Monday, September 30, 2019

Implement Person Centred Approaches In Health And Social Care Essay

1.1 Define Person – centred values? Person centred values means the people whom we support are able to be involved and included in every aspect of their care and support. For example: * Their needs, Assessments, Care delivery, and Support planning. So basically person centred approaches, policies and procedures and care practices should put the residents at the centre of the day-to-day activities. It should also include the residents and their families in the planning and maintaining of this. 1.2 Explain why it is important to work in a way that embeds person centred values? It is important to do this as person centred approaches, policies and procedures, as well as care practices should always put the people whom we support at the centre of the day-to-day activities, as well as including the residents and their families in the planning and maintaining of this. see more:explain why it is important to work in a way that embeds person centred values All person centred approaches for every person we support as care professionals, should have eight values, and these are: 1. INDIVIDUALITY – realising and understanding the uniqueness of every person I support. 2. RIGHTS – always endeavouring to make sure all the rights of those I support are upheld e.g. Human Rights Act. 3. CHOICE – endeavouring to maintain the service user’s rights to choice. As well as maintaining their choices and making sure these choices are upheld in their care plans. 4. PRIVACY – maintaining the service user’s rights to privacy. I would do this by making sure they are not intruded upon by other service users, staff, relatives and friends. 5. INDEPENDENCE – always making sure that as a care professional I empower the service users to achieve their maximum. 1.3 Explain why risk – taking can be part of a person centred approach? Taking risks means that you are able to choose and be in control of what you do . You need to ensure that concerns about taking risks is not stopping you living the way you want to. A risk assessment can always be carried out to see if it is possible for someone to do something that they  thought would not be possible. 1.4 Explain how using an Individual’s care plan contributes to working in a person centred way? Using an individual’s care plan will ensure that the person’s own needs and wishes are being met, rather than offering them a ‘choice’ of what is available. Using their care plan, you can build on what they want and see where there are gaps that need to be addressed. Outcome 3 Be able to work in a person – centred way? 3.1 Explain the importance of establishing consent when providing care or support? It is important to establish consent because it is a basic human right for everyone to have the choice. Much of the treatment or support the individual receives is either invasive or personal, so consent is essential as it protects providers against legal challenge. Asking for consent is also part of the codes of practice for social care. 3.3 Explain what steps to take if consent cannot be readily established? These steps should be taken by professionals as stated in five principles set on in the Mental Capacity Act 2005. A presumption of capacity The right for people to be supported to make their own decisions People must retain the right to make what might be seen as eccentric or unwise decisions Anything done on behalf of people who do not have capacity must be in their best interests Anything done for or on behalf of people without capacity should be the least restrictive of their basic rights and freedoms Outcome 4 Be able to encourage active participation? 4.1 Describe how active participation benefits an individual’s? Active participation is an approach that enables individuals to be included in their care and have a greater say in how they live their life in ways that matter to them. The benefits of active participation can be divided into primary benefits and secondary benefits. Primary benefits include: 1. Physical benefits including greater activity levels. 2. Increased independence and autonomy in what people do. 3. An opportunity for individuals in health and social care settings to have a say in matters of direct concern to their lives. 4. Increased opportunities for social contact and interpersonal relationships. 5. Encouraging involvement and self-awareness. Individuals become more involved in the community and more aware of opportunities and what they can hope for themselves. 6. Increased opportunities for learning and development of important skills, knowledge, education and employment. 7. Enhanced well-being, with increases in self-confidence, self-esteem and self-belief. The benefits of active participation include the above primary benefits where the individual gains from its application in the real world of health and social care practice, but there are also some secondary benefits. The secondary benefits can be described as benefits that occur as a result of active participation, but are not a direct aim of active participation. These include: 1. Decreasing the likelihood of abuse. As the individual engages positively by actively participating is area of their life, such as in personal care, the scope for abuse by others is reduced. 2. Decreasing vulnerability. As individuals gain in their self-confidence and self-esteem they are less prone to exploitation and harm from others 4.2 Identify possible barriers to active participation? Factors including the following can cause barriers to active participation. Chronic pain, sadness, insecurity, depression, loss of hearing, poor eye sight, memory loss and immobility. Outcome 5 Be able to support the individual’s right to make choices? 5.3 Explain why a worker’s personal views should not influence an individual’s choices? If residents have the ability to make good choices, then they should be allowed to do so within reason. For example, if a service worker thinks a resident would be better off watching television with other residents, and they aren’t interested in the programming, that’s a choice they should be allowed to make. If a service worker thinks it would  be good for a resident to go outdoors to get some fresh air, and the resident doesn’t want to, then their choice should be respected. Not everyone likes to watch TV and spend time outdoors Making choices for most of us is part of our everyday life. It is a fundamental part of us being recognised and respected as an individual. Such choices contribute to us having control over our lives and individuals with learning disabilities also have the right to participate in decisions which affect their lives. Our practice should recognise the right of service users to make their own choices. Alongside this, services also need to provide capacity to give their users options. Choosing to ‘take it or leave it’ is not a real choice. Choice for users is now rightly promoted as a quality standard when care organisations advertise their services and forms part of how they are judged. The vast majority of decisions – and perhaps virtually all choices – can ultimately be tackled by most adults with a learning disability if right information and options are made accessible to them in terms they can understand. These efforts can involve advocates and other measures to safeguard the choice or decision making and may, for some parties, require considerable time and expertise in communication. 5.4 Describe how to support an individual to question or challenge decisions concerning them that are made by others? You need to make sure that they have all of the information, and understand it, in order to make an informal decision. They have the right to make their own choices and decisions under the human rights act, as long as the decisions they make do not put them at risk of harm or injury and they have the mental capacity to make them. you could support them to question or challenge by speaking on their behalf but you would need to know exactly what their wishes are. and record it for them to sign. Outcome 6 Be able to promote individuals well – being 6.1 Explain how individual identity and self esteem are linked with well – being? It’s been shown that thoughts effect a person’s physiology and immune system. A person with a low self-esteem would probably have more negative thoughts about themselves and also behave in a way that might cause others  to reinforce this low opinion of themselves which will increase those negative feelings. Identity-a person with a strong sense of self who knows who there are, are less likely to find themselves in situations that they don’t want to tolerate, when they feel these might have a negative effect on themselves. Having said I’ve seen lots of people that consider themselves to have low self-esteem but they appear very bubbly and happy. 6.2 Describe attitudes and approaches that are likely to promote an individual’s well – being? Being caring – listen to what the individual has to say{feeling and choices, opinions ect} being understanding and supportive, – positive comments/feedback- Ask questions; get involved with what they have to say or what they are Ask questions; get involved with what they have to say or what they are interested in.- Calm approach, do not sound angry or negative, positive facial expressions- Ensuring the individual knows they have somebody they can trust- encouraging.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Public Libraries: The Way To Human Understanding Essay

A Discussion on the Process of Human Intelligence and Its Progress Knowledge is one primary reason why the human society continues to advance in terms of understanding and comprehension of advancement. This is the reason why governments around the world are already aiming to increase their competencies in terms of educational progress among their human population. It is innate among humans to be fascinated by the different things that they particularly see around them. It could not be denied then that through the years, this particular fascination within the different elements that could be seen in the human environment actually developed into the many discoveries and inventions that humans produced.   Through passing civilization of humans, it could be observed that the people were never contented with what they already have or what they have already accomplished. This is especially true in terms of science and technology as well as in arts and literature. It is indeed undeniable that people recreate the things that are already existent within their own society.   The fact that they have already been able to see what they could do regarding a certain type of field, they intend to even do better the net time that they deal with the same invention. Yes, humans never get tired of reinventing everything there is in the environment. Why is this so? Human intelligence has always been noted by philosophers as the primary factor that makes the human creation different from that of the other God-made creations. The humans’ ability to innovate their own achievements to even better results for the present generation to see, has particularly noted them to be those who are capable of reinventing themselves to be able to evolve from generations to generations. To discuss this particular fact further, take an example of the human literature. It is overwhelming enough to see that the society today is already flooded by the informations that are presented to humans through the printed pages of literature. More than that, the emergence of internet technology has paved the way even for amateur writers to make mention of their thoughts to the world for them to be appreciated and particularly affect other’s opinions as well. Literature before was primarily defined as an art of writing that follows certain rules that are strict enough to keep its standards within the classical range of reading. However, when the different generations along with the historical events covered the human generation’s development, the art of literature became one of the major process by which humans intended to express their thoughts and their predicaments about the things that are going on in the world. As a result, more and more people joined the bandwagon of writing and began to share their thoughts to the world with regards the issues that primarily concern the human society today. This particular progress in literature has primarily been further fueled by the democratic arrangement of the major governments around the world, giving a chance for the freedom of human expression. It is through this that people became more aware of the world around them, they cared more than ever with the political agendas, the social issues as well as other informations that concern their interests. True, the changing situation in the society and the demand towards progress requires that human intelligence be perfected in a way that it particularly caters to the needs of the entire humanity. The human brain’s ability to store and restructure informations that were accepted by it through the years of an individual’s life is particularly a proof that the application of humans’ intelligence could still be perfected as generations are still to come along. Public libraries are continuously assisting in the process of actually making it possible for humans to make considerable progress in terms of knowing what is present within the society that they are living in. Both young and poor are likely to have better chances of understanding the society through the existence of public libraries. Funding for these types of public institutions serve as primary investments on the part of the   different governments around the world as they are certainly to make great impact to the people, educating them with the knowledge that they ought to understand and apply in further practical actuality in the society for the sake of progress.   References: Robert J. Sternberg. (1989). Handbook of Human Intelligence. Cambridge University Press.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

