Monday, December 23, 2019

Government Intervention, Real Gdp, And National Debt From...

Sweden: The Ultimate â€Å"Elsewhere† John Malkovich once, jokingly, stated that â€Å"utopia means elsewhere†. Sandwiched in between Norway and Finland is that idealized â€Å"elsewhere†, Sweden, with a strong government and thriving economy. It is not only solidly constructed but stunning to look at, with beautiful plant life and architecture to match. Sweden is sparsely populated with roughly 9.6 million people living comparatively good lives (with low crime rates, 18 month long parental leaves, and a high standard of living). It is famous for its neutral foreign policy and high taxes. In short, Sweden is the ideal†¦ if not to live in then definitely to visit at least once. In this paper I will analyze Sweden, examining factors of supply and demand, government intervention, real GDP, and national debt from an economic perspective. The first factor that I will evaluate is how the Swedish power market has seen a rightward shift in its supply curve over the last forty years. The Oil Crisis of the 1970s - sparked extensive research into alternative energy sources that would result in a 53.5 percent decrease in oil dependency between 1970 and 2012 (Energy Use in Sweden). This transition from a finite resource to its renewable counterpart opened the market for competition in Sweden and, combined with the inelastic demand for power in a modern nation, increased the quantity available to consumers and decreased the price. As of right now, â€Å"green† energy cannot be exported very far because it isShow MoreRelatedGlobalization and Human Welfare1656 Words   |  7 Pagesevolved right from Adam Smith and David Ricardo who introduced the concept of comparative advantage which compares the productiveness across countries. Here countries make use of their natural resources, climate, skills etc. According to Paul Krugman trade reflects arbitrary or temporary advantages resulting from economies of scale or shifting leads in close technolo gical races. Thus comparative advantage can be created through technological innovations. Globalization is propelled by economics but shapedRead MoreImpact Of The Neoliberal Era And The Structure Of The Modern Financial System3397 Words   |  14 PagesLatin America, 1997 East Asia and 2008 subprime financial crisis had a profound impact on the regional and world real economy. two sentences about how big of an impact each of them had on the real economy. These crisis have also triggered off a very fierce debate about the impact of the neoliberal era and the structure of the modern financial system. From the neoclassical perspective each of these crisis required a new model to explain past events but it always viewed the crisis to be cause by anRead MoreFiscal Policy of Spain7405 Words   |  30 PagesFELIPE SERRANO The Spanish fiscal policy during the recent â€Å"great recession† Abstract: This paper examines the fiscal strategy followed by the Spanish government in order to stop the fall of aggregate demand induced by the financial crisis. The Spanish economy provides the best example among the countries of the European Monetary Union of the contradictions between the discretionary fiscal policy in the crisis and the fiscal rules. The intensity of the crisis and some initial badly designed fiscalRead MoreFactors That Affect The Output Of An Economy1733 Words   |  7 Pagesachieve actual economic growth that can be measured by real Gross Domestic Product (GDP). If factors of production are fully employed, it means the economy is working at full capacity and on the production possibility frontier (PPF), which combines the different levels of capital and consumer products together (Hearn, 2000:119). At this point, potential economic growth, referring to an increase in potential capacity, is considered to attain long-term rate of growth. Therefore, governments might applyRead MoreFiscal Policy Role and Development in Bulgaria and Eu7949 Words   |  32 PagesInternational Finances R e p o r t Fiscal policy role and development in Bulgaria and in the EU Fiscal policy is a set of measures by the government aimed to slow or stimulate the economy. Such measures are changes in tax policy and government spending. With the changes that are made the government influence directly to the demand. Fiscal policy is based on the theories of the British economist John Maynard Keynes. The idea is that the state can influence the economy by increasing or reducingRead MoreThe Great Financial Crisis : Causes And Consequences1911 Words   |  8 PagesMonthly Review Foundation, and has written on political economy for a majority of his career. In â€Å"The Great Financial Crisis: Causes and Consequences†, Foster and Magdoff present a rigorous and undoubtedly necessary historical and broad-minded perspective of the capitalist system out of control. They argue that the present-day financial collapse is a logical consequence of the contradictions of monopoly finance capital - contradictions that are reflected in the like processes of financializationRead MoreStudy on Indian Government Debts and Deficits and Its Effect on the Growth Sustainability4377 Words   |  18 Pages[pic] Study on government deficits and debts in India. How do government debt-deficit sustainability issues hinder India’s growth Abstract Emerging nation India has high hopes of becoming a developed nation. In recent time Indian economy is considered as the fastest growing economy hence there are certain drawbacks such as the government deficits, debts which hinder India from achieving their goal. Development of nation is based on several factors and its more important for every nation to encourageRead MoreComparison of Basic Economic Indicators of Bric Nations4949 Words   |  20 PagesComparison of Basic Economic Indicators of BRIC Nations Abstract In economics, BRIC is a grouping acronym that refers to the countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China, which are all deemed to be at a similar stage of newly advanced economic development. It is typically rendered as the BRICs or the BRIC countries or the BRIC economies or alternatively as the Big Four. Table of Content 1. Introduction 4 2. Statistics 5 3. Economic Indicators 6 3.1 GDP 6 3.2 Inflation 7 3.3 DeficitsRead MoreThe Impact Of Economic Growth On The World And The Environment3597 Words   |  15 Pagesclaimed by (Reich, 2010), that economic growth leads to prosperity in the developed, emerging and developing world. The argument is focused on the negative effects of slow economic growth for the world and the environment. This essay provides a selection of theories with unique perspectives regarding the different impacts of economic growth on countries around the world. It will also explore the different methods/theories discussed by academics for best achieving economic growth. Aiming to provide aRead MoreAnalysis: Advantages and Disadvantages of the Development State Model2468 Words   |  10 Pagesutilised to describe any state experiencing a period of economic development and improvement in living standards (Pham, 2012). One of the most significant arguments in this scope is the performance of developmental state model. A number of scholars have attempted to investig ate this issue and arguments can be divided into three categories. Proponents of state intervention indicate that the state plays an indispensable role in directing economic development and utilising the resources of the country

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Memoirs Free Essays

Anne Frank is the best known of these two people, far more than Romeo Dallaire. Her struggle for survival and her eventual plight of death in a concentration camp have awed the world for the last sixty years. Just a young girl who had the rest of her life to look forward to and her youthful plans for that life that were snuffed short by a war machine and the hatred of a man she would never see, Adolph Hitler. We will write a custom essay sample on Memoirs or any similar topic only for you Order Now Hitler’s madness and his intricate hatred for followers of the Jewish faith subsequently brought a halt to millions of lives of people that had never seen him, known him or would have ever harmed him. His fanatical crusade for the â€Å"Arian† race to populate the world and do an ethnic cleansing of any other race, creed or religion created one of the most horrendous and infamous atrocities in world history, the Holocaust. Everyone who has ever read Diary of a Young Girl could not help but be moved by Anne Frank’s courage and optimism during her enforced hiding with her family and the other residents in that attic as she tried to maintain hope in the ominous face of an adverse society that had invaded her native country. It is truly amazing how she managed to maintain her sanity and her outlook on life through such a horrific ordeal. Just fifteen years old with very little experience at life, she seemed to possess a profound ability to see things as they â€Å"really were† and not as she or the others would have wished them to be. Yet, it did not seem to quell her belief that there was good in people and that only a few were responsible for the misery that is often imposed upon others simply because of another’s beliefs or policies. It has to make one wonder if it were not partly because it was a more innocent time in the world when children were not constantly besieged by violence, crime or prejudice. Though probably one of the world’s most famous victims of prejudice, Anne Frank maintained that innocence through her whole life. She was a child caught in a nightmare not of her own making and she along with millions of others suffered because of that nightmare. Romeo Dallaire was a military man that by choice involved him in these types of matters. A Canadian Major General, Dallaire, headed a small United Nations peacekeeping force, UNAMIR, in Rwanda, Africa. Horrible atrocities became evident to him and he set out to appeal for help in these murders that were so ethnic in nature. It involved a conflict that the ruling regime, the Hutu, had begun mass massacres of the Tutsis, a different sect within the country. It was totally classified as ethnic in policy. When Dallaire faxed for advice in 1994, his fax was treated with little or no attention. The United Nations refused to acknowledge it as genocide and would not allow Dallaire to do anything beyond the regular rules that his small military unit was allowed to pursue. Dallaire had to sit back helplessly and watch this atrocity go unchecked. Unlike Anne Frank, he was not a personal victim but he was just as helpless in changing the effect of what was happening. In his writings later, Shake Hands With The Devil, Dallaire expounded on the ineffectualness of Genocide Committees, such as the UN had, when it was doubtful if a particular action within a country can be termed as ethnic genocide. Time has proven constantly that other countries or even the United Nations in these more modern times are extremely hesitant to act despite sometimes often insurmountable proof that ethnic cleansing is occurring and it should be stopped immediately. So what similarities would be between Anne Frank and Romeo Dallaire? They both wrote important works on the results and after effects of ethnic cleansing and genocidal war. Anne Frank’s viewpoint came from an innocent bystander. Her only crime? She was a Jew. She had led a quiet gentle life within a loving family structure and she was only aware of the persecution of the Jewish population by what was happening around her. Once in seclusion, her writings intensified as she grew more and more aware of the plight of other people and of her childhood friends and their families either frantically trying to escape or captured by the Nazis and sent to the concentration camps where most of them never returned. Her diary, which she referred to as â€Å"Kitty†, was begun before she and her family were forced into hiding. It shows all the normal qualities of a young girl her age. Her young hopes and dreams and the beginnings of puberty. Her delightful and expectant views of what life would be like when she was grown were the strongest proof of her innocence. She was a friendly, astute and open person and those qualities did stand her in good stead while she remained in hiding for two years. She managed to maintain a very mature calm while some of the older adults around her were literally â€Å"falling to pieces.† She seemed to rise above the petty squabbles and accusations that formed when so many people are crammed into such close quarters for so long. She tried not to dwell on the lack of food, fresh air, or miserable living conditions that she existed in but instead took a very philosophical point of view of what was happening around her and to her. Her incredible courage has inspired people constantly through the years since her untimely death and the publication of her diary. She very clearly knew the difference between right and wrong. Through her diary, she made a world wake up to how quickly one group can impose its values on another and if the imposed group refused those values, then violence and mass death could erupt from it. To quote the old phrase â€Å"Out of the mouths of babes†, whether trite or not, in this instance, a child taught an adult world what was wrong with prejudice, stupidity and the aggressiveness of war. Romeo Dallaire’s own writings have been a good source for endless purposes as far as a teaching and informative guide to how not to miss the very clear signs of ethnic war. Because Dallaire’s hands were tied in the military sense and the United Nations’ refusal to act upon his advice from the situation that eventually escalated into a full scale war. Dallaire is often quoted by writers on war and genocide because his graphic description of how the massacring of the Tutsis people in Rwanda should have been clear warning signs of what was going to happen. It is one thing to set of councils against genocide but to refuse to act upon situations that fall under the jurisdiction of these councils is almost as heinous as the very acts of war themselves. In an odd comparison, Anne Frank and Romeo Dallaire were exactly alike as they were both witnesses to these atrocities and they were both completely helpless to do anything to stop them outside of writing about them. It is perhaps some comfort that through both of their written observations, we, as a world, are better able to see the fallacy in these types of confrontations and hopefully in the future, take more steps to insure that they never happen again. Works Cited/ References: 1.How to Prevent Genocide: A Guide for Policymakers, Scholars, and the Concerned Citizen by John G. Heindenrich, Praeger Publishing, 2001 2. The Door of Opportunity: Creating a Permanent Peacekeeping Force:   Journal Article by Lionel Rosenblatt, Larry Thompson, World Policy Journal, Vol. 15, 1998 3. Understanding Anne Frank’s the Diary of A Young Girl, A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historical Documents by Hedda   Rosner Kopf, Greenwood Press, 1998 4. Anne Frank: The Biography: Magazine Article by Martyn Bedford; New Statesman, Vol. 129, April 2, 1999 How to cite Memoirs, Essay examples

