two neurons is bridged by a chemical connection called a 5. Endorphins are one kind of , the chemical â€Å"messengers† between neurons. . rethink How might psychologists use drugs that mimic the effects of neurotransmitters to treat psychological disorders? Answers to Evaluate Questions 1. neuron; 2. dendrites, axons; 3. yelin sheath; 4. synapse; 5. neurotransmitter key terms Behavioral neuroscientists (or biopsychologists) p. 47 Neurons p. 48 Dendrites p. 48 Axon p. 48 Terminal buttons p. 49 Myelin sheath p. 49 All-or-none law p. 49 Resting state p. 49 Module 5 neurons: the basic elements of behavior Action potential p. 50 Mirror neurons p. 50 Synapse p. 51 Neurotransmitters p. 52 Excitatory messages p. 52 Inhibitory messages p. 52 Reuptake p. 52 55 module 6 The Nervous System and the Endocrine System Communicating within the Body learning ou tcomes 6. 1 Explain how the structures f the nervous system are linked together. The complexity of the nervous system is astounding. Estimates of the number of connections between neurons within the brain fall in the neighborhood of 10 quadrillion—a 1 followed by 16 zeros. Furthermore, connections among neurons are not the only means of communication within the body; as we’ll see, the endocrine system, which secretes chemical messages that circulate through the blood, also communicates messages that influence behavior and many aspects of biological functioning (Kandel, Schwartz, Jessell, 2000; Forlenza Baum, 2004; Boahen, 2005). . 2 Describe the operation of the endocrine system and how it affects behavior. Central nervous system (CNS) The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord. Spinal cord A bundle of neurons LO 1 The Nervous System that leaves the brain and runs down the length of the back and is the main means of transmitting messages b etween the brain and the body. The human nervous system has both logic and elegance. We turn now to a discussion of its basic structures. Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems As you can see from the schematic representation in Figure 1, the nervous system is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system (CNS) is composed of the brain and spinal cord. The spinal cord, which is about the thickness of a pencil, contains a bundle of neurons that leaves the brain and runs down the length of the back (see Figure 2). As you can see in Figure 1, the spinal cord is the primary means for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body. 56 Chapter 2 euroscience and behavior The Nervous System Consists of the brain and the neurons extending throughout the body Peripheral Nervous System Made up of long axons and dendrites, it contains all parts of the nervous system other than the brain and spinal cord Central Nervous System Consists of the brain and spinal cord Somatic Division (voluntary) Specializes in the control of voluntary movements and the communication of information to a nd from the sense organs Autonomic Division (involuntary) Concerned with the parts of the body that function involuntarily without our awareness Brain An organ roughly half the size of a loaf of bread that constantly controls behavior Spinal Cord A bundle of nerves that leaves the brain and runs down the length of the back; transmits messages between the brain and the body Sympathetic Division Acts to prepare the body in stressful emergency situations, engaging resources to respond to a threat Parasympathetic Division Acts to calm the body after an emergency situation has engaged the sympathetic division; provides a means for the body to maintain storage of energy sources Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the relationship of the parts of the nervous system. However, the spinal cord is not just a communication channel. It also Reflex An automatic, involuntary controls some simple behaviors on its own, without any help from the response to an incoming stimulus. brain. An example is the way the knee jerks forward when it is tapped with a rubber hammer. This behavior is a type of reflex, an automatic, involuntary response to an incoming stimulus. A reflex is also at work when psych 2. 0 you touch a hot stove and immediately withdraw your hand. Although the www. mhhe. com/psychlife brain eventually analyzes and reacts to the situation (â€Å"Ouch—hot stove— pull away! ), the initial withdrawal is directed only by neurons in the spinal cord. Three kinds of neurons are involved in reflexes. Sensory (afferent) neurons transmit information from the perimeter of the body to the central nervous system. Motor (efferent) neurons communicate information from the nervous system to muscles and glands. Interneurons connect sensory and mot or neurons, carrying messages between the two. Organization of the Nervous System Module 6 the nervous system and the endocrine system 57 Central Nervous System Brain Spinal cord Peripheral Nervous System Spinal nerves Figure 2 The central nervous system, consisting of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system. Sensory (afferent) neurons Neurons that transmit information from the perimeter of the body to the central nervous system. Motor (efferent) neurons Neurons that communicate information from the nervous system to muscles and glands. Interneurons Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons, carrying messages between the two. Peripheral nervous system The part As suggested by its name, the peripheral nervous system branches out from the spinal cord and brain and reaches the extremities of the body. Made up of neurons with long axons and dendrites, the peripheral nervous system encompasses all the parts of the nervous system other than the brain and spinal cord. There are two major divisions— the somatic division and the autonomic division— both of which connect the central nervous system with the sense organs, muscles, glands, and other organs. The somatic division specializes in the control of voluntary movements—such as the motion of the eyes to read this sentence or those of the hand to turn this page—and the communication of information to and from the sense organs. On the other hand, the autonomic division controls the parts of the body that keep us alive—the heart, blood vessels, glands, lungs, and other organs that function involuntarily without our awareness. As you are reading at this moment, the autonomic division of the peripheral nervous system is pumping blood through your body, pushing your lungs in and out, and overseeing the digestion of your last meal. Activating the Divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System The autonomic division plays a particularly crucial role during emergencies. Suppose that as you are reading in bed you suddenly sense that someone is outside your bedroom window. As you look up, you see the glint of an object that might

International Adoption Agencies (U.S.) & Russian Government essays

International Adoption Agencies (U.S.) & Russian Government essays In addition to the children in the United States who need families, there are countless thousands of homeless children in countries scattered around the globe (Klibanoff 166). Consequently, private adoption agencies are expanding their adoption services by entering into the international arena. I will analyze why Russia is a lucrative market for expanding adoption services globally and identify the determinant factors adoption agencies will endure while conducting business globally. In doing so, I will conduct a country profile and examine how Russias political, economic, cultural, social, legal, medical, and geography systems affect international adoption agencies. Lastly, I will discuss how U.S. adoption agencies build alliances with the Russian Government to process international adoptions and examine marketing strategies that are used to implement an international adoption program. Adoptive Families explains the history of adoption. It states: The modern era of international adoption began after the Korean War, when Korean and Amerasian orphans were placed with families living in the United States. Since then, Americans have adopted many thousands of children from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. In 2001 alone, U.S. families adopted over 19,000 children from other countries. (41) Each year more American families include a child adopted from another part of the world and children adopted from Russia Federation by American citizens are steadily increasing. In Russia the family is the center of life, and children are the center of the family (Schomp 33). Unfortunately, most city families can only afford to have one child. Although, there is a collective responsibility for Russian children, which is exhibited through over protectiveness, Russian children are often abandoned by parents unable to care for them. Due to the downward economy in Russia, many families cannot par...

