Letter to Executive of Local Network Research Proposal

Letter to Executive of Local Network - Research Proposal Example These two principles are: Undertaking initiatives that lead towards promotion of a high level of responsibility towards the environment. Encouragement of adopting, developing and diffusing technology that is friendly to the environment. This submission will review and present a selection of business practices and/or approaches from Chevron, as well as other companies in the similar industry, which may be applicable in the effort to achieve the compliance to both of the mentioned principles of the Global Compact. Additionally, it will discuss lessons learnt from these approaches. It will, as well, develop business practice recommendations that will lead to an improvement in complying with the Global Compact principles. Finally it will provide discussions of the advantages, disadvantages and implications for key stakeholders, in case implementation of these recommendations is successful. Business practices and approaches that may be used Chevron is a multinational energy corporation th at bases its principles on promoting high levels environmental responsibility. At Chevron, we are committed to satisfying the world’s energy requirements while at the same time, taking appropriate measures to protect the environment. It is our belief that protecting the environment is the right thing to do especially in a world which needs a clean, healthy, and safe environment with regards to energy sources. As a consequence of this, we opted to make the task of reducing pollution and waste, conserving natural resources, and minimizing potentially negative environmental effects of our operations and tasks, our priority (Jakobeit 2008). The first practices we incorporate to ensure compliance to the two principles of the Global Compact is protecting the environment by making sure we use safe, reliable, healthy, efficient, and environmental friendly processes. We also respect and conserve biodiversity because we know about the significance of the complexity of nature. In additi on, we are keen on preserving fresh water resources because we are familiar with the importance of fresh water as a primary social, economic, and environmental resource. Finally, we have invested in the production of alternative energy sources that have no environmental effects such as solar, bio-fuel, and wind, and other renewable energy ventures (Johnson 2101). Positive and negative lessons learnt from these business practice and approaches The practices we have in play have a crucial role in helping us comply with the two principles of the Global Compact. The use of safe, reliable, healthy, efficient, and environmental friendly processes in protecting the environment has significantly improved our ability to identify and establish conservation areas (Rashce and Kell 2010). On the other hand, respecting biodiversity has helped us to protect habitats, by preventing the introduction of insidious mammal species and spread of weeds, as well as protecting endangered species. Preservati on of fresh water resources has enabled us partner with local communities where we have plants for the benefit of those people as well as our business. In doing so, we developed a working strategy that ensures water resources have the first priority in our operations (Rashce and Kell 2010). When it comes to the use of alternative energy sources, we have realized a significant reduction in cost of production meaning that it is cheap to use renewable and natural energy sources. Of all the positive lessons learn

Parent Child Relationship Essay Example for Free

Parent Child Relationship Essay Abstract This paper is about showing your children that you love them by promoting boundaries. It will explain what kids really want their parents know and understand. This paper also gets down to the basics of how to be a beacon of hope in this dark world. Show how to help our children maneuver through troubling situations by giving them positive values to fall back on. Love is the common thread which binds us together and without love, boundaries and discipline would not succeed the way it is meant to. This paper looks at different ways to be active at home, how to have a joy-filled home, and how to show the ones who mean the most to you how you feel. It also shows how emotions can affect how we parent. It takes us on a journey through our childhood, so many of our parenting tactics come from how we were parented whether it was good or bad it is what we based our parenting on. How Parents can Better Love Understand Their Kids In this paper we will be discussing different techniques and methods practiced to make home the safe haven it is supposed to be. Some tips are given on how to bring fun and understanding into the home. Family White (1998) states, â€Å"if your family are the most important people in your life†¦show them, make your family your priority—strip away the non important things that take away time from them (p. 5). Kids just want to be loved and cherished. They need to feel like they belong somewhere and are special. Parents need to slow down and spend time with their children. We need to be good role models for our own kids. We need to have fun households to show the kids there is more to their music and TV, they can have a good time with the family (p. 37-41). Talk about goal setting as a family, â€Å"everyone has an opinion so everyone is included in pitching ideas of they would like to see the family accomplish, positive comments only. Then you need to clarify and organize your agreed-upon goals, and write down ways to accomplish each goal. You should designate a specific time to reflect and reevaluate your efforts as a family† (White, 1998, p. 41-42). White (1998) teaches a listening technique which was taught to him. â€Å"You begin by telling the person you are going to ask three questions and you will repeat them several times, but they need to give a different response each time. The goal is to get them to discover the solution and work toward applying it (p. 60-61). We need to be mindful of how we perceive things each person has his or her own view, and it may not match your personal view but we need to realize there is more than one way to do a task. Also, White (1998) speaks to us about time and how we cherish the moments with our loved ones, making sure our kids are confident secure in who they are will help them be able to say no to certain things. We need to build up the kids by focusing on the positive and by letting them know they are loved (pp. 85-93). Not only is it our responsibility to build up our children, but we need to help them dreamhave vision, and help them get to their dreamsdon’t be a dream crusher. We may not believe what they do but we need to be supportive. How to be Positive â€Å"Your thinking directly affects your performance get rid of negative thinking. â€Å"You are what you are, and where you are because of what has gone into your mind† (Ziglar, 1989, pp. 18-20). Ziglar says, â€Å"When you change the input you change the output. We need to stop being so negative –if a task is too hard we say we can’t do it, we need to encourage our kids and ourselves to push through the tough times (p. 24). â€Å"A successful life starts with having a loving and stable relationship with our family. Your attitude affects your outlook on life; qualities to strive for to have success in life are: dependability, friendliness, honesty and a sense of humor† (Ziglar, 1998, pp.41-42). Ziglar also said, â€Å"A solid foundation for children involves a solid moral base† meaningyou need to practice what you preach. â€Å"You need to look for and expect good from your children, stop looking at the bad and negative things and look for the good and positive in them and they will bloom† (Ziglar, 1998, p. 51). Be specific when you find something good in your child, tell them what it is exactly and continue to lift them up. Being Available as an Emotion Coach According to Gottman (1997), We need to help our kids deal with their emotions by being their emotion coaches and we do that with five steps 1) by being aware of their emotion, 2) recognize the emotion as a time for intimacy and teaching, 3) listen to them and validate their feelings, 4) help label the emotion with words and 5) set limits while finding ways to solve the problem (p.24). In step one, the focus is on recognizing when you are feeling an emotion, you can identify the feelings, and you are able to be sensitive to emotions in others (p. 76). Step two, when parents can use a negative experience to bring forth bonding with their children it builds intimacy and it teaches them how to deal with their feelings (p.93). During step three, two things take place, listening empathetically and validating the child’s feelings. Gottman suggests that this may be the most important step in emotion coaching! Not only are you listening with your ears, but you are using your eyes to look for physical confirmation of the child’s emotions. Parents also use their imagination to see things from the child’s perspective. They repeat back what they hear to help the child put words to his or her emotions. Lastly, they use their most precious gift of heart to feel what their child is feeling (p. 94). Step four is putting words to their emotions. Studies have shown that labeling emotions has a soothing effect on the nervous system, aiding the child to bounce back quicker from upsetting incidents (pp. 99-100). The final step is setting limits and problem solving. This step entails empathizing with the child’s feelings as well as discussing what is right and wrong behavior, and then coming up with alternative ways to handle their emotions (p. 101). Generally speaking, according to Gottman (1997), Children who have parents that practice â€Å"emotion coaching† have better physical health and score higher in academics. They seem to get along better with others and have fewer behavioral problems. Also noted, these children are less prone to act violently and seem to experience fewer negative feelings and more positive ones, and are considered to be healthier on an emotional level (p. 25). â€Å"There are results that show when parents use emotion coaching with their kids; there are buffering effects on children whose families are having difficulty and/or divorce. Another find from research shows that fathers who incorporate emotion coaching in parenting have an extremely positive impact on their children’s emotional development† (Gottman, 1997, p. 26). There are four types of parenting styles; depending on your style as a parent the effects can be detrimental to the child’s well-being. The styles are being dismissive, disapproving, laissez-faire, and the emotion coach. In the dismissive style, the child’s feelings are thought of as not important or trivial. The effect on the child is that he or she learns that their feelings are wrong or not valid. They feel that something is wrong with them as a person because of how they feel (p. 50). The disapproving style, judges and criticizes the child’s emotional expression as well as view emotions as weakness. The effect on the child is that he or she learns that their feelings are wrong or not valid. They feel that something is wrong with them as a person because of how they feel (p. 51). The laissez-faire style, does not teach the child about emotions, and offers little guidance on behavior. The effect on the child is he or she does not learn how to regulate their emotions and they have trouble making friends and getting along with others (pp. 51-52). The emotion coach style, does not feel that they have to fix every problem for the child and they respect the child’s emotions. The effect on the child is he or she can trust their feelings, solve problems, and get along well with others (p. 52). Parents need to take their time with their children, get to know them and understand their point of view. By learning to be empathetic listeners, parents can help their children learn to problem solve for themselves, enable their child to soothe themselves and become more well-rounded individuals. Showing empathy is like showing your child your heart. If you can let them know that you understand how they feel, they won’t feel down and they will feel confident that their parents care about them at the core of their emotions. How Love Heals In understanding the dynamic of parent and child Hendrix Hunt (1997) use a metaphor describing the relationship as â€Å"a tapestry of life, meaning they are woven together by the threads and stitches of their interactions with one another† (p. 7). They use this to describe the delicate bond between the parent and child. If not careful you can tear and damage that bond. â€Å"These tears happen when you are not paying attention to the moment, or when you are experiencing emotional pain yourself† (Hendrix Hunt, 1997, p. 8). The focus of the message given by Hendrix Hunt (1997) is on being conscious in your parenting. This means â€Å"you are to meet the needs of your child by providing safety, support and structure as your child moves through each stage of development† (p. 38). Hendrix Hunt (1997) mentioned â€Å"most parents are unconscious, but they are still good, kind, caring and committed people. They have been wounded and just have not healed into a greater self-awareness and self-acceptance† (p.45). According to Hendrix Hunt (1997) there are five characteristics to unconscious parenting, â€Å"it cuts, it cuts the connection between parent and child. It is an inheritance, parents are parenting from their fears and wounds. It is unaware, these parents don’t realize what they do to their kids, and they felt cheated so the cycle continues. It causes exaggerated reactions, parents over or under react to what their child says or does. Lastly, it is ignorance, the parent doesn’t realize he or she is overreacting to the child’s normal behavior† (pp. 48-51). When a parent is ready to become a more conscious parent they need to learn how to listen and talk to their children. Hendrix Hunt (1997) calls this â€Å"intentional dialogue; this includes mirroring, validating, and empathizing† (p. 106). According to Hendrix Hunt, mirroring is when you have listened and repeat back what you believe you heard back to the person. Validating is when you let the speaker know that what they are saying makes sense. Empathizing is shown by recognizing the feelings of others as they explain their point of view (1997, p. 107-108). There needs to be a commitment on the part of the parent to be open to conscious parenting. Conscious parenting offers safety, support, and structure. The parent needs to create an environment that 1) is physically safe, 2) is emotionally supportive to the child’s growth, and 3) is structured to limits and boundaries (Hendrix Hunt, 1997, pp.141-142). According to Hendrix Hunt (1997), physical safety is the primary requirement of every living thing. The most important way to support a child is by validating how he or she feels. A conscious parent provides clear boundaries and sets limits to reinforce the child’s sense of safety and support (pp. 142-143, 153). No One Gets Me Dr Sachs is corresponding with one of his patients via letters being mailed to one another in, When no One Understands. This book was his response to what his patient wrote to him. This young lady was troubled and had tried a suicide attempt which is how they met. During their sessions she remained quiet she did not like to communicate by talking and because Dr. Sachs knew she was creative and a good writer so he decided to offer an alternative to the typical session. This brought her out of her shell a little to where she would talk to him in some sessions but the bulk of the treatment came through their letters. She did grow to trust him more and opened up to him regarding some things she felt her parents just were not â€Å"getting†. Encouragement and Self Discovery In, Taste Berries for Teens book series, is chock full of very touching letters from different teens going through different emotional trials. Youngs Youngs do a great job at reaching out to the youth and giving them an outlet to share their feelings. â€Å"The purpose of this series is focused on â€Å"liking† yourself. A chance for getting to know and understand yourself on a deeper level. It tells of change and how one changes from year to year† (Youngs Youngs, 2000, p.3). Boundaries Cloud Townsend (1998) brings honest thought to mind when they discuss what kind of future is being created for your child if they are wild and reckless? We are preparing our children for the future (p. 14). There are three roles to being a parent, 1) guardian, 2) manager and 3) source. The guardian is legally responsible for the child and is his or her protector. The manager makes sure things get done and goals are reached, this role is a disciplinarian one. The source, the parent is the source of all good things (Cloud Townsend, 1998, pp. 19-21). According to Clod Townsend (1998) parents need to teach reality principle, which introduces true reality consequences such as not going to a movie because the room was not cleaned; it does not include negative relational consequences such as nagging or fussing. The child needs to â€Å"feel† the consequences not the parent (pp. 58-61). Setting Limitations Clinton Sibcy talk about overprotecting, overindulging and over controlling your kids and how these can harm the child. Parents need to exercise balance we are to protect our children but when we over protect we damage their spirit and deter them from becoming the strong, independent adult they should be. Over controlling parents mean well, they want their child to succeed, but they push them to perfectionism and these children are afraid to fail. The over indulging parent may suffer from feelings of guilt but children need structure and in this case the child can become insecure, irritable and bored (p. 9-13). There is a healthy balance and it is the parent’s job to find it. Honestly it begins with love and respect, some have to learn that but it is give and take. If you don’t show the children these qualities, they cannot give it back to you. Conclusion I would just like to conclude by saying that I enjoyed this research and this topic were fun to delve into and I hope to use some of these techniques in my own home to help improve my relationship with my family communication is so important but the most important thing that I emphasize is that it all must be done in love and with love to work. You can bark orders and commands all day long but you and your children will suffer from the lack of love and respect. References Clinton, T., Sibcy, G. (2006). Loving your child too much: Staying close to your kids without overprotecting, overindulging, or overcontrolling. Nashville, TN: Integrity Publishers. Cloud, H. Townsend, J. (2001). Boundaries with kids. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Gottman, J; (1997). The heart of parenting. New York, NY; Simon Schuster Hendrix, H; Hunt, H; (1997). Giving the love that heals a guide for parents. New York, NY; Pocket Books. Sachs, B; (2007). When no one understands. Boston, MA; Trumpeter Books. Youngs, B; Youngs, J; (1995). Taste berries for teens #3. Deerfield Beach, FL; Health Communications, Inc. White, J; (1998). What kids wish parents knew about parenting. West Monroe, LA; Howard Publishing Co, Inc. Ziglar, Z; (1989). Raising positive kids in a negative world. New York, NY, Ballentine Books.

