Port Security Challenges

Tackling the issues associated with port security is of high significance for international trade. Beginning from 2001, the reality of the terrorist threat to America’s ports has increased considerably including the risk of the nuclear attack with the so-called â€Å"dirty bomb†.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Port Security Challenges specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, terrorism is not the only port security challenge. Illegal human and contraband trafficking, piracy, and cargo security are other major port security risks. In the following paper, the problem of port security and its connections to the international trade will be observed in more details. The security challenges associated with port security are terrorism, piracy, illegal human and contraband trafficking, and cargo security (Blake, Schwartz, Schwartz, 2013). Each of the fields identified has the broad scope and variety of di mensions. With regards to this fact, port security guards face the tremendously difficult operational task that becomes even more complicated owing to the complex structure of ports, complicated system of port authority distribution between the public and private stakeholders, and interference from multiple governmental and private agencies (Blake et al., 2013). The significance of mega ports to international trade can be hardly underestimated since they are the main processing harbors for over 80 percent of overseas commerce (Blake et al., 2013). In connection to mega ports, the tactics of the weak or confronting an enemy with the low-tech approaches confounds the tactics of the strong or doing the same with the highly technological weapons by means of implementing unexpected solutions (Blake et al., 2013). Sadly, terrorists have learnt how to implement the tactics of the weak quite effectively, which can be proved by the high number of dangerous occurrences on the maritime transpo rt and in ports committed by them annually (Blake et al., 2013). However, the system of security in mega ports effectively implements to eliminate terrorists’ efforts and thus, the significance of these ports are crucial. In line with the above-mentioned information, the importance of rethinking asymmetric threats is conditioned by the changes that take place at the global arena (Blake et al., 2013). Terrorists begin to implement the newest and the most unpredictable methods to attack the vulnerable points in the port protection system. The society is left no other choice but to develop to the more complex and sophisticated safety and security systems.Advertising Looking for essay on transportation? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Moreover, the threat of the â€Å"dirty bomb† which is the type of fission weapons remains high (Cruise, D’Erman, Grillot, 2013). Generally speaking, any bomb containing nuclear materials can be referred to as the â€Å"dirty bomb†. The relationship of this threat to port security is inevitable because placing such bombs into cargo is not a very complicated task due to the existing security gaps. The reality of a terrorist nuclear threat to America’s seaports is thus quite high. The situation is getting worse because of the sheer size of cargo being operated in ports on a daily basis and absence of the well-designed system of central authority overseeing the maritime system (Cruise et al., 2013). In conclusion, the vulnerability of American ports to the terroristic threats continues to be the reason of concern for both the government and commercial institutions engaging in the international trade. With regards to this problem, it is the high time to rethink asymmetric threats and undergo the needed changes both in thinking and implementing the newly developed security strategy in practice. References Blake, P., Schwartz, D., Schwartz, T. M. (2013). Upgrading NY-NJ Harbor: risks and challenges. International Journal of Business Continuity and Risk Management, 4(3), 266-282. Cruise, R. J., D’Erman, V. J., Grillot, S. R. (2013). Protecting Our Ports: Domestic and International Politics of Containerized Freight Security. New York, N.Y.: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. This essay on Port Security Challenges was written and submitted by user Bennett Odom to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Demarcation of Science and Non