Alcohol Proof Definition and Examples

Alcohol Proof Definition and Examples Grain alcohol or spirits may be labeled using proof rather than percent alcohol. Heres what proof means and an explanation of why its used and how its determined. Alcohol  Proof Definition Alcohol proof is twice the  volume  percentage of  ethyl alcohol  (ethanol) in an alcoholic beverage. It is a measure of the ethanol (a specific type of alcohol) content of an alcoholic beverage. The term originated in the United Kingdom and was defined as 7/4 the alcohol by volume (ABV). However, the UK now uses ABV as the standard to express alcohol concentration, rather than the original definition of proof. In the United States, the modern definition of alcohol proof is twice the percentage of ABV. Alcohol Proof Example:  An alcoholic beverage that is 40%  ethyl alcohol  by volume is referred to as being 80 proof. 100-proof whiskey is 50% alcohol by volume. 86-proof whiskey is 43% alcohol by volume. Pure alcohol or absolute alcohol is 200 proof. However, because alcohol and water form an azeotropic mixture, this purity level cannot be obtained using simple distillation. Determining ABV Since ABV is the basis for calculated alcohol proof, its useful to know how alcohol by volume is determined. There are two methods: measuring alcohol by volume and measuring alcohol by mass. The mass determination does not depend on temperature, but the more common percent (%) of total volume is temperature dependent. The International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) requires volume percent (v/v%) measurements be performed at 20  Ã‚ °C (68  Ã‚ °F). Countries belonging to the European Union may measure ABV using either mass percent or volume percent. The United States measures alcohol content in terms of alcohol percent by volume. The percentage of alcohol by volume must be labelled, although most liquors also state proof. Alcohol content may vary within 0.15% of ABV stated on the label, for spirits containing no solids and over 100 ml in volume. Officially, Canada uses US labeling stating percent alcohol by volume, although the UK proof standard may still be seen and heard. Common spirits at 40% ABV are called 70 ° proof, while 57% ABV is 100 proof. Over-proof rum is rum containing greater than 57% ABV or exceeding 100 ° UK proof. Older Versions of Proof The UK used to measure alcohol content using proof spirit. The term came from the 16th century when British sailors were given rations of rum. In order to demonstrate the rum hadnt been watered down, it was proved by covering it with gunpowder and igniting it. If the rum didnt burn, it contained too much water and was under proof, while if it burned, this meant at least 57.17% ABV was present. Rum with this alcohol percentage was defined to be 100 ° or one hundred degrees proof. In 1816, the specific gravity test replaced the gunpowder test. Until January 1, 1980, the UK measured alcohol content using proof spirit, which was equivalent to 57.15% ABV and defined to be spirit with a specific gravity 12/13 that of water or 923 kg/m3. Reference Jensen, William.  The Origin of Alcohol Proof(PDF). Retrieved November 10, 2015.

Divorce as One of the Main Social Problems of Every Country Research Paper

Divorce as One of the Main Social Problems of Every Country - Research Paper Example The divorce rate in Canada is %. Four in ten marriages are ending in divorce which is a rate much higher than the past decades (CBCNews). The main reason is the economic downturn and inflation in prices, which has led to stress among spouses. Both the spouses are expected to earn; otherwise, making both ends meet becomes difficult. Debt and poverty are also on its rise due to the economic recession. Men are working for longer hours. This makes them spend less time with families and partners. Education rate is increasing, as Employment and Social Development Canada (para.2) suggests: â€Å"In 2012, about 53.6% of Canadians aged 15 and over had trade certificates, college diplomas and university degrees. This was an increase of 20.9 percentage points since 1990.† Also, the average age at first marriage for men was 31.1 years in 2008, and for women, it was 29.1 years. The divorce rate is %. Kelsey states that infidelity is no more the primary reason for divorce in the UK, as grow ing apart or out of love is becoming the biggest reason why people separate. Other reasons include domestic abuse, incompatibility, getting bored, lack of communication, children, high expectations, mental health, low socio-economic status, and less money. The age of marriage is also lower. â€Å"The mean age at marriage in 2012 was 36.5 years for men and 34.0 years for women (Office for National Statistics). Education level is high, with 77% of adults aged 25-64 possessing the equivalent of a high-school degree (OECD). Divorce is on its rise in all the three countries listed above. It is recommended that couples seek marriage counselling before deciding for divorce.

Alone Together by Sherry Turkle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Alone Together by Sherry Turkle - Essay Example Subjects in this study preferred the company of robots from that of other people or their pets. The author captures our dependence on the internet by the incalculable time we spent on social media, text messaging, Blogspots and email. We use our icons and archetypes to share experiences in virtual worlds, communicate through instant messengers and email and publish news on blogs. All the while yearning for the delayed replies, ‘likes’ and ‘retweets’ that accompany such posts. The result is a population of constantly distracted individuals who hang on to their electronic devices being aloof their immediate environment (Turkle). An expert in her field, Sherry Turkle is a professor of Social Science and Technology and a licensed Clinical Psychologist (Turkle). She spent fifteen years of quality research to compile this book. It is an accurate representation of day-to-day activities in our households, schools, communities and workplaces and therefore not a misguided rant of an alarmist

The Women of A Midsummer Night’s Dream Essay Example for Free

The Women of A Midsummer Night’s Dream Essay William Shakespeares plays often pitted men against their women in order to move the action of his plays. Strong women, however, often seemed to move against each other, as well as moving against the their male relatives and the current or future mates. The women in Shakespeares plays were not afraid to compete for knowledge, power, men, or any or all of the three. Both Titanias persistence and the competition between Hermia and Helena are evidence of how the so-called weaker sex is actually the controlling sex in Shakespeares play A Midsummer Nights Dream. It Hermia’s own series of choices that lead to the four lovers being present in the woods. Demetrius, Egeus, and Theseus might believe that they are in control of her future when they sequester themselves to converse, their control over her ends the moment that they leave. The contrast between Hermia and the men is evident, even in that scene; although she is willful, the older men are guided only by laws, Demetrius is arrogant and willing to see her put to death if he defies her, and Lysander is weak-willed. Although his idea is that which is implemented as the resolution to Hermia’s problem, it is he who laments all of the difficulties that come with love, while Hermia is the one who points out that it is necessary to persevere (1.1.132–134). It is also Hermia’s willingness to pass her plan on to her former friend, Helena, that encourages Helena to develop a plan of her own, with Demetrius being none the wiser over being manipulated. The women’s power may extend, at least somewhat, from loyalty. When Hermia and Helena were friends they had a strong union, sharing everything. Shakespeare describes them as unified, Both on one sampler, sitting on one cushion, Both warbling of one song, both in one key, (3.2.205-206). Maturity, however, changes this relationship as sexual politics takes the place of their original loyalty. The bond between dissolves when a man, Demetrius, comes between them. Without this loyalty, the women lose much of their power. When Helena makes plans to manipulate Demetrius without concern over Hermia’s safety it is then that events put into play by Oberon’s machinations, overwhelm them. Similarly, Oberon perceives Tatiana’s strength as coming from the loyalty to a woman, the Indian prince’s mother, who was a worshipper of hers. When she refuses to give Oberon the child to be his knight, Oberon plans to take the child by force. As with Demetrius, Egeus, and Theseus in the beginning, Oberon wishes to seize loyalty through force. Oberon’s decision has far-reaching and chaotic effects, just as Helena’s plan to force affection does. Interestingly, although love moves the action of the play it is manipulation that eventually brings the events to a close. Lysander’s plan to manipulate the law, Helena’s plan to manipulate Demetrius, and Oberon’s plan to manipulate Titania all succeed, while the original bonds of loyalty are lost in the chaos that takes place in Act 3. Ultimately, this play shows that loyalty can shift; however, the individuals are stronger when they are loyal to someone than when they are not. Helena and Hermia, once so close are now completely at odds. Hermia has not only attacked Helena over her loss of Lysander, but she also mocks Helena’s desire to repair their relationship (3.2.317). Because of Oberon’s successful manipulation, Titania’s loyalty to the child is also severed. However, it is only after this destruction that newor renewedbonds of loyalty are forged. The four lovers are successfully paired with their â€Å"correct† mate. Titania is no longer at odds with Oberon. The only thing that remains lost, however, is the loyalty between women. Having lost that bond, all three of the women, strong at the beginning of this play, find themselves under the control of their husbands. Love, loyalty, and feminine strength are apparently only part of a dream, which, as Shakespeare has demonstrated, is not always a pleasant dream.