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Standard Deviation and Century National Bank free essay sample

Mr. Dan Selig, president and CEO, would like to know the characteristics of his checking account customers. What is the balance of a typical customer? How many other bank services do the checking account customers use? Do the customers use the ATM service and, if so, how often? What about debit cards? Who uses them, and how often are they used? To better understand the customers, Mr. Selig asked Ms. Wendy Lamberg, director of planning, to select a sample of customers and prepare a report. To begin, she has appointed a team from her staff. You are the head of the tea m and responsible for preparing the report. You select a random sample of 60 customers. In addition to the balance in each account at the end of the last month, you determine: (1) the number of ATM transactions in the last month; (2) the number of other bank services (a savings account a certificate of deposit, etc. We will write a custom essay sample on Standard Deviation and Century National Bank or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page ) the customer uses; (3) whether the customer has a debit card (this is a bank service in which charges are made directly to the customer’s account) and (4) whether or not interest is paid on the checking account.The sample includes customers from the branches in Cincinnati, Ohio; Atlanta, GA; Louisville KY; and Erie PA. 1. Develop a graph or table that portrays the checking balances. What is the balance of a typical customer? Do many customers have more than $2,000 in their accounts? Does it appear that there is a difference in the distribution of the accounts among the four branches? Around what value do the account balances tend to cluster? 2. Determine the mean and median of the checking account balances.Compare the mean and the median balances for the four branches. Is there a difference among the branches? Be sure to explain the difference between the mean and the median in your report. 3. Determine the range and the standard deviation of the checking account balances. What do the first and third quartiles show? Determine the coefficient of skewness and indicate what it shows. Because Mr. Selig does not deal with statistics daily, include a brief description and interpretation of the standard deviation and other measures.

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Psychological Needs free essay sample

Dr. Dale Ironson Psychological Needs In the early 1940s, a humanistic psychologist known as Abraham Maslow developed a model for human motivation. Through this human hierarchy model Maslow demonstrated that humans are motivated by a progression of needs. According to Maslow, people first become motivated by physiological needs. Furthermore, once physiological needs are satisfied they progress to the level of psychological needs, and ultimately they progress to the needs of self- fulfillment. Maslows’s motivation theory is known as the hierarchy of needs (Huckenbury Huckenbury, 2014). According to Maslow (1943), the hierarchy of needs is divided by five levels of needs. The hierarchy model is depicted in the shape of a pyramid with the larger and lower-levels on the bottom and the need for self-fulfillment at the top. The top level, which is at the peak of the pyramid, is described as the level of achieving ones full potential. Following the top level of self-actualization is the level of esteem. We will write a custom essay sample on Psychological Needs or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In this level, people are motivated by fulfilling a need of self-respect and the acceptance from others. After the level of esteem comes the level of love and elonging. In the level of love and belonging Maslow describes the need of others to fulfill a sense of attachment to a relationship; whether it is friendship, intimate, or family. Subsequently following the level of love and belonging is the level of safety and security. This level describes the need to build financial, personal, health, and safety security. Last, the level of physiological needs ranks to be the lower level of the pyramid. The level of physiological needs is described by Maslow as fulfillment of metabolic requirements for survival. Needs for survivals based on Maslow’s hierarchies of needs are; air, food, water, homeostasis, sex, and sleep. All four lower levels of the pyramid are divided as physiological needs and psychological needs. The top level of self-actualization is the level of self-fulfillment (Green, 2000). The concept of Marlow’s hierarchy of needs is easily understood; however, I do not fully agree with the theory. I agree with the needs described by Maslow such as fulfilling basic physiological needs as well as psychological needs; nonetheless, I do not see a need for it to be broken down in levels. I believe the hierarchy of needs explains motivation as if there is only one ath in life to follow. It demonstrates that first people should fulfill metabolic requirements, to fulfill the need of personal safety, followed by the need of fulfillment of belonging, to the need of acceptance, and finally leading to self-actualization. What if you fulfill the metabolic requirements, possess a sense of belonging, fulfill t he need of self-acceptance; however, you lack the fulfillment of personal security? What happens if one level is met before the other? Maslow’s hierarchy of needs does not give an explanation describing any type of results if one need is met before the next level in the hierarchy. I believe it is possible to meet one level before the other; therefore, explaining the theory in levels may not be adequate. Perhaps approaching the theory as a balance of all needs of fulfillment would be more adequate than breaking it down in levels. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs relates to motivation because it explains how humans are growth-oriented. The hierarchy also describes that when one need is fulfilled, the need becomes satisfied; therefore, it will motivate an individual to grow and continue to the next need of fulfillment. Based on Maslow’s hierarchy, I do not find any of the needs to be challenging. I find myself to be a well-rounded person with strong values and morals. I value personal relationships, family, beliefs, opportunities, health, and life in general. My life may not be perfect; however, I am grateful for the positive and negative situations that become present in my life for it is those situations that allow me to grow and become the person who I am today. Every day is a learning experience, and every day I am in pursuit of reaching my full potential. References Cherry, K. (2013). Hierarchy of Needs. Retrieved from http://psychology. about. com/od/theoriesofpersonality/a/hierarchyneeds. tm Green, C. (2000). Classics in the History of Psychology. Retrieved from http://psychclassics. yorku. ca/Maslow/motivation. htm Hockenbury, D. H. , Hockenbury, S. E. (2014). Discovering Psychology (6th ed. ). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database. Maslow, A. H. (1943). â€Å"A Theory of Human Motivation†. In Psychological Review, 50 (4), 430- 437 . Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Maslows Hierarchy. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http://www. redwoods. edu/Departments/Distance/Tutorials/MaslowsHierarchy/maslows_ print. html