Demarcation of Science and Non Introduction Demarcation of science and non-science is exceedingly complex because both are integral in generation of scientific knowledge. General definition of science is the study of the physical world using systemic observation and experimentation skills. Thus, key to science is observation and experimentation of infinite manifestations of the physical world to generate scientific knowledge. In contrast, non-science is a field of knowledge that deals with abstract manifestations of the world that science can neither observe nor experiment.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Demarcation of Science and Non-Science specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, these two fields of knowledge seem to be downright separable yet empirically impossible since, one field must exist for the other to exist. In essence, there can be no science if non-science does not exist, and vice versa. According to Callender (2005), science and n on-science are inseparable components of knowledge as they depict empirical and rational aspects of knowledge respectively (1). Science derives its observations and experiments on the non-science world by making hypotheses that are non-science, and eventually, through the process of testing and experimentation, hypotheses become theories that explain scientific facts. Ironically, scientific facts tested using non-science hypotheses seek to differentiate science and non-science, yet they are interdependent. Hence, it is impossible to demarcate science from non-science on a case-by-case basis. Impossible Demarcation As aforementioned, it is impossible to demarcate science from non-science because they are integrated fields of knowledge in that; one cannot exist without the other. For instance, untested knowledge is non-science while tested knowledge is science. This means that, for science to exist there must be some untested knowledge that needs testing through observation and experi mentation. Scientific knowledge originated from the non-scientific world that is full of facts awaiting experimentation to qualify as scientific facts. Shermer (2001) argues that, scientific study entails the interplay of inductive and deductive reasoning (22). Inductive reasoning involves the use of observations, experiments, hypotheses, and theories in making general inferences of a certain phenomenon, while deductive reasoning is the application of theories in analysis and extrapolation of a given phenomena. Critically, both inductive and deductive reasoning have non-scientific elements for they both rely on hypotheses and generalization of findings with certain assumptions. Hence, it is impossible to demarcate science and non-science explicitly. Demarcation of science and non-science is quite impractical because science originates from non-science. Formulation of theories begins from formulation of hypotheses, then experimentation to test and provide evidence of assertions in hy potheses, and ultimately validation of the hypotheses as theories.Advertising Looking for essay on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More If demarcation of science and non-science existed in scientific experiments, then there would be no false hypotheses because they are unscientific. List (1992) argues that, it is ambiguous to consider a given hypothesis unscientific yet it is scientific to falsify it (50). In other words, demarcation of science and non-science will create ambiguities in science. Hypotheses and theories are indispensable elements of science because they act as a bridge between scientific and non-scientific worlds. Both science and non-science theories have helped human beings to explain the origin of life in the universe. Creation and evolution theories are the leading schools of thoughts that hold plausible explanations about the origin of life. Although both theories seem to be plausible, bot h have not proved, beyond a reasonable doubt, how their assertions are true in modern society. Creationists believe that life originated from a creator of which science cannot test whether it is true or false. On the contrary, evolutions infer that life originated from basic molecules that evolved throughout the history of the universe and led to the emergence of diverse creatures. Creation theory is unscientific for its basis is on the belief, while evolution theory is scientific because of its empirical inferences. Forster (2004) argues that, commonality of creation and evolution theory is that they have assumptions and seek to explain the same phenomena (28). Thus, demarcation of science and non-science can severely affect scientific claims of evolution theory for it has failed to prove the occurrence of evolution, even though it is scientific. Moreover, non-science is an indispensable part of science because people use non-scientific principles of reasoning in ascertaining wheth er a given assertion or hypothesis is valid and sound. Although mere reasoning is unscientific because no one can test and prove its validity, it is part of the scientific process. Kabay (2005) asserts that, according to descriptive criteria, assertion should be testable in principle, logic or otherwise, for its hypothesis or theory to be scientific (7). Despite the fact that scientific evidences emanate from observation and experimentation, they must fulfil the principle of testability and logic for them to support a hypothesis or a theory. Since, design of experiments and logic are inseparable in scientific studies, then science and non-science are also inseparable. Conclusion Therefore, it is impossible to demarcate science from non-science on a case-by-case basis because they are integrated fields of study and knowledge that are interdependent. Science consists of tested field of knowledge while non-science consists of untested field of knowledge; thus, science relies on non-sci ence to expand its discoveries and increase the tested form of knowledge.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Demarcation of Science and Non-Science specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For scientific field to expand, it must delve into the field of non-science to falsify numerous hypotheses, theories, and assertions. In addition, since science differentiates science from non-science, demarcation of the two will limit the integration of science into other fields of knowledge such as psychology, philosophy, and sociology, which do not need laboratory testing or experimentation, for they are abstract constructs that are impossible to measure experimentally. Bibliography Callender, Craig. 2005. Philosophy of Science and Metaphysics. Continuum Companion  to the Philosophy of Science, 1-24. Forster, Malcolm. 2004. An Introduction to Philosophy of Science. Philosophy, 1-28. Kabay, Martin. 2005. Science and Non-Science: An Epist emological Conflict.  Philosophy of Science, 1-24. List, Charles. 1992. Science and Pseudoscience; Criteria of Demarcation. Reason  Papers 8, 49-58. Shermer, Michael. 2001. The Borderlands of Science: Where Sense Meets Nonsense. New York: Oxford University Press.

W3Qop Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

W3Qop - Essay Example t. c. The sites are applied by companies to promote sales through the internet. The people who visit these sites can create their profile, which allows them to display their interests and thoughts regarding various issues. Companies utilize the opportunity to identify consumer’s views regarding their products. They use the sites to promote brand awareness especially when a new brand is launched. Consumer confidence is increased when they interact through these sites. They get to know how the views of other consumers and also their questions can be addressed in unison (Hackler & Saxton, 2007). Social networks can be used to boost business especially when the marketing campaigns are designed to match the business objectives. The advertisements target specific market segments ensuring that their needs are met. The sites are significant in meeting the needs of a wide customer base especially due to the fact that the use of internet is growing rapidly globally. Consumers are allowed to interact in online forums wherever they are, and they create a large audience for the marketers. The swiftness through which information is passed to all consumers is significant in making quick sales than the conventional forms of marketing. Moreover, the marketers have an opportunity to demonstrate to the consumers through video clips or demos. The sites are flexible and the marketers can change the content fast to suit consumer demands. Value addition can be accomplished through allowing the consumers to vote for their interests to be integrated in the product. In essence, the social network s have helped businesses to make a major milestone in promoting their products (Turban et al. 2008). Â   Managers do not like problems especially due to the time they consume making it difficult to accomplish good plans. Problems generate uncertainties in business and they always seem imminent. When managers identify problems, they ensure that they are

