Music and no music condition Essay

The use of music seems to be a good way of operationalising the IV as many people do learn to the sound of music so therefore the difference between the music and no music condition should be marked. Also, getting the participants to write down the words is a good way of measuring the DV as it means it is easy to collect and analyse the data.  The study itself was quite simple and it seemed to measure what effects music has on learning. The independent variable was manipulated in such a way that it was hard for there to be anyway the results could have been affected significantly. Also because the measurement method was very simple there isn’t a chance that the results could be interpreted in the wrong way. As the study was a laboratory experiment it doesn’t have as high validity as a field experiment. Although the participants were not in a strange environment, the fact that they knew they were being studied may lower the ecological validity of the study.  Leading on from the fact that the study might have bad ecological validity, there is also the problem of the study having bad participant reactivity. Seeing as they know they are being studied and they know they have to learn the list of words given to them, they may try much harder than they normally would in their everyday life. There is the factor of social desirability and how some participants may deliberately try to recall fewer words. Improving Validity  Although it would be very difficult and expensive it could be possible to take the study outside the laboratory to increase the ecological validity of the study. You could monitor the participants while they are learning for something at home and while they are playing their own music in their rooms. They could then be tested unknowingly at school by one of their reachers.  However, even if these changes were made, the results would probably still stay the same. It has been proved before by numerous studies done by different scientists that music does help when trying to learn. This is why students are encouraged to listen to wordless music when revising for exams. These changes would also help improve participant reactivity if they are studied in a familiar environment. It would give them a sense of security and the need to look ‘cool’ is not needed anymore and there is no extra pressure put on them to learn because they don’t have the feeling they are being examined.  So, these changes could actually change the results slightly if only with a few participants. It might be found that there is higher recall in both conditions though but the difference may still stay the same. Reliability  The study is very easy to replicate as there is many references to other studies similar to it. Also because the study is quite simple in itself and very cheap to do there are very rarely any problems in recreating it for different purposes.  One possible confounding variable was introduced by the fact that there were four researchers in the room at the time of the study and they all knew the hypotheses. They may have tried give the participants help in recalling the words by giving hints and clues so that the results were more conclusive. This may have led to unreliable comparisons between conditions. As the study was a laboratory experiment it meant the researchers had good control over the study. The words that were chosen were all unambiguous so the participants would not have interpreted them in different ways. Also the test had been severely standardised. The words were shown on an over head projector so they were all looking at the same thing when learning was taking place. Also the testing was completed in the same room and at the same time of day for each condition so the participants were not feeling more tired in one condition than the other. Improving reliability  The only possible way to improve reliability was to keep researcher contact to a minimum or have a person in the room that was unaware of the hypothesis so they couldn’t alter the study in any way. This would be difficult though because once they are in the room it does become quite obvious what the study is about.  This could be controlled for by using an outside civilian to be the one person giving the participants instructions on what they have to do. There could be one person chosen for each condition so that they don’t guess what the study is about.  Even if these changes did increase the reliability of the study the only difference they might make to the results is to decrease the differences found between the two conditions.

Globalization and Its Affects

Globalization is the process of growing integration of economies and societies around the world. It refers to economic globalization through  trade,  foreign direct investment, capital flows,  migration and the spread of technology. The principle of globalization is free markets, reduction of barriers in exchanging and trading goods,  which makes  the specialization in export-import. However, globalization has not only positive, but  also  negative  effects.Firstly,  it  is  necessary to mention that globalization  makes  our society  develop. It helps to share   ideas and innovations. Globalization  has an  impact on economic growth in the world. An impact of Foreign Direct Investment on economic growth has had a positive growth effect in wealthy countries and  has led to an increase  in trade resulting in higher growth rates. On the other hand, many firms from developed countries outsourced their manufacturing to so-called third world countries , where  the labour  costs are  low.Workers from developed countries are  not happy about that, because they feel that  their jobs are  taken from them. Another problem of globalization and outsourcing is that it encourages slavery and child labour. Furthermore, I  would  Ã‚  like to add that people become more social when there  are  no borders between countries. They can move freely from state to state, share their ideas and beliefs. In everyday life we feel an impact of globalization as we  can  enjoy foreign cuisines, music, art, movies or even learn foreign languages.However, globalization  causes  Ã‚  huge damage to national culture, because we  are greatly influenced by  more developed countries and we cannot  resist it. It  is  known  that globalization is about sharing novelties. Medicine and health care  are  improving all the time. Globalization helps doctors and scientists from all over the world share ideas and even work toget her so  that  they can reach better results and make new discoveries. However, globalization  is thought to have contributed to the  spread  of  diseases, especially AIDS.When it appeared in  the  USA, it was known just in some African states. Owing to the process  of globalization and colonization,  it  has  spread in the whole world. On balance, globalization is spreading rapidly in  contemporary  world. It improves economic  ties  between countries and helps to create  a  barrier-free trading system. Although it  has beneficial  influence  on  economy, globalization makes  an adverse  impact on culture and traditions.

Strategic Quality Planning

123 Strategic Quality Planning Quality is strategic. This may seem somewhat obvious, but the actions of Companies implementing quality measures oftenobscure this fact. This is especially true when a comNpany is in a reactive mode and does notjise effective planning. In this chapter we discuss iinportant aspeets of strategic quality planning. Strategic planning has two important dimensions: content and pro ess. Strategy content answers the question of what is to be contained in the strategic plan. Mw consists of the steps used to develop the strategy.In this chapter we first discuss content and then process. Finally, we look at quality results and whether quality has been shown to yield bottornlme results along the supply chain. STRATEGY CONTENT Why is quality planning important? As we have discussed in previous chapters, quality improveY ment is a planned managerial activity. As shown in this Chapter, quality improvement involves identifying potential improvements, prioritizing poten tial areas for improvement, and planning the implementation of projects and improvements.What are the content variables that should be included in strategic quality planning? Among the variables we discuss are time, leadership, quality costs, generic strategies (cost, differentiation, and focus), order Winners, and quality as a core Competency. These content variables outline key considerations when developing a strategic plan. These considerations are either explicitly or implicitly addressed in the strategic planning processes discussed later in the chapterA THE IMPORTANCE OF TIME IN QUALITY IMPROVEMENTWe discuss two aspect of time: the time it takes to business goals as a result of quality and the at which companies improve. Real-life experience shows that time is a key variable in improving quality. Amajor study of best quality-related practices undertaken by Ernst and Young2 was critical of total quality management – ATQM ro rams for not rovidin bottom-line results. At t he same time, the Ernst Vldeo Chp. P g P g Mission at the Ritz and Young study advocated the implementation of TQM. A comprehensive . 17† @E 1 Garvin, D. , Operations Strategy (Englewood Cliffs, Prentice Hall, 1992)4

Salem Witch Trials (1692) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Salem Witch Trials (1692) - Essay Example The concept of white magic had been inherited from Britain, where the colonists who migrated to North America continued to practice their white magic, as a way of protecting their agriculture, wealth and property, just as it used to happen back in Britain. However, towards the end of the fifteenth century and running into the sixteenth century, religion became an important aspect of the North American colonists, and the traditional white magic which was initially common in the society became black magic in the eyes of the religious converts (Reed, 2015). Subsequently, any traditional aspect t of the magic became witchcraft, and those practicing the magic became evil and satanic. Thus, the Salem Witch Trials (1692) were purely informed by the rise of religious extremism and social anxiety, which did not tolerate what the society referred to as the non-believers (Reed, 2015). Therefore, the non-believers were targeted and branded witches, and their fate was sealed through a series of t rials, which condemned most of them to death or long-term prison sentences. The legal issue identifiable in the Salem Witch Trials (1692) is the due process of the law. The major issue of law in this case is the issue of misapplication of the due process of the law, which requires that an accused should only be charged based on evidence that is beyond reasonable doubt (Rissanen, 2012). Reasonable doubt was present throughout the process of identifying the accused, presenting witness statements and charging them in court, but the process of sentencing them continued anyway. Spectral evidence was the sole basis of determining the cases in the Salem Witch Trials (1692), where the powers of the accused to use shapes and specters that tormented the young girls in the village, which could not be proven or identified in any way, was the basis of charging the accused (Yool, 2007). The

Masafi Marketing Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Masafi Marketing Plan - Essay Example Masafi product management team has effective designed the logo keeping in the view of mineral water. It effectively simplifies the quality of a product. The mineral water is 100% germ free and effectively tested in laboratory. Usage of hot-fill technology enables to maintain strength of various flavours in the mineral water. Attractive packaging of a product increases the product popularity and identity. Mineral water bottles of each flavour have a particular coloured cap which has created the benchmark within the industry. Constant introduction of several products is a good product extension strategy, but it is recommended that the R & D team and the product management need to monitor the quality factors of every product. In an addition Masafi should desperately target the global market is they had always implemented unique marketing strategies in their business practices. Resources and Recommendation Product strategy consists of planning and execution. These two are key resources f or product strategy. The planning and execution of product strategy takes place in a complex competitive market. Masafi has implanted these resources in the strategy effectively. They have effectively planned and execute the product diversification strategy. It is highly recommended that the product strategy process must be assessable. Moreover they should involve all the stakeholders in this strategy process and should have definable checkpoints. Product Life Cycle (PLC) Product life cycle is an important tool in order to determine the life cycle of a newly developed product. Masafi offers Natural Mineral water, Potato chips, Basmati rice, Fruit juice and Facial tissues. These products have a short life cycle. As day by day the market place...The organization is looking to dominate the global market place by extending their product line. The pure and natural water from the down wells and mountains in Ras AL Khaima is the biggest competitive advantage of the company. The organizatio n has settled the price of every product at a premium price against the high quality of products. The organization is known for its effective CSR activities across UAE. Brand extension and constantly developing new products has some drawbacks too. It is difficult for the organizations to deliver a large order within the deadline without effective logistic and supply chain structure. Masafi uses traditional distribution strategy. In starting years the organization had to face several environmental regulation issues. Masafi used to pack their product in poly ethylene packages. The environment rules and regulations have affected the brand image of their organization. Finally extensive research and introduction of PET packaging has overcome the poly ethylene packaging issues. Now-a-days Masafi is organizing several CSR activities in order to achieve huge reputation in the business field.

Personal narrtive Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Personal narrtive - Essay Example The dog in this story was black in color. We call him with the name Blacky since it was black in color. Blacky was from the dash breed and it was a loving dog not only for everybody in our home but even for our neighbors also. I played and slept with balcky when he was young. I have given him much training and on every morning it was Blacky who brought news papers to us from the gate of our home. Every morning he waits in front of our home till the news paper boy arrives and collects the news paper from the newspaper boy. I purchased blacky when he was only one month old from a pet shot. Within one week from the purchase, he established company with all of us in our home. He started to show some deep relationship with me and accompany me wherever I go around my home. Moreover, he always waits for me at the gate if I went out to town for some purchasing needs. During night time Blacky will never sleep and guard our home from intruders keeping a vigilant eye on every corner of our home and its surroundings. There are many stories associated with blacky which shows his bravery and loyalty to us. In this paper I would like to describe two incidents in which we blacky shows his intimacy and bravery. After my school studies, I decided to continue my college studies in a distant college. We made all the preparations for my journey and blacky was a silent witness to all these preparations. When I prepare my bags for the journey, he stationed near me with a sad face and often wagged his tail whenever I look at him. I realized that balcky was so sad about my journey. When I was about to leave to the airport, I called blacky towards me. He slowly approached me and I had seen his ears filled with tears even though he was kept on wagging his tail. I told him that I will be back within few months and he wagged his tail more rapidly as if he understood everything. My mum and dad accompanied me till airport in order to send off me to