I WILL TALK THIS IN DETAIL (this is not a topic) Thesis

I WILL TALK THIS IN DETAIL (this is not a topic) - Thesis Example of garbage in landfills pose dangers not just because of the formation of noxious gases but also the possibility of burying anyone alive if the pile becomes too heavy. Due to the many problems caused by the use of conventional, limiting and non-renewable resources to produce products, the environment faces challenges that may soon be the cause of the ruin of man. However, by carefully planning the methods and actions of manufacturing as well as the use of other alternative methods in the production of items, with the idea of being as eco-friendly as possible, the output of large amounts of industrial wastes can be lessened, and even be reversed. In the book entitled â€Å"Cradle to Cradle†, authors William McDonough and Michael Braungart were able to show through various theories and practical applications on how to create industries that sustain life and the environment, as well as being able to reuse resources and reduce production costs while maintaining product quality. One thing special about the two authors is that they have truly put their hearts and minds to the concept that they have s strong belief in, even their book itself is not made of paper, but rather of a special kind of plastic that contains inorganic resin, making the book strong, smudge-proof as well as waterproof. By making their book as such, the authors were able to prove a point that yes, the concept of sustainability and being friendly to the earth and the ecosystems can be possible, with planning. The concept of cradle-to-cradle is the brainchild of the environmental advocacy of the authors to promote renewable, sustainable and ecological-friendly industries. Instead of following the usual method of using non-renewable and non-sustainable resources, following the old opportunistic design of industries, as well as following the traditional methods of manufacturing that keeps using raw materials but rarely recycles anything else, by following the authors’ methods of using

Friday, September 27, 2019

Monster Energy Drink in Russia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Monster Energy Drink in Russia - Essay Example According to the research findings, it can, therefore, be said that world economies are becoming more interdependent. Moreover, because of saturation and stiff competition in local domestic markets, companies in developed economies have to actively pursue newer markets to improve their revenues and profit margins. Today, countries in the BRICS block of countries, i.e. Brazil, India, China, South Africa, and Russia are increasingly attractive to companies seeking to expand their revenue streams and gain competitive advantages over their competitors. A situation analysis seeks to identify micro-environmental factors that influence a firm, as well as macro-environmental factors that influence the firm’s environment. This analysis indicates to a firm about the product and organizational position, along with the overall business’ survival in the identified environment. In order to understand capabilities of the firm within the identified market, the firms should be able to i dentify problems and opportunities in their external and internal environment. Monster Beverages was founded in April of 2002 as an energy drinks company by Hansen Natural Corporation, becoming the first energy drink marketed in 16-ounce cans and rising to become the second most successful energy drinks company in the world after the Austria-based Red Bull GmBH. Previously selling natural soda and fresh fruit juices, Monster Beverage revamped its product in 2002 by launching its Monster Energy drink line by increasing its caffeine and sugar content. This also prompted its change of name to Monster Beverage from Hansen Natural, reflecting a more aggressive image compared to the previous subtle impression as a fresh juice manufacturer. With energy drinks accounting for 92.7% of the company’s net sales in 2013, while juice-based beverages and carbonated drinks accounting for 5.3% and 2%Â   of net sales over the same period, the energy drinks market has become the most critical for Monster beverages.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

It is a clue writing Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

It is a clue writing - Case Study Example Harry Reid, the Senate Majority leader, files a cloture for the nomination. President Obama reacts to this by terming it as a mere political attack from the Republicans side saying they have no reasons regarding the qualifications of his nominee. A report is printed as evidence concerning the alleged spending. The report reveals that the GSA spent a sum of $822,000 for 300 people to attend a four-day press conference. All these catered by the tax- payers’ dollars. It is this condition that makes Johnson fire the two deputies and further leaving her with no option, but to submit a resignation letter. In her obstructed nomination, politicians were not willing to promote development due to political differences. In addition, her excessive spending is a replica of what most politicians do after being elected or nominated for senior offices in the country. This case implies that political differences amongst leaders can be a barrier to development of a country. Rather, politicians must learn of the best way to solve this by not hindering development. However, newly elected politicians to office must learn to work in the best way that can yield fruits to the taxpayers rather than spend their payments aimlessly. Rein , Lisa and Joe Davidson. "GSA chief resigns amid reports of excessive spending." 02 April 2012. The Washingtone Post. 25 October 2014.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Health Promotion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 2

Health Promotion - Essay Example This, therefore, meansthathealthpromotion has positiveeffects on practicesandpolicies that supporttheorganization’s profitability andindividual’s employability (Zenzano et al. 2011). Healtheducationbuildstheskills, knowledgeandpositiveattitudes of students about health. Healtheducationteaches about social, mental, emotionalandphysicalhealth. In addition to that, itmotivatesstudents to maintainandimprove their health, reduceriskbehaviorsandpreventdiseases. Healtheducationstudents are helped to learnskillsthatthey will apply in makinghealthychoices in their entirelife (Davidson 2010). Effectivehealtheducationresults in positivechanges in thestudent’s behavior which in thelongrunlower their risk around tobacco, alcoholandotherdrugs, prevention of injuries, sexualityandfamilylife, physicalactivity, mental, nutritionandemotionalhealthandprevention of diseases.Learning in othersubjects is promoted through healtheducation. One studyindicatedthat math andreadingscores of thirdand fourth gradestudentswerehighforthosewhounderwent a comprehensivehealtheducationandlowerforthosewhodid not. Anumber of studieshaveshownthattheperformance of healthierstudents is high. Their attendance is high, performbetter on testsandhavebettergrades. Thismeansthathealthystudentslearnbetter (Zenzano et al. 2011). Nurses have an importantrole ofimprovingthe adherence of thepatient to themedicine. Theydothis by checkingtheknowledge of thepatients, their understandingandproviding them with personalized supportandinformation. In addition to thateachnurse is supposed to ensurethat their patient’s adherence to medicinesis improved. A follow-up to find out if there are mattersaffectingthemedicinetakingbehavior of thepatient should also be carried out by thenurse. Nurses are supposed to checkthetreatmentmanagement of thepatientandtakethenecessaryactionifthepatientfails to

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Financial Case Report Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Financial Report - Case Study Example All-inclusive Connector, a U.S. firm situated in Ohio, was evaluated to have a developing offer; it offered a comparative exhibit of institutionalized items and modified outline administrations (International Monetary Fund, 2009). The determination of the situation ought to consider natures turf in which the venture works. Likewise, the cases ought to be sensible and fitting for the choice to be made. Running different situations with diverse qualities is an essential demonstrative instrument in evaluating the anxiety set on the money related articulations. The proclaimed changes in each variable as they affect financials can give critical viewpoint. At the point when running various conditions, it is paramount to run a series that incorporates both skeptical and hopeful cases. Cooperation among variables is imperative and must be portrayed. As an illustration, Strong Tier multiple times may wish to run a situation that reflects a 5% drop in specialists remuneration premiums coupled with weakening in earlier mischance years laborers payment saves for the approaching year. Going through the balance sheets we realize that the total liabilities has been increasing from $1,588, $1,723 and $1,863 for the three consecutive years respectively affecting both liquidity and efficiency as well gross profit margin of the company. Strong Tier multiple times needs to take strong emphasis on how liabilities can be of minimal at the end of each financial year Organizations whose essential objective is to seek after part of the overall industry do not toll well, and their center is on their objectives, not their clients advantage. The reasons that a piece of the overall industry technique falls low; the organizations do not characterize the business anyhow and expect that all purchasers are potential customers. In addition, frequently markdown intensely gets clients who do not esteem what they offer and lose the edge on all

Monday, September 23, 2019

Barnes and Nobles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Barnes and Nobles - Essay Example By this, it remarkable tries to create the best value for its both existing and prospective customers. At the very moment, it addresses this concern by implementing Barnes & Noble Cafes, NOOK bookstore, specialize 1 million unique book titles, and addressing its commitment to carry a vast selection of titles from many large or small publishers. In other words, its very point in doing this is to be the best specialty retail in America regardless of the products it sells. This is the very mission of Barnes & Noble and it is important for this company to address the level of product volume it promises to serve with its customers. As a specialty retail store, it is important for Barnes & Noble to hear the response of its customers in order to evaluate the level of value it has already given to its customers. In line with this, it is necessary that the Barnes & Noble should focus on the area of customer service in order to understand how far it is trying to create a value for its customer s. As of the moment, Barnes & Noble is open for questions and suggestions in order to address customers’ superior or excellent experience with them. This can be done via internet or through phone. In line with this, Barnes & Noble should create strategic measure on how far it addresses the level of customer service it promises to give. In line with this, it is important that the company should implement performance measurement strategy. One that can be applied is the balanced scorecard which helps aligns business’ visions and activities, and evaluates specific strategies. Under the balanced scorecard are priorities and one of them is customers. Thus, it is timely that Barnes & Noble should implement this, not just only on superficially dealing with customers’ concerns. Generic strategy It is therefore not a question what specific generic strategy Barnes & Noble is implementing. It is evident that since it wants to become a cut above the other or simply as the ma rket leader in its industry, differentiation strategy was made possible for its entire retailing activity. In line with this, it is also important that it tries to undergo a combined focus differentiation strategy. Under this, it caters to the specific needs of its customers considering that there are different segments of them that are involved. On the other hand, this can be tedious on its part but the bottom line is to guarantee that it fully understands the needs of its customers. This in return helps the company to provide a product for its customers and create a real need for them. In fact, in the modern marketing techniques, organizations have specific activity on the creation of needs for specific product or service offering (Boone & Kurtz, 2006). Grand strategy In the midst of information technology, it is important that Barnes & Noble should finally attempt to go global in its operation through the internet. In line with this, it is timely to integrate all its marketing ef forts not just in America but in the entire world through an online retailing strategy. Like eBay and other online retailing sites, it is timely for Barnes & Noble to momentarily adapt to new approaches as the market continuously is changing over time. With its retailing store trying to be online, it would open up its opportunity