Social Stratification and Social Inequality Essay

Social Stratification and Social Inequality - Essay Example As compared to America, Japan is a much more patriarchal society which means that culturally, it would be difficult to find women as head or corporations or even on the directorial board of a company. Chieko (2001) reports that the position of women in the workforce is less than forty percent which is far lower than international standards. Women are seen to be fulfilling their duties in traditional roles rather than modern roles which are more acceptable in America. A quick examination for the American Fortune 500 list of companies shows that in 2003, women held 14% of board seats in various companies while they only had a 10% representation back in 1995. One in ten companies on the same list had 25% or more women on the boards (Lockwood, 2005). On the other hand, when it comes to Japan, the Asian Human Rights Commission (2001, Pg. 1) reports that, â€Å"The equality of men and women has not been fully achieved in practice, for the traditional concept that the woman is to stay at home is still deeply rooted†. Even when the women get to work, they face issues which are similar to the ones faced by American women workers. Of course the American women have some recourse in terms of legal action against sexual harassment at work but Japan has no law against sexual harassment. The Japanese government knows that there is a problem with sexual harassment since their own survey has shown that half of women working in Japan have faced sexual harassment. Some reports place the figure as high as 70% of women having faced sexual harassment since the majority do not report it (Asian Human Rights Commission, 2001). Perhaps the most significant problem for women in Japan comes from the way some Japanese laws may be structured to work against women. For example, if a woman reports that she was raped, she may have to prove with physical evidence that she resisted the rape. Other factors, such as the courts considering physical violence to be a natural

Political Parties Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Political Parties - Research Paper Example The normal people in the general population belong to this party electorate. These supporters or those who identify with a particular political party often show a strong tendency to vote for the candidate of that particular party. In addition, they register themselves as members of that party. These supporters tend to support all the policies of their political party blindly. There are various opinions among various scholars regarding party identification. While some opine that party identification is the result of people’s attachment to certain core political values, some others claim that party identification leads to political core values in an individual. In either way, political identification is an essential element in modern national politics. According to people like Green, palmquist, and Schickler, party identification is the sense of personal attachment one feels to a particular party as a result of the closeness he or she has to the social groups associated with tha t party (132). To illustrate, people often decide their political party taking into consideration how they feel about the social group which makes the base of that particular political party. The study by Goren proves that party identification is stable and rather long lasting (882). Admittedly, the first benefit of party identification is the proper representation of people’s requirements and their satisfaction. ... Secondly, though there is the claim that party identification leads to partisan politics, there is the counter argument that party identification leads to a greater degree of unity. For example, Larry shows that an individual’s value selection is greatly influenced by their party affiliation (122). That means a large chunk of population, which believes in a particular political party, tends to blindly support what the party propagates. It will help in reducing individual differences in opinion to a great extent. This is evident from Feldman’s report that party identification leads to greater voter turnout in elections (431). That means identification to a political party encourages participation in democratic process. As Fiorina opines, party identification is the best way to ensure effective running of democracies. For instance, such political parties are the only platform for candidates to reach the masses in a short time (89). Without the presence of parties, the ent ire system will be in chaos as so many candidates might turn up and the population will be divided into so many divisions based on the demands of each small section. Thus, political system becomes an important aspect of a successful democracy. Along with this, political parties play a great role in coordinated social interaction. Forgetting minor differences in individual perceptions, people gather under the banner of political parties and promote group survival and welfare activities instead of individual needs. Finally, in times of trouble and complex social situations, parties provide cues that guide people. Thus, party identification is an important element of party system and political participation, and these both are essential for democracy. 2. Developments in party Identification

