Parental Involvement in Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Parental Involvement in Education - Essay Example The question is not whether parental involvement is a benefit to a student's educational experience as previous studies have often indicated. The measure of parental involvement is not the time spent or the test scores of the student, but is contextual to the student, the parents, and the school environment. The question is important primarily for parents to measure and assess their activity in relation to their child's school environment. The parent who spends additional time working with the student's homework or participating in school activities may be spending time that is counterproductive to their goal. Homework may prove to be frustrating for the parent. The student may resent the parent's intrusion into what they perceive as their private life. Parents require a measure of what parental involvement is beneficial and what aspect of it may be detrimental. Parental involvement in education needs to be viewed from the various aspects of age, motivation, and pattern of involvement. Crosnoe (2001) studied 692 freshmen and sophomore students of a mixed and diverse ethnic population (p. 214). The study was conducted by questionnaire by inquiring about the amount of time spent with the parents on homework and the parent's involvement with school activities (pp. 215-216). Crosnoe (2001) found that college preparatory students experienced an initially high amount of parental involvement, but was diminished as they progressed in school (p. 221). Crosnoe (2001) further noted that general and remedial students had a level of parental involvement that stabilized or increased over time (p. 221) This confirms the findings of Watkins (1997) when he reports, "Parents in this study were more likely to be involved when their children displayed low achievement". Parental involvement may be out of necessity to correct problems rather than an indicator of positive reinforcement for the student. The Watkins (1997) study was conducted on a group of 303 students with a racial mix of 64% white and 33% black. The parents were above average educated with 43% having at least a two-year degree. Watkins (1997) observed that there were patterns of involvement that differentiated the student's achievement. Watkins (1997) contends that parents become involved for one of four reasons. Involvement may be at the request of the teacher or due to low grades. They may also become involved because they want to raise the child's grades or they feel they are more equipped than other parents to elevate the child's learning. Watkins (1997) noted this effect was highest among minority parents and well educated whites. Similar to Watkin's (1997) findings were the results of a study by Domina (2005) The Domina (2005) study found that, "[...] after school and family background and child's prior academic achievement are controlled, the effect of each of these involvement activities on children's academic achievement is negative or nonsignificant (p. 245). The effect of the parental background also is highlighted in the Van Voorhis (2003) study evaluated middle school students to evaluate parental involvement effect on science students. The study examined the effect of parental help with homework. Van Voorhis (2003) found many negative effects of parental involvement (p.325). Parents may become frustrated or supply inappropriate

Increasing or Restricting Andragogy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Increasing or Restricting Andragogy - Essay Example This paper outlines that we have to take into account both the objective semantics of the term as well as try and locate it within a specific twentieth century educational context. The term ‘adult education’ is a comparatively new one, coined much after it was actually in practice. It is a result of many years of evolutions, and its meaning, even now is far from simple and monolithic. Even as early as in 1927, Hall-Quest conceded the difficulties in defining the term. One of the biggest problems related to the definition of ‘adult education’ is, whether it refers to a set of methodologies by which ‘adults’ can be taught, or is it a holistic term that includes the general endeavor of educating adults in a specific way as well as a detailed study of government adaptation and subsequent implementation of policies that target the adults specifically as the subject of educational instruction. Theorists like Alan Rogers have defined adult education as a process ‘whereby anyone over 16 (or whatever) are treated as adults – capable, experienced, responsible and balanced people’. Such a definition has two major problems; first ‘adult education’ becomes synonymous with ‘andragogy’ thus affecting the semantic rigor of the term.  

