Google in China Analysis 2 Pham Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Google in China Analysis 2 Pham - Essay Example separating laws and procedures of the Chinese government that isn't lined up with the firm’s adage, â€Å"Don’t be evil.† It additionally encounters difficulties in brand situating in China. Baidu is the most mainstream internet searcher in China since it is seen as a â€Å"Chinese brand with great technology† (Lawrence, 2009, p.266). Baidu likewise gives included administrations that Google doesn't offer, for example, informing, diversion, news, and email. On the off chance that Google can change brand affiliations that will make it increasingly serious, it can expel Baidu from its market initiative. Google can likewise have a chance to test and lift its aptitude in worldwide innovation by serving the Chinese market inside China, subsequently growing its technology’s economies of degree and scale. Google can use its boss worldwide innovation that is based on its productive web crawler, and change its image character, with the goal that it very well may be increasingly Chinese. At this moment, Google utilizes umbrella brands for its image name Google, yet it ought to consider a House-of-Brands approach. For its Chinese image, it ought to grow its Internet administrations, by offering administrations, for example, web based visiting; downloading music, TV shows, and films; and playing web based games, since these are the most well known Internet exercises for Chinese clients, as indicated by most recent studies. Around 46 million clients in China are associated with the Web, and a quickly developing populace has DSL/link get to (Lawrence, 2009, p.266). In 2005, as found in Exhibit B, over half of all Web clients had a fast Internet association. Use rates additionally demonstrated that sixty-nine percent of clients use Internet at home, while 38% utilize the Internet at work (Lawrence, 2009, p.266). Show B additionally gives proof that from 2002 to 2005, clients with broadband access became from under 10 million to 50 million, or around 80% development in five years. Different evaluations indicated that there were 134 million Internet clients in China in 2005 (Lawrence, 2009, p.257). This implies the

Humana Health Incorporation

Acquaintance Humana Incorporation has made do with position itself ideally inside the US medicinal services protection industry. The firm’s achievement relies on the affirmation and usage of best administration rehearses. One of the issues that the firm has accentuated throughout the years identifies with marketing.Advertising We will compose a custom paper test on Humana Health Incorporation explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More In its activity, the firm faces noteworthy difficulties emerging from the dynamic idea of the social insurance industry. This paper assesses various issues related with Humana Incorporation activity, for example, its business level technique, promoting methodology, and monetary position and procedure, creation and buying system, among others. Business level technique Development of serious system is significant in a firm’s exertion to prevail in its activity (Harvard Business Review, 2011). Hoskisson (2008) attests that busines s-level systems are worried about how a firm expects to build up a high upper hand comparative with its rivals. While figuring business-level systems, the firms’ supervisory groups should consider their center skills, assets, and capacities. Also, a firm should consider the products and enterprises it manages and its objective clients combined with how it conveys while figuring business-level procedures (Hill Jones, 2007). In its local market, Humana Incorporation faces extraordinary rivalry from two principle medical coverage organizations, viz. Aetna and Cigna. The rewarding idea of the US social insurance industry has spurred Aetna to fuse decent variety as its business level technique so as to accomplish kept growth.Advertising Looking for article on wellbeing medication? How about we check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The firm perceives the significance of coordinating assorted variety in the entirety of its operational circles (Aetna, 2010). Then again, Cigna has received separation as its business level technique with an end goal to accomplish its target of turning into the business chief. The firm spotlights on claim to fame and individual items and presentation of new social insurance items (Manders, 2008). Showcasing technique In its promoting rehearses, Humana Incorporation has coordinated the idea of market focusing on. The firm has distinguished diverse market portions, which have empowered it to plan distinctive medicinal services strategies. A portion of the firm’s target clients incorporate the legislature and bosses. Moreover, the firm has additionally focused on institutional clients, for example, Medicaid and Medicare organizations. The firm additionally acknowledges the way that clients are cognizant to cost. Along these lines, the firm has joined cost limits in its exceptional evaluating technique and in this manner its intensity inside the social insurance industry has expanded. Wi th an end goal to make adequate market mindfulness, Humana Incorporation has coordinated diverse showcasing strategies, for example, telemarketing. The firm additionally leads direct advertising with an end goal to advance its business utilizing its enormous deals power. Money related position and technique The firm has figured out how to sustain a sound monetary position given its advantage records. On June 30, 2012, the firm’s resources as to money reciprocals, interest in protections and money added up to $13.53 billion.Advertising We will compose a custom paper test on Humana Health Incorporation explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More This speaks to an addition with an edge of $285 million or a 2% expansion from its past degree of $13.25 billion on 31 March 2012. Before the finish of its second quarter in 2012, the firm’s all out resources sum $ 20.9 million while its all out liabilities added up to $12.4 million. This shows the firm has an adequate working capital (Humana Inc., 2012, p.18). Given its expansion in income during the second quarter of 2012, the firm has figured out how to bring down its obligation to-capitalization proportion with 30 premise focuses. The firm has likewise figured out how to improve its incomes during 2012. During its second quarter of 2012, the firm’s operational viability brought about an addition in its incomes, which added up to $706 billion contrasted with $161 billion during the second quarter of 2011. The firm has additionally figured out how to build its stockholder’s value from $ 8.063 during 2011 to $ 8.455 in 2012 (Humana Inc., 2012). The firm’s money related technique is to build its budgetary quality The organization’s creation and buying systems with an end goal to fulfill its clients, Humana Incorporation has fused successful creation and buying methodologies. The firm has an acquisition office that is accused of the duty of guaranteeing that it offers e xcellent administrations to its clients. The firm buys its items from various providers (Christensen, Allworth, Dillion, 2012). Throughout the years, Humana Incorporation has figured out how to build up a solid customer merchant relationship. The firm’s achievement is significantly subject to the nature of the items purchased.Advertising Searching for exposition on wellbeing medication? We should check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Find out More In its buying procedure, the firm classifies its items into four gatherings, which incorporate offices, administrations, supplies, and types of gear. The supplies identify with security frameworks, broadcast communications, furniture and media transmission. Offices identify with renting, the executives, janitorial administrations, planners, and building support. Then again, administrations incorporate promoting and media, legitimate, printing, interpretation, showcasing and movement while supplies identify with clinical and pharmaceuticals and general office (Humana Inc., 2012). Humana Health Incorporation The firm’s supervisory crew acknowledges the way that its prosperity is incredibly subject to its capacity to serve its clients. Accordingly, Humana Incorporation has coordinated a complete enlistment system. The procedure involves sourcing for workers both inside and remotely. The goal is to empower the firm have a solid human asset base. Humana Incorporation likewise ackno wledges the way that its viability in giving medicinal services protection arrangements is subject to the overarching open social insurance strategy. Through its human asset office, the firm is worried about guaranteeing that the administration offers compelling social insurance plans. In accordance with its corporate obligation, the firm has formulated various systems that obviously characterize its responsibility towards serving its individuals, relates, the general public, and the world everywhere (Humana Inc., 2012) Humana Incorporation SWOT Analysis Strengths One wellspring of the firm’s qualities spins on its assets, center skills, and capacities. Throughout the years, Humana Incorporation has figured out how to build up a solid money related base. This angle has added to the firm’s accomplishment concerning managing money related difficulties related with human services protection. For instance, on occasion the estimated protection cost is not exactly the genuin e guaranteed clinical expense; thus, the firm needs to look for different wellsprings of fund so as to provide food for the shortfall. In view of its rich money related assets, Humana Incorporation has figured out how to manage such difficulties. During its second quarter of 2012, the firm’s gathered income added up to $9.70 billion, which was a 4% increase from its 2011 income of $ 9.28 billion (Humana Inc., 2012). To meet its customers’ social insurance needs, the firm has built up a wide item portfolio. Subsequently, the firm has figured out how to sustain a significant level of consumer loyalty. With an end goal to be serious, Humana Incorporation acknowledges the significance of market correspondence. Koekemoer (2004) states that showcasing correspondence is basic in impacting the objective market. The firm has embraced rising Information Communication Technologies (ICT) to achieve proficiency and viability in advertise correspondence. A case of such innovations i nvolves improvement of a web-based interface known as the Physicians’ Online, which empowers clients to get medicines on the web. Humana Incorporation has figured out how to achieve a higher upper hand contrasted with its rivals because of its responsibility as to new item advancement. The firm’s inventiveness has likewise prompted its achievement in controlling costs. The firm accomplishes this objective by creating powerful cost investigation models. The firm’s capacities are related with its capacity to maintain a strategic distance from chance by creating powerful endorsing models. The measure empowers the firm to evaluate whether to cover a specific wellbeing hazard or not. Concerning center capabilities, the firm can recognize conceivable procurement targets. At last, the firm can embrace various acquisitions. Shortcomings Humana Incorporation has not been fruitful with respect to geological reach. This viewpoint has constrained the firm’s capacity to expand its participation levels, which emerges from the way that lone a couple of clients can get to the firm’s administrations. Notwithstanding executing developing advances, the firm’s intensity with respect to innovation is constrained by the way that the greater part of its rivals have likewise actualized comparative advances. One of the firm’s significant clients is the military. In any case, the firm isn't extremely compelling with respect to offering. Accordingly, there is a high likelihood of the firm losing agreements from the legislature during the offering procedure. Openings Currently, Humana Incorporation works in just 18 states (Parnell, 2009). By detailing and executing a powerful globalization model, Humana Incorporation can grow geographica

