Niccolo Machiavelli Essay

Niccolo Machiavelli was a political philosopher of the Renaissance. He lived from 1496-1527. Niccolo Machiavelli was also a very famous painter in his time. He painted many famous paintings that are seen in museums, books, and many other places. He was also involved in government throughout his life. Niccolo Machiavelli was a painter, political philosopher, Italian historian, an statesman for influenced many political leaders in Europe. Niccolo Machiavelli led a very political life. In 1494, Niccolo Machiavelli became an important diplomat. He spent most of his time over the years writing history, political philosophy, and plays. The Renaissance was a time of political conflict. Niccolo took part in diplomatic missions through France, Germany, and Italy. In later years, he was forced to retirement of the political business. Machiavelli was known as the â€Å"father of modern political theory†. Niccolo Machiavelli had many political writings. Many of Machiavelli’s writings reflected political issues. He wrote about the world around him and his life in the Renaissance. He witnessed many changes in the environment and wrote about them. Niccolo Machiavelli wrote one political treatise titled The Prince. The Prince was written during a time of tragedy in the Renaissance. Many things Machiavelli wrote about had to deal with politics and violence. The Prince was written in 1513. Although it was written then, it was published however until 1532 and Machiavelli’s death. The theme of this book is about preservation of authority and the establishment of it. Because of The Prince, Machiavelli is considered one of the greatest early modern analyzers of the political power. In 1498, Machiavelli served as a civil servant in Florence. Later in 1512, Machiavelli was imprisoned and the republic failed. Machiavelli had many jobs over his lifetime. He was the head of the second chancery in 1498. Niccolo was also the secretary of council and he studied political tactics. He also studied the strength of a nation with only one prince. In 1509, Machiavelli led a small army to free Pisa. Later in his life, for 5 years he worked as a historiographer. Niccolo Machiavelli had hard times in his life. He lost his place in politics and very much wanted it back. When he wrote The Prince, he wrote it to try and regain favoritism by Medici. In the end, Medici didn’t agree with what Machiavelli said in The Prince and ended up rejecting Machiavelli’s proposal to have that job back. Machiavelli also wrote a book titled â€Å"Discourses On Livy†. The book was on Machiavelli’s full political philosophy. Niccolo also wrote a biography on the Life of Castruccio Castracani. He wrote many plays and also many poems. His most famous poem was The Mandrake. The Mandrake was written in 1524. Machiavelli also wrote the History of Florence in 1525. The History of Florence tells about chronicles of the city. Machiavelli also wrote the Art of the War in 1521. That book describes mercenary troops and their lives. Niccolo Machiavelli was a very productive leader. Over all of his tragedies that happened in his life, he still overcame all of it. He worked very hard producing plays that have become very famous over the years. He wrote The Prince, which is a very well populated piece today. Not only did Machiavelli produce plays but he also wrote poems and biographies for people. Many of his quotes that he resighted in The Prince are still remembered today and used greatly. He was also a very significant political leader and went very far in government.

Policy Speech on Drug Abuse Essay

Some of you may remember back in 5th grade the D.A.R.E song. You know the song about staying away from drugs and making your own choices. Come on! It had little dance moves that went along with the words. Well if you don’t remember, heres an example of the Chapman Elementary school in Dublin Ohio singing at their D.A.R.E graduation. (play video) Who went through a program like this in their elementary school? According to the Ocean Shore Police, today D.A.R.E. is being taught in all 50 states, in more than 300,000 classrooms. However, this program is not as effective as it was originally sought out to be. Drug abuse is a tremendous problem that must be addressed by the community in order to aid in future prevention. Today I will be talking to you about the D.A.R.E program now and how it is slowly losing its popularity, my proposal on how to change it and how this will positively effect the younger generations. D.A.R.E, standing for Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program, was founded in 1983 by the Los Angeles Police Department and eventually spread across the country. DARE is a primary, or universal prevention program. It targets children and youth before or around the age of experimentation, usually 5th graders. Today, the program reaches more than 26 million children every year in the United States. The non-profit program uses trained law enforcement officers to teach students about drug and alcohol resistance and prevention, and making good life choices. The hour-long classes typically run 10 to 17 weeks, depending on the school. The D.A.R.E. program enables students to interact with police officers or sheriffs in a safe and controlled classroom environment. This helps students and officers meet and understand each other in a friendly manner. Since it was founded, D.A.R.E. has expanded to encompass programs for middle and high school students, conflict resolution, gang prevention, parent education, and after-school recreation and learning. The curriculum has also been revised over the years as a result of research findings and is now more interactive by promoting participation by students. D.A.R.E. has also  established a Scientific Advisory Board to aid in self- evaluation and recommend program changes. Kathi Ackerman, director of Minnesota DARE said, â€Å"Its curriculum has been revamped at least 10 times since its creation.† Still, many districts have had to cut the program because it was too expensive and the outcome did not meet their standards. Julie Olson, director of elementary education said that the Rosemount-Apple Valley district had to drop DARE due to their $15 million budget shortfall. The district used the program for two decades; however it was cut from 18 elementary schools, saving the district $50,000 annually. Although the program has said it involves middle and high school students, research found that 80% of primary school students had experienced some D.A.R.E. education, but only 20% of middle school students and 10% of high school students were exposed to any follow-up drug use prevention. This is one of the great weaknesses within the program. Without a follow up lesson, kids tend to forget what they learned or simply think it does not apply to them anymore. Regardless of the positives DARE teaches, being exposed to these lessons in only one grade is not enough for it to become a way of life. If we ask the question, does DARE help support healthy attitudes about drug use, increase knowledge and awareness of addiction, and increase skills important for youth to have, then the answer is without a doubt yes. However is this enough for our children? Their lives are at stake and if we do not see results, then we are not effectively doing our job. What the critics fail to recognize, is that no single program can be expected to have a lasting effect by itself. Namely, no one component in prevention is sufficient in and of itself to reduce the prevalence of drug use. For this reason, I propose an updated version of the DARE program. A version that will run throughout middle and high school, involve the parents, schools teachers, faculty and staff. This new program will continue on with all that is already in the DARE program; however, it will also include guest speakers, field trips and hands on activities. Volunteer guest speakers will range from previously abusive drug and alcohol users, current abusers and families of those that have lost a loved one to the disease of addiction. The lack of shock and â€Å"in your face† types of actions are what the current DARE program is missing. This may be due to the fact that its primary age  group for students is in the elementary school level. Kids in middle and high school need to see these types of people for it to actually effect them. I know that every teenager thinks they are invincible and that they can do anything. They have the mindset, â€Å"That could never be me.† I did, but boy did I get a news flash when I went on a field trip with my criminal justice class to the Nassau Jail. A few of the inmates volunteered to tell their stories. There was this one beautiful girl sitting in the corner and I honestly thought she was part of staff, until she stood up and told her story about drug addiction. She happened to live in my town. How crazy is that? That definitely hit home to many of the students in my class. This is the type of shock value we need to express to our children for them to understand the actual reality that ones actions can lead to. We can throw all of these stories onto a child or teenager, yet it cannot stop there. Parents who play a vital role in a child’s life, have to impose their influence on decision making to lead towards healthy choices. Within the program there will be parent and teacher seminars which will explain what the children are learning, the ways they are being taught and ways the adults can reenforce the lessons. The seminars for adults will also include the same guest speakers and opportunities to take the same field trips that the children go on. Finally these seminars will include how to detect signs of addiction, ways to sufficiently help your child and contact information for specialized therapists, rehabilitation centers and anonymous support groups. Some may see this as to be a bit heavy and too much for their children ages 10-18 to go through; however this is the harsh reality. We need to take action and take action now! Drug abuse is still a popular fad amongst teenagers even with prevention programs like DARE. Obviously, we as a community are not effectively doing our jobs. With a revised version of DARE, students, parents and teachers will be able to work together to prevent this fad from reoccurring. Having hands on activities, guest speakers, field trips and adult seminars will create a more sufficient program to lead children towards a healthy future. Now think back to the DARE song that Chapman Elementary School performed. Can we only teach our children a cute song or can we actually send a message  that will stick?

St. Vincent's Concept Statement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

St. Vincent's Concept Statement - Essay Example With this basic knowledge in mind it should be understood that there are various pieces or writings that may be used to illustrate and demonstrate the concepts and principles that will be applied in the development of a proposed piece of construction. In this respect the meaning of the term ‘design’. In this case the term is used to mean also the visual impact which the particular project will have on its surrounding. In this case it is important to recognize the fact that there are a lot of issues that come into play when looking at the whole aspect of architecture. In this case it is important to examine every detail that is of essence. In this particular case it should be in relation to the area of St. Vincent’s. Development of The Plan of Action Before embarking on this particular project it will be of great importance to develop a plan of action. It is this plan of action that will govern all the undertakings henceforth and may play a significant role in dete rmining whether the entire project will actually be a success or a failure in the longrun. Before embarking on the plan of action it will be important to first get a brief understanding of the region in question. (Robert & Greed, 2001) St. Vincent’s in this case is one of the quarters of Sheffield. The region has a superb landscape and topography. Most of the developments that are realized in the town in relation to the buildings among others are greatly influenced by the Irish and Catholic communities which to be dominant in the region. Importance of the Plan of Action in St. Vincent’ The first major importance of the plan of action is that it will lead to the securing of business sites which will go a long way in ensuring the economic sustainability of this particular region. At the same time the Plan of Action will provide a clear guideline that will be used to the benefit of the region and this will be in line with the present demands when it come to restructuring for the purpose of development. The plan will also aid in the establishment of environmental projects and space for the public which will eventually lead to the regeneration of the area hence prove to be a driving force for change. The plan is also aimed at designing a good strategy that will be implemented with the intention of curbing certain phenomena such as insecurity, public safety, parking space among various others. On the other hand the action plan will serve to create a balanced mix of residents occupying the area. Again the plan will also serve to protect the area’s heritage and historic culture. This will especially be achieved through the use of conservation areas. The above stated points are used to bring to light some of the importance that is attached with the plan of action in relation to the St. Vincent’s area. It should be noted that the plan of action is not just a document that will serve the role of promotion but will at the same time will be used as an instrument that will serve to bring economic development of the stated region. The investment in the area is also something that will be focused on. With this intention the council of St. Vincent’s seeks to pool together resources that will bring about local community building and improve on private investment in the area. These will constitute the following proposed developments in the area: 1. Improvements on the entry points and routes in and out of the area 2. The inception and support of forums and debates where representatives of the local groups and in this case the businessmen, the farmers, the landlords and also the various citizens of the region can be represented. The purpose of these forums is to act as the channels through which the