Transportation In Malaysian Context

Transportation In Malaysian Context Unlike most other Asian cities, driving is the main mode of commuting in Kuala Lumpur. Hence, every part of the city is well connected by highways. As the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur has a comprehensive road network that leads to the rest of Peninsular Malaysia. Public transport in Kuala Lumpur and the rest of the Klang Valley covers a variety of transport modes such as bus, rail and taxi. Based on the article Prasarana to buy trains worth RM1.2bil by The Star in 2006, despite efforts to promote usage of public transportation, utilisation rates are low as only 16 percent of the population used public transportation. Rail transport in Kuala Lumpur encompasses light rail, rapid transit, monorail and commuter rail. Kuala Lumpur is served by three separate rail systems which meet in the city and extend towards other parts of the Klang Valley, namely RapidKL Light Rail Transit, KL Monorail, and KTM Komuter. These lines have underground, elevated or at-grade stations around the city. The main rapid transit hub is KL Sentral which facilitates as an interchange station for the rail systems. RapidKL is the operator of two light rail lines in Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley, namely Ampang Line and Kelana Jaya Line which connect Kuala Lumpur to its satellite city, Petaling Jaya. The issue of what transport system in Kuala Lumpur City Centre and Petaling Jaya has today is, people are too lazy. They are lazy to walk so they decided to park their car as close as they can to their destination. They are lazy to find car parks so they park at road shoulders, causing congestion to the drivers and also an obstacle for pedestrians and cyclists. They are lazy to walk a few miles to the nearest LRT station to go to city centre and opt to go there by car instead, despite the massive traffic especially during early morning and late evening. But they are okay with it. Because no matter how they said they hate the traffic, they would still go out using their cars, and put up hours on the road, wasting precious times. So why would these people, simply put up with the traffic that they hate so much and deceiving the fact that they have the multi-million Ringgit worth of PUTRA LRT, which is one of the most advanced rapid transit systems in the world, and at the time of construction was the worlds longest driverless metro. Because if they travel with LRT, it may not stop approximately at their destination. Theres this term, faced by the LRT users, which are called first mile and last mile. And Malaysian hates this. So they prefer to sit in their little air-conditioned steel boxes which move slower than a bike during peak hours. Because of peoples love for their cars, finding a solution to the question of access to these buildings, to avoid being surrounded by a sea of parked cars, is therefore an important part of the problem. According to Brian Richards in his book Future Transport in the cities (1960), he summed up the approaches that being used towards dealing with traffic problems in the cities by the authorities. These approaches are: There is a serious and effective grass roots opposition in most countries to more urban road-building on the basis that more roads mean more traffic. Within residential areas there has been the development of traffic calming and town yards. Controls on parking within city centres has effectively reduced and controlled the amount of traffic entering cities. Planning laws are banning more out of town shopping centres or random car-oriented developments. Public transport has been maintained and improved, without which any of the other measures would be effective. Although these measures were introduced, there are problems with the continuing growth of cars, the political strength of car lobby and the desire for people to own and use their own cars. In this selfish world, people love their cars. It gives them a retreat from the real world which partly accounts for their popularity. It provides them with a degree of comfort and privacy for the user, which public transportation did not have. It allows the user to go straight to their destination without having the hassle to change stations or switch mediums like public transportations do. As a result, these cars caused the most problems to city life. It is now that alternative ways must be sought to provide transportation systems that are good enough for people to opt out for it and leave their cars for major trips like going back to their kampung and road trips. Another reason that makes people opt for cars is the lack connectivity of LRT in Petaling Jaya area. Realising the problem, the Government of Malaysia is now working on a Malaysia Rapid Transit project. The proposal was announced in June 2010 and was approved by the government of Malaysia in December 2010. The newly-launched Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) will oversee and coordinate the entire MRT development in terms of cost and viability, alignment and integration, and will play the role of regulator once the project is completed. National infrastructure company, Syarikat Prasarana Negara would ultimately own and operate the MRT. A First Class Land Public Transport System Contributes to Social and Economic Development Historical data in Malaysia and around the world indicates a correlation between GDP and mobility growth increased population, employment and economic activity always translate into higher mobility requirements. In this context, a first class land public transport system is especially important given our immediate aims as outlined in the ETP: 6 per cent annual growth and 3.3 million new jobs by 2020. Travel vehicle demand grew from 13 million trips per day in 1991 to 40 million in 2010. Projections point towards this trend continuing in Malaysia, with the figure expected to reach a staggering 133 million in 2030.With urbanization expected to reach 70 per cent by 2020, there is a need to enable an efficient and smooth flow of people, which in turn also enables the growth of new urban areas through increased connectivity. Beyond satisfying a growing demand, land public transport plays a catalytic role in accelerating and shaping economic growth. Provision of effective public transport services has the potential of opening up new growth clusters, enhancing the attractiveness of existing clusters, and driving urban revitalization. And there are other positive spill-over effects of increased economic activity built upon an advanced land public transport network it yields employment and business opportunities in local economies by having synergies with other industries like advertisement, retail and property development. Malaysia has seen a surge in ownership of cars and motorcycles across the country, which is an indication of our countrys increased prosperity, but although private vehicles contribute to the mobility solution, sustainable and inclusive social and economic development cannot be overly dependent on private vehicles. As a general rule, public transportation is more affordable and mitigate traffic congestion as well as the attendant pollution problems caused by private vehicles on the road. All this puts tremendous pressure on the land public transport system to meet the mobility and connectivity requirements closely linked to the social and economic development agenda. Public Transport Masterplan which was being proposed recently. MY Rapid Transit (MRT) is a proposed three-line Mass Rapid Transit system in the Klang Valley. The MRT will be integrated with the LRT, Monorail, KTM Komuter and intra/ intercity buses and will help alleviate traffic congestion by increasing the number of people using public transport in the city centre. When operational, the system targets to carry 400,000 commuters daily. In 2020, it is estimated that the population in the Klang Valley will grow from the current 6 million to 10 million. This means that if every single trip is on private transport, the roads in the Klang Valley will be in gridlock. An effective public transport system is the only solution to this as it can move people in masses and it has an optimal usage of space to carry the same number of people. Rail-based public transport, such as the MRT, LRT or commuter train, always forms the backbone of a citys public transport system as it can carry large numbers of people and can move people quickly because it is not hindered by road traffic. Klang Valley currently has a shortage of rail-based public transport coverage compared with most public transport-oriented cities. It has less than 20km per million population. Public transport-oriented cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong and London have more than 40km of rail per million population. With the MRT, it will boost the rail-based public transport coverage in Klang Valley significantly. The first line of this project is the Sungai Buloh Kajang Line (SBK Line), which stretches 51km and have 31 stations. The line will pass through the city centre and will serve densely populated suburban areas including Kota Damansara, Mutiara Damansara, Bandar Utama, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Bukit Damansara, Cheras, Bandar Tun Hussein Onn and Balakong, with a total catchment population of 1.2 million people. Out of the 31 stations, 16 stations will be equipped with Park and Ride facilities: Sungai Buloh Maluri Pusat Bandar Damansara Kota Damansara Taman Bukit Mewah Bandar Tun Hussein Onn Taman Industri Sungai Buloh Plaza Phoenix Taman Koperasi Taman Tun Dr Ismail Taman Suntex Saujana Impian Seksyen 16 Taman Cuepacs Kajang Works on the MRT SBK line has begun in July 2011 and is expected to be completed by 2017. The Klang Valley MRT will not only significantly increase the current inadequate rail network but will also serve to integrate the existing rail networks and expectantly alleviate the severe traffic congestion in the Greater KL metropolitan area. The new MRT system is to radically improve and transform Kuala Lumpurs poor and sorely inadequate public transportation coverage and to propel the Greater Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area to be on par with that of a developed city. The new lines will increase Greater Kuala Lumpurs rapid rail network from 15 km per million people in 2010 to 40 km per million people once completed. The proposal also envisages a fivefold increase in rail ridership, in line with the governments target for public transport usage in the Klang Valley of 40% by 2020 from 18% in 2009. The Red Line will go from Damansara in the northwest to Serdang in the southeast of Kuala Lumpur, While the Green Line will be from Kepong in the northeast to Cheras in the southwest. Bot h lines will pass through the city of Kuala Lumpur and converge at the Dataran Perdana (Kuala Lumpur International Financial District) near Jalan Tun Razak. The underground MRT Line 2 looping around the city of Kuala Lumpur will serve an important role to tie-up and integrate the currently disjointed LRT and monorail lines. Under the Greater KL/ Klang Valley Land Public Transport Master Plan draft, MRT 2 would cater for orbital movements around Kuala Lumpur, provide linkages to existing areas such as the Mid Valley, Mont Kiara, Sentul Timur and Ampang, as well as proposed major developments identified in the DBKL City Plan such as Matrade. The master plan draft says the circle line would be developed in at least two phases The first, comprising 29km with 22 stations would be the western and southern sections linking Ampang with Mid Valley, Matrade and Sentul. The second phase (12km with 8 stations) would link Ampang with Sentul Timur, completing the northeastern sector of the circle line. The master plan also says MRT 3 or the north-south (NS) line would cater for a north-west corridor of the Greater Klang Valley, linking developing areas such as Sungai Buloh, Kepong and Selayang with the eastern half of the city centre (including Kampung Baru and Kuala Lumpur International Financial District), which was forecast to be overloaded in the future. Sustainably Enhancing Connectivity Public transport has an important role to play in Malaysias aspirations to develop holistically and sustainably. As populations in urban centres get denser, the problems of congestion and pollution will rise. Proper planning of public transport and land-use are essential to mitigate the ill-effects of population growth in urban areas and to make city-life a pleasant, healthy and environmentally sustainable one. Under the Final Draft of Malaysias National Land Public Transport Masterplan, chapter 3.7 ABOUT BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE states that policy 3.7.1 is to promote healthy living. One of the indirect benefits of using land public transport systems is that they indirectly promote healthier lifestyles. This is because when the public transportation hubs are well connected, the first and last miles of a public transport users journey are typically travelled by foot, rather than in a car or on a motorcycle. The stretch between the public transport station and the users origin or destination is crucial to reduce the barrier of using public transport in the first place. †¢ Pedestrian facilities improvement to bus stops and railway stations will be encouraged as part of the local authority development plans. Walking structures should be defined around transit stops to increase the convenience of those locations. To enhance the accessibility of KLà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸s public transport network, a target has been set of having 75 per cent of the population live within 400 meters of a public transport stop. In addition to ensuring ease of access to the major transport nodes for pedestrians, fitting in cyclist-friendly infrastructure such as bicycle parking facilities and bicycle lanes will make it easier and more attractive for people to ride to the stations or interchanges. It will also increase the catchment area of these bus interchanges or rail stations as people living further away would not be put off by having to walk a distance to take public transport. policy 3.7.1 : Final Draft of Malaysiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸s National Land Public Transport Masterplan First, lets take Singapore as a reference in terms of public transportation usage and connectivity. It is easy to take Singapore as a reference to this study because of its climate is the same as Malaysia and taking Kuala Lumpur City Centre and Petaling Jaya as a place of study, it is almost similar to Singapore in terms of urbanization. Then again, how did Singapore able to encourage their people to use their public transportation? Although the approach of Singaporean government is not through cycling, however, it is still beneficial to review their integrated transport system and compare with our own transportation system. In terms of connectivity, public transportation in Singapore is highly connected all over its main town to its suburbs. Since Singapore is a small town with a high density of population, it is possible to do so. Furthermore, because of its size, it is possible to enforce restrictions on private car ownership this, curbing congestion and pollution. To own a car, one must pay duty one and a half times the market value and bid for a Singapore Certificate of Entitlement which comes in very limited numbers. Therefore, according to Singapores department of statistics, only 1 very 10 people own a car. Within the absence of private cars, Singaporeans seems to live normally and manage their time effectively, to catch up with the public transportations schedule. Singaporeans usually travels either by bus, taxis, trains, or maybe a combination and some of them might cycle. Although according to Tan Mike Tze in a chapter of the book THE JOURNEY: Singapores Land Transportation Story (2005), he says Singaporeans does not like the idea of pedal-powered bicycle as it is too hot and humid, the traffic is dangerous to the cyclist and so on. Also, generally bicycles are used by construction workers, say some. In the book, Tan Mike Tze has this thought where he wants people to imagine a world where everybody goes to work by bicycles or walking or public transportation and their companies are encouraging it by providing showers and changing room facilities allow people to freshen up before starting their work. A world with dedicated lanes and protected side road reserves for the bicycles. A world where the roads are dominated by cyclists and pedestrians and cars have to give way to them. Imagine the health benefits, environmental friendliness and sheer graciousness in such a world. In Petaling Jaya, there are already bicycle paths and bicycle parkings at bus stops, being integrated as part of a residential areas streetscape in Damansara Jaya. Although not many people have come to know about these facilities, it is actually a part of Petaling Jayas Green City big plan, where they are trying to decrease the carbon footprints produced and reduce the use of private motorised vehicles on the road. The bicycle path in Damansara Jaya is the pioneer project which tries to communicates urban parks within the Petaling Jaya area. Even though it was meant for recreation, it indirectly helps the cyclist to safely commute within that area. Children can now cycle to school without having their parents to worry about their safety on the road, thus, reducing the number of cars on the road during 7.00 am to 7.30 am and 2.00pm to 3.30pm. It is a very good example set up by the Petaling Jaya Municipalities on how to manage traffic in urban areas. Singapores transport planners have occasionally toyed with this idea. The Registry of Vehicles stopped registering bicycles in 1981, but a 1955 estimate reckoned Singaporean owned about 240 bicycles per 1000 population. This puts Singapore sixth in a table with other developed countries, a table inevitably topped by the developing worlds most devoted cyclist, in Holland, with its 550 bicycles per 1000 people. But ownership does not equate with usage, of course. Most bicycles use in Singapore is recreational, and often the bikes belong to a child or teenagers but not working adults. There already is a good network of recreational bike paths in parkland areas. But only 1% of Singaporean trips were made on bicycles in 1995, way below the most other countries. In many admittedly cooler European countries, up to 50% of rail travellers and perhaps 20% of bus travellers may arrive at the station or terminus on a bicycle. There certainly are valid safety concerns, given the current configuration of Singapores roads; while only 1% trips were made by bicycle, the percentage of road accident casualties for cyclists is disproportionately large, at about 4%. But these conditions could be changed. The cyclist could be protected via dedicated lanes or paths among other strategies. Road planners, of course, panic that they are already short enough of land for road-building, without sacrificing any more for à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬-frills such as bicycle lanes. For engineers, all the glamour lies in rail. To some extent, this mindset can be seen in the 1996 White Paper A World Class Land Transport System. In this report, bicycles are relegated to a brief paragraph at the back, under the general heading Supporting Measures. The provision of more facilities for bicycles would encourage short trips of about 3km within housing estates, and possibly to the nearest MRT stations as well. It is the strength of this lobby to create future demand that ultimately will determine whether the planners really embrace the bicycle. The Land Transport Authority, had provided some 869 bicycles at 38 MRT stations by 1997, but it seems significant that bicycles did not feature in the LTA annual report after that, and that a search of the current LTA website under bicycle- does not yield any information. How much friendlier and nicer our roads and public spaces would it be if more of us paddled around on bicycles instead of sitting high and aloof in our four-wheeled steel boxes. It will require a national cycling strategy integrated into the national transport, health and environmental policy. The such master plan will provide for necessary infrastructure such as traffic signs and bicycle parkings, redesign roads and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¾traffic calmingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ measures in built up areas and school zones to slow down motor traffic. It will require some changes to the law, most importantly, it will require safety education and training for all road users. Chin Yih Ling, Singaporeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸s Today Newspaper, 17 January 2005 According to existing cyclists, cycling in early in the morning and late afternoon hours could be much more comfortable than walking as they can feel the breeze during riding the bike and the temperature of the surrounding is quite cool. It would extend the catchment of the LRT stations of more than 45% walking, thus making cycling a better option than walking. In Malaysia, people are allowed to take motorcycle license as early at the age of 16 and car license at the age of 18. Malaysia has cheap petrols, subsidized by the government, lots of highways and wide roads to occupy the needs of urban transportation. Therefore, people here cant seem to find a reason to not own a car or ride one. Thus, the existence of bicycle is forgotten. Even kids are demanding to be sent and invited back home by cars. Bicycles in Kuala Lumpur city centre and Petaling Jaya are now merely for recreations, where people brought their bicycle by cars, to the urban parks, and ride it there for the sake of heal th benefits they claim. There are even peoples, who strived the congested roads every day after work, for the sake of riding a stationary bicycle at the gym, also, for the health benefits. Figure 2.1.3 Copenhagen, Denmark, Mao showing 300km of cycle paths provided beside all existing regional roads and distributor streets, used by 30% of commuters daily. New cycle routes are being built, aimed at increasing the length of average cycle trips from 5 to 15km. For those who arent cycling, the idea of having a dedicated bike path would make them think as if it was a waste of space and resources. But looking things at a bigger picture, having dedicated bicycle paths would encourage more people to cycle as it ensures the cyclists safety on the road. When more people cycles, the dependency on private cars lessens thus, reducing the number of cars on the road, and releasing the traffics pressure, especially during peak hour. With just a few millions spent on providing bicycle-oriented facilities such as painting the paths and providing bicycle parking, and give 1.5 metre minimum from the existing roads to these bike paths instead of spending billions on building more highways and flyovers the government could save billions more and able to spend it to increase the performance of existing public transportations such as increasing the number of coaches to the train to allow more people to enjoy the ride, increasing the number of trains and platforms to allow more frequent trips and better connectivity to places throughout the city. 2.2 Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur is the federal capital of Malaysia. The city covers an area of 243KM ² and has an estimated population of 1.6 million as of 2012. At 1999, the administrative centre of Malaysia was shifted to Putrajaya as an approach to release the population pressure of Kuala Lumpur. Started as a tin mining town, Kuala Lumpur evolves rapidly as among the fastest growing metropolitan regions in the country, in terms of population and economy Malaysia. After the big flood swept through the town following a fire that had engulfed it earlier in 1881, Kapitan Yap Ah Loy restructured the building layout of the city into new brick buildings with clay tiles inspired by shophouses in southern China, characterised by five foot ways as well as skilled Chinese carpentry work. This resulted in a distinct eclectic shop house architecture typical of this region. A railway line increased accessibility into the growing town. As the development intensified in the 1890s, Kapitan Yap Ah Loy spent a sum of $20,000 to expand road access in the city significantly, linking up tin mines with the city, these roads include the main arterial roads of Ampang Road, Pudu Road and Petaling Street. Climate and weather Protected by the Titiwangsa Mountains in the east and Indonesias Sumatra Island in the west, Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya has a tropical rainforest climate which is hot and humid all year round. Average temperatures tend to remain constant between 31 and 33  °C and typically receives minimum 2,600 mm of rain annually. Flooding is a frequent occurrence in both cities whenever there is a heavy downpour, especially in the city centre and downstream areas. Dust particles from forest fires from nearby Sumatra sometimes cast a haze over the region. It is a major source of pollution in the city together with open burning, emission from motor vehicles and construction works. 2.3 Petaling Jaya Petaling Jaya is a city in Selangor originally developed as a satellite township for Kuala Lumpur, comprising mostly residential and some industrial areas. It is located in the Petaling district with First developed by the British on the former 486 hectares Effingham Estate,as an answer to the problem of overpopulation in Kuala Lumpur in 1952 and has since witnessed a dramatic growth in terms of population size and geographical importance. The migration from Kuala Lumpur to the Petaling area had indeed started before the town was officially named in 1953 as Petaling Jaya. The satellite town began to take shape in 1952 when 800 houses were built and another 200 under construction. By the end of 1957, there were well over 3,200 houses in Petaling Jaya, along with more than 100 shops and 28 operating factories. The year also saw the opening of the first phase of the Federal Highway (Lebuhraya Persekutuan) which divided Petaling Jaya into two. Linking Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya and Port Klang, it enhanced PJs reputation as a strategically located town, particularly in the eyes of industrialists and the affluent searching for prime residential land. Transportation facilities and infrastructure are well developed in Petaling Jaya. Bus services were initially provided by Sri Jaya between the early 1950s until the early 1990s. The mid-eighties saw the introduction of minibuses. The introduction of the IntraKota bus system by DRB-Hicom saw the replacement of Sri Jaya and the minibus by the early 1990s. At the same time, some of the Petaling Jaya-Kuala Lumpur bus routes were also serviced by Metrobus. The introduction of the Putra LRT service in 1998 saw the addition of the Putraline feeder bus services. The combination of Putraline and Putra LRT brought a relief to many Petaling Jaya residents especially those who had had to rely on public transportation. In 2006 RapidKL took over the operations of IntraKota as well as both Star and Putra LRT. Today, public transportation is provided by RapidKL in the form of buses as well as the KL Light Rail Transit System Kelana Jaya Line, which extends slightly into Petaling Jaya. There are five Kelana Jaya Line stations in Petaling Jaya.Petaling Jaya has three access points to the national highway system North-South Expressway via Kota Damansara, Damansara, and Subang. Internally, highways such as the Damansara-Puchong Expressway, Sprint Expressway and the Federal Highway also exist. There are plans for extensions to the existing Klang Valley light rail transit network with a new 30 km line from Kota Damansara in the northern part of Petaling Jaya to Cheras (southern Kuala Lumpur) with stops in Mutiara Damansara and Taman Tun Dr Ismail, to name a few. The extension line which would connect to Subang Jaya, the Kelana Jaya Line, will start operation on April 2011 and expected to be completed in 2013. 2.4 Cycling In The City Before the economy of Malaysia blooms and the first national car, Proton Saga, was launched in July 1985 by Malaysias then Prime Minister, Mahathir bin Mohamad, cars is a luxury to many, and cycle is the most common medium of transportation. Peoples daily travel distances were shorter and the city is more friendly towards people, rather than machines. People in those days treated cycling as part of their utility, rather than a hobby. Utility or transportational cycling generally involves travelling short and medium distances, which involves a few kilometres and not more, often in an urban environment. It includes commuting to work, school or university, going shopping and running errands, as well as heading out to see friends and family or for other social activities. It also includes economic activity such as the delivering of goods or services. In big cities, the bicycle courier has been often a familiar feature, and freight bicycles are capable of competing with trucks and vans particularly where many small deliveries are required, especially in congested areas. In Yokohama, Japan, bicycle also being used as a medium of public transportation through services called Velotaxi. Similar to the old days rickshaw, Velotaxi provides environmental friendly transport to its user and is actually one of the main tourist attractions in the city. Utility cycling is believed to have several social and economic benefits. According to a report by the Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¢Cycling in Netherlandsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬-, policies that encourage utility cycling have been proposed and implemented for reasons including: Improved public health Individual health and employers profits A reduction in traffic congestion and air pollution Improvements in road traffic safety Improved quality of life Improved mobility and social inclusiveness Benefits to child development In the Chinese city of Beijing alone, there are an estimated four million bicycles in use based on article à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¢China ends bicycle kingdom as embracing cars, China Daily on 11th November 2004, which stated it has been estimated that in the early-1980s there were approximately 500 million cyclists in China). While in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¢A Study on Measures to Promote Bicycle Usage in Japan Department of Civil Engineering, Utsunomiya University, as of the year 2000, there were an estimated 80 million bicycles in Japan, accounting for 17% of commuter trips, and also, in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¢Cycling in Netherlandsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬- report, stated in the Netherlands, 27% of all trips are made by bicycle. Figure 2.4.3 A common type bicycle in Japan where it comes with front and rear-mounted child seats. Source: Authors own Factors That Influence Levels of Utility Cycling According to a book by Grà ©gory Vandenbulcke-Plasschaert, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¢Spatial Analysis of Bicycle Use and Accident Risks for Cyclistsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬-, many different factors combine to influence levels of utility cycling.In developing economies, a large amount of utility cycling may be seen simply because the bicycle is the most affordable form of vehicular transport available to many people. In richer countries, where people can have the choice of a mixture of transport types, a complex interplay of other factors influences the level of bicycle usage. Factors affecting cycling levels may include: Quality of infrastructure, such as the availability of bike path, safe parkings,etc. Retail policy Marketing the public image of cycling Integration with other transport modes Cycle training Terrain condition which influences bikeability Distance to destin