Definitions and Examples of Swear Words

Definitions and Examples of Swear Words A swear word is a word or expression that is commonly viewed as godless, indecent, revolting, or in any case hostile. Likewise known asâ swearing, awful word, disgusting word, filthy word, and four-letter word. Swear words serve a wide range of capacities in various social settings, notes Janet Holmes. They may communicate irritation, animosity and affront, for example, or they may communicate solidarity and neighborliness (An Introduction to Sociolinguistics, 2013). EtymologyFrom Old English, make a vow Models and Observations Spock: Your utilization of language has adjusted since our appearance. It is at present bound with, will we say, progressively vivid analogies, twofold douche bag on you thus forth.Captain Kirk: Oh, you mean the profanity?Spock: Yes.Captain Kirk: Well, that is basically the manner in which they talk here. No one gives any consideration to you except if you swear each other word. Youll discover it in all the writing of the period.(Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, 1986)Uses of Swear WordsA last riddle about swearing is the insane scope of conditions wherein we do it. There is purifying swearing, as when we hit our thumb with a sledge or thump over a glass of brew. There are curses, as when we recommend a name or offer exhortation to somebody who has cut us off in rush hour gridlock. There are foul terms for ordinary things and exercises, as when Bess Truman was approached to get the president to state compost rather than fertilizer and she answered, Y ou have no clue to what extent it took me to get him to state excrement. There are interesting expressions that put vulgar words to different utilizations, for example, the farm appellation for untruthfulness, the military abbreviation disaster, and the gynecological-flagellative term for uxorial predominance. And afterward there are the descriptor like exclamations that salt the discourse and split the expressions of officers, youngsters, Australians, and others influencing a blustery discourse style.(Steven Pinker, The Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window Into Human Nature. Viking, 2007) Social SwearingWhy do we swear? The response to this inquiry relies upon the methodology you take. As a linguistnot an analyst, nervous system specialist, discourse pathologist or some other - istI consider promises to be definitively designed verbal conduct that promptly fits a useful investigation. Sober-mindedly, swearing can be comprehended as far as the implications it is taken to have and what it accomplishes in a specific situation. . . .Ordinarily, a social swear word starts as one of the terrible words however gets conventionalised in an unmistakably social structure. Utilizing swear words as free intensifiers adds to the agreeable, uncertain nature of casual talk among in-bunch individuals. . . . In aggregate, this is jokey, cruisy, loosening up talk in which members oil the wheels of their association as much by how they talk as what they talk about.(Ruth Wajnryb, Language Most Foul. Allen Unwin, 2005)Secular Swearing[I]t would give the idea that in Western culture the sig nificant moves in the focal point of swearing have been from strict issues (all the more particularly the breaking of the instruction against maligning the Lords name) to sexual and substantial capacities, and from slanderous abuse, for example, coolie and kike. Both of these patterns mirror the expanding secularization of Western society.(Geoffrey Hughes, Swearing: A Social History of Foul Language, Oaths and Profanity in English. Blackwell, 1991) George Carlin on Bad WordsThere are 400,000 words in the English language and there are seven of them you cannot state on TV. What a proportion that is! 300 ninety 3,000 900 and ninety three . . . to seven! They should truly be awful. Theyd must be ludicrous to be isolated from a gathering that enormous. Every one of you here . . . You seven, you terrible words.Thats what they let us know, you recollect? That is a terrible word. What? There are no awful words. Terrible considerations, awful aims, however no awful words.(George Carlin with Tony Hendra, Last Words. Simon Schuster, 2009)David Camerons Jokey, Blokey InterviewDavid Camerons jokey, blokey meet . . . on Absolute Radio at the beginning of today is a genuine case of what can happen when legislators endeavor to be down with the kidsor for this situation, with the thirtysomethings. . . .Inquired as to why he didnt utilize the long range informal communication site Twitter, the Tory head stated: The issue with Twitter, the insta ntness of ittoo numerous jokes may make a twat. . . .[T]he Tory pioneers assistants were in protective mode a short time later, bringing up that twat was not a swear word under radio guidelines.(Haroon Siddique, Sweary Cameron Illustrates Dangers of Informal Interview. The Guardian, July 29, 2009) S***r W***s[N]ever use bullets, or such nonsensicalness as b-, which are only a cop out, as Charlotte Brontã « perceived: The act of indicating by single letters those exclamations with which profane and fierce individuals are wont to decorate their talk, strikes me as a procedure which, anyway very much implied, is frail and purposeless. I can't determine what great it doeswhat feeling it spareswhat ghastliness it conceals.(David Marsh and Amelia Hodsdon, Guardian Style, third ed. Gatekeeper Books, 2010)Supreme Court Rulings on Swear WordsThe Supreme Court’s last significant case concerning communicate foulness, F.C.C. v. Pacifica Foundation in 1978, maintained the commission’s assurance that George Carlin’s great seven messy words monolog, with its intentional, tedious and inventive utilization of vulgarities, was revolting. Be that as it may, the court left open the topic of whether the utilization of a periodic swearword could be punished.The case chosen Tue sday, Federal Communications Commission v. Fox Television Stations, No. 07-582, emerged from two appearances by big names on the Billboard Music Awards.Justice Scalia read the entries at issue from the seat, however he subbed intriguing shorthand for the filthy words.The first included Cher, who considered her profession in tolerating an honor in 2002: I’ve additionally had pundits throughout the previous 40 years saying I was on out each year. Right. So F-em. (As he would see it, Justice Scalia clarified that Cher figuratively proposed a sexual go about as a methods for communicating antagonistic vibe toward her critics.)The second section arrived in a trade between Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie in 2003 in which Ms. Richie talked about in obscene terms the troubles in wiping cow excrement off a Prada purse.Reversing its approach on such short lived swearwords, the commission said in 2006 that the two communicates were disgusting. It didn't make a difference, the commission stated, that a portion of the hostile words didn't allude legitimately to sexual or excretory capacities. Nor did it make a difference that the reviling was secluded and obviously extemporaneous. . . .In switching that choice, Justice Scalia said the adjustment in approach was levelheaded and along these lines admissible. It was unquestionably sensible, he composed, to establish that it look bad to recognize strict and nonliteral employments of hostile words, requiring monotonous use to render just the last indecent.Justice John Paul Stevens, contradicting, composed that few out of every odd utilization of a swear word indicated something very similar. As any golf player who has watched his accomplice shank a short methodology knows, Justice Stevens composed, it is ludicrous to acknowledge the recommendation that the resultant four-letter word expressed on the fairway portrays sex or dung and is subsequently indecent.It is amusing, most definitely, Justice Stevens went on, that whil e the F.C.C. watches the wireless transmissions for words that have a questionable relationship with sex or dung, plugs communicate during prime-time hours much of the time ask watchers whether they are doing combating erectile brokenness or are experiencing difficulty heading off to the bathroom.(Adam Liptak, Supreme Court Upholds F.C.C.’s Shift to a Harder Line on Indecency broadcasting live. The New York Times, April 28, 2009) The Lighter Side of Swear WordsTell me, child, the on edge mother stated, what did your dad state when you let him know youd destroyed his new Corvette?Shall I forget about the swear words? the child asked.Of course.He didnt state anything.(Steve Allen, Steve Allens Private Joke File. Three Rivers Press, 2000) Interchange Spellings: swearword, swear-word

It Takes a Village The Role of Provincialism in Chronicle of a Death Foretold - Literature Essay Samples

In Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Gabriel Garcà ­a Mà ¡rquez creates a set of characters who each represent a certain aspect of close-minded human nature as a whole. It is this style of character development that allows the reader to understand that, despite the fact that the two actual murderers of Santiago Nasar are Pedro and Pablo Vicario, each individual townsperson plays his or her own role in the murder. When looked at from afar, it becomes clear that Santiago is not murdered by Pedro and Pablo, but by the town as a collective being influenced heavily by provincialism. On the morning of Santiago’s impending death, the entire town is bustling with excitement because the bishop is coming. When the bishop finally comes, however, and all he does is stay on the boat, making the sign of the cross, and keeps â€Å"doing it mechanicallywithout malice or inspiration† (17), the townspeople feel slightly let down. When the author says later that this is only â€Å"a passing annoyance† (17), however, it becomes clear what this event reveals about the characters in the town and, by extension, human nature by and large. Based on general knowledge of Latin American culture as well as the preceding and subsequent events of the novel, the reader can conclude that the setting of the work is extremely Catholic. If the bishop who is highly respected but never directly involved in the townspeople’s lives at all is taken as a symbol of Catholicism, this event uncovers the people’s desire to cling onto old traditions simply because they are ingrained into society. Even though the bishop does not accept any of their gifts or even get off the boat for them, their annoyance just passes away and they continue to be as devout as they previously had been, for the sole reason that Catholicism is the way they know. This is an important element of the novel, because it can be argued that Santiago is killed by the entire town due to its unwillingness to let go of tradition (in this case, the idea that a woman who does not remain a virgin until marriage is damaged) despite the changing times. Throughout the novel, Mà ¡rquez develops a wealth of symbolism for the Catholic church, and the bishop is the most prominent and clearly defined facet of this. Another aspect of Mà ¡rquez’s style that allows the reader insight into the author’s view of humans as provincialists is the excuses his characters make when asked why they did not try to warn Santiago. In nearly every case, the character says something along the lines of, â€Å"It just didn’t seem like they would do it,† followed by some sort of oblique metaphor to support his or her belief. When the narrator asks two butchers if the fact that the Vicario brothers often slaughter animals shows a predisposition to kill, they respond first by saying that the Vicarios were just drunk and never meant to do harm, then by remarking, â€Å"When you sacrifice a steer you don’t dare look into its eyes† (52). It is clear what this is meant to imply: that the Vicario twins are good people because even when they slaughter their own animals, it is morally difficult for them. However, a statement like this does not appear to be a very solid basis for the formation of an opinion regarding the loss of a man’s life. Another similar instance is when Cristo Bedoya discusses warning Santiago with Victoria Guzmà ¡n. When Cristo says that the twins’ remarks should not be taken lightly because they are drunk, she responds with, â€Å"That’s just itThere’s no drunk in the world who’ll eat his own crap† (105). This is another metaphor that can be compared to the one about the steer, because it is clear that the implication is that the Vicarios will not live up to their words. However, it is not completely relevant to or substantial in the situation, nor is it a solid foundation to come to a conclusion. The weak lingual structure of the metaphors used by these characters serves as a parallel to the flimsy groundwork of the morals of the provincial society and, consequently, the narrow mindset of the people who live in this society that ultimately kills Santiago Nasar. The final scene in the novel, in which Santiago is finally murdered, ties together all these references to the traditions of the society and solidifies the reader’s assumptions about Mà ¡rquez’s opinion regarding these traditions. When Santiago is killed, there are many striking resemblances to the crucifixion of Christ, which is ironic because most of the townspeople believe Santiago to be a sinner and are not likely to compare him to a figure as sacred and holy as Jesus himself. One similarity is the location: Jesus was crucified on a wooden cross, and Santiago is killed against a wooden door. Another is the method: Mà ¡rquez makes sure to point out when Pedro’s knife goes â€Å"through the palm of [Santiago’s] right hand,† (117) leaving a gash similar to the wounds Jesus suffered when nailed to the cross. Another is the characteristics of the victim: Santiago is wearing white, and the first few times he is stabbed the knife keeps â€Å"coming out clean[without] a drop of blood† (118), and this indicates purity almost on a supernatural level that could be compared to that of Jesus. It is ironic that a murder so similar to the crucifixion, what is now considered a tragic event and something from which to learn, occurs in such a religious society. Not only does the parallelism incorporated into the final scene reveal the small-minded nature of the town’s population, which is unable and unwilling to expand its beliefs in the slightest, it also reveals its hypocrisy. They call themselves devout Catholics, yet they all collectively carry out a murder that could be considered, basically, a reenactment of the negative incident on which their entire religion is based. Another point to be made about the novel’s closing scene is the style with which it is narrated. It is very blunt and to the point, no embellishments necessary, and it is as if suddenly the book has become realtime, moving agonizingly slowly. After it seems that there is no chance that Santiago is still alive, he manages to rise again and walk around his house, through the neighbor’s house, and finally back into his own kitchen. The final paragraph is narrated very flatly, and it hardly feels like an ending: â€Å"He stumbled on the last step, but he got up at once. ‘He even took care to brush off the dirt that was stuck to his guts,’ my Aunt Wene told me. Then he went into his house through the back door that had been open since six and fell on his face in the kitchen† (120). As he is walking around, slowly dying, he is completely alone. It is as if all the novel’s preceding events have taken place with dramatic background music, but during t he final scene, it is abruptly cut off, and all the reader is left with is the lonely thudding of Santiago’s footsteps, carrying him to the bleak end of a life of hopeless isolation. Even when he passes by other people, they do not talk to him because they are â€Å"paralyzed with fright† (120). This emphasizes, again, the town’s hypocrisy, not only with regards to religion but just toward life in general. Each character has participated in the murder, which was definitely a cooperative effort, and yet once it has been committed, all they have are excuses and guilt; God forbid anybody actually try to help Santiago in his time of need. It is possible for them to make the excuse that before the murder, they did not believe it was actually going to happen, but what is their excuse afterward? Maybe he could not have been saved, but the fact that nobody is willing to acknowledge him, a Christ-like figure, when it really matters, shows that even though all the townspe ople are Catholic, it is not the actual teachings of Jesus that shape them, but the provincial restrictions that religion has placed on their minds. There are various stylistic and literary tools Mà ¡rquez uses to achieve the final effect of Chronicle of a Death Foretold, including figurative language, characterization, narration, and symbolism, and when tied together, these tools produce a new meaning for the journalistic chronicle of the murder of Santiago Nasar. By creating a small town to serve as a microcosm for human nature, Mà ¡rquez highlights his scorn for provincialism and how heavily it has affected society, and in so doing he warns the reader of the dangers of this narrow mindset.

Treatment Intervention Outcomes For Veterans With Ptsd

Treatment Intervention Outcomes for Veterans with PTSD Rita Clady HHS460: Research Methods in Health Human Services LaTonya Jones October 4th 2015 Treatment Intervention Outcomes for Veterans with PTSD Description and Summary Post-traumatic stress disorder is considered as a psychiatric disorder that creates impairments in occupational, interpersonal, and social functioning. Although there are several treatment processes for veterans suffering from this condition, some intervention may fail to generate desired results. Veterans who fail to show appropriate recovery should be supported with an alternative treatment plan (Aurora et al., 2010). Veterans develop the condition because of exposure to traumatizing†¦show more content†¦Lack of an effective treatment plan is major problem that is affecting the quality of medical interventions given to the war veterans with PTSD (Kennedy, Jaffee, Leskin, Stokes, Leal Fitzpatrick, 2007). This paper will answer the following research question, â€Å"what is the effect of the application of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to war veterans with PTSD†. The paper will contain explanation of the benefits of MBSR particularly to patients experienc ing anxiety and pain. The study will make a comparison between a standard psychotherapy treatment and MBSR (Roberts, Kitchiner, Kenardy Bisson, 2009). The research will focus on generating another treatment option for war veterans after serving in military operations for many years. It will determine the efficacy of MBSR compared to PCGT as a treatment option (Bisson, Ehlers, Matthews, Pilling, Richards Turner, 2007). Outline 1. Introduction Mindfulness medication techniques have the potential to lower anxiety, emotional distress, and depressive symptoms. It offers a potential efficacy to enhance management of PTSD in war veterans 2. Methods I. Participants Participants will be collected different PTSD clinics to avoid biases. Patients will be collected in groups each at a time. II. Procedure a. Therapists and raters Members of the team will include five masters and doctorial clinicians. All the sessions will be recorded through audio taping. EffectiveShow MoreRelatedPtsd In Veterans Essay1248 Words   |  5 PagesTraumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD in combat Veterans and service members, therapists use different techniques, which are preceded by addressing any underlying pain associated with the disorder. In their research, Chard et al. (2011) reported significant modifications to the CPT protocol for use with patients in a TBI-PTSD residential treatment facility, including increasing the number of sessions per week, combining group and individual therapy, and augmenting the treatment with cognitive rehabilitationRead MoreThe Efficacy Of Group Exposure Therapy1169 Words   |  5 Pages Introduction to the Problem Given the high number of service members returning home with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, from Operation Iraqi Freedom, OIF and Operation Enduring Freedom, OEF, it has been priority of the Military Health System and Veterans Affairs to identify and implement effective treatment (This is the military, 2014). Exposure therapy is the practice of flooding the client with images of their traumatic experience in an effort to desensitize them, and help control and reduceRead MoreEffectiveness Of The Treatment Intervention1497 Words   |  6 Pages. However, the effectiveness of the treatment intervention must also be considered in the context of preexisting pharmacological therapies. Despite discontinuing use of anxiolytic medication about 6 months into psychological treatment, Mark continued to evidence treatment gains at 9 months, as well as cessation of panic attacks by the end of treatment and at 2-year follow-up. This outcome advocates that the behavioral therapy component pla yed a key role in reducing and preventing Mark’s panic attacksRead MoreEvidence Based Practice And Practice1635 Words   |  7 PagesA. In today s society, there is a great deal of research and practice about evidence based practice. Most of this is highly sought upon in the field of psychology, where evidence and decision making is key to accomplishing new ideas of treatments for people who retain psychiatric problems. The meaning of evidence-based practice in psychology is that it involves making very educated and supported decisions based on punctilious, unambiguous, and astute evidence (Rousseau Gunia, 2016). With evidence-basedRead MoreSymptoms And Treatment Of Ptsd1262 Words   |  6 Pagesthe social worker be able to make a connection with the client. The results for this case will be important because the worst traumatic The evidence has shown by PTSD has grown into one of the fastest growing compensated conditions in the Veteran Affairs and Social Security. This disability program covers over 3 million veterans between 1999 and 2004 (Speroff, T,2012). When the diagnosis was clearer than it rose by larger number. It lead to over 400,000 soldiers being award monthly checks forRead MoreThe Minds Of Combat Soldiers During The World War I ( Wwi )1026 Words   |  5 PagesEvidence-Based Intervention Sigmund Freud extensively studied the minds of combat soldiers during the World War I (WWI) era and was one of the first to describe symptoms associated with combat stress. Psychoanalysis had its beginnings in trauma theory and has been intimately associated with the concept of psychological trauma ever since. Psychoanalytic theory advanced military psychiatry’s understanding of post-deployment mental health problems beyond the broken brain conceptualizationRead MorePosttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder that is developed from1500 Words   |  6 PagesPosttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder that is developed from witnessing or exposure to traumatic events that is threatening or creates a horrific fear, horror and sense of helplessness in a person. It is common among service men and women, especially those returning from overseas, who have been actively engaged in combat operations overseas. Although PTSD is not limited to solely service men and women, it can occur in children and civilians, who encounterRead MorePost Traumatic Stress Disorder ( Ptsd ) Essay1550 Words   |  7 PagesDisorder â€Å"PTSD is a disorder that develops in certain people who have experienced a shocking, traumatic, or dangerous event† (National Institute of Mental Health). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has always existed, PTSD was once considered a psychological condition of combat veterans who were â€Å"shocked† by and unable to face their experiences on the battlefield. Much of the general public and many mental health professionals doubted whether PTSD was a true disorder (NIMH). In 1980, PTSD was recognizedRead MoreIdentifying The Individuals Who Will Be Involved1209 Words   |  5 PagesIdentifying the individuals who will be involved: The individuals involved are male and female military services members who exhibit symptoms of PTSD. These members can be age 18 years old – 70 years old. Assess the needs of those involved: When dealing with PTSD, it is important that the disorder is recognized in order to have effective treatment. Recognition can occur by primary care physician, in general hospital setting, mental health evaluation, screening and assessment after deploymentRead MorePost Traumatic Stress Disorder ( Ptsd ) Essay1747 Words   |  7 Pagesis no longer just associated with veterans of war, but it has seen an increase in cases where women have been raped or sexually abused, or in children who have witnessed or been the victims of violence. The mental health care provider may use animal therapy as a supplement to medications and therapy, or may use it on its own. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a traumatic event. The person suffering from PTSD may have experienced this firsthand