Arley Merchandise Corporation Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Arley Merchandise Corporation - Case Study Example If the company sought to issue $8 per share in market value of common stock then the earnings per share would be further diluted as if the shares are valued at less than $8 on the stock market at the exercise date. The company does not currently pay dividends and do not expect to pay dividends in the future. It means that shareholders would have to manufacture there own dividends. Selling shares to obtain income (manufacturing dividends) will involve additional costs such as broker fees and therefore does not represent an attractive option for the investors. The ten year note is therefore a more favourable option as it will prevent the company of going outside. The rate of 128% above treasury rate is just 1% higher than the rate of 127% which was offered in January 1983. Although issuing the ten year note increases debt, it does not involve a negotiation of interest rate; neither does it consider the level of debt currently available. Arley Merchandise would only be paying interest o n the notes which is fixed. Interest expense is an allowable deduction for tax purposes. If the company decides to pay divide pay dividend in the future it would be a less advantageous option to investors. Furthermore, the ten year note is a less risky option for investors as they have prior claim over shareholders should the company go into bankruptcy. It would therefore attract more investors to buy the company’s shares. The fact that it pays interest quarterly makes it even better.

Evaluation of Educational Programs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Evaluation of Educational Programs - Essay Example Other schools rule out students from justice system for children so as to avoid educating the students with special needs who could gain from remaining in school if these educators could have recognized the potentials and address their mental, behavioral, emotional, and development needs. Violation of the rights of students under the act of disabled individuals to get free education is an indirect effort to re-segregate schools through ruling out students based on their culture, ethnicity, linguistic traits and disabilities. It is a high time for schools which do not implement the zero reject placement to start adopting this policy. Faulty lies are not in act of disabled individuals but in systems with inadequate capacities and poor administrative skills. The disabled individual act requires all disabled students to be located in their respective district schools and make sure that they get free and suitable public education. Under this law no child should be denied public education irrespective of his or her disability. The state was to satisfy the provision of free education to the students with disabilities, giving them personalized instructions accompanied with proper supporting services allowing the disabled student to gain educationally using the instructions. These services and instruction were to meet educational regulations as provided by the state. They were to be made available at the expense of the public and be closely similar to grade levels applied in normal education. The instructions were to be formulated in agreement with the Act of disabled individual and in case educating a child in a normal classroom, the instructions were to be carefully looked into to allow a child to acquire the average marks and progress from one level to another. Additionally, the cost of educating a highly retarded student was too high because it required a lot of effort and many educational staff members; the population of highly retarded students was very small as c ompared with whole population of students; the educational advancement of the highly retarded students was very slow compared with other students' progress. Therefore, maximizing total satisfaction would fail following the above positions, through provision of special education to highly retarded students. Alternatively, the positions above would advise the usage of special needs funds on educating other children (Turnbull, A., Turnbull, R., & Wehmeyer, 2010). Least selective environment placement The second placement is least selective environment: this is where the disabled students should be taught by the non disabled students and should gain access to curriculum. The classrooms which contain both the non disabled and the disabled students should provide appropriate and useful environment for students who have disabilities. Moreover, normal students should know that the incapacitated learners are worthy individuals in the classrooms. It is evident that if the disabled students ar e involved in typical education, they can develop and learn more. A particular student with disability may be ignored from the typical curriculum due to the degree of his or her disability; the act of disabled individuals enables the student to get services whether from outside or inside the typical education. The educators' lack of capacity and will are the two things that limit them from following this principle. The act of individuals who have disabil

PERFORM COMPARISON CONTRAST BETWEEN WORKS BY DFFERENT WRITERS BASED ON Essay

PERFORM COMPARISON CONTRAST BETWEEN WORKS BY DFFERENT WRITERS BASED ON STYLE, SUBJECT MATTER OR THEME - Essay Example The gruesome picture of racism, social discrimination and many other contemporary issues has been depicted by Afro-American authors. Harriet Jacobs, a writer, reformer and abolitionist, was a 19th century Afro-American literary figure (Yale University, 2009) who was also known as the ‘fugitive slave author’ of the American slave narrative Incidents in the Life of A Slave Girl, Written by Herself. Her active involvement in reform movements before, during and after the Civil War, and her own experience of slavery for 29 years helped her sketch her characters poignantly and realistically. Modern day readers and scholars would have been in the darkness about the life and works of Harriet Jacobs unless the revolutionary work of Professor Jean Fagan Yellin who, by dint of extensive research and studies, authored her biography: Harriet Jacobs: A Life. This book received the 2004 Frederick Douglass Book Prize for its immaculate detailing about how Jacob’s literature was s haped by her turbulent life. (Yale University, 2009) Audre Lorde, born in New York City in 1934, is renowned for her poems, essays and novels. She was brought up in Manhattan and was sent to Catholic school where her first poem was published in ‘Seventeen’ magazine. Lorde got her B. A. from Hunter College and Masters in Library Sciences from Columbia University. Her professional career, which began as a librarian in New York public schools, saw many turn of events as she later on got an employment as a writer-in-residence at Tougaloo College in Mississippi. It was here when she discovered an inclination for pedagogy, and at the end of her tenure here in 1968, her first volume of poems ‘The First Cities’ was brought out. She also met her long-term partner Frances Clayton in Tougaloo. (Poets.org, 1997-2009) Born in 1912 to parents one of which was a strict disciplinarian and another

Sanctity Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sanctity - Research Proposal Example Here, Muggeridge's statement of 1997 is relevant: "The quest for quality of life could endanger the human race if sanctity of life is ignored." That is, the quest for qualitative human life which ignores the sanctity of life carries within it the potential of failure and counter-productivity; consequently, the preservation of the sanctity of human life must go hand in hand with the quest for quality of life. Yes, that is a logical theoretical inference, with two operative phrases "the preservation" and "must go hand in hand". Aristotle, however, once said that talking (or theorising) about virtue does not make a man virtuous. To be virtuous, the desiring one must do something, must act- according to a well-conceived, open-minded and intelligibly articulated conceptual frame, which must form the (temporary or permanent guide) and watchword for the aspirer. Therefore, to begin with: What is a practical pursuit of the quality of life What is that pursuit that does not in any way exclude the preservation of the sanctity of human life Moreover, what is human life, whose quality one wishes to improve What are its facets and ramifications, its scope, the limits of its entirety Is it all about satisfying the instincts of hunger, thirst, sleep, and sex All about traditionalistic religious devotion, churchism, or Islamism About quintessential scholarly fulfilment Amassing wealth and riches Marrying and raising familiesEvidently, none of these activities capture the human life comprehensively, since not every one is religious, can be scholarly, will marry and raise families, or can amass wealth and riches; yet everyone has a (human) life, irrespective of his background, privilege, ability or disability; irrespective of his sanity or insanity. Then, the quality of life. By what yardstick is the quality of life to be measured By political stability By economic prosperity Religious edification Or by a predominance of sterling scholarship The United States and Britain, two of the most politically stable nations of the world, do not praise or envisage the attainment of their kind of politics by other nations as barometers of a flawless qualitative human life (Academic Digestive 2005). Neither does a polity content itself with perfecting its political development, in the hope of attaining to a wholesome life for its people. Since 1940(when the performance of economy began to be measured systematically), man has focused on the pursuit of economic growth, striving to increase the flow of traded goods and services, concentrating on the creation of factories- local, national, multinational; on the cultivation of raw materials and their large-scale conversion into goods and assets, on discovering and nurturing skills of craftsmanship, improvisation and serendipity-all towards achieving and sustaining vibrant economic standards, whose beauty envisioned from a distance by the wandering inquisitiveness of mankind, seemed to promise the advent of a comprehensively, if not perfectly, enhanced quality of human life. While, consequently, the demand for goods and service

Business Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Business Management - Essay Example However, this would attract large capital investments and total relocation which are not feasible at the present juncture. A centralized Storing & Warehousing Department could solve the problem. Under this system, the customer could provide his material requirements electronically through computer to the vendors. All his material supplies could be processed electronically in a central system and requisitions placed to different units that stock these items. All the requisitioned items could then be sent across to a central point used as material collection centre. The buyer needs to collect all his needed materials from this central point. This way, a complete electronic track is kept of all receipts and dispatch of goods to/from different units, however, geographically dispersed they may be. While exerting excellent control over goods, it also serves to reduce the efforts of customers who would otherwise need to move from unit to unit to collect their goods. The arrival pattern of trucks leads to traffic congestion and contributes to gridlock within the unit. This could be seen as an offshoot of the problem mentioned earlier. It is suggested that separate timings and controls are maintained for delivery trucks visiting the unit. These would be parked in areas which are not within normal business parking zones, thus the normal production etc would not be affected by vendors, or delivery activities. Moreover, the use of a centralized warehousing would relieve the congestion in peripheral stores and depots, and exercise more efficient control mechanism. There are concerns about Manufacturing Unit at Pacific Northwest (PN) with regard to rising production costs, higher carrying costs, late deliveries, increasing incidence of scrap and lower product quality standards that need to be urgently addressed to. In all