Monday, November 25, 2019

Revolution Essays - Libertarian Theory, Liberty, Free Essays

Revolution Essays - Libertarian Theory, Liberty, Free Essays Revolution American Revolutions ?What people values as a nation Criticizing a government?s movements or decisions without receiving any punishments, going to school for better education, opening your own business to make your own profits, having a gun, or worshiping your own god are all values that we can have as a nation, called freedom. However, freedom doesn?t come from god or nature itself, but like any other progressive concept and ideals, it comes from revolutions. Therefore, America, one of the most freedom nations in the world, also earned the value of liberty through many reforms, especially the two known as, the changing in understanding of government from the Founding?s led by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and President Lyndon B. Johnson, who also switched the relationship between states and national government. The founding of national government contents several ideals, including individual liberty as a state of liberty, the limitation of constitutional government, and common laws or the rule of laws. Individual liberty is the core of other founding ideals. It contents basic values and rights that as a member of nation should have such as the right to live and to do what he/she wants as long they don?t harm his/herself and other people?s liberty and rights around, according to John Locke, Second treaties of government, 6. ?though man in that state have an uncontroulable liberty to dispose of his person or possessions, yet he has not liberty to destroy himself, or so much as any creature in his possession, but where some nobler use than its bare preservation calls for it. The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it, which obliges every one: and reason, which is that law, teaches all mankind, who will but consult it, that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions?. Moreover, to strengthen the ideal and make it fits to the real world, John Locke also stated that each man has a right to punish criminals or execute offenders, who violate liberty of people around. ?one man comes by a power over another; but yet no absolute or arbitrary power, to use a criminal, when he has got him in his hands, according to the passionate heats, or boundless extravagancy of his own will; but only to retribute to him, so far as calm reason and conscience dictate, what is proportionate to his transgression, which is so much as may serve for reparation and restraint: for these two are the only reasons, why one man may lawfully do harm to another, which is that we call punishment?. Or ?every man hath a right to punish the offender, and be executioner of the law of nature?.?. Nevertheless, if people can punish criminals as an act of liberty protection, they also violate the criminal?s liberty as they are still living in t he same ideal of freedom. In the other hand, there are no any different from punishers and offenders. Thus, the ideal of making law was born in order to make the differences. ?The natural liberty of man is to be free from any superior power on earth, and not to be under the will or legislative authority of man; but only to have the law of nature for his rule.?Locke, Second Treatise, sec. 22. Once again, to protect people freedom from the power of making laws and law itself, we claim for another ideal known as a limited government, which experienced from the system of France?s government system.? Under the ancient monarchy the king was the sole author of the laws; and below the power of the sovereign certain vestiges of provincial institutions, half destroyed, were still distinguishable. These provincial institutions were incoherent, ill arranged, and frequently absurd?. Tocqueville, Democracy in America. The idea divides the power to govern people into many branches in order to balance the power and avoid absolute power from any person. ?WHERE the legislative and executive power are in distinct hands, (as they are in all moderated monarchies, and well-framed governments) there the good of the society requires, that several things should be left to the discretion of him that has the executive power: for the legislators not being able to foresee,