Impact of The Great War for Empire in Europe :: European Europe History

Impact of The Great War for Empire in Europe The Great War for Empire was one of the most important factors in shaping the economic and political futures for all of Europe in the eighteenth century and for all time to come. In this essay I will discuss the causes, the events, and finally the results of this important war, which consisted of the War of Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War. The War of the Austrian Succession began as King Frederick II gained the throne to Prussia, and in less than a year ordered his troops to take and occupy the large Austrian province of Silesia. The leader of Austria was Maria Theresa; Although she was an inexperienced leader, she was capable of arousing other groups (like the Magyars of Hungary) to help her not re-take Silesia, but to maintain the Hapsburg dynasty as a major political power. France was also one of these powers to fight, they did not want a powerful army to emerge in Prussia and to ever become an strong enemy (ironically, that's just what happens). The wealthy British merchants pushed England to financially assist the Prussian aggressors, in the hope of weakening France and winning other fights off-continent. The causes which led up to the Seven Years' War, were very similar to those just eight years previously. King Frederick invaded another province, Saxony, and this triggered another alliance between Austria and France with the goal to totally destroy Prussia. There was also a growing conflict facing France and Great Britain that would continue to increase in momentum. This war was the prelude to what American would call "The French and Indian War" in which these two European countries would fight for land in the Americas. The events of the War of Austrian Succession, fortuitously for France, worked out exactly as Great Britain planned it. The French resources of war were divided between the Americas and the fight against Prussia. The eight year war was a fight between the superior army and resources of Great Britain and the strategic mastery of French generals, like Marshal Maurice de Saxe, who led many successful battles. The war eventually ended in a stalemate, with Austria not regaining Silesia, but it definitely proven itself able to fend off any other battles from Prussia--thanks to Great Britain's help. The war brought to a peace by the Treaty of Aix-la- Chapelle. In the Seven Years' War, the issues was simply the survival of Prussia,