Social Justice and Corporate Social Responsibility Essay

Social Justice and Corporate Social Responsibility - Essay Example The European Commission defines CSR as "a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis." (A Business Contribution to Sustainable Development. n.d.) In an article by John Richardson (2008) pointed out that a company is said to be socially responsible if "it conducts itself reasonably with respect to: the workers it employs around the world; its investors as manifested in its corporate governance practices; local communities in which it operates; how it conducts itself ethically ion its domicile country and in other countries around the world; the environment" (section 2). The CSR is also advocated by authorities mainly because of the fact that CSR principles are in conformity with social justice. The essence CSR lies in the fulfillment of social justice to the various stakeholders. The companies, therefore, are socially obliged to deal with the societal, ecological and economical issues so that all the stakeholders including shareholders are satisfied and eventually results in economic sustainability. A firm which has obligations only towards its shareholders is socially irresponsible and will no longer survive in the modern corporate environment. This approach is not advisable as indicated by 'stakeholder theory' propounded by R. Edward Freeman. In one of his papers, he writes that "corporations shall be managed in the interests of its stakeholders, defined as employers, financiers, customers, employees, and communities." (Carson L. Thomas. 2003, page. No.1). The recent years have experienced many such cases which shocked the entire corporate world, which, later on, became the lessons for the rest in future. Enron Collapse The failure of Enron, the world Energy Giant, is an unforgettable incident in the history of corporate world. The company which became the seventh largest one in the United States of America in just 15 years has become the by-word for corporate irresponsibility. The issues raised were misrepresentation of accounting information, which resulted in unfair accounting, lobbying with politicians and misappropriation of employee savings. The profit figure shown by the company was not true and fair and company's massive debts were concealed from the financial statement. The company had political lobbying with many legislators and the highly paid executives pocketed the life savings of thousands of its employees. What made Enron to socially irresponsible even though it had taken some steps to adhere to CSR The self-interest. The company had not tried to strictly adhere to the guidelines of CSR. Rather, it tried to window dress its financial statements so as to achieve huge market support and high prestige and thereby protecting the interest of shareholders and a few executives. The Enron collapse taught the corporate community a lesson about which Sims responds (2003) "How a Failure of Leadership, Culture, and Unethical Behavior Brought a Giant to Its Knees" (p. 147) Apart from Enron collapse, corporates like Arthur Andersen, Philip Morris and Union Carbide also fell in the category of socially irresponsible companies. Arthur Andersen case is closely associated with Enron for which the former was the auditor. In the accounting scam

Marks & Spencer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Marks & Spencer - Essay Example Long after its competitors had started sourcing cheaper goods, M&S adhered to its ‘buy British’ policy (Mellahi, Jackson and Sparks, 2002). They believed that this was what its customers preferred. They also did not believe in any form of marketing. They only engaged in announcing new stores opening and never promoted the brand or its products. When a product range was not successful they merely sold it a discount. They did not accept credit cards for long time and launched its own in-house store card. They even did not venture into out-of-town retailing. Even when stuck with crisis, the management did not scan the environment and respond effectively to the environment. All their actions and decisions demonstrate that they wanted to remain isolated from the rest of the world, from the retail trends and from consumer expectations. M&S has also been criticized and faces legal issues for its attitude and behaviour towards its workers. The stores have a drab ambience and the ir product range has not been able to keep up with the trends. The retailer has not been able to keep to with the trends and hence competitors have very easily taken over this retailer (Ruddick, 2012). They have been stocking items that have been popular in the past without evaluating the current customer preferences. They have not been able to find the right formula that would appeal to its core customers as well as to the wider demographic in the UK. In addition, the retailer is experiencing stock management mistakes as a result of which the best items remain out of stock. All these have resulted in loss of market share in women’s wear. Its expenditure on marketing has also reduced. Another issue at M&S appears to be unclear organizational capability. A lot of new recruits have been taken in who have yet to familiarize themselves with what the M&S customers want. In addition, M&S has poor online and multichannel capability and a complex and inflexible supply chain (Ruddick, 2012). These factors suggest that M&S had become complacent and believed that customer loyalty that it enjoyed in the past would be sufficient to see them through tough times. However, it has been a lesson for other retailers as well, that with times retail trend has to change. The external environment has to be considered in all decisions to not merely survive but also to gain competitive advantage. Besides, the management must have the capability to evaluate situations and take corrective actions. What use does this organisation make of technology? Where do you think there may be a chance to improve in this area? M&S is making investments in technology to enhance its customer service delivery. For instance, it is investing ?100 million in in-store technology such as iPads for customer assistants and ?150 million on a new website (Ruddick, 2012), and ?2.4 billion on online offering (Ruddick, 2012a). The intention behind equipping the customer assistance with tablets is to improve its customer service, better integrate its customer service and also enable the customers to have access to a wider range of products (Baker, 2012). This would enable them to help customers buy products online that may not be available in-store. In addition, their free apps for iPads allows customers to shop for everything for home (M&S, 2013). M&S is also upgrading its RFID platform to include home good such as bedding, accessories and kitchenware (Violino, 2013). They will

Teamwork Experience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Teamwork Experience - Essay Example We developed a clear insight into the project in the first meeting and decided to analyze the case from our individual’s perspectives the results of which were discussed in the second meeting. The proceedings of the meeting were recorded by my partner and each of us received a copy. Though effective results were achieved due to the well organized meetings the teamwork did have its share of miscommunications. A meeting was cancelled as one of us failed to check the email informing the date and time of the meeting and conflicts arose due to our differential views about the case. For instance, my understanding of the case was that all the possible communication problems needs to be identified while my partner was for discovering only one particular communication problem and finding a solution. A compromise was achieved after various viewpoints and arguments were discussed. It was decided to list all the potential problems and to consult with the professor for a final decision. Our team work did suffer slightly due to this misinterpretation of our team goals. It was also decided that my partner would present the communication problems while I would focus on the possible solutions and the implementation plan of the case study. I conclude that it was a very effective teamwork and a good learning experience where tasks were distributed equally amongst us. The teamwork experience was enlightening and I am very sure that this would help me to act professionally whenever I am confronted with a similar situation in the

Ad Proposal for Apple 2014 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Ad Proposal for Apple 2014 - Research Paper Example He was awarded the Lange-Tailor Prize in 2009, and best Magazine Writing from the Society for Professional Journalists (Christian Parenti.com). Parenti’s book â€Å"the tropic of chaos† is the result of his immense research and hard work. It took him six long years to produce this outstanding work of art. Parenti travelled to various slums, countries that were at war and countries that were affected with scarcity of food and water shortages. In the book â€Å"Tropic of chaos,† the writer shows his concern of how climate change results in ruining our ecological civilization. The author discusses the region, which lie between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Parenti’s focus is on East Africa, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Kenya, Kyrgystan, Brazil, Mexico. These regions according to him are: â€Å"a belt of economically and politically battered post-colonial states girding the planet’s mid-lattitudes†(Parenti, 9). He labels thes e countries as â€Å"Tropic of chaos† because these countries are facing what he calls a â€Å"Catastrophic convergence of poverty, violence and climate change† (Parenti, 5), which means that climate change is not only causing water and food scarcity but also giving birth to violence in the regions. According to the writer, these countries are too sensitive to shifts in weather changes because they rely on farming and fishing. The writer explains how that the Global North has reacted to this impending crisis with greater oppression and surveillance instead of finding friendly ways to reduce tensions. In short, between the tropic of Cancer and tropic of Capricorn, we mostly find â€Å"most of the failed and semi failed states of the developing world.† (Parenti, 9). Hence, the crisis is taking a toll because the Global South is getting involved in warfare to attain there basic needs. The author begins his narrative by asking, â€Å"who is responsible for killing Ekaru Loruman?† Ekaru Loruman was from Kenya, belonged to a Turkana tribe, and was killed by a rival tribe for stealing cattle, or what the author explains as â€Å"the age old tradition of stock theft† (Democracy now). Moreover, the reason for these frequent killings is that the country is experiencing severe drought and the Turkana Pastoralists are forced to stealing cattle because their animals die due to scarcity of water, so they have to take laws in their own hands, as there are no proper government rules regarding this issue. Here, the author is pointing to an important issue of how the ugly U.S. policies have given rise to everyday violence in these countries. Moreover, the answer to all Parenti’s questions can be answered only if we go back in time when the British rules Africa. History tells us that British during their rule have adopted harsh methods to stop violence. Since that time the violence has never stopped. He gives examples of countries like S omalia, a failed state, which was attacked and demolished by Cold war. After the downfall of the Somalian government, the weapons were transferred to Kenya which resulted in more violence and killings in the form of cattle raids. Moreover, as Kenya does not run any support programs for farmers, this has given rise to more corruption because the farmers have only weapons to defend and protect themselves. The worst part is that when the Somalian refugees reach Kenya, most of the women are being raped and tortured and the sad part is that it is usually the brother who is ordered to rape her sister and if he denies he gets killed. In addition, when the refugees cross the border and reach Kenya they are unable to make a living because Kenyan government is unable to support millions of Somalians who are living in camps. Pakistan is

Developmental Stages Matrix Essay Example for Free

Developmental Stages Matrix Essay Physical growth is at the fastest rate during infancy. Young infants learn to roll over, sit up, crawl, and walk within 12 to 15 months of birth. Uses the Sensorimotor stage of development. The infant uses sensory and motor contact to explore and understand the world around them. During infancy is when a child develops the bond with his or her guardian. An infant will learn who the guardian is and feel emotional attachment when their guardians are present or absent. Early Childhood Children continue to develop motor skills during early childhood. Things like stacking blocks, walking without help, and Push or pull things begin to develop during the early childhood stage. Uses the Preoperational stage of development. The child is able to use words and images to convey the world around them. They are still not able to assign logic to events that occur around them. This is the stage when most children become socially interactive with other people. This is when the child will begin to explore the world around them and either feel a sense of excitement or fear. Middle Childhood This is the stage of increased growth. The child sees the most physical growth during this stage. Uses the Concrete Operational Stage of development. The child is able to think logically and assign logic to situations or events. During this stage the child begins to develop a minimal sense of independence. The child can go off on his or her own to school or out to play without feeling a sense of anxiety from separation of  the parents. This stage is when the child begins to form bonds outside of the immediate household.

Nike and International Labor Practice Essay Example for Free

Nike and International Labor Practice Essay Problem Identification Established in the early 70s Nike, Inc., based in Beaverton, Oregon, USA faced a severe stream of criticism and experienced growing problems concerning their plants and employee treatment, mainly in Indonesia and Vietnam in 1988. Rising demand for Nike products, which almost doubled within a short period of time, led the company and its 350+ subcontractors to raise the production level. Series of labor problems and abuse such as cheap labor wages, poor working conditions, health and safety issues and underage workers exploitation, were the main issues Nike had to deal with. Furthermore, Nike, Inc. had to deal with managing the diversity of cultures and language barriers had to be overcome, while still be able to produce the high-quality product Nike is famous for. Throughout the 1990s Phil Knight, CEO of Nike, Inc. and the company itself lost their superb corporate image in the eye of the world and it became an international incident. Causes of Problem After establishing a name in the world, Phil Knight, decided to manufacture Nikes apparel in South Korea and Taiwan, and by 1982 already 86% of Nikes sneakers came from these two countries. Realizing that Asian countries like Indonesia, Vietnam and China provide cheaper labor cost, better government support and higher profit, Nike moved their production lines there, with Indonesia becoming an important location. In 1991, the daily minimum wage was barely $1 in Indonesia, compared to a typical daily wage of $24.40 in South Korea and a US hourly wage of about $8 in athletic shoe manufacturing. Even that the Indonesian government raised the minimum wage from 2,100 Rupiah ($1.00/day) to 2,500 Rupiah ($1.25/day), the new wage was still underneath the workers living expenses. In 1992, these issues went outside of Indonesia and even hit Washington D.C., when President Clinton introduced the task force Apparel Industry Partnership (AIP) to develop and control labor standards for foreign fact ories. Although Nike was the first one to join, they had trouble convincing people that everything went right in their plants in Asia. Ernst Young was being hired to control and audit the factories, but soon voices became loud, that there was not a really  objective view at the problems, since Nike was paying them. It hit the peak in 1997/ 1998, when TV shows, newspapers and even a movie (The Big One) were talking about the bad conditions within Nikes factories in Asia and publicly challenged Phil Knight to change the way workers were treated, compensated and how underage workers were employed. Adidas, Reebok and New Balance took advantage of Nikes down slope and gained in competitive advantage. This led to diminishing sales number, earnings fell 69%, and for the first time in 13 years Nike, Inc. had a loss at the end of the year 1998. Alternatives 1.Government regulation of Nike Advantages: a)Local Government would have a closer look onto what is happening in its own country and with their people b)US Government could also have a closer look onto what Nike is doing abroad and would be able to intervene any illegal activity from the motherland c)Both governments would work closer together and it would open doors for other US companies to invest in the foreign country Disadvantages: a)As indicated in the case, some governments just see the money that is brought into the country, regardless what is happening within the company, or better said to its people. b)Ties between the US government and the foreign country might not be the best, due to political tensions, and makes it therefore tougher to work together. 2.Improve employees working and living standards Advantages: a)A happy employee is a better worker improve the employees living standard by raising his wage, giving him more benefits (health insurance, vacation time), lessen his working hours, etc. b)Equal Opportunity give chances to workers to move up the company ladder, and not only bring outside people in. Furthermore, adjust workers compensation, working hours and labor conditions to human standards. c)Extensive training and development for managers All managers should learn foreign countrys language, living habits and adapt to culture. Training the workers on the job will also help to overcome workforce diversity and make the workplace a better place to be. Disadvantages: a)The changes will take time and will be cost effective. b)Adapt to western working habits, might be a huge change for Asian workforce and might not be adapted well 3.Documentation and Inspection Advantages: a)Factories will be supervised, by either the local government or organizations b)Inspections will lead to better working conditions c)Workers will have someone to talk to and will not be left alone Disadvantages: a)Again, organizations might be paid by Nike and not report the whole truth b)Reports from workers might be left alone and not brought up to people in charge Best Alternative The best alternative for Nike, Inc. is to undertake all three alternatives simultaneously. In order to gain back the market share and competitive advantage, their global view has to strengthen. They started off very well by implementing some of the above-mentioned ideas. These alternatives will just help them to become a stronger player in this fast growing and very competitive business world. Implementation Steps The actions, that Nike, Inc. should take are as followed: First they should work on getting their name back into the right spotlight, by implementing the alternatives. The governments will be more than willing to help them and since Nike is recognized all over the world, even the local governments/ countries are keen on keeping them in their country and employ their citizens. This might even bring countries like the USA and Indonesia closer together and more companies from the US will be ready to go to Indonesia and produce there. Secondly, the workers benefits, life standard and work habits are the most important of all of the alternatives. Nike, Inc. should invest most of their research and development in this field, since the wages are still not as they should be. An idea would be to start raising the wages to at least the countrys standard, so that people can live off their earnings a normal life. Nike started successfully the implementation of programs that involved increasing the workers living standard in the developing world, but still the compensation of the worker is the main problem that needs to be taken on right away. Secure working places, no lay-offs and safe working environments should be steps that must be taken immediately, only then we can see the difference and make a worker a happy  and productive employee. Last but not least, Nike should be watched, inspected and documented upon. It will not only help the factories in Vietnam or Indonesia, but also the company itself. Once outside organizations tell Nike where they need to improve on and do it after being told, then the company will also get into the positive spotlight, which will resume in higher sales and more profit. Nike will then be again the strongest contender in supporting and sponsoring universities, pro athletes and teams and most important a company that everybody wants to work for, regardless where.

