Education Research Proposal Tutoring Plan for Students...

Abstract Public schools who have not made adequate yearly progress (AYP) by increasing student academic achievement are required under No Child Left Behind (NCLB), to offer those students in low-income families the opportunity to receive Supplemental Educational Services (SES). This research proposal will explore different types of tutoring models and offer an approach to help close the gap in the learning process of these students. Using a rigorous tutoring plan and implementing the plan early in the school year will give these students a head start in their academic journey. Assessment with a pre-test and post-test will be required to assess whether the students have mastered all the objectives taught during the tutoring sessions.†¦show more content†¦Research has shown however, that there is very little information available on the effectiveness of different organizations entering into the market of providing tutoring to these students and their families. It is now up to schools themselves to asses the needs of students and address them with the most effective and efficient tool of accountability, and to have this readily available for public view. Districts face considerable challenges with inventing creative ways to get these under-achievers interested in SES programs. A few problem addressed in recent research is the timely notification of parents and continued notification with updates of existing programs. Another is the rigor of the content being taught in the tutoring; often the interventions are profuse and methodical in their approach. Still yet the biggest problem with these programs is the attendance factor. With a careful review of research showing that very few studies measure attendance, or made the distinction between a planned programs duration and actual student attendance or engagement. While there are distinct correlations between attendance and program effectiveness, the exposure time of some interventions were inadequat e or not measured at all. With this being said how will schools, districts, and states keep up with requirements for the race for all childrenShow MoreRelatedTeacher Action Research Paper on Reading Deficiencies in 2nd Grade Students12146 Words   |  49 PagesNOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY MATL Action Research Project VERIFICATION COVER SHEET MATL Student Name and NSU ID ARP School Site Where Project was Implemented: ___________________ Elementary School Dates of Implementation: AUGUST 2008 – JANUARY 2009 School Site Address and Phone: ARP One-sentence Problem Statement: By incorporating cooperative learning, guided reading and Reader’s Theatre, this research educator improved nineteen second grade at risk students reading comprehension levels by increasingRead MoreMedicare Policy Analysis447966 Words   |  1792 PagesDINGELL (for himself, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Mr. STARK, Mr. PALLONE, and Mr. ANDREWS) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, the Budget, Rules, Natural Resources, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the

The Hidden Secret of Art Essay Topics

The Hidden Secret of Art Essay Topics You can't make a great essay without structural planning. A thesis has to be arguable like in an argumentative or persuasive essay to create the readers wish to debate. When you completed your outline, start writing the very first draft. Having selected a superior topic to argue about, at this point you need to make an argumentative essay outline. Using Art Essay Topics Please get in contact with us for more ideas and topics to help you write decent art essays that are not the same as the others that were written on the identical subject. If you own a list of numerous very good topics and you're doubting which one is going to be better, to be able to understand if it really suits you, test-read few articles in that topic prior to making a last topic choice. Our topics are good since they won't leave listeners indifferent. Locating an excellent topic for your speech is a rather crucial step in the Speechmaking Process and thus don't be la zy here and put a good deal of thought into it. The Pain of Art Essay Topics It's also wise to compare your interpretation of the job against the current research. Utilize case studies and healthcare records to prove whether it works or not. Nevertheless, if you do that, the research will likely help you comprehend the concept and do a fantastic job with your art essay. There are several interesting research. Using electronics during class is surely bad and for several explanations. It is essential that you find out more about the essay requirements for every single college on your application list. You also have to settle on a particular structure. Art is a superb resource for paper ideas. Advice for Writers The student who desires to understand how to compose an art essay can approach the job in much the exact way he or she might write any other paper. Students can begin by brainstorming ideas that sound interesting or that were covered in class. Comparative art essays are aimed toward comparing a couple of parts of art with the goal of identifying the similarities and differences between them. Your paper can't contain only a random description of the many characteristics of the artwork, whether it's a sculpture, building or painting. In most instances, there's certain symbolism behind each fragment of the part of art, so they should be analyzed carefully too. There's no exception for art. Nevertheless, it is not something that you have to study to understand and enjoy. You could also concentrate on how their art was encouraged over the last few years and how a number of them have been recognized once they have passed on. Student spend the majority of their time in school. Students should continue to keep their mobile in silence in order to not disturb the class. They can take advantage of special education. They should focus on subjects that they are already familiar with. Your essay deserves effort and attention, but bear in mind that it's only a portion of the total application procedure. Some folks are born with the art of persuasion although others can build on it by applying such strategies and practicing. Most subjects contain some aspect a student will delight in learning about. Every individu al has an extensive quantity of experience in the way to be persuasive. If You Read Nothing Else Today, Read This Report on Art Essay Topics Your comfort level for a writer is a significant component in the accomplishment of your essay. When you are aware of how to compose an art essay, you will recognise that it's important to be certain your details are logical and selected with care and they help to build to the primary point you're trying to make. The ideal writer is the person who admits to being in a need of assistance. Secondly, it's essential that the writer employs excellent transition words when moving between at least two arguments especially between pros and cons. Thus, you've got to consider from the view of an artist to come up with an excellent body paragraph of A level essay. You will have to stay concentrated on the topic, including creating a thesis sentence. It is advisable to continue to keep sentences short, for it becomes a lot easier for the reader to comprehend the gist of your essay. Normally, students are given the subject in the shape of a question so it's essential that the topic is crafted in a manner that reflects the A level essay question and hence the thesis statement. The perinatal amount of the psyche is distinguished by the existence of allegories of birth and death. Art has been part of our life for so long as humanity has existed. You can also search for an issue which has been worrying mankind for ages. It's not ethical to get rid of people like we try to get rid of diseases.

Toulouse

Toulouse-Lautrec drew on his own pain, trials of outcasts Essay What a horrible man! Thats how Marcelle Lender, a Paris operetta star of the 1890s, described the dwarfish, brashly effusive artist who was so enraptured with her that he created no fewer than 25 images of the actress-singer. No matter that  Henri  de  Toulouse-Lautrec  had offered Lender a large painting of herself, or that his print of her in costume, flame-colored hair set further ablaze by two red poppies worn like plumes, had appeared in more than 1,000 copies of a magazine. For Lender, he remained the odious little fellow who had sat down, uninvited, at her restaurant table and eaten food off her plate. Certainly he wasnt one for positive first impressions, this  Toulouse-Lautrec: His growth stunted by a genetic disease, he walked awkwardly with a cane, spoke with a lisp and punctuated his speech with sniffles that came from agonizing sinus problems. I will always be a thoroughbred hitched up to a rubbish cart, he said of himself. Nearly a century after his 1901 death, it is the thoroughbred artist who holds our rapt attention. That mystique will probably not be greatly altered by Toulouse-Lautrec  in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The show, consisting of more than 100 works mostly prints and posters will be on view in New York City through Sept. 29. His images of Paris bohemian world of its garish cabarets, its entertainers and clowns, its insinuating streetwalkers and leering, slumming boulevardiers are so well-known by now, thanks to myriad reproductions, that they practically rank with the Mona Lisa as icons of their time. So we can consider it a plus to have this lavishly mounted if in some ways limited show. His famed 1891 poster for the Moulin Rouge cabaret, the work that launched him as a printmaker, is a startling juxtaposition of shapes and colors. In the foreground is the craggy, top-hatted silhouette of Valentin, an acrobat and sidekick of La Goulue, the cancan dancer who stands behind him, viewed rather scandalously from the rear. Hes all angles, shes all curves. Behind her, like some cockeyed Grecian frieze, is a line of men and women shown in a black silhouette that sets off La Goulues pale blond figure. Even more daring and still fresh, after a century is his 1893 poster of performer Jane Avril, created for her appearance at the Jardin de Paris. Here the foreground is dominated by the dark, diagonal slash of a bass-viol handle, wielded almost like a club by a musicians hairy-knuckled hand. Why this endless fascination with Paris performers and prostitutes? The key lies in Lautrecs infirmities, according to Metropolitan Museum curator Colta Ives, who organized the show. Born in 1864 near Toulouse to aristocratic parents who were first cousins,  Henri  inherited a disease that dwarfed his limbs (he grew to an ill-proportioned 4-foot-11) and caused attendant joint, headache and sinus pain. Deformed in appearance, a kind of social outcast, he gravitated to the semi-outcasts who populated the bohemian Paris district of Montmartre, or lighted the stages of theaters along the boulevards. Here, at night, he could sit at a table or in the darkened seats, drawing the entertainers and what he called the side dishes the well-to-do audiences who patronized both the low-class music halls and the tonier operettas. In Montmartre, too, he could indulge his alcoholism, the self-medication he used to dull his physical pain. Lautrec found inspiration for the linear simplicity and flat colors of his posters and prints in the exotic art of Japanese woodblocks. (Lautrec himself collected these ukiyo-e prints and other Japanese objects.) The exhibition includes Japanese prints effectively placed to show their relationship to Lautrecs work. .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3 , .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3 .postImageUrl , .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3 , .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3:hover , .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3:visited , .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3:active { border:0!important; } .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3:active , .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3 .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u4a45b3809e5f259b84db7f5f1ef60ff3:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Seamus Heaney's Portrayal Of Pain and Suffering EssayIf Lautrecs work sometimes verges on caricature, the print series Elles (Those Women), set in the brothels of Montmartre, shows a poignancy and delicacy no less moving for the unblushing frankness of the images. Whether waking up amid a pile of pillows and blankets, filling a washtub, looking in a mirror or fastening a corset as a top-hatted man sits nearby, these women are entirely without pretense. One of the series, Collapsed on a Bed, in which a half-dressed prostitute lies staring at the ceiling, captures a feeling of gut-wrenching hopelessness. Perhaps Lautrec understood the young prostitute because of his own underlying hopelessness. Suffering from both alcoholism and the effects of syphilis, he was confined by his family to a sanitarium for a time, but released in 1899. He apparently convinced doctors of his health and sanity by producing more than 50 color chalk drawings on circus themes. But the respite was short-lived.