Developing and maintaining trust at work Essay

Developing and maintaining trust at work is essential for structure and balance within the working environment and for a business to be successful in its chosen fields. Trust is built on the following, respect, honesty, integrity, communication, attitude, approachability, manners and commitment. Trust can be broken down by using a trust model that then incorporates decision-making factors and situational factors. Decision making factors consist of the following: How risk tolerant is the trustee? How well adjusted is he/she? Situational factors consist of the following: How similar are the parties involved? How secure do the parties feel? Does the trustee show concern? Have they shown predictability and integrity? Do the parties have good communication between them? How much power do they have? Confidentiality is important for building and keeping trust in the work place, from senior managers down to the different departments within the business and onto the different workstations on the shop floor. When an employee confides in a person, who is in a position of trust, it is then that persons responsibility to keep and make sure that the information given to them is kept in the strictest confidence unless told otherwise by the trustee. Any breach of this confidentiality will break down trust between the parties involved and do serious damage to any respect that existed between them it would also have an knock on effect through all departments within the organisation and in worse case scenarios it could lead to legal action being carried out. Building the team An example of a group in my place of work is our start of shift meeting between the shift manager/myself the team leader/cell leaders/logistics charge hand/ line leaders from packing and assembly/the maintenance department. The shift manager would then â€Å"chair† the meeting and explain the running of the shift that day i.e. any changeovers, the availability of paper and labels and any quality issues found from the day before by the shift following us in. The manager would then give us our overall meterage figure from the day before. Everyone would then inform the manager of any immediate manning or relevant issues within their departments. All department heads would return to their respected work areas and relay the relevant information to their teams. I myself after having a face to face brief with my manager and my cell leaders would return to my cell and brief my team which (depending on the time in the season ) Consists of four machine operators and two packers of any relevant issues that could affect our cell for that day. I would then take the time to address any problems that immediately would face us i.e. Health and safety in our immediate area and surrounding area, housekeeping issues, machine target speeds and any other problems my operators/packers may have I also then delegate everyone on their individual tasks for that day. When groups are formed they go through different stages before they can become effective and established. The four stages were first recognised by Bruce Tuckman, these stages are Forming/Storming/Norming and Performing.I can recognise and relate to these four stages in my work place. As a team/cell leader my cell consists of four machine operators, which is usually a mix of both permanent and temporary staff. At the start of our busy period/season im given between one and two new temporary machine operators for a period of a fortnight for training they first get introduced to the other members in my cell and start to learn what is expected of them by the company, And what is expected of them by me within the cell this is the Forming stage. Once the operator has met certain standards and requirements and has shown an ability to combat and recognise our biggest enemy which is waste I sign the operator off on my check sheet and then they will be allocated a machine to run on their own within the cell, They will start to become more confident in their own ability and the environment in the cell, I will try and encourage the operator to voice their opinions and concerns regarding decisions I make within the cell, This is the Storming stage. The temporary operator should now be feeling like one of the team and should be hitting their meterage targets and now will be confident to share any ideas they might have with myself and the rest of the team. This is the Norming stage. Everyone in the cell as a whole is hitting their production targets and the temporary operator is feeling established and comfortable of running any machine in the cell and running a machine through break on break cover with another operator without supervision. This is the Performing stage. Tuckman added a fifth stage which is Mourning, This stage does occur in a cell when the team loses a valuable member to another cell and when the temporary operator leaves at the end of the season. It does have a significant effect in my experience on my team’s morale, structure and sometimes even their attitude.

Complexometric Determination of Water Hardnesss Essay

Introduction/Background: This lab was about determining water hardness. Water hardness is the amount of metal ions in the water. The most common found ion in the water is calcium ions and typically with a charge of +2. Water hardness plays a big significance in our daily life because to many metal ions in our drinking water can have adverse effects on our body. You can measure the water hardness by EDTA titrations. EDTA is a disodium salt that stands for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and it is a chelating agent. Chelation is the process of a ligand forms a complex with a metal ion. Eriochrome Black T is an indicator you add to the water sample that will turn the water pink if metal ions exist. Through the process of titration, carefully adding EDTA to the water sample with the Eriochrome Black T will cause a chemical reaction to occur, slowly changing the water color from pink to violet and then violet to a light blue which will be the end of the chemical reaction. Once the titration is complete you can ca lculate your water hardness. Above in the formula V represents the actual delivered volume of Na2EDTA solution and M is your actual molarity. Procedures: Start by preparing 500mL of 0.004 disodium EDTA solution. This is what will be added to the buret. Next take a 250-mL Erlenmeyer flask and add 10.00mL of standardized calcium and 30mL of deionized water. Place a magnetic stir-bar in the flask and set on top of a piece of white paper on a magnetic stirrer. After place 3mL of ammonia/ammonium chloride buffer (pH10) inside the flask and let it stir for thirty seconds. Lastly add four drops of Eriochrome Black T indicator to the solution which will turn it a pink color. Begin titration and watch as the color changes from pink to violet and then violet to a light blue color. Record the data when the color turns a light blue and repeat the process two more times. Fill the buret with the same 500mL of 0.004 disodium EDTA solution. Take 25.00mL of an unknown water sample and add it to a 250mL Erlenmeyer flask. Mix in 20mL of deionized water. Set a magnetic stir-bar inside the solution and place on the magnetic stirrer. Next add 3mL of ammonia/ammonium chloride buffer (pH10). After thirty seconds of stirring add four drops of the Eriochrome Back T indicator and watch as the solution turns pink. Begin your titration by slowly adding small droplets of the 0.004 disodium EDTA solution. The color will slowly change to a violet color and then to a blue color which will be the stopping point. Record the data and repeat two more times. With the data collected calculates the hardness of each sample, then the average water hardness of all three samples, and lastly the precision of each trial. Compare your data to the expected range of a local cities water hardness. Results and Discussion: The first three titrations involved the known Calcium stock, titration 1 used 22.91ml of Na2EDTA solution before the titration complete. The second Titration used 21.91ml while the third and final used 21.55ml of solution. During the procedure a 250ml Erlenmeyer flask was used as well as a 50ml burette, the buret was filled with our Na2EDTA solution while the flask was filled with 30ml of DI water, 3ml of ammonia, and 4 drops of an indicator, in this case Eriochrome Black T. Experimental error was calculated by taking the sum of all absolute deviations/3 than divided by the mean concentration of Na2EDTA, in this case the mean concentration was .00452M, and lastly, multiplied by 1000 to get the answer in PPT. Table 1 below shows the readings of both solutions before and after titration. The mean concentration of these titrations is 0.00452, This figure was used to find the estimated precision which came out to 23.270% off of 100% meaning the experiment was 76.73% accurate. Finally the volume of the unknown was calculated to find the ppm for each titration and the mean of all three titrations was used to find the estimated precision of the unknown in ppm. The mean in ppm for the unknown came to 212ppm, this number was plugged into the equation for estimated precision which is the sum of all absolute value deviations/ number of trials, all of which is divide by the mean and multiplied by 1000ppt. The final figure came out to 25.2% off of 100% meaning that the experiment was 74.8% accurate. Conclusion: In conclusion the water hardness of a solution can be found by titrating a known solution containing metal ions and using a chelating agent such as EDTA to determine the impurities of each of the water samples. Also, using the data collected from each titration the concentration and mean can be found from each titration and used to determine the water hardness in ppm. The estimated precision of this experiment can be found by running multiple titrations on the same sample more than one time. The results obtained in this experiment include a mean concentration for the Calcium stock of .00452M, and an estimated precision of 76.73% and the average water hardness was 400.39ppm. The estimated precision for the unknown was 74.8% and an average water hardness of 204ppm. In this experiment 500ml of a known solution EDTA was prepared; a 10ml pipet was used to transfer a standard calcium ion stock solution into a 250ml Erlenmeyer flask. 30ml of DI water was added to the flask and the contents were than stirred using a magnetic stirrer and stirring rod. 3ml of Ammonia was added to the flask mixed for a few seconds underneath the fume hood and 4 drops of an indicator was added, in this case Eriochrome Black T. The contents of the flask were stirred for thirty seconds before titration began, as the titration progressed, the color changed from pink to violet and finally to a sky blue color indicating that the titration was complete. This process was completed with minor changes for the Unknown #141, 25ml of the unknown was placed in the flask and 20ml of Di water was used rather than 30ml, the rest of the titration however, used the same steps as above. Work Cited Klenck, Thomas. â€Å"How It Works: Water Softener.† Popular Mechanics 1 Aug. 1998: n. pag. Web. Our Lab instruction sheet