Cesare Lombroso s The Modern Criminal Justice System

â€Å"A drug is any chemical entity or mixture of entities, other than those required for the maintenance of normal health, the administration of which alters biological function and possibly structure† World health organisation (1981). Cesare Lombroso’s (1835) proposed that people were â€Å"born criminals† through human development and that criminals could be identified by features such as large ears or slopping foreheads. Although this theory is not used anymore in modern society, Cesare Lombroso’s (1835) is still recognised and credited for positivism and the scientific study of crime. Cesare Beccaria (1738) believed that criminal offences could be deterred by a form of punishment such as deterrence, and that people possessed a free will. Cesare Beccaria (1738) â€Å"theory is the foundation of the modern criminal justice systems† (page 260). â€Å"More people are arrested each year for drug-related offenses than any other type of crime, and ta xpayers spend tens of billions on arresting, prosecuting and jailing offenders for drug crimes† In this essay, I, will be discussing how the criminal justice system responds to drug offenders. Offences under the misuse of drugs act can include: â€Å"possession of a controlled drug, possession with intent to supply to another person, production, cultivation or manufacture of controlled drugs, offering to supply another person with a controlled drug, import or export of controlled drugs and allowing premises you occupy or manage to be used for theShow MoreRelatedCriminological theories - Durkheim, Beccaria, Lombroso1944 Words   |  8 PagesMost of the information explaining crime and delinquency is based on facts about crime (Vold, Bernard, Daly 2002, p.1). The aim of this paper is to describe the theories of crime and punishment according to the positivists Emile Durkheim and Cesare Lombroso, and the classical criminologist Marcese de Beccaria. The theories were developed as a response to the industrialisation and the modernisation of the societies in the 18th and 19th centuries and were aiming to create a rational society and re-establishRead MoreThe Problem Of Crimin al Justice System882 Words   |  4 Pagesof thought that surround the idea of criminal justice. Initially the main goals of these schools of thought were to classify and punish crimes, however in the recent past we are seeing a shift toward the deterrence and prevention of crime. Early classical, biological, and psychological theories helped shape what is today’s criminal justice system. One of the earliest theories that attempted to explain the cause of crime is classical theory. In 1764, Cesare Beccaria published his Essay on CrimesRead MoreStudy Guide/Outline Chapter 11435 Words   |  6 Pagesthe Pennsylvania Quakers in the development of the use of prisons in the United States. 6. Specify the operations of the Walnut Street Jail as the first American prison. 7. Compare the Pennsylvania System with the Auburn System of imprisonment. 8. Explain how the Irish Penal System contributed to the development of the Reformatory Era of prison operations in the United States. 9. List the Acts of Congress and describe their impact on the end to the Industrial Era of prison operationsRead MoreCompare Beccaria and Lombroso Essay2327 Words   |  10 PagesKey Thinkers and Their Competing Ideologies. Criminology is a study of crime, criminals and criminal justice. Ideas about criminal justice and crime arose in the 18th century during the enlightenment, but criminology as we know it today developed in the late 19th century. Criminology has been shaped by many different academic disciplines and has many different approaches. It explores the implications of criminal laws; how they emerge and work, then how they are violated and what happens to thoseRead MoreThe Criminal Man1449 Words   |  6 PagesIn this paper I will discuss the makings of the Criminal Man according to some of the most famous early Criminologists. I will show how they came up with the Criminal Man using their education, professional experiments and ideals as to what causes a person to become a criminal. As I discuss each theory of what they felt made a person become a criminal you will begin to understand the development towards the laws and views of the criminologists we have in today’s era. Througho ut the paper I willRead MoreCesare Lombroso s Role As A Criminology Thinker1115 Words   |  5 PagesCesare Lombroso was a significant contributor the subject of criminology. Some even make stipulations that he is the father of criminologist. His studies at the University of Pavia contributed greatly to his eventual role as a criminology thinker. His works attracted both positive and negative reception, and Wolfgang considers it a name most eulogized and attacked (Marvin. 1960, p.232). He is the flag bearer of biological positivism and was mainly influential in Europe and North America. His propositionRead MoreThe Classical School Of Criminology1485 Words   |  6 Pagescrime and punishment. Throughout history, crime was dealt with in an extremely harsh and inhumane manner. Criminals and suspected criminals were quartered, burnt at the stake, tortured, and subjected to other forms of extreme violence. These methods were used to get a confession or punish people for even minor cri mes such as theft. The people of the Enlightenment period of the late 1600 s paid attention to this behavior and this is why a movement was started to change how human beings dealt withRead MoreTheories Of Criminology And Criminal Behavior952 Words   |  4 PagesIn the early to mid-1800s there were a few perspectives introduced regarding how to determine which individuals were more likely to commit criminal behavior. These perspectives were made to identify and separate the more â€Å"superior† individuals from the â€Å"inferior† individuals. One of the first examples of this belief was brought forth by craniometry. Craniometry is the belief that the size of a person’s brain and the skull can tell a person’s superiority or inferiority in relation to certain racialRead MoreThe Crime Of The Criminal Justice System845 Words   |  4 PagesThe criminal justice policy has many different aspects. This include the different theories of crime and how they hav e an impact the criminal justice system. Some of this theories are the Biological studies, Psychological theories, and last the Sociological theory all are used as different methods of explaining why crime exists. Biological theories are the biological explanations of crime. A famous theorists Cesare Lombroso, founder of the Italian school of Positivist Criminology. His biologicalRead MoreCriminology And The Main Schools Of Thought, Classicism And Positivism971 Words   |  4 Pageschange the criminal justice system with ideas that were quite controversial at the time. Since courts and judges were practically free to punish however they saw fit, justice was mainly a matter of wealth. This resulted in sentences being too harsh and inconsistent, depending on the social class of the offender. The punishments were based on Christian beliefs of revenge and retribution(Newburn 2007: 115). As such, it is no surprise that theorists during the era of Enlightenment found this system to be