Sunday, September 22, 2019

The place of anonymity in theories of crowd behaviour Essay Example for Free

The place of anonymity in theories of crowd behaviour Essay Explain the place of anonymity in theories of crowd behaviour. Is it always associated with a ‘loss of self’ (Dixon and Mahendran, 2012, p. 13)? This essay will start by explaining the concept of anonymity and how it is used in theories of crowd behaviour namely the contagion, deindividuation theory and social identity theory. Later the essay will focus on critical discussion comparing the above theories in terms of how they perceive anonymity and the loss of self. It will highlight the similarities between Le Bon’s theory and the deidividuation theory but will also point out some of their differences. The essay will also offer the account of the social identity theory which does not see the crowd behaviour as associated with the loss of self and explains it differently in terms of social identity. The essay will also present evidence to support these claims. The crowd behaviour theories are concerned with how individuals experience being a part of a large group and how this in turn influences their feelings and behaviour. Crowd psychologists would argue that the experience of being a part of a large group necessarily means that a sense of anonymity is created. This anonymity then allows individuals in the crowd to feel somehow ‘safe’ in terms of what they are able to do or say without being directly responsible for it. However different theories view the concept of anonymity differently. Le Bon argued that the concept of anonymity in the crowd is not beneficial at all. In fact he viewed the crowds as dangerous because individuals lose their rationality which is substituted by a ‘group mind’ and as such crowds are a threat to social hierarchy (Dixon and Mahendran, 2012, p. 5). According to Le Bon the experience of being in the crowd involves anonymity thus the individuals are not responsible for their actions and feel a part of the collective therefore are more likely to get influenced by ideas that are sweeping through the crowd a concept Le Bon called the contagion. This anonymity then leads the individuals to behave in an aggressive and primitive way. The deindividuation theory outlook on anonymity is a bit different. Whilst deindividuation theory would agree with Le Bon on the fact  that crowd behaviour generates anonymity and leads individuals to believe that they are not personally accountable for their actions in the crowd, the idea of a ‘ group mind’ is dismissed. Instead Festinger, Pepitone and Newcomb argue that the sense of anonymity individuals experience in the crowds is a psychological shift in individual’s self perception which is clearly measurable (Dixon and Mahendran, 2012, p. 6.). From the perspective of the social identity theory crowd behaviour is not necessarily connected with anonymity and the loss of self. According to Tajfel and Turner the loss of self in the crowd behaviour is replaced by the social identity which is constrained by shared social norms amongst the group. Tajfel argues that we posses not just one individual identity but also a social one in terms that we belong to various social groups and share and accept their norms and values. In this light the social identity theory would argue that individuals do not lose their sense of self in the crowd rather they are more constrained by the shared group norms and as such cannot feel anonymous. It could be argued that Le Bon’s concept of contagion and the deindividuation theory have some similarities. They both start with the assumption that the crowd behaviour involves anonymity which is associated with the loss of self to a certain degree. Both of these theories also agree on the fact that the crowd behaviour alters individual’s feelings and behaviour and makes them more impulsive and less accountable for their actions. However both of the theories use different concept to explain this behaviour. Whilst Le Bon explains the crowd behaviour with the concept of the ‘group mind’ which takes over a rational individual’s mind and leads them to be aggressive and primitive (Dixon and Mahendran, 2012, p. 5), Festinger et al. use the concept of deindividuation to explain the psychological shift in individual’s mind whilst being part of the crowd. Another similarity between the concept of contagion and deindividuation is their perception of crowds being somewhat negative in their nature. Le Bon argues that crowds are dangerous in terms of their primitiveness and possible uncontrolled aggression. These features of crowd behaviour according to Le Bon pose a threat to the social hierarchy and as such should  be controlled and prevented (Dixon and Mahendran, 2012, p. 5). Similarly the deindividuation theories would suggest that the effects of crowd behaviour on the individual are negative in a sense that they lead to increased aggression. Zimbardo focused on the links between anonymity and aggression in his experiment with administering the electric shocks and the findings suggested that anonymity had indeed intensified the aggression. Zimbardo explained this phenomenon as a ‘diffusion of responsibility’ and saw it as a by-product of deindividuation. According to Zimbardo being part of crowd (or a social group) makes individuals feel like they are protected by the anonymity surrounding them and therefore they do not feel a moral responsibility for their actions which leads them to being more violent and aggressive. In the light of the evidence presented by Zimbardo it could be argued that anonymity is indeed associated with the loss of self. On the other hand there are differences to be found between these theories and their outlook on the loss of self. Whilst Le Bon and his concept of contagion and to some degree deindividuation theories would argue that crowds are not beneficial, the social identity theory would present evidence to argue otherwise. As Tajfel and Turner argue crowd behaviour is not necessarily associated with the loss of self rather there is a shift from the individual’s sense of self to the collective one. Social identity theorists do not see this feature of crowd behaviour as negative but rather they explain crowd behaviour in terms of its uniformity and spontaneity. According to the social identity theorists the fact that people belong to a certain social group creates constraints and forces the individuals to behave in a way that is acceptable and shared within the members of the group. As such the social groups act in a way which is more uniformed and predictable than the individuals themselves. Furthermore the social identity theorists would point out that thanks to the concept of ‘inductive categorization’ the crowds behaviour can be seen as socially coordinated. This concept can be explained using an example of football fans behaviour during the football match where there is no leader who orders the fans to sing and cheer at the same time. Rather if one of the fans starts singing or chanting the others join in because of the ‘inductive categorization’ within this particular social group. The evidence to challenge the claim that anonymity in crowd behaviour is always associated with a loss of self can be found in a research conducted by Reicher on the St. Pauls riots. Reicher argued that the riots were no random acts of violence as Le Bon or deindividuation theory would suggest, rather the rioters directed their violence towards specific targets and kept them geographically confined to the relevant area. This suggests that the rioter’s behaviour was uniformed and predictable and therefore fits in the explanation of the social identity theory. Further evidence can be found in the research of Reicher and Stott on the London riots in 2011. From the perspective of the deidividuation and Le Bon’s theory the riots were explained as a prime example of a ‘group mind’ taking over any rationality and resulting in violence and aggression. According to these theories the individuals lost their identity in the crowd hence their responsibility and behaved like primitive animals. However different perspective is offered by the social identity theorists. Reicher and Stott argued that the rioters did not lose their identities in the riots but rather they switched to the social identity which resulted in a collective action. The rioters were not random criminals but were members of the social community with a shared ideas and goals. The actions of the rioters were not random but they were directed at the symbols of authority suggesting collective and uniformed action which was designed to fight inequality. The social identity theorists would therefore argue that there is no such concept as a loss of self in the cr owd behaviour rather there is a shift to a social identity which is distinguished by its collectiveness and uniformity. In summary then it could be argued that from the perspective of the deindividuation theory and Le Bon’s theory, anonymity in crowd behaviour is associated with the loss of self. Le Bon and his concept of contagion argue that individuals in crowd lose their ability to think rationally and are consumed by the ‘group mind’. Deindividuation theories argue for the psychological shift in individual’s mind which is caused by crowd’s anonymity and leads to irrationality and aggression. Zimbardo’s experiment on the diffusion of responsibility certainly suggests this. On the other hand the social identity theory and its explanation of the crowd behaviour  argue strongly against the concept of the loss of the self. This perspective suggests that social groups are far more constrained by its shared social norms to be irrational. Social identity theorists view the crowd behaviour as a positive force in the social change.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Scientific Method and Participant Observation Essay Example for Free