Strategic Framework for Reform of the Health Service

Strategic Framework for Reform of the Health Service Introduction: In 2012 the Department of Health (2012) (DoH) launched its Strategic Framework for Reform of the Health Service. The rationale behind the release of this Framework, through the Health Service Executive (HSE) was the continued improvement of societal health and wellbeing within the State of Ireland. Four key areas were identified for reform: Health and Well Being; keeping people healthy, Service Reforms; providing healthcare that people need, Structural Reforms; delivering high quality services and Financial Reform; getting the best value for health system resources. To achieve these reforms there must be a symbiotic relationship in situ between all four key areas, providing the best provision of care and best practice to all stakeholders involved, through the continued and correlated use of Management, Leadership, Quality Management and Information Management. Examining some of the principles of Information and Quality Management this student will endeavour to critically discuss some key areas. Information Management: With the advancement in technology, reliance on and use of computer based Information Management has increased dramatically. Insuring the design, implementation and continued development of Information Management there are a number of key principles to successful Information Management including effective Management of Information and Data Knowledge. Management of Information: Effective Management of Information is a multifaceted combination of People, Process, Technology and Content and it is how these are managed that allow us to provide a high quality of care to all. It is how this information is managed that allows recognises the value of information, whilst being readily available, protected shared and is always evidence based. A good process of Management Information allows all healthcare professionals collect data and to communicate this information through various avenues to other health care professionals, not only allowing for a greater flow of information, but also an ease of access to the relevant concise information. Patient records can now be accessed and shared with far greater ease than they have historically (Wallis 2011) remotely by authorised professionals, access to imaging data and laboratory results is almost instantaneous allowing for Healthcare professionals to make informed decisions. Data can be collected and correlated to local and national policy makers regarding the provision of health care, including Care Planning, Prioritising Workloads and Resource planning (Murnane 2005) Effectual Information Management can help maintain and protect documented information. Two separated inquires exposed the purposeful practice of interfering with documented records, Leas Cross (O’Neill 2006)and the Neary Report (Harding Clark 2006), indeed Sexton et al. hypothesised that written nursing handovers could be simplified, leading to increased efficacy in time management ergo allowing more time for patient interactions through the centralised use of patient information and reducing potential for errors. Spooner et al. (2013) Data Knowledge: One of the challenges of having a good information Management system in situ is to ensure that the data correlation is relevant, true and fit for purpose. Data collection as outlined by the Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) (HIQA 2012) should be, where possible collected once and then used continually, thus preventing the patient asked on numerous occasions for the same information, this is more applicable to long term service users of health care. Due to the enormity of data available it must be validated, reliable, accurate and complete where possible, however, records must be updated following all interactions between patients and caregivers insuring that the most up-to-date information is readily available. Good data may give the care giver/hospital a competitive advantage, allowing all stakeholders to make strategic, informed decisions, increase productivity leading to a possible long term increase cost efficiency, however, it must be noted that this data knowledge should be bidirectional allowing for patients to access the Data Services such as the HSE Dashboard. Data is only as good as what is imputed on to the system, therefore clinical governance needs to be policed to ensure good quality data is entered, there may be initial cost implications during data gathering. Whilst there are multifaceted benefits of implementaning, maintaining and continual development of good information management systems and Data Quality protocols in place it; must be also noted that there are a number of areas of concern, most notably patient confidentiality, insuring the safety of all patient records, implementation and upkeep costs, fail safe back up and intrusion systems and lack of end user involvement in the design process and implementation of the Information Management system (Huryk 2010). One must also examine the legality and accountability of information transcribed onto databases/patient records and examine who is going to manage and take ownership of these E documentations, as this is currently still an area growing concern, taking into account what are the consequences for those who misuse and abuse data collected and stored under The Data Protection Act 2003. (Irish Government 2003) Quality in Health Care: Over the past number of years there have been a growing number of inquiries into the quality of care delivered to the Lourdes Hospital Inquiry (Government of Ireland 2006), Leas Cross (DoH 2009) and the more recent Halappanavar case (HIQA 2013), whereby the provision and delivery of care has been called into account in a legal context. All reports make various recommendations; however, it is how these recommendations and findings are then implemented into an accountable structure regarding the delivery of healthcare. From an Irish context, Evidence based standards in collaboration with users of healthcare are pivotal to the continual improvement of our Health Service (DoHC 2001) Quality Improvement: Critical to the establishing a basis for quality improvement and reform in healthcare is the establishing and contextualising the values, mission and core competencies of the organisation. This should incorporate codes, responsibilities for performance and quality, documentation of key policies and procedures, public information on available services, relevant updated information. Procedures must be systematic, measurable and comply to local, national and in some cases, international law(s) and health policies, more importantly, for the delivery of care one must embrace the Patient/Service User/Client into the melee to create a Person Centred delivery of service orchestrated by Quality Improvements, these may encompass medical errors and empowering the patient but must have their foundations built upon evidence based practice (HSE 2012). In theory, this sounds achievable and one may question why such measures were not in place already, however in practice, there are a number of elements to consider that may impact on quality improvements. A recent report from The Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance (Department of Health, 2011) identified â€Å"cultural issues† as a major obstacle to accepting change, most notably from an organisational and professional stance. Therefore, it is essential that to have effective leadership in place to help with the development and implementation of change, however, as Fealy et al. (2010) summarised that there are a number of barriers to nurses developing as efficient interdisciplinary leaders which need to be addressed. Patient/Service User Focus: There have been a number of initiatives to establish a patient/service user focus within healthcare. From a service user perspective the HSE has established a ‘Patient Form’ allowing service users the prospect of having active participation in the design, implementation and assessment of developing ‘National Clinical Care Programmes’ (HSE 2014) National Standards Agencies such as the Mental Health Commission (MHC) and HIQA have been established to protect the service user and caregiver. The Quality Framework for Mental Health Services in Ireland (MHC 2007) delivers a structure manner for safeguarding continual improvements and monitoring of all mental health services, by setting expectations of all those who come into contact with the Mental Health Services in Ireland, aided by a modality of staff and services being proactive. There is a greater duty with the service user to have increased impetus in their own care through the knowledge of services available, focus groups and readily available Patient Information Leaflets. Conclusion: Oroviogoicoechea et al. (2008) recognise that there is a strong association between the Quality of Care offered to patients and Quality of Information, received, documented and managed, as with all systems, there is scope for improvement, however, following on from lessons learnt we have seen the introduction and implementation of Policy and procedures with the setting up of the Government Standards Body of HIQA as a state body with the power to implement changes and recommendations. Health must stop treating itself as an isolated entity and embrace modern technological developments in information management as they do within other areas in the delivery of care, such as Imaging, Surgical Interventions and so forth, however strong and systematic procedures should be in situ to insure the safe management of Patient information. Correct Clinical Governance will ensure that standards are met and that policy and procedures are stringently adhered to, however this can only be accomplished by nurses’ accepting changes, evaluating evidence based practice and performing to the best of their ability. References: Department of Health and Children (2001) Quality and Fairness, a health system for you, Health Strategy, Stationary Office: Dublin. Department of Health (2009) The Leas Cross Commission The Commission of Investigation (Leas Cross Nursing Home) Final Report June 2009. Stationary Office: Dublin. Department of Health (2011) Report of the Implementation Steering Group on the Recommendations of the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance. DoH, Dublin. Department of Health (2012) Future Health. A Strategic Framework for Reform of the Health Services 2012- 2016. DoH, Dublin. Gerard M Fealy, Martin S McNamara, Mary Casey, Ruth Geraghty, Michelle Butler, Phil Halligan, Margaret Treacy and Maree Johnson (2010) Barriers to clinical leadership development: Findings from a national survey. Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 20, 2023–2032 Government of Ireland. 2006. The Lourdes Hospital Inquiry: An inquiry into peripartum hysterectomy at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. (By Judge Harding Clark). Stationery Office, Dublin http://health.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/lourdes.pdf  (Accessed 07/10/14) Harding Clarke, M. (2006). The Lourdes Hospital Enquiry; An inquiry into peripartum hysterectomy at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Stationary Office. Dublin Health Information and Quality Authority, (2012) Guidance on information governance for health and social care services in Ireland: Health Information and Quality Authority. Dublin Health Information and Quality Authority, (2013) Patient Safety Investigation report into services at University Hospital Galway (UHG) and as reflected in the care provided to Savita Halappanavar. Health Information and Quality Authority. Dublin Health Service Executive (2012). A vision for Psychiatric /Mental Health Nursing. Health Service Executive. Dublin Health Service Executive (2014) http://www.hse.ie/portal/eng/about/Who/qualityandpatientsafety/Advocacy/QPS_service_users/Service_User_Involvement_in_Clinical_Care.html  (Accessed 06/10/14) Huryk, L. (2010) Factors influencing nurses’ attitudes towards healthcare information technology. Journal of Nursing Management. 18, 5, 606-612. Irish Government (2003) Data Protection (Amendment) Act.. The Stationary Office. Dublin Mental Health Commission (2007) Quality Framework: Mental Health Services in Ireland. Mental Health Commission, Dublin Murnana, R., (2005) Empowering nurses—Improving care Nurses’ response to the new Health Services Reform Programme in Ireland. International Journal of Medical Informatics 74, 861—868 O’Neill, D. (2006) A review of the deaths at Ideas Cross Nursing Home 2002-2005, Dublin: Department of Health and Children. Oroviogoicoechea, C. Elliot, B. Watson, R. (2008) Journal of Clinical Nursing 17, 567–575. Sexton, A.C., Chan C., Elliot M. , Stuart J. , Jaysuriya R. Crookes P. (2004) Nursing handovers: do we really need them? Journal of Nursing Management 12, 37–42 Spooner, A.J., Chaboyer, W., Corley, A., Hammond N., Fraser JF. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2013; 19: 214–220 Wallis, A. (2012) Management, http://rcnpublishing.com/doi/abs/10.7748/nm2012.03.18.10.14.c8957  (Accessed 08/10/14)