Role of Islam in Malaysian Politics

Question: Discuss about the Role of Islam in Malaysian Politics. Answer: Introduction: The chief purpose of this essay is to make a critical discussion upon the impact of the changing role of Islam in the political atmosphere of Malaysia. Malaysia is among one of those Islamic domains which undergoes multiple political transformation due to the wave of constant resurgence of this particular religion. Most importantly, Malays are found to have nationwide appeal for the revivalist organizations and communities those have vaulted few years ago. Transforming trend towards the orthodox aspect of Islam could possibly bring a new political discourse in a multicultural territory like Malaysia. The aim of the discussion is therefore to understand whether the growing revival of this individual religion has potentially altered the socio-political aspects of Malaysia or not. Malaysia is considered to belong to one of those regions which possess oldest forms of democracy in the continent of Asia. Interestingly, the domain have multifaceted ethic group that established a multicultural society in the country. There probably an ambiguity about the connection between Malaysia and the Islam. There is several ambiguities about the exact date or year of appearance of the Islamic people in the domain of Malaysia. However, scholars believe that probably in the 8th century with the arrival of the Arab Islamic sailors, the country first has been introduced by the Islam religion. It is important to keep in mind that the initial bearers of Islam in Malaysia have been the traders belonging to the south west region of India. Most importantly, Sufi mysticism has spread its influence on this territory through the hands of the Sunni Muslim traders of India. Furthermore, Islamic political aspects started to dominate the south east region of Asia since an Islamic leader bega n to rule the regime of Malacca. The present Islamic political life of Malaysia is nothing but the eventual outcome of the Islamic legacy of Sultanate that established itself in the soil of Malaysia. Nevertheless, there may be question regarding the way in which the religion converted into more integral part consuming Malaysias potential indigenous affairs. Arrival of the British Raj can be suspected highly in this context as the British East India Company on the port of Penang which belongs to the northwest peninsular of Malaysia. To have firm hold on the entire south eastern region, the East Indian Company initially tied their knot with Peraks Sultan through Pangkor engagement. It has been the cunning strategy of the British traders to become permanent resident of the South East Asian regime with the help of which the race started to give advice as resident advisor. Through the process of acquiring residential power all over the Muslim Sultanates, the British community gradually maximized the development of the fusion between the political, social and culture aspects of Malay and Islam. The present sovereignty of the elite Muslim classes in the political atmosphere of Malaysia is the eventual consequence of the British policy to establish academic institutions for the Muslim inhabitants who belong to the families of the Sultans. Therefore, questions may arise again about the equal dominance of the non-Malay and non-Muslim communities in the country. It has been the decision of the clever British royalty that once again planned to reduce the controlling of power and influence of the Sultans from the Malayan domain and gave permit to the non-Malay and non-Muslim communities to enjoy rights and honor of the independent citizenship. Such a plan provoked a resistance pointing the inauguration of the Malaysian political background and nationalism. Additionally, the growing economic insecurities of the Muslim communities of Malaysia with respect to the inhabitants belonging to the Christian and Indian community fueled up the backlash. Malay-Muslim community therefore began to develop the belief that Bumiputras or the original inhabitants of Malaysia will be given exclusive privileges and the facility for safeguarding. Nonetheless, one thing should be kept in mind that Muslim politics have interconnectivity with the Malay nationalism. Initially Islamic fundamentalist political attitude created problem for the Malay nationalism which gradually spread up to Malay identity and Malay language Bahasa Malayu. It has been the emergence of UMNO (United Malays National Organization) through which the nationalist movement of Malaysia began to give importance to the Islamic issues from the year 1946. However, the country keeps a multi-party political format involving a good number of communal parties who calls themselves to be the representatives of the interests formed by multitudinous ethnic communities residing in the country. Such representation of the political authorities gradually advanced with the formation of grand coalition by the acknowledged authoritarianism of UMNO. It is little astonishing as instead of being capable enough in ruling the nation without the help and support of the grand coalition, UMNO considers to broaden up the it participatory system to maintain the stability of the interests of the communal parties. Malaysia predominantly falls under the two pivotal Islam dominant countries and therefore suffers through the ongoing process of metamorphosis in the Islam religion. It is unfortunate that the age-old intensity to colonize and build nation has corrupted minds of most of the Muslim leaders after post-colonialism. As a consequence of which nations dominated with Islamic rules and regulations are having political storm for past few decades. Governments of Islam dominated countries like Malaysia, Indonesia are therefore struggling hard to make a suitable balance between the parochial communal dimension and modern frame work of nation. It is fortunate enough on the other side that unlike other Islam dominated nations, Malaysia goes through less political hazards created by the sudden upsurges of the religion. Malaysia recognized the initial form of Islam direction eventual part of the year 1970. The wake-up call began with the political riot of 1969 and finally the Islamic political aspects nailed its ground in the year 1980. The teaching vindication of some prophetic traditions like Koran, Hadith came through the hands of the religious Arabic group of educated people. The nation found extreme jolts by several international Islamic leaders who claim to reform Malaysia as an Islamic State based on multiple ideological and institutional spectrums propagated by several Muslim fundamentalists. According to Nazib Razak who is currently the sixth prime minister of the nation, presently Malaysia is encountering robust turn towards numerous political vision of Islam. It astonishes well enough that both political and non-state opponent groups are intruding in the political framework of Malaysia and making an effort to drive the general notion of socio-political aspects entirely towards those core ideas of Muslim fundamentalism. According to Mr. Razak, values and concepts of Islam have always been part of the crucial concern in the political culture of Malaysia. However, the notion to embrace major Islamic doctrines and customs among the progressive generation has started to grab the pace in recent times. At the initial stage of Razaks premiership, the nation observed the authorization of the terrible consequential effect of the Islamic groundwork through the hands of the official bureaucratic department of Islam. Surprising enough that the bureaucratic department of Islam which is supposed to be colored with general concepts of religios acceptance is dominated with the visions of core concept of uniformity proliferated by the Islamic fundamentalist. Hence, the whole picture finds its resemblance with the movement of PAS (Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party) who roared about the doctrine of building Islamic State in the year 1998 when Anwar Ibrahim, the departed deputy prime minister had been imprisoned by the administration of Mahathir Mohammad. Nonetheless, it should be kept in mind that Mahathir Mohammad, the former prime minister has been the one who labeled Malaysia to be a state designed with the decorum of Islamic fundamentalism. The occurrence of such a ghastly episode started to threaten the "grand coalition" along with the non-Islamic minor parties. PAS could not find success in demolishing UMNO, though it has successfully promoted the withdrawal of the dominance of Chinese party for free actions. Nevertheless, to preserve the national peace along with the economic, political and cultural growth of Malaysia, the national leadership that came into force after postcolonialism has established political independence of Islam. Such a strategy helped in making a favorable balance between the ideologies and political supremacies of the Islamic Malays. It is a worth considering fact that Muslim community of Malaysia which has been a called a small minor one is now revealing itself to be a major one holding a large portion of the current population along with political powers. Right after the reestablishment of Malaysia to be among the considerable Islamic domain of the world through the voice of Mahathir Mohammad, large political issues concerning the core rivalry between the secular values of Islam and the dominant adverse fundamentalism of the Islamic leaders. One significant point which should be considered pivotally is that multiple societal groups of Malaysia have contributed majorly in the case of influencing the minds of the Muslim inhabitants of the country. Societal groups containing Muslim professionals are responsible for infesting the minds of the minor Islam communities of most of the countries which are populated and dominated by Islamic leadership. Most significantly, according to the current scenario of Malaysia, Muslim professionals who play a strong defining role in Malaysian politics comprises near about 40% of the group of professionals in the province. It is probably the fortune of Najib Razak that BN (Barisan Nasional) triumphed over the general election in the year 2004 and the position of PAS fell to an unusual position. As per the result of the 11th general election of Malaysia, BN obtained the power to control more than 199 parliamentary seats and in entire peninsular Malaysia, Barisan Nasional preserved 394 seats of the legislative assembly of Malaysian state out of 445. On the contrary, the rank of PAS dropped down from 27 to direct 6 in the Malaysian parliament. It is surprising at the same time that PASs position in the legislative assembly of the state came down to 36 straight from 98. Furthermore, PASs sole dominance upon Terengganu shifted to BN after the partys triumphant victory. The entire consequence seems like a sudden jolt to PAS although there are still possibilities that the group can regain its former power as the party possess 24 legislative assembly seats of the country whereas BN now sits on 21 seats. Another important fact that should be considered in this context is the sudden upsurge of another opposition party DAP (Democratic Action Party) who have wined almost 11 seats along with 15 seats in the legislative assembly in the Malaysian parliament. It is indicative of the fact that the upheaval brought by the influence of the changing circumstances of Muslim politics ultimately found a way to benefit native political parties like DAP. Though it should not neglect that still the country is running high on the success of its opposition parties.On the other hand, the election proves yet another thing that PAS should probably fold its political business from the domain of Malaysia as they have already lost their aim of capturing potential provinces like Perlis, Kedah. In this context, it is essential to consider that PAS started to radicalize its entire political discourse from the year 1980 as they face the compellation to provide defensive acknowledgments to the aggressive policy of Islam and various factors from the Iranian revolution. Most importantly one should not ignore the fact that PAS has been among one of those institutions which has ties with terrorist parties like Hamas. Hence the particular opposition aspects of this party are detrimental and destructive for the peaceful and harmless political atmosphere of Malaysia. However, it is little fortunate that the party could not become fruitful in the case of showing powerful electoral performances in the country. PAS could have done better if its ideology had attached with the Malay nationalism. It seems that PAS's performance is beyond repair since the group has been taken over by Ulama which forced the committee to concentrate more upon the radical notion of Islam. Malaysia encountered a turbulent political year in the year 1999 when both the opposition parties PAS and DAP emerged with infinite potentialities. In comparison with DAP, PAS arrived to be more potent as they acquired 27 opposition seats in the Malaysian parliament. With the victory, PAN possessed north segment of the Peninsula. Additionally, the party grabbed the ruling power for states like Terengganu, Kelantan. The party has been initially alienated by the other supreme political parties of the country and could not have completely enjoyed its victory until the entire nation filled with the terror of the Islamic militant groups who is found to be terrorists. PAS began to show its preponderance as UMNO and BN started to fall by the hegemonic power of PAS and its associated terrorist groups. However, the promise of keeping the Islamic religion away from the Malaysian state by Abdurrahman Wahid the former Islamic leader of Nahdlatul Ulama- one of the largest Muslim movements in Indonesia ultimately turned out to be fruitless. Mr.Wahid assured audiences from domestic and international background about the separation though ideology failed right after his resignation from the group. His secularist opinion and pledge setback since his successive replacement Megawati Soekarnoputri found to be susceptible under the pressure of Islamic parliament and finally left a fragmented leadership for the nation. No matter what one thing should not be denied that the fundamentalist concepts of Islam politics are futile in the case of establishing a peaceful and mode nation. For example, Indonesia suffered in a high volume for adopting the core political aspects of Islamic politics. Malaysia, on the contrary, found a fortune for being compatible enough in making a profitable balance betwee n the maintaining the secular ideologies of Islam and forming a modern nation. Nevertheless, it is fortunate as the terrorist activities supported by PAS began to effect less on the Malaysian front as from the year 1970; most of the members of PAS began to leave the party and shown interest in the youth movement party of Malaysian Islamic Youth. PAS still captures peoples attention for its terrifying activities and violent confrontation with UMNO that has almost cracked the stability of UMNO. The electoral consequence of the year 2004 is the apparent clincher that the group has petite hope left for the Malaysian political future. From the above critical discussion, it can be deducted that Malaysia is one of the regimes whose political sky gathered many clouds by the frequent changes and upsurge of Islam. The countries initial political atmosphere has not been corrupted by the power of Islam by hegemonic powers of PAS, UMNO appeared. PAS started to rule the political scenario of Malaysia with the power of their association with terrorist groups and demolished the power of UMNO. However, fortunately as per the latest election, the power of PAS seems to be stepping down whereas the power of UMNO, DAP is finally finding some solid ground to settle again. Bibliography Abdul Hamid, Ahmad Fauzi. 'Syariahization of Intra-Muslim Religious Freedom and Human Rights Practice in Malaysia: The Case of Darul Arqam', Contemporary Southeast Asia, vol. 38/no. 1, (2016), pp. 28. AHMAD FAUZI ABDUL HAMID. 'Islamist Realignments and the Rebranding of the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia', Contemporary Southeast Asia, vol. 30/no. 2, (2008), pp. 215-240. Au, Eunice. 'Malaysia DPM Zahid's Answers on 1MDB Spark Outcry: 'Political Donation' to Najib Not Illegal, He Says. Cop-Out, Says Opposition Leader', The Straits Times,2015. Bakar, Mohamad Abu. 'Islamic Revivalism and the Political Process in Malaysia', Asian Survey, vol. 21/no. 10, (1981), pp. 1040-1059. Bakar, Mohamad Abu. 'Islamic Revivalism and the Political Process in Malaysia', Asian Survey, vol. 21/no. 10, (1981), pp. 1040-1059. Barraclough, Simon. 'Managing the Challenges of Islamic Revival in Malaysia: A Regime Perspective', Asian Survey, vol. 23/no. 8, (1983), pp. 958-975. Boase, Roger, Dr. , 'Islam and Global Dialogue: Religious Pluralism and the Pursuit of Peace', Anonymous Translator(, Farnham, Routledge Ltd, 2016;2013;2005;2007;). Dingley, James. , 'Terrorism and the Politics of Social Change: A Durkheimian Analysis', Anonymous Translator(, Farnham, Routledge Ltd, 2016;2013;2010;). Hamayotsu, Kikue. 'Islam and Nation Building in Southeast Asia: Malaysia and Indonesia in Comparative Perspective', Pacific Affairs, vol. 75/no. 3, (2002), pp. 353-375. Johansson, Anders C. 'On the Challenge to Competitive Authoritarianism and Political Patronage in Malaysia', Asianà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Pacific Economic Literature, vol. 29/no. 2, (2015), pp. 47-67. Khoo, Ying Hooi. 'Malaysia's 13th General Elections and the Rise of Electoral Reform Movement', Asian Politics Policy, vol. 8/no. 3, (2016), pp. 418-435. Lee, Raymond, and Susan Ellen Ackerman. , 'Sacred Tensions: Modernity and Religious Transformation in Malaysia', Anonymous Translator(, Columbia S.C, University of South Carolina Press, 1997). Millard, Mike. , 'Jihad in Paradise: Islam and Politics in Southeast Asia', Anonymous Translator(, Armonk, N.Y, M.E. Sharpe, 2004;2015;). Muhammad Faiz Mukmin Abdul Mutalib, And Wan Fariza Alyati Wan Zakaria. 'Pasca-Islamisme Dalam PAS: Analisis Terhadap Kesan Tahalluf Siyasi', International Journal of Islamic Thought, vol. 8/(2015), pp. 52-60. Parameswaran, Prashanth. 'MALAYSIA IN 2015 Crises of Confidence', Southeast Asian Affairs, (2016), pp. 183. Sargent, Wendy M. , 'Civilizing Peace Building: Twenty-First Century Global Politics', Anonymous Translator(, GB, Ashgate Publishing Ltd, 2007;2016;). Teik, Khoo Boo. 'Networks in Pursuit of a "Two-Coalition System" in Malaysia: Pakatan Rakyat's Mobilization of Dissent between Reformasi and the Tsunami', Southeast Asian Studies, vol. 5/no. 1, (2016), pp. 73. Tittensor, David, Dr, and Matthew Clarke Professor. , 'Islam and Development: Exploring the Invisible Aid Economy', Anonymous Translator(New edn, Farnham, Routledge Ltd, 2016;2014;). Tittensor, David, Dr, and Matthew Clarke Professor. , 'Islam and Development: Exploring the Invisible Aid Economy', Anonymous Translator(New edn, Farnham, Routledge Ltd, 2016;2014;). Tuck, Christopher. , 'British Propaganda and Wars of Empire : Influencing Friend and Foe 1900-2010', Anonymous Translator(, Farnham, Ashgate, 2014;2016;).