Types of Poisonous Snakes and Snake Venom

Types of Poisonous Snakes and Snake Venom In the fourth century BC, India was invaded by Alexander the Greats army, which was accompanied by a number of Macedonian physicians and observers. They were impressed by the achievements of the local Ayurvedic practitioners, particularly in the treatment of snake bite (1). Unfortunately, the legacy of ancient skills, experience and wisdom may have held back rather than encouraged the application of modern scientific research methods to manage this continuing scourge of rural life in India (2).In India, snake envenomation is a huge public health problem, but unfortunately it hasnt got its due attention. There is scant information on epidemiology and minimal research on anti venom. Most of the quoted figures on snake bite are hospital based though most bites occur in villages and among poor population, who rely largely on traditional treatment. Recent Global Snake Bite Initiative of the International Society on Toxicology and by the World Health Organisation, is expected to throw more light on epidemiology and treatment of snake bites (3). Of the 3,000 or so snake species that exist in the world, only about 15% are venomous. Venomous snakes exist on every continent except Antarctica. In India the Big Four (Cobra, Krait, Saw scaled and Russels viper) are the key poisonous snakes(4).Though the hospital records show only 1,300 annual deaths but a recent Nationally Representative Mortality Survey puts this figure to approx. 45,900 deaths a year. Snakebite remains an underestimated cause of accidental death in modern India. Community education, appropriate training of medical staff and better distribution of antivenom, especially in the states with the high prevalence, could reduce snakebite deaths in India(5). Historical Background: Since time immemorial snake has been an object of worship in many countries. According to Hindu mythology this world is resting on a many-headed cobra. Lord Vishnu lies on Sheshnag. The Cobra coils around Lord Shiva. Old Egyptian nobility are pictured with cobra hood on their forehead. Some cultures held snakes in high esteem as powerful religious symbols. Quetzalcoati, the mythical plumed serpent was worshipped as the master of life by ancient Aztecs of Central America. Some African cultures worshipped rock pythons and considered the killing of one to be a serious crime. In Australia, the Aborigines associated a giant rainbow serpent with the creation of life. In Jewish texts, in the old Maya civilization, in Kundalini yoga, theosophy and in many medieval society emblems the world over, snakes form an essential symbol. This shows how intimate has been the historical, social and mythological association of snakes with the mankind and no wonder the cobra is wors hipped in India on Naga Panchami day. Ayurvedic texts written by Vagbhata and Sushruta, have given in fair detail the classification of snakes according to their symptoms and their poisoning. There are many stories about constrictors, particularly anacondas in the Amazon and pythons in the east, which are said to have strangled adult humans, these need to be treated with great deal of skepticism (6,7,10). In practice it is only the poisonous snakes that are of interest. Poisoning from snake bite is an important medical emergency in Africa, South America, India, Pakistan and greater part of south East Asia. Epidemiology As snake bite is not a notifiable illness, there is little reliable information on incidence of snakebite in many parts of the world. Snake bite is an important occupational injury affecting farmers, plantation workers, herders, and fishermen. Open-style habitation and the practice of sleeping on the floor also expose people to bites from nocturnal snakes. Bites are more frequent in young men, and generally occur on lower limbs. The incidence of snake bites is higher during the rainy season and during periods of intense agricultural activity (6). Available data shows 30,000-40,000 deaths from snakebites every year but this figure probably is an underestimate (8), because of incomplete reporting. Recent global estimates suggest 2.5 million bites and 85000 annual deaths. In India recent published literature suggests yearly 45,900 deaths due to poisonous snakebites and 5.6-12.6 deaths per 100,000 population in some states appears to be realistic(4,5). Upto 80% of snake bite patients in developing countries, first contact traditional practitioners, before visiting a medical center (6,7,9). Owing to the delay in reaching hospital many patients die enroute. Going by the fact that around 85-90 % snakes are non-poisonous and even 50% of bites by poisonous snakes are dry runs, number of snakebites in India are enormous(4). Myanmar probably has highest mortality figure in Asia, where over 70% bites are by Russells viper. In India, Maharashtra records the highest number of snakebites, followed by West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala. In Maharashtra alone, 70 bites per 100,000 population occur yearly with 2.4 per 100,000 mortality. Rajasthan and Jammu region of JK also report large number of viper bites (up to 95% of all bites (10). During rains and floods number of cases shows a steep rise. Most bites occur between 0400 hours to midnight and mere observation that majority of bites are on lower extremity suggest that snake is inadvertently trodden upon. In India 2/3rd of bites are due to saw scaled viper, about 1/4th due to Russells and a smaller proportion due to cobra and Krait. In neighboring Sri Lanka Daboiarussellii accounts for 40% and in Myanmar 70% of snake bites (11,12). For correct epidemiological studies one requires enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to identify antigen and antibody. This permits reliable identification and sensitive quantification of venom antigens and antibody. Natural antibody is detectable in serum by one week of bite, which rises to peak by one year and falls to low levels by 3 years, though may be detectable for up to 40 years after bite. Anti snake venom reduces but doesnt abolish the generation of antibodies. In some countries e.g. Australia, ELISA is routinely used for identification of poison (13). Anatomy and Habits Snakes belong to order Ophidia of the Reptilia general class. Over 3000 species are encountered in the world of which less than 15% are poisonous. Most of these are found in tropical and subtropical regions, Australia and throughout USA except in Alaska, Maine and Hawaii. In India 216 species from 9 families are reported of which 52 species from 3 families are poisonous. Most snakes are non-venomous, have no fangs and belong to colubrid family; a few colubrids are technically poisonous having a venom gland connected to a solid fang at the back of mouth. Bites from back fanged colubrids are generally harmless to man but with some species like African boomslang, Dispholidustypus, serious and even fatal poisoning has been reported in the snake handlers(13). The three families of front fanged poisonous snakes are elapids, vipers and sea snakes. Elapids are land snakes with non-mobile 3-5 mm long fangs in adults. Vipers have 10-30 mm long fangs which are easy to see when erected, but diff icult to see when folded against upper gum. Vipers are divided into crotalids or pit vipers who have heat sensing pit between eye and nose and viperidae which dont have the pit. Sea snakes have very short immobile fangs and flat rudder like tails. There are mainly 4 poisonous snakes encountered in India i.e. Cobra, Krait, Saw scaled and Russells viper. New addition to Big Four is Hump-nosed Pit viper (Hypnale hypnale), recently being reported from India though existent for more than 100 years(16). This has been mistaken for Saw Scaled Viper by most. It is identified by larger, triangular head ending in a snout with large scales on the head in contrast to the small scales of saw scaled viper. The envenomation is manifested by coagulopathy and renal failure. It is reported as one of the most poisonous snakes in India but specific anti venom against this is not available (12). Common poisonous snakes found in India are as below; Viperidae * Saw scaled viper (Echis carinatus) * Russells viper (Vipera russelli) Elapidae * Indian Cobra (Naja naja) * Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus) Crotalidae * Pit Viper Hydrophidae * Sea snakes Cobra is 1.2-2.1 meters long while King Cobra may be as long as 5.5 meters. Cobra is usually slate gray to brown. The back of hood may or may not have a pattern. They raise their hood when aroused or threatened. They try to avoid mankind unless they are too close or are trodden upon. The distance a cobra can strike in forward direction is the height its hood rises above the ground. Some cobras however can spit venom upto a distance of 3 meters. This can cause redness, corneal abrasions/ulcers etc. King cobra is uniformly olive, brown or green with ringlike cross bands of black. Although it is the largest venomous snake in the world but it avoids attacking another venomous snake for fear of being bitten, therefore it feeds only on harmless species. Females build a nest and then deposit the eggs. Lying close by, she guards the nest and is highly aggressive towards anything which approaches the nest.The king cobra is found in the forests or their vicinity in the Himalayas, Bengal, Assam and South India. The common Indian cobra is found in jungles but also in open country with or without vegetation; in gardens, drains, cultivated fields, and populated areas in mans proximity; in stacks of wood and under rubbish, in loose masonry, crevices of walls and building ruins; in old cemeteries, in temples or mosques.It is often seen in dark corners of bathrooms, stables and servant quarters of old bungalows. It may be found in old hole of a tree, in ant-hill or a rat burrow. It can climb trees and swim well. It feeds on rats, mice, frog; less frequently on birds or their eggs; and sometimes on chickens, squirrels, lizards and other snakes. It is usually diurnal in habit but in populated areas it is more nocturnal(14,15). Krait is black or bluish black with white narrow crossbands and a narrow head. Its average length is 90cm 150 cm. It is found only in Asia. It is active during night and passive during the day. It is found in plains, cultivated fields and human