Critical evaluate (debate) the positive (good) and negative (bad) Essay

Critical evaluate (debate) the positive (good) and negative (bad) influence of knowledge management and organizational learning to an organization to form competitive advantage - Essay Example nt position in this as they are the real â€Å"knowledge producers† and hence any new knowledge that a company looks for is produced courtesy through these people. (Rocca, 1992) Competitive success is basically commanded by the companys capability to harness and indeed develop new forms of knowledge, gained either by observation or by experience attained, which can be called as assets that in turn create the required â€Å"core competencies† of the said organization. (Sims, 2002) While these competencies do exist in many forms, learning on the part of a particular company plays a pivotal role, which eventually ventures into other resources of knowledge to generate high-class and exceptional showing from the company’s employees. (Dunn, 2001) Core competencies, which usually flow out of a company, provide characteristic benefits to both the customers as well as any other individuals attached with it. These are generally espied as being the foundation of forming a competitive advantage within the said company. (Chang, 2001) It is quite true that there is a host of ways in which new knowledge within a company is facilitated within its ranks. The need here is to classify them with respect to their importance, which include the cultural infrastructure can be changed within a company so as to gather some proportion to the fact of the actual remains that have to be taken care of in the company and in its employees’ minds. It demands idealization and disclosure of everlasting knowledge that is created over a certain period of time. This usually requires basic changes to already set cultural notions in companies and more so in the minds of their employees. (Fahy, 1996) Also operational infrastructure is changed through human resources organizational practices that are managed and received by the employees and other people in a different way altogether. A basic revamping of a knowledge-centered company is required here, which would involve the job ladders, compensations,

Nursing theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Nursing theory - Essay Example Nightingale’s environment metaparadigm is informed by the aforementioned tenets. The focus here is the link between the environment and health. Nightingale argues that the environment informs nursing practices in one way or another. For instance, unsanitary conditions pose health risks and vice versa. The ventilation, light, warmth, effluvia, and noise tenets can be altered to influence the outcome of nursing practices. Johnson’s metaparadigm is informed by social bonds, dependency, ingestion, elimination, procreation and gratification, aggression, and achievement tenets (Walker & Avant, 2011). The application of these tenets is broad and wide in relation to the nursing practice. Their integration into the nursing practice influence health completeness under the health context metaparadigm. Finally, Watson’s tenets include altruistic value system, faith and hope, trust, sensitivity, feelings, solution to problems, teaching and learning, addressing human needs, countering phenomenological forces, and enhancing an environment that is supportive (Walker & Avant, 2011). Tenets related to Watson are spread across the four aforementioned metaparadigms that inform nursing

Health Care Hall of Fame Museum Proposal Essay Example for Free

Health Care Hall of Fame Museum Proposal Essay Healthcare has existed for centuries. As a society we have gone from primitive treatments like casting spells to revolutionary disease breakthroughs. The United States has held steadfast in the evolution of healthcare delivery causing the delivery of healthcare to increase by magnitude proportions. The 1900’s was a time that changes in healthcare and the delivery of it began to emerge in the United States. Scientists started taking an increase interest in diseases. Cardiology developments have helped with the treatment of heart disease, monitoring and prevention. â€Å"Heart Disease is the number one leading cause of death in America.† (American Heart Association, www.heart.org). Heart disease goes as far back as Egyptian Pharaohs, British monarchs and American Presidents. Unhealthy behaviors causing an increase in the risk factors amongst Americans have greatly affected the health of our society as a whole. Americans lead with sedentary lifestyles and the â€Å"supersize mentality†. Early interventions to reduce the risk factors that cause heart disease are essential. Mental illness has been frowned upon since ancient history. The United States was no different. Some people feel that mental illness is not a physical problem and is just a behavioral or spiritual problem that can be controlled. The mentally ill have been maltreated and put through deplorable, inhumane conditions. Introduction of antipsychotic medication in the 1950’s helped in the recovery and helped those who were mentally ill live in the community. Mental health became a priority and care in institutions and hospitals started to improve. â€Å"The Mental Health Act 1986 (the Act) provides a legislative framework for the care, treatment and protection of people with mental illness for psychiatrists to implement.† (Treatment plans under the Mental Health Act). The National Institute of Mental health has a mission to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses. Better healthcare choices can be made with the use of biotechnology. Biotechnology is not a new science. It goes as far back as 500 B.C. It is beneficial with the development of medication, research on drugs, stem cell research, gene testing and therapy. â€Å"Modern biotechnology provides breakthrough products and technologies to combat debilitating and rare diseases, reduce our environmental footprint, feed the hungry, use less and cleaner energy, and have safer, cleaner and more efficient industrial manufacturing processes.† (What is Biotechnology? http://www.bio.org/articles/what-biotechnology). Biotechnology has made major strides in healthcare like the eradication of small pox or gene therapy to help people battle auto immune diseases. Public Health is concerned with disease prevention and wellness promotion for the community as a whole. Epidemics, pand emic and outbreaks make public health an essential part of healthcare. Public health dates back to Biblical times. An example of this is the isolation of a contagious disease like leprosy. Lillian Wald the mother of Public Health Nursing led the crusade of helping provide medical care to the poor in the United States. The increase awareness of health and the healthcare coverage that would be needed led the United States to develop HMOs. HMOs provide medical treatment for patients on a prepaid basis. HMO members pay a fixed monthly fee, more often than not through an employer regardless of how much medical care is needed in a given month. A wide variety of medical services are provided after the fee is paid, from office visits to hospitalization and surgery. There are benefits to having an HMO. â€Å"Preventive and well-care services, such as routine physicals and pediatric care, are provided at no additional cost. Co-payments apply to doctors office visits, prescriptions, hospital admissions, emergency room visits and some other services. You generally do not need to submit claim forms, except in cases when emergency care takes place outside of your coverage area.† Research on diseases, health maintenance, and wellness continues to progress. Public Health continues to be an advocate for hea lth and safety in the community. The United States continues to evolve in healthcare delivery. References American Heart Association, Disease Information. (2000). Retrieved from http://my.americanheart.org/professional/Research/Disease-Information_UCM_459537_Article.jsp Future of Biotechnology in Healthcare, Chapter Nine. (2011, August). Retrieved from http://www.amgenscholars.com/images/uploads/contentImages/biotechnology-future.pdf Institute of Mental Health. About NIMH. (October 6, 2014). Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/index.shtml Public health history time line. (2014, September 6). Retrieved from http://www.sphtc.org/resources.html