Climate Change A Big Market Failure Politics Essay

Climate Change A Big Market Failure Politics Essay Lord Stern has described climate change as the biggest market failure the world has seen. What are the major economic features of climate change that make it such a significant market failure? Outline carefully the policy challenges of addressing two of these features. He, who knows what sweets and virtues are in the ground, the waters, the plants, the heavens, and how to come at these enchantments, is the rich and royal man. Only as far as the masters of the world have called in nature to their aid, can they reach the height of magnificence. Whilst thinking about which topic to choose amongst I got this Having covered environmental issues as a journalist for many years, I have become increasingly alarmed about the problem of climate change and its negative impacts, so I decided to join the Scottish Green Party as the party that I have seen taking this issue most seriously. from web site of The Scottish Green Party quoted by Louise Batchelor who has received the British Environment and Media prize twice for her reporting of environmental issues on BBC Scotland. If today climate change is being made slogan of political campaign, that means it is worth to think about it. Market failure is a theory which arises when the distribution of goods and services by a free market is not Pareto efficient. Market failures are generally linked with failure of competition, public goods, externalities, incomplete markets, information asymmetries and other macroeconomic disequilibrium. (Jozeph Stiglitz, Economics of Public Sector, 3rd ed, p. 77-85) In economic terms externality stems from actions of subject which affect others in positive or negative way. In first case person or organization may impose cost on others but does not reimburse it, whereas the latter may cause benefit to others without reaping all of the benefits of the activity. Models where the actions of individual or the firm injures others is called negative externality, however the opposite is referred to as negative externality. The most obvious patterns include climate change and water pollution. Since the end of XX century world community has been facing serious environmental problems, so economic studies of climate change are juvenile and will develop as we face new policy challenges. Emissions by previous generations which polluted our ecosystem demonstrate damage for contemporary society as well as for posterity. While occasionally used synonymously with global warming, the climate change implies a considerable change in a climatic condition which has si gnificant economic, environmental and social effects. It may be restricted to a specific locality, or may happen across the whole globe. Not surprisingly, humankind is in the central figure that causes this. Certainly the worlds environment has always changed owing to natural reasons.   But what is going down presently is that man-made aspects are now warming up the worlds climate at a more rapidly pace.   This increase of carbon emissions set in motion through the industrial revolution. In pre-industrial era that is, the time prior to the Industrial Revolution none of modern technologies automobiles, aircrafts, plant, phones, TV sets exited. The Industrial Revolution came about when people commenced to mass scale production in industries by means of machinery that worked with energy from coal, and later on using  oil, gas, and electrical power.   This made it much easier for people to produce goods and facilitated the advancement of new technology.  Since Industrial Revolution which started round 1750 and picked up the pace in the 1800s and 1900s, civilization has been using fossil fuels in an intensive way. As a consequence of this actions atmosphere has been polluted with large amount of greenhouse gases. The more society manufactures and devours, the more environment is changed we are surrounded by. Climate change is an unavoidable and important worldwide challenge with enduring effects for the sustainable growth of all states that world society has had to deal with up to present time. The relationship connecting climate change and sustainable growth are strong. Climate change influences roundabouts through some channels such as storms, heatwaves, sea level rise, hurricanes, droughts, and floods create threats for resources of water, food and agriculture. In its turn these unquestionably living standard of population of developing countries. So, developing countries are expected to get the hardest destruction by climate change. Techniques to tackle climate change necessitate worldwide societys aims to be completely consistent with for economic and civil progress. This task that go beyond national frames and calls for solutions at the global plane. According to Nicholas Stern, climate change should be regarded as externality, because people who release emission to nature do not compensate for it. As a greatest and widest-ranging market failure, it is a challenge for economists itself. Influence of climate change very expansive and interrelate with other types of market failures, from which additional complicated policy problems stem. Lord Stern states that if world society does not take action, the on the whole, overheads and risks of climate change will be correspondent to losing at least 5% of world GDP continuously. If a broader series of shocks is taken into consideration, the approximation of harm could rise to more than 20% of total output. Lets see it in examples of sectoral perspectives. (The Economics of Climate Change. The Stern Review. Nicholas Stern. Cabinet Office HM Treasury, 2006, UK. http://www.webcitation.org/5nCeyEYJr. Retrieved 2010-01-31.) Agriculture is sphere of influence of humankind extremely responsive to climate changes. Forces changing our climate are as well important to farm production. Anthropological actions have already changed atmospheric features such as ozone, rainfall, carbon dioxide level. Although production of food may take advantage of warmer climate, the increased probability of natural disasters like heatwaves, floods and droughts will generate problems for agricultural producers. Actually Paul Krugmans statement in his article on NY Times shows the trouble with its seriousness: But the evidence tells a different, much more ominous story. While several factors have contributed