Position paper on Lament for America by Earl Fry

Position paper on Lament for America by Earl Fry America has being a super power for a long time after the fall of the Roman Empire. The country has not only been powerful economically, but also politically. However, a critical analysis of the issues that the country is facing especially in the current century indicates that its power is declining. In the book ‘Lament for America’ by Fry, the author clearly illustrates that the super power is on the decline.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Position paper on ‘Lament for America’ by Earl Fry specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The situation has been caused by various factors such as the effects of globalization, problems and challenges within the borders of United States as well as the stiff competition arising from other countries and nations within the European region. The signs of decline have already been evident in the first decade of the twenty first century. As much as anyone may want t o be optimistic, there is no doubt that the issue of America as a super power will be history. With that background in mind, this paper strongly illustrates that it is true that America is on the decline as illustrated in the book ‘Lament for America’ by Earl H. Fry. As much as the challenges facing United States are from without, studies indicate that there are a lot of domestic problems which are affecting not only its capability to influence other nations but also the country’s ability to support its population and provide a better and comfortable life to the present and the future generation. The economic situation in United States is troubling bearing in mind that the country has always been recognized as a super power in the past. For instance, United States is leading in terms of the government debt. The United States’ public and private sector borrow seventy percent of the world’s savings. Although the private sector is growing tremendously, the huge government debt becomes a real obstacle to any type of development. Analysts project that the problem may become worse because during the last three decades, the government debt increased by twelve times. Although United States was the largest creditor after the First World War until 1980s, it is the largest debtor country currently. The citizens, corporations and well as the government have been living far beyond their means and that is why the external debt is on the increase[1].Advertising Looking for report on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The popularity and the importance of the United States dollar is a major contributory factor to the United States popularity. Dollar has been a major currency in the world for long time although Euro and Yean as well as the Swiss franc are replacing it. It is clear that currently, the United States dollar is the chief international currency since it account s for about sixty percent of the central bank reserves. However, analysts project that in the next decade, the reserves will fall to less than fifty percent. Most the United State’s competitors like Brazil, China and Russia are in the forefront pushing for diversity in the monitory system. Due to such issues and increased government debt, it is clear that it is difficult for United States to remain as a super power. It is the duty of each nation to provide health care to all citizens irrespective of their economic status. As studies of Fry indicate, it is true that United States health care is almost the most costly system in the world and worse still, it lacks equity. Further studies explain that compared to other western countries in the world, United States spends twice as much on health care only. On the same note, it is important to point out that though America spends twice as much, many people in the country lack any medical cover, while those that are already covered lack full cover. Due to lack of medical cover, many Americans die every year after succumbing to various sicknesses. While most of the countries western regions spend around twelve percent of their Gross Domestic Product on health care, United States spends around seventeen percent. Families in United State spend more on healthcare more than on any other need. Health care costs have been increasing consistently and as a result, it is expected that the trend will continue in the future decades. Most of the private companies that are operating in United States have been evading provision of medical cover to their workers. In addition, some of the companies have been shifting their operations to other places where the health care is more affordable like Canada. In that case, it is clear that the situation in America will continue to become worse. It is easier to argue that the situation can improve but as the studies of Fry[2] illustrate, viable solutions would only have been applicabl e about two decades ago. Therefore, while focusing on the health care only, it is clear that United States is declining daily and the situation is becoming worse. Moreover, the viable solutions may not be of much help currently, or they may take quite some time before they are implemented.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Position paper on ‘Lament for America’ by Earl Fry specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As highlighted in the introductory part and contrary to the views of the majority, America is poorly prepared to support its population especially them that are expected to retire in the current decade as well as in the subsequent decades. Studies indicate that a quarter of the population in the United States was born from the year 1946-1964[3]. The same studies illustrate that the same population is expected to retire in the current and in the following decades. The situation clearly illustrates that t he obligations of the programs that are meant to take care of the retirees like the Medicare and Social Security will increase. Although the increased spending of the benefit programs like food stamp and health care are worsened by the economic recession and may reduce once the economic improves, spending by Medicare and Medicaid may not be affected positively. The problem is worsened by the high life expectancy, which ranges from 80 years for women and 75.4 for men. Initially, life expectancy was much lower but due to various reasons, it is on the increase. As a developed nation, America ought to be prepared to take care of the aging population. On the contrary, no program has been put in place cater for the same. Such a situation will continuously deplete the savings, a situation that will contribute to the decline of the country as a super power. Globalization has many benefits in many countries as it has in United States. However, disadvantages of the same are present in most co untries of the world. To begin with, globalization leads to interdependence not only among states and countries but also among business corporations as well as among different societies. Due to that, domestic affairs are seriously affected by decisions that are made in foreign countries. For instance, United States depends so much on the petroleum products from other countries and the same has a great effect on its industries. In addition, globalization calls for increased international interaction between various countries. Such activities and engagements are serious disadvantages to a super power like United States. For instance, studies of Fry [4] indicate that the government debt of United States was doubled during the time of the George Bush administration. In the view of the fact that United States was actively involved in solving some of the international problems, the money spent on defense increased greatly[5].Advertising Looking for report on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Consequently, foreign countries like Japan and China hold more than half of the public debt after buying various instruments of debt like bonds and shares. Such situation is very dangerous to a super power like United States because the economic status is highly dependent on countries that buy the country’s government debt. The upcoming competitors like China and Japan are challenging the economic and the military power of United States. The economy of China is growing very fast and if the trend can continue for two decades, it can surpass the economy of United States. European Union, which has twenty-seven states, is also becoming stronger, politically and economically. In addition, there is a high possibility that Euro can replace the dollar. Countries like Japan and Brazil are also becoming stronger economically as well as countries from the South East Asia. If such countries can continue with such trend, they will get a voice in making of the international decisions and w ill eventually challenge the international standing of United States. The study has indicated that it is true that United States has been a super power for many years. However, as Fry [6] illustrates, there is a high possibility that the future generation will know a poorer nation and not an economic giant. This is because its economic and political power is on the decline. As much as anyone may want to disagree with the book ‘Lament for America’, reading through the text indicates that valid reasons are used to project the decline of the United States. A critical analysis of issues pertaining to globalization, competitors as well as domestic problems of United States indicates that the current trend is not promising at all. In the view of the fact that implementing changes is not only a long process but also a lengthy process, it is clear that the decline is inevitable. Fry, Earl H. Lament for America: decline of the superpower, plan for renewal. Toronto : University of Toronto Press, 2010. Print. Paterson, Thomas, et al. American foreign relations: a history. Since 1895, Volume 2. Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2009. Print. Footnotes Paterson, Thomas, et al. American foreign relations: a history. Since 1895, Volume 2. Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2009 pp. 181. Print. Fry, Earl H. Lament for America: decline of the superpower, plan for renewal. Toronto : University of Toronto Press, 2010 pp.26. Print. Fry, Earl H. Lament for America: decline of the superpower, plan for renewal. Toronto : University of Toronto Press, 2010 pp. 33. Print Fry, Earl H. Lament for America: decline of the superpower, plan for renewal. Toronto : University of Toronto Press, 2010 pp.28. Print Paterson, Thomas, et al. American foreign relations: a history. Since 1895, Volume 2. Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2009 pp.. Print. Fry, Earl H. Lament for America: decline of the superpower, plan for renewal. Toronto : University of Toronto Press, 2010 pp.2. Print

Heat Transfer Essays

Heat Transfer Essays Heat Transfer Essay Heat Transfer Essay The University of Sydney Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering MECH3260 Thermal Engineering Heat Transfer Quiz 3 2007 Time: 40 minutes Answer ONE question only. Question 1 Consider the cylindrical receiver in a solar thermal power plant shown below. The receiver is made of opaque material and has a diameter D = 8m and length L = 14m. At a particular time, the heliostats direct a concentrated solar flux of q†S = 80 kW/m2 onto the receiver. The ambient air has a temperature T( = 300K and there is no wind. Under these conditions, the surface of the receiver has a temperature of Ts = 700K, an emissivity of ( = 0. and a solar absorptivity (S = 0. 8. i) Calculate the heat loss from the vertical surface of the receiver due to convection. Assume effects of curvature are negligible. ii) Calculate the heat loss from the vertical surface of the receiver due to radiative emission. Neglect irradiation from the surroundings. iii) Determine the collector efficiency. iv) If a wind started to blow, what would happen to the surface temperature of the receiver? Would you expect the collector efficiency to increase, decrease or remain the same? Explain your answers. (Note – assume all other conditions remain the same. ) [pic] Question 2 The roof of a refrigerated truck compartment is of composite construction, consisting of a layer of foamed urethane insulation (t2 = 40mm, ki = 0. 03W/mK) sandwiched between aluminium alloy panels (t1 = 6mm, kp = 200W/mK). The length and width of the roof are L = 12m and W = 4m respectively. The temperature of the refrigerated space within the truck is –15? C. The solar absorptivity and the emissivity of the outer surface are (S = 0. 3 and ( = 0. 7. Consider conditions for which the truck is moving at a speed of V = 90km/h, the air temperature is T( = 30? C and the solar irradiation is GS = 900W/m2. Assume turbulent flow over the entire roof. Take the average convection coefficient on the inner surface of the roof to be 0. 5W/m2K. i) Derive an equation for the average temperature of the outer surface Ts,o in the form and hence show that Ts,o ( 302K = 29? C. Assume a film temperature of 300K and neglect irradiation from surroundings. (No marks if your equation is not in the above form) ii) Determine the corresponding heat load imposed on the refrigeration system. iii) The average convection coefficient assumed for the inner surface of the roof is relatively low. Explain why this is so. [pic] [pic] [pic]

Capitalism and Our Society

Capitalism and Our Society Essay From the very dawn of intelligent human interaction to the present day,the concept of capitalism has dominated the way we trade goods andacquire wealth. Except for the necessity of a simple communist society inpre-modern times, or the noble humanistic notion of a socialist society,the free market has always been the most efficient way to run the economyonce the most basic needs of life have been satisfied. Only during thelast several hundred years has the idea of a modern democracy beendeveloped and applied through the modern state. These two concepts arethought by some to be interrelated, but contemporary critics of theliberal form of democracy seek to separate the two notions of capitalismand democracy. However, when examining the evidence of the relation ofthe two, let us not use the altered conceptions or versions of theseterms, but rather analyse them by their base meanings as we have come tounderstand them. After this analysis of the terms and a resultingstipulation of what the ir base meanings are, critics may say that anyfurther analysis of the relationship between the two terms would betainted by their supposed definitions. The problem with this is thatwithout a common frame of reference between the two, no comparison wouldbe logically possible without considering an infinite range of possiblemeanings. With this technical matter aside, the analysis will continuewith an investigation into arguments both for and against the separationof the two terms, and then an evaluation of the true nature ofcapitalismrsquos relationship with democracy. Specifically the freemarket economy dictating the actions of any democratic regime. After thistask of evaluation is complete, the argument will conclude withillustrating how capitalism will actually lead to a more liberal form ofdemocracy. The first step of this investigation is to make some attempt to achieve acommon frame of reference between the two terms. Literally, democracy isthe rule of the people. Specifically, it is the organization in place toallow people of a specified area, through organized elections, to givetheir uncoerced opinion on who they want to represent them in government,or what they want government to do for them. The underlyingpresupposition is that government will always obey the command of themajority of voters. There are many limitations to democracy, such as thefact that people can only vote YEA or NEA on a specific topic area, thusproducing a dichotomy of choices that may not necessarily offer asolution to a problem. Also, people must leave most decisions to thepeople they elect, since they donrsquot have enough time to continuallyvote. However, the focus of this work is not to delve into this area ofcontroversy, but rather to take this understanding of democracy as thestipulated definition for this work. One critical distinction must bemade regarding Bergerrsquos understanding of the term, and that is thatthe term democracy does not include all the civil and human ri ghtsassociated with liberal democracy. Similarly, by capitalism, this work will not use any other connotation ofthe term other than describing the free market economy, where there isprivate ownership of property, and the economic freedom to buy, sell, ortrade with whomsoever you chose. The critical element of the term is thatthere is limited government in place to enforce contracts and to providea safe trading environment. Another specific meaning given to capitalismis by Friedman, who describes capitalism as economic cooperation, whereboth parties are benefiting from the trade, provided that the trade isvoluntary and informed on both sides. READ: Freedom and Opression in Literature EssayThe next step in the investigation is to analyse some of the argumentsthat capitalism is separate from democracy. Dryzek argued that anindividualrsquos consumer preferences wereproperly expressed in the economy, while the same persons politicalpreferences were expressed in politics3. This perspective indicates thatthe capitalist economy is a separate entity form the democratic politicalsystem, because these are two different institutions into which anindividual can state his or her preferences, depending on whether theyare economically or politically motivated. On the other hand, history hasgiven many examples of how a personrsquos economic preferences have beenstated in the political forum, such as voting for a politician that haspromised to reduce taxes or to establish free trade between two states. That same person could only express those preferences in the politicalforum, because they alone would have no power to change the structure ofthe economy such that it would seem advantageous to lower taxes