habitations. It has tendency to seek shelter in sleeping bags, boots and tents.Kraits are mostly found in Eastern India, Assam, Bengal and parts of South India and patches all over the country. There are two varieties, banded and non-banded. Although it has most potent venom of all land snakes, it is rather shy and bites human beings least commonly (13,15). Vipers are so called because they are viviparous. There are 110 kinds of vipers and all are poisonous. Vipers have broad plates extending right across the belly and small scales on the head similar to those on the body. Body is light brown and their back is usually covered with black blotches of inverted V shaped markings. Some of the pit vipers have large shield on the head. Russells viper or Daboia is a big stumpy snake  ½-2 meters long with short tail and characteristic marking as described above. It is irritable. When threatened it coils tightly, hisses and strikes with a lightning speed, that victim has no chance of escaping. Indian pit vipers are generally found in hilly areas of Western Ghats and Sunderbans in West Bengal.Russells viper prefers open country, cultivated fields and bushy or grassy fallow lands. It is nocturnal in habit. It is commonly found in plains of Punjab, Bombay, Madras area and Brahamputravalley(4,6,20). Saw scaled viper (Echiscarinatus) is found all over India but particularly in Western India, Punjab, and around Tiruchirapalli. It prefers open dry rocky country or arid deserts.Saw Scaled Viper (Phoorsa) is responsible for maximum bites and deaths all over the world than any other snake. This small stumpy snake measures 25-60cmand camouflages well with the surroundings. Colour is light buff with shades of brown, dull red or gray. Its sides have a white or light coloured pattern. Its head usually has dark stripes that start behind the eye and extend to the rear. It gets its name from the fact it rubs its own body from sides and produces rasping sound. This ill- tempered snake attacks any intruder. It is common in rural settlements, cultivated fields and regions, barns, and rock walls(4,14). Sea snakes resemble cobra and its allies in structure of their fangs and most other characters. Most of them are 3-4 ft. long, and a few may attain a length of 8 feet. Their tails are laterally flattened and are sculled in paddle -like fashion during swimming. Most sea snakes are covered with small round scales and lack the enlarged ventral scales found in terrestrial species. The nostrils are valvularand hey can be closed when snake submerges- and may be displaced towards the top of the head. Excess salt from the sea water and diet is excreted through special glands in the snakes mouth. Venomous sea snakes mostly inhabit the waters of Australia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia and India. Of the more than 50 species some are many times more poisonous than land snakes, with venom 10-40 times more potent than that of cobra. Except for a single species found in creeks and river estuaries sea snakes are all poisonous. They however have a narrow gape and rarely bite effectively.Their bite is re latively painless and, amazingly very low percentage of patients suffer significant envenomation during the attack. In a census in Malay Peninsula less than 25% developed features of poisoning and a small percentage became critically ill (4,12,14). Snakes have a good sensory perception with primitive ears. Their vision is limited to few meters only, with better acuity for moving objects. Lower jaw is a pair of bones joined together centrally by an elastic ligament which doesnt articulate with maxilla thus enabling the snake to swallow its prey as a whole. Fangs are modified teeth on pre maxilla. Venom is secreted from parotid glands and is meant to immoblise the small creatures like rat. Man is an innocent coincident victim. Bite is a well coordinated act involving movement of head and body. It involves coordinated positioning of head, opening of mouth, attack by forward thrust of body and head, piercing the skin by fangs and injecting the venom while the wound is deepened by contraction of temporalis muscle. Vipers have holes at the tip of fangs while elapids have gutters in the fangs(14,15). Identification of Poisonous Snakes Most of the bites are by non-poisonous snakes, but the intense fear of snake bites may cause acute panic reaction or feeling of impending death. If the patient has brought snake to the attending doctor, proper identification can help institute early and appropriate treatment to the victim and also alleviate undue emotional disturbance. Some of the important differentiating features of poisonous from non-poisonous snake are appended below(13,18). (a) Fangs: The most distinctive feature of poisonous snakes is the fangs. These are modified teeth in the upper jaw, generally two in number, one on either side. They communicate with salivary glands and are hollow or grooved. In elapidae and sea snakes they are located in front, are short and immobile while they are large, curved and have wide range of movement in vipers. (b) Scales on Belly: In poisonous snakes the belly scales are large and extend all across the belly. In non-poisonous snakes belly scales are small and generally dont extend across the belly. (c) Head: Vipers have heavier triangular head with small scales all over. In case of pit vipers a pit is located between the nostril and the eye. Cobra and Krait have large head scales. In cobra upper third labial is largest and touches the eye and nasal shield. In Kraits upper third labial does not touch the eye and nose, but the fourth lower labial scale on the under surface of mouth is the largest. All the poisonous sea snakes have large scales on the head and valved nostrils. (d) Pupil: Poisonous snake have generally elliptical or vertical slit. However pupils are round in elapidae (cobra) and most non-poisonous snakes. (e) Body design: Krait has central row of large scales on dorsal side, which are almost hexagonal. It has paired white or black stripes across the body in the banded Krait. Some cobras have spectacle-like mark on their hood. (f) Fang marks: In non-poisonous snakes since all teeth are at same level so bite is stretched and bite marks are along a curved line i.e. row of bites,as in human bite. Bite site can be easily made out. In poisonous snakes since poisonous teeth are generally two (fang marks) and other teeth areat lower level, so only two,1-2 cm spaced puncture marks are seen. A distance of less than 10 mm signifies a small snake while a distance of over 15 mm is suggestive of a large snake. Sometimes one requires hand lens to identify these marks especially in cases of cobra or Krait bite. It is noteworthy that the size of the venom fangs has no relation to the virulence of the venom. The comparatively innocent Indo-MalayLachesis  have enormous fangs, whilst the smallest fangs arefound in the  Hydrophids  which possess very potent venom. (g) Sound: Most venomous snakes produce characteristic sounds, which may also help in recognition of snake. Russells viper produces Hissing, saw scaled viper Rasping and King Cobra Growling sounds. Easy identification of different snakes is as follows: Cobra: Hood while alive, large scales on head. Pupil is round and 3rd upper labial touches the eye and nostril. Large belly scales extend acrossthe width. Krait : The fourth lower labial scale on the under surface of the mouth isthe largest. Hexagonal large scales in the central row on dorsal side. Body may be banded. Belly scales extend across the width. Viper : Triangular heavy head with small scales all over. Large belly scales extend across the width. Snake Venom Snake venoms are the most complex of all natural venoms and poisons. The venom of any species might contain more than 100 different toxic and non-toxic proteins and peptides, and also non-protein toxins, carbohydrates, lipids, amines, and other small molecules. The toxins of most importance in human envenoming include those that affect the nervous, cardiovascular, and haemostatic systems, and cause tissue necrosis (21). Snake venom is primarily meant to paralyse the prey, man is only accidental victim to whom snake strikes if threatened. Proteins constitute 90-95% of venoms dry weight and they are responsible for almost all of its biological effects. Venom is made up of toxins, nontoxic proteins (which also have pharmacological properties), and many enzymes especially hydrolytic ones.  Enzymes (molecular weight  13-150 KDa) make-up 80-90% of viperid and 25-70% of elapid venoms: digestive hydrolases, L-amino acid oxidase, phospholipases, thrombin-likepro-coagulant,andkallikrein-like serine proteasesand  metalloproteinases  (hemorrhagins), which damage vascular endothelium. Polypeptide  toxins (mol weight 5-10 KDa) include  cytotoxins,  cardiotoxins, and postsynaptic neurotoxins (suchas  ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±-bungarotoxin  and  ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±-Cobratoxin). Compounds with low molecular weight (up to 1.5 KDa) include metals, peptides, lipids, nucleosides, carbohydrates, amines, and oligopeptides, which inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and potentiate bradykinin (BPP).  Phosphodiesterases  interfere with the preys cardiac system, mainly to lower the  blood pressure.  Phospholipase A2  causes  hemolysis  by lysing the  phospholipid  cell membranes  of  red blood cells.  Amino acid  oxidasesand  proteases  are used for digestion. Amino acid oxidase also triggers some other enzymes and is responsible for the yellow colour of the venom of some species.  