to soaring food prices, what really stands out is the extent to which severe weather events have disrupted agricultural production. And these severe weather events are exactly the kind of thing wed expect to see as rising concentrations of greenhouse gases change our climate which means that the current food price surge may be just the beginning. ( http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/07/opinion/07krugman.html ) Source: Escalating food prices, UNICEF February 2011 report. Analyses of the effects of global climate change imply that climate change may lead to significant decline in agricultural output in developing nation states. Nowadays international community is getting more concerned about matters vital to developing countries, such as potential changes in total food availability and world food prices. Among other causes 2007-2008 and recent 2011 food crisis are attributed to climate change. First one, was due to the catastrophe of the most terrible drought in a century in Australia, that is why the 2006 crop summed only 9.8m tonnes. After America, Australia is on average the second leading exporter of grain, and in normal times crop would be about 25 million tonnes. Because of that drought world stock of wheat has reached it lowest possible level since 1979. The droughts impact on rice has made the greatest shock on the rest of the world, to date. It is one factor causative to bubbling prices which is supposed it is among the initial signs that a w arming planet is starting to have an effect on production of food. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7289194.stm) According to Reuters food prices have increased by 11.7% in 11 months of 2010 while the general price level (inflation) has upsurged only by  1.9%. This fact indicates a severe difference and obliges  preventative  measures to impede food crisis founding starving nations. The caution for food crisis in   Sri Lanka was issued due to the bad weather condition occurred during the first few weeks of 2011 which caused massive floods in eastern,  northern  and north central regions of Sri Lanka where the extensive crop growing were taking place. More than 50% season harvest was destroyed  resulting  in  21% of the rice cultivation of Sri Lanka being destroyed. And the irrigation system of the country is damaged making it unworkable to do forthcoming season cultivation which will promote reduction of the rice cultivation in the future. Apart from that vegetable prices have gone up by more than 200% as a result of floods and the live stock of 240,000 were destroyed which wi ll again result in high price of meat, milk and eggs. And  Meteorological Department of Sri Lanka predicts for a drought period towards the mid 2011 which will once more upshot in damage of crops and make people starve again. (http://www.tutebox.com/business/economics/what-is-foodflation/) Africa responds especially badly to climate change given that it is principally agrarian, suffers an undesirable price shock to its exports, has a low capacity to regulate agricultural portfolios, and has a low elasticity of substitution between domestic and imported cereals. The orientation in the direction of cereal self-reliance averts the economy from taking benefit of lower world cereal prices by changing expenditure towards imported cereals. The remarkable raise in cereal imports in Asia and Latin America leads to a high demand for foreign currency. Balance of trade stability is realized by currency devaluation, by 3.5% in Asia and 1% in Latin America. Real exchange appreciation lessens openness of African economy. There is a 5% appreciation of the currency in response to a complex of changes, but primarily due to a large decline in demand for imports. The cereal sector yield shock of -17% cannot be compensated by an increase in cereal imports. In response, the domestic price o f cereals rises which induces resource reallocation towards cereal production. Import demand for cereals and industrial goods declines, since real incomes of all households decrease, leading to a lower demand for foreign exchange. The supply of foreign currency falls as export crop production decreases both because productivity falls and in order to allow a shift towards cereal production. The depreciating effect from lower supply of foreign currency is overwhelmed by the significant decrease in industrial imports, which are much larger in value terms than export crops, causing a net appreciation. (Economic and Welfare Impacts of Climate Change on Developing Countries by Paul Winters et al.) Some restricted views claim that climate change will not greatly affect other sectors than agriculture. But according to well constructed climate-economy models, which go beyond above, environmental changes have great influence on other spheres of economy as well. More broadly still, climatic effects may extend to health, crime, conflict, and migration, all of which could have first-order implications for measuring the policy response. (http://wallstreetpit.com/23481-what-are-the-likely-economic-effects-of-climate-change) Dell et al. 2008, find that warming has historically had negative impacts on economic growth but only in poor countries. The effects in poor countries are remarkably large with a 1 degree Celsius rise in temperature reducing economic growth by about 1.1 percentage points. Looking underneath national growth, the study also finds large effects on both agriculture and industrial value added, in addition to effects on aggregate investment, political stability, and innovation. Furthermore, study of historical data relating national weather variation to export performance. The findings confirm large negative impacts of temperature on poor countries. On average, we find that a poor country being 1 degree Celsius warmer in a given year reduces the growth of that countrys exports by between 2.0 and 5.7 percentage points in that year. As in Dell et al. (2008), we find no effect on rich countries exports. The fact that exports are even more sensitive to temperature than overall GDP is consistent with the idea that domestic consumption is relatively steady, so that volatility in domestic production translates into greater volatility in net exports. (Dell, Melissa, Benjamin F Jones, and Benjamin A Olken (2008), Climate Shocks and Economic Growth: Evidence from the Last Half Century, NBER Working Paper 14132.)