Pesticides Essay -- essays research papers

Pesticides: What are they?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pesticides are chemicals that are used to destroy pests. In the agricultural industry, pesticides are classified into two categories, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic. A carcinogenic pesticide is a substance or agent producing or inciting cancer. Conversely, a non-carcinogenic pesticide is substance that does not produce or incite cancer. Most agricultural pesticides were registered in the 1950’s, with no standard regulations. The most considerable standard prior to the amendments of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) was, if a revocation of a pesticide occurred, would it have an impact on the prices or availability of food to the consumer? Today, the 208 pesticides used in the United States are regulated by the FFDCA. Bills such as, The Delaney Clause and The Food Quality Protection Act have modified and enforced pesticide regulations. Consumer concerns with the usage of pesticides in the agricultural industry, in regards to health factors, have overwhelmed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and demand they enforce pesticide regulations. With the assistance from other organizations such as the Senate Agriculture Committee (SAC), National Academy of Science (NAS), National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and Consumers Union (CU), the EPA has made a notable progress. Throughout the years, consumers have pushed for research of the chemicals and substances that produce agricultural pesticides and what these pesticides do to our internal system. Congressman, James J. Delaney was also convinced that too many pesticide chemicals were found in foods. So in 1958, the House Select Committee investigated the use of chemicals in food products and amended section 409 of the FFDCA, in result creating The Delaney Clause.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The bill The Delaney Clause was implemented to avoid carcinogenic pesticides in the United States food supply. According to Congressional Reports, the intent of the bill was to reduce public exposure to a wide range of health effects, including nerve damage, reproductive failure, birth defects, and cancer due to hazardous pesticides. Although these health effects have not been proven in human life form, it has been proven that some pesticides are carcinogenic in lab animals. However, the bill overlooked many aspects of the agricultural i... ... from state to state. In return the states provided estimates on cropland and not on non-cropland, such as non-commercial pesticide usage. The 1992 Census of Agriculture Report noted, â€Å"for some states there were no published surveys or expert opinions from field specialists†¦pesticide use profiles were assumed to be the same as an adjacent state†. The report further concluded the data was sufficient â€Å"in spite of the limitations†¦the data would provide a useful overview of the regional patterns of pesticide use based on distributions of crops and the associated intensity of use by compound†. With the Food Quality Protection Act, projects now have a standard for researching, testing, or approving agricultural pesticides. Many organizations have dedicated efforts in regulating the use of pesticides. This paper has defined the term pesticide, and identified possible health effects which carcinogenic pesticides induce in the human body. This paper has differentiated the many organizations and laws that regulate pesticides. Last but not least, this paper has also introduced the many ways the EPA, and other assisting organizations efforts to preserve a strict regulation of pesticide usage.

Outsourcing Customer Service Essay

Outsourcing Customer Service Executive Summary The choice to outsource company’s relations with their customers is a choice many businesses are making. With the costs of labor more than a quarter of the rate an average customer service representative makes in the United States (U. S. ), large companies are making the choice to offshore some, or the entire company’s customers service departments to other countries. To many of these companies, the benefits are out weighing the issues relating to outsourcing in general. Breaches of security and customer satisfaction are some of the problems businesses are facing when making the choice to offshore. Are cutting costs more beneficial than customers losing faith in the products of the company? Outsourcing Customer Service Outsourcing is a business practice that is used around the world. This paper will describe the business case for a company to outsource some of its operations, and the risks that are weighed when choosing to outsource. What impacts those decisions have on the company and its customers will also be discussed. A Background on Outsourcing Outsourcing customer service overseas involves hiring another company abroad to take over either some or the entire customer support department. Outsourcing has become a growing trend today. Many large American, European, and British corporations are eager to cut costs by off shoring customer service jobs to foreign firms for significantly lesser wages. Why Outsourcing? Some of the objectives a company will accomplish by outsourcing jobs to foreign firms are cost savings, having 24 hour customer service, and a centralized service center. Each of these points does however come at a price, and will sometimes outweigh the benefits. Saving money has been the greatest reason companies have chosen to send the majority of their customer service departments to other countries. The thought of cheap labor is enticing to many businesses when making the choice to off shore. The average call center graduate, usually holding a bachelor’s degree (BA) earns 3,000 rupees a week, which is the equivalent of 67 U. S. dollars (Aspden, 2006). To facilitate the need to off shore, construction of office space is taking 10 months to complete instead of the normal 18 months in Bangalore, India. Each month over 40 companies make the decision to outsource Information Technology (IT), back-office and customer service departments to India, and other countries. To fight the onslaught of new business, India has setup second tier cities to handle the overflow of demand and establish call centers such as Pune, Kolkata, and Jaipur, just to name a few. These cities in India are growing quickly to accommodate the need for outsourcing, while slowly loosing the foothold on the market due to the increases in pay. With other countries such as China, Hungary, and the Philippines competing for lower wage work, India may loose almost half it’s market share by 2007 (Aspden, 2006). However, companies are finding out that there are hidden costs involved with the outsourcing of customer service. A growing trend of customer dissatisfaction is causing major corporations to reconsider the outsourcing of its services. In a recent survey of pension policy holders in the United Kingdom (U. K. ) it was found that 75% would leave their current provider if they experienced bad customer service (Pfeffer, 2006). Mega corporations such as Dell, Capitol One, and JP Morgan all made an attempt to outsource customer service and all reversed course. Evidence is mounting that good customer service is pivotal in a company’s retention of customers. A 2005 Gartner study predicted that 60% of organizations that outsource customer-facing processes will see significant numbers of frustrated customers switching to competitors (Pfeffer, 2006). Even call centers in the United Kingdom (U. K. ) have reverted calls back to their own soil due to customer complaints, with the majority of those companies vowing to keep call centers in the U. K. (Kivlehan, 2005). The corporate mentality towards outsourcing is far understated as companies see the business case for the moves, assuming that customers do not pay attention to dialect and local customs. After years of wondering what all those fiber-optic cables laid around the earth at massive expense in the late 1990s would ever be good for, we finally have an answer: They are good for enabling call-center workers in Bangalore or Delhi to sound as if they are next door to everyone. Broadband’s killer app, it turns out, is India (Fox, 2003). Risk Management