Hyaluronidase  increases tissue permeability to accelerate absorption of other enzymes into tissues. Some snake venoms carry fasciculins, like the  mambas  (Dendroaspis), which inhibit  cholinesterase  to make the prey lose muscle control (22,23). The most lethal venoms are those of elapids and sea snakes. These toxins are rapidly absorbed into the blood stream thereby causing rapid systemic effects. Large molecular weight viper toxins are absorbed slowly through lymphatics thereby staying longer at local site, hence more local effects. Pathophysiology of ophitoxemia is basically dependent on disruption of normal cellular functions. Some enzymes like hyaluronidase disseminate venom by breaking down tissue barriers. Ophitoxemia can lead to increase in vascular permeability thereby causing loss of blood and plasma volume in extravascular space. Collection of this fluid is responsible for edema and fluid loss, if significant it can lead to shock. Venom also has cytolytic effect leading to necrosis and secondary infection. Neurotoxic effect may lead to paralysis, cardiotoxic effect can cause cardiac arrest and likewise myotoxic or nephrotoxic effect can lead to rhabdomyolysis and renal failure. Ophitoxaemia also can lead to coagul ation disturbances. Among the various species, the lethal dose of venom, for cobra is 120 mg, Krait 60 mg and for Russells viper and saw scaled viper is 150 mg respectively. But clinical features and outcomes are not predictable as every bite does not cause complete envenomation. Pathological effects of venom may not be noticed until about six hours (varying between 1.5-72 hours), and it may remain functionally active causing persistent coagulopathy even after three weeks of bite. Hence duration of antigenemia is an important determinant for the extent of pathological effect. It has been unequivocally proved by studying the venom levels by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), that effects due to envenomation depend on venom hours (i.e. Blood venom level x time elapsed between bite and institution of treatment) rather than blood levels alone. Hence with the same level of venom, features due to envenomation may become progressively severe with passage of time (14,20). There are four distinct types of venom effects: Proteolytic  venom  dismantles the molecular structure of the area surrounding and including the bite. Hemotoxic  venoms  act on the heart and cardiovascular system. Neurotoxic  venom  acts on the nervous system and brain. Cytotoxic  venom  has a localized action at the site of the bite. Pathophysiology of various biological effects of snake envenomation The following few paragraphs shall describe the biological effects of venom. (a) Local Swelling: Most viper bites cause local swelling at the site of bite, which starts within minutes of bite and massive swelling of the limb may develop within 48-72 hours. This is usually the result of hemorragins in the venom. This opens the endothelial pores resulting in leakage of plasma or whole blood. At times leakage may be so much that patient develops hypovolemic shock. This swelling is not due to any venous occlusion or infection. If the exudation is of whole blood, then later discoloration of the limb may develop. In contrast to Echis, in European adder V berus bites, spontaneous bleeding is rare but discolouration is common. Sometimes local swelling is delayed and compartment syndrome may result(10,13,17). (b) Local Necrosis: In viper bites local necrosis appears late if at all and if it occurs, it is due to ischemia, mimicking dry gangrene. On the other hand in Cobra bite local necrosis appears early. Local swelling may develop after 2-3 hours but necrosis develops rapidly after that. It is due to cytolytic factors present in the venom and is a wet gangrene. As this dead tissue provides ideal setting for anaerobes, hence the putrid smell. An early excision is warranted (13). (c) Non-specific early symptoms: With bites of some vipers e.g. V berus, V xanthina, Australian elapids, some rattle snakes etca few symptoms are common. Vomiting, headache, abdominal pain, explosive diarrhea and collapse can occur. These features resolve in 30-60 minutes, suggesting activation of kinin system followed by inhibition of bradykinin (13,17). (d) Shock: It can develop due to extensive volume leak from vessels in cases of viper bite. It can result even before a limb gets swollen. Pulmonary intra vascular clotting, pulmonary edema and cardiac effects can be contributory factors for shock. (e) Spontaneous haemorrhage: Haemorrhages can develop in patients with viper bites even days after the bite. These at times may be life threatening especially if they occur in brain. Local blisters at bite site appear to be depot of venom, which dont get targeted by anti snake venom. Therefore one must keep in mind the delayed absorption from bite site in patients who present with late bleeding manifestations despite having been given anti-snake venom a few days back. (f) Effect on Circulation: Some viper venoms contain procoagulant activity which activates prothrombin to thrombin; which in turn converts fibrinogen to fibrin while in others procoagulant venom may directly affect fibrinogen. This fibrin formed is susceptible to lysis unlike natural fibrin thus resulting in poorly clottable or non-clottable blood because of absent or very low levels of fibrinogen. It should be remembered that bleeding manifestations during envenomation are not generally due to coagulation disturbances but rather due to haemorrhagin. Platelet count may also be low though usually it is normal. Low platelet count is due to consumption of platelets in the repair of endothelial damage. Polymorphonuclearleucocytosis is common in all forms of envenomation especially severe envenomation. Both viper and elapidae bite may have hemolytic activity in vitro but abnormal hemolysis is rarely of clinical importance except probably in renal failure (13,17). (g) Renal Failure: Renal failure is a common manifestation of viperine envenomation especially where treatment has been delayed. On renal biopsy acute tubular necrosis is the commonest underlying lesion in 50-70% of cases and acute cortical necrosis (patchy / diffuse) has been found in 20-25% of cases. Hypovolemia and shock are the usual underlying mechanism. Other contributory factors are hemo/ myoglobinuria, hemolysis, associated sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (24). Glomerular lesions have also been described in snake bite cases. Merchant et al(25) have reported mesangial proliferation, splitting of basement membrane, swelling of endothelial cells and ballooning of glomerular capillaries, but the significance of these lesions in causing renal failure is not clear and is debatable. Seedat et al(26) reported two cases due to puff adder who developed oliguric renal failure and biopsy showed crescenticglomerulunephritis. Authors suspected hypersensitivity of venom as the cause. Occasional casesof severe glomerulonephritis related renal failure have been reported in the literature. Experimental studies carried out on the effect of Habu snake venom (found in Japan) has given some insight into understanding of the glomerular lesion. This venom contains hemorrhagin, like the venom of Echiscarinatus. Within 24 hours of injection of this venom destruction of mesangium occurs resulting in ballooning of capillaries which become packed with red cells and fibrin giving an appearance of blood cysts. This is followed by proliferation of mesangial cells giving appearance of segmental proliferative glomerulonephritis. Rarely crescents are observed. These studies provide evidence that these glomerular changes are due to vasculotoxic effects of hemorrhagin. However about tubular necrosis or cortical necrosis, the commonest lesion encountered in snake envenomation, there is no consensus that venom has any direct toxic effect in producing these lesions (27,28). (h) Neurotoxic effects: Elapidae venom and sea snake venom cause neurotoxic effects due to neuromuscular blockade. Commonly affected muscles in elapidae bite are those of eye, tongue, throat and chest (leading to respiratory paralysis in severe envenomation). Neurotoxins are small molecular weight positively charged molecules with less antigenecity. Neuro- muscular blockade is produced by one of the following mechanisms. (a) Post synaptic block (Cobra) cobratoxin and alpha-bungarotoxins act similar to d-tubocurarine on the post synaptic membrane. There is no decrease in acetyl choline. Response to neostigmine is satisfactory. (b) Pre-synaptic blockade (Krait)beta- bungarotoxin acts like botulism toxin pre synaptically to block the neuro-muscular junction. Post junctional membrane remains sensitive to acetyl choline. The time required for neuromuscular block varies with impulse traffic, therefore intense physical activity shortens the interval between envenomation and neuromuscular bl ock. Response to neostigmine is less satisfactory. It is important to note that these neurotoxins dont cross the blood brain barrier and therefore do not cause alteration in consciousness. Hence in case of altered sensorium an alternative cause should be found (23,29). (i) Cardiotoxic Effects: Cardiotoxin (Cobra) acts on cell membrane of skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle to produce paralysis and cardiac asystole. Cobramine B and cytoxin cause irreversible depolarization of cell membrane and systolic cardiac arrest. Hyperkalemia following massive hemolysis or rhabdomyolysis also depresses cardiac function. (j) Myotoxic Effects: Although sea snake venom appears to be neurotoxic in animal experiments, the effects in man are primarily myotoxic. There is diffuse effect on all muscles though local effects at the site of bite are minimal. In humans bitten by sea snakes the findings are typical of generalized myopathic lesions in skeletal muscle. Damage to muscles- rhabdomyolysis and hyperkalemia resulting from it may be life threatening. Snake envenomation has so diverse effects that every system of the body is affected directly or indirectly (20,29). CONCLUSION Since ancient times snakes have been worshiped, feared or loathed in India. It is a common and frequently devastating environmental and occupational disease, especially in rural areas of our country. India has the highest number of death to snake bite in the world. One of the major gaps in the battle against snakebite in India is the lack of qualitative work. Most Herpetology text books give snake identification data that is overtly complex and of little use to doctors. Snakes are misidentified by doctors in most cases where snake is brought to the hospital. Without the snake, identification based on symptomatology is clearly fraught with problems. The doctors should be aware of discovery of a new poisonous snake, the Hump-nosed Pitviper (Hypnale Hypnale) which has no available antivenom at present. Community education, appropriate training of medical staff and better distribution of anti venom, especially in the states with the high prevalence, could reduce snakebite deaths in India .