Scientific Method and Participant Observation Essay In the article, â€Å"Researching Dealers and Smugglers,† Patricia Adler discusses her and her husband’s experience using participant observation to collect data from drug dealers and the problems this qualitative method brought. A qualitative method focuses on collecting rich, non-statistical data. This method involves face-to-face interviews and actual participation with the group being researched. The Adlers use this method because it is almost impossible to gather accurate information on people who smuggle drugs. This is true because they are such private and deceitful people. The only way to get the real facts is if the smugglers trust the person. Unfortunately, participant observation brought problems such as the dealers and smugglers being under the influence or going through withdrawal during the interviews and the Adlers mixing their overt and covert roles. The Adlers chose participant observation because they found that using this method allowed them to acquire the most in-depth and rich data than any other method. If criminals like dealers and smugglers were given a survey, it would not work out because they are not just going to tell the truth and risk getting caught by the police. They are specific with who they give information to, so the Adlers had to show them that they could be trusted. They could not have done that with without using participant observation. Although there were many aspects about the Adlers that made them and the research method they used convenient, there were also some risks they had to take. While doing research, the Adlers encountered some problems using this method, one of which was interviewing the dealers and smugglers while they were under the influence of either marijuana or cocaine. In addition, the participants were sometimes withdrawal symptoms, so they were not able to interview properly. Patricia mentions how marijuana and cocaine had different effects on the interviewees. She states, â€Å"marijuana was unproductive for a number of reasons†¦ Often people became confused, sleepy, or involved in eating to varying degrees. ’ On the other hand, cocaine assisted the research procedure by making the dealers feel more comfortable. Cocaine also helped the dealers open up easily. During the interviews, some dealers experienced withdrawal symptoms. It caused them to become malicious with each other or towards the Alders without any warning. The way the Alders solved this problem was by taking precautions when interacting with the dealers. The cocaine use was not a problem for the Adlers, but they most likely dealt with the marijuana issue quite easily since Patricia does not specifically explain how it was solved. In addition, there was another problem the Adlers encountered. The Adlers also found that mixing the overt and covert roles with the members of the group throughout the investigation was another issue. Since the Adlers had different level relationships with every individual, some of the dealers were aware that they were a part of a research project while others were not aware. This sometimes confused the Adlers. Patricia states, â€Å"They [the informants] would made occasional veiled references in front of people, especially when loosened by intoxicants, that made us extremely uncomfortable. † This issue made the couple uncomfortable because they did not want to blow their cover. Patricia and Peter Adler also feared that the participants would think they are police. Peter and Patricia Adler solved this issue by take the necessary safety measures so anyone they did not want to find out. The Adlers encountered various problems while utilizing this qualitative method. They had troubles such as mixing their covert and overt roles and dealing with some of the smugglers and dealers being intoxicated. Therefore this investigation became very risky, but Patricia and her husband finalized by collecting all the data needed. The Adlers also resolved their problems in a cautious way utilizing patience, precaution, and rational and clever thinking. The couple definitely learned a lot throughout the experiment and got more than they anticipated going through it.

Friday, September 20, 2019

How To Improve School For Todays Young Learners Education Essay

How To Improve School For Todays Young Learners Education Essay There is a significant amount of research that has explored the benefits of in-school Physical education. With a large number of schools and students participating, control groups have been able to track the advantages and disadvantages of in-school Physical education. The conclusions, interpretations, and suggestions for Physical Education have determined an overall academic performance increase has occurred in the students with proper Physical Education instruction. The need to improve the school systems for todays young learners should be at the pinnacle of education reform. How to improve school for todays young learners There is a rising concern with the development of our children and their academic performance in comparison to other industrialized countries throughout the world. If the United States wants to remain competitive in the world market, it needs to address the issues involving the future generations. If the education of past generations has proven to be inadequate, an elucidation for improving the school systems will create smarter generations for the future. Improving the nations school system is a difficult and delicate project. If we try to change the curriculum, determining which curriculum to change becomes far too analytical. Does reading need more attention than writing? Does writing need more attention than Arithmetic? Subjecting every student to standardized test has been the determinant of all the prevailing questions. Teach to the test is the routine saying to describe our elementary academics. The focus is on the test, and has taken away from the learning. The standardized t esting does little to improve the knowledge of the student, but the learning gives the students a priceless commodity. The schools need to look at more progressive means of improvement; address the needs of the students and the teachers, not the states requirements for test scores. There has been significant research on the effects of in-school Physical Education and its benefits. The continuation of in-school physical education will improve  overall student academic performance and an  array of physical and mental skills. Physical Education is a subject that is creates better students and has an additional benefit of health. Schools currently have Physical Education as part of the daily curriculum, but the amount of time allotted for proper physical education is diminishing. This may be adversely affecting the overall performance, students who had moderate to high levels of physical activity within P.E. reported fewer attention problems during class and more years of post-high school educationalà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Exner, A. 2009). An example of a modification to the school curriculum would be to reduce the amount of time for lunch and recess and introduce organized sport or play. The additional physical activity increases the attentiveness of the students, and will result in better comprehension or retention of the course material. With a better understanding of the school material the students are more confident in their studies and are more willing to pursue post high school education. If our nation wants stay competitive with other nations, we need to develop smarter students from the infancy of education, not better test takers. The mental skills enhancements associated with exercise, research shows that physical activity improves academic skill learning, concentration, memory, classroom behavior, and general academic performance, (Exner, A. 2009) are the things that need to be addressed. If schools focus on developing the concentration and memory of children, then the children will learn more in the allotted time for school. Developing the skills to learn as well as learning itself will benefit our school system tremendously. Classroom instruction is an essential in the foundation of education, and quality Physical Education should be included. Physical Education is a complicated; insuring that schools properly apply all the right formulas for physical education will result in better cognition in children. Lounsbery and Smith (2009) have indentified that Quality physical education is defined by standards related to five critical elements: (1) who teaches it, (2) how often students receive it, (3) what is taught, (4) how well students should perform, and (5) for what purpose it is taught. The schools need to be sure all teachers receive, at minimum, basic physical activity training. Giving the teachers the tools to properly apply physical education will assist them with the in classroom subjects as well. A proper balance of education in schools needs to be maintained. If we take away from physical education and give to math or reading the equilibrium of education is thrown off. Academic achievement will prevail in the students with the proper amount of Physical Education. Our nation is falling behind on the overall test scores, due to the change in curriculum. Sometimes it is necessary to cut subjects due to budgetary constraints, but cutting the things that adversely affect the students is a better idea than reducing the subject proven to increase the productivity of the students. When legislation calls for education budget cuts, the first things on the chopping block are physical activities and extra curricular sports programs. The demands of politicians and the government are obstructing the advancement of academic performance in this country. Balancing the subjects in all area of the academic process needs to be maintained, in order to provide students with the necessary tools to succeed in school and life. An equal treatment of all subjects will create an atmosphere for higher learning standards. As youths make the transition to adulthood, they require skills that will aid them in making self-assessments, planning personal programs, setting goals à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦(self-monitoring), making decisions, and solving problems (Le Masurier, G,   Corbin, C.  2006). In order to make schools better for the young learners of today and generations to come, addressing the needs of developing mind and body go hand in hand. The body is the carrying case for the mind and its capabilities. The multiple benefits of Physical education extend outside of the classroom. Personal growth and maturity in the decision making process are also among the many values to physical education. Schools want for the students to achieve high test scores, at the risk of becoming in-sufficient in other fields of education. Schools primary obligation to the student is to properly prepare and develop the mind and body for what ever lies ahead. Whether is be running companies, raising families, or governing countries, the students that are given the proper education from the beginning will be more successful.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Tradition and Ancestry in Ishmael Reeds Mumbo Jumbo Essay -- Ishmael

Tradition and Ancestry in Ishmael Reed's Mumbo Jumbo      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the Western industrialized world, time is seen as a progression of events, the present building on the past as civilization becomes more "advanced." However, in the African conception of time, "the human being goes backward ...he is oriented toward the world of the ancestors, toward those who no longer belong to the world of the living" (Zahan 45). Ishmael Reed's Mumbo Jumbo problematizes the relationship between past and present. Rejecting both the ideas of "progress" and of strict adherence to tradition, he advocates instead improvisation--responding and adapting to immediacy without uprooting one's connections to the past.    For the inhabitant of the Western industrialized world, the paradigm of progress dominates his or her conceptions of birth, death, time, and history. Tradition is part of a construction of history that shows the causal progression of events from the past to the present. Time is linear. An individual progresses forward in life, socially and materially advancing himself or herself as much as possible within one life-span. Old age denotes the approach of death--the end of individual progress and the barrier of human progress. Consumerism, materialism and scientific empiricism are the mechanisms of Western progress. They presuppose a separation between man and woman, his body, and his environment, and the ability of the ormer to control the latter three, assumptions which can ultimately wreak "havoc among cultures that are not organized around the pursuit of material abundance" (Diamond 138). According to anthropologist Dominique Zahan, tradition, for the African "is above al l the collective experience of the com... ...Cited Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart New York: Astor-Honor, Inc., 1959. Badomo, Andre. "Tradition and Modernism on Horseback." Ness 99-107. Bernard, Bouba. "Reflections on the Life of the European." Ness 27-41. Desmangles, Leslie G. The Faces of the Gods: Vodou and Roman Catholicism in Haiti. Chapel Hill: U of North Carolina Press, 1992. Diamond, Irene. Fertile Ground: Women, Earth, and the Limits ofControl Boston: Beacon Press, 1994. Ness. Philip A. Grafting Old Rootstock: Studies in Culture and Religion of the Chamba, Duru, Fula, and Gbaya of Cameroun. Dallas: Summer Institute of Linguistics, Inc., 1982. Reed, Ishmael. Mumbo Jumbo. New York: Atheneum, 1972. Zahan, Dominique. The Religion, Spirituality, and Thought of Traditional Africa. Trans. Kate Ezra Martin and Lawrence M. Martin. Chicago: U of Chicago Press, 1979. Tradition and Ancestry in Ishmael Reed's Mumbo Jumbo Essay -- Ishmael Tradition and Ancestry in Ishmael Reed's Mumbo Jumbo      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the Western industrialized world, time is seen as a progression of events, the present building on the past as civilization becomes more "advanced." However, in the African conception of time, "the human being goes backward ...he is oriented toward the world of the ancestors, toward those who no longer belong to the world of the living" (Zahan 45). Ishmael Reed's Mumbo Jumbo problematizes the relationship between past and present. Rejecting both the ideas of "progress" and of strict adherence to tradition, he advocates instead improvisation--responding and adapting to immediacy without uprooting one's connections to the past.    For the inhabitant of the Western industrialized world, the paradigm of progress dominates his or her conceptions of birth, death, time, and history. Tradition is part of a construction of history that shows the causal progression of events from the past to the present. Time is linear. An individual progresses forward in life, socially and materially advancing himself or herself as much as possible within one life-span. Old age denotes the approach of death--the end of individual progress and the barrier of human progress. Consumerism, materialism and scientific empiricism are the mechanisms of Western progress. They presuppose a separation between man and woman, his body, and his environment, and the ability of the ormer to control the latter three, assumptions which can ultimately wreak "havoc among cultures that are not organized around the pursuit of material abundance" (Diamond 138). According to anthropologist Dominique Zahan, tradition, for the African "is above al l the collective experience of the com... ...Cited Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart New York: Astor-Honor, Inc., 1959. Badomo, Andre. "Tradition and Modernism on Horseback." Ness 99-107. Bernard, Bouba. "Reflections on the Life of the European." Ness 27-41. Desmangles, Leslie G. The Faces of the Gods: Vodou and Roman Catholicism in Haiti. Chapel Hill: U of North Carolina Press, 1992. Diamond, Irene. Fertile Ground: Women, Earth, and the Limits ofControl Boston: Beacon Press, 1994. Ness. Philip A. Grafting Old Rootstock: Studies in Culture and Religion of the Chamba, Duru, Fula, and Gbaya of Cameroun. Dallas: Summer Institute of Linguistics, Inc., 1982. Reed, Ishmael. Mumbo Jumbo. New York: Atheneum, 1972. Zahan, Dominique. The Religion, Spirituality, and Thought of Traditional Africa. Trans. Kate Ezra Martin and Lawrence M. Martin. Chicago: U of Chicago Press, 1979.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