Friday, November 22, 2019

Caroline Kennedy - Japan National Press Club Address

Ambassador Caroline Kennedy Address at the National Press Club of Japan delivered 17 December 2015, Tokyo, Japan All my senior colleagues from the U.S. Government [off mic, removes translation headset] head over to the Press Club at some point during their visit, and are grateful for the warm welcome, the frank discussion of issues, and the opportunity you provide for us to communicate with the people of Japan. Democracies cant function without a strong relationship between a free and independent press, and a transparent and accountable government. Im continually impressed by the serious coverage, and the wide variety of media outlets that exist here in Japan. And one of the good things is that, unlike at home, I cant understand most of what you say. Preparing for the opportunity to speak with you has given me the chance to reflect on my two years in Japan and on the year ahead and I’d like to share some thoughts with you today. First and foremost, the U.S.-Japan alliance is as strong as it has ever been. Just last weekend, the Yomiuri/Gallup poll showed that U.S.-Japan relations were in better shape than at any time since the poll was first taken 15 years ago. Thanks to the efforts of generations of Japanese and Americans in government, business, science, architecture, anime, martial arts our two countries have created a partnership that not only enriches the lives of our citizens, but plays a critical role in addressing global challenges. Our bilateral partnership is now at the center of powerful multilateral coalitions. Smaller more vulnerable countries need our help to succeed, and sometimes to survive. Problems like climate change, terrorism, poverty, disease, and nuclear non-proliferation cannot be addressed by any one country acting alone. They are global concerns that need international action. The U.S. and Japan are called upon not just to engage, but to lead. As two of the most powerful democracies in the world, we must never forget that our shared values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law are our greatest strength. There are countless examples to prove this point, but let me mention some from just the past few weeks: Five days ago, JAXA and NASA astronauts landed safely after six months together on the International Space Station. Last month, the U.S. government began exploring the possibility of bringing Maglev to Maryland. And just last weekend, our countries were leaders at the historic COP21 talks where we committed to double our R budget[s] for renewable energy over the next five years. Each of these initiatives is built on our shared commitment to innovation and building a better, safer world. Thats why other countries look to the United States and Japan for advice, investment, and security. Two years ago when President Obama appointed me to this position, he said he wanted to send a strong message that the Rebalance to Asia was a core element of the U.S. foreign policy, and that it is built upon the unshakeable foundation of the U.S.-Japan alliance. On his State visit here in 2014, the President reiterated that the United States is a Pacific nation, that we are committed to the defense of Japan. He emphasized that this is a transformational moment for the alliance and we need to make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity. The President knows Prime Minister Abe to be a dynamic leader with a forward-looking vision for his country. Hes impressed with the Prime Ministers economic revitalization program and commitment to the empowerment of women. President Obama also stressed that improved relations between Japan and its neighbors is in the national interest of the United States and asked me to help move this process forward. As the first working mother to serve as U.S. Ambassador here, the President asked me to reach out to Japanese women and families to share the U.S. experience. And he asked my children to encourage their generation to invest in the future of this critically important alliance. The President hoped that sending the daughter of a Pacific War veteran to serve as Ambassador during this 70th anniversary year would remind people in both countries of the power of reconciliation and the possibilities for peace. Ive been profoundly moved by the special place that President Kennedys memory holds in the hearts of the Japanese people. Im inspired that his call to service resonates so deeply here. The warm welcome that my family has received has deepened our commitment to live up to this legacy and do our utmost to bring our two great nations even closer. Over the past two years, thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ive welcomed former American POWs to the Embassy. Theyre about the same age as my father would be, and they bring the same message of reconciliation. Whether they were captured in China, survived Bataan and Corregidor, or were shot down over Tokyo despite their suffering, they also tell of kindnesses received from Japanese soldiers who shared food with them and took great risks to help them survive. For me, personally, the most powerful moment of last year was in March when I met the family of the captain of the Japanese destroyer that sank my fathers PT boat. Like my father, Captain [Kohei] Hanami went home after the war to enter public service serving as the mayor of his town in Fukushima. Seeing the photo from the 1950s that my father inscribed, To Captain Hanami late enemy, present friend was a powerful reminder that even during times of conflict, we have more in common than divides us. And only a few weeks later in April, on a grand and public scale, I watched Prime Minister Abe deliver an historic address to a Joint Session of Congress after laying a wreath at Arlington Cemeterys Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the World War II Memorial. That eloquent speech made a powerful impression on the American people. In it, the Prime Minister called our relationship an alliance of hope. And I have been struck in the recent months by the ways in which thats true. In the area of security, the passage of the Peace and Security [Preserved] Legislation and the revised Defense Guidelines1 have provided a strong foundation for our future cooperation in an increasingly tense regional environment. America has forward-deployed its most advanced radar, ships, and aircraft. Our dedicated service men and women are stationed here to put their lives on the line for the defense of Japan. And yesterday our two nations advanced an agreement in principle on a new Host Nation Support package. This five-year agreement represents another significant achievement for the alliance. The United States appreciates the support and cooperation which will underscore the Rebalance to Asia and demonstrate the enduring strength of our alliance. At joint-use bases in Misawa and Sasebo, and joint exercises like Yamasakura, I have seen the mutual respect our forces have for each other. Their strong real-world relationship is nowhere more in evidence than during the humanitarian missions weve conducted in the Philippines and Nepal. This cooperation has its roots in Operation Tomodachi, conducted in Tohoku after the tragedies of 3/11. And now, the United States and Japanese forces are working to save lives and bring hope to other countries suffering from natural disasters. In addition to bilateral security challenges, our governments must confront 21st century issues of terrorism and cybersecurity, and we must prevent the militarization of space. Were expanding our security cooperation to include regional partners like Australia and India who share the same democratic values. Strong ties between Japan and Korea are also critical to these efforts. Yet even as we increase our security cooperation and expand its scope, were mindful of its impact on local communities particularly in Okinawa.2 Thats why we have worked with the Government of Japan to develop and implement the Okinawa Consolidation plan3 which, when complete, will result in the strategic realignment of our forces across the Pacific region, the return of 68% of the land south of Kadena, and 4,000 additional hectares of environmentally pristine land, almost 20% of the total U.S. holdings. The West Futenma Housing Project, returned last March, is being developed into a state-of-the-art medical facility. And just about 10 days ago, we announced the early return of three parcels of land in Naha that will accelerate that process and reduce traffic congestion. We are going to keep working at this because we are grateful to the people of Japan for welcoming generations of U.S. service members, and we strive to be good neighbors in return. In the area of economics, our countries are closer than ever. The United States is the Number One foreign direct investor in Japan, and Japan is the second-largest investor in the United States. Companies like Boeing, Sandisk, and 3M perform state-of-the-art manufacturing here, and Apple is building a major research center in Yokohama. Together, we are expanding the frontiers of knowledge in brain science, regenerative medicine, and robotics. Disney Princesses and baseball are big business in both countries. Our strong bilateral relationship is now going global as our two countries led the region to conclude the largest, most far-reaching, high-standard trade agreement ever negotiated: TPP. This agreement will create good jobs and export opportunities for our farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses. It will lift millions out of poverty and into the middle class on both sides of the Pacific. It will promote our core values by banning child workers, raising labor standards, and requiring state-owned enterprises to compete fairly. TPP will stimulate invention and creativity in all 12 countries by protecting intellectual property. And it has strong, enforceable provisions to prevent wildlife trafficking, illegal fishing, and preserve biodiversity. As other nations join TPP and these provisions also become part of upcoming agreements with Europe, our shared values will define the economic architecture of this region and the world for years to come. And to anyone who wants to ask the follow-up question, I can answer that right now: Yes, Congress will pass TPP. Looking ahead, perhaps the most important issue for our countries to tackle together is climate change. As President Obama said of the historic agreement reached in Paris, We met the moment. But he acknowledged that our work is just beginning. The U.S. and Japan must be leaders in the movement toward a low-carbon future and help developing countries do the same. Clean and renewable energy will provide millions of jobs in a market with an estimated nine billion users by 2020 [2030?]. American and Japanese companies are already developing the cars, batteries, and power-grids of the future. As Secretary Kerry said, How we implement this agreement, how we set our targets and build it out, will determine whether we are able to address one of the most complex challenges humankind has ever faced.4 We have the solutions and the capital to implement and scale game-changing solutions right now. It makes business sense; it makes environmental sense; and its the right thing to do. In order to tackle this issue, and so many others, we need to enlist the next generation. They need to understand why their parents and grandparents invested so much in the U.S.-Japan alliance, and see it as something amazing they want to be part of. The best way to recruit them is to provide opportunities for them to get to know each other, to discover and explore life in each others countries. At the U.S. Embassy, we are making an all-out effort to meet the goal set by President Obama and Prime Minister Abe of doubling student exchange numbers by 2020. We conduct outreach programs at high schools and universities. We have a college advising system across Japan. We are energizing Japanese alumni of U.S. schools as the best advocates for study abroad. And were trying to reach out to younger students in new and different ways and involve them in issues they care about. (Im not supposed to go too fast.) [Pauses for possible translation lag] For example, Im now working with high school students in Tokyo, Okinawa, Korea, and the South Bronx in a teleconference exchange where students share their fears, hopes, and dreams for the future. We also connected an elementary school in Kyoga Misaki with one in Manchester, Massachusetts. Theyre collaborating through technology on the study of an unusual natural resource that they have in common a beach with Singing Sands. We hope both these efforts, along with more traditional ones, will inspire young Japanese and Americans to explore the wider world as they get older. The Japanese government has made significant resources available for study abroad, but we need the business community and academic institutions to keep pushing forward on this agenda.5 I know the world today can seem like a daunting place, and there are people in both our countries that would rather turn inward and stay focused at home. But we need to show our children that thats not who we are. As Japan assumes a seat on the [United Nations] Security Council for the 11th time and prepares to host the G-7, 2016 promises to be a a year when our two nations can work even more closely on our shared priorities. We are the largest contributors to the United Nations and the largest donors to the Green Climate Fund. Our healthcare experts coordinate closely in West Africa to battle Ebola. Last March, our First Ladies announced a partnership between the Peace Corps and JPOV [Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers] to educate girls in Southeast Asia. Our diplomats worked closely in recent months to implement the Iran nuclear agreement. Together, were combating terrorism and helping millions of desperate refugees build a better life. We are the people who step up. We shoulder the burdens of leadership because we have benefitted from the dialogue, partnership, and rules-based order that emerged from World War II. Prime Minister Abe calls it a proactive contribution to peace. President Obama laid out his vision at the United Nations when he said, To believe in the dignity of every individual, to believe we can bridge our differences, and choose cooperation over conflict that [is] not weakness, that is strength. It [is] a practical necessity in this interconnected world. Americans and Japanese can take great pride in the U.S.-Japan alliance. Its been built through countless acts of reconciliation and friendship. Its sustained by respect and hard work. It brings knowledge and opportunity. Our countries have distinct national cultures, myths, and traditions. These differences make the closeness of our partnership even more remarkable in todays fragmented world. Together, our nations demonstrate the power of history to bring hope, the power of knowledge to bring progress, and the power of freedom to bring peace. As citizens of the U.S. and Japan, weve been given great gifts. I hope to be worthy of them as we build the alliance of the future. Thank you. Chairman Nishimura [as translated]:6 Thank you very much, Ambassador. You touched on the 70th anniversary, TPP, and youve already answered one of the questions, the follow-up questions, so thank you very much for covering diverse topics. And we have collected many [question] cards and representatives are now checking them to ask questions to you now. Question [as translated]: [inaudible self identification] newspapers. Our time is limited, so lets start with a hard question. I would like to ask you about politics and security. This year happens to be the 70th anniversary ofthe end of World War II, and you participated in memorial services in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, so I would love your comments on visiting those two [cities.] And the G-7 will be hosted in Japan this year, so what do you think about President Obama visiting those two cities? Would you recommend the President to visit those two cities? Thank you very much. Ambassador Kennedy: Visiting Hiroshima and Nagasaki I think is one of the most powerful experiences anyone can have. I first came there in 1978 with my uncle, Senator Kennedy, and now I visited with my children, and I had a chance to walk through the Peace Park, which I hadnt been able to do at the larger ceremonies. President Kennedys proudest achievement was the limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, so it has a great personal meaning for me as well. I know that President Obama is also committed to a world without nuclear weapons, and I think anyone who goes there feels like a renewed commitment to work for peace in any way that we can. As far as the Presidents visit there, I as you know, presidential scheduling is extremely complicated, and thats many months away, so I really cant really speculate on what would be possible. Question [as translated]: Thank you. Next on Okinawa, [an] Okinawa newspaper is asking me to ask [about] Okinawa. As as you referred to in your presentation, you talked about the return of lands south of Kadena, and you also participated in the memorial service this year. Okinawa has a unique history compared to other parts of Japan and has a high concentration of U.S. bases. So what do you think about this reality? Okinawa is opposing the landfill project and relocation of Futenma, so what do you think about this point? And if Japan were to propose a Plan B alternative to the Henoko plan, is the U.S. going to consider it? Thank you. Ambassador Kennedy: Well, Okinawa the United States, first of all, is works very hard to be a good neighbor, and we are very grateful to the people of Okinawa for the support that they have given to generations of U.S. service men and women. I visited there four or five times now, and Im always struck by the strength of the communities and as well as the commitment of our service men and women. We are working hard to reduce the impact of the bases. We understand how important this is. People worked very hard, considered many options, and developed this plan that I think is the best of any other plan that was considered. And I believe that we are at a turning point, and that once the next few years will be critical and once we are able to move MCAS Futenma out of Naha, that the situation will improve. And were committed to doing that. We are working hard to do it as fast as possible. We have taken these early land return steps, as you know, and we are working to give to return additional lands as well as to realign our forces. So I think the future will be better, and I think that that plan is the plan that we should implement as fast as possible. Question [as translated]: Next question, on refugees, Syrian refugees are flowing into Europe, and there was a terrorist attack in Paris, and even in the presidential election campaign, the refugee issue is under the spotlight right now. It is a political issue in Japan as well, so I would appreciate your perspective on the refugee issue. Thank you very much. Ambassador Kennedy: I think anyone who has turned on the television can see that this is becoming the humanitarian issue of our time. I mean, this is a huge crisis, and the United States is is working hard, and so is Japan. Were grateful for the major contributions that Japan has made to improve the lives of the refugees and support them. President Obama has been very clear that we are committed to destroying ISIL and that we must also welcome refugees into the United States and and not discriminate against any Muslim-Americans that are that are our neighbors and our friends. And so I think that this issue is going to be with us for some time, and all countries have an obligation to solve the underlying conflict that is causing this crisis as well as to help the families who are forced to leave their homeland. Question [as translated]: One last question: This year happens to be the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, and Prime Minister Abe made a statement. And Ambassador, you expressed disappointment when Prime Minister Abe visited Yasukuni Shrine, but what do you think about his statement this year? Ambassador Kennedy: Well I was here for the year, and I watched the process that the prime minister conducted with a panel and discussion, and I thought that the the United States government welcomed the statement that he released, and it had a strong expression of remorse for the past suffering that was caused by Japan as well as a commitment to uphold previous government statements. So I think that the United States and all countries recognize that Japans record over the last 70 years has really been a model for all nations. Its contributed to peace and stability and played a great role internationally, and so I think that that the U.S. government, the President, and Secretary Kerryall issued statements of support for the prime ministers statement. Question [as translated]: Thank you.On TPP I have two questions. You said the Congress will pass TPP for approval, but the U.S. is heading towards the political season, and both parties are opposing the TPP. So why are you so optimistic about TPP? Next, on Japanese agriculture, Japanese farmers worry about losing markets against cheap foreign produce including [from] the United States, but there are some options for Japanese farmers to export overseas, so do you have any tips for Japanese farmers so that their produce may be welcomed in the United States? Thank you. Ambassador Kennedy: Well, if I can take the second question first, Japanese farmers produce the most amazing products among the most amazing products in the world, so no one but Japanese farmers could produce the peach-flavored strawberry in the winter. And I have met young Japanese farmers. I work with the EnGei Agricultural high school, and I see the young people there who are committed to careers in agriculture. They have They also take care of bonsai plants at the Embassy that they are lending to me. And Ive met with Future Farmers of Japan and [Future Farmers of] America, and I know that these partnerships have been going for 50 years or more. And so I have no doubt that Japanese farmers will succeed in within the TPP context. And there will be, you know, challenges, but I visited farms where many generations are working together and growing amazing things. Theyre selling directly to consumers. Theyre selling their products, you know, in innovative ways, so and I think that what they what they produce is so exceptional that Im confident that they will be successful. As far as TPP goes, trade agreements are never easy to pass, but the American they always do, and President Obama is absolutely committed to this agreement, and he has a very strong record of achievement on things that he cares deeply about, and so I have no doubt that when this all comes together that TPP will pass. As far as politics, thats something else. Question [as translated]: Thank you. Next, on women: So you said that you have been asked by the President to share your experience with the Japanese people, and when you look at the gender gap index, Japan is below 100th in the world. Bu what do you think could be the breakthrough for Japan to move forward with womens advancement in society? Thank you. Ambassador Kennedy: Well, the first of all let me say that this is an issue that the U.S. has to work on as well. We have not solved this problem. Its still too difficult to balance work and family in the United States, but I think that by sharing our experiences we all can hopefully do better. I dont think theres one thing one breakthrough. I think this is going to take a sustained effort, and its going to have to involve men, women, children, businesses, academia and I think that this is certainly something that is in the the long-term interest of Japan and the short-term interest of its families and workers. And I think the prime minister has set forward many of the measures that need to be implemented. People know what they are revisions in the tax code, legislation, flexibility in the labor market there are many, many things that we that we could name, but I think the main thing is the commitment to steady progress, and I the women that I have seen in Japan are so dynamic, and and I think that they really have the power to transform anything they set their mind to. So I am eager and hopeful that this will be a successful initiative. Ive seen progress since Ive been here, and Im, you know, honored to be a part of it and to to watch and cheer from the sidelines. Question [as translated]: Thank you. Ambassador, you touched upon student exchange. So some Japanese young people are inward-looking, so could you explain to them what could be the merits of studying in the United States or U.S. colleges? Ambassador Kennedy: Well, I understand why they dont want to leave Japan. Its really wonderful here, but I will say that I think that studying in another country is one of the most transformative experiences you can have, and everyone that Ive spoken to myself included who have spent time studying in another country find that it changes your life. It gives you great perspective on your home as well as the country in which youre studying, and it opens up possibilities for your future that you would have never considered. And I think that that its also true that more Japanese women than men study abroad, so I think and as companies globalize and the worlds more interconnected, I think that that Japan should take advantage of this great resource as well. I think for the for kids and for parents theres this is really a great adventure, and one of the things thats exciting about having children is is being part of their adventure, and I think that they usually come home, so I always say to parents not to worry. But to the kids I think its its really one of the greatest experiences you can have, and you will come home and find opportunities and success that you that are much greater than you would have had you not taken that chance. And so I think businesses really need to work on this and convince kids that they wont lose out in the job-recruitment cycle. And I think that universities need to work on it to make it easier for students to go back and forth. And I think were working at the Embassy to partner working with MEXT to create partnerships between institutions that will make it easier for students to transfer credits, to go back and forth, to have internships. And I think that what were seeing is that there are people who are interested in doing this, but we need to make it easier easier for them. And I would like to say that there are record numbers of Americans coming to Japan in the last few years, so we need to work on the Japanese numbers, but at least our message is getting through in the United States. [Formal presentation of gift to Ambassador Kennedy] Book/CDs by Michael E. Eidenmuller, Published by McGraw-Hill (2008) 1 PDF of Guidelines here (Source: www.us.emb-japan.go.jp) 2 There is considerable controversy, regionally and beyond, concerning U.S.-Japan consolidation efforts within the Okinawa Prefecture; see, for example, here, here, here, and here. 3 Consolidation Plan for Facilities and Areas in Okinawa.pdf (Source: www.mofa.go.jp) 4 Inexact quotation, provided the reference is to Secretary Kerrys COP21 Plenary Session remarks which ran how we implement our targets, how we build this agreement, how we build it out for each of our nations and how we strengthen it in the time ahead that is what will determine whether we’re actually able to address one of the most complex challenges humankind has ever faced. A Google search did not locate any alternative content attributable to Secretary Kerry which as closely resembled the comments cited by Ambassador Kennedy. Both sets of remarks, however, are substantially similar in meaning. 5 See, for example, these resources 6 Q transcription at this point forward from Japanese to English only is a combination of the above in-video recording translation and a translation provided by japan.usembassy.gov See also (offsite): The U.S.-Japan Alliance: Review of the Guidelines for Defense Cooperation.pdf (INSS Strategic Perspectives 18 March 2015) Audio Source: DVIDShub.net Image of Kennedy Source: japan.usembassy.gov Audio Note: AR-XE = American Rhetoric Extreme Enhancement U.S. Copyright Status: Text of address QA excluded and audio = Property of AmericanRhetoric.com. Image = Uncertain. [Chairman Nishimuras introductory remarks and formal introduction of Ambassador Kennedy] Ambassador Kennedy: Good Afternoon. Thank you for inviting me to this gathering. Id like to thank Managing Director [Yoshinori] Nakai for welcoming me here today and Chairman [Yoichi] Nishimura of the planning committee for serving as the moderator. And thank you all for coming.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Battle of the Bulge Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Battle of the Bulge - Essay Example Even though Western powers expected a major strike from Germany towards the end of WW2, they were unaware about the timing, location and the strategies of the German attack. This paper analyses the importance of Battle of the Bulge in the rest of the Second World War. Hitler was able to create some panic in the enemy camp during the initial periods of Battle of Bulge because of his unexpected war tactics and strategies. â€Å"On Christmas Eve, the Allies experienced the first ever attack by jet bombers. Sixteen German Me-262’s attacked rail yards in an attempt to upset the ability of the Allies to supply themselves† (The Battle of the Bulge). However, Hitler could not sustain the advantages gained by his troops because of the shortage of fuel for filling his jet bombers. After surviving the initial shock, Americans started the counter attack immediately using their air power. In fact Battle of Bulge was the largest battle fought by the Americans during the entire period of Second World War. It was estimated that more than 600000 American soldiers took part in this battle. Both the Americans and the Germans suffered major casualties during this war. Around 81000 Americans and 100000 Germans lost their lives in this battle.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