Philosophy of Teaching Statement :: Education Teaching Teachers Essays

Philosophy of Teaching Statement I believe that the key to a good education begins with the teacher. The first impression that a teacher leaves on a student will be carried with them throughout their entire education, therefore as a teacher we should be careful with giving negative feedback. Small children take everything to heart and believe every thing they hear. It is important that we praise them often. Let every child know that they have the potential to do and be anything they want to do. Working as a substitute teacher’s aide all over the county has allowed me to observe the nature of students that come from a wide variety of backgrounds. A child that comes from a more advantaged lifestyle does not necessarily mean that, that child will excel in school. Sometimes the child that comes form the poorest conditions is the hardest worker. Children who excel in Math may find themselves bored in an English class. I have seen students that are completely lazy, that refuse to accept any challenge. On the other hand, I have observed students who just appear lazy, that are really intelligent but cannot seem to get a grasp on learning. Then again there are students who are so intelligent that they excel in everything. Some students seem to have so much rage inside of them, that it difficult for them to concentrate and learn. While others are calm, absorbing everything that is being taught. I feel that all students can learn it is just a matter of finding a way of teaching that is interesting to them but will still hold the attention of the others in the classroom. The overall purpose of education is to guide students in the direction of future leadership. To ensure that they will be able to be role models for the next generation. If a teacher shows a child that learning is fun, then hopefully these children will see the importance in learning, and maybe grow up to want to teach also. To allow students to be the best at whatever they choose to be. I feel that being able to read and write is what the world is based on. If you cannot read, you are denied the simplest pleasures in life. Like reading road signs, to gain information about the direction that you traveling or reading recipes to prepare a meal.

Gay Marriage Rights

After the legalizations in Massachusetts and, most recently, California, gay marriage has been a growing trend in the United States. In the 8 months since the legalization, more and more gay couples have been rushing to California to tie the knot. However, California and Massachusetts are not the first to make an effort to strengthen the bonds of homosexual couples some European countries including Denmark, Holland, some Scandinavian countries, and others have legalized same-sex marriage and have found the results positive. Gay marriage has been a contradictory issue since gay men and women began requesting marriage licenses.However, gays are denied their rights to marriage licenses, which is denying then their rights as American citizens. Gays should be treated equally to heterosexuals and granted their rights to marry the person they love, whether they are the same or opposite gender. Although the idea of a same-sex wedding hasn’t been legal long enough for statistics to be developed on children of same-sex marriages’ developmental upbringing, or that they are harmed by their environment, many people seem to think that they will be less healthy or normal if the couple that raises them are homosexual.People believe that the children will grow up to be gay, or different from any normally raised child, if they don’t grow up in a â€Å"normal† family. The results of studies testing these ideas are quite contrary to the popular belief of heterosexual couples. In fact, the studies show that children raised by gay couples seem to be more adjusted than the â€Å"normally† raised ones. The argument that children raised in homosexual households will grow up to be gay is completely illegitimate.In a study of over 300 children of homosexual parents, there have been no indications that there are any disturbances in the development of the child’s sexual identity, or the lifestyle that the child will live later in life. In reality, most children raised by heterosexuals are not raised in normal households. With divorce also becoming popular we have families with three kids and only one parent. There is no doubt that homosexuals want to have children, and not only is the ban of gay marriage denying their rights to be married, but also denying them their rights to have a two-parent family with children.Some also say that marriage is between a man and a woman for procreation purposes, and that gays cannot naturally produce children. If this were the case then wouldn’t the state prohibit marriage between heterosexuals when one, or both, are sterile? If the purpose of marriage is, in fact, for procreation then who’s to say that post-menopausal women should have the right to marry? Children in foster care and orphanages are also a problem, so why not kill two birds with one stone and give gays their rights and orphans or unwanted children a home and a family that loves them?Another argument against gay marriage is that it is against religion. Whose religion? Some religions, such as Buddhism, actually celebrate gay marriage. The fact that gay marriages are illegal goes against not only the gays’ rights, but their rights also. And the fact that people are bringing the bible into their arguments also means that other religions religious rights are being infringed. The bible has no standing in American law, this was made clear by the first amendment of the United States constitution, and no one has any right or authority to set rules based on something they take as a moral injunction stated by the bible.The Christian and catholic religions cannot speak for all religions, and the United Stated government is allowing them to do just that. The main purpose of our government is to preserve the rights of the citizens, and at this, our government has failed. Homosexuals are not the only people being denied their rights, but also the members of certain religions that support same-sex marriages. Along with this, people also say that gay marriage would force churches that have an objection to perform gay marriage to perform same-sex weddings.There is no law stating that any church would be required to marry any couple, heterosexual or otherwise, that they do not wish to. Gay marriage would not change the churches right to refuse to sanctify any marriage that they do not wish to. It would only give churches the opportunity to legally wed gay couples if they would like to. None of the arguments above are valid. So now, let us examine the true reasons that people oppose the marriage of homosexual couples.Most people just are not comfortable with the idea. For years now, society has promoted the idea that two men or two women being married is wrong. This is mostly because of the arguments mentioned previously. However, none of those objections make sense! So neither does the idea that gay marriage is wrong. Being uncomfortable with a proposal is not a valid reason to oppose it. It is selfish to infringe other human beings’ rights for your