Mtv Essays - Viacom Media Networks, MTV, Music Video,

Mtv MTV Everyone remembers Michael Jackson's red leather jacket covered with zippers and the sexy style of Madonna. MTV, or music television, nationally publicizes these images and entertainers, and others like them. The station also promotes an idealized teen lifestyle, reflecting the images of these famous artists, that contrasts with the realities of the Generation X lifestyle. While some view the station as illustrated radio or an entertainment network for viewers' pleasure, others more accurately assess it as an advertising enterprise that endorses products and promotes attitudes. The advertisements that are both hidden in videos and placed in regular slots, influence viewers. Whether or not MTV critics agree with these messages that the network sends out, it has become a huge franchise generating large profits and great popularity. During the 1980's, MTV grew from being strictly a music video station to an original, three-station network that became the choice of several generations of viewers and the advertisers who court them. MTV's entertainment, commercialism, and messages satisfy and influence many types of viewers, giving them a healthy sense of group identity. In 1981, MTV became one of the first stations to be able to appeal to such a populous audience as the twelve to twenty-four year old age group. The chief operating officer of Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment Company (WASEC) felt that there was a body of young people being ignored, hence the company designed MTV (Denisoff 37). Although at first success was unpredictable, the MTV network fought off competition by such competitors as the powerful Turner Broadcasting System (Daspin 20). There isn't room for two or three services doing the same thing, commented MTV's Bob Pittman (Hedegaard 38). Later, the MTV network came out with VH1, or Video Hits One, a music station for older viewers, and Nickelodeon, a children's service station (Daspin 19). These two stations and the original MTV station gave the network a station for an audience of just about any age, satisfying many advertisement agencies. Once the advertisement industry noticed the MTV network's popularity, it became a very desirable sales medium. Advertising agent Kevin Burns explains that if you're a national advertiser and you buy teens, you're going to buy MTV (Viacom 11). MTV appealed to its viewers by constantly televising popular singers and other role models. A music video endorses many nonmaterial items, as well as material items. Regular inter-program commercials usually promote brands of physical items. However, in music videos with popular singers, messages and images are promoted to the viewer. Videos increase an entertainer's popularity, thus promoting his/her record, producer, type of music, style of dance, and physical image. This popularity increases profit for many industries. The artist's record sales boom, benefiting the record company, the record stores, and any other person involved in the process o f production. MTV was dealing with the [record] labels, not the artists, states R. Serge Denisoff (154). In addition, clothing companies benefit when the singer wears their brand. Creative director Judy McGrath feels that MTV videos are almost a subliminal fashion show, meaning that clothing brands and styles are introduced and publicized through music videos (Denisoff 258). Lastly, fine arts companies, specifically dance and music, increase in popularity as people wish to imitate the musicians. A perfect example of this advertising scenario is Michael Jackson's Beat It video. In the early 1980's the already popular pop singer came onto the screen wearing a red leather jacket and a sparkling glove. He introduced an ankle-flicking dance style that moved to the beat of his pop-style music. Soon children across America were wearing replicas of the clothes and moon-walking down the schools' hallways. In this scenario, Michael Jackson, pop music, red leather jackets, dancing, and Motown Records all became popular. With so many brands and agencies wanting to place their ads on MTV, the network itself needed to advertise its own information and existence in some way to increase its own profit. The network began to air animated segments after commercial breaks that endorsed the MTV logo. Then in 1989, the network issued In The Bin, a newsletter designed to unite MTV, VH1, and retailers (Newman, MTV Spreads 55). The newsletter included advertisements and information about new developments in the MTV Network.

Hamlets Maddness Essays - Characters In Hamlet, Free Essays

Hamlet's Maddness Essays - Characters In Hamlet, Free Essays Hamlet's Maddness Hamlet appears to be insane, after Poloniuss death, in act IV scene II. There are indications, though, that persuade me to think other wise. Certainly, Hamlet has plenty of reasons to be insane at this point. His day has been hectiche finally determined Claudius had killed his father, the chance to kill Claudius confronted him, he comes very close to convincing Gertrude that Claudius killed his father, he accidentally kills Polonius, and finally the ghost of his father visits him. These situations are enough to bring Hamlet to insanity, but he remains sharp and credible. Hamlet is able to make smart remarks to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, comparing then to sponges, When he (Claudius) needs what you have gleaned, it is but squeezing you and, sponge, you shall be dry again, (pg 98, 20). This is random and unexpected, as many of his actions, but the comparison makes sense; Rosencrantz and Guildenstern soak up all the kings favors, only to become dry again after they mop up the Kings mess (spying on Hamlet, and getting Poloniuss body). Later, with Claudius, Hamlet tells how lowly a king can be by saying, A man (beggar) may fish with the worm that hath eat of a king, and eat of the fish that hath fed of that worm, (pg 99, 29). This also makes sense, and is not quite as random; when Hamlet confronts Claudius, and the king asks where Polonius is, Hamlet immediatly begins the comparison by telling Claudius that Polonuis is at supper (the worms are eating him for supper, and so on). This proves that Hamlet had some kind of planning for this degrading comment , and that his thoughts are not scattered and he is able to stay focused. There is a question of what being insane really is. Since it is agreeable that Ophelia was crazy, its possible to use her as a guide to make this argument valid. Hamlet and Ophelia both shared the trait of having calculated thoughts, Ophelias singing and Hamlets verbal attacks. They also shared calmness before their deaths. But was Hamlet spraying rude remarks to everyone before he died, as Ophelia had sung floating down the river? No, in-fact Hamlet was the opposite of what he was before. If he were crazy, like Ophelia, he would have remained hectic and random up until the time of (and after) the duel. Hamlet, though, was nothe even reasoned what death for him was, finishing his question of whether life was worth living for. Hamlet can truley be seen to be sane, and not. The facts that Hamlet was smart and swift thinking, and in such a reversal of emotions (from after Polonius died) in the end, leads strongly to the opinion that Hamlet was not insane.