Leakey, Richard :: essays research papers fc

Richard Leakey- Homo habilis Richard Leakey was born December 19, 1944 in Nairobi, Kenya. His parents were the esteemed anthropologists Louis and Mary Leakey. Richard first became a tour guide in Kenya, but changed his mind when he found an extinct human jaw. He then schooled himself by completing a two-year secondary education program in six months. From 1967-77 he and his co-workers dug up around 400 fossils, that accounted for 230 individuals. The most important discovery was an almost complete skull found in 1977, which Richard believe to be a new species called Homo habilis. Richard Leakey’s accomplishments are discovering the crania of Australopithecus boisei in 1969 with the archaeologist Glynn Isaac on the East shores of Lake Turkana, Homo habilis in 1972, and Homo erectus in1975. He was appointed administrative director in 1968 of the National Museum of Kenya, and in director 1974. Since 1989 he has been director of the Wildlife and Conservation Management Service, Ke nya. His publications include Origins in 1977 and The Making of Mankind in 1981, both with Roger Lewin. Australopithecus africanus inhabited the earth roughly 3 - 1.6 million years ago. The characteristic difference between the Ausrtalopithicus afarenis and africanus is the height and brain capacity. The height of the africanus is 1.4 m and the brain capacity is approximately 400 - 600 cc. Smaller incisor teeth and a slightly flatter face are also noted. The afarensis has a height of 1.2 m and a cranial capacity of 380 - 450 cc. Sticks, and stones were most likely used to gather food by the Australopithecus africanus. Homo habilis (also known as "handy man") is theorized to have lived with Australopithecus africanus. Homo habilis was known as â€Å"handy man† because he used primative stone tools. The flat face and large molars of the Homo habilis resemble the Australopithecus lineage. The brain size of the Homo habilis is about 700 cc which is larger than the Austr alopithecus). The "apelike" body structure with long arms and a small body was a characteristic of the Homo habilis. Recent discoveries, such as from Lake Turkana, of better-preserved fossils have revealed new insights on early Homo in the Plio-Pleistocene. Of this new habilis material, the most amazing is a nearly complete cranium discovered in 1972 at East Lake Turakana. This individual, with a cranial capacity if 775 cm3, is clearly outside the known range for Australopithecines and it overlaps the lower boundary for Homo.