Application of social learning theory in psychology research Essays

Application of social learning theory in psychology research Essays Application of social learning theory in psychology research Essay Application of social learning theory in psychology research Essay Explaining substance usage among Puerto Rican striplings: a partial trial of societal larning theory’ is an article by Holly Ventura Miller. Wesley G. Jennings. Lorna L. Alverez-Rivera and J. Mitchell Miller. The article is a 2008 publication in the Journal of Drug Issues Volume 38. issue figure 1. In this survey. Miller et Al ( 2008 ) seek to utilize societal larning theory to understand substance usage among Puerto Rican striplings as portion of the larger Latino group. The importance of societal acquisition is assessed through happening out the consequence of differences in an individual’s description of substance usage as compared to the description that equals have. This survey is based on the position that most striplings who have friends who are in substance maltreatment besides become substance maltreaters. Percepts about drug maltreatment besides seem to be similar with those held by the equals. Social interactions of the young persons hence seem to play a large function in erudite behaviour and perceptual experiences. Miller et Al ( 2008 ) have reviewed considerable literature on societal larning theory more so the facet of differential association in acquisition of socially unacceptable behaviour. A cross-cultural application of societal larning theory signifiers the centre of this survey where a group ( 288 young persons ) of Puerto Rican striplings is chosen as the survey sample. This survey specifically focuses on how equal and personal perceptual experience of substance usage influence intoxicant. coffin nail and marihuana usage. The survey-type of survey was carried among school traveling young persons aged 14-19 old ages in San Juan. Puerto Rico. The topics were selected from public and private schools with the sample size from public schools being well higher compared to that from private schools ( 69 % versus 31 % ) . The study was conducted utilizing questionnaires where several variables were assessed. Questionnaires administered in public schools were written in English whereas those issued in public schools were in Hispanic. The survey excluded topics who did non describe being Latino since ethnicity was a really important variable. The striplings were assessed of their behaviours as respects to alcohol maltreatment. coffin nail smoke and marihuana usage. Forecaster variables were societal acquisition ( definitions on substance maltreatment ) and sex. The control variables in this survey were age and belonging to single-parent household. After statistical analyses ( logistic arrested development analyses ) . it was found out that young persons in private schools had a greater life-time substance usage and reported peer influence in the usage of the three substances. In add-on. males were likely to be involved in usage of the three substances under survey as opposed to females in both types of schools. In private schools. a important difference in substance usage was noted to be between males and females. It is besides noteworthy that coffin nail usage among females in public schools was influenced by their positions of smoking coffin nails as a favourable behaviour. This was besides the instance with private school males. Personal definitions were besides found to play a large function in intoxicant ingestion. Marijuana usage was chiefly due to the influence of peers’ definition as opposed to personal definition. Miller et Al ( 2008 ) hence concluded that if personal definitions of substance usage are favourable. the likeliness of substance maltreatment is high. Peer definitions are besides significantly of import determiners of substance maltreatment as evidenced by marihuanas use among Puerto Rican striplings. Sexual activity is besides a deciding factor in act uponing substance usage. Article 2 The article social acquisition. ego control. and substance maltreatment by eight grade pupils: at narrative of two cities’ by L. Thomas Winfree Jr. and Frances P. Bernat is a 1998 publication in the Journal of Drug Issue volume 28. issue figure 2. In this survey. Winfree and Bernat ( 1998 ) examine the effectivity of the societal cognitive theory and self control theory in foretelling degree of substance maltreatment among a group of eight graders in a big versus a little metropolis. Among the substances the substances that the eight class pupils are assessed of include intoxicant. coffin nails. and marijuana among others. This sample is selected from Phoenix. Arizona and Las Cruces. N. M. the metropoliss are pick for this survey due to differences in types of offenses therefore the writers of this survey challenge that the two theories can non be used to foretell substance maltreatment among the two groups of young persons. Winfree and Bernat ( 2008 ) argue that the societal acquisition theory is viewed as being able to foretell how people develop delinquent behaviours. every bit good as the environment that is likely to predispose one to delinquent behaviours. As such. it is viewed that substance maltreatment by young persons can be predicted by the societal acquisition theory every bit long as the societal environment of the young person is good understood. On the other manus. Winfree and Bernat ( 1998 ) argue that the ego control theory indicates that the degree of ego control determines human behaviour particularly in consideration of factors such as self involvement and inclination to seek pleasance and non trouble. In their survey. Winfree and Bernet ( 1998 ) carried out a broad cross-sectional survey in 11 vicinities including Phoenix and Las Cruces. The topics who participated in this survey gave an informed consent through either parents or defenders. Data was collected through the usage of questionnaires and the surveyors helped the pupils in understanding the inquiries therefore bettering truth of informations collected. Dependent variables in this survey were usage of different substances within the past one twelvemonth. Social larning independent variables included neutralisation. guilt. positive support and negative thrusters. Self control independent variables included parental monitoring. impulsivity and risk-taking. After executing arrested development analyses. it was apparent that there was a low degree of substance maltreatment among Phoenix pupils who said that they would experience really guilty if their engaged in substance maltreatment. Higher degrees of substance maltreatment in Phoenix sample was identified among pupils who agreed greatly to neutralizing statements about negativeness of offense. In footings of ego control. there was higher substance usage among pupils who reported higher hazard taking inclinations. However. parental control and impulsivity did non supply plenty informations for rating. In Las Cruces. it was observed that young persons who had seen mobsters and viewed mobsters as holding better life styles were likely to mistreat substances. The same happened with neutralisation of negativeness of offense. Guilt was non a large determiner of substance maltreatment in Las Cruces. Conclusively. Winfree and Bernet argue that societal larning theory and self control theory can be used to measure delinquency in striplings. From the above two articles. societal larning theory emerges as an of import tool for foretelling substance maltreatment. Counselors stand to profit from the apprehension of the application of societal larning theory in this context since they can be able to tie in a certain substance maltreatment job to the societal influences of the client. By placing the beginning of the substance maltreatment job utilizing the societal acquisition theory. the counsellor is able to supply a manner out of the delinquency or substance usage. This would include subjecting favourable societal environment and statements such that the substance maltreatment behaviour is taken as a negative instead than a positive thing. It would besides be helpful for the counsellor to propose a geographical resettlement ( e. g. school transportation ) as an of import manner of making the best environment ( drug/crime-free environment ) for striplings. Mentions Miller. H. V. . Jennings. W. G. . Alverez-Rivera. L. L. and Miller. J. M. ( 2008 ) . Explaining substance usage among Puerto Rican striplings: a partial trial of societal larning theory. Journal of Drug Issues 38 ( 1 ) : 261+ . Web. 15. July 2010. Questia. com. Winfree. L. T. and Bernat. F. T. ( 1998 ) . Social acquisition. ego control. and substance maltreatment by eight grade pupils: at narrative of two metropoliss. Journal of Drug Issue. 28 ( 2 ) : 539+ . Web. 15. July 2010. Questia. com.

Conversation Topics for College Office Hours

Conversation Topics for College Office Hours Its no secret: college professors can be intimidating. After all, theyre super smart and in charge of your education- not to mention your grades. That being said, of course, college professors can also be really interesting, really engaging people. Your professors likely encourage you to come speak with them during office hours. And you may, in fact, have a question or two youd like to ask. If youd like a few additional topics to have on hand for your conversation, consider any of the following  things to talk to your professor about: Your Current Class If youre currently taking a class with a professor, you can easily talk about the class. What do you like about it? What do you find really interesting and engaging? What do the other students like about it? What recently happened in class that youd like more information on, that you found helpful, or that was just plain funny? An Upcoming Class If your professor is teaching a class next semester or next year that youre interested in, you can easily talk about it. You can ask about the reading load, what kinds of topics will be covered, what expectations the professor has for the class and for students taking the class, and even what the syllabus will look like. A Previous Class You Really Enjoyed Theres nothing wrong with talking to a professor about a previous class you took with him or her that you really enjoyed. You can talk about what specifically you found interesting and ask if your professor can suggest other classes or supplemental reading so that you can pursue your interests further. Graduate School Options If youre thinking about graduate school- even just a tiny bit- your professors can be great resources for you. They can talk to you about different programs of study, what youre interested in, what graduate schools would be a good match for your interests, and even what life as a graduate student is like. Employment Ideas It could be that you absolutely love botany but have no idea what you can do with a botany degree once you graduate. A professor can be a great person to talk to about your options (in addition to the career center, of course). Additionally, they may know of internships, job opportunities, or professional contacts that can help you along the way. Anything Covered in Class That You Loved If you recently went over a topic or theory in class that you absolutely loved, mention it to your professor! It will undoubtedly be rewarding for him or her to hear about, and you can find out more about a topic you didnt know youd love. Anything Youre Struggling With in Class Your professor can be a great- if not the best- resource for getting clarity or more information about something youre struggling with. Additionally, a one-on-one conversation with your professor can provide you with an opportunity to walk through an idea and ask questions in a way that you simply cannot do in a large lecture hall. Academic Difficulties If youre facing larger academic struggles, dont be too afraid to mention it to a professor you like. He or she might have some ideas to help you out, might be able to connect you with resources on campus (like tutors or an academic support center), or just might give you a great pep talk that helps your refocus and recharge. Personal Problems That Are Impacting Your Academics While professors arent counselors, its still important for you to let them know about any personal problems youre facing that might be having an effect on your academics. If someone in your family is very sick, for example, or if youre financially struggling because of an unexpected change in financial status, it might be helpful for your professor to know. Additionally, it can be wise to mention these kinds of situations to your professor when they first appear instead of when they become a problem. How Current Events Connect With the Course Material Many times, the material(s) covered in class are large theories and concepts that dont always seem like they connect to your day-to-day life. In reality, however, they often do. Feel free to talk with your professor about current events and how they might connect to what youre learning in class. A Letter of Recommendation If youre doing well in class and you think your professor likes and respects your work, consider  asking your professor for a letter of recommendation  if you need one. Letters of recommendation that have been written by professors can be especially helpful when youre applying for certain types of internships or even graduate school or research opportunities. Study Tips It can be all too easy to forget that professors were once undergraduate students, too. And just like you, they likely had to learn  how to study at the college level. If youre struggling with study skills, talk to your professor about what theyd recommend. This can be an especially helpful and important conversation to have before an important midterm or final, too. Resources on Campus That Can Help Academically Even if your professor wants to help you more, he or she might simply not have the time. Consider, then, asking your professor about other academic support resources that you can use, like a specific upper-class or graduate-level student whos a great tutor or a great TA who offers extra study sessions. Scholarship Opportunities Your professor undoubtedly receives regular mailings and emails about scholarship opportunities for students interested in certain academic fields. Consequently, checking in with your professors about any scholarship opportunities they know about might easily result in some helpful leads that you might otherwise not find out about. Jop Opportunities True, the career center and your own professional network can be your main sources of job leads. But professors can also be a great resource to tap into. Make an appointment with your professor to talk generally about your job hopes or options as well as what connections your professor might know about. You never know what former students they still keep in touch with, what organizations they volunteer with, or what other connections they may have to offer. Dont let your nervousness about talking with your professors disconnect you from what could be a great future job!