Concerns About Beginning Homeschooling Mid-Year

Concerns About Beginning Homeschooling Mid-Year Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, and you can begin homeschooling at any time, even in the middle of the school year. Many families choose to start homeschooling mid-year due to problems at school, academic concerns, or illness. Some, whove been considering the idea, may finally decide that its time to give homeschooling a try. The semester break is a perfect time to make the change; however, you can withdraw your children from school at any time. If you are planning to take your child out of public or private school during the academic year, make sure that you understand your states homeschooling laws and requirements. You may be unsure if youll be homeschooling short-term or making a permanent transition from public school to homeschool. Regardless of the duration, there are simple steps you can take to ensure that youre homeschooling legally and making the most of the experience. Steps to Take to Begin Homeschooling Mid-year Research your states homeschool laws. Most states require that you notify the school that you are withdrawing your student and submit a notice of your intent to homeschool to the county or state school superintendent. Even if your child is under your states minimum compulsory age, most states will require that you report for a child who has already been enrolled in school.Check with your statewide homeschooling association. They can offer advice on the specific procedure required by your state  to remove your child from school.Contact your local homeschool support group. They can also help with the specifics and can usually assist by providing forms, telling you how to request school records,  and offering curriculum advice.Consider your homeschool  curriculum options. You shouldnt feel pressured to purchase curriculum right away. While you research your options, provide your student with a learning-rich environment  and utilize  your local library and online resources.   There are many resources for  homeschooling for free  or very economically. You may want to try some of these at least until you determine which curriculum will be the best fit for your family long-term. Discuss the decision with your child. Some children may not want to homeschool. If this is the case with your child, talk about why he is reluctant and see what you can do to address his concerns. Even if your child is excited about starting to homeschool, he may not want to tell his friends until his last day at school to avoid unwanted questions, or he may want to let them know a few days before so that he can make plans to stay connected with them. Concerns About Starting to Homeschool Socialization: Your child might miss his friends and feel lonely. You can help him through this period by inviting his friends over and getting involved in activities in your community. Homeschool support groups  offer many opportunities to help homeschooled kids find friends and allow them  to get together for field trips, park days, and homeschool co-op classes.  Deschooling: You might need to begin slowly and give your family  time adjust to the change. If you decided to homeschool due to a negative experience, such as bullying, your child might need time to regroup. Consider taking a couple of weeks off completely. Then, gradually add in subjects such as math and reading. Spend some time pursuing  interest-led  topics and doing hands-on projects.The Course of Study: If you are using a packaged curriculum based on your students grade level, you can usually feel confident that youre coving age-appropriate material. If you are piecing together your own curriculum, you ma y wish to refer to a Typical Course of Study for guidance.   Organization and Record-Keeping: Paperwork is not the most exciting aspect of homeschooling, but it doesnt have to be intimidating. Some simple record-keeping  forms can keep you on track. Allow yourself time to adjust to this new facet of your family life, and youll soon discover how to make homeschooling work for your family.Academic Pacing. Many parents worry about how to help a struggling learner catch up or how to keep a gifted learner challenged. One of the most significant benefits of homeschooling is that students can learn at their own pace. A student doesnt have to feel behind if he is making progress. And gifted learners have the freedom to explore subjects at a greater depth and breadth than they could in a typical classroom. Homeschooling is a big step and takes teamwork. It is an excellent opportunity to get to know your child again. Talk with him and be sensitive to and understanding of his feelings. Be enthusiastic, start slow, and have patience, but most of all relax and have fun!

Heritage Education and Interpretation Dissertation

Heritage Education and Interpretation - Dissertation Example Assessment Details Remember all parts of the Assessment are compulsory. Suggested Timescale Before Placement. †¢ Complete Task 1 – Skills Audit. During First Week. (w/c 1st May 2006) †¢ Contact Niesha Nicholson to confirm your placement details. †¢ Complete 5 Daily Journal Sheets, one for each day. †¢ Complete CHNTO skills list. During Second Week. (w/c 8th May 2006) †¢ Complete 5 Daily Journal Sheets, one for each day. †¢ Complete 1 Learning Log Sheet. †¢ Complete CHNTO skills list. During Third Week. (w/c 15th May 2006) †¢ Complete 5 Daily Journal Sheets, one for each day. †¢ Complete CHNTO skills list. During Fourth Week. (w/c 22rd May 2006) †¢ Complete 5 Daily Journal Sheets, one for each day. †¢ Complete 1 Learning Log Sheet. †¢ Complete CHNTO skills list. During Fifth Week. (w/c 29th May 2006) †¢ Placement Co-ordinator to make contact. †¢ Complete 5 Daily Journal Sheets, one for each day. †¢ Complete CHNTO skills list. During Sixth Week. (w/c 5th June 2006) †¢ Complete 5 Daily Journal Sheets, one for each day. †¢ Complete 1 Learning Log Sheet. †¢ Complete CHNTO skills list. During Seventh Week (w/c 12th June 2006) †¢ Complete 5 Daily Journal Sheets, one for each day. †¢ Complete CHNTO skills list. During Eighth Week. (w/c 19th June 2006) †¢ Complete 5 Daily Journal Sheets, one for each day. †¢ Complete 1 Learning Log Sheet. †¢ Complete CHNTO skills list. Assignment 1 Task 1 – Personal Skills Audit ... You can then look for development opportunities during your work experience. Please answer all the questions by ticking one of the boxes. Do not spend too long thinking about the answers, if you do not know if the question applies to you then tick 'don't know'. The audit should take no more than 15 minutes. You are examining your skills as they are now, not trying to tick every Yes box. There are no right or wrong answers. Remember - you are postgraduates, some of these skills will already be familiar to you! Personal Skills Audit Yes No Don't Know 1. As part of your course are you required to write a number of different written documents, essays, reports, etc. X 2. Do you make a point of listening attentively and seeking to understand what other people say X 3. Have you recently given a presentation to more than five people X 4. Have you recently worked with others, as part of a team, towards a goal or to complete a task X 5. Do you consistently meet and/or exceed targets (i.e. deadlines) X 6. Do you enjoy the challenge of solving problems X 7. Do you regularly analyse your performance and try to learn from it X 8. Do you identify ways of improving you own performance X 9. Are you familiar with the functions of a calculator and confident in applying them X 10. Are you able to use the different software packages available on the University PC clusters (Word, Excel, etc.) X 11. When writing an essay do you always prepare and work to an outline plan or structure X 12. Can you quickly establish a rapport with someone you've never met before X 13. Do you use a range of visual aids when giving a presentation, e.g. OHP's, flip chart, PowerPoint X 14. Have you made a substantial contribution to the planning and

Biomass Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Biomass Questions - Essay Example However, the technology for such venture is still in its infancy. It will take some more time before breakthrough in technology is achieved for viable energy production for commercial use from plastics and other combustible contents (Plastics and the environment). A herd of 2000 pigs can produce 400 ft3 of waste. This, in turn, can help produce 3120 ft3 of biogas per day. This figure of 3120 ft3 is arrived at assuming each pig produces 0.2 ft3 waste from which 7.8 ft3/day biogas is produced. (The Economics of Biogas in the Hog Industry, p7). The cogen must have the capacity of 1 x 75 kW and 1 x 110 kW to utilize the gas (The Economics of Biogas in the Hog Industry, p13). The landowner will have to cultivate 2500 hectares of land if eucalypt trees are planted and 10,000 hectares of land if short rotation irrigated forestry crops are planted to produce 10 MW power. This figure is arrived at calculating the requirement of 250 hectares of land if eucalypt trees are planted and 1000 hectares of land if short rotation irrigated forestry crops are planted to product 1 MW power. For irrigated forestry crops, the land availability depends on the type of the crops planted. 10,000 hectares of land will be required for forestry crops if the crop in question is Prosopis which is a thorny plant that already grows wild on extensive areas of wasteland and serves as fence (Garry Jacobs, p20). Lecture 2 - Answer 1 It is in the proportion of 10% ethanol to 100% petrol. The equation stems from the simple fact that the proportion of ethanol is about ten percent of the total quantity of petrol. This figure is arrived at on the basis of volume where 10% ethanol is required for 100% petrol. After the mix up, the equation becomes 10% ethanol and 90% petrol. As regards the second part of the question, the answer is based on answer 3 in lecture 1. The quantity of biomass for sugar beet is 100,000 tons for 10 MW power. 10,000 hectares of cereal residues will be sufficient to produce 10 MW power for one year. This figure is arrived at after calculating 10,000 tons of sugar beet for 1 MW power and 1000 hectares of cereal residues for 1 MW power (Garry Jacobs, p20). Answer 2 Australia has plenty of land resource. The issue is basically environmental. Australia consumes much power got from fossil fuel. This is responsible for pollution. Economy and job creation are also factors to consider for production of biomass. The Great Reef Barrier is impacted due to global warming. Hence, it is necessary for Australia to clean up its backyard. Australia also has tremendous reserves of water for use in creation of power. It also has land resource for any land salination requirement. Answer 3 The research for biomass 'crop' is at a nascent stage. Hence it is difficult to pinpoint with conviction any particular plant as the most suitable potential for biodiesel in Australia. The research is going on with several crops or their components such as algae, lignocellulose (woody or fibrous part of plants), wheat stubble, bagasse, plantation residues, urban waste wood and organic wastes (Sustainable biomass production). Of course, there are also sugar beet and cereal residues that are being researched