The American Dream in The Great Gatsby :: essays research papers

The American Dream is an idea and a myth that people struggle for but can never be achieved. It cannot be attained because it is an endless race for perfection and better than oneself. For some the dream might be to become impossibly wealthy, or become stronger and smarter than one can be. People pursue the American dream because they believe it has been accomplished before. We live in a society where perfection is ideal and flaws are covered up or hidden. Americans believe that everyone else is perfect because that is what they are shown, and they strive to copy that flawless image too. They are thought of in the same way however, and the All-American power struggle ensues, with each group being more jealous than the next.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  America is founded on the principle of liberty, the notion that everyone is free to say and write what they want, and that everyone is equal. Some people assume that since so much freedom is allowed, at least one person is exercising that freedom to its fullest. They work their whole lives to try to be like that person, but that person does not exist. They want to be as rich as him, as sophisticated as him, and as powerful as him. These people are called the wealthy. Karl Marx would describe them as â€Å"The Haves†. They differ morally with the majority of the population, but then again they vastly different from the people they perceive as having all the freedom to do what they want. The Great Gatsby illustrates the story these people, and how they are corrupted by the potential of seemingly limitless freedom. Jay Gatsby and Tom and Daisy Buchanan are the elite. They have it all, from huge sprawling mansions to private golf courses. They want it all, and more often than not, they get it all. Tom and Daisy are out for pleasure, but loner Jay Gatsby is looking for love after wasting his life for so many years.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Tom and Daisy Buchanan are not modest people. They know they are rich and they flaunt it. They openly show off their wealth openly to Nick when he comes to visit. Money has taken over their lives and they know it. They are living the American Dream of money, power, and sophistication. Tom is described as a â€Å"hulking wad of muscle†, which could mean that the Buchanans is a deciption of the corrupted rich families with money and power.

Free Handmaids Tale Essays: The Struggle of Women :: Handmaids Tale Essays

The Struggle of Women in The Handmaid's Tale      The Handmaid's Tale   This is a futuristic novel that takes place in the northern part of the USA sometime in the beginning of the twenty-first century, in the oppressive and totalitarian Republic of Gilead. The regime demands high moral retribution and a virtuous lifestyle. The Bible is the guiding principle. As a result of the sexual freedom, free abortion and high increase of venereal diseases at the end of the twentieth century, many women, (and men also, but that is forbidden to say), are sterile. The women who are still fertile are recruited as Handmaids, and their only mission in life is to give birth to the offspring of their Commander, whose wife is infertile. The main character in the book is Offred, one of these unfortunate servants whose only right to exist depends on her ovaries’ productivity. She lives with the Commander and his wife in a highly supervised centre. Unlike men, women have been facing unique problems for centuries, and often women experience harassment and discrimination. In today's society, females are trying to combat their tribulations through lawsuits and protest rallies. Literature often deals with people being unable to articulate their problems. Often, unforeseen circumstances force people to conceal their true emotions. In The Handmaid's Tale, the main female characters find ways to escape their situations rather than deal with them. Offred from The Handmaid's Tale uses different tactics to cope with her situation. She is trapped within a distopian society comprised of a community riddled by despair. Though she is not physically tortured, the overwhelming and ridiculously powerful government mentally enslaves her. Offred lives in a horrific society, which prevents her from being freed. Essentially, the government enslaves her because she is a female and she is fertile. Offred memories about the way life used to be with her husband, Luke, her daughter, and her best friend Moira provides her with temporary relief from her binding situation. Also, Offred befriends the Commander's aide, Nick. Offred longs to be with her husband and she feels that she can find his love by being with Nick. She risks her life several times just to be with Nick. Feeling loved by Nick gives her a window of hope in her otherwise miserable life. Instead of proclaiming her feelings out loud, she suppresses them. The result is a series of recordings, which describes her life, and the things she wishes she could change. Free Handmaid's Tale Essays: The Struggle of Women :: Handmaid's Tale Essays The Struggle of Women in The Handmaid's Tale      The Handmaid's Tale   This is a futuristic novel that takes place in the northern part of the USA sometime in the beginning of the twenty-first century, in the oppressive and totalitarian Republic of Gilead. The regime demands high moral retribution and a virtuous lifestyle. The Bible is the guiding principle. As a result of the sexual freedom, free abortion and high increase of venereal diseases at the end of the twentieth century, many women, (and men also, but that is forbidden to say), are sterile. The women who are still fertile are recruited as Handmaids, and their only mission in life is to give birth to the offspring of their Commander, whose wife is infertile. The main character in the book is Offred, one of these unfortunate servants whose only right to exist depends on her ovaries’ productivity. She lives with the Commander and his wife in a highly supervised centre. Unlike men, women have been facing unique problems for centuries, and often women experience harassment and discrimination. In today's society, females are trying to combat their tribulations through lawsuits and protest rallies. Literature often deals with people being unable to articulate their problems. Often, unforeseen circumstances force people to conceal their true emotions. In The Handmaid's Tale, the main female characters find ways to escape their situations rather than deal with them. Offred from The Handmaid's Tale uses different tactics to cope with her situation. She is trapped within a distopian society comprised of a community riddled by despair. Though she is not physically tortured, the overwhelming and ridiculously powerful government mentally enslaves her. Offred lives in a horrific society, which prevents her from being freed. Essentially, the government enslaves her because she is a female and she is fertile. Offred memories about the way life used to be with her husband, Luke, her daughter, and her best friend Moira provides her with temporary relief from her binding situation. Also, Offred befriends the Commander's aide, Nick. Offred longs to be with her husband and she feels that she can find his love by being with Nick. She risks her life several times just to be with Nick. Feeling loved by Nick gives her a window of hope in her otherwise miserable life. Instead of proclaiming her feelings out loud, she suppresses them. The result is a series of recordings, which describes her life, and the things she wishes she could change.

Rachel Carson :: essays research papers

Area of Work. A marine biologist, writer, and an expositor of protecting the environment for the future, Rachel wrote many articles and three moving books about the sea, and a final book, Silent Spring, for which she is remembered. She was not by nature a crusader, but when aerial spraying of DDT killed the birds in a friend's bird sanctuary, she began to study the effects of pesticides on the chains of life. Silent Spring provides an authentic and chilling warning that the chemicals we use in pesticides can create greater problems than they intended to solve. Rachel warned that if we do not learn to respect nature we might face a spring when no bird songs could be heard. Education. At the Pennsylvania College For Women, a required college course in biology made Rachel change here assumptions about her career. She majored in zoology, and after graduating with honors, she received a scholarship from Johns Hopkins, where she got a Masters Degree in genetics in 1932. Challenges. Rachel first broke barriers as a women. She took her first job with the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries. In 1936 she became the first women to pass the civil service exam. Over the next fifteen years she rose in the ranks until she was the editor of all publications for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. After resigning from government service, she wrote best selling books. Silent Spring set off a national controversy and made her the subject of attack by the pesticide industry. She challenged DDT, whose inventor had received a Nobel prize After reading the book, President Kennedy called for testing of the chemicals mentioned in the book. Her Work Background. Her years at U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service coincided with World War II experimentation with deadly chemicals. Insects were used to test these agents. Powerful pesticides were a byproduct of the tests. Rachel was the first one to see the dangerous effects of introducing these deadly agents into our food ch ain. Achievements. Rachel set off the controversy between environmentalists and the pesticide industry that is still raging. Silent Spring warns that for "the first time in the history of the World every human being is now subjected to contact with dangerous chemicals from the moment of our conception until death." Rachel came to be regarded as the mother of the modern environmental movement. "The environment" and "ecology" have since become household words.

Energy crises of Pakistan

The unabated spate of load shedding throughout Pakistan has made life difficult to live in this sizzling summer. The unending energy crisis with power outages for more than 15 hours on daily basis has also dealt a severe blow to the national economy. Resultantly, business units and factories are getting shut down and layoffs of the workers are reported to be running in hundreds of thousands with grave implications for already burgeoning unemployment and poverty. According to a careful estimate, the difference between demand and supply is above five thousand megawatts, which is likely to increase as the weather gets even hotter in the months of June and July. The monster of load shedding first raised its head in 2007 and the national power scene has been becoming uglier with every passing year. There have been minor fluctuations and readjustments between demand and supply due to weather and water factors but the crisis on the whole has remained consistent in its lethality and ugliness. The criticality of situation warranted urgent policy response at the highest level but the same was not forthcoming, thanks to red-tapism and perennial malaise afflicting our decision-making processes. The questions arise in the background of severity of the crisis: has Pakistan in reality been deprived of treasure of energy? Do we have no alternative system to produce electricity in the country? Can we establish energy market, the biggest in the region through collaboration with neighbouring India and other countries? These are the questions whose answers should be in the affirmative, which should not be less than a glad tiding for the people hit hard by crises of different nature. Resort to empty promises, a favourite pastime of the government, would not help. It is about time that the government made practical strategies to resolve the energy crisis on the war footing basis without any further delay. Geographically Pakistan is located in a region where neighbouring country, India, is emerging as an economic giant. Despite massive use of energy to meet the growing demands of economic development, there is no load shedding in India. Among other countries of the region, Bangladesh is the only country whose local reservoirs of power are more than that of Pakistan. Economically speaking, India is ahead of Pakistan and Bangladesh but in terms of being self-sufficient in power, even Bangladesh is far ahead of Pakistan. Islamabad stands at number three in the field of power generation. Despite this power generation potential, the country suffers from the worst bouts of power crisis courtesy internal and external factors. If Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and other countries of the region launch power generation initiatives jointly, they cannot only strengthen their diplomatic and economic ties but also earn precious foreign exchange by exporting the surplus electricity. These countries are home to vast natural sources of energy. All countries of South Asia can launch a joint project of power grid. Nepal and Bhutan are two countries blessed with maximum of natural gas, which is used more than electricity. On the other hand, there are issues in regard to planning of natural resources and installation of power lines to ensure flow of electricity in these countries of the region. Despite this, when we look at the natural resources in these countries, it becomes certain that only these countries forming the energy bloc would stand to benefit in the future energy scenario. However, they would have to take steps to attract the attention of international investors. If these countries succeed to formulate a joint strategy, it would not only help them overcome their energy crunch, but also establish a trade bloc in South Asia. A brief detail of some of the models is given here below to become self-sufficient in the power sector: According to an analysis undertaken in the countries of South Asia, it has become known that if they formulate long-term policy of natural resources, they can save electricity from 6% to 13%. South African countries had undertaken this experiment first of all by which the countries of the region were able to save up to 100 billion dollars. If the South Asian countries take a leaf from the book of their African counterparts, there is no reason why they do not become self-sufficient in energy resources. Implementation of this model would also promote the intra-regional trade besides offering solution to the power crisis. Pakistan should be a strong proponent of this model given its huge energy deficit and demand. A long-term policy will need to be worked out spanning over 10 to 12 years. The broad contours of policy would include power agreements, long-term policy, and cooperation in the field of engineering, etc. The government of Pakistan has already formulated a ten-year plan but it is not in sync with the ground realities. There is a difference between resources and planning. By acting upon this model named s South Asian Power Pool, Pakistan, India and other regional countries can become success stories in the conservation and self-sufficiency of natural resources. The major benefits accruing from this model are the way out of present power crisis and enhancement of regional trade through striking of preferential trade agreements. Import of hydropower from India, Bhutan and Nepal can provide us with a big push to go ahead with this plan. Last but not the least, the South Asian countries can ink a regional agreement known as South Asian Regional Energy Trade (SARET) based on revolutionary steps to enhance energy trade in the region. However, in order to ease out the situation, urgent measures need to be taken. This includes the equal distribution of load shedding throughout Pakistan without any exception. The issues of non-payment to IPPs and circular debt need to be sorted out as a matter of priority to generate electricity according to full installed capacity. The matter of import of electricity from Iran should be dealt with on priority basis besides working out workable strategy to cut down line losses, which are the major source of wastage of electricity in the country. To conclude, it can be said that energy crunch is both regional and global issue and regional efforts need to be made to overcome this deficit. Time is long past when issues of urgent nature were kept pending due to political expediency. Pakistan, a country hit hard by power crisis, needs to reach out to Iran, Turkey and other central Asian countries for import of electricity on urgent basis to ease things out. Time to act is now.