MANAGING IN A MIXED ECONOMY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

MANAGING IN A MIXED ECONOMY - Essay Example In other types of contracts like the private finance initiative, the private sector makes the capital investment through a contract by the government while the government might wholly or partly bear the cost of providing the service. In the UK, PPP has had a long history. In 1992, the private finance initiative (PFI) was introduced by the Conservative government. This was the first official and systematic program aimed at encouraging public-private partnerships. Over the years, this initiative has been expanded to create efficiency and to enhance the realization of â€Å"value for money.† It must be emphasized that PPP has been successful in a number of ways throughout the UK. Various programs have successfully been accomplished through this initiative and the trend continues. In the same way, the initiative has had is fair share of challenges (Dodgson & Gann, 2008). Some of the programs initiated through the private finance initiative have run out of budget without giving the value for money. The core objective of PPP is to ensure a proper partnership without diminishing either sector. In a world where innovation and strategy implementation seems to be the only way forward, it is indeed important for the private and public sector to collaborate in offering services to the people. London Underground One example of PPP is the London Underground which is a metro transportation system serving a larger portion of the greater London. Spanning over 402 kilometers with 270stations, the Tube is a subsidiary of Transport for London. Presently, 91% of the operational expenditure of the system is covered by fares paid by the passengers. Under the PPP, there were three infrastructure companies which were responsible for the renewal and maintenance of the London Underground. Indeed, it is realized that the PPP was a great step in enhancing the efficiency of the rail system and learning some of the issues which should be a dressed in order to improve such future partn erships in the country. In a way, the London Underground PPP is a classic case of a public private partnership which realized a number of successes and was also plagued with many challenges. In the context of strategy and innovation, it is realized that partnerships are an important way of benefiting through the good strategy and innovation in the private sector and the mechanisms of the government. The essence of this partnership was basically to develop and create an efficient infrastructure for London which could become a model across the world. As such, the London Underground Limited was created as the public sector mandated to operate and maintain this metro system in London. PwC was in charge of reviewing the options available in terms of strategy and funding while also ensuring the continual development of the initiative. At the end of the review process, the PPP was clearly outlined. It involved a ?37.7 billion of investment spanning a period of 30 years in addition to a ?4. 6 billion of private funding. Private sector consortiums were therefore allowed to take charge of the rehabilitation and maintenance of the Underground system in order to enhance its performance and ensure innovation and proper strategy implementation. In addition to the private financing, the government provided annual grants and

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Examination of Clinical Psychology Essay Example for Free