Prostate Cancer Essays (1218 words) - Medicine, Clinical Medicine

Prostate Cancer The prostate gland is an egg-sized organ that rings the male urethra. The secretions of the prostate give nutrients to the semen. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in men. (Ernstoff,Heaney,Peschel,1998,pviii) Like all cancers, prostate cancer is an uncontrolled cell production in a particular organ or area of the body. In the case of prostate cancer, these cells begin to split impulsively in the prostate and form tumors. As these tumors begin to grow they begin to use up oxygen from other healthy cells and surrounding tissue. Not only do these tumors take up oxygen from other cells, they secrete protein signals that initiate the formation of new blood vessels. (CaP CURE,2000,p1) With the increasing rate of prostate cancer in males it is highly suggested that men begin to get tested for this form of cancer at the age of 30. There are two ways of diagnosing prostate cancer. The most common way is a rectal exam. Digita l rectal examination can provide meaningful information in both the diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer. (Ernstoff,Heaney,Peschel,2,p48) The exam is fairly simple. A doctor places his finger in the anus and feels for the texture and size of the gland. The second way that a physician can determine if a male has prostate cancer is the PSA test, which measures the levels of the enzymes produced in the prostate. A method that is not widely used is an ultrasound to visualize the prostate. The rate in which the prostate grows can be reduced through the controlling of testosterone. Yet the prostate can never be stopped from growing and at some point it will grow uncontrollable and can be deadly. After a male is diagnosed with prostrate cancer, it is necessary for them to have surgery to either remove the tumors on and around the prostate, or remove the entire prostate. Many professionals in the field suggest that the entire prostrate be removed for a decrease in the reoccurrence of ca ncer in the body. After the operation, most men will be off their feet for two to three weeks, unless radiation therapy is needed. While off their feet, the man will have to wear a catheter to eliminate the urine (something that the urethra usually regulates). A catheter is a thin tube that runs through the penis and urethra into the bladder. After the urethra heals and the catheter is removed, there is a bubble on the end within the bladder that keeps the catherer in place. The doctor will deflate the swelling and then remove the catheter. Following the removal of the catheter, alternative methods for controlling the flow of urine should be found. A very common option is wearing an adult diaper until dripping is controllable again. For cases of more severe prostate cancer, the post-operation treatment can be harder and longer process. Some methods are implant therapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy. The progression of the cancer will determine which method will be used to help eliminate any other cancerous cells in the body. For some patients, surgery is not the method that they would prefer to use in the treatment of their cancer. So alternative methods that are very similar to post-operative methods are used. Radiation treatment is used in cases where the tumors are small in number or are immediately outside the prostrate. Radiation treatment damages cancerous cells by either an external beam or implanting radioactive beads or other material in the prostrate. In hormone therapy, the cancer is controlled by limiting the supply of hormones that the cancerous cells would need to reproduce. This therapy is only used in cases where the cancer has spread outside of the prostrate. Chemotherapy uses toxic drugs to slow or reverse the spread of the disease in advanced cases. (Smith,Middleton,1987,p154) Nearly 40,000 American men lose their lives to prostate cancer each year, one death every fifteen minutes. (NPCC,2000,p1) This rate of death is so high because American men are not aware of the risk factors of prostate cancer. Men need to be aware that as they grow older, they become more susceptible to this form of cancer. Prostate cancer used

The eNotes Blog R.I.P. Encylopedia Brittanica1768-2012

R.I.P. Encylopedia Brittanica1768-2012 My grandparents had them. They lined the den in their modest Indiana home. In the garage, outdated sets were stacked neatly in boxes. Every year, salesmen came to the doors of homes and schools peddling their wares. But all that is over.   Encyclopedia Brittanica has announced that they will no longer offer their product in print. Its rather a sad passage for some of us older folk.   There arent many businesses that can claim they were viable for over two hundred years. In 1768,   Encyclopedia Brittanica published its first set of volumes in Edinburgh, Scotland and has been in continuous publication until this year. Its not difficult to understand what finally put the venerable company under. Two words: Wikipedia and Google.   Publicly, the company claims that their online competition was not a deciding factor in killing their printed volumes but that seems difficult to believe. Not only is it much easier to access needed information quickly, its difficult to compete with free. A complete set of Encyclopedia Brittanicas runs some $1,395. Space, too, is a consideration. A full set consists of thirty-two volumes and weights upwards of 129 pounds. A good flashdrive, by contrast, could conceivably contain every entry in Wikipedia (26,603,553 pages) and fit comfortably in your pocket, with room to spare. While some champions of the old school encyclopedias decry Wikipedia for having factual errors, a study comparing errors in a sampling of Wikipedia and Encyclopedia Brittanica articles found that there were three errors in Brittanica entries and four in Wikipedia selections. And of course, factual errors are much easier to correct online than in print. Encyclopedia Brittanica prides itself on having experts write their entries. For example, Arnold Palmer penned the article about the Masters tournament. If you truly care about this sort of thing, you can still have access to Encyclopedia Brittanica online. But it will cost you $70 for an annual subscription.

Main Elements of Self Determination Theory Case Study

Main Elements of Self Determination Theory - Case Study Example This implies that SDT focuses on self-motivated and self-determined decisions. Since its inception in the 1970s, SDT has evolved to become a crucial element of social psychology based on empirical research. As mentioned, SDT is mainly anchored on intrinsic motivation. This refers to the need to partake in an activity due to the activity’s satisfactory value. Thus, this need is contrary to extrinsic motivation which refers to the engagement in a given activity in order to fulfill certain goals or obligations. Therefore, SDT can be said to be centered on the following crucial elements: Â  As mentioned, intrinsic motivation refers to the naturally occurring motivation in the event of engaging in certain occurrences (Deci and Ryan, 2005: 49). Therefore, this motivation is highly associated with social development. Cognitive evaluation is a necessary tool in the assessment of the degree of intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation may, thus, be cultivated through the employment of social context events such as rewarding systems. Therefore, intrinsic motivation must be backed by the necessary environment in order to result in the desired self-cultivated drive (Ryan and Deci, 2010: 68). Â  Contrary to intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation is based on external influence. However, external motivations may also be internalized through various processes, thus, contributing significantly to social development. Extrinsic motivation, thus, forms a crucial element of SDT. Extrinsically motivated behaviors may take various forms. However, their integration into an individual’s lives provides the required platform for self-motivation. Â  

Apple company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Apple company - Essay Example The following are financial ratios for APPLE INCLUSIVE for the year ending 2012, 2013, and 2014. Horizontal analysis compares how a company runs its operation across different segments in different years, and emphasizes on cash allocation and generation (Bull, 2008). While vertical analysis compares the amount allocated to an item against the total that was available in a given year. The current assets for APPLE INCLUSIVE rose by 27.1%; in 2013 and dropped to 18.8% in 2014. It was a result of decrease of short-term investments by 38.8%. Total liabilities increased by 44.2% in 2013 and rose by 107.9% in 2014. It was as a result of the abrupt increased current liabilities by 64.6%. The total stockholder’s equity rose by 5% in 2013 and decreased by 6% in 2014. The revenue for the year ending 2014 increased by 17% but the cost of production too increased by 27% making the net income to decrease by 6%. The value of current assets rose by 35% in 2013 and dropped to 32% in 2014. The value of long term investments decreased from 56% in 2012 to 52% in 2014. Current liabilities moved increased by 7%; this is because of increased account payable by 49%. Gross profit for APPLE INCLUSIVE decreased from 43.8% in 2012 to 38.5% in 2014. The reason to this can be blamed on the increased cost of goods from 56.1% in 2012 to 61.4% in 2014. The net income was impacted by the above increased in cost of production, resulting in a decrease by 5.1%. Profitability ratios are a reflection of how a company is efficient in generating income. These ratios are â€Å"seductive† to investors; an investor would like to know how profitable is the corporation before they decide to invest. Everyone expects to value for their money. From the above ratios, it might look contradicting how the two ratios give a different interpretation of the financial performance of APPLE INCLUSIVE. Profit margin shows the net