Critical Theory and the Middle East Essay Example for Free

Critical Theory and the Middle East Essay Critical theory is actually tackled by two different intellectual traditions from which the term is derived – critical theory in literary studies and critical social theory. The former is primarily a form of hermeneutics, or knowledge that is gained through the interpretation in the understanding of the meanings presented through human texts and symbolic expressions. On the other hand, the latter is a form of knowledge that is self-reflective which involves both understanding and theoretical explanation which intend reduction of entrapment within systems like domination and dependence, in the advancement of emancipator interest to expand autonomy and reduce domination. Critical theory from a sociological perspective, is best defined as that social theory that is in contrast to some of the principles of the 20th century positivism, and is, in fact, sometimes referred to as negative philosophy. Contrary to the general idea that knowledge comes from people’s sense-experience, critical theory proposes rationalism which posits that the source of knowledge and the source of common humanity is the fact that humans are rational beings. This paper adopts the sociological perspective of critical theory, and relates it with the Middle East scenario, taking Qatar into particular focus, as an example of the Middle East countries. Historical Background The concept of critical theory dates as early as 1937, with Max Horkheimer of Frankfurt School giving meaning to it as a social theory that is oriented toward critiquing and changing the society in general, contrary to the traditional theory that is oriented merely in the understanding or explaining the society. Most accounts of the theory closely link it with the Frankfurt School of Social Research (or Frankfurt School which later became the International Institute for Research at Columbia University, New York in 1933), while some trace its origins to as far back through Hegelianism and Western Marxism. Most of the key contributors to the theory are employed at the Frankfurt Institute, like Theodore W. Adorno, Herbert Marcuse, along with Hokheimer who was the Institute’s Director at that time. The other contributors who were not employed at the Institute were Walter Benjamin and Ernst Bloch, both published their materials in the Institute’s journal as well as engaged in other activities of the Institute. Later on, in 1945, a certain Hannah Arendt also helped by extending the concern for liberation as developed in the works of the Institute. After 1945, in Germany, Jurgen Habermas and Axel Honeth continued the advancement of critical social theory. Marx’s Influence on the Critical Theory It has been said by analysts of today that the common thread between and among the German critical theory and the French post-structuralism is that they are both anchored on Karl Marx’s theory of social change, which generally proposes for philosophers and thinkers to not just interpret the world, but rather change it. Such Marxian theory has been revised by critical theorists to posit that the critical theory rests on the concept of intervention which comes from appropriate understanding of the past and present conditions which provides adequate insight towards change, or possibilities of it. Further down the history of critical theory, Marx’s great influence can be traced with the Praxis School, which was a Marxist humanist philosophical movement originating from Zagreb and Belgrade in Yugoslavia in the 1960s. This Praxis School was closely linked with the Frankfurt School and the Critical Theory. In fact, the term critical theory is derived from Marx’s concept about his work Capital as a form of critique of political economy. Middle East in Context The Middle East or the Muslim world in particular, has been perceived by the rest of the world as an oppressive society where only men have the freedom to live the way they want to live, while women are repressed and stay in the shadows of their men. It is anchored basically on the Islamic teachings which have shaped the Muslim people’s beliefs, culture and traditions. In a traditional Muslim society, the women are raised and trained to obey and serve men without questions or opinions. Muslim women are not allowed to decide on anything, even for their own personal concerns, since it is the men who have the right to decide – this comes from the practice of betrothing the women, and the men paying dowry for the women they marry. This technically makes the women possessions of men. Through the years, the plight of Muslim women who also want to pursue careers, who also want to live freely and have more options than to be betrothed and raise a family, have been slowly heard by the world. Through the years, things have changed dramatically and drastically in the Muslim World. Contemporary Muslim societies have successful Muslim women on boob tube talking about pleasurable sex, albeit maintaining that it be in the context of marriage, but still, such freedom to speak about sex in public was a big taboo in years past. Qatar’s Shiekah Muzah Bint Nasser Al Misned, is another example of an emancipated lot of Muslim women now successfully treading career paths that were never trodden before. How did it all happen? What brought about such changes in the society that was once repressive but now tolerate and allow women to have choices? Critical Theory in the Middle East (Qatar) The Middle East, particularly Qatar, has gone through a lot of upheavals, significantly changing the social, political and cultural landscape of the nation. Applying the critical social theory, which seeks to critically study the interrelated facets of society – political, economic and social – with interventions appropriately based on understanding, Qatari society has been led by its leaders into a more tolerant society in the interest of further development and advancement. Looking back to the socio-political and economic landscape that gave birth to the Marxian theory and the critical theory, it was a repressive society and constrictive governmental policies that were sought to change by the proponents. Mere analysis and understanding of such society and government were not enough, and thus interventions based on appropriate understanding was proposed. The Qatari situation is no different. Awakening to the real situation, deep understanding of them, led the people and the leaders to create changes which now manifest in its media, which is rich in stories of women achievers. One of the leading women figures in Qatar is none other Her Highness Shiekah Muzah Bint Nasser Al Misned, who heads the nation’s Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. Summary The sociological definition of critical theory generally posits that it is necessary that matters be tackled in a multi-dimensional perspective, and that rationalism is as a key to understanding situations need to be coupled with interventions. In societies where societal norms tend to repress some sectors’ freedom, it is a necessity to pursue a critical outlook of the situation and provide measures to address the issues. In Qatar, for instance, the nation underwent various upheavals which significantly changed its social, political, cultural and economic scenarios, giving freedom to women as they have never experienced before. Personal Opinion Oppression or repression of any kind is always an unpleasant situation, much less to a more vulnerable group in the society, the women. History is replete with situations of oppression and repression, and almost all those situations ended up wrecking nations, which means that ultimately, the people are wrecked as the ultimate victims. The proponents of critical social theory emphasizes the rational nature of people which, if given deeper interpretation, only emphasizes that as rational beings, people must be treated as such, rational. Further, the argument of Marx that it is not enough for people or philosophers to merely interpret society, but rather must change it, rings a bell of truth in the contemporary times. For instance, in the Middle East, much have been written about the societal repression, but only recently have changes been felt and manifest. Only when some things have been done to change the situation. References Ahmed, L. , 1993, Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate Edition: reissue, illustrated, Published by Yale University Press, 1993. Calhoun, C. J. , 1995, Critical social theory: culture, history, and the challenge of difference, Edition: reprint, Published by Wiley-Blackwell, 1995. Held, D. , 1980, Introduction to critical theory: Horkheimer to Habermas,Published by University of California Press, 1980. Swank, A. ,2007, Sexual healing: How big is kalaam kibeer? , Arab Media and Society. Issue 2, Summer 2007, Published by The American University in Cairo. UNDP-POGAR, 2007, Women in public life, gender and women, Gender and Citizenship Initiative, 2007.

Animal Testing is Wrong Essay -- Ethics Science Essays

Animal Testing and Why it is Wrong Imagine a cold dark room with cages lined against the walls. The living creatures echo throughout the building as if the entrapped animals are able to sense their fate. Lying on a table are several rabbits strapped down with tiny cups attached to their bellies. These rabbits go through an enormous amount of pain due to the fact that they are not given painkillers of any sort. Sadly, these animals are being used for scientific experimentation. It is a debate that has taken place for several years and it continues to be an ongoing battle. Do animals have rights and is animal testing wrong. In 1824 The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in England was formed and since then there have been debate after debate on animal rights. In the past, it was only an issue of the human treatment toward work animals and house hold pets. Now organizations, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have formed in hopes to stop scientific experimentation on anima ls. According to be poll by the Associated Press in November 1995, two-thirds of all Americans believer that animals have just as much right to live without suffering as humans. What do you believe? Is animal research ethical, is it accurate, and are there other methods available to take the place of animal research? Animals are being mistreated and there in no need for it. There are too many other options available for research which is more accurate and humane. Animal testing still an option/Types of test being used Although animal research is not used as much, the number of animals being used remains substantial, with estimates ranging anywhere from 10 million to over 100 million per... ...uk/science/hottopics/animalexperiments/index.shtml Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, John Hopkins University. (2003) Retrieved April 4, 2004 from http://caat.jhsph.edu/ National Anti-Vivisection Society. Animals in product testing. Animals in Education. Animals in Scientific Research. (2001). Retrieved April 4, 2004 from http://navs.org Macy, David. CQ Researcher. Fighting Over animal Rights. August 2, 1996. Retrived April 14, 2004 from http://www.morehead-st.edu:2125/cqresearcher/document Fox, Katrina. Nexus Magazine. The Human Cost of Animal Experiments. (2001) retrieved April 14, 2004 from http://www.nexusmagazine.com/articles/animaltesting.html Barnard, Neal and Kaufman, Stephen. Animal Research is Wasteful and Misleading. Retrieved April 12, 2004 from http://www.members.iinet.au/~rabbit/expmilg.html