Research Essay Ballast Water Environmental Sciences Essay

Research Essay Ballast Water Environmental Sciences Essay INTRODUCTION The proper control and management of ballast water from ships is now a major environmental challenge not only to the International Maritime Organization but also for the shipping industry worldwide. This problematic issue has led some countries to consider actions at the national level to establish regulations and criteria for the discharge of ballast water in areas under its jurisdiction. In this way, the IMO adopted in 2004 the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship ´s Ballast Water and Sediments and several guidelines and resolutions. As the Convention previously mentioned has not yet entered into force, several states have taken unilateral action to prevent, minimize and ultimately eliminate the risks of the introduction to the marine environment of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens from ballast water. Consequently, in 1998 the Argentine maritime authority approved Order No. 7-98 entitled Prevention of pollution by aquatic organisms in the ballast water of ships bound for Argentine ports in the estuary of the River Plate, which requires ships from overseas bound for Argentine ports in the estuary to discharge, change or treat their ballast water before entering a zone in which polluting activities are prohibited, which is located at the exterior limit of the River Plate. Even though Argentina is an IMO member state, for political reasons it has not signed the IMO Convention for Ballast Water. However, Argentina follows the IMO recommendations to create its own regulations in a standardized way, in order to avoid the negative impacts that ballast water discharge involves. This paper will analyze Argentina ´s national regulations and procedures for dealing with ballast water and determine the similarities and differences with the IMO recommendations. In addition, before analyzing this specific aspect, it is necessary to introduce the ballast water issue. First, the ballast water definition and its brief history. Second, this paper will describe the problems that ballast water implies. Third, the IMO responses in concordance with the international cooperation, regarding ballast water management and the assistance to developing countries, like Argentina, to reduce the entry of invasive species. Finally, this research will compare the Argentine legal framework with the international one; to be concluded with some suggestions and recommendations to improve this significant environmental problem. BALLAST WATER BACKGROUND What is Ballast Water? To understand the problems that ballast water imply, it is necessary to know the meaning of ballast water. According to the IMO Convention, ballast water means water with its suspended matter taken on board a ship to control trim, list, draught, stability or stresses of the ship. Ships are designed and constructed to sail carrying cargo such as oil, minerals, containers and so on. Consequently, if the ship travels without charge from one port and goes to the next port, the ballast must be on board to allow the vessel to operate efficiently and with safety. This includes keeping the ship at a depth sufficient to guarantee efficient operation of the propeller and rudder, and to avoid stress and strain on the hull, mainly in heavy seas, that could cause it to break or to sink the ship. Thousands of years ago, when ships began to be built, they carried solid ballast, such as rocks, sand or metal. However, since 1880, ships have used water as ballast, mainly because it is more affordable, it is much easier to load and unload and is, therefore, more effective and economical than the ballast solid (Ballast Water Defined, n.d.). As the figure 1 shows, when a ship is freed from its cargo, it is filled with water ballast. The water is distributed into the ballast tanks in the vessel. These tanks are strategically located depend on the vessel structure. They are usually located along the side and bottom of the hull. Ballast water is extracted through sea water intakes located in the side or vessel bottom, with the aid of feeding pumps for ballast or gravity. The seawater intakes are covered with grills or filters that prevent large foreign objects from entering the ships ballast tanks. However, many species are able to pass through the ship ´s water intake and pumps (The Issue, n.d.). Figure 1 Cross section of ships showing ballast tanks and ballast water cycle Note: Globallast Partnerships Retrieved from: http://globallast.imo.org/index.asp?page=problem.htmmenu=true C:Usersanalia soleda viggiaDesktopJING IMAGESBW.png The ballast water sediments are closely associated with ballast water. When ships charge ballast water, they also receive the solid material contained in the water. When this material enters into the ballast water tank, it sits in the bottom of the tank as sediment and the problem is that it can carry a variety of invasive species. Consequently, approximately 7,000 diverse invasive species could be transported into the ballast water tanks around the world. Many of these species may not survive during the ships ´ voyage. In the same way, other species are able to survive but when they are discharged in a place with different environmental conditions, they may die. However, several of the invasive species not only are able to survive but also find favourable conditions in the new environment to reproduce and to be a competitor or depredator of native species (The Issue, n.d.). BALLAST WATER PROBLEMS Invasive Species There are many problems in the ballast water discharge due to invasive species that are introduced in a new environment. These invasive species could be defined as species that have been introduced, intentionally or accidentally in a place, area or region where not found naturally. Other synonyms that are used to refer to invasive species are non-native species, non-indigenous species or invasive alien species (IAS) (Invasive species, n.d.). Furthermore, according to the IMO BW Convention, the invasive species are defined as: Aquatic organisms or pathogens which, if introduced into the sea including estuaries, or into fresh water courses, may create hazards to the environment, human health, property or resources, impair biological diversity or interfere with other legitimate uses of such areas. The problem involving invasive species is that after they have been introduced into a new geographic area, they are established and spread, which causes or may cause, damage to the environment, economies or the health of human beings (Invasive species, n.d.). Invasion Process The invasive process has three main steps: Introduction, establishment and propagation. 1 Introduction of the species: The species is introduced successfully in a new geographical area, intentionally or accidentally. This means that the species survives the voyage and is able to live in that area because the environmental conditions such as light, temperature, salinity, nutrients, among others, are adequate. 2 Establishment and reproduction of introduced species: Survivors persist and reproduce successfully, establishing a self-sustaining foundational population. 3 Propagation: The established population begins to spread, sometimes after a stationary period (or stationary stage) that could be for years and even decades. Then an explosive growth stage begins, this moment is when the new species becomes invasive (Invasive species, n.d.). Negative impacts The introduction of invasive species and their spread is recognized as a devastating issue in the affected environment because the damage that species cause to the local biodiversity could be irremediable. In this way, these complications in the environment imply also a negative impact in the economy of the affected area and to human health that is impaired by the invasive species ´ effects. In addition, all these negative impacts that invasive species produce in the environment, the economy and the human health are interrelated and influence each other (Ballast Water Management, n.d.). Ecological/ Environmental Negative ecological impacts happen when invasive species alter the local biodiversity of the area and/or ecological processes. While the initial impact may be insignificant and therefore, not detected; over time, as the population increases, also the severity of the effects increases. The most significant ecological impacts that invasive species cause in the environment are (The Ballast, 2002, p.8): Competing with native species for space and food. Preying upon native species. Altering habitat. Altering environmental conditions. Altering the food web and the overall ecosystem. Displacing native species, reducing native biodiversity and even causing local extinctions. Economic Invasive species can produce huge economic losses to society, whether in the form of direct economic impacts, such as loss of marine food production, or secondary economic impacts associated with the health of humans or ecological impact. For example, it is estimated that in the U.S., the cost associated with the control of invasive species is enormous. To clear Zebra Mussels were cost between US$750 and US$1 billion between 1989 and 2000. In general, the economic impacts include (The Ballast, 2002, p.10): Reductions in fisheries production (including collapse of the fishery) due to competition, predation or displacement of the fishery species by the invading species or through environmental changes caused by the invading species. Impacts on aquaculture (including closure of fish-farms), especially from introduced harmful algae blooms. Physical impacts on coastal infrastructure, facilities and industry, especially by fouling species. Reduction in the economy and efficiency of shipping due to fouling species. Impacts and even closure of recreational and tourism beaches and other coastal amenity sites due to invasive species (e.g. physical fouling of beaches and severe odors from harmful algae blooms). Secondary economic impacts from human health impacts of introduced pathogens and toxic species, including increased monitoring, testing, diagnostic and treatment costs, and loss of social productivity due to illness and even death in affected persons. Secondary economic impacts from ecological impacts and bio-diversity loss. The costs of responding to the problem, including research and development, monitoring, education, communication, regulation, compliance, management, mitigation and control costs. Human health Because of the continued transfers of ballast water, chances are high that ships carry microorganisms on a large scale. For instance, there is evidence that cholera epidemics can be directly related to the discharge of ballast water. While Vibrio cholera and other pathogens are normal elements of coastal waters, they are not usually present in concentrations high enough to cause health problems for humans. However, with the increase in global trade and vessels transiting between international ports, the transfer of microbes could well be the worst threat related to the discharge of ballast water. A clear example is the cholera epidemic that happened in Peru in 1991 because of ballast water discharge, affecting more than a million people and killing more than ten thousand. Another problem in the human health that ballast water implies is that ships could carry in the ballast tanks not only bacteria and viruses, but also a range of species of microalgae, including toxic species that may form harmful algae blooms or red tides' (The Ballast, 2002, p.13). This kind of algae causes shellfish poisoning, which can produce sever illness and death in humans. ARGENTINE CASE STUDY The invasive species introduced by ballast water have affected Argentine waters causing many negative impacts. For instance, since 1991, the Golden Mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) entered to Argentina through the River Plate into the ballast water tanks of Asian ships (Crosier, Molloy, n.d.). One of the complications that golden mussel causes is the damage in water intakes and water treatment plants, in which it is adhered. Consequently, the pipes are clogged, the water flow moves slowly and filters are clogged (macro-fouling) (Figure 2 and 3). Other disorders associated with the presence of this invasive bivalve are the rapidly changing in communities of organisms living on the bottom of water bodies (called benthic) and the displacement of indigenous species of mollusks. Figure 1 and 2 Golden Mussel Note: Para Nauticos Retrieved from: http://www.paranauticos.com/Notas/Tecnicas/Oceanografia/mejillon-dorado.htm C:Usersanalia soleda viggiaDesktopJING IMAGESGolden_Mussel.pngC:Usersanalia soleda viggiaDesktopJING IMAGESGolden_Mussel_002.png Furthermore, the Golden Mussel produces changes in the food chains of the environment, such as change of diet of vogue in the River Plate. In this case, this fish chooses the golden mussel as their main food, altering the normal ecosystem characteristics. On the other hand, the arrival of the invasive bivalve has economic negative effects that can be quantified by the value of the damage it causes, plus the costs of prevention and control tasks (Mirasso, n.d.). As a result of the Golden Mussel invasion in the River Plate, there are several negative impacts, such as in the human health, taking into account that the water consumed by people is that one that be affected by the Golden Mussel in the treatment plant. Moreover, other negative effects are ecological (because the environmental changes) and economics (due to the procedures used it to solve the problems that the bivalve produces). INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION RESPONSES Since late 1980, the IMO has been actively engaged in trying to find a solution to the problem of ballast water. Initially, the IMO developed and published a set of guidelines in 1991, which were replaced in 1997 with Resolution A.868 (20) called Guidelines for the control and management of ship ´s ballast water to minimize the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens. Subsequently, IMO began working on an international legal instrument that resulted in the adoption by consensus of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ballast Water and Sediments in the Diplomatic Conference that was held at the IMO headquarters in London on February 13, 2004. This Convention will enter into force 12 months after ratification by 30 States, representing 35 per cent of world merchant shipping tonnage. The last IMO report of  August 31, 2011 shows that 35 States have ratified the Convention, representing 27.95% of world merchant shipping tonnage (Ballast Water Man agement, n.d.; Status of Conventions, 2012). Basically, the BWM Convention will require all ships to implement a Ballast Water and Sediments Management Plan; all ships will have to carry a Ballast Water Record Book and will be required to carry out standard ballast water management procedures. In addition, Parties to the Convention are given the option to take additional measures which are subject to criteria set out in the Convention and to IMO guidelines. These guidelines were created by the IMO Member States between 2005 and 2008 to facilitate the uniform implementation of the ballast water process. The mentioned guidelines are the following (BWM Guidelines, n.d.): Guidelines for sediment reception facilities (G1) (resolution MEPC.152(55)) Guidelines for ballast water sampling (G2) (resolution MEPC.173(58)) Guidelines for ballast water management equivalent compliance (G3) (resolution MEPC.123(53)) Guidelines for ballast water management and development of ballast water management plans (G4) (resolution MEPC.127(53)) Guidelines for ballast water reception facilities (G5) (resolution MEPC.153(55)) Guidelines for ballast water exchange (G6) (resolution MEPC.124(53)) Guidelines for