Poverty and Destitution

Defining Poverty Poverty has been defined in many different ways. Some attempt to reduce it to numbers, while others believe that a more vague definition must be used. In the end, a combination of both methods is best. DiNitto and Cummins (2007), in their book â€Å"Social Welfare, Politics and Public Policy,† present six definitions and explanations of poverty. Social reformers Webb and Webb (1911) present another angle on poverty. Essentially, all definitions are correct, the debate is of which to use when creating policy. â€Å"Less than† Poverty DiNitto and Cummings (2007) first present poverty as depravation. They explain that poverty as depravation is an insufficiency in an â€Å"item required to maintain a decent standard of living† such as clothing, food, shelter or medical care. At first glance this definition seems to sum up the general understanding of poverty. However, the issue lies with the â€Å"decent standard of living. † This statement implies that there is an agreed upon standard for a comfortable or decent lifestyle. To be considered in poverty by this definition one would have to live below the invisible standard of decent living. This is the ‘less than enough† definition of poverty and is the most commonly used definition of poverty to date. Second, DiNitto and Cummings (2007) described poverty as inequality. Poverty as inequality refers to the â€Å"inequality in the distribution of income. † This definition is such a vague generalization that practically any person can make a legitimate claim at being impoverished. Any individual can claim that they receive an unequal amount of income and therefore are in relative poverty- having less than someone else and are entitled to more. This is the â€Å"less than that guy† definition of poverty. The last â€Å"less than† poverty definition is poverty as lack of human capitol. This definition, according to DiNitto and Cummings (2007), describes that in a free market productivity is key and those with low productivity are impoverished. If an individual has low productivity because of a lack of skills, knowledge, education or training then they will receive a low amount of reimbursement for their production. This is the â€Å"less skills† definition of poverty. â€Å"That’s just the way it is† Poverty There are three different â€Å"that’s jus the way it is† types of poverty; poverty as culture, poverty as exploitation and poverty as structure. The first, poverty as culture is described by DiNitto and Cummings (2007) as poverty becoming the norm for a subset of individuals. DiNitto and Cummings (2007) explain that it is not just a â€Å"way of life† but also a set of attitudes, lack of self-respect and lack of incentive within the group that perpetuates poverty among them. Poverty as exploitation was sociologists Marx and Weber’s basis for socialism. Poverty as exploitation assumes that the upper and middle classes are exploiting the lower class by using them as cheap labor and paying them insufficient salaries to escape poverty. This definition presents that possibility that poverty does not have to exist, but that through cooperation of the classes poverty can be eradicated. Poverty as structure is described by DiNitto and Cummings (2007) as the continuation of poverty due to â€Å"institutional and structural components. † Institutional discrimination refers to the inequality in opportunity within the institution. DiNitto and Cummings (2007) gives the example that poor school districts are often given less funding and fewer resources for their students. With fewer resources and frequently larger classes, the students in these school districts do not get a full or proper education resulting, ultimately, in the continuation of poverty. â€Å"Destitute† Poverty After all of these definitions and attempts to explain or better understand poverty there is still an essential piece missing. Defining poverty by comparing one individual to another or to a number is not sufficient. There is no agreed upon standard of living and in some definitions anyone could make a reasonable argument that they live in poverty, despite their income or resources. However, there is another definition not mentioned in our text. Berleman (1970) in his article â€Å"Poverty- Some Dilemmas in Definition† quoted early twentieth century social reformers Webb and Webb as they describe poverty. Webb and Webb explain that destitution is â€Å"the condition of being without one or more of the necessities of life, in such a way that health and strength is so impaired as to eventually imperil life itself. This definition provides the most concrete of standards as well as provides a harsh view of what poverty really is. Preventing Destitution The agenda to end poverty is nothing new in American politics. However, with the recent changes in the US economy the war on poverty is raging and politicians are making daring statements and promises. In the 2008 Compass Forum Barack Obama bol dly vowed to halve poverty within 10 years. Later, Republican John McCain declared if he were voted president that the â€Å"eradication of poverty will be top priority of the McCain administration. The interesting thing about these comments is the plan each politician created to support them. Both John McCain and Barack Obama followed in the footsteps of politician John Edwards, supporting the plan that he had once proposed. The plan included a list of actions that needed to be taken to alleviate poverty in the US. However, a the top of the list were only temporary solutions including increasing minimum wage and unemployment insurance, revising the earned income tax credit and child tax credits as well as government funded child care and creating new jobs. In the long run these solutions will not hold. Raising minimum wage and increasing tax credits are a never ending process that may lighten the burden of low income families and workers, giving the illusion temporarily that the plan is working. Still minimum wage and tax credits would have to be increased regularly to keep this illusion from collapsing and landing US poverty rates back in the exact same position. Much lower on the â€Å"to do list† to eradicate poverty were programs that will yield increasingly higher and longer lasting results such as Pell grants, school-to-work programs and vocational rehabilitation for former prisoners and disabled workers. Providing the necessary resources and skills to impoverished individuals with the desire to work will allow them to not only acquire higher paying positions but also provide access to the resources they need to maintain the position. Empowering an individual to rise above poverty by providing resources and skills will have a slower rising, but longer lasting positive result. Increasing minimum wage and tax credits may likely bring those on the edge of the poverty line slightly above it, but what about those who are destitute? How is another $. 0 to $. 40 per hour going to alleviate their destitution? How is a child tax credit going to benefit them when they are not able to feed their child? There are two ends of the poverty spectrum that need our politicians focus; the focus needs to be on increasing the resources for low income families for affordable health care, food stamp programs, school meal programs and temporary assistance for needy families. Then the next step is not a tempo rary tax credit or increase in minimum wage, but support in vocational skills, education and training. Long term decreases in poverty rates will only occur after there is an increase in nutritional support, medical attention, education and training for low-income Americans References Berleman, W. (1970). Poverty–Some Dilemmas in Definition. Growth & Change, 1(4), 27. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database. Besharov, D. , & Call, D. (2009). Income Transfers Alone Won't Eradicate Poverty. Policy Studies Journal, 37(4), 599-631. DiNitto, D. & Cummings, L. (2007) Social Welfare, Politics and Public Policy. Pearson Education, Boston, MA. P 80-118, 161-197, 250-379.

Gorgias essays

Gorgias essays Imagine walking into the classroom just as your instructor is handing back grades on a major test you recently took. She hands you yours and you see you have a grade much higher than you expected, in fact, it is one of the highest grades in the class. You suddenly exclaim,Thank you, Jesus,? so that it is heard by everyone in class. Before realizing it, you have just committed a crime. In today's society, prayer in schools is essential to help one get through the day. Denying an individual his or her right to pray in a public setting seems to strip them of their First Amendment rights, which claim citizens have the freedom of speech. The issue of prayer in schools has had much debate over the past century, when the Supreme Court made its first ruling regarding religion in schools. During the case ofIllinois vs. McCollum? in 1948, the court ruled that allowing religious teachers to come into public schools to give religious instruction violated the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, which prohibits government establishment of religion. The court said the policy tears down thewall" separating church and state, (a phrase created by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to the Westbury Baptists after the Constitution had been written and ratified. Since 1948, there have been numerous trials regarding the same issue. On June 25, l962, the U.S. Supreme Court removed prayer from our nation's schools. 39 million students were forbidden to do what they and their predecessors had been doing since the founding of our nation, which was publicly calling upon the name of the Lord at the beginning of each school day. The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to remove prayer from schools, has been leading to other religious removals. Even thePledge of Allegiance? has had some dispute because it states that the United States isone nation under God.? Then people began to think,Well, what about those who don't believe in God? Are they ...