Bin-IT User Guide

Introduction: The software on this CD provides a system to make wage slips and employee information leaflets for your employees at the Bin-IT workplace. This is a bespoke software which is tailor made for your use. There are on screen instructions for installing your software but this user guide will provide more information with in-detail instructions, troubleshooting help and a glossary. Instructions: Basic instructions to run the software: 1. Specify which folders you want to save the spreadsheet, wage slip and leaflet. Click the â€Å"Run† button which will automatically save the spreadsheet and both documents to your computer. 2. Once you have saved the files to your computer locate your spreadsheet. This will be the spreadsheet you use to calculate the wages of various employees in your Bin-IT company. The columns you'll want to change regularly are from G to M where the actual hours. You can also change the wages or job position if people are given promotions or something similar. 3. You will notice that when you enter a value out of the range in the hours worked (outside of the parameters 0 to 12) then an error message will appear telling you that you have entered an incorrect value. This is validation – this stops you from making typing errors when entering in data. 4. You can change the validation rules by selecting the values you wish to change by selecting the field you wish to change, going to Data > Validation and then changing the parameters accordingly. 5. Now the spreadsheet functions are sorted – we can move onto the mail merge functions. Mail merge allows you to automatically take the data from the spreadsheet and use it to make a wage slip and/or employee information leaflet. This software comes with the files already linked to each other therefore you don't need to actually link the spreadsheet with the other documents. 6. Open up the Pay Slip word document. Go to tools > letters and mailing > Mail Merge. This will open up the mail merge wizard. 7. What will be shown to you is a mail merge wizard showing you which spreadsheet is selected to be merged with the word document. You can edit the recipient list and change who you wish the Mail Merge to apply to. 8. Click Next twice to skip to Step 5 of 6 and there you can preview all your print outs for the pay slips. 9. Click Next again and you are on Step 6 of 6, print. Click print and choose which ones you which to print, or just leave it on All and click OK. Before printing – if there was anything you wanted to change on a one-time-basis with any of the employees' wage slips then you can click edit individual letters and change a specific thing for a specific wage slip. 10. When doing Mail Merge for the leaflets just do exactly the same thing but on Microsoft Publisher Troubleshooting * As stated in the instructions, you may receive an error message when trying to enter in data in some cells on the spreadsheet. This is because a validation rule has been set on the specific cell(s). Step 4 explains how to change the validation rules if they do not meet the criteria of some of your employees. * On Step 7, you may have a problem with the Microsoft Word document not being properly linked to the spreadsheet with your data in. In the event that this occurs, click ‘Select a different list'. From this use Explorer to find the spreadsheet file in the location you saved it, select it and then choose Sheet 1. Glossary Mail merge – Mail merge is a software function describing the production of multiple (and potentially large numbers of) documents from a single template form and a structured data source. This helps to create personalized letters and pre-addressed envelopes or mailing labels for mass mailings Data validation – In computer science, data validation is the process of ensuring that a program operates on clean, correct and useful data. It uses routines, often called â€Å"validation rules† or â€Å"check routines†, that check for correctness, meaningfulness, and security of data that are input to the system. Validation Rule – A Validation rule is a criterion used in the process of data validation, carried out after the data has been encoded onto an input medium and involves a data vet or validation program. Evaluation of User Guide I have tested my user guide by providing my system to others with no other instructions apart from the ones on the user guide. I asked whether there was anything missing or anything else that may help. One common criticism I got is that I didn't have any kind of contact information in case the User Guide did not provide enough information. I also got advice to specify a little more in the contents of what is actually on each page. I have taken on these criticisms and have created a re-evaluated User Guide, starting on the next page: Bin-IT System User Guide Contents: (Page) 1. Introduction – What is this software? 2. Instructions – Spreadsheet settings and functions 3. Instructions (continued) – Mail merge (Making the wage slip) 4. Troubleshooting & Glossary of Technical Terms 5. Contact Details – Phone, Fax & Email Introduction: The software on this CD provides a system to make wage slips and employee information leaflets for your employees at the Bin-IT workplace. This is a bespoke software which is tailor made for your use. There are on screen instructions for installing your software but this user guide will provide more information with in-detail instructions, troubleshooting help and a glossary. Instructions: Basic instructions to run the software: 1. Specify which folders you want to save the spreadsheet, wage slip and leaflet. Click the â€Å"Run† button which will automatically save the spreadsheet and both documents to your computer. 2. Once you have saved the files to your computer locate your spreadsheet. This will be the spreadsheet you use to calculate the wages of various employees in your Bin-IT company. The columns you'll want to change regularly are from G to M where the actual hours. You can also change the wages or job position if people are given promotions or something similar. 3. You will notice that when you enter a value out of the range in the hours worked (outside of the parameters 0 to 12) then an error message will appear telling you that you have entered an incorrect value. This is validation – this stops you from making typing errors when entering in data. 4. You can change the validation rules by selecting the values you wish to change by selecting the field you wish to change, going to Data > Validation and then changing the parameters accordingly. 5. Now the spreadsheet functions are sorted – we can move onto the mail merge functions. Mail merge allows you to automatically take the data from the spreadsheet and use it to make a wage slip and/or employee information leaflet. This software comes with the files already linked to each other therefore you don't need to actually link the spreadsheet with the other documents. 6. Open up the Pay Slip word document. Go to tools > letters and mailing > Mail Merge. This will open up the mail merge wizard. 7. What will be shown to you is a mail merge wizard showing you which spreadsheet is selected to be merged with the word document. You can edit the recipient list and change who you wish the Mail Merge to apply to. 8. Click Next twice to skip to Step 5 of 6 and there you can preview all your print outs for the pay slips. 9. Click Next again and you are on Step 6 of 6, print. Click print and choose which ones you which to print, or just leave it on All and click OK. Before printing – if there was anything you wanted to change on a one-time-basis with any of the employees' wage slips then you can click edit individual letters and change a specific thing for a specific wage slip. 10. When doing Mail Merge for the leaflets just do exactly the same thing but on Microsoft Publisher Troubleshooting * As stated in the instructions, you may receive an error message when trying to enter in data in some cells on the spreadsheet. This is because a validation rule has been set on the specific cell(s). Step 4 explains how to change the validation rules if they do not meet the criteria of some of your employees. * On Step 7, you may have a problem with the Microsoft Word document not being properly linked to the spreadsheet with your data in. In the event that this occurs, click ‘Select a different list'. From this use Explorer to find the spreadsheet file in the location you saved it, select it and then choose Sheet 1. Glossary Mail merge – Mail merge is a software function describing the production of multiple (and potentially large numbers of) documents from a single template form and a structured data source. This helps to create personalized letters and pre-addressed envelopes or mailing labels for mass mailings Data validation – In computer science, data validation is the process of ensuring that a program operates on clean, correct and useful data. It uses routines, often called â€Å"validation rules† or â€Å"check routines†, that check for correctness, meaningfulness, and security of data that are input to the system. Validation Rule – A Validation rule is a criterion used in the process of data validation, carried out after the data has been encoded onto an input medium and involves a data vet or validation program.

To what extent has the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR’s) case law recognised and protected the right not to be discriminated against on the ground of sexual orientation, in relation to marriage.