Examination of Clinical Psychology Essay Clinical psychology has a full history that dates back to the early days of Greek philosophy. The combination of philosophy, current psychology and science has created a specific discipline in clinical psychology. Research continues to improve and evolve this branch of psychology. There are certain distinctions that set clinical psychology apart from other areas of this discipline and this paper will explore not only those distinctions but also the history of clinical psychology. The History of Clinical Psychology The beginnings of psychology in general can be found in the era of Greek philosophy. Early philosophical thinkers saw the connection between the mind and body including the influence that relationship had concerning emotional sickness. Hippocrates, Plato, and Aristotle were a few of those that recognized the soul or spirit as being the primary force of the body. They also recognized that problems within the soul could manifest in physical illness (Plante, 2011, p. 34). In the middle ages, any kind of mental, emotional or physical sickness was thought to be characteristic of sin or evil and treatments of such issues were dealt with on a spiritual level. The following Renaissance era was all about scientific research and discovery taking the previous beliefs on spiritual origins and disproving them. Illness was established as something more explainable by scientific research rather than spiritual and metaphysical beliefs (Plante, 2011). As the nineteenth century rolled in, members of psychological study started to have a more accurate understanding of the connection between the body and mind. Sigmund Freud was one such forward thinker and he promoted theories that unconscious thoughts of the mind can hold a strong influence on one’s health drawing on the original beliefs of the Greeks (Parsons, 1958). The actual emergence of psychology began with the development of the first laboratory and book of psychology by Wilhelm Wundt. Development was quick after this first large step even though the new concepts and principles of psychology were being applied to peoples’ issues. Also the wars of our history provided a platform for the world of clinical psychology. Service members emerged in war required specialized treatments which led to the development of psychometric assessments. Later developments led to the creation of evolved models of guidelines and training for the education of clinical psychologists (Plante, 2011). Clinical Psychologys Evolving Nature Clinical psychology has a fundamental instrument that develops its evolving nature which is described by its relationship with modern medicine and used of scientific methods (Kazdin, 2008). Clinical psychology continues to develop applications as new scientific evidence mounts. Contemporary clinical psychology embodies the scientific advances of science mixing in a deep understanding of the mind. The relationship of practice and research continue to come together to facilitate continual improvements in treatments and this relationship is a necessary element to the evolving nature (Kazdin, 2008). The only possible challenge for clinical psychology and research is the challenge of trying to customize treatment to meet the patient’s individual needs when there really is no defined outline of every individualistic need for each individual patient (Kazdin, 2008 p. 17). The Role of Research and Statistics in Clinical Psychology Research is a vital aspect of any psychology and clinical psychology is no different. Research provides the empirical foundation to answer questions with validity. Statistics is a vital part of this research since this area of the research facilitates researchers being able to conclude if the information is substantial and relevant. Research is also vital because to clinical psychology because it boosts therapy methods which leads to the improvement of one’s life and it also helps discover effective methods to diagnose and treat human behavioral issues (Plante, 2011). The scientific method of empirical study also benefits the researchers themselves enabling them to gain critical thinking skills. Research is one of the most fundamental practices that allows for the betterment of clinical psychology (Plante, 2011). Clinical Psychology as it Differs from Other Disciplines The primary differences between other disciplines and clinical psychology involve the targeted training, area of focus and possibly even the educational requirements. Some psychologists participating in the area of clinical diagnosis, such as a school psychologist or social worker, generally must earn a masters degree but other specialized areas of clinical psychology might require a doctorate (Plante, 2011). School psychologists also specialize primarily in working with children and society’s youth whereas social workers can serve a more broad population and work in hospitals, schools or even county programs. Areas of counseling psychology are very similar to clinical psychology and there is the belief that the two separate groups do not even need to exist separately (Kazdin, 2008). There are also psychiatrists who have the added, extensive education and training in the medical arena and for all intended purposes they are physicians. They not only counsel as psychologists but are allowed to issue psychiatric medicine. Then there are other various mental health care professionals such as psychiatric nurses, specialized counselors, and industry and organization counselors who all provide clinical services. Even though clinical psychology differs in some aspects from other counseling professions, all of them have the purpose of using psychological principles to understand human behavior, helping individuals to live healthier and happier lives (Plante, 2011). Conclusion As this paper has laid out, there are many various contributions to the formation of clinical psychology becoming its own discipline. The evolution has traveled a long road but it has been steady and continuous with new information being discovered through scientific methods. Philosophy kicked off the curiosity that lead to future contributions by pioneers such as Freud and his psychoanalytic methods. Clinical psychology does hold its differences amongst other disciplines of psychology but the overall goal of all disciplines still remains to serve the general human population, attempting to give everyone a chance at a better quality of life. References Kazdin, A. E. (2008). Evidence based treatment and practice: new opportunities to bridge clinical research and practice. American Psychologist, 63(3), 146-159. Parsons, T. (1958). Social Structure and the Development of Personality: Freuds Contribution to the Integration of Psychology and Sociology. Psychiatry: Journal for the Study of Interpersonal Processes, 21(10), 321-340. Plante, T. (2011). Contemporary clinical psychology (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley Sons.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

The story of an hour Essay example -- essays research papers

The Story of an Hour – by Kate Chopin Kate Chopin wrote a short story about women’s liberation in the 19. century. In â€Å"The Story of an Hour† we are introdused to Mrs Mallard who is told that her husband is dead. Mrs Mallard has got heart troubles, and therefore the sad news are brought to her carefully by her sister and her husband’s friend Richard. Mrs Mallard reacts with grief and she wants to be alone, so she locks herself into her room. At first, I got the impression that Mrs Mallard was sad because of her husband’s death. But as I kept on reading I understood that this wasn’t the case at all. Mrs Mallard is pretending she is mourning over her husband’s death. She gives the expression that she wants to be alone with her grief, so she locks herself into her room. But because of the third person limited point of view, we know what is really going on inside Mrs Mallard’s mind. In her room Mrs Mallard sinks into a roomy armchair, and when she looks outside her window she sees â€Å"the tops of trees in the open square before her house, and they are all aquiver with the new spring life†. â€Å"The delicious breath of rain was in the air and countless sparrows were twittering in the eaves†. This indicates that Mrs Mallard isn’t mourning at all. She senses positive vibrations and starts to taste her freedom. Freedom is an unfamiliar feeling to Mrs Mallard. But suddenly she begins to recognize the feeling and she is repeting the word â€Å"free† to herself over and over again. â€Å"The vacant...

Monday, November 11, 2019

Police and Forensic Science Technician Essay

I am majoring in the criminal justice because I am very interested in many aspects of the field. I have a few career aspirations, although I do not know which one or ones to pursue , I do know that no matter which I choose I will be using a lot of the information gained from my SOSC 102 course within my career choice. I also possess many personal strengths that make me best suited for my career choice. Some of My Future Career Aspirations My number one career aspiration is to become a forensic science technician. I’d like to become a forensic science technician because I love solving problems, and I think outside of the box in situations where most people would think the answer is obvious. The only reason I have other aspirations besides forensics is because forensic science is not one of the careers in high demand at this time; according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics â€Å"Employment of forensic science technicians is expected to grow by 19 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Competition for jobs will be strong because of substantial interest in forensic science. †( http://www. bls. gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/forensic-science-technicians. htm). Another one of my career aspirations is to become a detective. I would love to become a detective because, just like forensic science technicians, they too have to find answers to problems by thinking outside of the box. In order to become a detective I would have to start as a police officer and work my up in the field, but the job outlook for police officers is more promising than that of a forensic science technician at this time. There is an expected 20,300 new jobs to be filled by the year 2018 for Police Identification and Records Officers. (http://www. recruiter. com/careers/police-identification-and-records-officers/outlook/) .

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Swot Analysis to Six Sigma

In 1981 Motorola launched an initiative calling for a 5-year, 10X improvement in quality. In 1987 Motorola initiated its â€Å"Six Sigma Quality† initiative, with the goal of no more than 3. 4 defective parts per million (ppm) across the company. A 4-year 100X quality improvement goal was set. In 1988, Motorola won the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Motorola then shared its â€Å"Six Sigma† approach with other companies. In 1989, Motorola Chairman, Bob Galvin asked Mikel Harry to head the Six Sigma Research Institute, an organization that received funding from a number of Fortune 500 companies . In 1993 Mikel Harry left Motorola and went to Asea Brown Boveria Ltd. (ABB). Here, the strategy changed from â€Å"Quality First† to â€Å"Business First. † AlliedSignal implemented Six Sigma in 1994 and claimed savings of $1. 2 billion by 1998. Bossidy, CEO of AlliedSignal, convinced General Electric’s Jack Welch to try Six Sigma. The huge savings due to using Six Sigma were claimed in the GE Annual Report, Letter to Our Shareholders, February 12, 1999. With successes like these and strong business leaders like Jack Welsh and Bossidy, the demand for Six Sigma has exploded. Many Fortune 500 companies have begun Six Sigma initiatives and others have asked if Six Sigma is right for them. Numerous consulting firms have jumped on the bandwagon, including ASQ, and numerous articles and books have appeared on the subject. Many product and service advertisements are now mentioning Six Sigma. The term Six Sigma defines an optimum measurement of quality: 3. 4 defects per million events. The Greek letter SIGMA is a mathematical term that simply represents a measure of variation, the distribution or spread around the mean or average of any process or procedure in manufacturing, engineering, services or transactions. The sigma value, or standard deviation, indicates how well any process is performing. The higher the value, the fewer defects per million opportunities. One of Motorola's most significant contributions was to change the discussion of quality from one where quality levels were measured in percentages (parts per hundred) to a discussion of parts per million or even parts per billion. Motorola correctly pointed out that modern technology was so complex that old ideas about acceptable quality levels were no longer acceptable. One puzzling aspect of the â€Å"official† Six Sigma literature is that it states that a process operating at Six Sigma levels will produce 3. 4 parts-per-million nonconformances. However, if a normal distribution table is consulted (very few go out to six sigma), one finds that the expected nonconformances are 0. 002 parts per million (two parts per billion). The difference occurs because Motorola presumes that the process mean can drift 1. 5 sigma in either direction. The area of a normal distribution beyond 4. 5 sigma from the mean is indeed 3. 4 parts per million. Because control charts will easily detect any process shift of this magnitude in a single sample, the 3. 4 parts per million represents a very conservative upper bound on the nonconformance rate. Notes 1: the quality evolution of motorola 1979 â€Å"our quality sucks† 981 Motorola university, quality goal 10x reduction in 5 years 1985 Initiate corporate quality metrix 1987 Six Sigma program: 10x reduction in 2 years 1989 Received Malcolm Baldridge Award 1992 10x reduction in cycle time: customer satisfaction metrix 1996 order fulfillment quality 1997 Five Nines with an eyes on the customer Notes 2: six sigma history 1987 Motorola adopts six sigma 1991 Allied Signal adopts six sigma (Larry Bossidy) 1995 GE adopts six sigma (Jack Welch) 1997 Six sigma adopted in GE capit al (service industry)

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Statistics Coursework Essays