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

Skull - Essay Example The prosthion is the lowermost point on the maxilla, between the two front incisors. The inion is the place on the back of the skull that is the grates t distance away from the front of the skull. Indices calculated are the index of supraorbital height, index of nuchal area height and the index of condylar conditions. The index of supraorbital height is the relationship between the distance of the Frankfort plane to the highest point of the skull and the distance of the top of the eye orbit to the top of the skull; a high number indicates a high forehead or a tall head while a low number indicates a slanted skull. The index of nuchal area is the relationship between the distance of the Frankfort plane to where the inion lies on the back of the skull and the distance of the Frankfort to the highest point on the skull; a high number indicates a short nuchal area while a low number indicates a tall nuchal area. The index of the condylar position is the relationship between the porion and the back of the skull and porion and the front of the skull; a high number indicates the foramen magnum is at the center of the skull while a low number indicates the foramen is closer to the back of the skull. The marked locations were then connected with fine lines using a sharp pencil. A line was drawn to intersect the porion and the lowest point on the lower margin of the eye orbit. A line was also drawn to from the inion, perpendicular to the line drawn above (Frankfort Plane) and the point of intersection labeled as Y. Another line was drawn from the occipital condyles perpendicular to the Frankfurt Plane and the point of intersection labeled X. Another line was drawn from the prosthion perpendicular to the Frankfort plane and the point of intersection labeled Z. Another line was drawn from the Frankfort plane to the highest point of the upper margin of the eye and the point labeled V and U. The lengths of the line were then measured,

Patterns for Interpersonal conflict Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Patterns for Interpersonal conflict - Essay Example The second aspect is a behavioral component, which occurs when one individuals directly interferes with the objectives of another. The third aspect is the affective component, which refers to the negative emotions between individuals in conflict. Among these components, there are for common characteristics of interpersonal conflict that will be discussed in the paper. In addition, the paper will illustrate the negative factors that may result from lack of conflict resolution. The first common characteristic is that the conflicting parties are interdependent. The above mentioned illustrations of conflict show that the parties involved have contrasting opinions. Hence, regardless of the opposing views each of the parties is necessary for conflict to occur. Kelly and Braiker state that an individual who is not dependent on another and does not possess an interest in him or her cannot have a conflict with this person. Hence, since the choice of each person in the conflict affects the oth er, it is necessary to resolve all conflict in an environment that requires interaction. In such situations, the two individuals must find common ground as they will be unable to work together in a state of conflict. In most situations, individuals will sabotage their colleague to attain their own interests if there is no conflict resolution. The situation will be escalated to a point whereby the two parties are no longer willing or able to find common ground. Another characteristic is that the two parties often have the perception.

Conventional Cost Allocation Systems versus Activity Based Cost Essay - 2

Conventional Cost Allocation Systems versus Activity Based Cost Systems - Essay Example Quite a number prefer the ABC systems over the traditional cost allocation systems. One issue that has been pointed out when comparing the cost systems is the accuracy. Martin (59) argues that the ABC systems are more accurate than the conventional system. The information that is delivered through this system is more precise and can help the management in decision-making. This means for effective use of this system there should a combination of the internal decision making with the external reporting system (Kaplan 58). The fact that there are no details that are assumed by the ABC system according to her proposition. In support of the conventional systems, the issue of efficiency and effectiveness arises. While the ABC system is efficient it provides so many details that are not necessary for the day-to-day running of the business (Cooper and Robert 1). These details accumulate to make a huge workload that is unnecessary. On the other hand, the conventional systems provide only the required details. The facts that stockholders, as well as creditors, have no interest in knowing the product that generates more profit neither the customers. However, the ABC system can be advantageous over the conventional system because it does not assume any detail hence there are high chances of increasing profitability due to the well-kept inventory (Cugini and Oilonato 127). Another issue raised is the ability of ABC systems to increase the company’s competitiveness. Some of the opponents of ABC systems have argued that ABC systems are not the only solution that faces the business world. The argument has been, there is the need for the systems to be complementary instead of having to compete (Martin 70). He proceeds on to argue that despite the accuracy in costs that comes with the system, the issue that should be addressed to increase the company’s profitability is a change in processes.  Ã‚  

Case scenerio 3 Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Case scenerio 3 - Coursework Example When an organization provides below standard working conditions, employees can join unions that would bargain for better working conditions. The same applies when the payment is discriminating since some employers could be desperately attempting to cut operational costs, which lead to reducing salaries and certain incentives (Todd, 2012). Physician and nursing unions represent the employees in improving their working conditions. This implies that without unions, the employer is free to dictate how much a physician’s or a nurse’s services are worth or the type of working conditions that they should be working in (Wolper, 2013). The employees who join unions have higher salaries and have other benefits that include insurance and job security in that they cannot be dismissed without proper reasons. However, there are some areas of concern with respect to unions for both physicians and for nurses. Here, high salaries may be offered to lazy nurses for the mere fact that they belong to a union. Were it not for some employers offering low salaries while attempting to cut costs, it would have been better to pay the employees according to productivity but not have the rules dictated by

Google Analytics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Google Analytics - Research Paper Example Based on these information and data, businesses of any size, are able to attract more visitors online, convert prospective visitors into clients, thereby are able to have very high return on investment (ROI). Google analytics can be safely labelled as a powerful web based analytical tool that sanctions marketers across the world to have easy access to web analytics, which in turn can help them create better advertisements and build superior websites catering to the customers’ needs. The most important aspect of the tool is that it comes totally free from Google with the same operating features and platform, thus enabling easy installations and constant support on hand. (Watrall & Siarto. 2009) 1. Track the advertising ROI: This feature enables the marketer to start off by setting the goals he would like to achieve and then track the conversions against the defined goals. GA has been integrated with companies like AdWorld and Adsense , which in turn provide the marketer with in-depth data and metrics. These can be used towards a better understanding of the client requirements. (Clifton, 2010) 2. Multimedia tracking: GA enables the marketer to collect usage metrics by tracking mobile phone websites, web enabled devices, search engines and social networking sites. The data is used towards better consumer understanding and impacts the conversion rates. 3. Personalized report generator: this advanced feature allows the marketer to segregate, analyse, track data discrepancies and generate tailor-made or customised reports. It also has options like the Dashboard which can store relevant info and can be accessed easily without the hassle of going through too many reports. GA has the ability to export data using Data export application. 4. Easy sharing of data: GA facilitates uncomplicated and trouble free information and data sharing within the organization or relevant groups while

Ethics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Ethics - Assignment Example The common form of genetic manipulation involves the insertion of new genetic material to a place that’s not specified in the host genome. This is done by isolating and copying the genetic material of interest by using molecular cloning methods in order to come up with a DNA sequence that contain the necessary genetic elements for expression. The construct is then inserted into the host organism. There exist other forms of genetic engineering such as gene targeting and knocking out of specific genes through engineered nucleases (Lemaux, 2006). Cloning though not considered genetic engineering or modification is closely related and genetic engineering has been seen to be used within it. Synthetic biology on the other hand is a discipline that is emerging where there is an introduction of artificially synthesized genetic material from raw materials into an organism. There are many resultants of genetic manipulations. When genetic materials from other species of organisms are add ed to a host the outcome is called a transgenic. When genes from same species that can interbreed are added to the result is a cisgenic. When genetic material is used to remove genetic material from another organism it results in a knockout organism (Lemaux, 2006). The process of genetic manipulation The first stage in genetic engineering is isolation of the gene. ... The third stage is called gene targeting where the gene is inserted in the host genome. The most common technique for doing his is random placement. Other techniques involve placing the gene in specific locations. Gene targeting uses is known to use homologous recombination to target desired changes to a specified endogenous gene (Beardmore & Porter, 2003). The fourth stage is called transformation and this is where the DNA is moved into an organism thereby altering its genotype or genetic makeup. There are various types of transformations but the most common is the Microinjection-injecting the DNA directly into the cell nucleus using an ultrafine needle. The fifth stage is called selection where the transformed cells are differentiated from the untransformed cells. If a given cell has been transformed successfully it usually contains a marker gene. The selection is done by growing the cell in a chemical that marks the cells that express that gene. The sixth stage is called regenerat ion where the organism is grown from the single transformed cell. In plants it is done through tissue culture while in animals it is done in embryonic cells. The last stage is confirmation and this is where the organism is analyzed to ensure that the genes will be expressed in an appropriate manner in the tissues of the organism. All the above seven steps are followed for successful genetic manipulation (Beardmore & Porter, 2003). Genetic safety There are many safety concerns that are brought about by genetically modified organisms. This has made studies be undertaken in this area to ascertain the extent to which the genetically modified organisms are safe in our environment or are safe for our consumption

Google Analytics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Google Analytics - Research Paper Example Based on these information and data, businesses of any size, are able to attract more visitors online, convert prospective visitors into clients, thereby are able to have very high return on investment (ROI). Google analytics can be safely labelled as a powerful web based analytical tool that sanctions marketers across the world to have easy access to web analytics, which in turn can help them create better advertisements and build superior websites catering to the customers’ needs. The most important aspect of the tool is that it comes totally free from Google with the same operating features and platform, thus enabling easy installations and constant support on hand. (Watrall & Siarto. 2009) 1. Track the advertising ROI: This feature enables the marketer to start off by setting the goals he would like to achieve and then track the conversions against the defined goals. GA has been integrated with companies like AdWorld and Adsense , which in turn provide the marketer with in-depth data and metrics. These can be used towards a better understanding of the client requirements. (Clifton, 2010) 2. Multimedia tracking: GA enables the marketer to collect usage metrics by tracking mobile phone websites, web enabled devices, search engines and social networking sites. The data is used towards better consumer understanding and impacts the conversion rates. 3. Personalized report generator: this advanced feature allows the marketer to segregate, analyse, track data discrepancies and generate tailor-made or customised reports. It also has options like the Dashboard which can store relevant info and can be accessed easily without the hassle of going through too many reports. GA has the ability to export data using Data export application. 4. Easy sharing of data: GA facilitates uncomplicated and trouble free information and data sharing within the organization or relevant groups while