Abstract There has been much discussion as to whether the ECHR’s attempts to recognise and protect the right not to be discriminated against on the ground of sexual orientation have been successful. This is because, although the UK has in recent years made positive changes towards the equality of same-sex couples, discrimination is still prevalent in many other countries. This study aims to identify the extent to which such discrimination still exists and consider how effective the ECHR has been in preserving these rights. Introduction It will be examined the extent to which the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR’s) case law has recognised and protected the right not to be discriminated against on the ground of sexual orientation. This will be examined in respect of same-sex marriages and by considering whether same-sex couples are still being discriminated against or whether the ECHR has been successful in helping to protect the interests of such couples. Various case law of the ECHR will be examined and a review of the academic literature in this area will be conducted. These will be acquired by accessing relevant text books, journal articles, online databases and governmental reports. Once all the applicable information has been gathered an appropriate conclusion will then be drawn demonstrating that the ECHR has made significant attempts to protect the rights of individuals when it comes to their sexual orientation. However, it will be demonstrated that whilst this has proven successful in the UK, othe r countries are still reluctant to employ the ECHR’s approach. Literature Review The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 came into force on the 13 March 2014 to legalise same sex marriages as this was previously prohibited under section 11 (c) of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. This prohibited led to much debate and controversy for a number of years as it was felt that same-sex couples were being discriminated against and that their right to equality, as provided for under Article 14 of the European Convention of Human Rights 1951 (ECHR), as incorporated by the Human Rights Act 1998, was being violated. This controversy occurred regardless of the fact that civil partnerships were introduced under the Civil Partnership Act 2004 since it was still being argued that same-sex couples entering into a civil partnership were not provided with the same rights and responsibilities as heterosexual couples under a civil marriage. Inequality therefore still existed as the status of marriage was not capable of being acquired by same-sex couples. This was considered highly d etrimental and it was argued by Francoz-Terminal that; â€Å"if at one time homosexuality was considered as a choice that implied no procreation, nowadays legal systems have had to face a new factual reality.†[1] This highlights the importance of equality and it seems as though there has never been more of a pressing need for the provisions contained in the ECHR to be implemented. Not all agree that same sex-couples should have been permitted to marry rather than merely enter into a civil partnership, yet because of the increasing recognition of same-sex couples in many European countries it was evident that the permitting of gay marriages have been relevant when discussing reforms in England and Wales.†[2] There was clearly a pressing need for reform in this area since the 2004 Act had proven ineffective in providing same-sex couples with equal rights to heterosexual couples when it came to marriage. Nevertheless, whilst it was argued by some that civil partnerships were simply marriages under a different name, this was not entirely true. This is because the equal rights and responsibilities that were given to heterosexual couples were not being given to same-sex couples. For example, same sex couples were not allowed to get married in a church or other religious on the basis that these types of places are prohibited from conducting civil partnership ceremonies under the law. This was considered highly unfair given that some ministers were willing to marry same-sex couples; however they were prevented doing so by law. Modern beliefs that all people should be treated equally were therefore not being ascertained and all of the traditional views of marriage were upheld. Not all agree with the new changes, however, as churches can still refuse to marry same sex-couples which leaves same-sex couples open to further discrimination.[3] Yet, it is believed that the law should not restrict a person’s choice and that churches ministers should still have the ability to choose whether or not they would like to marry same-sex couples. This provides a fairer system overall because although some churches will permit same-sex marriages whilst others will not, the fact that marriages can be conducted in churches in the first place is a major step forward.[4] The debate as to whether same-sex marriages should be permitted has been going on for some time, and the courts have attempted to protect an individual’s right not to be discriminated against on grounds of sexual orientation on marriage. In The Attorney General for Ontario v M and H[5] it was held by the court that; â€Å"provincial governments are to take legislative action to ensure that individuals in same-sex relationships are afforded equal treatment with others in marriage-like relationships.† Regardless of these views, it wasn’t until the ECHR began to recognise such rights that Parliament decided to take action. In Schalk v. Kopf v. Austria[6] it was made clear by the ECHR that; â€Å"a failure by a state to allow same-sex couples to marry amounted to a violation of the article 12 right to marry.† This decision highlighted the need to make amendments to section 11 (c) of the 1973 Act so that same-sex couples were not being discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation when it came to marriage. It was quite surprising when the 2013 Act was implemented given the widespread concerns that existed and as put by Norrie; â€Å"the trouble with gay and lesbian people is that they are never satisfied. Give them a crumb and they want a slice of bread. Give them a slice of bread and they want a full meal.†[7] Nevertheless, although changes were made under the 2004 Act to provide same sex couples with equal rights to heterosexual couples, the ECHR did not believe that this went far enough and still found that discrimination subsisted. It could be said that civil ceremonies were the same as marriages, yet because the nature of the ceremonies were different as well as the rights that were provided to married couples, it was clear that further changes were needed if complete equality was to be attained. It was argued by Eireann that the 2004 Act was akin to marriage in that it allowed same-sex couples to â€Å"formally declare their allegiance to each other, register their partnership and commit themselves to a range of duties and responsibilities.†[8] On the other hand, because equality of choice and opportunity was removed from same-sex couples, their rights under the ECHR were not being fully recognised[9], which is why drastic changes to the law were implemented in 2013. Whether all 47 countries will follow the ECHR’s decision in Schalk is questionable[10], given the political backlash that some countries will be subjected to. Although the ECHR is of the view that same-sex marriages should be permit ted, they are also aware of the fact that not everyone agrees with this position. As a result, they made it clear in their judgment that the choice to marry same-sex couples should still remain with the minister conducting the ceremony and that the rights of ministers should also be upheld.[11] Therefore, whilst it is important that the rights to equality are being maintained when it comes to the marriage of same-sex couples, it is also important that the rights of ministers not to be discriminated against if they choose not to marry such couples are also preserved. The ECHR has made great attempts to recognise and protect the rights of individuals not to be discriminated against on grounds of sexual orientation over the years, which is enunciated in various case law decisions. An example of this can be seen in the Niemietz v Germany[12] case where it was made clear that the right to a private life under Article 8 of the ECHR included the right to establish relationships with other human beings regardless as to whether they were of the same sex or not. Therefore, the fact that there were laws against same-sex marriages demonstrated that the right to a private life under this Article was also being violated. This was also identified in Bensaid v United Kingdom[13] where the court held that â€Å"gender identification, name and sexual orientation and sexual life† were all capable of protection under Article 8. Arguably, the ECHR has been a pioneer for same-sex relationships for some time and has clearly made significant attempts to eradicat e discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. In Mata Estevez v Spain[14] the Court held that same-sex relationships could be protected by the right to respect for private life, although it was held that homosexual relationships could not be protected by the right to a family life. However, this has since been resolved in the Schalk case above. The Schalk case is a major development within this area of the law, yet because many states have not yet legalised the marriage of same-sex couples it is manifest that the development of this area does remain ongoing. It remains to be seen what changes, if any will be made by other Member States because although this was a positive decision inferences were not drawn by the Court. This leads to confusion as to whether puzzling all States should follow suit and as has been noted; â€Å"the door may have been unlocked but remains closed (or half open) for now?