Statistics Coursework Essays Statistics Coursework Essay Statistics Coursework Essay I have been asked to examine the students attendance figures from all year groups (7, 8, 9, 10 and 11) at Hamilton Community College. I will be investigating whether the age of the students affects their attendance figures at school and does it affect their learning and exam results as well? To start my research, I was given the attendance figures by the school for all of the year groups for the 2003 2004 academic years. I will then start to process data (attendance figures) firstly by reducing the amount of data that I will have to process using the method of stratified sampling. By using stratified sampling I will then only use a fair amount of data according to the percentage that Im comfortable with. I will only be using 20% of the attendance figures from each year. A scientific calculator is used, to randomly select attendance figures that I am going to use, so that the new set of statistics isnt bias and isnt affected by my conscious decision. Using the new set of data, I will collate the data in frequency tables (to display all of the frequency distributions), in order to enable easy interpretation and analysis. Secondly, after collating the data, I will then display the new set of data in forms of graphs/diagrams and charts so that it will be easier for me to compare and study the figures. From these graphs/diagrams and charts, I will calculate the central tendency for all the year groups (mean, median) and also the dispersion of each year group by calculating the quartiles (upper quartile, lower quartile and interquartile range) which will also ensures that the figures that I am going to process and compare are only the true average (middle 50% of the data). It is vital for me to choose the most appropriate graphs/diagrams or charts to display the datas properties effectively and clearly. Graphs like the normal distribution curves are ever so important in these type of investigation especially because the graph itself summarise so many vital information such as the Thirdly, I will then analyse all of the results that I will get from the calculations and evaluate it against my hypothesis. I will analyse all of the data in a more depth by doing standard deviation and Spearmans rank correlation coefficient that will allow me to compare and analyse the data properties using different methods. Finally, I will then come to a conclusion stating whether the age does or does not affect the attendance of the students and their learning at school. Hypothesis Does the age of the students affect their attendance at school? There is a probability that there is a small relationship between the age of the students and their attendance figures at school or there is no relationship at all. However, the students appreciation of the importance of their attendance figures does and this is why (in my opinion) the attendance figures vary between students. Nevertheless, the students that are within their exam years should have a much higher attendance percentage than those who dont. In my opinion, age does not affect the attendance of the students at all. I think the attendance figures of the students at Hamilton totally depends on the students environment and maturity in terms of their understanding of the importance of their attendance figures at school (e.g. for future reference when their career year approaches). However, even though it seems like the Year 11 GCSE students tend to come to school much more often or supposed to attend school everyday than the Year 7s, to me, this doesnt have any relations with age at all. Just because the student is a Year 7 pupil, that doesnt mean that their attendance figures are going to be really low. This also applies for the GCSE students (Year 10s and 11s); just because the student is taking their GCSE it doesnt mean that their attendance is going to be a full 100% (even though it should be like that). A Year 7 pupil could have a 100% attendance figure just like a Year 11 student and it doesnt have to relate to age at a ll. A 6, 10, 12 and even 15-year-old students can still have a stunning 100% attendance figures at school just by having that one important reason of why they have to come to school everyday (and again it might not have anything to do with age at all). So, I do not believe that the age of the students affect the attendance at school. Does attendance affect the students learning and their exam results? There is a relationship between the attendance of the students and their exams results. Students who comes to school often or everyday, to learn, tend to improve and have much better exam results than those who dont. I believe that the attendance of a student does affect their exam results. For students who come to school everyday learns more than the students who dont attend regularly. Therefore, more education equals better exam results. But, there are some students, who do not come to school as often as they should but still get good results (naturally clever as people would say it). This is true and I agree. However, I think these extraordinary students must have another form or way of learning when not at school (the student might be an independent learner for example). But for those who are not an independent learner and still get wonderful exam results, they might concentrate hard in lessons when they are actually in school and absorbs everything that they learn. So, basically overall, I think the attendance of the students does affect their learning and exams results. Plan 1. In order for me to investigate this problem, I was given a secondary type of data of the attendance of all the students in Hamilton Community College in the 2003 2004 academic years from Year 7s to Year 11s. It would be unreasonable and difficult for me to use all of the data given, as it will consume a lot of time during the calculation process. Because of this Ive decided to use the stratified sampling method to handle the vast amount of data. This way, it does not only reduce the amount of time for me to process the data, it also reduces its quantity. The attendance figures of all of the students will be divided according to the year groups they belong to in ascending order (0% 100%). I will then label them from 1 to how many attendance figures there are in the year group (1, 2, 3267). By using a scientific calculator, I will use the RANDOM button to randomly select 20% of the total attendance figures in the particular year. This way, the new set of data will not only be much smaller, but also ensures that I have a fair proportion of responses from each year and it is not bias as it is done without my conscious decision. 2. The new stratified data will then be investigated, compared and analysed with each other to see whether it matches with my hypothesis. Since that the data is a grouped, continuous data, below are the graphs/diagrams and charts that I will be using to display the data clearly: 2.1 Cumulative frequency polygons A cumulative frequency polygon shows the trend of growth of continuous data. It is also useful for estimating how much more or less there is than a certain amount. So, I will be able to estimate the averages much easier using these graphs rather than using tables. By using cumulative frequency polygons, I can also calculate the quartiles of the data, which will not only measure the spread of the data but also display the central 50% of the data (excluding the highest and lowest value interquartile range). This could be shown much evidently by using the box and whiskers diagram. 2.2 Box and whisker diagram The box and whisker diagram will be used to stress the quartiles and also to show its (shape) distribution whether it has a symmetrical distribution, negative skew or positive skew. It also shows the median of the data. Box and whiskers diagram can be easily compared with each other to see which year group have a stronger (higher) percentage of attendance during the academic year. 2.3 Histograms I am going to use histograms instead of bar charts is because the data Im using is a continuous grouped data. Histogram uses the area of the bars to represent the frequencies rather than the heights like normal bar charts. It may have equal or unequal intervals. A histogram with equal intervals is a frequency diagram (only the height of the bars vary), however, a histogram with unequal intervals, the area of each bar is proportional to the frequency of each class and the height of the bars are based on the frequency density. By using histograms, I am then able to see the shape of the distribution, whether it has a symmetrical distribution and positive or negative skew. 2.4 Standard deviation Standard deviation is the square root of a variance. Variance is a measure of spread that uses all of the data. By doing the standard deviation I am then able to see the Normal distribution for each year and also compare them with each other and see much more clearly which year group have a higher attendance figure. 2.5 Spearmans rank correlation coefficient The spearmans rank correlation coefficient is going to be used for the Year 9 attendance and their SATs results to see how they correlate with each other. This will prove whether attendance have an effect on their exam results or people who get good results are just naturally clever. 2.6 Normal distribution Normal distribution is a family of distributions that have the same general shape. They are symmetric with scores more concentrated in the middle than in the tails. Normal distributions are sometimes described as bell shaped. 2.7 Scatter diagrams The relationship between two variables can be shown through scatter diagrams. By using scatter diagrams, I am able to see the correlation clearly and state whether the variables have any sort of relationship together. However, this can be looked at in depth with spearmans rank correlation coefficient. 3. The reason of why I am using ever so many graphs/diagrams and charts is because I believe that you cannot display all of the information you want to display by using a single graph in this investigation. Further more, the more (appropriate) graphs/diagrams and charts I do, the more information Ill receive on the attendance of each year group. Also, I will be able to compare the results in a much better way and give a more specific answer towards the research. 4. Using all of these diagrams I will then compare all of the students attendance for each year. Then I will also analyse all of these graphs and diagrams and actually come to a conclusion that tells me all the information I need (e.g. which year group have the best attendance figures) for this investigation. 5. With this final conclusion I will compare it against my hypothesis and evaluate it to see whether it has any connections towards my hypotheses I worked out earlier. Finally, I will then state whether or not the final statement has anything to do with the hypotheses. Below is the secondary data Ive received of the attendance of the school according to each year.

Monday, November 4, 2019

3 CHoices Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

3 CHoices - Essay Example Sound effects are a deciding factor in determining the audience response and viewership especially when it comes to horror, action and futuristic movies. Sound effects can be further categorised as: dubbing, special effects, background scores, playback, music track etc. Each category is applied in present day films and consequentially sound effect has tremendous significance in the success of a movie. The absence of sound in the 1927 film The General, a classic of the silent era, makes much room for convincing acting and gesticulation to make situations, conversations and the overall plot clear. Screenplay gets more space and opportunity to experiment and compensate for the lack of a sound track. The presence of a slow and detailed video shoot frame-by-frame can be seen in the film ‘The General’, deliberately reeled in a slow pace for the audience to understand the incidents in the movie and follow the overall plot. Closer shots are taken in order to lip read the dialogue. After watching silent movies and especially the movie that we’ve chosen to analyse and discuss: ‘The General’ we can say that a lot is left to the audience’s anticipation. The reactions of various characters in the movie can have multiple verbal interpretations or dialogue association where the visuals of lip movement or even the gesticulation is obscure. It is similar to reading a book where greater attention is required due to the complete absence of one sensation: that of sound. A movie is all about entertainment. If we consider the silent era series: Charlie Chaplin or Laurel and Hardy we can easily connect to the obvious fact that silent movies necessitate heightened visual drama, distinct actions and riveting visual effects to keep the audience invested in watching the movie till the end. All these movies and TV series have one thing in common: a convincing visual appeal. In the movie, ‘The General’, Buster Keaton performed several daring stunts

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Health Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 6

Health - Essay Example In nutrition the method can be applied to develop nutrient recommendations, functions of nutrients and learn the role of nutrition in promotion of health and prevention of disease. Food additives are substances that become part of a food product when they are added during processing of the food product. There are direct and indirect food additives. Indirect food additives are found in foods after or during they are made. Indirect additives are not put in the food purposely and are present in the final products in small portions. Direct food additives can be man-made or natural. They are added during the processing of food. The direct additives are added to add nutrients to food products, aid process of foods, keep the final product fresh and make the food appealing. The functions of these additives include smoothness of food, preservation of nutrient value, maintenance of wholesomeness of foods, controls the acid-base balance of foods and above all to enhance the flavor of the food