Fool Chapter 13

THIRTEEN A NEST OF VILLAINS Edmund. Edmund would have to be dealt with, forces turned on him, and I fought the urge to find the black-hearted fiend and thread one of my throwing daggers between his ribs, but a plan was already in place, or one of sorts, and I still held the purse with the two remaining puffballs the witches had given me. I swallowed my anger and led Drool into the castle. â€Å"‘Lo, Pocket! Is that you, lad?† A Welsh accent. â€Å"Is the king with you?† I saw the top of a man's head sticking through the stocks set in the middle of the courtyard. His hair was dark and long and hung in his face. I approached and bent down to see who it was. â€Å"Kent? You've found yourself a cruel collar.† â€Å"Call me Caius,† said the old knight. â€Å"Is the king with you?† The poor fellow couldn't even look up. â€Å"Aye. On his way. The men are stabling their horses in the town. How came you to be in the stocks?† â€Å"I tangled with that whoreson Oswald, Goneril's steward. Cornwall judged me the offender and had me thrown in the stocks. I've been here since last evening.† â€Å"Drool, fetch some water for this good knight,† said I. The giant loped off to find a bucket. I walked around behind Kent, patted him lightly on his bottom. â€Å"You know, Kent, er – Caius, you are a very attractive man.† â€Å"You rascal, Pocket, I'll not be buggered by you.† I smacked his bottom again, dust rose from his trousers. â€Å"No, no, no, not me. Not my cup of tea. But Drool, now he'd shag the night if he wasn't afraid of the dark. And hung like an ox, that one is. I suspect you'll extrude stools untapered for a fortnight once Drool's laid the bugger to ya. Supper'll dump through you like a cherry pit out a church bell.† Drool was returning now carrying a wooden bucket and a dipper across the courtyard. â€Å"No! Stop!† shouted Kent. â€Å"Villainy! Violation! Stop these fiends!† Guards were looking down from the walls. I scooped a dipper of water from the bucket and threw it in Kent's face to calm him. He sputtered and struggled against the stocks. â€Å"Easy, good Kent, I was just having you on. We'll get you out of there as soon as the king arrives.† I held the dipper for the knight and he drank deeply. When he finished he gasped, â€Å"Christ's codpiece, Pocket, why'd you go on like that?† â€Å"Pure evil incarnate, I reckon.† â€Å"Well, stop it. It doesn't suit you.† â€Å"I'm working on the fit,† said I. Lear came through the gatehouse seconds later, flanked by Captain Curan and another older knight. â€Å"What's this?† asked the king. â€Å"My messenger in stocks! How came this to be? Who put you here, man?† â€Å"Your daughter and son-in-law, sire,† said Kent. â€Å"No. By Jupiter's beard, I say, no,† said Lear. â€Å"Aye, by St. Cardomon's scaly feet[35] I say, aye,† said Kent. â€Å"By the flapping foreskin of Freya, I say, bugger all!† said Jones. And they looked at the puppet, confident on his stick. â€Å"Thought we was swearing by whatever we could come up with,† said the puppet. â€Å"Do go on.† â€Å"I say no,† continued Lear. â€Å"‘Tis worse than murder, to treat a messenger of the king so. Where is my daughter?† The old king stormed through the inner gate, followed by Captain Curan and a dozen other knights from his train who had come into the castle. Drool sat down in the dirt, splay-legged, his face even with Kent's, and said, â€Å"So, how've you been?† â€Å"I'm in the stocks,† said Kent. â€Å"Locked like this overnight.† Drool nodded, starting a string of his namesake down his chin. â€Å"So, not so good, then?† â€Å"Nay, lad,† said Kent. â€Å"Better now that Pocket is here to save us, innit?† â€Å"Aye, I'm a rescue in progress. Didn't see any keys in there when you were getting the water?† â€Å"No. No keys,† said Drool. â€Å"They've a laundress with smashing knockers works by the well sometimes, but she won't have a laugh with you. I asked her. Five times.† â€Å"Drool, you mustn't just go asking that sort of thing without some prelude,† said I. â€Å"I said [please],† said Drool. â€Å"Well done, then, glad you've kept your manners in the face of so much villainy.† â€Å"Thank you, kind sir,† said Drool in Edmund the bastard's voice, pitch-perfect, dripping with evil. â€Å"That's un-bloody-settling,† said Kent. â€Å"Pocket, think you could see about liberating me? I lost feeling in my hands a good hour ago and it won't go well for holding a sword if they have to be cut off from gangrene.† â€Å"Aye, I'll see to it,† said I. â€Å"Let Regan vent some venom on her father, then I'll go see her for the key. She quite fancies me, you know?† â€Å"You've weed on yourself, ain't ya?† said Drool, back in his own voice, but with a bit of a Welsh accent, no doubt to comfort the disguised Kent. â€Å"Hours ago, and twice since,† said Kent. â€Å"I does that sometime in the night, when it's cold or it's too far to the privy.† â€Å"I'm just old and my bladder's shrunk to the size of a walnut.† â€Å"I've started a war,† said I, since we seemed to be sharing privacies. Kent struggled in the stocks to look at me. â€Å"What's this? From key – to wee – to, ‘I've started a bloody war,' without so much as a by-your-leave? I'm bewildered, Pocket.† â€Å"Aye, which concerns me, as you lot are my army.† â€Å"Smashing!† said Drool. The Earl of Gloucester came himself to release Kent. â€Å"I'm sorry, good man. You know I would not have allowed this, but once Cornwall has set his mind†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"I heard you try,† said Kent. The two had been friends in a former life, but now, Kent, lean and dark-haired, looked younger and more than a measure dangerous, while the weeks had weighed like years on Gloucester. He was near feeble, and struggled with the heavy key to the stocks. I took it from him gently and worked the lock. â€Å"And you, fool, I'll not have you chiding Edmund for his bastardy.† â€Å"He's no longer a bastard, then? You married his mother. Congratulations, good earl.† â€Å"No, his mother is long dead. His legitimacy comes from the treachery of my other son, Edgar, who betrayed me.† â€Å"How so?† I asked, knowing full well how. â€Å"He planned to take my lands from me and hasten me to the grave.† This was not what I had written in the letter. Certainly, the lands would be forfeit, but there had been no mention of murder of the old man. This was Edmund's doing. â€Å"What have you done to anger our father?† said Drool, pitch-perfect in Edmund's voice. We all turned and stared at the great oaf, the wrong-sized voice coming from his cavernous mouth. â€Å"I have done nothing,† said Drool in another voice. â€Å"Edgar?† said Gloucester. Indeed, it was Edgar's voice. I tensed at what might come next. â€Å"Arm yourself and hide,† the bastard's voice said. â€Å"Father has it in his mind that you have committed some offense, and he has ordered guards to seize you.† â€Å"What?† said Gloucester. â€Å"What dodgy magic is this?† Then the bastard's voice again: â€Å"I have consulted the constellations, and they foretell of our father going mad and hunting you – â€Å" At that point I clamped my hand over Drool's mouth. â€Å"It's nothing, my lord,† said I. â€Å"The Natural is not right in his mind. Fever, methinks. He mimics voices but not intent. His thoughts are a jumble.† â€Å"But those were the very voices of my sons,† said Gloucester. â€Å"Aye, but only in sound. Only in sound. Like a jabbering bird is the great fool. If you have quarters where I might take him – â€Å" â€Å"And the king's most favored fool, and abused servant,† added Kent, rubbing at the rash on his wrists left from the stocks. Gloucester considered a moment. â€Å"You, good fellow, have been wrongly punished. Goneril's steward Oswald is less than honorable. And while I find it a mystery, Lear does love his Black Fool. There's an unused solar in the north tower. It leaks, but it will be out of the wind and close to your master, who will have quarters in the same wing.† â€Å"Aye, thank you, good lord,† said I. â€Å"The Natural needs tending. We'll wrap him in blankets then I'll run down to the chemist for a leech.† We hustled Drool into the tower and Kent closed the heavy door and bolted it. There was one cathedral window with cracked shutters and two arrow loops, all set in alcoves, with tapestries pulled aside and tied to allow in the little light. We could see our breath in the winter air. â€Å"Drop those tapestries,† said Kent. â€Å"Well, go grab some candles first,† said I. â€Å"It'll be dark as Nyx's[36] bunghole once we pull the tapestries.† Kent left the solar and returned a few minutes later with a heavy iron candelabra with three lit candles. â€Å"A chambermaid is bringing us a brazier of charcoal and some bread and ale,† said the knight. â€Å"Old Gloucester's a good sod.† â€Å"And survivor enough not to speak his mind to the king about his daughters,† said I. â€Å"I've learned some,† said Kent. â€Å"Aye.† I turned to the Natural, who was playing with the wax dripping off the thick candles. â€Å"Drool, what was it you were saying? That bit with Edmund and Edgar plotting.† â€Å"I don't know, Pocket. I just says it, I don't know what's said. But Lord Edmund beats me when I talk in his voice. I'm an insult to nature and should be punished, says he.† Kent shook his head like a great hound clearing his ears of water. â€Å"What sort of convoluted wickedness have you set in motion, Pocket?† â€Å"Me? This isn't my doing, this villainy is authored by that blackguard Edmund. But it will work for our plan. The conversations between Edgar and Edmund lie on the shelves of Drool's mind like forgotten volumes in a library, we need only prompt the git to open them. Now, to it. Drool, say the words of Edgar when Edmund advises him to hide.† And so we pried events out of Drool's memory using cues like a cat's paw,[37] and by the time we had warmed ourselves over the brazier and eaten our bread, we saw the pieces of Edmund's treachery played out as in the voices of the original players. â€Å"So Edmund wounded himself and claimed that Edgar did it,† said Kent. â€Å"Why didn't he simply slay his brother?† â€Å"He needs to assure his inheritance first, and a knife to the back would have been suspect,† said I. â€Å"Besides, Edgar is a formidable fighter – I don't think Edmund would face him.† â€Å"A traitor and a coward,† said Kent. â€Å"And those are his assets,† said I. â€Å"Or we shall use them thus.