The problem of homelessness essay

The problem of homelessness essay The problem of homelessness essay The problem of homelessness essayToday, the problem of homelessness is one of the main challenges to the stale social and economic development of the US. In this regard, the problem of homelessness has started to aggravated since the housing market crisis and economic recession of 2007-2008. The aggravation of the socioeconomic situation made many Americans homeless. As a result, they could not afford buying or maintaining their households that raised the rate of homeless Americans. Homelessness has become one of the major problems that affected the entire nation. In such a situation, the deterioration of the position of homeless Americans raised the problem of homelessness and the elaboration of effective public policy to minimize the negative effect of homelessness on the US society and homeless people along with the resolution of the problem of homelessness through the reintegration of homeless people into the community life by means of construction of public facilities providing shelter for homeless people, where they can live and work being engaged in public work.Formulating a policyThe public policy aiming at the elimination of the problem of homelessness should focus on the development of the policy that helps homeless Americans to find a shelter and earn means for living. In this regard, the construction of public facilities that are destined for homeless Americans, where they can live, eat, and work. The construction of such facilities may involve homeless Americans as employees. They may participate in the construction and they may be employed for the maintenance of the facilities, where they will live and eat. Other homeless people, who can settle in those facilities may find employment in the public sector, for instance, they can be employed in the public cleaning sector maintaining public facilities and performing other low- or semi-qualified jobs in the public sector, whereas they will spend a part of their wages as the payment for the shelter and food, they receive on the regular basis, while the rest of their wages will be used for other needs. In such a way, they will have, at least, provisional shelter and work. In addition, they may receive some job training to get better job opportunities and find new, better employment, which may open the way for them to find a good job and purchase their own home in a long-run perspective.Policy implementationThe implementation of the proposed policy should start at the state level and expand nationwide, in case of the success of the implementation of the program at the particular state. The policy should start with the elaboration of the plan of the construction of the public facilities for homeless people, recruitment of professionals for the implementation of the project, communication of the program to homeless people, their settlement in the constructed public facilities, and further employment in the local public sector. The program will also involve educators working in the pu blic facilities for homeless people, who can provide them with basic training. These training programs can be managed by volunteers recruited in the course of the promotion of the program. The promotion of the program will involve key stakeholders, including educators, engineers, and other professionals required for the construction and maintenance of the facilities and training of homeless people. The public sector will offer jobs for homeless people, who decide to settle in the public facilities. Homeless people may learn about the program from public organization supporting homeless people, providing them with food, clothing, etc.Policy evaluationThe policy has a considerable potential because it offers a long-lasting solution to the problem of homeless Americans at the state as well as federal level. The program will involve the wide involvement of the local and state government and local communities but, in a long-run the program will help to resolve the problem of homelessness .Question 2Reasons for the resistance to change the policyStakeholders may be resistant to the proposed policy change because they are accustomed to the existing policy and unwilling to change it, especially if they do not understand the new policy and its benefits. In such a situation, the local government and public organizations should unite their efforts to implement the program successfully and overcome resistance to change.Steps to undertake to implement the policy successfullyThe first and primary step to change the policy is to communicate the policy to key stakeholders, including community members, homeless Americans, and professionals involved in the program. The next step is the organization of the work of the team of professionals on the implementation of the project. The project team should be created and its leader will be responsible for outcomes of the project. Finally, homeless people may be involved into the project managed by the project team. In a long-run perspe ctive, the program may be expanded nationwide through the creation of the network of public facilities for homeless people and applying the program to different states to resolve the problem of homelessness.Question 3Competency tests in mathematics, social studies, science, reading and writing to graduate from high schoolI believe that competency tests are essential to graduate from high school because they show academic achievements of students upon their completion of the high school. Thus, tests will show what competencies students have and what they can perform well and what they cannot perform at all. Competency tests will help students to make their choice of their future career.Advantages and disadvantages of competency testsThe major advantage of competency tests is the overall assessment of students’ achievements in key areas. In addition, competency tests help students to determine their academic strengths and weaknesses on the ground of which they can decide which career to choose.On the other hand, one of the main disadvantages of the competency tests is their generalizability that means that they do not take into consideration individual specificities of each student. As a result, gifted students may fail the tests but they may be successful in their own way.Compensating disadvantagesThe disadvantage of competency tests can be eliminated through the diversification of tests and taking into account academic achievements of students in the course of learning. In such a way, the final score will be calculated as a combination of past academic achievements of students during their performance in the high school and the score gained during competency tests.

Watchman. A spiritual discipline that guides christians lives Essay

Watchman. A spiritual discipline that guides christians lives - Essay Example Today, most believers get frustrated as they try to seek the spiritual path experience. They end up not getting the most appropriate path in this case. This leads them into darkness, lingering in the crossroads throughout the year There is therefore need for clear guidance for the believers to take the right path. According to Watchman (1998), all those who go out to seek God with a very honest heart move step to step in the right path. Every sinner moves from his or her position to a step by step pace towards the correct spiritual life peak. There are several questions regarding spiritual life, which the believers would like to comprehend despite the fact that the answers are not given openly. Some hard matters including hearing of the voice of God as well as comprehending his will are some issues that are not clearly given to every Christian.The major issues concerning Christian life include: salvation, sanctification, denying the self, regeneration, baptism of the spirit, the holy spirit filling and the power, prayer, fellowship, bible study identification, supernatural experience, miracles, the discernment of true and false speaking, the emotion, the soulish life, speaking in tongues, the conscience, Gods revelation, spiritual work, Satan's war fare and the renewal of the mind.According to Watchman (1998) tying to concentrate on God almost all the time would not be a possible activity. But a closer link with God can be achieved by taking some time every day to read the bible, talk to God and hence think about Him. In this approach God would be communicating back in a powerful wave which makes the Christians to have a feeling of God's love and other times challenged by the approach they are supposed to open up scriptures. In this way the Christians would be investing substantial time into their relationship with God thus receives back a reciprocating relationship of love with Him. Growing deeply in spiritual world demands setting aside quiet times with God t hat has no interruptions as well as distractions hence tuning their ears to hear the God's voice. Watchman (1998) indicates that the spiritual conditions of Christians are usually varying as their degree of spiritual life. Every believer's spiritual experience has some mystery. In order to be led by the lord into a deeper spiritual life, the Christian believer has to receive a taste of the outline of that level of spiritual life prior to really getting into it. On getting a taste of a particular level of spirituality, most believers believe that they have gotten into that level. But in the actual sense, this is just but the beginning of the work of the lord leading them into such matters. This implies that a believer getting a taste of a particular level does not necessarily mean fully entering into that level. Watchman (1998) further asserts that seeing God's light means getting the knowledge of ourselves and subsequently not losing our broadness in the Lord otherwise one will be in their own thoughts as well as feelings. Involving in such self-feelings would hinder one from gaining one's self in the Lord. Spiritual self-analysis and self-consciousness are usually harmful to the believers' spiritual life. Thus knowing the necessary spiritual guidance calls for unrelenting understanding of the right path and deep teachings by the lord would help one have a better personal relationship with God. It is quite important to understand as well as remember God's way of redemption. His ultimate goal is to have all believers delivered via a new life that offers believers the time of regeneration from our natural things (nature), supernatural things and sin; all these three comprises the

Choosing a Path 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Choosing a Path 2 - Essay Example In the three divisions of business finance given by the SJSU, decision-making is a common required skill. Thus, as expected, critical thinking and analytical skills would be crucial should I be dealing with financial institutions, investments or corporate finance. The need to understand the function of money in corporate finance and management investment portfolios in investments would call for acquisition of logical and computation skills. Being self motivated and proactive would be crucial in understanding the events in the environment from which I would make informed and prudent decisions. Above all, skills in information technology would be useful in leveraging on technology to efficiently and effectively execute the assigned tasks. I, however, did not realize that communication skills would be that crucial for business finance major. In my view, finance is exclusively a numerical course. Therefore, all communication would be through logical representation of numbers to make sense to the audience. I thought that communication skills would perhaps be more critical to a marketing major as this course largely involves persuasion, thus the need for effective communication. However, the SJSU catalog on business finance indicates a requirement to pass in about three courses in writing. This shows the importance of communication in this course. Even so, I am ready to learn the communication skills required for a successful career in finance, writing not being new to me. This would be important to complement the technical skills that I will learn in finance. A majority of the courses expected for business finance major are interesting. Fundamentals of Finance seems interesting. As indicated in the SJSU catalog, this course would provide an understanding of how finance relates to others arms of business so as to influence decision-making. It would further educate on how financial resources are allocated in an

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 21

Assignment Example Presently, theoretical, normative, and political challenges movements have enhanced human rights. People from different walks of life usually view human rights activism as individualistic ideologies and sometimes as simply liberal commitments of the movement itself. However, the existence and application of law seems to have sunk among societal values as they widely accept the provisions within the law. Sections of the people who do not accept the provisions of the law have no choice but to subscribe to what it dictates as it is the only way put of coexistence between the government and its citizens. Interestingly, all kinds of religions see value in the provisions of the rule of law, unlike rights which they view as being driven by individual pursuits. Perhaps it may be argued that the challenges facing the prosperity of human rights and the acknowledgment of rights itself are as a result of the laxity of the rule of law towards protection of human rights. In fact, by virtue of individuals accepting and upholding the law alone creates a platform for which human rights activism can flourish. Generally, laws need to be reasonable and acceptable to a greater part of the populace; not necessarily meaning that they are good laws but that they are normatively justifiable. Most legal systems including the Canadian system center on physical integrity rights or those that are easy to examine yet the relationship between the rule of law and human rights present a more difficult phenomenon to understand and explain, for instance, rights of smaller groups in the society. This strong link between law and rights id depicted in Canada’s Constitution Act of 1982 part 1 which guarantees the rights and freedoms of the people of Canada. The c hapter â€Å"Canadian Chapter of Rights and Freedoms† provides for certain rights and freedoms as long as they are subject to the provisions and limits of