Investment and Japan Essay

1. Why, historically, has the level of FDI in Japan been so low? 2. What are the potential benefits to the Japanese economy of greater FDI? 3. How did the entry if Walmart into the Japanese retail sector benefit that sector? Who lost as a result of Walmart’s entry? 4. Why has it been so hard for Walmart to make a profit in Japan? What might the company have done differently? Japan, an island nation on the Pacific ocean, has none of the natural advantages that have facilitated cross-border trade and investment in other parts of the world. Also, Japan was badly defeated in World War II and occupied by Allied forces at the end of the war. Japan was totally closed to foreign investment during that period. The Japanese government sets up important barriers to reduce the foreign direct investment into Japan to develop the country by avoiding other countries’ financial shocks. Additional, the high rental and labor cost impact the Foreign Direct Investment level too. Japan as a host country, a greater FDI can result from the resource-transfer effect, employment effects, balance-of-payments effects on competition and economic growth. Walmart entered the Japanese market by purchasing large stakes in similar retailer Seiyu. Walmart helped Seiyu reorganized the structure, implemented point-of -sale and SMART inventory tracking systems, supply-chain and distribution management systems,etc. Walmart gave a free American strategy lesson to the Japanese retail industry. Walmart also increased the the level of competition in Japan, it resulted in stimulating the developing retail industry and lowering the price of products to improve economic growth in Japan. But Walmart as a foreign investor in Japan did not make profits from 2000-2010. During the years of losses in Japan, Walmart still believed the American style retail store can grow anywhere in the world. They have made similar mistakes just like in Germany. Walmart failed to grasp the fact that the consumer and retail environment in Japan has a different culture. In Japan, people puts loyalty on a highest value. It’s difficult to pursue the consumers from local â€Å"7-eleven† to foreign â€Å"Walmart†. â€Å"Every day lower price† strategy is not enough power to change Japanese consumers buying  behavior. Japanese consumers tendency to buy smaller quantities and good packaging or appearance of goods. The quality of product also play a huge role in their purchasing decisions. For Walmart, better understanding of Japan’s culture and improving relationship with supplier may help them move forward to success in Japan.

Clonong essays

Clonong essays Cloning Twenty-five years ago, scientists thought that cloning was virtually impossible. In the last five years, the science of cloning, has come to realization. What is a clone? A clone is a duplicate - much like a photocopy is a duplicate, or copy, of a document (Kolate, 238). A good example of copies that occur in nature are identical twins, which are duplicates of each other. On a daily basis, molecular geneticists and other scientists use cloning techniques to replicate various genetic materials such as gene segments and cells (Kolate, 238). Recently the cloning of a living life form was brought from the realms of science fiction to reality with the cloning of a sheep named Dolly (Kolate 236). Imagine meeting an exact replica of somebody or yourself seven to ten years from now (Kaku 6). They look alike, and even have the same genetic makeup. This is the new world of cloning. As with every new science, there are those who believe in it, and those who oppose it. So many questions arise. What if some one like Hitler had access to this technology? Would people want two identical copies of a child or a relative? What are the chances of people illegally obtaining blood samples of, for example, Albert Einstein, Bill Clinton, or even Lee Harvey Oswald for sale on the black market? Is there a way we can possibly outlaw and enforce cloning? Could this development actually be used for a benefit, such as bringing back endangered or extinct animals? The instantaneous reaction of the world has been mixed. However, the overall benefits appear to out weigh the other factors. This new technological development can not be passed off. It has the potential of enormous benefits to society. The new technology of cloning should be utilized because it could bring back extinct organisms, help infertile couples to have children, and potentially save many lives. Cloning could bring back extinct animals (Kaku 227). Over millions of years, thousands of differ...

12 Evocative Words That Include Ae

12 Evocative Words That Include Ae 12 Evocative Words That Include â€Å"Ae† 12 Evocative Words That Include â€Å"Ae† By Mark Nichol There’s something about the digraph ae that lends it a dignity and an aura. Perhaps it’s the vowel combination’s ubiquity as a plural marker taken directly from Latin (antennae, nebulae, and so on). Maybe it’s the frequency of its appearance in classical nomenclature (maenad, praetor, and the like). Whatever the reason, words in which ae appears are often vivid in their evocations. Here are some of my favorites: 1. Aegis: Originally the name of a shield associated with Zeus and Athena, the word later came to mean any protective shield or garment signifying that one was under divine protection. The meaning now extends to protection in general, as well as influence, sponsorship, or guidance. 2. Aerie: This word for an eagle’s nest lends itself well to the description or name of a mountain fastness. 3. Aether: This is a variant of ether, which refers to practically to an organic compound but also has figurative and theoretical connotations as well as denoting an element once thought to constitute outer space. In this sense, â€Å"the aether† is synonyms with â€Å"the heavens.† The adjectival form is aethereal, one of the most elegant words I know. 4. Brae: A Scots term (from a Norse word for â€Å"eyelid†) referring to a hillside, especially one overlooking a river. Many words in Scots, such as naething for nothing and waeful for woeful, indicate how their pronunciation of English words diverges. 5. Caesura: A caesura is a break or interruption, especially a rhythmic or rhetorical pause in poetry. 6. Chimaera: Originally the name of a specific mythical creature consisting of anatomical features of various real animals or of similar beings such as centaurs, this word, often in the modern form chimera, is used in science to refer to an organism with genetically distinct cells. It also applies, in architectural, to such decorative yet practical features as rain spouts in the form of gargoyles or other imaginary or actual animals. But perhaps its most interesting usage is to denote an illusion, fantasy, or fancy. 7. Daemon: This archaic spelling of demon invokes its original pre-Christian sense of â€Å"soul.† (Philip Pullman used it in his remarkable His Dark Materials fantasy trilogy to refer to human souls manifested as familiar-like animals.) 8. Faerie: This word, often capitalized, refers to the realm of the fairies and/or other supernatural beings, into which unsuspecting and often unfortunate mortals are often lured. The origin of the word is the Latin term fata, referring to the Fates, who in classical mythology determined one’s destiny. 9. Jaeger: This word meaning â€Å"hunter,† also sometimes referring to elite soldiers, is spelled jger in its native German. 10. Lacunae: This is the plural form of lacuna, Latin for â€Å"gap† as well as â€Å"pit† and pool (ultimately from lacus, â€Å"lake,† and the source of the word lagoon). It refers to an omitted segment or a period of silence, as well as a space in or a lack of something. As such, it alludes to the mystery of the missing. 11. Maelstrom: This word for an often permanent whirlpool capable of drowning people and swallowing small watercraft but not larger vessels (literally, â€Å"mill stream† with mill in the sense of grinding) evokes calamity and diabolical forces. 12. Phaeton: The name of the ill-fated son of Helios, the Greek sun god, who burned out when he took his father’s sun-chariot for a joyride, was employed in Victorian times to refer to a type of carriage. The word’s highfalutin airs makes it a suitable ironic appellation for a junky jalopy or a humble farmer’s wagon. These and other terms that include ae can inspire new nomenclature for fiction writers or provide allusive opportunities. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Spelling category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Fly, Flew, (has) FlownFlied?"Owing to" vs "Due to"7 Other Types of Pronouns