† I patted Drool's shoulder softly. â€Å"Good lad, excellent fool-craft. Now, I need you to see if you can say what I say in the voice of the bastard.† â€Å"Aye, Pocket, I'll give it a go.† I said, â€Å"Oh, my sweet lady Regan, thou art more fair than moonlight, more radiant than the sun, more glorious than all the stars. I must have you or I shall surely die.† In a wink Drool repeated my words back to me in the voice of Edmund of Gloucester, the intonation and desperation in the perfect key to unlock Regan's affections, or so I'd wager. â€Å"Howzat?† asked the git. â€Å"Excellent,† said I. â€Å"Uncanny,† said Kent. â€Å"How is it that Edmund let the Natural live? He must know he bears witness to his treachery.† â€Å"That is an excellent question. Let's go ask him, shall we?† It occurred to me, as we made our way to Edmund's quarters, that since I had seen the bastard, the power of my protection, being King Lear, had waned somewhat, while Edmund's influence, and therefore immunity, had expanded when he became heir to Gloucester. In short, the deterrents to keep the bastard from murdering me had all but evaporated. I had only Kent's sword and Edmund's fear of ghostly retribution to protect me. The witches' pouch of puffballs weighed heavily as a weapon, however. A squire showed me to an antechamber off Castle Gloucester's great hall. â€Å"His lordship will receive only you, fool,† said the squire. Kent looked ready to bully the boy but I held up a hand to stay him. â€Å"I'll see that the door is left unlatched, good Caius. If I should call, please enter and dispatch the bastard with lethal vigor.† I grinned at the spot-faced squire. â€Å"Unlikely,† said I. â€Å"Edmund holds me in very high esteem and I him. There will be little time between compliments to discuss business.† I breezed by the young knight and into the chamber where Edmund was alone, sitting at a writing desk. I said, â€Å"Thou scaly scalawag of a corpse-gorged carrion worm, cease your feast on the bodies of your betters and receive the Black Fool before vengeful spirits come to wrench the twisted soul from your body and drag it into the darkest depths of hell for your treachery.† â€Å"Oh, well spoken, fool,† said Edmund. â€Å"You think so?† â€Å"Oh yes, I'm cut to the quick. I may never recover.† â€Å"Completely impromptu,† said I. â€Å"With time and polish – well, I could go out and return with a keener edge on it.† â€Å"Perish the thought,† said the bastard. â€Å"Take a moment to catch your breath and revel in your rhetorical mastery and achievement.† He gestured toward a high-backed chair across from him. â€Å"Thank you, I will.† â€Å"Still tiny, though, I see,† said the bastard. â€Å"Well, yes, Nature being the recalcitrant twat that she is – â€Å" â€Å"And still weak, I presume?† â€Å"Not of will.† â€Å"Of course not, I referred simply to your willowy limbs.† â€Å"Oh yes, in that case, I'm a bit of a soggy kitten.† â€Å"Splendid. Here to be murdered then, are you?† â€Å"Not immediately. Uh, Edmund, if you don't mind my saying, you're being off-puttingly pleasant today.† â€Å"Thank you. I've adopted a strategy of pleasantness. It turns out that one can perpetrate all manner of heinous villainy under a cloak of courtesy and good cheer.† Edmund leaned over the desk now, as if to take me into his most intimate confidence. â€Å"It seems a man will forfeit all sensible self-interest if he finds you affable enough to share your company over a flagon of ale.† â€Å"So you're being pleasant?† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"It's unseemly.† â€Å"Of course.† â€Å"So, you've received the dispatch from Goneril?† â€Å"Oswald gave it to me two days ago.† â€Å"And?† I asked. â€Å"Evidently the lady fancies me.† â€Å"And how do you feel about that?† â€Å"Well, who could blame her, really? Especially now that I'm both pleasant and handsome.† â€Å"I should have cut your throat when I had the chance,† said I. â€Å"Ah, well, water under the bridge, isn't it? Excellent plan, with the letter to discredit my brother Edgar, by the way. Went smashingly. Of course I embellished somewhat. Improvised, if you will.† â€Å"I know,† said I. â€Å"Implied patricide and the odd self-inflicted wound.† I nodded toward his bandaged sword arm. â€Å"Oh yes, the Natural talks to you, doesn't he?† â€Å"Curious, then. Why is that bloody great oaf still drawing breath, knowing what he does about your plans. Fear of ghosts, is it?† For the first time Edmund let his pleasant and insincere grin falter. â€Å"Well, there is that, but also, I quite enjoy beating him. And when I'm not beating him, having him around makes me feel more clever.† â€Å"You simple bastard, Drool makes anvils feel more clever. How bloody common of you.† That did it. Pretense of pleasantness fell when it came to questions of class, evidently. Edmund's hand dropped below the table and came up with a long fighting dagger. But alas, I was already in the process of swinging down hard with Jones's stick end and struck the bastard on his bandaged forearm. The blade went spinning in such a way that I was able to kick the hilt as it hit the floor and flip it up into my own waiting weapon hand. (To be fair, that is right or left, whether it was the juggling or the pickpocket training of Belette, I am agile with either hand.) I flipped the blade and held it ready for a throw. â€Å"Sit! You're exactly a half-turn from hell, Edmund. Do twitch. Please do.† He'd seen me perform with my knives at court and knew my skill. The bastard sat, cradling his hurt arm as he did so. Blood was seeping through the bandage. He spat at me, and missed. â€Å"I'll have you – â€Å" â€Å"Ah, ah, ah,† said I, brandishing the blade. â€Å"Pleasant.† Edmund growled, but stopped as Kent stormed into the room, knocking the door back on its hinges. His sword was drawn and two young squires were drawing theirs as they followed him. Kent turned and smashed the lead squire in the forehead with the hilt of his own weapon, knocking the boy backward off his feet, quite unconscious. Then Kent spun and swept the feet out from under the other with the flat of his sword and the lad landed on his back with an explosion of breath. The old knight drew back to thrust through the squire's heart. â€Å"Hold!† said I. â€Å"Don't kill him!† Kent held and looked up, assessing the situation for the first time. â€Å"I heard a blade clang. I thought the villain was murdering you.† â€Å"No. He gave me this lovely dragon-hilted dagger as a peace offering.† â€Å"That is not true,† said the bastard. â€Å"So,† said Kent, paying particular attention to my readied weapon, â€Å"you're murdering the bastard, then?† â€Å"Merely testing the weapon's balance, good knight.† â€Å"Oh, sorry.† â€Å"No worries. Thank you. I'll call you if I need you. Take that unconscious one with you, would you?† I looked at the other, who trembled on the floor. â€Å"Edmund, do instruct your knights to be pleasant toward my ruffian. He is a favorite of the king.† â€Å"Let him alone,† grumbled Edmund. Kent and the conscious squire dragged the other one out of the chamber and closed the door. â€Å"You're right, this being pleasant is the dog's bollocks, Edmund.† I flipped the dagger and caught it by the hilt. When Edmund made as if to move, I flipped it again and caught it by the blade. I raised a suspicious eyebrow at him. â€Å"So, you were saying about how well my plan had worked.† â€Å"Edgar is branded a traitor. Even now my father's knights hunt him. I will be lord of Gloucester.† â€Å"But, really, Edmund, is that enough?† â€Å"Exactly,† said the bastard. â€Å"Uh, exactly what?† Had he already set his sights on Albany's lands, not even having spoken with Goneril? Now I was doubly unsure of what to do. My own plan to pair the bastard with Goneril and undermine the kingdom was the only thing keeping me from sending the dagger to his throat, and when I thought of the lash marks on poor Drool's back my hand quivered, wanting to loose the knife to its mark. But what had he set his sights on? â€Å"The spoils of war can be as great as a kingdom,† said Edmund. â€Å"War?† How knew he of war? My war. â€Å"Aye, fool. War.† â€Å"Fuckstockings,† said I. I let the knife fly and ran out of the room, bells jingling. As I approached our tower, I heard what sounded like someone torturing an elk in a tempest. I thought that Edmund might have sent an assassin for Drool after all, so I came through the door low, with one of my daggers at the ready. Drool lay on his back on a blanket, a golden-haired woman with a white gown spread around her hips was riding him as if competing in the nitwit steeplechase. I'd seen her before, but never so solid. The two were wailing in ecstasy. â€Å"Drool, what are you doing?† â€Å"Pretty,† said Drool, a great joyous, goofy grin on him. â€Å"Aye, she's a vision, lad, but you're knobbing a ghost.† â€Å"No.† The dim giant paused in his upward thrusting, lifted her by her waist and looked closely at her as if he'd found a flea in his bed. â€Å"Ghost?† She nodded. Drool tossed her aside and with a long shuddering scream ran to the window and dove through, shattering the shutters as he went. The scream trailed off and ended with a splash. The ghost pulled her gown down, tossed her hair out of her face, and grinned. â€Å"Water in the moat,† she said. â€Å"He'll be fine. Guess I'll be going away half-cocked, though.† â€Å"Well, yes, but jolly good of you to take time from chain rattling and delivering portents of bloody doom to shag the beef-brained boy.† â€Å"Not up for a spirity tumble yourself, then?† She made as if to lift her gown above her hips again. â€Å"Piss off, wisp, I've got to go fish the git out of the moat. He can't swim.† â€Å"Not keen on flight, neither, evidently?† No time for this. I sheathed my dagger, wheeled on my heel and started out the door. â€Å"Not your war, fool,† said the ghost. I stopped. Drool was slow at most things, perhaps he would be so at drowning. â€Å"The bastard has his own war?† â€Å"Aye.† The ghost nodded, fading back to mist as she moved. â€Å"A fool's best plan Plays out to chance, But a bastard's hope, Arrives from France.† â€Å"Thou loquacious fog, thou nattering mist, thou serpent-tongued steam, for the love of truth, speak straight, and no sodding rhyme.† But in that moment she was gone. â€Å"Who are you?† I shouted to the empty tower.