†[15] Consequently, even though same sex marriages are now being permitted in the UK, inequality will still exist by the ability for ministers to refuse to marry same-sex couples. Whether this will ever be changed is doubtful since all individuals still have the right to freedom of belief and religion under Article 9 of the ECHR. Hence, there will still be many churches that will refuse to allow such marriages to take place, yet nothing can be done to stop this as this too will result in a violation of human rights. At present an attempt to strike a balance between these competing interests has been made and it is unlikely that discrimina tion on the grounds of sexual orientation with regards to marriage will ever be fully eradicated. Still, the rights same-sex couples have to marry has increased substantially over the years, though there will continue to be different views in relation to the acceptance of such marriages by society. Every person has a right to have an opinion and by forcing ministers to conduct same-sex marriages would seriously contravene. In addition to the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands and Canada, also allow same-sex marriages to be conducted, which demonstrates the movement that is being made towards achieving greater equality across the globe. This is believed highly desirable and as noted by the court in Fourie and Another v Minister of Home Affairs and Others;[16] â€Å"the limitation of marriage to opposite sex couples was unconstitutional.† Same-sex marriages should therefore be recognised in all countries as societal views are continuously changing and same-sex couples are starting to become the â€Å"norm.† It is questionable whether this will be implemented by all and as stressed by Herring; â€Å"the tensions between the traditional family ideal of what a family should be like and the realities of family life today indicate that family law is quite different from family law 30 years ago and where family law will be in 30 years time is hard to predict.†[17] Now that same-sex couples are able to marry under the 2013 Act, such couples are now able to claim a family status. This is necessary given that there is â€Å"no institution of a de facto family† as pointed out in McD v L & Another.[1 8] It is thus in the best interests of a child to be served in a marriage-based family and because same-sex couples can adopt, it is necessary for them to be able to marry also; N and Another v Health Service Executive & Ors[19] Nevertheless, because same-sex marriages are not permitted in all countries, such as France, it cannot be said that the ECHR’s approaches have been completely successful. It was recognised by Francoz-Terminal that the emergence of same-sex families has been challenging for French Law, yet it has been said that the courts do actually seem prepared to meet these challenges.†[20] Attitudes towards same-sex marriages have changed considerably over the years and are likely to continue to do so until such marriages are considered a normal part of society. As a result, â€Å"the married family can no longer be assumed to be the near-universal institution of civil society it once was.†[21] Because of the changes that continue to be made within society, it is vital that the law is able to keep abreast with such changes which can be achieved by making sure individuals are not discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation. Conversely, it has been said that marriage is being undermined as a result of this,[22] yet the courts should not be able to interfere in one’s beliefs as shown in Burden and Burden v UK.[23] The right to marry is enshrined in human rights law and is thereby considered a â€Å"fundamental part of the freedom of the individual to form personal relationships according to his or her own inclination.†[24] Resultan tly, individuals should have the right to marry whoever they wish regardless as to whether they are of the same-sex or not, though it remains to be seen whether other European countries will adopt the same approach as the UK in protecting such rights. Conclusion Overall, it is evident that the ECHR has recognised the rights of same-same couples for a number of years and has made great attempts to recognise and protect the right not to be discriminated against on grounds of sexual orientation. Nevertheless, it is only recently that the UK has implemented changes to reflect the stance taken by the ECHR by enacting the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013. This Act makes it permissible for same sex couples to marry in religious settings. Although the Civil Partnership Act 2004 was said to provide similar rights, these were not considered enough and same-sex couples were still being subject to much discrimination. Since the 2013 Act was implemented, greater equality is now capable of being attained in the UK. The ECHR in Schalk is considered a major breakthrough in this area as this decision is what sparked the introduction of the new law. Nevertheless, because not all countries have followed the same approach as the UK, the ECHR still has some way to go in attaining equality for all. This is likely to prove difficult given the divergence of opinions that exist in this area, yet because the marriage of same-sex couples is becoming the ‘norm’, it is likely that other European countries will follow suit. The fact that ministers are able to choose whether or not to conduct same-sex marriages also ensures that their rights are also being protected. This maintains a balance between the rights of individuals not to be discriminated against on grounds of sexual orientation with the rights of belief and opinion. Bibliography Books Herring, J. Family Law, Longman, 4th Edition, (2009). Lowe, N. and Douglas, G. Bromley’s Family Law, OUP Oxford, 10th Edition, (2006). Probert, R., Family Law in England and Wales, Kluwer Law International, (2011). Standley, K. Family Law, Palgrave MacMillan, 7th Edition, (2010). Troyer, L. Church in Society, Xulon Press, (2011). Journals C F Stychin, ‘Not (Quite) a Horse and Carriage: The Civil Partnership Act 2004’ (2006), Feminist Legal Studies, Springer 2006, Volume 14, Number 1, 79-86. Doughty, S., Conservative UK: Most Britons Still Oppose Gay Marriage, The Daily Mail, (2011), Available [Online] at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2040783/Conservative-UK-Most-Britons-oppose-gay-marriage.html Eireann, D., Parliamentary Debates, Volume 697, Number 1, (2009), Available [Online] at: http://debates.oireachtas.ie/Xml/30/DAL20091203.PDF Francoz-Terminal, L, From same-sex couples to same-sex familiesCurrent French legal issues, Child and Family Law Quarterly, Issue 4, [2009] CFLQ 485, (2009). Matheson Ormsby Prentice, Civil Partnerships and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010, Client Update, (2010), Available [Online] at: https://marketing.mop.ie/rs/vm.ashx?ct=24F76A1FD4AE4EE0CDD881AED12B921991907ABFDA9818CF5AE175767CEAC80BDF417 Norrie, K. Two by Two, by Two, The Journal Online, The Members Magazine of the Law Society of Scotland, (18 October, 2010), Available [Online] at: http://www.journalonline.co.uk/Magazine/55-10/1008759.aspx Peroni, L., Gay Marriage: Unlocking the Door but Keeping it ClosedStrasbourg Observers, (25 June, 2010), Available [Online] at: http://strasbourgobservers.com/2010/06/25/gay-marriage-court-unlocks-the-door-but-keeps-them-closed/ Probert, R. and Barlow, A. Displacing Marriage – Diversification and Harmonisation Within Europe, Child and Family Law Quarterly, [2000] CFLQ 153, Issue 2, (01 June, 2000). Ross, T., Archbishop Attacks Cameron’s ‘Gay Marriage’ Plan, The Telegraph, (2011) Available [Online] at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8809548/Archbishop-attacks-Camerons-gay-marriage-plan.html Rothwell, R. Why Civil Partnerships for Heterosexual Couples Could be a Good Idea, The Law Society Gazette, (11 August, 2010), Available [Online] at: http://www.lawgazette.co.uk/blogs/news-blog/why-civil-partnerships-heterosexual-couples-could-be-a-good-idea Sohrab, J., Recognising Aquired Gender, New Law Journal, 154 NLJ 1018, Issue 7135, (02 July, 2004). Tatchell, P., in BBC News, Gay Church ‘Marriages’ Set to Get the Go-Ahead, BBC, (14 February, 2011), Available [Online] at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12442375 The Office for National Statistics, Marriages, (February 11, 2010), Available [Online] at: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=322 Wintemute, R. Consensus is the Right Approach for the European Court of Human Rights, The Guardian, (12 August, 2010), Available [Online] at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2010/aug/12/european-court-human-rights-consensus Cases Bensaid v United Kingdom (2001) 33 EHRR 205 Burden and Burden v UK [2008] All ER (D) 391, Application No 13378/05; (2008) 47 EHRR 857 Fourie and Another v Minister of Home Affairs and Others Application No. 56501/00, 10 May 2001 Niemietz v Germany (1992) 16 EHRR 97 Mata Estevez v Spain Application No. 56501/00, 10 May 2001 McD v L & Another [2009] IESC 81 N and Another v Health Service Executive & Ors [2006] I.E.S.C. 60 Schalk v. Kopf v. Austria [2010] ECHR 30141/04 (25 June 2010) The Attorney General for Ontario v M and H [1999] 2 SCR 3