MODELS OF HRM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

MODELS OF HRM - Essay Example Mike Noon (1992) believes that much confusion arises because HRM is of an 'ambiguous pedigree' which can be traced back to organisational development and human capital theory. HRM appears to be an enigma, of which John Storey (1992) states is: " A basic management function or activity permeating all levels of management in any organisation. Personnel administration is organising and treating individuals at work so that they will get the greatest possible realisation of their intrinsic abilities, thus attaining maximum efficiency for themselves and their group, and thereby giving the enterprise of which they are a part its determining competitive advantage and its optimum results." (Pigors and Myers: 1969) (cited by Legg:1989) 2. A term that identifies a new and distinct approach to the management of people in the work environment. One which, although may incorporate the established personnel activities, is truly much more wide in its scope, and thus can be clearly distinguished as being such, is HRM a new phenomenon The models of HRM all lead us back to this underlying question, what is HRM, how can we define it, is it something new or simply the old re-branded, old wine in a new bottle (Torrington, 1989; Poole, 1990; Storey, 1995). Examination and analysis of the various theories... The models of HRM all lead us back to this underlying question, what is HRM, how can we define it, is it something new or simply the old re-branded, old wine in a new bottle (Torrington, 1989; Poole, 1990; Storey, 1995). Examination and analysis of the various theories and models allows us to consider whether there is one true model in existence or a combination, or, fragments of various models / ideologies. Also, we must consider how relevant in reality are the various theoretical academic frameworks, do they in fact reflect reality, or does each industry sector or business need to simply adapt their own type of model, appropriate to the nature of their enterprise One of the first models of HRM developed was in 1984 by Fombrum, Tichy and Devanna with their "matching model." The model was used to depict their proposed framework of HRM which identifies its position in relation to organisational strategy and demonstrates how HRM activities can be designed to support the strategy of an organisation. The model is manipulated to achieve strategy objectives and goals such as overall increased company performance. If HRM is to be viewed as a new management approach, then distinction from personnel management is required. Distinction may be by integration. This is proposed by Devanna et al (1984) with their model: "They suggest that Human Resource Managers perform four 'generic functions' of selection, appraisal, reward and development. Performance is the dependent variable; it is influenced by a 'cycle' of human resource interventions which represents, sequential managerial tasks." (Storey: 1992, 24) This type of integration in the form of

What are mitigating factors in learning math in saudi arabia Assignment

What are mitigating factors in learning math in saudi arabia - Assignment Example The discussion of the results basically focused on elaboration of the behavioral patterns of students in relation to motivation in undertaking math as a subject. MRP6: This was the last section of the paper; it focused on a discussion of the purpose of the research followed by the conclusion section that basically provided summarized information of the entire research. Adler, N. E., & Stewart, J. 2009: Recommended reading for the research; provides pertinent information regarding motivation among human beings. This reference has noted that many human beings have a natural tendency of avoiding work. The DOS Based VBPro: This is the content analysis software that was used to facilitate the analysis of the data collected in this research. The rational for selecting this software for the research is based on the fact that it is easily applicable in analyzing qualitative data. Manipulative in learning: This is one factor that arised in the course of data analysis; manipulative method as a form of learning entails a scenario whereby student utilizes certain items i.e. calculators, toothpicks and markers to support hand-in learning. In my research, this is one factor that appeared to among the motivating factors used among students to learn math. School Quiz Logic Puzzles: This is another issue that emerged as I analyzed my data. It is a tool that was applied in most Saudi Schools to improve the performance of students in mathematics. Logic puzzles are basically brain games where a student is subjected to a scenario where he has to apply logic in order to solve a problem. Qualitative Techniques: This is the procedures that were used to collect and analyze data that guided my research. The rationale for selecting qualitative technique as my research designed was based on the fact that it facilitated asking and answering questions such as: Why? Where? How?

Social Policy (Group Work) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Social Policy (Group Work) - Essay Example l relationships are considered to be â€Å"connected to each other (Myers: 286).† This definition of a group clarifies its components: that it has to consist the elements of relationship, involved no. of individuals, and connection (4). Moreover, in order to be called a group, the involved members who participate in the activities should have the ff. characteristics: 1) interrelating and interacting with each other; 2) sharing same norms; 3) developing roles or shared set of roles; 4) developing the feeling of sense of belongingness; and lastly, 5) sharing a common goal (Douglas: 13). The aims of a group purports to help its members achieve the goals for each individual members: 1) to enhance individual’s functioning; 2) to enrich every individual’s life; 3) to ameliorate existing problems and to provide solutions for conflicts in the group, community or the organisation; for the ff. desired effects: 1) to produce social change and 2) to promote social justice (Myers: 591). To cite an example, the Parenting group is the best sample for explaining the purposive, basic parenting or leadership styles which are pivotal roles of parents in forming and shaping an individual. The parenting group works to induce change in the individual; however the Parenting group must be consisting of the following SMART characteristics: 1) Specific—a group that defines each members (parents) as the facilitator and leader of change and their children as the students or followers; 2) Measurable—that the parenting group helps its members specify the timeline n eeded and the tools required to achieve their goals; 3) Achievable—the parents making sure that the children’s goals are doable and feasible; 4) Relevant—that the parenting group makes sure that the goals of their child/ren are rational and reasonable; and lastly, 5) Timely—that the parents ensure that individual and group goals are not obsolete and rather, follows the current trend as demanded by time (Douglas:

Community Empowerment Can Genuinely Benefit The Community Social Work Essay

Community Empowerment Can Genuinely Benefit The Community Social Work Essay In society, some groups are more vulnerable than others the poor, the disabled, battered women, etc. NGOs working at the grassroots levels are best suited to deal with the vulnerable groups. However, NGOs and the Government can join hands to find the most suitable strategies to use, to empower those who are potentially weak in the social structure. The Government of Mauritius has put in place an NGO Trust fund to help these people to lead a decent life. Community empowerment can genuinely benefit the community. However, along the way community organisations encounter several obstacles which hamper the empowerment process. This called for a review of the community empowerment strategies. Most of the limitations of empowerment strategies occurred due to the lack of training in leadership development and lack of capacity building skills. On the other hand, NGOs were found to be limited in their actions due to the lack of resources and dependence on the Government. Moreover, the Government sometimes attributes more importance to the needs of stakeholders, rather than the needs of the community thus failing the whole purpose of community empowerment. So, to increase community involvement, organisations have altered their way of doing things. Some examples are : strengthening relationships with the community by developing a deep understanding of community issues, undergoing training, implementing creative strategies to encourage participation, among others. 1 What is community empowerment? Community empowerment is the local governments core business (cdz changes, 2008). Community empowerment enables people to play an active role in the decisions that affect their environment (cdx changes, 2008). According to Rappaport (1987), empowerment is meant to enhance the possibilities for people to control their own lives. Cochran (1986) believes that people understand their own needs far better than anyone else and as a result should have the power both to define and act upon them (John at al, 1993). Community empowerment refers to the process of aiding communities to gain control over their lives. Communities consist of groups of people sharing common interests, concerns or identities. Through empowerment, people are able to control the factors and decisions that define their lives. By increasing their assets and building their capacities, they can therefore broaden their networks. People cannot be empowered by others as such, but by themselves (WHO, 2012) Community empowerment encompasses involvement, participation and commitment to the society. It is only possible when people feel a sense of belonging to the community and it aims mostly at social and political changes. In another words, community empowerment is a way of re-negotiating power to achieve more self-control (WHO, 2012). Community empowerment covers the social, cultural, political and economic aspects of society. With the advent of globalisation, actions at the local level heavily impacts actions at the global level. This is why partnerships are required to finding collective solutions (WHO, 2012). Communication is the key to successful community empowerment. It helps to raise awareness and increase knowledge of the people to encourage discussions and debates, so that people gain insight on the controlling forces acting upon their lives and initiate their own decision making process (WHO, 2012). Empowering communities also includes empowering the individual. Empowerment at the individual level starts with defined needs and aspirations and focuses on available resources. 2 It is the process of taking control, which eventually leads to fulfilling ones potential. It comprises of certain factors; self-reliance, participation in decision making, dignity and respect, belonging and contributing to the community. The empowerment of communities involves a higher degree of individual empowerment, a strong sense of belonging to the community, participation in political activities, leadership in decision making and access to resources (WHO, 2010). The community empowerment process is very complex and requires understanding and commitment from the part of all stakeholders. Community empowerment progresses gradually. Therefore it requires constant learning and consistent building of a communitys capacity (Donnelley, 2009) 2.1 How to empower a community? In order to empower a community, that is to involve groups of people in engagement activities, it may be necessary to develop a campaign. However, we should bear in mind that a campaign based on other motivational grounds besides community welfare, fails the whole purpose of community empowerment. Community engagement involves the active participation of individuals and community representatives in all aspects of the campaign. It is very important for the community to be active participants, instead of passive ones (Kirklees Partnership Involving Communities Framework, n.d). Empowering people is not an easy task. Individuals often do not have the time, energy, resources, expertise to develop and implement such campaigns. Community engagement demands certain criteria, namely resources to enable empowerment such as political and legal rights, funding and the social capacity to create mobilisation networks, opportunities such as those provided by institutional arrangements and finally motivations for people to exert their rights (Paul, 2010). Social workers, both voluntary and professional, are assets to the success of these campaigns. Since human nature is complex, the staff leading the campaigns should let go of aspects that 3 may threaten the purpose of the campaign. Instead volunteers, community organisations and partner agencies should participate in the design and implementation process. Here empowering social workers might be another important aspect of community empowerment (Kirklees Partnership Involving Communities Framework, n.d). The Government should include the community at all stages of development projects to increase community engagement and community participation. Capacity building strengthening skills, potential and abilities of people in developing societies so that they can step out of their misery, and community participation actively engaged in designing, implementing and evaluating strategies to address a particular problem are essential to community empowerment (Debra, 2002). Both NGOs and the Government understand the need for community empowerment in Mauritius. Here are some examples of how the community is empowered: The Government has proposed to introduce a Community Empowerment Programme (CEP) with the objective of facilitating the community to make use of ICT to fully participate in the socio-economic development of the country. The CEP in line with the Government encourages the development of local content and creativity. The purpose of this initiative is to democratize access to information, provide comprehensive information about the country, namely its economic and social structure and stimulate the development and production of local content on the internet. This will enable Mauritians to use the internet more effectively and find solutions to the challenges in the community. It will provide a common platform for sharing local knowledge, a marketplace for project proposals, and discussion forums. People will also formulate and implement their own development projects by collaborating with other stakeholders (NCB, n.d). Another example would be the Work done by the Bel Ombre Foundation for Empowerment, which was founded in 2008. Their vision is to create an enabling 4 environment where each individual can realize his potential. This organisation aims at empowering the inhabitants of Bel Ombre to catch the development pace by investing in training, entrepreneurship and social integration. Ongoing projects include adult literacy programmes, supporting the local artisans and the fight against poverty (Bel Ombre Foundation for Empowerment, n.d). People should feel free to act upon their own ideas for the benefit of the community, so that they can be more creative and productive in their endeavours. For instance educating people is one initiative of community empowerment, which can be understood as aiding the individual to better understand his/her needs as well as societys needs, and find proactive measures to the challenges that society faces, without controlling the latter. At the same time, they feel a sense of belonging to the community. 2.2 Whom to empower? It is true that we are all part of society, and that we have needs, but there are other people who are in precarious situations and need a boost. However, it does not mean that they deserve better treatment than the common man. They should just be given a hand. For example; poor people, battered women, minority groups, the disabled and so on. Empowerment is also about sensitizing people who are in vulnerable positions or who are potentially weak in the social structure. As mentioned earlier, community empowerment sometimes necessitates campaigns to reach the target audience. However, there are sensitive issues that touch a large group of people and are not often discussed openly. E.g. Battered women. Hence, both the Government and NGOs focus on preventive measures. Due to the division of labour and stereotypes, women often occupy an inferior position in society and are victims of injustices by man. So, one initiative of the Government was to empower women. 