Epidemiology Of Suicidal Behavior Health And Social Care Essay

The rate of posttraumatic emphasis upset in adolescence is higher than the rate of PTSD in maturity. PTSD is significantly associated with an increased hazard for self-destructive behaviour among striplings. Suicide is one of the top three causes of adolescent deceases worldwide. In the United States suicide rates among young persons are much higher than rates for the general population. Despite the strong relationship between PTSD and self-destructive behaviour, precise causal tracts associating PTSD to suicide in striplings remains ill-defined. A batch of other interceding factors and variables normally present themselves with both self-destruction and PTSD, including co-morbid psychiatric upsets, exposure to different signifiers of injury and nerve-racking life events, household history of self-destruction, core neurobiological alterations, and mental, emotional, and physiological provinces like hyperarousal, impulsivity, and aggression. Because young person is such a critical pha se of development, it is really of import that at-risk striplings are identified and referred for intervention. However, with many intervention challenges in these populations, effectual execution and usage of bar methods are of increasing importance. This reappraisal will foreground and critically analyse some of the most proved bar methods, including physician instruction, means limitation, and gatekeeper preparation, every bit good as others like public instruction runs and guidelines for the media, including those for telecasting, print media, and the Internet.Introduction: Epidemiology of Suicidal Behavior and PTSD in Adolescents and the Need for Prevention MethodsA 2010 study, utilizing the National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement, found the lifetime prevalence of PTSD in 10,123 striplings aged 13-18 to be 5 % ( and 7 % for those aged 17-18 [ 1 ] ) . A 1999 literature reappraisal found this figure ranged from 6.3-8.1 % for striplings, compared with grownup populations which exhibited figures every bit low as 0.8-1.2 % [ 2 ] . Post traumatic emphasis upset is significantly associated with an increased hazard for self-destructive behaviour [ 3, 4 ] , though this association has been much less researched than the relationship between self-destruction and other upsets known to be risk factors, like major depression and substance-use upsets [ 5 ] . One survey found that among striplings and immature grownups, aged 14-24, who made past self-destruction efforts, PTSD corresponded with a higher hazard for self-destruction efforts than any other psychiatric unwellness [ 6 ] . Adolescents are at a peculiarly high hazard for sing traumatic events [ 7 ] and developing PTSD as a consequence of these experiences [ 8 ] . This is particularly unreassuring because young person is a critical phase of development, and holding PTSD can impede ripening and individuality formation and lead to life-long shortages with necessary mental and emotional accomplishments [ 2 ] . Harmonizing to the World Health Organization ( WHO [ 9 ] ) , self-destruction is one of the top 3 causes of decease among those aged 10-24 old ages old. About 4 million striplings attempt suicide every twelvemonth and more than 100,000 of triers successfully take their ain life, ensuing in one young person self-destruction every 5 proceedingss around the universe [ 10 ] . Annually, self-destructions are responsible for 1.6 % of all deceases in the U.S. , but 15.6 % of deceases among those aged 15-24 [ 11 ] . Judging by the fact that self-destruction is highly hard to foretell in the clinical scene [ 12 ] , concentrating a great trade of attempt on forestalling self-destructive behaviour utilizing other methods is of the extreme importance. The intent of this reappraisal is to discourse and critically analyze bar methods for self-destructive behaviour in striplings with PTSD.The relationship between PTSD and self-destructive behaviour in striplingsMore than 90 % of young person self-d estruction victims have at least one diagnosable psychiatric upset at the clip of decease [ 13 ] . 75 % of those with PTSD have other mental wellness jobs [ 14 ] . Co-morbidity of PTSD with other psychiatric conditions ( including temper upsets, substance-use upsets, and psychosis ) is associated with an increased self-destruction hazard and higher rates of self-destructive behaviour [ 5 ] . Depression is the most prevailing upset among young persons who have taken their ain lives [ 13, 15 ] . Take together, this might take one to see a few of the ( many ) possibilities of causal interaction between PTSD and self-destructive behaviour ; certain PTSD symptoms cause depression, which in bend leads to suicidal behaviour, or even that specific properties or symptoms common to all or some of the upsets mentioned above independently predict self-destructive behaviour [ 5 ] . However, with so many variables and hazard factors to take into history, the causal concatenation of events associa ting PTSD and self-destruction remains ill-defined. As a figure of surveies have pointed out, while about all self-destruction victims have at least one psychiatric upsets, most patients who have merely one or more psychiatric upsets ( without any other hazard factors ) do non really perpetrate suicide [ 16 ] . Thus, in mapping out possible avenues of causality between PTSD and self-destruction, all other hazard factors for self-destruction that might play a function must be taken into history. There is some grounds that PTSD can be an independent hazard factor for suicide [ 17, 18 ] . For illustration, a cohort survey of 1,698 immature grownups who grew up in Baltimore revealed a significantly increased hazard of self-destruction efforts for those who had PTSD compared to those without the upset and those who experienced a traumatic event without developing the unwellness ; and this increased hazard remained unchanged even after seting for some other noteworthy hazard factors, like depression and sex [ 17 ] . Research conducted by Mazza on 106 striplings in classs 9-12 revealed that PTSD symptomology was significantly related to an increased hazard of self-destructive ideation after seting for depression and gender [ 18 ] . Unfortunately, these surveies fail to command for a sufficient sum of associated hazard factors, like childhood sexual maltreatment, in order to govern out the effects of confusing variables that were n't statistically analyzed in these surveies. It is besides possible that injury and nerve-racking experiences can take to suicidality without a mediating PTSD diagnosing. Traumatic and nerve-racking events, such as exposure to terrorist act and physical and sexual maltreatment have all been found to be risk factors for PTSD, self-destruction, or other self-destructive behaviours [ 19, 20, 21 ] . However, the Baltimore young person survey listed above [ 17 ] found that merely PTSD, and non traumatic experiences, independently predicted self-destruction efforts. Besides of of import note in this survey was the determination that PTSD caused by injury that involves attacking force was significantly associated with self-destruction efforts, whereas PTSD caused by injury that did n't affect attacking force was non significantly related to suicide efforts. This determination may propose a differential association between self-destructive behaviour and the type of injury experienced. One manner of measuring the association between self-destruction and PTSD is to concentrate on some of the specific symptoms of PTSD that might be risk factors for self-destruction. One survey found that increased degrees of ill will, depression, and rousings were related to higher self-destruction hazard [ 22 ] . Hostility and increased rousing autumn within the hyperarousal bunch of PTSD symptoms. However, degrees of turning away ( avoidance bunch ) were negatively correlated with self-destruction hazard, taking the writers to speculate that turning away may function to decrease the opportunities of self-destruction ( 79 ) . In a longitudinal survey, Sourander and co-workers looked at a group of 580 striplings and found that those who exhibited aggressive behaviours ( which fall into the hyperarousal bunch ) at age 8 were significantly more likely to demo self-destructive behaviours ( specifically, suicide efforts and self-destructive thought ) 8 old ages subsequently, at age 16 [ 23 ] . Impulsivity has besides been documented to hold strong ties to both PTSD and self-destructive behaviour. For illustration, Kotler and co-workers found a positive association between impulsivity and hazard of self-destruction in patients with PTSD, as compared with matched controls, who showed no association between these two factors [ 24 ] . Given the fact that the bulk of self-destructive crises are ephemeral, unplanned, and associated with ambivalent feelings of whether to populate or to decease [ 25 ] , impulsivity seems to be an particularly strong nexus between PTSD and self-destruction. The re-experiencing symptom bunch has besides been positively associated with PTSD and suicide [ 26 ] . With respects to the efficaciousness of different get bying schemes, Amir et al documented that in PTSD patients, psychological get bying mechanisms like minimisation, function, and replacing were associated with lower hazard of self-destruction, and that suppression was associated with an increased hazard of suicide [ 27 ] . Other hazard factors for suicide include gender, a household history of self-destruction, and past self-destruction efforts. Men successfully complete suicide more frequently and be given to utilize highly-lethal agencies, as compared with females who attempt more self-destructions utilizing low-lethality processs [ 20 ] . A household history of self-destruction and old self-destruction efforts are two of the most important hazard factors for suicide [ 28 ] . A household history of self-destruction may increase the opportunity of developing PTSD [ 29 ] and old self-destruction efforts are potentially traumatising experiences in and of themselves. Having a household history of self-destruction or holding a history of self-destruction efforts can besides potentially lead to contagion-like effects. Contagious disease, a phenomenon by which interpersonal contact with self-destructive persons consequences in the spread of self-destructive behaviours ( with self-destruction methods frequently being mimicked or imitated ) , sometimes throughout full communities, is more common among youth than among those in other age groups [ 29, 13 ] . A particular type of contagious disease called the Werther consequence refers to copycat self-destructions spurred on by media coverage of people taking their ain lives. Media induced contagious disease effects will be discussed in item subsequently on. In footings of neurobiological underpinnings, injury, PTSD, and self-destruction are all associated with hyperactivity of the HPA axis [ 16, 29, 30 ] . Hyperactivity of the HPA axis is linked to traumatic experiences, like physical and sexual maltreatment, which can take to PTSD and depression [ 16 ] , which every bit mentioned, are all hazard factors for suicidality. Following injury and PTSD, dysregulation and overactivity of the HPA axis over long periods of clip can do terrible shortages in the emphasis response, and in consequence, render a individual overly-reactionary and sensitive to subsequent environmental stressors and unable to adequately suppress these fear-based reactions. This mechanism is normally referred to as sensitisation. Heightened activity in the amygdaloid nucleus and the corresponding increased emotional reactivity aid lend to sensitization [ 30 ] . PTSD is significantly associated with reduced hippocampal volume, enhanced feedback control of the HPA axis via hippocampal dysregulation [ 29 ] , neural decease or wasting, and damage of neurogenesis in this encephalon part [ 30 ] . Take together, this can take individuals with PTSD to over-generalize fear responses associated with their traumatic experiences to fresh environments or people and exhibit hypervigilance and nerve-racking reactions in even the safest of state of affairss [ 29 ] . These shortages cause symptoms related to both PTSD and suicide, such as weakness, aggression, negative outlooks, low-self regard, and self-destructiveness [ 16, 29 ] . Furthermore, impulsivity in PTSD and self-destruction is linked to shortages in the ability to suppress straitening or self-destructive emotions [ 6 ] which are associated with shortages in executive operation, every bit good as seratonergic and prefrontal cerebral mantle abnormalcies ( particularly the ventromedial prefrontal parts ) [ 16, 31 ] . Finally, it may be the instance that PTSD, self-destruction, and other associated conditio ns all portion a similar familial, epigenetic, and/or neurobiological sensitivity [ 16, 29, 30 ] .Prevention of self-destruction in striplings with PTSD:There has been a good trade of research conducted on suicide bar for the general population and besides some covering with suicide bar in adolescent populations, but none looking into bar methods tailored to suicidal striplings with PTSD. There are two general options when it comes to suicide bar: decreasing hazard factors for self-destruction or instance determination, which refers to looking for and placing at hazard individuals for referral and intervention [ 3 ] .A literature reappraisal by Mann found that the three most effectual bar techniques have proven to be means limitation, instruction of primary attention doctors, and gatekeeper preparation [ 33 ] .Meanss RestrictionMeans limitation refers to any steps taken to diminish entree to or handiness of self-destruction means [ 24 ] . Suicide triers tend to utilize specific, favorite methods, and when they are unable to achieve the agencies for these favored methods, they are less likely to do a suicide effort [ 34 ] . The chief justification for implementing agencies limitation steps is that the bulk of self-destructive crises and feelings of desiring to kill oneself are brief and transient, unplanned or unprompted, and frequently accompanied by assorted feelings of whether to populate or to decease [ 24 ] . Therefore, with more deadly means unavailable or unaccessible during this short window of chance, the self-destructive individual will either non travel through with the effort or usage less deadly agencies [ 24 ] . Given the grounds highlighted above, that impulsivity may function as a strong nexus between PTSD and self-destruction, means limitation seems as if it might be merely as effectual if a self-destructive crisis is spurred on by PTSD-related impulsivity or other PTSD symptoms associated with self-destruction mentioned above. Harmonizing to the CDC, the top three methods used by immature people in self-destructions are pieces ( 45 % ) , asphyxiation ( 40 % ) , and toxic condition ( 8 % [ 35 ] ) . One survey found that across the United States, suicide rates are higher for people populating in locations where there are more guns in places and that this association is most outstanding for striplings aged 5-19 [ 36 ] . In support of agencies limitation, surveies systematically show that go throughing piece control Torahs lead to decreases in suicide rates [ 37, 38 ] . For illustration, the passing of gun control statute law in 1976 in the District of Columbia led to a 23 % decrease in firearm-related self-destructions [ 37 ] . Similarly, gun control Torahs in South Australia led to important lessenings in self-destructions utilizing pieces, in comparing with other Australian provinces without similar gun Torahs in topographic point ( where there was an addition self-destruction rates [ 38 ] ) . For self-dest ructive striplings with PTSD, one potentially good hereafter avenue for research might be to concentrate on calculating out if PTSD caused by certain types of trauma lead to utilizing specific self-destruction means more frequently than others. For illustration, it seems sensible to believe that those that who experience gun-related injury might be less likely to take pieces as their agencies because they will likely seek to avoid any reminder of the injury at the hazard of triping reliving symptoms. The consequences of one survey already discussed above, which found that turning away behaviours were negatively correlated with self-destruction hazard [ 22 ] might supply some support for this hypothesis.Physician Education and Training:One of the most promising bar methods of self-destruction in striplings is to educate and develop primary attention doctors to better screen, place, and dainty patients with psychiatric upsets, every bit good as to mention such patients to mental welln ess attention professionals [ 33 ] . However, an inordinate sum of doctors fail to place and efficaciously give support and intervention to patients with self-destructive dispositions and associated psychiatric upsets, like depression [ 15 ] . This failure to acknowledge depression and other hazard factors related to suicide may be a major ground why most self-destruction victims go untreated before taking their ain lives [ 33 ] . Physician instruction may be of peculiar importance in kids and young person because it is frequently the instance that doctors are a young person ‘s lone beginning of mental wellness attention service [ 39 ] . The bar of self-destruction in the primary attention puting can potentially be an highly effectual method because about 75 % of all victims have contact with a doctor within a twelvemonth of self-destruction and about half of all victims have contact with a doctor within a month of taking their ain lives [ 40 ] . In one survey based in Austral ia, primary attention doctors took portion in a preparation workshop that was intended to assist them to break identify and efficaciously react to immature people at hazard for self-destruction. Despite the fact that the workshop merely lasted for one twenty-four hours, designation of self-destructive patients increased by 130 % [ 41 ] . Other surveies besides show that this bar method leads to decreases in self-destruction rates and increases in rates of placing those at an increased hazard for suicide [ 42, 43 ] . Doctors should test all striplings to measure get bying accomplishments and any ideas or behaviours, yesteryear and nowadays, which are associated