risk assessment under regulation A-4 of the BWM Convention (G7) (resolution MEPC.162(56)) Guidelines for approval of ballast water management systems (G8) (resolution MEPC.174(58)) Procedure for approval of ballast water management systems that make use of Active Substances (G9) (resolution MEPC.169(57)) Guidelines for approval and oversight of prototype ballast water treatment technology programmes (G10) (resolution MEPC.140(54)) Guidelines for ballast water exchange design and construction standards (G11) (resolution MEPC.149(55)) Guidelines on design and construction to facilitate sediment control on ships (G12) (resolution MEPC.150(55)) Guidelines for additional measures regarding ballast water management including emergency situations (G13) (resolution MEPC.161(56)) Guidelines on designation of areas for ballast water exchange (G14) (resolution MEPC.151(55)) Guidelines for ballast water exchange in the Antarctic treaty area (resolution MEPC.163(56)) However, the most relevant IMO recommendation regarding ballast water is the before mentioned Resolution A.868 (20) Guidelines for the control and management of ship ´s ballast water to minimize the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens. This Resolution was adopted on 27 November 1997 not as a solution to the ballast water issue but as a tool to minimize the risks caused by invasive species. Also, it asked countries to cooperate with this issue, applying the resolution itself and any other necessary measures. First, the Resolution A.868 (20) establishes several indications both to port States and ships. Beginning with the port States, they should inform the IMO of specific requirements that they have such as regulations, specific zones, standards and exemptions, in order that IMO can distribute this information and in this way, the ships could obtain each country ´s requirements prior to their arrival at port. Other information that the port States should pass on to IMO is the results of inspections and analyses of samples of ballast water tanks. In addition, the port States should have adequate reception and treatment facilities in their ports for safe disposal of ballast tank sediments. Second, according to the Resolution, the ships should have a specific ballast water management plan including safe and effective procedures during the charge and discharge of ballast water. All ships should record each discharge, mention at least dates; geographical location; ship ´s tanks and cargo holds; ballast water temperature and salinity; amount of ballast water loaded or discharged. Additionally, the ships should follow precautionary practices such as avoiding taking ballast water in darkness, shallow water or where propellers may stir up sediments. Also, they should avoid unnecessary discharge of ballast water. The ballast water exchange process could be done in deep water, in open ocean, as far as possible from shore or where the port State authorizes. In case of using pumping systems, the water should be pumped through the tank at least three times. Third, the Resolution takes into account future considerations in relation to ballast water exchange. This means that the measures could be revised and adjusted according to new technologies or developments. In addition, this document has two appendices. Appendix 1 is the Ballast Water Reporting Form to be provided by ships to port State Authority upon request. Appendix 2 is the Guidance of safety aspects of Ballast Water Exchange at sea. This appendix mentions the safety measures (stability, weather conditions, and stress on the hull, among others) and two recognized methods: Sequential method, in which ballast tanks are pumped out and refilled with clean water; and Flow-through method, in which ballast tanks are simultaneously filled and discharged by pumping in clean water. Finally, the Resolution establishes the necessity of crew training and familiarization regarding the ballast water management plan, ballast water methods, pumping system and recording the information required concerning ballast water loading and discharge. This point is very important because conscience and compromise about the ballast water risk, not only from the crew members but also from the port States, are the first steps to minimize the introduction of invasive species. The IMO not only carries its own efforts to solve the ballast water problem, but also it has been supporting the international cooperation among countries in order to achieve a common solution, and to help developed countries to implement the necessary measures to avoid invasive species and to implement the Ballast Water Convention. In this way, one of the most important programs under the IMO auspices is the GloBallast Patnership that it will be developed in more detail in the next section. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION International cooperation is essential to prevent the transferences of invasive species. This means that it is necessary joint cooperation among states, the maritime community, shipping companies and non-governmental organizations, in order to prevent, reduce and control human caused pollution of the marine environment, including the intentional or accidental introduction of harmful or alien species to a particular part of the marine environment. (Ballast Water Management, n.d.). In this way, since 2000 the IMO has been working with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to deal with the introduction of invasive species from ships ´ ballast water in new environments. In order to confront this issue with an international effort, these organizations initiated the Global Programme of Ballast Water Management to avoid obstacles to the effective implementation of control measures and ballast water management in developing countries (GloBallast Partnership). This is a comprehensive technical cooperation program for help developing countries to (GloBallast, n.d.): à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Reduce the transfer of harmful organisms from ballast water of ships. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Implement the IMO guidelines on ballast water. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Prepare for the implementation of the Ballast Water Convention of IMO (which was still in negotiations at that time). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Develop mechanisms for sustainability and reforms at national level. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Promote regional coordination and cooperation. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Develop new technologies and exchange of information among governments measures. The GloBallast Partnership is divided into phases. The first phase was initiated in 2000 and finished in 2004. The second phase was initiated in 2007 and continuous running during this year. This second phase aims to build on the progress achieved in the original project. It will focus on national policy, legal and institutional reforms in developing countries with particular emphasis on integrated management. The approach includes: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Build on the achievements and use the skills and knowledge acquired in the first phase; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Repeat best practices and technical activities to promote national policy reforms. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Support countries particularly vulnerable and high environmental sensitivity in their efforts to adopt legal reforms and to implement the Convention on Ballast Water Management. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Promote collaboration with industry to facilitate the successful transfer of new technologies from developed to developing countries (GloBallast Partnerships, n.d.). Consequently, Argentina participated in the GloBallast Partnership Program and this year the Argentine Coast Guard was designated as the focal point to represent Argentina to International Organizations in this Program. In order to assist with other nations in the world particularly vulnerable countries regarding the introduction of invasive species and pathogens through ballast water of ships, to fortify political and legal aspects (Environmental Protection, 2012). ARGENTINE LEGAL FRAMEWORK The BWM Convention was opened to signature from 01 June 2004 to 31 May 2005. Eight countries including Argentina signed the instrument subject to ratification. Until now Argentina has not ratified the Convention because it still remains in the Congress to analyze. However, this situation does not mean that Argentina does not support the fight against invasive species incoming from the ships ´ ballast water. On the contrary, Argentina was a pioneer in this issue. In 1998 the Argentine maritime authority approved Ordinance No. 7-98 entitled Prevention of pollution by aquatic organisms in the ballast water of ships bound for Argentine ports in the estuary of the River Plate, which obliges ships from overseas bound for Argentine ports in the estuary to discharge, change or treat their ballast water before entering a zone in which polluting activities are prohibited, which is located at the outer limit of the River Plate. On December 1999, this national regulation was submitted to the I MO through MEPC 44/4/2, in order to be distributed among the states. In the same way, Ordinance No. 12-98 entitled Special Protection Areas on the Argentine Coast was submitted to the IMO. This Ordinance established twelve special protection areas, where among other prohibitions, it is forbidden to discharge ballast water, even if treated in some way, unless it has been exchanged for water taken within 150 miles from the outer limit of the area concerned. Both regulations were made by the Environmental Protection Department of the Argentine Coast Guard (Prefectura Naval Argentina). This Department is in charge of all the issues related to environmental protection. Within this Department is found the Scientific Research Division that works with specialists such as biologists, and this group is continuously conducting research about ballast water and the impact in the environment. In this way, they confirmed with several studies that three species of freshwater bivalves that have been found in the River Plate (Corbicula fluminea, Corbicula largillierti, and Linmoperna fortune, known as Golden Mussel) originating from the estuaries of south-east Asia, and that they had entered via the discharge from ships from that region, to which bulk cereals had been exported from Argentina. Considering that the River Plate is the gateway of the export/import activity of Argentina, it was necessary that this national regulation be applicable and mandatory both for national ships and foreign flagged ships. This last consideration was possible because Argentina submitted the Ordinance to IMO and then it was distributed among the states. Several of the Ordinance requirements are similar to the IMO Resolution A. 868 (20), because it was made based on this last one. For instance, as the Resolution, the Ordinance has a final annex including Guidance on Safety Aspects of Ballast Water Exchange at Sea and Crew Training and Familiarization. Other similarity appears in the ship-shore communication and the methods admitted by both regulations. However, some requirements are specific to the Ordinance, such as sealing ballast tanks or pumping control valves and the exigency of salinity levels. Furthermore, the Ordinance does not have many requirements included in the Resolution, such as the port states procedures or the Ballast Water Reporting Form. The Ordinance No. 7-98 Prevention of pollution by aquatic organisms in the ballast water of ships bound for Argentine ports in the estuary of the River Plate establishes that all ships that navigate along the River Plate shall exchange ballast water avoiding the prohibited zone of polluting actions located in front of the external limit of the River Plate. Another requirement is the radio electric communication that ships must make with the Vessel Traffic Services of the River Plate (CONRASE) informing them of the ballast water exchange or ballast retention on board. In case of exchange, they must indicate position, amount of water discharged, exchanged or retained on board and method applied for the ballast water exchange. According to this Ordinance, the methods admitted by Argentine Coast Guard are: Total deballasting and reballasting (like the Sequential Method indicated in the Resolution A. 868 (20)), Flow-through (the same as in the IMO Resolution) and Overflow (it is similar to the flow-through method, but pumping water for a time and making it overflow from the top of tank). In case of considering new methods, these should be approved by the IMO. Some methods admitted as a complement are: Filtering systems, oxidizing and non-oxidizing biocides, thermal techniques, electric pulses and plasma pulses, ultraviolet treatment, acoustic systems, magnetic field, deoxidation, biological techniques and anti-adherent coatings. Furthermore, the Ordinance allows Coast Guard members to seal ballast tanks and pumps to control valves of ships, to be sure that they would not discharge the water on the way to Argentine Ports. Also the officers may take samples of the contents of ballast tanks, pipes and pumps to control the presence of invasive species and water salinity. In case that the water salinity is below 30mg/cm3, the ship would be not be allowed to enter into the River Plate because this water quality means that the ship exchanged ballast water very near the River Plate without taking into account the requirements of the Ordinance. Finally, Argentina tries to arrive at a ballast water solution with its own national regulations. However, this is not enough because, since the adoption of the Ordinance No.7-98, many cases of new invasive species have happened, not only in the River Plate but also in the Argentine south where it does not exists any particular regulation, referent to ballast water. For example, the Golden Mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) that entered through the River Plate, affecting this complete zone until Brazil or the Wakame seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida) that invaded Puerto Madryn (a southern Argentine province) causing economic losses because this place is a touristic beach where people make activities like scuba diving but since this seaweed has invaded this place it is impossible to practice this activity. This is a shortcoming in the Argentine regulation because the Ordinance No.7-98 only contemplates the River Plate but not the others ports of entry at the country, mainly in southern Argentina . On the other hand, the Argentine regulation does not contain any reference to the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships ´ Ballast Water and Sediments because both instruments are not contemporary; the Ordinance was made six years previously. CONCLUSION The introduction of invasive species is a ballast water problem that involves the majority of the countries in which the trade is made by ships. Nowadays, most of the ships in the world fleet effectively carry ballast water and, therefore, would need to manage ballast water as part of their operations. The ecological, economic and human health impacts of invasive species are significantly severe for each country or region affected. Ballast water transfers and aquatic invasive species are perhaps the biggest environmental challenge facing the global shipping industry this century. For this reason, the problem of ballast water and invasive species must be addressed on an international basis involving cooperation between all countries and the shipping and port industries because the ships are involved in the international trade around the world; the port states are linked to receive and to c