The phenomenon is suicide bombing Essay Example for Free

The phenomenon is suicide bombing Essay The phenomenon is suicide bombing more often intrudes into our life from newspapers headlines, TV news and unfortunately even more and more people face it in reality. The understanding of the reasons that cause this phenomenon may considerably assist in preventing its expansion and probably even help to stop it. That is why now we may encounter a great number of various works dealing with this topic which aim at considering suicide bombing from different viewpoints. The herein literature review attempts to focus on the most significant aspects of suicide bombing as well as to present those works which provide the most profound and comprehensive analysis of suicide bombing. Besides the works reviewed here are selected on the base of variety of viewpoints they provide. One of the most substantial works, that touch upon the issue of suicide bombing, is the book New Political Religions, Or an Analysis of Modern Terrorism by Barry Cooper. The analysis given in the book provides understanding of the nature of a suicide mission. That is, in addition to considering such relatively straightforward issues as who did what and how it was accomplished, author is also concerned with interpreting the phenomena of terrorist action as meaningful within the context of sources provided by the terrorists themselves. Author asserts that one of the oldest insights of political science is that all political action is self-interpretive and proves that terrorism is no exception. The very useful aspect of the problem under discussion revealed in the book is the psychological analysis of the suicide’s actions. In particular Cooper argues that they are not necessarily psychopaths. They are not crazy in the commonsense use of the term. They most definitely are, however, â€Å"spiritually disordered†. As author states, the spiritual disorders that are present among contemporary terrorists are expressions of ideology. It is for this reason that one can compare the spiritually disordered suicide bombers to the adherents of modern ideologies in the SS or KGB. The author also discusses the relation between the terrorism and religion. In particular, he observes that Koran condemns any form of suicide; however, the motives of the terrorist acts performers necessarily contain some religious elements. Hence, Cooper concludes that the religion itself cannot be a rational basis for organization of a terrorist act; nevertheless it can be intensifying factor in the reasoning of suicide bombing. The next article under revision is Understanding Suicide Terrorism: Richard Jackson Argues That Terrorism Cannot Be Attributed Solely to Religious Extremism, Hatred or Mental Illness published by Richard Jackson in Journal New Zealand International Review. In this article the author tries to clarify what are the reasons of suicide bombing. After having summarised particular cases the author arrives to conclusion that is very close to that presented in a book reviewed above. Namely, religion is only a factor in a very few cases of suicide terrorism around the world, and even in these instances, religious extremism is almost never the sole cause. Jackson notes that after all, there are many extremists and fanatics in virtually every religion, most of whom will never engage in any form of violence. Nor is suicide terrorism the result of religious brainwashing; in places like Palestine, there are many more volunteers for suicide missions than the terrorist groups require. The author provides a valuable understanding of the fact that suicide bombers and terrorists are almost never motivated primarily by hatred for their victims. In actual fact, many suicide bombers are motivated by more altruistic aims, such as sacrifice for their comrades and their community, or a belief that they are fighting for a good cause. The author also states the arguments used by the organizers of suicide bombing during the planning of the terrorist acts. The strongest among others is tactical advantages. On a tactical level, terrorists believe that their actions can be successful and that powerful governments can be forced to change their policies; in effect, they are making a rational calculation that enough carnage will achieve the desired results. In the work The Underlying Realities of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict after 11 September, published in Arab Studies Quarterly, the author Norton Mezvinsky highlights the chronological development of terrorist acts performed by the suicide bombers after the declaration of Intifada from 28 September 2000. The main purpose of this work is to explore the sway of the events of 9/11 on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The most valuable in this work is the summarising of effects the terrorist acts had both for the Palestinians and the Israelis. Thus the author asserts that from the very beginning Intifada mainly implied the perpetration of suicide bombings. Israel, in its turn, with the purpose to render terrorist centers harmless brought troops into the territory of West Bank. Israels military incursion into the West Bank greatly increased Palestinian hostility. Beginning in the aftermath of 28 September 2000, suicide bombing became the major weapon of armed struggle for Palestinians. Arafat and some other Palestinian political leaders condemned and called for a halt to the suicide bombings. Such statements had little effect. Suicide bombings have instilled fear and hurt the economy in Israel, but Palestinian suffering has nevertheless far surpassed Israeli Jewish suffering. The next paper is the article by Terri Toles Patkin Explosive Baggage: Female Palestinian Suicide Bombers and the Rhetoric of Emotion, published in Women and Language which examines the psychological, social and gender factor in suicide bombing. The author of this work asserts that suicide bombers are not suffering from clinical depression or emotional difficulties; they perceive themselves as fulfilling a holy mission that will make them martyrs. The action is not suicide (as it was mentioned above suicide is prohibited by Koran) but rather martyrdom and thus does not violate religious prohibitions against killing oneself. In particular Terri Patkin studies numerous psychological peculiarities of a woman which may induce them to participate in terrorist groups. The particularly interesting is the point of the author that the peculiar role of a woman in Muslim society can be a significant factor that impel women to participate in suicide bombing. Women have participated in terrorist groups worldwide, but their relatively low numbers and roles often centering on support of their male colleagues have diminished onlooker perceptions of their importance. Women tend to be more actively involved in nationalist/secular terror organizations rather than Islamist/religious groups. Women in Palestinian groups are often enthusiastic about their increased roles. Generally for the western society martyrdom operations represent an odd and abnormal type of violent behaviour. Thus it would be useful to know what is the suicide bombing for a terrorist him-/herself or for the representative of the Muslim belief. This interest can be satisfied by the work A Comparative Study of Lebanese and Palestinian Perceptions of Suicide Bombings: The Role of Militant Islam and Socio-Economic Status conducted by Simon Haddad and presented in International Journal of Comparative Sociology. This work consists of the sociological survey for the attitude of the Lebanese and Palestinian to suicide bombing. The major objective of this article is to provide a general overview of respondents attitudes towards suicide bombings within a comparative perspective. Derived data indicate that for Lebanese and Palestinian, the most important determinant of attitudes toward suicide bombings is political Islam. The greater the attachment to the religious dogma the more likely respondents are to express support for suicide bombings. Certain Muslims commit these acts in the name of Jihad and thus in expectation of a handsome divine reward. Result of this article increase understanding of the phenomena of suicide bombings and pro-suicide attitudes in both Lebanese and Palestinian cases. And finally the book Global Terrorism by Brenda J. Lutz and James M. Lutz provides a general research of the terrorism phenomenon. The work defines the place of suicide bombing among the other methods of terror. Thus, it is stated that in most cases the suicide bombing is used against political regimes (the authors include here the terrorist acts against the foreign troops on the occupied territory), basing on religious motives or ethnical ground. Also there are cases when suicide bombing are performed basing on ideological ground (Kurdish Workers Party). The book is illustrated with the table showing the number of terrorist acts conducted from 1980 to 2000. So we can see that more than a half of acts of suicide bombing (168 out of 280) up till 2000 were organized by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka and India. These terrorist acts were based on the ethnical ground. Unfortunately there are no data following 2000 as it could have helped to find out what is the change in this ratio after the declaration of Intifada. This literature review unfortunately left a number of problems, related to suicide bombings, unconsidered. Thus it would be desirable to pay attention to such problem as children participation in suicide bombing. Also the question of suicide bombings by the Chechens against the Russian government is not discussed in the books and articles reviewed. Many researchers differentiate the Chechen terrorism as a separate branch due to its incredible brutality towards civilians. Bibliography COOPER, Barry. New Political Religions, Or an Analysis of Modern Terrorism. Columbia, MO, University of Missouri Press, 2004. JACKSON, Richard. Understanding Suicide Terrorism: Richard Jackson Argues That Terrorism Cannot Be Attributed Solely to Religious Extremism, Hatred or Mental Illness. New Zealand International Review, 30 (5): 2005: 24+. MEZVINSKY, Norton. The Underlying Realities of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict after 11 September. Arab Studies Quarterly, 25 (1-2): 2003: 197+. PATKIN, Terri Toles. Explosive Baggage: Female Palestinian Suicide Bombers and the Rhetoric of Emotion. Women and Language, 27 (2): 2004: 79+. HADDAD, Simon. A Comparative Study of Lebanese and Palestinian Perceptions of Suicide Bombings: The Role of Militant Islam and Socio-Economic Status. International Journal of Comparative Sociology, 45 (5): 2004: 337+. LUTZ, Brenda J. and LUTZ, James M. Global Terrorism. New York, Routledge, 2004.