Contemporary issues in Finance The WritePass Journal

Contemporary issues in Finance Introduction Contemporary issues in Finance ). The G20 sorted to establish radical measures to overhaul the financial system after it was identified that the existing financial system was faced by a near collapse. The financial system was faced by the collapse because there were unprecedented support measures from the public sector and central governments that would deal with the global economic crisis that hit the world in 2009   (Veronesi Zingales   2010). As a result, each country decided to initiate its measures independently providing structural measures that promoted prohibitions of activities whilst ring fencing of the retail banking (O’Hara Shaw 2010). These measures are a major impact in the regulating the financial strategies of the world although most people observe that nothing much happened during the crisis and even the so called reforms have had less impact to the countries. At this point, only the financial strategists can be able to understand the impact of the reforms as it does not make sense in th e eyes of a person who does not understand how financial matters are dealt with in business. The article covered the regulatory events in the banking industry between June 2009 when the global crisis was at its peak and 2011 when the reforms had started bearing fruits to some countries. Four major reforms in the article are; the Dodd-Frank Act in the US, the reforms proposed by the Vickers report in the UK, the restructuring law and bank levy in Germany, and the too-big-to fail regulation in Switzerland (Schwert   2011). The reforms were used by different countries using different approaches to deal with the weakness demonstrated by the global economic crisis. The weakness revealed through the crisis include; a prohibition of risky activities,   ring fencing of systemic activities, establishment of resolution procedures and special capital regimes for systemically important banks to address the weakness in Volcker rule in the US, UK, Germany and Switzerland   (Fratianni    Marchionne 2009). Critique This article is well informed about the financial strategies, and its analysis gives an accurate position regarding the impact and effect of the reforms. This is due to the fact that the information used to analyze the questions was obtained from the bank stocks information for different countries based on their financial strategies. Its objective was to answer two questions: has anything happened in financial regulation after the global financial crisis and whether the structural reforms have been registered in equity valuations and credit default in their individual banks. According to the article, it has found out that the answer to these two questions is yes. Further, this means that the reforms initiated in the four major countries has been able to bailout expectations and lower the equity returns in their markets. Under normal financial environment, these two questions cannot be categorically being stated as yes. Based on the financial mechanisms it is hard to predict whether enough has happened because the reforms were developed specifically with the interest of promoting the safety of the financial system. The article demonstrates that the major four reforms have been able to lower the bailout expectations in their respective countries. As research as established, lower rates of bailout expectations have an impact of creating a lower risk taking individuals (Boyd Gertler 2004). Therefore, at this point it is difficult to tell whether the reforms have been effective or simply people in these countries have become risk a vase. The best answer for the questions highlighted in this article is that the only time would effectively determine whether the reforms have effectively instituted measures to deal with the economic crisis in the future. On the other hand, it is not standards to identify at what level is the reform successful.   There is no standard measure to be applied to the four reforms to be able to explain whether they have attained the ultimate goal or more strategies should be implemented. The basis used in the article is a drop in the equity prices and a subsequent increase in the credit default swaps which does not shut down the system in the individual countries. A comprehensive and successful strategy should be able to distort the cause of the systemic risk so that it cannot happen in the future. This can be effectively be done by comparing the results to the funding costs deferential (Ueda Weder di Mauro   2013) In this measurement criteria, the values of the current financial year are compared to the values of 2009 which will demonstrate whether the reforms have effectively reduced the distortions or at what level has the distortions been reduced. In regard to the second question, the article establishes that some of the reforms are better than others. This is true because every reform was developed with an underlying and competing philosophy. The reforms were not commonly developed to serve the same problems and weakness brought out by the global crisis. For example, the Volcker Rule and the ring fencing approach can be applied in different banking systems. Contrary, the Swiss and Germany reforms were instituted to promote capital buffers and adverse resolvability. As such, the default swap changes do not accurately pointy at the effectiveness of the reform strategy. The impacts provided by the four reforms do not pass to be used as the criteria to determine which among the reforms has been able to deal with the weakness provided in its financial system after the crisis. For example, the Germany reform cannot be ruled out as ineffective, but it is just irrelevant to the financial practices because it is executed at the nation al level. Here, no system can effectively point at its impact in dealing with the crisis. Therefore, the best assessment of the reform implemented on each of the four named above lies in the future. The G20 initiated the development of the reform strategies with the aim of reducing the impact of the global crisis. Although the strategy might have well been good, it is difficult to develop a common strategy that would be applied to all the countries in the world. For example, in the Eurozone, the financial problem has been identified and a vigorous supernatural reform strategy implemented best to the identified problem which is majorly with the banking unions. Based on this example, it is difficult to develop a common strategy treaty would give the solution to the different financial systems. This is because problems are not identical for all the countries. Additionally, the Basel process is a good global initiative, but it has not established a robust framework for the establishment of cross-country resolutions to be instituted. However, this has lead to individual countries in initiating different banking systems that they deem better for their problems. As a result, these diff erent approaches may lead into a more devastating financial problem than the global crisis. Conclusion The article How have financial markets reacted to financial-sector reforms after the crisis? points at the fact that the financial markets have been abler to deal with the effects of the global crisis. It focused on four major reforms that were initiated in the G20 countries in response to the crisis. Although this article provides factual data from the banks in individual country, its conclusion may not be accurate. It is difficult to answer the question provided in the article because the strategies have been implemented at national level by each country. Secondly, the problems are not the same for the various systems therefore it can be established further which of the strategies has been able to deal with the crisis effectively. Therefore, the best answer for the argument presented in the article is to wait for time to tell whether the reforms are comprehensive. It is only after the fullest of time that it will be established whether a reform strategy has been abler to completely distort the system that generates the crisis.   References Boyd, J Gertler, M .2004, â€Å"The Role of Large Banks in the Recent U. S. Banking Crisis†, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Quarterly Review, 18(1), 2–21. Fratianni, M Marchionne, F. 2009, â€Å"Rescuing Banks from the Effects of the Financial Crisis†, MoFir Working Paper Series, 1(30), 1. O’Hara, M Shaw, W. 2010, â€Å"Deposit Insurance and Wealth Effects: The Value of Being ‘Too Big To Fail’, Journal of Finance, 45(5): 1587–1600. Schfer, A, ISchnabel, and Weder di Mauro, B .2013, â€Å"Financial Sector Reform After the Crisis: Has Anything Happened? â€Å", CEPR Discussion Paper 9502. Schwert, G. 2011, â€Å"Measuring the Effects of Regulation: Evidence from the Capital Markets†, Journal of Law and Economics 24, 121–145. Ueda, K Weder di Mauro, B. 2013, â€Å"Quantifying Structural Subsidy Values for Systemically Important Financial Institutions†, Journal of Banking and Finance 1(12): 128. Veronesi, P Zingales, L. 2010, â€Å"Paulson’s Gift†, Journal of Financial Economies 97(3), 339–368.

Richard Trevithick, Locomotive Pioneer

Richard Trevithick, Locomotive Pioneer Richard Trevithick was a pioneer in early steam engine technology who successfully tested the first steam-powered locomotive, but he ended his life in obscurity. Early Life Trevithick was born in Illogan, Cornwall, in 1771, the son of a Cornish mining family. Dubbed â€Å"The Cornish Giant† for his height- he stood 6’2†, remarkably tall for the time- and for his athletic build, Trevithick was an accomplished wrestler and sportsman, but an unaccomplished scholar. He did, however, have an aptitude for math. And when he was old enough to join his father in the mining business, it was clear that this aptitude extended to the blossoming field of mine engineering, and especially in the use of steam engines. Industrial Revolution Pioneer Trevithick grew up in the crucible of the Industrial Revolution, surrounded by emerging mining technology. His neighbor, William Murdoch, was pioneering new advances in steam-carriage technology.   Steam engines were also used to pump water out of the mines.  Because James Watt already held a number of important steam-engine patents, Trevithick attempted to pioneer steam technology that didn’t rely on Watt’s condenser model.   He succeeded, but not well enough to escape Watt’s lawsuits and personal enmity. And while his use of high-pressure steam represented a new breakthrough, it also drew concerns about its safety. Despite setbacks which gave credibility to those concerns- one accident killed four men- Trevithick continued his work on developing a steam engine that could reliably haul cargo and passengers. He first developed an engine called The Puffing Devil, that traveled not on rails, but on roads. Its limited ability to retain steam prevented its commercial success, however. In 1804, Trevithick successfully tested the first steam-powered locomotive to ride on rails. At seven tons, however, the locomotive- called The Pennydarren- was so heavy it would break its own rails. Drawn to Peru by opportunities there, Trevithick made a fortune in mining- and lost it when he fled that country’s civil war. He returned to his native England, where his early inventions had helped lay the foundation for vast advances in rail locomotive technology. Trevithicks Death and Burial I have been branded with folly and madness for attempting what the world calls impossibilities, and even from the great engineer, the late Mr. James Watt, who said to an eminent scientific character still living, that I deserved hanging for bringing into use the high-pressure engine. This so far has been my reward from the public; but should this be all, I shall be satisfied by the great secret pleasure and laudable pride that I feel in my own breast from having been the instrument of bringing forward and maturing new principles and new arrangements of boundless value to my country. However much I may be straitened in pecunary circumstances, the great honour of being a useful subject can never be taken from me, which to me far exceeds riches.- Richard Trevithick in a letter to Davies Gilbert Denied his pension by the government, Trevithick caromed from one failed financial endeavor to another. Struck by pneumonia, he died penniless and alone in bed. Only at the last minute did some of his colleagues manage to prevent Trevithick’s burial in a pauper’s grave. Instead, he was interred in an unmarked grave at a burial ground in Dartford. The cemetery closed not long after. Years later, a plaque was installed near what is believed to be the site of his grave.

Case study11 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Case study11 - Essay Example Audubon Park Zoo's promotions on support and awareness were directed by the Friends of the Zoo, Incorporated. Involved in the funding, operating and governing the zoo, it became the Audubon Institute taking the major share of the administrative functions in the zoo. The Audubon Zoo promotes membership to ensure cash flow. Membership fees significantly augment the income of the zoo along with the admissions and food and gift operations. The self-sustaining operations of the zoo can be linked to its good organizational structure and design. From having conditions in the early 1970's like "animal ghetto", "the New Orleans antiquarium" and "animal concentration camp", the Audubon Zoo had its share of improvement and development plans until its accreditation and was ranked as one of the top three zoos of its size in America. This organization underwent a series of metamorphosis due to lattice organization and core principles. The Audubon Zoo has a dominant horizontal organizational structure designed for learning in which there is shared tasks empowerment, relaxed hierarchy, few rules, face-to-face communication, many teams and task forces and decentralized decision-making. The Friends of the Zoo, Incorporated (FOTZ) turned Audubon Institute has its mission statement anchored on earth's life preservation through awareness and appreciation. Natural world's conservation and enrichment are also part of the mission. It was formed in 1974 for the purpose of increasing support and awareness of the Audubon Park Zoo. This simple task however logically changed as more needs arose due to the zoo's dramatic transformation. From just drawing interest and commitment from the public, the FOTZ were now involved in funding, operating and governing the zoo. At present, the Institute's goals gear toward conservation, education, research, economics and leadership. 1.1.2 Horizontal Information Linkages Horizontal information linkages refer to the amount of communication and coordination among an organization (Daft, 2004). The Audubon Park Zoo's organization as populated by FOTZ members, volunteers, zoo parents, city public, local enterprises, local television companies, city officials, neighborhood, etc. has highly encouraged communication and coordination everywhere in its organization. Such varied and loosely organized groups pose direct and indirect lines of communication between person to person and within and among groups. The advantage of the open lines of communication is improving the quality and efficiency of communication. 1.1.3 External Environment Environmental uncertainty increases