Rationalism (Rene Descartes) and Empiricism (David Hume) Essay

Rationalism (Rene Descartes) and Empiricism (David Hume) - Essay Example According to the research findings there are two contrastive schools of thought; while one gives premium to reason, the other gives premium to experience. The first school of thought that gives premium to reason is the rationalist school of thought. The second school of thought is the empiricist school. While the major proponent for rationalism is Rene Descartes, the major proponent of empiricism is David Hume. Lacey states that rationalism is â€Å"any view appealing to reason as a source of knowledge or justification.† Instead of appealing to emotions and their sensory organs, rationalists appeal to the intellect. Like all things, there are extremes in rationalism. While the opinion of some rationalists tends to fall largely in line with empiricism, meaning that they share many links with empiricism; the opinion of others see no reasons with empiricism at all. The former category of rationalists is not absolute in the beliefs they hold about the power of reason. The latter c ategory of rationalists is of those that may safely be described as extreme rationalist. They are the ones that believe that all things can be resolved through reasoning. Although, empiricism as a philosophy has already been broached in this essay, it is yet important to explain further. Unlike rationalism which states that most truths and ideas can be attained mainly through reason, empiricism states that all ideas, knowledge and truths can be attained through experience and what can be sensed by using human senses. The typical empiricist will ask 'How do you believe what you've not experienced?' So, for the empiricist, experience is all. It is through experience that one gets evidence to substantiate whatever opinion one clings to. Empiricists believe that there is no just reason to believe a thing or an opinion which one is not able to test. They do not see reasons why anyone would rely solely on abstract reasoning without applying sense-based experiments (Markie 233). To such em piricist who questions why anyone would trust what they have not seen, rationalists would argue that before that which is seen and witnessed (experience and experiments) came to being, there was that which was not seen (reasoning). Asides David Hume, other philosophers that can be categorized as empiricists are Francis Bacon, John Stuart Mill and Thomas Hobbes. Before one assumes any stance in philosophy, one must have premises that back up the point one makes. One must also be sure to know that all those who have held one opinion or the other about any issue have reasons, most times cogent, for sticking to their opinion. Yet, based on arguments that have been advanced overtime, it won't be wrong to assume that rationalsim carries the day. In putting up a paper like this together, it is important that one lends credence to objectivity. By some yardsticks, one may say that empiricists are right. This is because when rationalists carry out what they believe is the key thing—rea soning, one must note that they do not think in abstract, they almost certainly think about things that have been

Bottled water vs. tap water Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Bottled water vs. tap water - Essay Example No longer a luxury item, the beverage has become a common sight worldwide.† (Owen, 2006). However, the author, Ann Pietrangelo of the text, Bottled Water vs. Tap Water: Which is really safer? raises question on how clean and hygienic is the bottled water, when compared to the tap water and gives the answer that the bottled water is not at all better than the tap water, and in some cases could be even inferior to the tap water. The text written was by Ann Pietrangelo in July 2009 and was featured under the section, Healthy reform policy in the website Care2.com, which mainly focuses on environmental and health issues. While ‘googling’ about the topic, Bottled Water vs. Tap Water, this website or webpage came as the second web entry or result, and appeared as the apt text for this topic and paper. In the initial part of the text itself, the author starts to spell out the argument that bottled water does not any safe qualities, and it is same or even inferior to the tap water. By using data from another website, FoodandWaterWatch.org, the author argues that with tap water being regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency and state and local governments, and bottled water being regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, there are clear evidences to show that bottled water is not effectively tested and so it is not better than the tap water. Author Pietrangelo first points out the basic point, which is 40 percent of bottled water originates only from the tap, with some minerals added and some extra filtration done. She provides this fact to send the message to the readers that bottled water is just another version of the tap water, without any major differences, quality wise. Then she provides some more facts, to justify that tap water is more clean and hygienic than th e bottled water, as the tap water has to conform various rules and tests under different conditions and standards. She states that tap water is not permitted to contain E. coli

C200 Exam Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

C200 Exam - Assignment Example 2. Urging the TFG leadership to reach out to traditional and moderate Islamists, including individuals formerly affiliated with the now-defunct Council of Islamic Courts, and moderate groups not previously incorporated into the Council of Islamic Courts. 4. Continued leverage of U.S. assistance programs to support new and expanded programming in the areas of security sector reform, employment and income generation of high-risk youth, and activities providing quick-impact peace dividends in strategic geographic areas. 2. Absence of functioning institutions in Somalia for over 15 years, the rebuilding of law enforcement, judicial, health, education, and other services which will largely be starting from scratch and will require significant external assistance. 1. Early fulfilment of the deployment mission which is a key element in instilling in the Somali people confidence that the peace process is underway and fully supported by the international community. 2. Offering support to the deployment of the African peacekeeping mission, and in particular the Ugandan contingent which requires support with strategic transport, equipment procurement, and other logistics. 3. Assisting with force generation by training and equipping African contingents deploying to Somalia through the African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOT A) program by The United States government. 4. Encouraging the TFG to facilitate the development of a civilian police force a along with the formation of a unified military representative of all of Somalia’s clans. The TFG efforts will further be supported by the deployment of a stabilization force to Somalia, which will provide a secure environment in which a political process can be moved forward and effective security institutions be developed. 1. Promoting the commitment of the Somali Diaspora to support financially the development of

Rationalism (Rene Descartes) and Empiricism (David Hume) Essay

Rationalism (Rene Descartes) and Empiricism (David Hume) - Essay Example According to the research findings there are two contrastive schools of thought; while one gives premium to reason, the other gives premium to experience. The first school of thought that gives premium to reason is the rationalist school of thought. The second school of thought is the empiricist school. While the major proponent for rationalism is Rene Descartes, the major proponent of empiricism is David Hume. Lacey states that rationalism is â€Å"any view appealing to reason as a source of knowledge or justification.† Instead of appealing to emotions and their sensory organs, rationalists appeal to the intellect. Like all things, there are extremes in rationalism. While the opinion of some rationalists tends to fall largely in line with empiricism, meaning that they share many links with empiricism; the opinion of others see no reasons with empiricism at all. The former category of rationalists is not absolute in the beliefs they hold about the power of reason. The latter c ategory of rationalists is of those that may safely be described as extreme rationalist. They are the ones that believe that all things can be resolved through reasoning. Although, empiricism as a philosophy has already been broached in this essay, it is yet important to explain further. Unlike rationalism which states that most truths and ideas can be attained mainly through reason, empiricism states that all ideas, knowledge and truths can be attained through experience and what can be sensed by using human senses. The typical empiricist will ask 'How do you believe what you've not experienced?' So, for the empiricist, experience is all. It is through experience that one gets evidence to substantiate whatever opinion one clings to. Empiricists believe that there is no just reason to believe a thing or an opinion which one is not able to test. They do not see reasons why anyone would rely solely on abstract reasoning without applying sense-based experiments (Markie 233). To such em piricist who questions why anyone would trust what they have not seen, rationalists would argue that before that which is seen and witnessed (experience and experiments) came to being, there was that which was not seen (reasoning). Asides David Hume, other philosophers that can be categorized as empiricists are Francis Bacon, John Stuart Mill and Thomas Hobbes. Before one assumes any stance in philosophy, one must have premises that back up the point one makes. One must also be sure to know that all those who have held one opinion or the other about any issue have reasons, most times cogent, for sticking to their opinion. Yet, based on arguments that have been advanced overtime, it won't be wrong to assume that rationalsim carries the day. In putting up a paper like this together, it is important that one lends credence to objectivity. By some yardsticks, one may say that empiricists are right. This is because when rationalists carry out what they believe is the key thing—rea soning, one must note that they do not think in abstract, they almost certainly think about things that have been

C200 Exam Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

C200 Exam - Assignment Example 2. Urging the TFG leadership to reach out to traditional and moderate Islamists, including individuals formerly affiliated with the now-defunct Council of Islamic Courts, and moderate groups not previously incorporated into the Council of Islamic Courts. 4. Continued leverage of U.S. assistance programs to support new and expanded programming in the areas of security sector reform, employment and income generation of high-risk youth, and activities providing quick-impact peace dividends in strategic geographic areas. 2. Absence of functioning institutions in Somalia for over 15 years, the rebuilding of law enforcement, judicial, health, education, and other services which will largely be starting from scratch and will require significant external assistance. 1. Early fulfilment of the deployment mission which is a key element in instilling in the Somali people confidence that the peace process is underway and fully supported by the international community. 2. Offering support to the deployment of the African peacekeeping mission, and in particular the Ugandan contingent which requires support with strategic transport, equipment procurement, and other logistics. 3. Assisting with force generation by training and equipping African contingents deploying to Somalia through the African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOT A) program by The United States government. 4. Encouraging the TFG to facilitate the development of a civilian police force a along with the formation of a unified military representative of all of Somalia’s clans. The TFG efforts will further be supported by the deployment of a stabilization force to Somalia, which will provide a secure environment in which a political process can be moved forward and effective security institutions be developed. 1. Promoting the commitment of the Somali Diaspora to support financially the development of