Internship with MCB Bank Limited

Internship with MCB Bank Limited Executive Summary MCB was built-in in 1997 and was later on privatized by the Government of Pakistan. The Nishat Group bought the major shares of the bank and got the rights to control the banks operations. After the privatization of the bank, MCB has executed different policies to make it one of the best banks of Pakistan; they introduce new products and services and increase its operations by opening new branches in Pakistan. Internship training is necessary for the degree of MBA as per HEC requirement. It is necessary for me to complete an internship session of about 6 to 8 weeks in any organization. I have chosen the banking sector because its my priority to get the job in banking sector and its also relevant to my area of interest and specialization. I did my eight weeks internship at MCB Morgah branch, Rawalpindi. My work at MCB was truly an interesting experience. The branch I have chosen for internship is not a very big branch it has only four departments which includes customer service department, clearing department, remittance department and cash department.I have work in all the departments but major work in done in first three departments as internee is not allowed to work freely in cash department as per the rule of the bank. This report gives an insight of the departments in which I work.In MCB different types of accounts are opened according to the needs of customers. During my internship project for MCB I experienced many new things that I had never experienced before being a student, this document provided details of my achievements in term of practical implementation and understanding of working environment in MCB. I have also learnt the work of the photocopier as I am assisting the officers so its in my duties to d o the photocopy as requested. I would like to highlight this that my experience with MCB was very memorable and full of learning, where I found a lot of information.MCB is amongst the pioneer in introducing the new technology-based banking services. The human resource department of MCB is playing an important role in its growth. INTRODUCTION 1.1 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF MCB MCB is among the leading banks of Pakistan who has deposit base of Rs. 400 Billion and total assets over Rs.600 Billion. Built-in 1947, MCB soon earned the name of a solid and conservative financial institution controlled by the expatriate executives. In 1974, MCB was nationalized.The Bank has a customer base of approximately 4 million, a nationwide distribution network of over 1,150 branches and over 600 ATMs in the market. MCB Bank Limited which was previously known as Muslim Commercial Bank Limited is not an overnight success story. It was integrated by the Adamjee Group on July 11, 1947 under the Indian Companies Act, VII of 1913 as a private limited company. The bank was established with a view to provide banking facilities to the business people of the South Asia. After the partition of the Indo-Pak subcontinent, the bank moved to Dhaka from where it commenced business in August 1948. In 1956, the bank shifted its registered office to Karachi. Thus, the bank inherits a 60 years legacy of belief of its customers. MCB was the first bank which is privatized in 1991 the bank was purchased by Nishat Group. Nishat Group is one of the leading business groups in Pakistan.http://www.bankalfalah.com/images/man7.jpg Mian Mohammad Mansha is the Chairman of the group he has played active role in success of MCB. In acknowledgment of Mr. Manshas contribution, the Government of Pakistan has awared him with Sitara-e-Imtiaz, which is one of the most prestigious civil awards of the country. 1.2 OBJECTIVES OF MCB C:Documents and SettingsAdministratorMy DocumentsMy PicturesMission_Insert_globe.jpg 1.2.1 VISION STATEMENT To be the leading financial services provider, partnering with our customers for a more prosperous and secure future 1.2.2 MISSION STATEMENT We are a team of committed professionals, providing innovative and efficient financial solutions to create and nurture long-term relationships with our customers. In doing so, we ensure that our shareholders can invest with confidence in us. 1.2.3 CORE VALUES OF MCB The core values of MCB are as fallows 1.3 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE For successful handling of the branches, MCB has been categorized into three segments with different people handling each category. These categories are: Corporate Banking Commercial Banking Consumer Banking 1.3.1 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF MCB SEGMENT WISE MANAGEMENT OF MCB MIAN MOHAMMAD MANSHA CHAIRMAN S.M. MUNEER V CHAIRMAN MOHAMMAD AFTAB MANZOOR C EXECUTIVE TARIQ RAFI DIRECTOR SHEIKH MUKHTAR AHMED DIRECTOR MOHAMMAD ARSHAD DIRECTOR SHAHZAD SALEEM DIRECTOR RAZA MANSHA DIRECTOR SARMAD AMIN DIRECTOR MIAN UMER MANSHA DIRECTOR OVERSEAS BRANCHES MCB has seven overseas branches furthermore, the bank has some proposals under consideration to open more branches in some European countries and as well as in Japan china TOTAL NO OF BRANCHES 7 COLOMBO 1 MARDANA 1 PETTAH 1 OBU BAHRAIN 1 WELLAWATTE 1 EPZ 1 KANDY 1 1.4 PRODUCTS AND SERVICES OF MCB PHONE BANKING MCB SMART CARD MOBILE BANKING MCB TRAVELLER CHEQUES SMS BANKING MCB MONEYGRAM CORPORATE FINANCING MCB INVESTMENT BANKING MCB FULL DAY BANKING MCB TRANSACTION BANKING MCB LOCKERS MCB SAVING 365 ACCOUNT MCB REMIT EXPRESS MCB SAVING XTRA ACCOUNT MCB ISLAMIC BANKING MCB CURRENT ACCOUNT MCB INTERNET BANKING MCB BUSINESS ACCOUNT MCB EASY BILL PAY MCB FOREIGN CURRENCY ACCOUNT MCB CAR 4 U MCB WORKING CAPITAL MCB ATM MCB DIMINISHING MUSHARIKA(NEW) MCB VISA PLATIUM MCB GURANTEE(NEW) MCB PRIVILIGE BANKING MCB ISTISNA POST SHIPMET(NEW) MCB BANCASSURANCE MCB DREAM WEDDING MCB RETIRE EASY MCB PROTECTION PLAN MCB LIFE PARTNER MCB DYNAMIC CASH FUND MCB KHUSHALI BACHAT ACCOUNT MCB BASIC BANKING ACCOUNT MCB PRIVATE LIMITED ACCOUNT MCB PUBLIC LIMITED ACCOUNT 2. LEARNING AND EXPERIENCE 2.1 INETERNSHIP SELECTION AND RATIONALE FOR SELECTION Internship training program during Master in Business administration Program is necessary for the degree of MBA as per HEC requirement. It is compulsory for me to do internship of about 6 to 8 weeks in any organization. I have chosen the banking sector because I want to gain the practical knowledge about the finance and its in my priority to get the job in bank and its also relevant to my area of interest and specialization. I choose MCB because of its prestigious name and reputation. Another solid reason of choosing MCB is that my Uncle is also working in MCB, so I have a reference too. 2.2 INFORMATION ABOUT MY BRANCH I did my internship in MCB Morgah, Rawalpindi whose branch code is (1389).This branch is previously known as Al-Shifa Branch because this branch is previously in Al-Shifa Eye Hospital recently it was shifted out of the hospital to main Morgah Chowk. This branch is not a very big branch having only four main departments. This is ONLINE branch but have no ATM is installed on it. Its main account holders include Pakistan Oil Field, Fauji Foundation University it has both students fees bill account and faculty accounts. 2.2.1 MANAGEMENT OF MY BRANCH Mr. ABDUL GHAFOOR BRANCH MANAGER Mr. BASEER NASIR OPERATIONAL MANAGER Mr. HAMMAD CLEARING OFFICER Mr. MOHSIN CASH OFFICER Mr. MANSOOR-UL-HASSAN MARKETING OFFICER Miss BEENISH G/L OFFICER Mr. ARSHAD SECURITY GUARD 2.2.2 DEPARTMENTS IN WHICH I WORK I did internship in the MCB online branch for the period of 2 months. During the internship, I have worked at different departments, which are as follows, Customer Service Department Clearing Department Remittance Department Cash Department. 2.2.3 MY JOB DISCRIPTION My job is to assists the staff members of the branch at different positions. I have not given any separate job and no separate task has been assigned to me. I helped the staff in the routine matters like filling of different forms, cheque filling, photocopying, opening of an account, stamping on vouchers etc Bank is a very difficult type of organization and a very sensitive place to work; confidentiality and trust is essential. That is the reasons due to which many areas are still reach less for internees like cash operations, computer operations and issues like that. 2.3 DETAILS OF TRAINING DEPARTMENT WISE 2.3.1 CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT In this department I was under the supervision of Mr. Mohsin, who is Customer Relational Officer. In this department Mr. Mohsin has taught me how to deal with the customers, how to fill the account opening forms, KYC forms and to check the balance from the SYMBOL software though I am not allowed checking the balance because of secrecy problems. LEARNING TASKS PERFORMED IN CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT: The major task performed by me in this department is that I have opened the accounts of faculty members of FAUJI FOUNDATION UNIVERSITY by personally visiting the university. I have learnt about the opening of an account, the documents required for the opening of the account i.e Personal ID card, Next of kin ID card, valid mailing address, Salary slip in case of salaried person, NTN in case of business account etc I have come to know about the nature of different accounts and come to know that which account is suitable for which type of the customer like BBA account for salaried persons. How to communicate with the customers and tell the customer about his/her quires and tell the customer about the new products and services offered by the bank. I have learnt how to check the balance from the SYMBOL software though I am not allowed to check the balance in the absence of CRO. How to write a cheque, fill the deposit slip for the cheque and to fill the form for the ONLINE transfer of fund. How to tell the balance on the telephone after proper verification. How to reactivate the Dormant Account. I have learnt about the procedure for the issuance of ATM card. How to maintain the ATM cards in proper order. 2.3.2 CLEARING DEPARTMENT In clearing department I worked under the supervision of Mr. Hammad and learned a lot from him I have learnt about the inward and outward clearing. 2.3.2.1. MEANING OF CLEARING In clearing the banks exchange cheques and other negotiable instruments drawn on each other within a specific area and in this manner safe payment for their customers through the Clearing House at precise time in an well-organized way. 2.3.2.2 PARTIES INVOLVED IN CLEARING There are basically two parties involved in clearing. 1. NIFT: NIFT stands for National Institutional Facilitation Technologies. It is the facility given by the SBP to a private organization named NIFT. The duties of the NIFT includes, to collect the cheques, demand drafts, Pay orders and Travelers Cheques, etc. from all the branches of different banks within city through its carriers and send them to the branches for clearing. 2. CLEARING HOUSE: It is a place where cheques are presented, collected from the bank branch. It is one of the services provided by NIFT to other commercial banks. NIFT acts as a clearinghouse. 2.3.2.3. TYPES OF CLEARING: There are basically two types of clearing. OUTWARD CLEARING: In outward clearing when cheque is received two copies of voucher are prepared, one c opy and instruments along with clearing stamp, realization stamp, add list and two vouchers of clearing abstract are sent to NIFT INWARD CLEARING: In Inward clearing instruments received from NIFT are posted in Computers after checking. 2.3.2.4. INSTRUMENTS USED FOR CLEARING Following are the Instruments used in clearing department. Transfer, Transfer Delivery, Clearing, Cheque collection Pay in slip. 2.3.2.5. DIFFERENT REASONS OF CHEQUES DISHONOUR FROM CLEARING In inward clearing sometimes cheques are not passed due to some reasons then cheques are sent back to NIFT along with cheque return memo. Some of these reasons are Cheque is returned because some time it is incomplete Cheque is returned if the clearing stamp is required. One another main reason of cheques return is incompleteness or difference in Drawers sign from specimen One reason of returning of cheque is that drawer stop the payment. Cheques are also returned because of insufficient funds etc. LEARNING IN CLEARING DEPARTMENT: My learning in clearing department was of following things: I have learnt about the clearing procedure, types of clearing inward outward clearing. I have learnt how to check the cheques. I have learnt the different reasons of returning of cheques from NIFT. I have learnt how to prepare the sheets for clearing. I have learnt how to maintain clearing register. I have also learnt about the instruments used in clearing. I have come to know that the cheques are cleared on the next day. Once the NIFT department collect the instruments, any instruments received after that will be cleared after two days. 2.3.3 REMITTANCE DEPARTMENT Bank Alfalah Remittance 2.3.3.1 MEANING OF REMITTANCE: Remittance is the transfer of resources from one place to another or from one person to another. It is an important facility provided by the banks to its customers as well as to its non-customers. Since it is not a free service it is a source of income for the bank. In Morgah branch the head of Remittance Department is Mr Hammad. 2.3.3.2 PARTIES INVOLVED IN REMITTANCE The following four parties are involved in remittance are Remitter Remittee Issuing bank Paying bank 2.3.3.3. TYPES OF REMITTANCE: Remittance is classified into following four types INWARD REMITTANCE: The instruments received for payment OUTWARD REMITTANCE: Instruments issues to the responding branches. INLAND REMITTANCE: Those instruments which are issue within the country. FOREIGN REMITTENCE: Instruments issue from one country to another country. 