History of Arkansas Tech University :: essays research papers

History of Arkansas Tech University Est. 1909   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Arkansas ranked 42nd out of the 46 states in annual per capita school funds at a mere $4.97 per student. Citizens started to feel the need for secondary education for their children most ardently. The Washington County Farmers’ Union started the concept of agricultural boarding schools. H.S. Mobley was one of the most fluent spokesman for the Union. He believed in vocational education, and he pleaded for schools where students might learn partly by working with their hands at practical farm work under trained instructors. In 1908, the Arkansas Democratic platform endorsed the idea of â€Å"farmer’s schools† and George W. Donaghey advocated four such schools in his campaign for governor. The bill that was introduced to the Senate was referred to the agriculture committee, which reported the bill back to the House of Representatives on January 30, 1909, with the recommendation that it be passed. The bill passed the House on February 5, 1909, and the Senate on March 23, 1909. It was signed into law as Act 100 by Governor Donaghey on April 1, 1909. By September 30, 1909, the board members had been appointed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The town wishing to be considered as the location for one of the four schools must offer a minimum of $40,000 and a site of not less than 200 acres. The citizens of Russellville were very interested in meeting these bid conditions. A story in the January 1910 Courier Democrat stated that Atkins had raised $30,000 and 320 acres of land toward a bid for the school, apparently only four towns were in the final bidding; Fort Smith with $40,000 and 200 acres of land; Ozark with $40,000 and 200 acres of land; Russellville with $40,000 and 220 acres of land; and Morrilton with $46,000 and 200 acres of land. It originally appeared that Morrilton went to Ozark with the best bid. However, apparently at the last moment the Russellville delegation led by Judge R.B. Wilson raised its bid by offering free lights and water for three years. Russellville was also favored because of its healthfulness of location, its railroad connections with Dardanelle, Ola, Little Rock, and Fort Smith, Arkansas, its quality of soil, its central location in the district, its proposed site close to town, and its location directly on the water and light lines coming from the dam. February 10, 1910, was a great day in Russellville. History of Arkansas Tech University :: essays research papers History of Arkansas Tech University Est. 1909   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Arkansas ranked 42nd out of the 46 states in annual per capita school funds at a mere $4.97 per student. Citizens started to feel the need for secondary education for their children most ardently. The Washington County Farmers’ Union started the concept of agricultural boarding schools. H.S. Mobley was one of the most fluent spokesman for the Union. He believed in vocational education, and he pleaded for schools where students might learn partly by working with their hands at practical farm work under trained instructors. In 1908, the Arkansas Democratic platform endorsed the idea of â€Å"farmer’s schools† and George W. Donaghey advocated four such schools in his campaign for governor. The bill that was introduced to the Senate was referred to the agriculture committee, which reported the bill back to the House of Representatives on January 30, 1909, with the recommendation that it be passed. The bill passed the House on February 5, 1909, and the Senate on March 23, 1909. It was signed into law as Act 100 by Governor Donaghey on April 1, 1909. By September 30, 1909, the board members had been appointed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The town wishing to be considered as the location for one of the four schools must offer a minimum of $40,000 and a site of not less than 200 acres. The citizens of Russellville were very interested in meeting these bid conditions. A story in the January 1910 Courier Democrat stated that Atkins had raised $30,000 and 320 acres of land toward a bid for the school, apparently only four towns were in the final bidding; Fort Smith with $40,000 and 200 acres of land; Ozark with $40,000 and 200 acres of land; Russellville with $40,000 and 220 acres of land; and Morrilton with $46,000 and 200 acres of land. It originally appeared that Morrilton went to Ozark with the best bid. However, apparently at the last moment the Russellville delegation led by Judge R.B. Wilson raised its bid by offering free lights and water for three years. Russellville was also favored because of its healthfulness of location, its railroad connections with Dardanelle, Ola, Little Rock, and Fort Smith, Arkansas, its quality of soil, its central location in the district, its proposed site close to town, and its location directly on the water and light lines coming from the dam. February 10, 1910, was a great day in Russellville.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Guilt in a Heartbeat

Guilt in a Heartbeat Through the heart beat from the Tell-Tale Heart Edgar Allan Poe shows that all bad deeds come with endless guilt. This short story illustrates that the obsession of the narrator, who is an everyday man, drives him to commit murder to an old man that has done no harm nor insult the narrator. This also goes to show that a man’s conscience can be his own enemy. The Tell-Tale Heart explores various ideas that reassure the insanity that drove the narrator to commit unjustified murder, and the narrator provides this information by describing what kind of character he is.Poe also writes in a very effective point of view that allows the audience to understand completely all the narrators transitions, then the audience is able to see how the setting of the story fits perfectly in this story, finally Poe is able to create various symbolisms injected in the story that justify the narrator’s actions. The narrator does not reveal a specific name, but does reveal that he is a care giver to the old man which is the only identity given in the short story.Through the short story it’s shown that the narrator is not a dynamic character, because at the beginning of the story he is insane and at the end he is still insane, which reveals that the character has no change or growth throughout the whole story. But the only part where he develops a kind of change and growth is when the narrator hears the corpse’s heartbeat from beneath the floor he screams in agony saying â€Å"Villains! Dissemble no more! I admit the deed! — tear up the planks! —here, here! —it is the beating of his hideous heart! (Poe 18) which makes him a conscious of the big mistake and horrible crime he has committed. This small change and growth of the main character is very visible in the story due to the point of view that the story is being told. The point of view of the story is very effective because the Tell-Tale Heart is written in first person. The narrator is the main character in the story, which allows the reader to explore and view in a deeper way the feelings, thoughts, and macabre imaginations of him.The narrator also helps the reader understand in which moment the story is being told because the story begins in the middle where the narrator is trying to convince the police man that he has done no wrong in the house and trying to make them believe that the old man is in vacations out of the country. The point of view takes us to see the setting of the story that helps the narrator to feel more comfortable. The setting of the story is very important.The narrator has a comfortable way of walking through the house like it was his own. What shows that he is comfortable is that he takes a full hour to open the door just enough to fit his head, which makes him seem very insane with an obsession that is not letting him go to sleep or at least not spy to the old man. The house allows the narrator to create a darker atmosphere in which he is able to kill, dismember, and bury the old man’s body.The nature of each character is very different, because the old man with a helpless nature is not able to take care of himself, or even live by himself. On the contrary the narrator reveals himself to be a selfish, crazy, and a lonely person that is not able to coexist well with other people. Edgar Allan Poe was able to give great symbols in the Tell-Tale Heart. The â€Å"vulture† eye is what starts driving the narrator insane, because the narrator does not have interest in the old men’s money nor has the old man done bad to the narrator.The eye symbolizes the obsession the narrator has, which indicates the insanity and craziness of him. The caution that the narrator has while going into the old man’s room symbolizes that the narrator has a true obsession over the old man’s eye. The narrator has a goal and he will do anything to complete the murder. The narrator cannot e ven sleep or do his regular duties just to be thinking and being horrified by the old man’s vulture eye.The last symbol that it was in this short story is the heart beat at the end of the story where he hears a heartbeat through the wooden floor while the policemen are there. That symbolizes his guilt where he finds himself feeling bad and rather to be dead than to keep listening to the olds man’s heart that it is buried under the floor he expresses this by screaming â€Å"But anything was better than this agony† and â€Å"I could bear those hypocritical smiles no longer! I felt that I must scream or die! † (Poe 17).The human mind can be a wonderful and terrible thing. People are soon to forget the good but continue to be haunted by the bad. The narrator’s mind did not allow him to forget the deeds that he was just recently so proud of. They haunted him by means of a beating heart, that although was only in his mind, he believed it was real. Work C ited Poe, Edgar A. The Tell-Tale Heart. 2010. Literature an Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama and Writing. By X. J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia. New York: Pearson-Longman, 2010. 36-40. Print.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Population Health Essay