5 Empower women According to reports from all over the world, women constitute a majority among activists in the community and a minority in leadership in the community (Sadan, 1997). The Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare insists on the reinforcement of capacity building of women, which can be achieved through education and training. The Government also provides the necessary support for women to launch businesses (Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare, 2010). The Ministry has organised workshops for women under the National Women Entrepreneur Council to enable them to develop their managerial skills and provide support to potential women entrepreneurs wishing to launch their own enterprise (Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare, 2010). The Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme has been launched in several regions of Mauritius, namely in Quartier Militaire, Triolet, Le Morne, Terre Rouge, Camp Thorel, Lallmatie, Ernest Florent and Pont Lardier and some 1800 women have benefitted from the programme (Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare, 2010). Empower the poor Since NGOs work at the grassroots level with the poor, they have been able to establish reciprocity, mutual understanding and build trust. The Government of Mauritius works in hand with NGOs to combat poverty. All stakeholders have come to realize that actions at the local level can be a first step to a national solution (Hurbungs, n.d). One of the first conditions for getting people out of the poverty trap is to make them take full responsibility for their lives. They should also be included in all stages of community projects, so that they feel valued and gain confidence. Another initiative adopted by the Government of Mauritius is developing actions based on the aspirations of the poor. For instance the poor prefer receiving aid to send their children to school with all the necessities 6 instead of receiving financial support to feed their hungry stomachs (Hurbungs, n.d). NGOs should help the poor become aware of their current realities and empower them to make their own choices about the future, initiate actions for their development and adopt a healthy lifestyle (Hurbungs, n.d). 2.3 Benefits of empowering a community When a community is empowered, people feel free to act within the society and at the same time associate a sense of belonging to it. Through community participation and capacity-building, they rediscover their own potential and gain confidence. They also feel worthy of the community, for the help they are providing to make a change. Community empowerment can initiate actions at individual level, which can reach community or even national levels. For example, someone victim of an accident, can gather a group of people it can be close friends, family, or even strangers who have joined for a good cause and help to sensitise others on road safety measures (Dr. Glenn, 2009). Development of small groups can initiate collective actions. It is also a means for practitioners to gain community service skills, leadership skills for some, management skills, develop empathy, broaden networks, form partnerships and bring about social cohesion (Dr Glenn, 2009). Community organisations offer the means to resolve societal problems. They include young groups, faith groups, community councils and associations. They have the power to mobilise resources. They development of community organisations requires some form of leadership and those who serve the community have better chances of developing community capacity and can become future leaders (Dr Glenn, 2009). Empowered individuals are able to influence the direction and implementation of a programme through their participation. They progress from a personal action to the point that 7 they are collectively involved. This can lead to gaining the power to influence economic, political and social action. They can therefore help others to empower themselves and gear them towards capacity building (Dr Glenn, 2009). 2.4 The role of the Government and NGOs in community empowerment The Government of Mauritius has the responsibility of catering for the people and has formulated laws to protect them and safeguard their rights. The Government acts as an authority figure. The political and administrative environment of a community directly affects the empowerment process (Phil, 2007) The environment includes a series of factors such as the laws, rules and regulations and practices of the civil society. The environment also covers the policies and practices of relevant Non-Governmental Organisations (Phil, 2007) In this regard, their task is to encourage community activities that enable the community to develop itself to be empowered. They should also help the community to initiate actions towards self-reliance, community empowerment and eradication of poverty (Phil, 2007). The Government should be able to modify Ministry regulations, modify legislative policies, support legislative committees responsible for legislative reform, provide guidelines and empower NGOs active in the related sectors, raise awareness through conferences, workshops, competitions and so on and pass relevant information through public media posters, radio, local TV, newspapers, and advertisements (Phil, 2007). NGOs are increasingly involved in capacity development. They lean towards developing skills and tools to strengthen the society. NGOs can have a significant impact on community development. However not all NGOs are in good terms with the Government and very often they lack resources and face many obstacles and unless they become partners with the Government, capacity building initiatives will continue to fail (Inger, 2009). 8 The Government should also offer training to practitioners so that they are well equipped at all phases of the process. More importantly the Government should provide support to NGOs which can lead to consistency and integration with each other. Support could be of financial and technical assistance for meetings, working committees and campaigns. According to the Mrs Sheila Bappoo (Â  Minister of Social Security, National Solidarity and Senior Citizens Welfare Reform Institutions), the Mauritian Government fully acknowledges the role of NGOs in community development. The Government has put in place an NGO Trust Fund which has the objective of helping vulnerable groups of the society so that they can lead a decent life. The Government provides support to numerous organisations who are actively involved in community empowerment. One such example is the the Youth Empowerment Programme which was implemented by a group of students from the University of Mauritius and the Force Vive des Quartier Reunies. The project had the objectives of developing leadership skills among children and at the same time encouraging community service by University students (MEF, 2011). The Government is actively involved in many such initiatives, and as we can see community empowerment begins with the common man. All we need is an idea and the will to bring about change. 9 3.0 Community empowerment strategies Community empowerment strategies include community development, community engagement, community participation and capacity building (Peter, 1996). Community development helps people to recognise and develop their abilities and potential and organise themselves to respond to problems and needs which they commonly share. It supports communities that control and use assets to promote social justice and help to improve the quality of community life (SCDC, n.d). In Maritius, the Community Development and Poverty Alleviation Project has been implemented by the Government and its budget extends to approximately 4 million Rupees. Community development requires the knowledge of people, their values and culture. People should be empowered to generate their own knowledge and use it to improve the quality of life. Therefore participation is necessary for community empowerment. Community development walks in hand with management. Community Services Management is a relatively new approach and it aims at empowering community workers and stakeholders to better assess and implement community based projects efficiently and cost effectively. Community Development also requires General Organisational Skills including financial skills. The emergence of professional management in such organisations denotes power. Community practitioners should be aware of the structure of the organisation to develop the required skills to effectively achieve its objectives. Finally, we cannot ignore the concept of Sustainable Development when speaking about development in Mauritius. The Government, NGOs, and the private sector recognise recognize that the environment, the economy and equity are irrevocably linked (Community Development and Poverty Alleviation Project, 2005). Community engagement is the process of involving people in decisions that affect them. This can mean involving communities in the planning, development and management of services. Moreover it consists of empowering the community to make decisions and to implement and manage change (DSE, 2011). 10 The Government envisioned the creation of a sustainable society with the implementation of the project Maurice Ile Durable (MID). In this regard, the Government encourages community members to initiate partnerships with multiple stakeholders and facilitates community engagement that supports people to express their vision for the community and initiate shared responsibility (Anneleos at al, n.d). Community participation refers to active engagement in designing, implementing and evaluating strategies to address a particular problem (Debra, 2002). The Government stresses upon the integration and participation of the youth in many aspects of the society. The Government also provides the opportunity for youngsters to engage in voluntary activities. One such programme is the National Youth Award which was launched in Mauritius in 1996. It is a sort of training programme which encourages personal delivery and growth, self-reliance, perseverance, responsibility to themselves and the community (Ministry of youth and sports, 2012). This programme under the Ministry of youth and sports supervised numerous activities which involved the participation of many national projects, namely Jeux de Lavenir, Jeux de Lespoir, Environmental Projects, Community Services and special vacances (Ministry of youth and sports, 2012). Capacity building involves strengthening the skills, potential and abilities of people in developing societies so that they can get out of their misery. Capacity-building programmes were established in Mauritius in view of poverty reduction. Since 2000, the IFAD (Funded Rural Diversification Programme) has been reaching out to more the 15 000 poor people. The programme has helped the poor to diversify their incomes and improve their standard of living. Under the Community Development and Poverty Alleviation Project, the Government adopts an approach to help the poor to get out of their own misery, by providing them with opportunities to generate their own income by empowering them (Community Development and Poverty Alleviation Project, 2005). 