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Article & Video Question Answers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Article & Video Question Answers - Essay Example This solution will however not be as simple and straight forward as has been explained and challenges as reduced incentives are to be expected and counteractive measures developed. Dr. Lewis’ idea is very theoretical and appealing, however, its practicality is problematic. One of the potential problems is the lack of winning of the small market teams even after being given all the incentives necessary. Their lack of winning will bring all the plans to a dead end as there will be no returns on revenue sharing and not investments forthcoming. The league may also not buy the idea of revenue sharing as their payroll and investments are still high. They may also not want to offset the competitive imbalance in existence as this puts them way higher on the category and they may not want to change that. Having investors on the small market teams even with a few wins is not guaranteed and this whole solution is unreliable. Lewis, Michael. Individual Team Incentives and Managing Competitive Balance in Sports Leagues: An Empirical Analysis of Major League Baseball. Journal of Marketing Research, October, 2008, vol. XLV, pp.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Decision-making Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Decision-making - Essay Example sset Pricing Model or CAPM relates the returns on one individual security with that of the market and as such it considers the risk of the market as well as the risk of the individual security. So called beta is therefore the exact measure which shows the relationship between the risk and return of the individual security with that of the market by calculating the co-variance of returns on individual security with that of the market. CAPM also assumes that the investors are well diversified and they only attempt to reduce the systematic risk that is arising out of the market. As such beta is the measure which calculates this systematic risk and is always assumed to be 1 for the market as a whole. The above calculations indicate that the beta calculated through two methods is different from each other. Beta-1 is calculated through the traditional method of finding the covariance and variance and then taking the ratio of two whereas beta 2 is calculated through regression analysis by taking the slope of the % change in the returns of the market and the individual security. The differences in the value of the two betas may be attributed to the relative differences in the two methodologies. The published betas of two companies are 2.48 & 2.14 and are significantly different from calculated beta. (digitallook.com,2010. The above calculations indicate differences between the beta calculated and beta that has been published in various external sources. The changes or differences in the value of two betas may be attributed to different betas. The beta which has been calculated is based upon the closing price of the stock whereas published beta may have taken the adjusted prices of the shares while accommodating any dividends or splits. Thus the overall beta may be different from published sources if there exists a difference in calculations. The differences in the beta can also be attributed to the geared and un-geared beta based on the method of calculation. Un-geared

Sunday, October 27, 2019

A critical incident analysis and reflection

A critical incident analysis and reflection The purpose of this essay is to reflect and critically study an incident from a clinical setting whilst using a model of reflection. This will allow me to analyse and make sense of the incident and draw conclusions relating to personal learning outcomes. The significance of critical analysis and critical incidents will briefly be discussed followed by the process of reflection using the chosen model. The incident will then be described and analysed and the people involved introduced and then I will examine issues raised in light of the recent literature relating to the incident. My essay will include a discussion of communication, interpersonal skills used in the incident, and finally evidence based practice. I will conclude with explaining what I have learned from the experience and how it will change my future actions. The Gibbs model (1988) of reflection cycle will be attached as appendix 1 and description of incident will be attached as appendix 2. In accordance with the 2004 Nursing and Midwifery Council, the clients details and placement setting has not been disclosed in order to maintain confidentiality. Critical incidents are snapshots of something that happens to a patient, their family or nurse. It may be something positive, or it could be a situation where someone has suffered in some way (Rich Parker 2001). According to Hogston and Simpson (2002) reflection is a process of reviewing an experience of practice in order to better describe, analyse and evaluate, and so inform learning about practice. Wolverson (2000) includes this is an important process for all nurses wishing to improve their practice. This will be investigated using a reflective nursing model. I am going to use Gibbs (1988) Reflective Cycle. This because Gibbs is clear and precise allowing for description, analysis and evaluation of the experience helping me to make sense of experiences and examines my practice. However Ghaye and Lillyman (2006) state that it is miscontructed as ideal for only negative experiences. On the other hand they emphasise that it its strengths lies with the incorporation of knowledge, feelings and action in one learning cycle. Taking action is the key; Gibbs prompts to formulate an action plan. This enables to look at my practice and see what I would change in the future, how I would develop and improve my own practice. Gibbs (1988) consists of six stages to complete one cycle which is able to improve my nursing practice continuously and learning from the experience for better practice in the future. The cycle starts with a description of the situation, next is to analysis of the feelings, third is an evaluation of the experience, fourth stage is an analysis to make sense of the experience, fifth stage is a conclusion of what else could I have done and final stage is an action plan to prepare if the situation arose again (NHS, 2006). Baird and winter (2005) give some reasons why reflection is require in the reflective practice. They state that a reflect is to generate the practice knowledge, assist an ability to adapt new situations, develop self-esteem and satisfaction as well as to value, develop and professionalizing practice. However, Siviter (2004) explain that reflection is about gaining self-confidence, identify when to improve, learning from own mistakes and behaviour, looking at other peopl e perspectives, being self-aware and improving the future by learning the past. In my context with the patient, it is important for me to improve the therapeutic relationship which is the nurse-patient relationship. In the therapeutic relationship, there is the therapeutic rapport establish from a sense of trust and a mutual understanding exists between a nurse and a patient that build in a special link of the relationship (Harkreader and Hogan, 2004). Asserive Description This is attached as appendix one. Feelings In this paragraph, I would discuss on my feelings or thinking that took place in the event happened. I was shocked that the doctor did not wash her hands or use alcohol prior examining Ms Adams especially with all the infection control guidelines and protocols in place. In spite of this I did not have confidence and felt intimidated due to the fact the doctor was more knowledgeable and experienced than I was as a first year student, also I did not want to make him feel uncomfortable. Furthermore I did not want the patient to feel alarmed and worried by challenging the doctor whilst Ms Adams was there. However soon after I had a word with my mentor and told her what I observed and she then recommended that together we confront the doctor, therefore the next day my mentor spoke to her in private and she asked her, if before examining Ms Adams whether she washed her hands. The doctor seemed stunned by this conversation but admitted she did not wash her hands. She responded by justifying his actions and saying he was busy and was in a rush to remember. My mentor discussed the significance of infection control and hand hygiene and then the doctor promised her that she would make sure she follows the protocols and cleanses her hands prior examining any patient in the future. Evaluation This event was difficult and challenging for me as I felt disappointment for my lack of confidence in not confronting and challenging the doctor prior him examining Ms Adams, on the other hand I felt content in the way the doctor responded so positive and optimistic. Consequently I observed that doctor has now changed his practice as a result of this incident. I have learnt from this incident the importance of acting assertively with staff members in a sensitive approach in order to safeguard patientà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s health. Analysis Nurses have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the interests of individual patients and Clients (NMC 2004). This responsibility include ensuring that his or her knowledge and competencies commensurate with the task being undertaken. Infection is responsible for increased morbidity and mortality, thus a comprehensive knowledge of infection control precautions and basic microbiology should be a fundamental requirement of all healthcare professionals. Hands must be decontaminated before every episode of care that involves direct contact with patientsà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ skin or food, invasive devices or dressings. Current expert opinion recommends that hands need to be decontaminated after completing an episode of patient care and following the removal of gloves to minimise cross contamination of the environment (Boyce and Pittet, 2002; Pratt et al, 2001). Hand hygiene is a crucial factor in the control of hospital-acquired infection (HAI) because hands can easily transfer micro-organisms from one area or patient to another. According to Shuttlewood (cited in Beckford-Ball, Hainsworth) states that despite strategies promoting hand hygiene there still seems to be difficulty persuading staff to adopt good practice. Doctors are the worst offenders. According to NHS figures, 25% of them fail to follow basic hand-washing procedures, compared with 10% of nurses and 15% of ancillary staff. From The Sunday Times December 21, 2008 Royal College of Nursing (RCN, 2009)Studies show that uniforms may become contaminated by potentially disease-causing bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile, Although it has been suggested that uniforms act as are servoir or vector for transmission of infection in hospitals, no evidence is currently available linking the transmission of bacteria to patients (Wilson et al., 2007).However, it is important to note that all clothing worn by all staff (for example, doctors, therapists and cleaners) has the potential to become contaminated via environmental micro-organisms, or those originating from patients or the wearer, and that nurses uniforms are not unique in that respect. This reinforces the need to ensure all clothing worn by staff in all clinical areas is fit for purpose and able to withstand laundering. Advocacy ranges from activities on behalf of patients, such as hand washing and proper identification before treatments, to arguing that an early discharge will harm her patients recovery. According to Arnold and Boggs (2003) assertive nurse is able to stand up for the rights of others as well as for his or her own rightsà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ . If the complaint is justified then equally the nurse has duty to inform the doctor of what has transpired because he or she has a duty to promote high standards of patient care and this includes confronting co-workers when the nurse believes their standards to be less than adequate (Rumbad, G 1999).As the student nurse caring for Ms Adams under my mentors supervision, this also applies to my own practice as a student nurse. Conclusion In hindsight I feel I should have confronted the doctor at that moment and acted sooner. I also should have made sure the doctor washed her hands prior examining the patient. I realise how I put Ms Adams heath at risk. Following conversation with my mentor acknowledged that I need to develop the confidence to challenge the practice of colleagues, understanding pressures that may be under but ensuring that their practice does not put patients at risk. If a nurse observes a practice or procedure she believes to be wrong, advocating for her patient demands she speak out even if that practice was carried out by her superior. This is not always easy and may have a cost for the nurse. I realise that I need to be supportive to colleagues, understanding the pressures that they may be under, but ensuring that their practice does not put clients at risk. Action Plan My action plan is always to work as part of a team, learn more about how best to communicate in order to contribute to good nursing care. I will aim improve and develop my assertive skills when working with staff members to ensure health and safety of patients is maintained. Therefore I will make this a goal for learning in my next placement and discuss with my mentor to work out strategies for how I can achieve this.