Individual Nurse effect on Person-centered Care

Individual Nurse effect on Person-centered Care Provide a critical analysis of how the beliefs, values and attitudes of the nurse may impact upon the provision of person-centered care Introduction The person-centred care approach focuses holistically on the patient as an individual, rather than their diagnosis or symptoms, and ensures that their needs and choices are heard and respected. According to Draper Tetley (2013: n.p.), person-centred care is defined as an approach to nursing that focuses on the individuals personal needs, wants, desires and goals, so that they become central to their care and the nursing process. This can mean putting the persons needs, as they define them, above those identified as priorities by healthcare professionals. Theoretically, this is an achievable aim – nursesas a matter of principle should provide care that respects the diversity of the values, needs, choices and preferences of those in their care – but how can any incongruity between the values, beliefs and attitudes of the patient and those of the nurse be reconciled? Is it inevitable that this dissonance will have a negative impact on the quality of person-centred care be ing provided? This essay will examine the beliefs, values and attitudes of nurses planning and delivering person-centred care, and the impact these issues can have on the provision of that care. Nurses are expected to practice in a caring, knowledgeable, professional, courteous and non-judgemental manner, and the majority do this as a matter of principle, displaying unconditional positive regard for their patients at all times. However, values, beliefs and attitudes are, of course, subjective to each individual, and in the context of delivering person-centred nursing care, it is important to identify those that are holistic and therapeutic, rather than focussing only on those that are not. According to Brink Skott (2013), some diagnoses lead to preconceptions about the individuals receiving them, which subsequently negatively influence their care and treatment. This can be particularly evident in the case of mental illness, which is often mired in stigma, fear, ignorance and discrimination. Research undertaken by Chambers et al (2010: pp. 350) found that Stigma on the part of mental health professionals affects the quality of care provided for those with mental health problems, as well as their rates of recovery. Although nurses working within the field of mental health will obviously have more developed skills and knowledge in this subject than those in other specialities of nursing, it is not inconceivable that nurses may harbour some preconceptions about mental illnesses and those diagnosed with them, which may impact on how positively they deliver care to those patients. Those requiring treatment for alcohol abuse or substance misuse may also experience a less emp athetic experience in the care of nurses, who may feel that the condition is self-inflicted, or that resources may be better utilised elsewhere. This attitude may be even more prevalent in cases of liver transplant due to alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver, when there may be a misplaced belief that another recipient is more deserving of the organ. Other morbidities which can be perceived as having a self-inflicted element (e.g. obesity, smoking-related illnesses, type-II diabetes, addictions) also have the potential to be perceived negatively by nursing staff, who may lack an appropriate level of empathy and compassion, or make assumptions and pre-conceptions about these patients based on their diagnoses. In a similar manner, patients attempting suicide or deliberately self-harming, may experience stigma, a lack of sympathy and a lack of understanding from nursing staff, especially if the nurse managing their care is also involved in the care of patients suffering from serious illnesses or conditions. Caring for patients attending accident and emergency departments due to para-suicide or deliberate self-harm can evoke extremely negative emotions and attitudes amongst the nursing staff caring for them. Nurses working with such patients report experiencing high levels of ambivalence and frustration. Additionally, deliberately self-harming patients may evoke negative attitudes such as anxiety, anger, and lack of empathy (Ouzouni Nakakis 2013). A suicidal patient voicing their desire to end their life is expressing a wish. However, in the context of person-centred care, it would be difficult to agree that this wish should be considered as a person-centred need. This could be a source of conflict, difficulty and dissonance as balancing the needs and wishes of the patient in this situation, contradicts entirely the nurses duty of care. In such circumstances, it could be argued that the care provided cannot be person-centred, as it is not in line with the patients wishes. Obviously it would be neither legal nor ethical for the nurse to allow a suicidal patient to actively attempt to end their life whilst under their care, or to comply with the patients wishes not to receive treatment if suicide had been attempted. Similar ethical considerations may also influence the treatment of patients undergoing procedures to terminate pregnancy, and may negatively influence the extent to which the care received by the patient is truly person-centred. There have been well-documented cases of nurses refusing to assist with these procedures, or to treat patients who have undergone them post-operatively. Predominantly such cases arise due to a conflict with the religious beliefs, moral convictions and ethical stance of the nurses being asked to assist with these procedures. The Nursing Midwifery Council (2015) states that Nurses and midwives must at all times keep to the principles contained within The Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour of nurses and midwives (2015: n.p.). This code states that nurses and midwives who have a conscientious objection must tell colleagues, their manager and the person receiving care that they have a conscientious objection to a particular procedure. They must arrange for a suitably qualified colleague to take over responsibility for that persons care. Nurses and midwives may lawfully have conscientious objections in two areas only. Firstly, Article 4(1) of the Abortion Act 1967 (Scotland, England and Wales). This provision allows nurses and midwives to refuse to participate in the process of treatment which results in the termination of a pregnancy because they have a conscientious objection, except where it is necessary to save the life or prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of a pregnant woman. Secondly, Article 38 of the Human and Fertilisation and Embryology Act (1990). This provision allows nurses and midwives the right to refuse to participate in technological procedures to achieve concep tion and pregnancy because they have a conscientious objection. This is a highly contentious and emotive issue, and one which attracts much ongoing debate and argument, and is significant as it can be asked at what point does a nurses own beliefs and values take precedence over their responsibility and duty to care for their patients needs, whatever they might be? Should nurses be permitted to refuse to participate in care procedures that contradict their values or beliefs, or to refuse to provide care to those they deem undeserving? Does this set a worrying precedent for other contentious procedures to be added to the list (gender reassignment surgery for example)? It could be argued that the nurses first responsibility should be their duty of care to their patient, and this surely requires them to take a holistic and person-centred view; a view that should not be clouded by the nurses own values system or moral standpoint. The aspects of person-centred care discussed so far in this essay have been those of a contentious and perhaps, more exceptional nature. However, the more routine, day-to-day aspects of nursing are also susceptible to the influence of nurses values, beliefs and attitudes negatively impacting on the quality of person-centred care provision. Giving patients a greater degree of autonomy over their care can lead to some discord as nurses may feel that their professional expertise is being disregarded, and may be concerned that patients informed opinions and decisions about their care may be detrimental to recovery or good health. This could lead to nurses adopting a didactic attitude in the belief that they know best, when the patient is equally certain that their decision is the right one for them. Nurses must always ensure that they are viewing the patient as a whole person, and not merely an illness or condition to be treated or managed, as this can lead to ambivalence as nurses attem pt to reconcile their desire to deliver effective, evidenced-based care, knowing that patients stated wishes or preferences are contrary to this aim. However, if the patient is deemed to have capacity to make informed decisions about their care and treatment, with all the facts at their disposal, nurses must accept this if good, person-centred care is to be delivered (NHS Choices 2014). In the event that the patient does not have the capacity to make informed decisions (e.g. patients suffering from more advanced forms of dementia), then any known pre-morbid preferences and choices should be documented and adhered to where this is practicable. There is always a danger that individuals with dementia receive care that is task-orientated rather than person-centred. Again, nurses may make assumptions regarding what is best for the patient, rather than respecting their choices and preferences. One of the easiest ways to ensure that care is person-centred is to gather collateral about each patient prior to care or treatment commencing, so a more rounded picture can be formed. This is particularly important when dealing with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, as lack of cultural understanding and tolerance can lead to damaging misconceptions, misunderstandings and unintentional offence, which will not engender good person-centred care. Having some knowledge of patients history and background prior to treatment can be a useful tool in terms of developing appropriate care. The flip-side to this however is that unhelpful stereotypes or prejudices may be formed by nursing staff, based on the current or historical background of the patient. Gender (including gender identify), race, age, religious affiliation, employment status, marital status, and educational and socio-economic background can lead to assumptions (both positive and negative) being formed by nursing staff. W hilst the majority of nurses will treat their patients with unconditional positive regard and courtesy, regardless of issues that may be at odds with their own beliefs, values and attitudes, there will always be a minority who will be affected by such issues, and who will allow it to influence the care they provide. The scale of this issue is difficult to quantify, due to a lack of available evidence-based research, but it could be said that one nurse whose attitude negatively impacts on person-centred care is one nurse too many. Conclusion We have explored some of the more contentious issues that can and do arise when nurses beliefs, values and attitudes do not correspond with those of their patients, and have examined the potential impact this can have on the quality of person-centred care provided. As little research has been carried out into this subject, it is not possible to quantify the scale of the problem, nor to accurately identify where it is most prevalent. However, it is safe to say that the dichotomy between delivering truly person-centred care, whilst reconciling challenges to the nurses own core beliefs and values is not one easily solved. Modern nurses are extensively trained and highly skilled professionals, with a wider remit and range of responsibilities than their predecessors. They are however fundamentally human, with the same character flaws and failings as anyone else. It is a completely human trait to be influenced by the information we perceive or receive about others, and everyone has innate beliefs and value systems and, whether we like it or not, innate prejudices. Although it would seem logical that professional nurses have a well-developed sense of understanding and equality, they also deal with a magnitude of very diverse people on a daily basis, generally having very limited time with each. Despite this, the majority of nurses deliver excellent, patient-focussed and person-centred care as a matter of course. Unfortunately there will always be a minority who do not. Nurse education programmes are constantly evolving to meet the shifting demands of health care, so it can only be hoped that recognising, challenging and improving unhelpful attitudes becomes an accepted part of nurse education, and becomes core to person-centred care provision. References/Bibliography: Baker J., Richards A. Campbell M. (2005). Nursing attitudes towards acute mental health care: development of a measurement tool. Journal of Advances Nursing. (49) (5) pp. 522-529. Brink E. Skott C. (2013). Caring about symptoms in person-centred care. Open Journal of Nursing (3) pp. 563-567. Chambers M., Guise V., Và ¤limà ¤ki M., Botelho M., Scott A., Staniulienà © V. Zanotti R. (2010). Nurses attitudes to mental illness: A comparison of a sample of nurses from five European countries. International Journal of Nursing Studies. (47) (3) pp. 350-362. Dorsen C. (2012). An integrative review of nurse attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender patients. The Canadian Journal of Nursing Research. (44) (3) pp. 8-43. Draper J. Tetley J. (2013). The importance of person-centred approaches to nursing care. The Open University. (Online). Available:  http://www.open.edu/openlearn/body-mind/health/nursing/the-Importance-person-centred-approaches-nursing-care. Last accessed 4 April 2015. Flagg A. (2015). The Role of Patient-Centered Care in Nursing. Nursing Clinics of North America. (50) (1) pp. 75-86. Hunter P., Hadjistavropoulos T., Smythe W., Malloy D., Kaasalainen S. Williams J. (2013). The Personhood in Dementia Questionnaire (PDQ): Establishing an association between beliefs about personhood and health providers approaches to person-centred care. Journal of Aging Studies. (27) (3) pp. 276-287. N.H.S. U.K. (2014). Consent to Treatment. N.H.S. Choices (Online). Available:  http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/consent-to-treatment/pages/introduction.aspx. Last accessed 5 Apr 2015 N.H.S. U.K. (2014). Assessing Capacity. N.H.S. Choices (Online). Available:  http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/consent-to-treatment/pages/capacity.aspx. Last accessed 5 Apr 2015. N.M.C. (2015). Conscientious objection by nurses and midwives. Nursing Midwifery Council (Online). Available:  http://www.nmc-uk.org/The-Code/Conscientious-objection-by-nurses-and-midwives-/. Last accessed 5 Apr 2015. Ouzouni C. Nakakis K. (2013). Nurses attitudes towards attempted suicide. Health Science Journal. (7) (1) pp. 120. Roberts G., Morley C., Walters W., Malta S. Doyle C. (2015). Caring for people with dementia in residential aged care: Successes with a composite person-centered care model featuring Montessori-based activities. Geriatric Nursing. (36) (2) pp.106-110. UK Government. (1967). Abortion Act 1967 (Scotland, England and Wales). The National Archives. (Online). Available:  http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1967/87. Last accessed 5 Apr 2015. UK Government. (1990). Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990. The National Archives. (Online). Available:  http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/37/section/38. Last accessed 5 Apr 2015. Wood L., Birtel M., Alsawy S., Pyle M. Morrison A. (2014). Public perceptions of stigma towards people with schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. Psychiatry Research. (220) (1-2), pp. 604-608. Yun-e L., Norman I. While A. (2012). Nurses attitudes towards older people: A systematic review. International Journal of Nursing Studies. (50) (9) pp.1271–1282.