Population health is the aggregation of various approach to health care that determines the health outcome of a group of individuals (Nash, JoAnne, Fabius, & Pracilio, 2011). Population health brings together the total quality of health of individuals in the community, considering the disparities in cultures, socioeconomical status, demographics, etc. The outcome of health of individuals in a giving population is highly determined by the policies that govern the healthcare delivery and care interventions (Nash et al., 2011). The care interventions include health screening, promotion and prevention, disease management, and chronic care management (Nash et al., 2011). To improve safety and and eliminate health disparities in the population, it is important to improve the quality of care of individuals, and the community as a whole by creating awareness about disease, providing education and setting in place facilities to help treat such diseases early before it becomes chronic illness. These are all categorized under primary, secondary, and tertiary intervention. According to Kindig, & Stoddart (2003), the concept and measurement of health and health outcomes focuses attention and research effort on the impact of each determinant and their interactions on some appropriate outcome, and it also allows one to consider health inequality and inequity and the distribution of health across subpopulations, as well as the ethical and value considerations underpinning these issues. Nash et al. (2011), the basic attributes of population health as follows: Patient-centered care Identified care provider Interdiciplinary healthcare team members such as physical therapists, spech therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, etc Knowledge and recognition of determinants of health and the impact on individuals and the population Integration of the community systems with public health Application of evidence-based practice to provide good quality, and cost effective care provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate care and health education Implementation of interoperable cross-sector health information technology Nash et al. (2011) defines health disparities as â€Å"difference in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and the burden of  diseases, as well as other adverse health conditions or outcomes that exists among specific population groups, and have well-documents in subpopulations based on socioeconomic status, education, age, race and ethnicity, geography, disability, sexual orientation,, or special needs†. Disparities in healthcare can lead to high mortality and morbidity rates. It can also lead to low quality of life (Nash et al., 2011). It is important to recognize the impact that social determinants have on health outcomes of specific populations and strive to improve the health of all groups. Population health has opened the eyes of the government and other private sectors to the disparities in population health, and these bodies have come together to improve the healthcare system of the country. Over the years, efforts to eliminate disparities and achieve health equity have focused primarily on diseases or illnesses and on health care services. During the past 2 decades, 1 of Healthy People’s overarching goals has focused on disparities. In Healthy People 2000, it was to reduce health disparities among Americans. In Healthy People 2010, it was to eliminate, not just reduce, health disparities. In Healthy People 2020, that goal was expanded even further: to achieve health equity, eliminate disparities, and improve the health of all groups (Nash et al, 2011). Kindig, D., & Stoddart, G. (2003). What is population health? Am J Public Health. 93(3): 80-383 Nash, D., B., Reifsnyder, J., Fabius, R., J., & Pracilio, V. P. (2011). Population health: Creating a culture of wellness. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Healthcare and Poverty in America

The Dire Need for Universal Health Care The United States is considered by many to be the greatest country in the world. However, when it comes to health care the US is ranked behind 36 other countries, according to the World Health Organization. If one was to do any research at all, they would find that an overwhelming 34 of these 36 countries all have one thing in common. They all use a universal health care system. This is not just a mere coincidence.The problems and outrageous cost within the US healthcare system causes over 700,000 Americans to go bankrupt every year. This staggering problem simply does not occur in any other industrialized countries. Accounting for these facts the United States needs to move quickly to embrace the ideas and adopt the policies of a universal healthcare system. Not only will this help improve the quality of care but will also improve the life of its estimated 16. 3% or 50 million citizens without any healthcare insurance at all.An almost overwhel ming problem caused by the United States’ current health care system is that those with low incomes can't afford the necessary health care and thus already rely on occupations or government programs to receive coverage. This is evident if not by merely recognizing that 50 million citizens don’t have any health insurance, but also because the statistics clearly show that it is very uncommon for health insurance to be purchased directly by the individual. Using statistics taken by the US Census Bureau in 2010, we can conclude that of the 83. % of people with health insurance, the majority 55. 3% had it through employment –based benefits and 31. 0% were able to receive it through government funding. This compares to the measly 9. 8% of people that purchased their insurance directly from a provider. After examining this, it is evident that the vast majority of people rely on their employers or the government funding to keep health insurance. This fact clearly causes some problems when someone might be laid off or just simply makes a career change. Entire families can lose their health coverage due to the breadwinner being released from their job.The National Center for Health Statistics claims that over 50% of individuals lacking health insurance directly blame cost. Roughly 24% of uninsured people claim reasons related to a lost job or a change in employment. It is interesting to note that around 8% of people claim ineligibility for family insurance coverage due to age or leaving school. The primary reason for lacking insurance is money, and it could also be argued that money is directly or indirectly involved in almost every circumstance causing a family to lack the necessary health insurance to provide care.Several years ago in 2005 the NCHS began a study that found well over 40 million adults claiming that they were in need of but did not receive one or more of the health services that follow: medical care, prescription medicines, mental h ealth care, dental care, or eyeglasses. The best reason these 40 million citizens didn’t receive such basic forms of healthcare was simply that they could not afford it. The United States is the only industrialized country that does not provide some type of universal health care to its citizens. Furthermore, they have one of the highest rates for health care expenditures in the world.As a matter of fact, health care expenditures in the United States are by far the highest of any developed country. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development the United States health care expenditures is at 15. 3% of GDP. Next highest in spending is Switzerland, at only 11. 6% of their national GDP. This leads one to believe that the United States does not spend health care money very efficiently. Even according to the Congressional Budget Office in 2006 there were an estimated one-third of health care expenditures that did not help improve health outcomes.Thatâ€⠄¢s roughly 700 billion dollars, and represents nearly 5% of the United States entire GDP. The best solution that is currently being made to the United States healthcare system is what people informally call â€Å"Obamacare. † The actual name for the bill is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (abbreviated to PPACA or ACA). The PPACA has implemented a large amount of new rules and regulations regarding health care, with the purpose of making health care more affordable for everyone. There are some that stand in opposition of the PPACA.They argue that they believe these new rules and regulations take away too many freedoms and force people (both individuals and businesses) to do things they shouldn't have to. However, politicians have concluded that the positive effects of the PPACA far outweigh any negatives. The positive effects that will come about from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act are so numerable it would take hundreds of pages to discuss. One important change will come about by lifting the patent protections on prescription drugs.The bill allows the Food and Drug Administration to approve more generic drugs, thus causing competition in the market to drive the prices downward. This in itself would lower the United States drug prices from being an astounding 35% to 55% higher than other countries to actually being competitive at a fair market value. The PPACA has also made new regulations that place a limit on just how much of a percentage of the money an insurer makes can be profit, to make sure they're not price-gouging customers. Obamacare† uses the philosophy that strictly regulating insurance companies profit margins will help prevent the health insurance price-gouging that has been running awry all over the United States. Helpless customers that desperately need to be insured have formerly had little to no control over the greedy insurance providers. The PPACA stepping in and regulating should be viewed more a s a protection for the consumer that a hindrance to the insurance suppliers. The PPACA also places new regulations on what new health plans have to offer.For example, insurance providers are now required to provide preventive care without requiring any sort of charge at all. Before this new regulation was put in place many health providers did not cover cost or still charged fees for things such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and many other forms of screening that would be unaffordable to many in the lower class. Requiring preventive care coverage should better the quality of health care provided in the US, especially to those at or below the poverty line.In conclusion, upon seeing the problems the current United States healthcare system creates for citizens struggling in or right above the poverty line, upon taking a glance at other countries healthcare systems that seem to be more efficient and less expensive, and upon already experiencing the positive changes that have come from i mplementing rules and regulations that create a universal healthcare system, Americans should begin to finally agree that healthcare reform should be at the forefront of our minds.Not only to help all those stricken with poverty to receive care, but to improve the quality of healthcare for all Americans. Word Count: 1197 words