Indian country revisited essays

Indian country revisited essays Indian Country Revisited When I was younger, I asked my teacher, all the time in fact, why do we have to learn this. Her response was always, youll need it when you grow up. Math, science, and English, I understood, but history was different. She said that we must learn our history so as not to repeat the errors of the past. I still dont believe this. In Vietnam, Americans, foreigners to their land, came in and sought to take what wasnt ours to take. Did we not also do this when we, the British, came to the Americas to take the land. Sure we said that we were seeking religious freedom, but was that why we were really there? We were in Vietnam to fight for economic freedom (against communism), but was that really why? Vietnam was nothing more than the entire cowboys and Indians situation all over again, but with a different outcome. I propose then, why need history? If this situation was the same as taking the Indians land, then we didnt learn from our history, and therefore it is worthless. In Robin Moores, The Green Berets, he even refers to the entire conflict as Indians and Cowboys, but how accurate is this? For references I will be referring to Tim OBriens If I Die in a Combat Zone, and Phillip Caputos, Rumor of War. In The Green Berets, OBrien was a young intellectual who was drafted into the war years after it started. He was opposed to the war the entire time, and was very jaded that he had to go and fight. In this book, he presents the Vietnamese much in the same way that a family of cowboys would have described the Indians in the 1800s. He was forced into the war and hated it, and the only way that he could bring himself to fight it was to dehumanize and hate the Vietnamese. They are portrayed as a primitive race, living in grass huts and making it by on almost nothing. They have all of these tradition ...

CAREER PLAN Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

CAREER PLAN - Essay Example As Watkins notes, â€Å"First and foremost, career choice reflects an implementation of life-style; it involves putting the life-style into practice via one’s career†.4 The reflective nature of the process that follows is designed to get you thinking about the meaning of work and of careers within your life.5 If you have trouble articulating responses to individual questions then you may wish to have a person who you trust ask these questions of you, and record your responses. You could then edit, and further expand on, your responses as needed. You will be evaluated on: (1) Completing all sections (2) How well written it is; (3) How comprehensive it is; and (4) The extent to which you bring in other resources relating to career planning in your writing. You should save a version of this file at a location where you can work on it. When you are ready to submit this part of your Career Plan, go to the Assignments Link in Oncourse, and submit it as an attachment. The articles listed below or those posted in the â€Å"Resources† folder on Oncourse may help you in thinking about the below question. Students who make effective use of these and other relevant resources will receive higher grades for this assignment. Developing an understanding of your personality is important to developing interests will help to identify aspects that either impede or promote your ability to engage in a rewarding career path. Understanding your personality type will also better prepare you with the knowledge to engage in a path based on personal intrinsic/internal motivation. Complete the KeirseyTemperament Sorter-II (KTS-II)6 personality assessment using the following link: Idealists, as a temperament, are passionately concerned with personal growth and development. Idealists strive to discover who they are and how they can become their best possible self -- always this quest for self-knowledge and self-improvement drives their

Physiology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Physiology - Essay Example In high temperatures, the body can be cooled off through sweating and wearing of a jacket and when temperatures are low, they can be heated by wearing a jacket and through shivering. The pulse is the periodic dilation of the artery that is produced by the rhythmic opening and closing of the aortic valve in the heart. It can be felt through the application of pressure by firm fingertips to the skin where the arteries travel near the surface of the skin. The common pulse points are the radial artery in the wrist, the brachial artery inside the elbow and the carotid artery of the neck (Yagiela, 1995). Pulse rates differ from one person to another and it decreases with age. Alterations between normal and weak pulses indicate heart failure while rapid pulses indicate serious cardiac diseases, vigorous exercises or a relatively mild fever. Head injuries may result in slow pulse rates though this is exceptional in highly trained athletes who were slow pulse rate is considered normal. The maximal heart rate is that of 200 beat/min which is in young people. The maximal heart rate is determined genetically and cannot be modified by exercise or by external factors. According to Yagiela (1995) respiration is the process through which the body acquires oxygen and in turn removes carbon dioxide through the nasal cavity into the lungs (Lombardi, Lown and Verrier, 2005). This simple exchange of gases occurs through a process known as diffusion which requires a concentration gradient. Oxygen concentration has to be kept at higher levels in the alveoli than in the blood and the carbon dioxide concentration in the blood has to be kept at higher levels than in the alveoli. This is done through the active process of breathing that calls for contraction of the skeletal muscles including the diaphragm and the external intercostals muscles. The intercostals muscles are located in between the ribs while the diaphragm is muscle sheet between the