Role of Conflict and Power Essay Example for Free

Role of Conflict and Power Essay The Kite Runner, written by Khaled Hosseini, is a novel about power, justice, and both internal and external conflict. The feelings of jealousy and selfishness are continually shown by at least two of the main characters throughout the story. This is also a story of cultural power brought on by the influences of the Taliban within the Afghan society. Power is a constant theme throughout the novel and ties closely with the conflict in the characters. Amir, is the central character and is shaped both in character and intellect by power. He is privileged and wealthy, but also steeped in jealousy and cowardice. He is selfish and guilty of abhorrent behaviors. The one positive strength Amir has is his friendship with Hassan. Considered best friends this is a friendship that is generally one-sided with Hassan showing the loyalty and trust. There is an ongoing conflict for this friendship because Amir shares paternal heritage with Hassan. Hassan was born into servitude and thus Baba, the boys’ father, cannot lay claim to Hassan’s heritage. The Afghan traditions and culture pose a conflict for Baba regarding Hassan. Hassan for his part is loyal, forgiving, and an all-around pleasant person to be with. The two boys are drawn to each other naturally. Hassan is the family servant and never wavers in his loyalty to the family even with the knowledge that he should be considered part of it. At the same time, Baba struggles with his own morals and the rigid Afghani traditions. He is proud and determined but also emotionally detached from Amir. Amir feels the detachment deeply and constantly strives to receive Baba’s affection. There are several characters that tie into the overall story. Ali is Hassan’s surrogate father and also servant to Baba. Assef is the antagonist for the story along with two other boys; Kamel and Wali. Assef is a bully and an abuser. Ultimately he sexually abuses Hassan and Sohrab, Hassan’s son. Assef feels no sorrow or remorse for his actions and  continues to bully people. In the second half of the novel, Farid, Amir’s driver and friend proves to be a valuable and trustworthy friend eventually helping to search for Sohrab. Sharif, is Amir’s uncle by marriage and also proves to be an asset in bringing Sohrab to the United States. There are many more second class characters within the story that have minor roles to the significance of the story. Communication, or the lack thereof, plays an important part to the story. Baba lacks emotional communication with both Amir and Hassan. For Amir, Baba displays his love with gifts and monetary gains. This leads Amir to feel privileged and entitled. He is a selfish child with no real emotional connection to his father. Amir displays jealousy to anyone receiving Baba’s affection no matter how small the significance. This jealousy is directed at Hassan because Amir is taught to believe that servants are beneath him. Hassan for his part, is a good natured child, he forgives easily and comes across almost as naive. Amir behaves terribly toward Hassan, using passive-aggressive tactics to goad Hassan, which never really works to Amir’s benefit. It becomes apparent that although Amir considers Hassan to be his best friend, Amir struggles with the communication necessary to show his affection. When Hassan is raped, it is because Amir betrays him. It isn’t until well after the rape that a grown Amir can effectively communicate his guilt regarding his role in the rape. This guilt eventually leads Amir to search for Hassan’s son. Communication plays another significant role that closely ties culture and relationships. Afghani culture seems to have a specific role for males; emotions are not shown although there is a deep value on morals. The fact that culture plays such an important part is evident within the relationship between Baba and Hassan. Baba cannot publicly announce that Hassan is his son but he can do small favors and give gifts. He can also treat Hassan as a part of the family with deference to direct heritage; son versus nephew. Communication and culture directly affect the issues of power and conflict within the story and the dialogue between the characters. The greatest source of conflict is caused by the fact that Hassan is Baba’s son. Amir is aware of this fact and reacts negatively. Amir is both jealous and cruel to Hassan, yet he also considers Hassan to be his most important friend. The friendship is generally one-sided with Hassan consistently showing his trust and loyalty to Amir even after the next major conflict occurs, Hassan’s rape.  Hassan’s rape is brought on by Amir’s actions. He wants to be the best kite runner and tries to prove himself during a competition with Hassan at his side. Assef shows his true character within this portion of the novel by sexually abusing Hassan. Amir fails to intervene in the rape of Hassan and subsequently struggles with guilt. Amir attempts to atone for his actions throughout the rest of the book. Part of the conflict for Amir is within himself. He allows and unspeakable act to happen to his best friend, then he feels tremendous guilt about not helping him. This guilt ultimately affects Amir’s character and changes the way he sees things. Assef, Hassan’s rapist, shows the magnitude of his power from the beginning towards both boys but eventually directs his power on Hassan. The primary reason for this is because of the culture and way of life and also Hassan’s status within the community. Conflict ultimately leads to displays of power throughout the book. Power is a cornerstone of the events to the story. It is shown in many differing ways from authority and control to and a means to an end. Assef uses his power to prove his social status. He is demeaning, mean, and a bully to those he considers beneath him. The rape is an effect of Assef’s definition of power. The other real source of power comes from the Taliban regime. The Taliban show power over others because they own it and others do not. Power is exclusive to the Taliban because of control and this allows the Taliban to reign over everyone. Baba feels this power and shows his deference to it by following the rules of the culture. These rules eventually lead to the conflict in the story. Power and control can pave the way for a person to either be held under or to allow them to regain control over themselves. When Amir finally discloses his guilt in the final portion of the book, he shows his own power. Amir is able to gain self-worth through his actions to help Sohrab and thus begins to forgive himself for his role in Hassan’s tragedy. Self-disclosure has a purpose in life and Amir uses it perfectly. He is able to confront his own issues while at the same time offer assistance to another. This is a novel that is worth reading. It gives a unique perspective on Afghani culture that a person wouldn’t normally see. There is culture of rigid rules, family dynamics and secrets, as well as how society rules over people.

Junk Food: Can What We Eat Change How We Behave? Essays -- Health Nut

Junk Food: Can What We Eat Change How We Behave? Ice cream, chocolate, McDonald’s hamburgers, potato chips, and hot dogs, all symbolize a taboo in our society. Honey, wheat germ, fruit juices, and sprouts, take on a certain manna in our society. For years, our society has been involved with a health food movement. We are carrying this movement with us to every new day, every new year, and now into a new century. As we go into the new century, "our emphasis, is on "wellness" and prevention rather than on illness and curing" (Dubisch, 1999, p.325). Nutrition plays a big role in our plan for preventing illness, and just not physical illness but psychological illness as well. As a mother, I know that nutrition plays a big role in my children’s lives. Did you ever look at a child who has just eaten two chocolate bars, a bag of chips, and drank a big glass of soda, to wash it all down with? They are terrible! If my children eat a well balanced diet throughout the day, they are mostly calm and rational children. They are eas y to talk to, and they listen to almost everything I say. On the other hand, give them a little extra sugar and they run around the house yelling and screaming, throwing things, fighting amongst themselves and in general are very anxious and agitated. It is because of this type of behavior that it is important to explore the possibility that junk food does have an adverse effect on our behavior. Bad eating habits not only affect our bodies physiologically but also can trigger psychological problems. One of the ways this has been evidenced is in an article entitled sugar neurosis. In this article it states "Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a medical reality that can trigger wife beating, divorce, even suicide... ... no hard facts yet. Hopefully more research on this issue will be carried into the new century with us as well. References Burch, M.R. (1992). Behavioral treatment of drug exposed infants: analyzing and treating aggression. Child Today, 21(1), pp. 1-5. Dubisch, J. (1999). You are what you eat. In D.J. Hickey (Ed.), Figures of thought for college writers (pp.323-336). Mountain View, CA: Mayfield. Salzer, M.S. and Berenbaum, H. (1994). Somatic sensations, anxiety, and control in panic disorder. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 25(1), pp. 75-80. Schoenthaler, S.J. (1983). The Alabama diet-behavior program: An empirical evaluation at the Coosa Valley Regional Detention Center. International Journal of Biosocial Research, 5(2), pp79-87. Whaley and Wong, D.L.(1999). Nursing care of infants and children. St, Louis: Mosby, p.871.