2.3.3.4. INSTRUMENTS USED IN REMITTANCE: Demand Draft (DD) Telegraphic Transfer (TT) Pay Order (PO) Call Deposit Receipt (CDR) Rupees Traveler Cheque (RTC) MY LEARNING IN REMITTANCE DEPARTMENT: I have learned the following tasks in this department, My learning includes how to fill the forms of TT, DD, MT etc. I have worked during the Holy month of Ramzan. Zakat is deducted in this month so the bank gives the facility of CDR to its loyal customers who dont want to give zakat. I have also learnt how to make (CDR). I have learnt about the different instruments used in remittance. I have come to know about the different types of remittance. 2.3.4 CASH DEPARTMENT C:Documents and SettingsAdministratorMy Documentsdollar-pakistan.jpg The cash department is the most important and confidential department of the bank. In cash department both cash deposits and withdrawals go side by side. In this department I havent perform any task but I have learnt different thing about this department. This department is involved in two activities Cash Deposits and Cash payments. The officers in this department are called tellers and there are two tellers in Morgah branch Mr. Ahsan and Mr. Sabir. The Books maintained in the cash department are as fallow Cash Receipt Book Cash Payment Book Cash Balance Book MY LEARNING IN CASH DEPARTMENT I have not performed any task in this department but my learning in cash department includes In this department I come to know about the Strong Room. Strong room is the room where cash is deposited and stored. The keys of this room are kept by Manager, Operational Manager and the cashier. MCB has three categories of cash which are Sorted Cash, Soiled Cash and Unsorted Cash. Sorted cash is issued to the customer, soiled cash is basically destroyed cash which is not issue to customer but sent to state bank for reissuance. Every Bank has a cash limit which it can store after banking hours like in Morgah branch cash limit is 5 Millions. This amount of cash is insured by the state bank. I have learnt to fill the deposit slip and how to write a cheque for cash withdrawal. The cheque books are kept in the strong room. Internees are not allowed to go in this room. SWOT ANALYSIS OF MCB C:UsersusmanDesktopswot_img2.gif 2.3.1 INTERNAL ANALYSIS OF MCB Internal analysis of the MCB is the analysis of its strengths and weaknesses. MCB can enjoy Competitor advantage on other by increasing its strength and by making strategies to minimize its weakness; Following are the main strengths and weaknesses of MCB. STRENGTHS OF MCB: Strength can be defined as an area where a company is best at doing something as its competitors do. MCB enjoys the following strengths MCB was the first privatized bank because of which it has competitive advantage over other nationalized banks as it is free to make any market oriented strategy without political and government pressure. MCB is that it is the oldest private bank that has more than 1100 branches with online branches approx 650. It is the third largest bank in Pakistan. MCB is a well traditional bank who has a long record of over 60 years of experience and profitable operation. In MCB the default rate of the customers are very low than other banks like (The bank of Punjab) etc. MCB was the first bank who introduced e-banking and its Traveler cheques have been market leader for the past seven years MCB has cope with the challenges of latest technology by introducing the products like Virtual banking, Mobile banking etc. MCB has been updated with the market. MCB have diversification of products and services for every type of customers like Privilege account, Debit card, Visa card, Car financing ,Agriculture financing etc MCB invest large about of money on training and development of employees so as to make them talented enough to cope up with the upcoming challenges. MCB has the competitive advantage on the other banks because of its reputation as Award Winning Bank. MCB win the award of Best Domestic Bank in 2000 and 2001 by euro money. MCB now make a contract with Cirrus who is a subsidiary of MasterCard. This contract with Cirrus will enable the ATM card holder to use his account even when he is out of the country. MCB have faster banking services that are making it more prominent in the banking industry especially in Operations and Foreign exchange. The customer prefers this bank not only because of its faster speedy service rather due to reasonable service charges. MCB not only provides high quality services but it also look for the comfort and ease of the clients, MCB always preferred their customers. WEAKNESS OF MCB: Weakness is defined as an area in a company where the company is not as good at doing something as its competitors do. MCB has the following weaknesses In MCB most of the employees lack administrative training as they are not properly educated. Due to seniority, they have moved up to the Grade-I, II or III positions having hardly masters degrees. Most of the senior staffs are computer shy and unable to operate the computers because of which they cannot apply the modern and innovative techniques of management in decision making. The advertisement campaign of MCB is very weak or you can say you hardly see any advertisement. They have to focus on this aspect as electronic media make great impact on the customers mind as the latest marketing campaign of HBL in which they have used a very famous character of Mr Bean. MCB should advertise about their products so that customer gets aware about their products. As recently MCB become Centralized which have positives as well as negative aspects as now for account opening form is sent to Head Office Karachi because of which customers have to wait a lot and the account opening procedure become so much tougher that customers prefer to open their accounts to other banks whose account opening procedure is easier. Another weakness of MCB is the Favouritism and Nepotism in recruitment or you can say it is the weakness of almost every organization in Pakistan but for betterment of MCB they have to recruit the employees on the basis of merit. The overseas branch network of MCB is limited. It has only seven overseas branches whereas HBL has twenty overseas branches and NBP has fifteen overseas branches so MCB has to open more branches so as to compete with its competitors. The employees in MCB are not satisfied with the reward system. Rewards should be given after the performance appraisal. Employees of MCB at branch level are not rightly motivated to do their work with full concentration they take the all routine activities as a boring job. The ATM network of MCB is largest ATM network in Pakistan but still there are certain areas that dont have the ATM. Most of the branches of MCB are computerized but still there are some important branches that dont have computers. The software used by MCB for online purpose is SYMBOL which is excellent but sometime because of link down or disconnection many customers face problems. Another main issue which the employees of MCB face is regarding the work timing. On record the work time is from 9 to 5 but officially they usually go home after 7 or even after 8 because of which their productivity decreases. There is no separate time for launch because of which the employees health and efficiency decreases. 2.3.2 EXTERNAL ANALYSIS OF MCB MCB has to monitor its environment constantly to cope up with new developments and changes in the environment. A change in the external environment may be either an opportunity or threat. In either case the MCB has to properly use it strengths to avail the opportunities and avoid or minimize the off-putting effects of threats. Following are the main opportunities and threats of MCB. OPPURTUNITES OF MCB: In MCB context following are the opportunities MCB have MCB can boost its Rupee Travellers Cheques (RTCs) sales by searching for new market segments. MCB can launch new debit card system or can convert the existing ATM cards into a complete debit card. Leasing sector in Pakistan is growing rapidly for the last three to four year which gives the bank an opportunity to go ahead in this area. MCB can go for the new products launch by different banks like HBL ATM bill payment, UBL Omni Dukan, UBL Business Partner, UBL Selah Mila etc MCB can open new overseas branches to expand its branches and operations to compete with its competitors. MCB can finance to small industries and handicrafts industries and can launch more effective and new well managed online banking system. MCB can also increase Islamic banking to boost the business of the bank. MCB can also go for the student finance service and it can also introduce mobile ATM. THREATS OF MCB: Threat can define as a change in external environment which if not met with proper strategies will result in loss of revenues. In the context of MCBs external environment the following potential threats exist MCB greatest threat is from other private commercial banks with sound success e.g. UBL, Alfalah, and HBL etc. The threat which every organization including MCB in Pakistan is facing is of the political and economic instability. Changes in the government policies have badly affected the banking business as the banks have to wait to get permission of state bank. The war against terrorism has negatively affect Pakistans economy, which may affect MCB. Another threat for MCB is from the prosperous foreign banks. MCB have to upgrade its system and should launch new and innovative products so compete with its foreign competitors. Pakistan is an Islamic state where mostly people are Muslims and are abide by the religious laws which dont allow them to use some features of banks like Interest on deposits so they dont prefer banking culture. The new product like UBL Selah Mila is a great threat to MCB as they are giving discounted mark ups to those customers who have good credit history and trying to get the customers of MCB. The decrease in the purchasing power of the customers in the current economic situation affects the banking sector too much and the result is the low investment from the investors in new projects. RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendations are basically pinning out the weaker areas of the organization and develop strategies to overcome these weaker areas by giving suggestions. After working as an internee in MCB for the period of two months I am able to make the following recommendations for the bank. The most important area where MCB has to improve is its advertisement. MCB should give proper advertisement of its products extensively to create awareness about the products and to capture the large market share. MCB should decorate the branches as the most of the modern banks attract customers with their modern office looks and fresh environment. MCB should recruit the applicants on the basis of merit and skills. The HR department of MCB should not recruit the applicants on the basis of Favoritism and Nepotism. HR department of MCB should give proper training to its employees so that they can cope up with the future challenges and they should arrange different workshops for the employees on better communication of staff with customers. In MCB training should be provided with job rotation so as to make the employees talented enough to do others work in case of emergency. MCB should introduce the new, better and transparent reward system because it is very important requirement in order to reduce the problems regarding employee retention and employee motivation. MCB should announce the proper time for Launch Break, so that the employees do their work more efficiently. The staff should be given some sort of decision making authority that enables the employees involvement and boosts employees trust and confidence. MCB should also introduce new and innovative products so as to compete with its competitors. ATM machine must be maintained accurately to make it more convenient for the customers and to decrease the work load of the employees especially in the salary days. MCB should solve the problems regarding the link down and disconnection of SYMBOL software in order to provides more convenience to customers. The employees of MCB need more computer training. CONCLUSIONS MCB is using the SYMBOL software which is very efficient. The computerized branches have enhanced the performance of the bank. The bank provides a favorable environment for career growth. The bank gives too low rate of interest on deposits because of which customers are shifting to other banks. Recently MCB bank has implemented the centralized system which decreases the efficiency because of delay in work and low employee involvement. The procedure for the accounts opening is too lengthy as now forms are sent to Karachi Head office for approval. The large branch network, ATM installation and diversified products provide the bank a competitive advantage. The main focus of the bank is their customers and they are providing the customers different diversified products with minimum service charges. Finally I concluded that MCB is the very good organization for the long carrier working. The branch officers are very efficient, skillful, loyal and competent. The officers of my branch are very hard working usually they work more than their working hours which show their loyalty and commitment towards MCB. I found myself very lucky to work with one of the prestigious bank and to get the practical knowledge about MCB and its present scenario. It was a very challenging and informative experience. I came to know about the working of the banking sector and whatever I have learned was very enlightening. I come to know many things like opening of an account, closing of an account, how to active the dormant account, about the clearance and remittance procedure etc. I came to know the actual working of bank and whatever I studied in the university was a great help and I was able to apply my theoretical knowledge by implementing it during the internship.