Saturday, September 14, 2019

How does society shape people’s lives? Essay

The aim of this essay is to explore how society shapes people’s lives. The meaning of the word â€Å"shaping† in this context means to â€Å"influence or affect† (The Open University, 2013, YO32 p 29). This essay will focus on Childhood: Body image and stress related eating disorders, from Block 4, Unit 3 and Psychology: Social influence, happiness and natural and synthetic happiness from Unit 5. Society has shaped us to embrace a rather different body image to that of 100 years ago to the point where being slim is now considered the norm (The Open University, 2013 Unit 3, 3.2). There has been a shift from the plumper body image seen in paintings dating back to the 19th century, to the ultra slim catwalk models of today. As there has been a shift in body image, there has also been a shift in eating habits (The Open University, 2013, Unit 3, 3.2). It is now less likely for families to sit down together and eat the more traditional three meals a day, with young people now more likely to favour energy dense fast food diets (NSHD) (n.d.). The National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD) (n.d.) recommends that young people should take regular exercise and have a minimum of 3 thirty minute sessions of exercise per week and drink a minimum of 2 litres of water per day. The pressure society places on young people to conform to the ideal body image has led to many adolescents developing stress-related eating disorders (The Open University, 2013, Unit 3, 3.4). There are three main eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and binge eating (The Open University, 2013, Unit 3, 3.6). Disordered eating is a mental illness in which the patient severely restricts their calorie intake. Although girls are mainly affected by anorexia a significant number of boys are also affected (the Open University, 2013). AN is quite different from BN giving sufferers of BN cause to overeat and then purge to make themselves sick, thereby controlling their weight (The Open University, 2013, Unit 3, 3.4). It could be argued that the media’s portrayal of the ideal body shape may lead to young people developing eating disorders. The evidence suggests the Press may be partly to blame, and that society is ignoring a cry for help. Quoted in the Daily Telegraph (Jardine, 2013), Kate Moss said â€Å"nothing tastes as good as skinny feels† – comments like this add fuel to the argument. Worries about physical appearance lead to low self-esteem and a need to control weight, which may lead into a cycle of depression and a further loss of confidence (NIMH) (n.d.). Eating habits have changed significantly in the post war period (Young’s, 2004). Young’s points out that these changes in eating habits and the abundance of food now available, in part due to the role played by supermarkets, fast food outlets and the growth in international travel, could also be having a detrimental effect on body image. The World Health Organisation (WHO, 2004) reports 10% of children are overweight lending support to the argument that body image in the media may influence the young. Eating disorders such as AN and BN are attempts by young people to be in control of the way they look and are portrayed by society , which may influence their happiness. The influence of our social roles within society, whether in our work or home lives, will affect our happiness in our individual roles (The Open University, 2013 p47). Influences on happiness and unhappiness may include factors such as being in employment, strong family support, a good network of friends and a sense of belonging (The Open University, 2013 p48). Being active and keeping one’s mind active is also an important part of being happy and having as many different sources of interest as possible may contribute to this. People who are less active and have fewer contacts may be unhappier than those who don’t (Layard, 2005). How one perceives happiness may vary with the socio-cultural environment in which they were brought up, with people in Western society being generally happier (White, 2006). The influence of happiness on our everyday lives contributes greatly to the way we feel about ourselves. As a species we have evolved a mechanism by which we can make up almost anything. Gilbert describes a mechanism he defines as an â€Å"experience simulator†, which means we have the ability to imagine a situation before it actually happens (The Open University, 2013 p51). Another term introduced by Gilbert is â€Å"impact bias†, which broadly means that within 6-12 months following an apparently life-changing event,  one will be as happy after the event as before. Gilbert explains â€Å"real happiness is what we get when we get what we want, as opposed to synthetic happiness which is what we get when we don’t get what we really want† (The Open University, 2013 pp50-51). It could be argued that if we play a certain role we can synthesise a greater sense of happiness. The evidence suggests that whatever our role in society is, we have an ability to find the best in every situation. Layard (2005) points out that our societal roles play a major part in perceived happiness. Gilbert (The Open University, 2013) points to scientific data that would seem to confirm Layard’s view that a person’s sense of happiness can be influenced by how we live our lives. Gilbert presents two sets of experimental data as evidence that happiness can be synthesised. These sets of data were from only a small sample size and the results may not be representative of society, so further research should be undertaken. One’s individual sense of happiness, whether synthetic or real, will reflect on how society in general operates. In the author’s opinion, having a happy society can only be good in creating a happier world. Conclusion Society has shaped us to believe that body image is all too important, as we are constantly bombarded with a view of the perceived ideal. Looking good would appear to make us happy, possibly more so during our youth, but there are obviously many other factors that can contribute to happiness. References (All these references have been visited) Jardine, C. (2010) ‘Eating disorders in the young’, The Telegraph, 29 September 2010 [Online]. Available at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/ health/ children shealth/8030962/ Eating-disorders-in-the-young.html (Accessed 16 May 2014). Layard, R. (2005) Happiness: Lessons from a New Science, New York, Penguin. National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) (n.d.) [Online]. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/ health/ publications/ eating-disorders/ index.shtml (Accessed 14 May 2014). National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD) (n.d.) [Online]. Available at http://www.nshd.mrc.ac.uk/(Accessed 21 May 2014). The Open University (2013). Block 4, Unit 3, Childhood: society, food and children. 3.6 different eating disorders [Online]. Available at http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Anorexia-nervosa/Pages/Introduction.aspx (accessed 23 May 2014) The Open University (2013). Block 4, Unit 3, Childhood: society, food and children. 3.2 healthy eating [Online]. Available at https://learn2.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=441400#downloads (accessed 23 May 2014). The Open University, 2013. YO32-13J. Block 4, Unit 3 Childhood: society, food and children. 3.2 healthy eating [Online]. Available at https://learn2.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=441400#downloads (Accessed 30 April 2014). The Open University, 2013. â€Å"Block 4 society, Unit 5†. Psychology, society, selves and happiness, p47. Milton Keynes, The Ope n University. The Open University, 2013. â€Å"Block 4 society, Unit 5†. Psychology: society, selves and happiness, p48. Milton Keynes, The Open University. The Open University, 2013. YO32 People, work and society access module. Assessment guidelines, p29. Milton Keynes, The Open University. White, A. (2006) â€Å"University of Leicester produces the first ever world map of happiness† [Online]. Available at http://www.le.ac.uk/ebulletin-archive/ ebulletin/news/press-releases/2000-2009/2006/07/nparticle.2006-07-28.html (Accessed 24 April 2014). World Health Organisation (WHO) (2004) ‘Fight childhood obesity to help prevent diabetes, says WHO & IDF’, WHO, 11 November 2004 [Online]. Available at http://www.who.int./ mediacentre/ news/ releases/ 2004/ pr81/ en/ (Accessed 20 May 2014). Youngs, I. (2004) ‘My wartime menu’, BBC News Online, 30 June 2004 [Online]. Available at http://news.bbc.co.uk/ 1/ hi/ magazine/ 3847041.stm (Accessed 23 April 2014 ).