Nokia’s Mission Statement

NokiaNokia’s Interim Report (2013) showed a decline in the first quarter for group net sales, device and services net sales and networks net sales. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Nokia’s mission statement places a strong emphasis on shareholder value and social responsibility to increase the company’s stronghold within its industry.Shareholder ValueIn order to gauge the company’s performance in these two areas, there are a couple of specific indicators that Nokia is looking for. Shareholder value is increased through the success of the business. Nokia gives four areas that will become the primary focus of each of the business areas and gauge its success. These areas are: (1) leading and winning in mobile devices, (2) growing consumer internet services, (3) accelerating adoption of business solutions and (4) leveraging scale and transforming solutions in infrastructure (Grant, 2010, p. 24). This focus in these business areas allows for Nokia to inc rease shareholder value through a strong business strategy.Nokia also wants to strengthen their strategic capabilities in the areas of: (1) consumer understanding, (2) brand recognition, (3) technology and architecture and (4) channels and supply chain (Grant, 2010). This will also help to increase shareholder value by allowing for a competitive advantage when dealing with the above business areas.Social ResponsibilityNokia also wants to focus on their social responsibility as a mediator between the unconnected and connected. They envision a world where everyone is connected and allow everyone to feel close to what matters to them. I believe that they can gauge this through the same manner they gauge shareholder value. Essentially, Nokia’s business strategy will fulfill their  social responsibility of connecting people. Leading the industry in mobile devices, Internet services, business solutions and solution infrastructure will all help connect people throughout the world. MissionWith the new Nokia Lumia reaching number four on the list of largest smartphone brands in the USA, one can say that Nokia’s mission is working on increasing the connectivity amongst people through their smartphones (Shah, 2013). However, the company as a whole is not doing so well. With all their sales dropping, the only thing that is increasing is the sale of their Nokia Lumia. Even at the number four spot, Nokia only holds a measly 4.1% of the smartphone industry in the US, and their overall sales are declining (Shah, 2013). Therefore, I would say they are not doing a very good job at fulfilling their mission statement. If Apple had the same mission statement, leading the sales of smartphones in the US at a whopping 33.7%, the statement would be more accurate in saying that they plan to connect people around the world and lead the industry.RecommendationIn order to improve the mission statement, I believe that Nokia should add more tangible short-term goals to boost morale. Short-term wins not only boost morale, but also provide more attainable objectives to satisfy shareholders. Therefore, instead of stating that Nokia plans to, â€Å"Lead and win in mobile devices,† they can state that Nokia will, â€Å"increase the smartphone market value partnering with Android AND Microsoft to expand Nokia’s global reach.† Providing short-term wins that are not as broad as Nokia’s current mission statement will help also strengthen the company’s brand and make them a stronger company as a whole. Overall, Nokia is doing well within the smartphone realm, and losing in everything else. It is either time that they specialize in a specific industry (smartphones), or take the market by storm with something that has not been offered before. Only the future will tell, and the mission statement is what will reflect these plans. Nokia’s Mission Statement NokiaNokia’s Interim Report (2013) showed a decline in the first quarter for group net sales, device and services net sales and networks net sales. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Nokia’s mission statement places a strong emphasis on shareholder value and social responsibility to increase the company’s stronghold within its industry.Shareholder ValueIn order to gauge the company’s performance in these two areas, there are a couple of specific indicators that Nokia is looking for. Shareholder value is increased through the success of the business. Nokia gives four areas that will become the primary focus of each of the business areas and gauge its success. These areas are: (1) leading and winning in mobile devices, (2) growing consumer internet services, (3) accelerating adoption of business solutions and (4) leveraging scale and transforming solutions in infrastructure (Grant, 2010, p. 24). This focus in these business areas allows for Nokia to inc rease shareholder value through a strong business strategy.Nokia also wants to strengthen their strategic capabilities in the areas of: (1) consumer understanding, (2) brand recognition, (3) technology and architecture and (4) channels and supply chain (Grant, 2010). This will also help to increase shareholder value by allowing for a competitive advantage when dealing with the above business areas.Social ResponsibilityNokia also wants to focus on their social responsibility as a mediator between the unconnected and connected. They envision a world where everyone is connected and allow everyone to feel close to what matters to them. I believe that they can gauge this through the same manner they gauge shareholder value. Essentially, Nokia’s business strategy will fulfill their  social responsibility of connecting people. Leading the industry in mobile devices, Internet services, business solutions and solution infrastructure will all help connect people throughout the world. MissionWith the new Nokia Lumia reaching number four on the list of largest smartphone brands in the USA, one can say that Nokia’s mission is working on increasing the connectivity amongst people through their smartphones (Shah, 2013). However, the company as a whole is not doing so well. With all their sales dropping, the only thing that is increasing is the sale of their Nokia Lumia. Even at the number four spot, Nokia only holds a measly 4.1% of the smartphone industry in the US, and their overall sales are declining (Shah, 2013). Therefore, I would say they are not doing a very good job at fulfilling their mission statement. If Apple had the same mission statement, leading the sales of smartphones in the US at a whopping 33.7%, the statement would be more accurate in saying that they plan to connect people around the world and lead the industry.RecommendationIn order to improve the mission statement, I believe that Nokia should add more tangible short-term goals to boost morale. Short-term wins not only boost morale, but also provide more attainable objectives to satisfy shareholders. Therefore, instead of stating that Nokia plans to, â€Å"Lead and win in mobile devices,† they can state that Nokia will, â€Å"increase the smartphone market value partnering with Android AND Microsoft to expand Nokia’s global reach.†Providing short-term wins that are not as broad as Nokia’s current mission statement will help also strengthen the company’s brand and make them a stronger company as a whole. Overall, Nokia is doing well within the smartphone realm, and losing in everything else. It is either time that they specialize in a specific industry (smartphones), or take the market by storm with something that has not been offered before. Only the future will tell, and the mission statement is what will reflect these plans.

The Environmental Costs of Cotton

Whether we wear cotton shirts or sleep in cotton sheets, chances are that on any given day, we utilize cotton in some way. Yet few of us know how it is grown or its environmental impact. Where Is Cotton Grown? Cotton is a fiber grown on a plant of the Gossypium genus, which, once harvested, can be cleaned and spun into the fabric we know and love. Needing sunshine, abundant water, and relatively frost-free winters, cotton is grown in a surprising variety of locations with diverse climates, including  Australia, Argentina, West Africa, and Uzbekistan. However, the largest producers of cotton are China, India, and the United States. Both Asian countries produce the highest quantities, mostly for their domestic markets, and the U.S. is the largest exporter of cotton with about 10 million bales each year. In the United States, cotton production is mostly concentrated in an area called the Cotton Belt, stretching from the lower Mississippi River through an arc spanning the lowlands of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Irrigation allows additional acreage in the Texas Panhandle, southern Arizona, and California’s San Joaquin Valley. Is Cotton Bad for the Environment? Knowing where cotton comes from is only half the story. At a time when the general population is moving toward greener practices, the bigger question asks about the environmental cost of growing cotton. Chemical Warfare Globally, 35 million hectares of cotton are under cultivation. To control the numerous pests feeding on the cotton plant,  farmers have long relied on the heavy application of insecticides, which leads to the pollution of surface and groundwater. In developing countries, half of the pesticides used in all of agriculture are put toward cotton. Recent advancements in technology, including the ability to modify the cotton plant’s genetic material, have made cotton toxic to some of its common pests. Though this has reduced the use of insecticides, it hasnt eliminated the need. Farmworkers, particularly where the labor is less mechanized, continue to be exposed to harmful chemicals. Competing weeds are another threat to cotton production. Generally, a combination of tilling practices and herbicides are used to knock back weeds. A large number of farmers have adopted genetically modified cotton seeds that include a gene protecting it from the herbicide glyphosate (the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup). That way, the fields can be sprayed with the herbicide when the plant is young, easily eliminating competition from weeds.  Naturally, glyphosate ends up in the environment, and our knowledge of its effects on soil health, aquatic life, and wildlife is far from complete. Another issue is the emergence of glyphosate-resistant weeds. This is an especially important concern for those farmers interested in following no-till practices, which normally help preserve the soil structure and reduce erosion. If glyphosate resistance doesnt work for controlling weeds, soil-damaging tilling practices may need to resume. Synthetic Fertilizers Conventionally grown cotton requires the heavy use of synthetic fertilizers. Unfortunately, such concentrated application means that much of the fertilizers end up in waterways, creating one of the worst nutrient-pollution problems globally, upending aquatic communities and leading to dead zones starved of oxygen and devoid of aquatic life. In addition, synthetic fertilizers contribute an important quantity of greenhouse gases during their production and use. Heavy Irrigation In many regions, rainfall is insufficient to grow cotton. However, the deficit can be made up by irrigating the fields with water from wells or nearby rivers. Wherever it comes from, the water withdrawals can be so massive that they diminish river flows significantly and deplete groundwater. Two-thirds of India’s cotton production is irrigated with groundwater, so you can imagine the damaging ramifications. In the United States, western cotton farmers rely on irrigation as well. Obviously, one could question the appropriateness of growing a non-food crop in arid portions of California and Arizona during the current multi-year drought. In the Texas Panhandle, cotton fields are irrigated by pumping water from the Ogallala Aquifer. Spanning eight states from South Dakota to Texas, this vast underground sea of ancient water is being drained for agriculture far faster than it can recharge. In northwest Texas, Ogallala groundwater levels have dropped over 8 feet between 2004 and 2014. Perhaps the most dramatic overuse of irrigation water is visible in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, where the Aral Sea declined in surface area by 85%. Livelihoods, wildlife habitats, and fish populations have been decimated. To make matters worse the now-dry salt and pesticide residues are blown away from the former fields and lake bed, negatively impacting the health of the 4 million people who live downwind through an increase in miscarriages and malformations. Another negative consequence of heavy irrigation is soil salination. When fields are repeatedly flooded with irrigation water, salt becomes concentrated near the surface. Plants can no longer grow on these soils and agriculture has to be abandoned. The former cotton fields of Uzbekistan have seen this issue on a large scale. Are There Environmentally Friendly Alternatives for Cotton Growth? To grow cotton in a more environmentally friendly way, the first step must be to reduce the use of dangerous  pesticides. This can be achieved through different means. Integrated Pest Management (IPM), for example, is an established, effective method of fighting pests which results in a net reduction of pesticides used. According to the World Wildlife Fund, using IPM decreased pesticide use for some of India’s cotton farmers by 60–80%.  Genetically modified cotton can also help reduce pesticide application, but with many caveats. Growing cotton in a  sustainable manner  also means planting it where rainfall is sufficient, avoiding irrigation altogether. In areas with marginal irrigation needs, drip irrigation offers important water savings. Finally, organic farming takes into consideration all aspects of cotton production, leading to reduced environmental impacts and better health outcomes for both farmworkers and the surrounding community.  A well-recognized organic certification program helps consumers make smart choices and protects them from greenwashing. One such third-party certification organization is  the Global Organic Textile Standards. Sources World Wildlife Fund. 2013. Cleaner, Greener Cotton: Impacts and Better Management Practices.