The Sixties Exposed in Takin it to the Streets and The Dharma Bums Ess

The Sixties Exposed in Takin' it to the Streets and The Dharma Bums      Ã‚   One cannot undertake any study of the 1960s in America without hearing about the struggles for social change. From civil rights to freedom of speech, civil disobedience and nonviolent protest became a central part of the sixties culture, albeit representative of only a small portion of the population. As Mario Savio, a Free Speech Movement (FSM) leader, wrote in an essay in 1964: "The most exciting things going on in America today are movements to change America" ("Takin' it to the Streets," 115). His essay is critical of those that maintain the status quo and oppose change in America. It seems quite obvious that change has occurred as a result of the efforts of this highly vocal minority and few would argue that these changes were not good and just, yet historical perspective allows us to also consider the "flaws" and contradictions of this sixties subculture.    It is rather ironic that a group so dedicated to fighting for societal change could also be part of a resistance to change in other aspects of the same society or could be a part of maintaining the status quo. Savio also stated: "The most crucial problems facing the United States today are the problem of automation and the problem of racial injustice" (113). A group seeking to change America, Savio and the minority he represented seem to be both advocating and resisting change. While fighting for changes in attitudes toward and the treatment of racial minorities, the group also opposed automation. It seems obvious that automation has been a highly instrumental force in changing American society and to oppose automation would seemingly be a definite resistance to change. While opinions... ...n 1968, Reagan condemned student militants, saying: "There has been general incitement against properly constituted law enforcement authorities and general trampling of the will, the rights and freedom of movement of the majority by the organized, militant, and highly vocal minority" ("Takin it to the Streets," 346). It seems rather obvious today that "the great and thoughtful majority of citizens" to which Reagan referred in the same address are not always correct in their beliefs and that the laws that have been created by this majority, as well as the enforcement of such laws are not always just.    Works Cited Biner, Pierre. The Living Theater. Takin' It To The Streets: A Sixties Reader, pp. 288-293. ed. Alexander Bloom and Wini Breines. New York: Oxford University Press, 1995. Kerouac, Jack. The Dharma Bums. New York: Pengiun Books, 1958.

Taser Technology Essay -- Law Enforcement Weapons

Taser Technology For years law enforcement has been searching for more effective less lethal options to apprehend suspects. One of the newest technologies available is the Taser, also known by industry standards as an electronic controlled device (ECD). The Taser uses electricity to override the central nervous system, an effect referred to as â€Å"neuro-muscular incapacitation (NMI), to cause temporary incapacitation to allow officers to gain control of a subject. Electronic controlled devices basically use high voltage, low wattage electrical charges to induce involuntary muscle contractions that cause a subject to be temporarily incapacitated. The weapon system is designed to fire two probes, or darts, that are attached to insulated wires. When the probes make contact with a person, the Taser will produce 50,000 volts of electricity, but only .0021 amps. According to Taser International, Inc. â€Å"it is not the volts that are dangerous it is the amps.† Volts are simply the rate the electricity is moving, but amps are the measure of current in the electricity. Taser International (2006) In 1993, two brothers, Rick and Tom Smith along, with Taser inventor Jack Cover, began working together on a non-lethal self-defense device. In 1994, they developed a non-firearm version of the Taser. This original Taser was known as a â€Å"stun† system, which used electricity to jam the central nervous system with electrical noise. This system used approximately five to fifteen watts of power and was more of a pain compliance device rather than overriding the central nervous system. Two serious issues occurred with these â€Å"stun† systems: The officer had to be up close to make contact with the subject; and since it was a pain compliance device... ... Batons also tear skin, break bones and require officers to get up close to subjects to apprehend them. The Taser has a more effective rate than other less lethal options with less chance of injury to all involved. References Amnesty International (2007) Amnesty International. (2007). USA: Amnesty International's concerns about Taser use: Statement to the US Justice Department inquiry into deaths in custody. doi:AMR 51/151/2007 Taser International (2006). Instructor Certification Lesson Plan (Version 13.0 ed., Rev.). Scottsdale, Arizona: Taser International. Vilke, G. M., Sloane, C., Levin, S., Neuman, T., Castillo, E., & Chan, Tc. (2008, January). Twelve-lead electrocardiogram monitoring of subjects before and after voluntary exposure to the Taser X26. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18082773?dopt=Citation Taser International (2006) Taser Technology Essay -- Law Enforcement Weapons Taser Technology For years law enforcement has been searching for more effective less lethal options to apprehend suspects. One of the newest technologies available is the Taser, also known by industry standards as an electronic controlled device (ECD). The Taser uses electricity to override the central nervous system, an effect referred to as â€Å"neuro-muscular incapacitation (NMI), to cause temporary incapacitation to allow officers to gain control of a subject. Electronic controlled devices basically use high voltage, low wattage electrical charges to induce involuntary muscle contractions that cause a subject to be temporarily incapacitated. The weapon system is designed to fire two probes, or darts, that are attached to insulated wires. When the probes make contact with a person, the Taser will produce 50,000 volts of electricity, but only .0021 amps. According to Taser International, Inc. â€Å"it is not the volts that are dangerous it is the amps.† Volts are simply the rate the electricity is moving, but amps are the measure of current in the electricity. Taser International (2006) In 1993, two brothers, Rick and Tom Smith along, with Taser inventor Jack Cover, began working together on a non-lethal self-defense device. In 1994, they developed a non-firearm version of the Taser. This original Taser was known as a â€Å"stun† system, which used electricity to jam the central nervous system with electrical noise. This system used approximately five to fifteen watts of power and was more of a pain compliance device rather than overriding the central nervous system. Two serious issues occurred with these â€Å"stun† systems: The officer had to be up close to make contact with the subject; and since it was a pain compliance device... ... Batons also tear skin, break bones and require officers to get up close to subjects to apprehend them. The Taser has a more effective rate than other less lethal options with less chance of injury to all involved. References Amnesty International (2007) Amnesty International. (2007). USA: Amnesty International's concerns about Taser use: Statement to the US Justice Department inquiry into deaths in custody. doi:AMR 51/151/2007 Taser International (2006). Instructor Certification Lesson Plan (Version 13.0 ed., Rev.). Scottsdale, Arizona: Taser International. Vilke, G. M., Sloane, C., Levin, S., Neuman, T., Castillo, E., & Chan, Tc. (2008, January). Twelve-lead electrocardiogram monitoring of subjects before and after voluntary exposure to the Taser X26. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18082773?dopt=Citation Taser International (2006)