11 3.1 Limitations of community empowerment strategies Community empowerment strategies encompass several areas and require the participation, involvement, and commitment of various stakeholders. Implementing empowerment strategies also demands much time and effort. However they are good initiatives to empower the community, as explained previously. Community empowerment strategies have brought about numerous improvements in sectors such as poverty, health, environment, and society in general. The major obstacle to successful community empowerment is the lack of training in leadership development and organisational capacity building (Peter, 1996). NGOs NGOs have the possibilities to pass on information either by directly providing them to the public or helping the community to acquire access to information sources. NGOs can improve organisational assets by establishing new community organisations or improve on existing ones. They can also help people to get financial aid and material assets based on their needs and rights. Moreover, they do a great job in sensitizing and gathering people through health and education activities community engagement. Finally, since NGOs work at the grassroots level, they are more experienced and have genuine knowledge of the difficulties people find themselves in (Selibu, 2006). However, very often many obstacles hamper the empowerment process. Limitations to empowerment activities of NGOs arise from many sources. To start with, NGOs are constrained by the fact that they have little access to resources and less influence on policies and the law. Another factor would be that most NGOs are dependent on the developments made by the Government. NGOs are in most cases not in good terms with the Government, and this directly impacts their actions. Moreover, NGOs are limited by local factors such as inefficient institutional frameworks, weak relationships with the community and organisational problems within themselves. Consequently, in trying to respond to donors, the Government often lose sight of genuine empowerment needs of the community and cater for other demands from stakeholders (Selibu, 2006). 12 Risks factors When implementing empowerment strategies, risk factors should be anticipated and well-managed. The risk factors include time and planning limitations, possible lack of cooperation from stakeholders, incompatibility among methods used, diminished interest from community leaders, lack of additional funding and possible lack of resources for community leaders to impart their knowledge and skills (Community Development and Poverty Alleviation Project, 2005). Community organizations face enormous obstacles to repairing the social fabric of their communities, especially if society faces serious issues (e.g. high crime rate). This limitation is due in part to organizations inability to develop strategies and due to lack of resources (Peter, 1996). Moreover it is quite difficult to foster community participation and engagement, because people are not always free to participate in activities even if they can benefit from them. The community is also reluctant to form partnerships with stakeholders due to lack of trust. The community sometimes expects too much from the Government, and therefore is left with only aspirations and dreams. People have responsibilities and other concerns and they view community engagement and participation as an added burden. It can also be that information and whereabouts of campaigns and workshops are not evenly spread, considering low-budget organisations. Sometimes community leaders themselves are not committed to the project. Very often community activities are merged with politics, and are a means to monetary gain and enhanced image. As a matter of fact, community empowerment strategies fail their very own purpose due to lack of community involvement/participation/engagement. 3.2 Alternatives to increase community engagement and participation If an organisation wants to be truly accountable, it needs a strong system of organisational governance. Without a clear focus, it is impossible for community organisations to achieve significant impact. Hence, community organisations should be able to develop the element 13 of trust with the community (ICD, 2005). They should implement creative strategies so that the community is motivated to work with them. Both NGOs and Government organisations should address the different strategies including capacity building, physical projects, research and information and networking (ICD, 2005). Organisations should also display reliability, leadership and transparency. Empowerment programmes are not always easy to achieve. This is why organisations should review their own strategies. Participation and continuity It is necessary to work with the community in bringing awareness of the proposed activities and their benefits. It is also of significant importance to maximise community participation in planning, design, and implementation stages so that people develop sustained interest and ensure continuity of the particular project (Community Development and Poverty Alleviation Project, 2005). Management, supervision and monitoring The success of the projects will depend on proper management, supervision and monitoring. Practitioners should be given appropriate training in the field of project management. Progress should be monitored, to ensure that objectives are being fully achieved (Community Development and Poverty Alleviation Project, 2005). Engagement Community engagement is achieved if projects bear better outcomes. It is also very important to strengthen the relationship with the community. Community organisations should project the reputation of the organisation through their actions. Moreover they should develop increased understanding of community issues to form partnerships and broaden their networks (DSE, 2011). Leadership training Social workers and staff should possess the right skills to be able to reach the audience. Some practitioners often feel a lack of motivation and discontinue their service. Dealing with 14 people can be exhausting and frustrating. Therefore the Government should provide access to training sessions, information and networks. More than 20 training centres have been successful in teaching community organizations the skills needed to develop leaders and build strong community organizations in the US (Peter, 1996). Target vulnerable groups The Government should display involvement in the community. It should tackle issues that are of concern to the community education, emancipation of women, poverty, etc, and provide support by empowering them. E.g. Implementing poverty alleviation strategies. The Community organisations should also work with those who are potentially weak in the social structure. For example by educating the illiterates, providing economic support to vulnerable women, reduce vulnerability to HIV/AIDs and other health issues, and by collaborating with other organisations (SEM, 2012). Community organisations should themselves be empowered to adopt the best suitable approach to deal with people. The Government should promote community access to technology and information and also allocate a budget for community organisations to implement community empowerment programmes, for sensitization campaigns, workshops and working committees. Moreover, since media plays an important role in conveying information, media coverage of community initiatives should be improved. The common man should also be empowered to initiate action on a small basis and eventually be monitored for potential innovative ideas. It is also primordial to promote laws and regulations that give communities a voice (Peter, 1996). The Government of Mauritius has implemented the National Empowerment Foundation in this regard and has extended support and empowered numerous people. Some examples include; The Integrated Social Development programme setting up housing units at La Valette Bambous accounting to a total cost of Rs. 205 million and benefitted 200 families ; around Rs 1.1 billion allocated for programmes which include facilities for unemployed women, Integrated Social Development, circular migration, technical assistance to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) (NEF, 2009). 15 4.0 Critical Analysis Community empowerment strategies are effective measures to empower a community. Through community engagement, community participation, community development and capacity building, people are able to identify their potential and discover their abilities, participate in group discussion and activities, engage in implementation of important projects and can empower themselves so that they can overcome difficult social situations. As mentioned in the previous sections, community empowerment can benefit the community on a small basis as well as nationally. Community empowerment enables people to initiate actions based on their day-to-day experiences. It also creates a chain where the empowered individual in turn helps others to empower themselves by sharing experiences and forming partnerships. Community empowerment is a means for the community to broaden their networks and meet new and influential people. An empowered community can influence the social and economic aspects of a country to seek their rights. Moreover, when working with others for a collective cause, individuals acquire a sense of worthiness. Those actively involved in community work and community service can eventually become tomorrows leaders. Since community empowerment strategies deal with people, unforeseen events may arise. It is true that community empowerment is beneficial to the individual and the community, however people are not always free to engage in community activities. Moreover people are reluctant to indulge in community activities due to lack of trust, because very often activities are based on selfish grounds. For example; political parties showing interest in social activities for the sole purpose of enhancing the image of the Government. Other limitations of empowerment strategies include lack of cooperation from stakeholders, lack of funding and diminished interest from community leaders themselves. Finally, NGOs are limited in their actions due to lack of resources and dependence on the Gover