with self-destructive behaviours [ 44 ] . With respects to our population of survey, doctors should besides be adept in testing for, identifying, and triaging striplings with PTSD ( and other upsets related to increased hazard of self-destruction ) . The Society for General Internal Medicine enlisted the aid of the American Association of Medicine and Psychiatry, the American Psychiatric Association, The American College of Physicians, and the American Academy of Physician in order to supply doctors with literature and guidelines to efficaciously name and handle psychiatric upsets normally observed in primary attention [ 45 ] . Furthermore, doctors might besides desire to measure which type of injury led to PTSD for different persons so as to understand turning away forms and to acquire a appreciation on which suicide methods might be most favourable for each person. Taking showing and assessment consequences into history, the clinician can besides function to organize a support system for the young person patients by opening lines of communicating with parents and other grownups and possible gatekeepers in the local community, including instructors, activity spouses, etc. [ 46 ] . In general, by organizing respectful, encouraging, and most significantly, understanding relationships with adolescent patients, primary attention doctors can open a much needed line of support for striplings in times of crisis or hurt [ 46 ] , which would be particularly utile for those self-destructive young person with co-morbid or peculiarly distressful upsets, like PTSD and depression. Screening instruments, which may concentrate on hazard factors for self-destruction or suicide entirely [ 33 ] , are valuable tools that doctors should use. These instruments faithfully lead to accurate acknowledgment of and significantly higher sensing rates of at-risk young person populations [ 47, 48 ] .Mental Health Care:Of all of the many assortments of therapies that are typically utilised in efforts to handle self-destructive people, dialectical behavioural therapy is the lone 1 that has continuously proven to be effectual in decreasing self-destructive behaviour in the grownup population [ 20 ] . Unfortunately, none of the research found on this subject has focused any attending specifically on self-destructive behaviour in striplings with PTSD. With specific respects to get bying schemes, clinicians should learn and promote PTSD patients to utilize get bying schemes associated with lower hazard of self-destruction in PTSD patients, like replacing, function, and minimisation, and to avoid those associated with higher hazard of self-destruction in PTSD patients, like suppression [ 25 ] . Harmonizing to Sher and Ganz, a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapeutics is likely to be the best intervention option for mental wellness professionals to give to striplings with PTSD [ 29 ] .Gatekeeper Training:Gatekeeper preparation refers to educating and developing grownup community members who communicate and interact with adolescent populations on a twenty-four hours to twenty-four hours footing to acknowledge young person at hazard for self-destruction, assess their degree of hazard, and mention them to mental wellness professionals for intervention when necessary [ 33 ] . Gatekeepers can include those working in institutional scenes ( instructors, counsel counsellors, managers, prison and military functionaries, etc. ) , clergy and other spiritual professionals, constabulary, first respondents, nurses, and primary attention doctors [ 32, 33 ] . Unfor tunately, many possible gatekeepers lack either cognition of the hazard factors for young person self-destruction or do n't possess the appropriate attitudes or intercession accomplishments to efficaciously take action when needed. For illustration, a countrywide study of U.S. high school instructors showed that fewer than 10 % of all instructors felt that they could place at-risk pupils, and even amongst counsellors who possessed cognition of the hazard factors ; two tierces did n't believe that they could acknowledge pupils at hazard for suicide [ 49 ] . It becomes even more of import to contrive gatekeeper schemes when one takes into history a determination by Wyman and co-workers: of a assorted sample of 2,059 8th and 10th class pupils surveyed with respects to help-seeking attitudes, those who mentioned a past self-destruction effort were much less likely than those without a past self-destruction effort to seek aid or believe that any school forces could assist them [ 50 ] . The cumulative literature on this subject has non yet proven gatekeeper preparation to hold an independent or important consequence on decreasing self-destructive behaviour [ 32 ] . However, there have been some studies that point towards positive effects of these preparation plans. A survey based in Quebec gave gatekeeper preparation to 43 grownup â€Å" assistants † who worked with young person populations. Within 6 months of the preparation day of the month, over 60 % of the assistants made an intercession with a self-destructive young person, and the grownups given the preparation attained increased intercession accomplishments and cognition of self-destructive behaviour as compared with 28 assistants in a control group who did n't have the preparation [ 5 ] .Public Education Plans:Public instruction plans attempt to supply suicide consciousness information and inform the populace about hazard factors and designation schemes, every bit good as to assist cultivate appropriate attitudes towards suicide and self-destructive behaviour. These plans are frequently targeted at adolescent populations [ 13 ] and particularly in the school puting [ 28 ] . One survey looking at a school-based instruction run for striplings found that because of the intercession pupils were able to get by more efficaciously with emphasis and negative feelings like hopelessness [ 52 ] , which is a symptom associated with both PTSD and self-destructive behaviour in striplings. However, there is non adequate empirical grounds look intoing the efficaciousness of this method of suicide bar to do any definite decisions or recommendations [ 28, 33 ] . Such preventive intercessions can besides take to aim more specific at-risk populations like self-destructive striplings with PTSD by including information about placing persons in this population, hazard factors, and intervention options.Media Guidelines:As evidenced in the literature, the media ( print, telecasting, cyberspace ) can assist to ease decreases of young person self-destruction by supplying supportive advice and educating the populace or can hold potentially black results, raising mass contagious disease effects as a consequence of irresponsible coverage of self-destructions ( i.e. romanticizing or roma nticizing self-destruction, or dramatising more deadly self-destruction methods [ 24, 33, 53, 54, 55 ] ) . Improper coverage can even take to the instruction of new or alternate suicide methods [ 24 ] , every bit good as draw attending to suicide hot musca volitanss [ 56 ] . In this context, the effects of contagious disease can be far more black than contagious disease via person-person contact in community and local scenes ( as already discussed [ 53 ] ) . Furthermore, there is good grounds that young person populations are at the greatest hazard to media-related contagious disease effects [ 54, 57 ] : Phillips and Carstensen [ 54 ] reported that T.V. intelligence and characteristic narratives about self-destruction caused important additions in teenage self-destruction over the hebdomad following these broadcasts ( about a 7 % addition ) compared with grownup self-destructions that increased by less than half of a per centum. In add-on, broader coverage of these narratives by mor e intelligence Stationss led to higher Numberss of adolescent self-destruction. Media contagious disease ( besides normally referred to as the â€Å" Werther consequence † ) can in big portion be explained by societal larning theory [ 53 ] . In the instance of the Werther consequence, greater public attending can function as a wages to the perceiver and can show as longer continuance of coverage, greater sums of coverage [ 53 ] , and greater prominence of coverage, including front page arrangement or covering famous person self-destructions [ 58 ] . Furthermore, perceivers are more likely to pattern behavior off of others that they portion similar features with ( similar age or gender ) and maintain more attending on sing narratives that involve such people [ 59, 60 ] . For illustration, for up to 70 yearss after the screening of a hebdomadal series that depicted the railroad self-destruction of a 19-year old male pupil, the figure of railroad self-destructions were highest amongst the population of 15-19 twelvemonth old males ( with rates increasing by u p to 175 % ) , as compared to all other age/gender populations [ 60 ] . There are besides a few surveies looking into the possible relationship between PTSD and media effects. Research workers covering with 69 young persons in the 6th class who lived near Oklahoma metropolis when the 1995 bombardment took topographic point, but were non straight exposed to the event, found that indirect witnessing of the event via media beginnings was significantly associated with geting PTSD symptoms [ 61 ] . Another survey based in Ontario analyzing 143 undergraduate pupils ( aged 17-37 ) , looked at the PTSD symptomology related to media exposure to the 9/11 terrorist onslaughts. Media exposure was significantly associated with 2 of the 3 PTSD symptom bunchs, including hyperarousal and reliving symptoms, but was n't associated with the turning away bunch [ 62 ] . Taken in visible radiation of consequences already mentioned, that PTSD symptoms like hyperarousal and reliving symptoms in youth lead to an increased hazard of self-destruction, it can be inferred that media coverage of certain events can function to rise these hazard factors even more and make an even shorter span between PTSD and self-destruction. As briefly mentioned above, if conducted in a responsible mode, media studies on self-destruction can hold potentially good effects ( the Popegeno consequence ) . The chief bar method for self-destructive contagious disease and other inauspicious effects of the media is supplying describing guidelines for media organisations to follow [ 33, 63 ] . Such guidelines may include turning away of sensationalizing or dramatising self-destructions, promoting self-destructive people to seek intervention and attention, and educating them about the hazard factors and effectual header mechanisms, educating those involved in the production and describing about contagious disease, turning away of lucubrating on particulars of suicide methods or hot-spots, and restricting the coverage and prominence of suicide instances and avoiding front page arrangement [ 53 ] . These guidelines listed are some that help to organize a set of national guidelines developed by the American Foundation for Suicide Pre vention [ 64 ] . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has besides released similar guidelines for media describing [ 65 ] . Although no research has focused on the efficaciousness of these specific guidelines [ 33, 53 ] , there has been some work done on others. For illustration, in Vienna, Austria self-destruction rates, and in peculiar, rates of metro self-destructions, increased dramatically after the metro system was put into topographic point in 1978. Elmar and Sonneck documented an 80 % lessening in metro self-destructions after guidelines were developed by the Austrian Association for Suicide Prevention and spread via a media run in 1987 [ 66 ] . In another survey, after Swiss newspapers and magazines implemented a set of guidelines, research workers found that in comparing to before the guidelines, articles received less outstanding arrangement, were non as drawn-out, less sensational, and included less images [ 67 ] . Taking into history the surveies on media cove rage of PTSD, similar guidelines can be put into topographic point with minor add-ons to account for the hazard factors and symptoms associated with self-destructive striplings with PTSD. There have been comparatively few surveies looking to see if the cyberspace might hold a relationship with suicidality [ 68 ] . However, the cyberspace is of peculiar concern in visible radiation of the facts that societal networking sites can be utilized to distribute information in merely proceedingss [ 24 ] , there are suicide confab suites and web sites incorporating instructions for different self-destruction methods [ 33 ] , and about all immature Americans and striplings have internet entree to one grade or another ( with 93 % of all 12-17 twelvemonth olds and 89 % of 18-24 twelvemonth olds being online in 2009 [ 55 ] ) .. The most used societal media site, Facebook, reached 500 million registered users in 2010 [ 69 ] and in 2009, in general, societal networking sites were used on a regular footing by 73 % of teens, including 55 % of 12-13 twelvemonth olds and 82 % of 14-17 twelvemonth olds [ 70 ] . There is grounds that Facebook and other societal media sites may really function to increase societal support and hike mental well-being [ 71 ] and even halt or diminish self-destructive ideation in immature people and striplings [ 68 ] . One particularly unreassuring on-line locale is web sites devoted to advancing self-destruction by detailing information on self-destruction agencies and methods, of which there were found to be more than 100,000 in 1999 [ 72 ] . Other possible avenues for obtaining information about self-destruction include forums and self-help pages, in which other users can go forth remarks or feedback. In 2010, Ries [ 73 ] documented a instance in which a 24 twelvemonth old male poste d a remark on a forum about the purpose to kill himself. While some showed support and understanding, others egged him on. The immature adult male went on to kill himself. In footings of Internet-related PTSD effects, one survey found that amongst simple school kids who indirectly witnessed or heard about the 9/11 terrorist onslaughts via different media mercantile establishments, kids who saw or heard about it on the Internet reported more PTSD symptoms than those who witnessed the event by manner of telecasting or print media [ 74 ] . A recent cohort survey [ 68 ] conducted with 719 14-24 twelvemonth olds found that 59 % of participants saw or learned about suicide narratives on the Internet. Mental wellness information was besides attained from the participants. Although hopelessness and cognizing person who attempted or committed self-destruction at baseline were both extremely related to larning approximately self-destructions from societal networking sites, societal media was non related to additions in self-destructive ideation in these groups, proposing that these sites may really function to be effectual mediums for societal support and forestalling self-destructive behaviour. The same good effects were non observed with online forums, which were related to additions in self-destructive ideation, supplying grounds that forums may function to promote or ease self-destructive behaviour. The same goes for blogging, which was related to hopelessness. These consequences may bespeak that young persons with PTSD o r other mental wellness jobs associated with self-destruction may be best off sing societal media sites as opposed to forums or web logs. Like with other types of media bar, the Internet can besides be a medium used to adequately educate striplings about self-destruction, its causes, hazard factors, and intervention options. In order to battle the hurtful effects of suicide-promotion sites and other harmful locales, suicide-prevention web sites can be utilized to back up and steer suicidal young person to learn effectual header schemes and proper intervention options. Furthermore, mental wellness suppliers and gatekeepers like primary attention doctors and instructors can assist educate young person of the dangers and benefits of Internet usage ( 133 ) . Besides, as mentioned above, Facebook and other societal media sites may really assist to forestall self-destruction by leting support and counsel from friends and other people in one ‘s societal web [ 13, 71 ] . Finally, some signifier of media guidelines might assist to forestall the spread of contagious disease on the Internet. All of the bow mentioned bar opt ions can be utilized for self-destructive striplings with PTSD and/or other psychiatric conditions.Multi-dimensional Prevention Methods:Given the demonstrated efficaciousness of most of the bar methods discussed, it seems sensible to speculate that a more various, multi-dimensional self-destruction bar method, uniting all or some of these methods, might turn out to hold the best consequences of all. In a survey based in Nuremberg, Germany [ 76 ] both primary attention doctors and community gatekeepers ( clergy, help-lines, mental wellness attention workers, police officers, prison officers ) were given suicide bar preparation. Furthermore, media organisations ( T.V. , wireless, and newspaper ) were given guidelines to follow refering coverage of self-destructions in order to forestall imitator self-destructions and contagion-related effects. There was besides a public instruction run launched which organized talks for the general populace and enlisted the aid of public functionaries and assorted media mercantile establishments ( including a film dawdler and an internet web site ) to assist educate community members and wellness attention workers about depression ( which of class, is one of the chief hazard factors for self-destruction ) and to promote people with depression or depressive symptoms to seek aid. Result showed that over a two twelvemonth period, there was a 24 % decrease in self-destructive Acts of the Apostless ( which included completed self-destructions and suicide efforts ) , and that this decrease was important compared with the control part ( Wuerzburg, Germany ) that did n't have the bar plans. In Wuerzburg, self-destructive Acts of the Apostless increased by over 7 % over the two twelvemonth span. More research needs to be conducted on such multi-dimensional attacks in order to come to any concrete decisions about the efficaciousness of this method compared with the other methods discussed.