If human nature does alter Essay

What is human nature? According to an interesting article I have read, humanity can be interpreted in three ways: mechanistic, mysterian and materialist views of humanity. A mechanistic view sees human beings largely as objects through which nature acts. A mysterian view suggests that there are aspects of human existence not knowable to mere mortals. A materialist view sees humans as exceptional because humans, unlike any other beings, possess consciousness and agency. In Judaism, human nature is the ability to make our own choice and we will all be held responsible for our actions. From a scientific perspective, human nature is the behavior of human being physically, socially and mentally. There are many different interpretations of human nature and it will never have a specific definition. From my point of view, human nature is how human beings interpret themselves as. Therefore, human nature does alter when we begin to look at ourselves in a new way. In this essay, I have chosen one play from â€Å"The Three Theban Plays† by Sophocles; â€Å"Oedipus the King† and â€Å"Death and the Maiden† by Ariel Dorfman. Looking at the two tragedies, I am going to illustrate how the writers make us â€Å"look at ourselves in a new way†. Searching for the truth is a human nature; because everyone has curiosity. For example, babies feel curious when seeing new items and try to figure out what it is. However, searching for truth is not always beneficial. Sophocles certainly did prove his point through his play, â€Å"Oedipus the King†. Oedipus basically assassinated his father, Laius, acquire his crown and ironically his wife, Oedipus mother, Jocasta. However, Oedipus didn’t have any knowledge of this. To save the city from the plague, he was desperate to track down the murderer of Laius, not knowing that he was the murderer. Throughout the play, Sophocles employs the repetition of blindness to associate with the spiritual blindness of Oedipus to the truth. He was not only blinded to the truth, but also the consequences of discovering the truth. Moreover, the repetition of blindness foreshadows that Oedipus will blind himself at the end of the play when he recognize the truth and what he had done. He is sightless to the advice of people attempting to stop him going down the road of destruction. At the beginning of the play, I have already noticed the wide use of blindness in the dialogue: â€Å"Oedipus: I would be blind to misery not to pity my people kneeling at my feet† (Pg. 159 L14-15) â€Å"Oedipus: You’ve lost your power, stone-blind, stone-deaf – senses, eyes blind as stone! † (Pg. 181 L421-422) From the quotes mentioned, I could see that the word â€Å"blind† often appears in the dialogues of Oedipus. He told his people of Thebes he wouldn’t be â€Å"blind to misery† and promised to save Thebes. However, he is blind to the truth and his identity instead. He insulted Tiresias’ blindness for revealing the prophecy and the truth about Oedipus’ identity which he doubted vigorously. Oedipus’ abuse to Tiresias has a huge contradiction to his own blindness to the outcome of the discovery. Although Tiresias is physically blind, he wasn’t blind to the truth and the effect of revealing it; whereas Oedipus wasn’t blind, but he couldn’t notice the purpose of Tiresias’ actions and ignore his warnings. The repetition of blindness draws attention of the audience every time the characters say the word. This emphasizes the idea of humans are often blind to themselves, the others and also the truth behind things. When they seek to search for the truth, the outcome can be catastrophic: â€Å"Messenger: He rips off her brooches, the long gold pins holding her robes – †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ he digs them down the sockets of his eyes,† (Pg. 237 L1402-1405) â€Å"Messenger: And there we saw the woman hanging by the neck, †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ spinning, swinging back and forth. † (Pg.237 L1395-1397) In the exodus of the play, the ending is a disaster, Jocasta hanged herself and Oedipus blinded himself. Truth can be harmful sometimes, therefore it is better to stay the same and be ignorant. At least we could be better off and happier because truth sometimes doesn’t give us any satisfaction at all. This made us to have a whole new perception about the exploration of truth. After studying the play, I would be more objective about my actions and be humble to the others’ advice, to prevent anything destructive happening. But on the other hand, Oedipus is a man of great quality, he had the courage to seek for the truth even though people persuaded him not to because the truth was dangerous. If we are satisfy about the current state and choose to be â€Å"blind† to many truths on the world, there would be no improvement and development at all. There is certainly no an ultimate answer to the question whether or not we should seek for the truth. In â€Å"Death and the Maiden†, truth is also an important issue. The scene was set in Chile, which had just received democracy after years and years of dictatorship. Gerardo was appointed to be the Head of the Investigating Commission. The purpose of the commission establishes certain truths in a public way, to become part of official history. However, it only deals with the dead, not people suffered but still alive. Paulina, Gerardo’s wife, was one of them, she was put into torture and raped. Ariel Dorfman portrayed Paulina as a desperate person to find out the truth. Paulina is going to search for the truth by all means since she suffered so much pain and was haunted by the past. The only way to relieve her pain is to attain the truth. She had gained power by holding the gun and transformed into a totally different person. We can identify this by looking at the text: â€Å"Paulina: Besides you that if the police do show their noses her I’ll put a bullet through his man’s head. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ And then I’ll put the gun in my mouth and pull the trigger. † (Pg. 18) â€Å"Gerardo: My God, Paulina! †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ she has never spoken like this in her life. † According to the quotes above, the gun has given power to Paulina and she had dominance over the man. Paulina had turned into another person, even the way she speaks, that Gerardo didn’t recognize anymore. This indicates what truth can do; it can drive somebody mad and turns them into a different person. Paulina was so obsessed about the truth that she is willing to sacrifice anything: â€Å"If he’s innocent? Then he’s really screwed. † (Pg. 29) In order to know the truth, she is willing to give up her morals. Even though she wasn’t sure if Doctor Miranda was really one of the people who tortured her, she had already assumed he is guilty and enforced him to confess by threatening to kill him. Paulina didn’t even care if he is innocent or not, she just wanted a confession no matter what, because this is the only way she could reconcile her pain. Perhaps Miranda is guilty, the truth is so thrilling that even me as an audience wanted to know it so badly. In the end, nobody knows if justice has been achieved by Paulina’s outrageous actions. The play also exemplify the idea of too much truth may be dangerous. On the way of searching the truth, Paulina didn’t realize that she is destroying many things, their relationships, and Gerardo’s trust to her etc. Gerardo had already warned her not to continue her pursuit of truth: â€Å"Gerardo: People can die from an excessive dose of the truth, you know. † (Pg. 36) Gerardo could foresee the disastrous outcome of the whole event and tried to stop Paulina continue to look for the truth. It is because Gerardo sensed that too much truth won’t do good to all of them. The idea of too much truth is dangerous in â€Å"Death and the Maiden† links back to the idea of the catastrophic consequences of obtaining the truth from â€Å"Oedipus the King†. Paulina and Oedipus are very similar, they strife for the truth which they don’t know is destructive. Paulina destroyed the relationship between Gerardo and herself; whereas Oedipus devastated his kingdom, his family and most significantly, he blinded himself. Both tragedies raised our caution to the pursuit of truth, acknowledge us that truth is double-edged, it can favour but also destroy someone. Human can’t be too ignorant and also can’t know too much truth. â€Å"It is better to settle for half. † as Alfieri puts it in the play â€Å"A View from the Bridge†.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Wreiter choice Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Wreiter choice - Research Paper Example The effects of media are felt differently in various parameters but there are common effects that will be critically analyzed in this article. The evaluation will therefore incorporate more knowledge into the reader of the article on the absolute effects of media in the society. This article will highlight appropriate issues that an individual should know in the matter of effects of mass media to the society. The influence of media in our lives thus the society as a whole is greatly related to the degree in which an individual interacts with the elements of media on a daily basis. Books are always highly influential because they came first before articles such as magazines, newspapers, and radio. In the 20th century, the television and radio were very influential as they were used in advertisements, marketing and many more. By the 21st century the great influence was from the internet through the worldwide website inform of blogs, social networks, and wikis. First, there should be a distinction between the effects and effectiveness of the mass media. In the capacity to achieve certain objectives whether attracting large audiences or influencing opinion and behavior of individuals. Both of these matters are paramount though there are a different set of consideration relating to each other. The second issue is whether individuals are concerned with the future or past thus this will facilitate their interaction with media to be often due to the search of particular important information. The last point is to know if the effects occur on an individual, group, culture, institution, or the society. In this case the major focus is on the effects and influence on the society (Perse & Elizabeth, 51). The effects of media on the society are always difficult to recognize because they take long to happen and they are always evolving on a daily

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Character analysis on hamlet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Character analysis on hamlet - Essay Example ." (Eliot, p. 32). This essay is a character analysis of Prince Hamlet. In examining Hamlet one of the most pervasive understandings is that his character changes throughout the play. Still, there is a general degree of despondency that is clear from the beginning. Consider Claudius when he asks Hamlet, â€Å"How is it that the clouds still hang on you?† (Act I, scene ii). This statement indicates Hamlet’s general despondency even before he discovers that his father has been murdered. As the play advances Hamlet is revealed to have further character dimensions including great intelligence and wit. Perhaps the most complex consideration in these regards is the extent that Hamlet is truly insane or faking his insanity. In these regards, it appears that in specific circumstances Hamlet has used his intelligence as a means of concealing his true character. One considers his interaction with Polonius as a strong indicator of this perspective. Still, in other instances, such as his violent outbursts, Hamlet appears to be clearly insane. Another central aspect to Hamlet’s character is the nature of his unwillingness to act. While early on in the play Hamlet vows to kill Claudius and avenge his father’s death he perpetually refuses to carry out this action. One insight into Hamlet’s character is the argument that he is subject to Oedipal repression. It’s argued, â€Å"The call of duty to slay his uncle cannot be obeyed because it links itself with the call of his nature to slay his mothers husband, whether this is the first or the second; the latter call is strongly "repressed," and therefore necessarily the former also† (Jones, p. 74). In these regards, Hamlet is motivated out of love for his mother, yet has psychoanalytically repressed this love so is unwilling to kill Claudius. In other instances, Hamlet appears to be motivated out of a general rational desire to determine Claudius

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 147

Discussion - Essay Example As much as the Protagoras by Plato fails to identify specific benefits that come with staying within such a community, upholding moral requirements within a community would bring such benefits. The theory’s major argument is that when individuals engage in moral actions that are mutual, or reciprocated, then all of them are certain to benefit from such a relationship. It is important to note that as much as most communities reciprocate an individual’s moral actions, it is only in communities that are well-functioning and cooperative that such reciprocation is assured. Since communities involve individual efforts towards a single goal of development, this theory provides a perfect framework towards which all members of a community can benefit by each acting not in their own but in the interests of others. The society ought to establish collective rules that would govern the intentions of each independent individual towards the good of each of the members of the society. As such, through the Protagoras theory, justice is portrayed as indispensable and

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Soil strengthening of age-old-designed railway tracks Research Paper

Soil strengthening of age-old-designed railway tracks - Research Paper Example Superstructure consists of rails, fastening, and sleepers, and sub-structure consists of ballast, sub-ballast, and sub-grade. This research assignment studies the functions of substructure in track operation. Railroad substructure receives dynamic load from train movement and behaves according to the principles and laws of soil mechanics. Soil performance under loading in soil mechanics is governed by two characteristics: strength and deformation (STRATIGRAPHICS n.d.). Strength refers to the shear strength properties, and deformation refers to settlement. The proper functioning of substructure is characterized by the bearing capacity which implies that shear stresses caused by the cyclic loading has to be lower than the soil’s undrained shear strength value, and at the same time settlement will not develop plastic behavior in the soil. After a number of years of operation, instability of both super and sub structures is caused by the shear failure and plastic settlement of sub -grade. There are many factors that may contribute to the loss of soil-strength. Among them, poor drainage, and trapped water in ballast pockets play significant roles. According to Harry Cedergreen, drainage represents a significant issue for railroad construction and maintenance; stability and low maintenance cost can only exist when adequate drainage is provided (Cedergren 1989, p. 364). Sub-grade failure in railroad jargon is called â€Å"soft track† (Australian Rail Track Corporation a 2001). Soft track includes ballast failure, top formation failure, shallow sub-grade failure, embankment failure, and landslide failure. Water is one of the several contributors that cause these failures. The scope of this assignment is to study methods... The response to the cyclic loading of rail track is an interaction of superstructure and substructure. Ballast, sub-ballast, and sub-grade relates to substructure. Decades of operation bring structural changes of substructures. The sub-grades of the old existing rail tracks require rehabilitation to satisfy proper functioning and meet current technical operational standards. The scope of this assignment is to find the rehabilitation approach for the existing tracks of Australia. The solution must account that improvement of substructure by dismantling the railways is not an option due to the transport collapse, which is accompanied by financial losses. Rehabilitation of the existing railway is not a sheer issue that relates to Australia only; it is also a significant issue for the European countries, Canada, and USA. CSX Rail Line in Milstead, Alabama, USA faced excessive ballast settlement and soil pumping problems due to the poor sub-grade conditions. Moreover, Tallapoosa River run s parallel to the rail line. The rehabilitation of the track included raising the track, undercutting and removing the existing ballast, and use of filter fabric over the exposed sub-ballast, which was followed by a layer of Geogrid