Thursday, October 31, 2019

Public Administration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Public Administration - Essay Example According to Max Weber’s policy, public administrators must be restricted to only laid down the policies in the discharge of their duties. But this would not help the country to have a proper and efficient public administration. The public administrators must have some amount of discretion as this would help them to resolve an issue based on the problem’s nature. The policies proposed by the government are generally common and it does not specify any external factor to tackle the problem. In this situation, the administrators must decide how to solve the issue by altering or modifying the proposed rules. They should have the rights to modify and implement the proposed policies. They must also have some amount of discretion so that they can decide how to serve the public in a better way. In a democratic country, the public administration cannot be carried out in an effective way without proposing new techniques and strategies. (Denhardt, 2009). The problem differs based on the situation and the same regulation might not work effectively for all sorts of issues. Instead it is better for the government to allow the public administrators to pursue their work with some discretion. This would enable them to help and serve people in a better way.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Critically analyse any two of the main international environmental Research Paper

Critically analyse any two of the main international environmental agreements treaties currently in place - Research Paper Example To protect these characteristics and the overall environment of our planet it is of extreme importance that such human activities are kept in check. To carry out such a task international environmental agreements are agreed upon, enforced and implemented in different regions around the globe. Kyoto Protocol Introduction Greenhouse gasses are rapidly becoming a concern for developed and developing countries alike. The accumulation of carbon-dioxide, produced mainly from the burning of fossil fuels, has played a major role in increasing the average global temperature and other drastic climate changes. The changing global climate conditions led developed countries into formulating the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 (United Nations 2003). The Protocol identified developed countries as the main contributors to the increase in carbon-dioxide emissions. The Protocol provided binding obligations regarding Carbon-dioxide emissions produced by an industrialized country (United Nations 2003). ... Critics argue that the Protocol is flawed in a number of ways and in no way can be economically efficient or politically practical (McKibbin and Wilcoxen 2002). Till this day negotiations are being conducted regarding the implementation of the Protocol. United States refusal to ratify the Protocol could imply that Kyoto Protocol would accomplish very little in terms of its objectives. Initial evaluation of the Protocol tends to suggest that approach of the protocol may have some serious flaws (Bohringer 2003). Key issues regarding climate protection The most widely used decision making process for the assessment of a climate policy is cost-benefit analysis. Under cost benefit analysis the cost of reduction of Greenhouse Gasses is compared with the benefits of reduction in global warming. Cost benefit analysis enables an understanding of the positive and negative impacts of climate policies in terms of monetary benefits and losses (Bohringer 2003). Policies regarding global climate ch ange must take into account interests of all countries. Accurate and complete data and cost benefit analysis could be used to help determine the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that a party should reduce and by what time. However in practicality most countries only work towards the achievements of objectives that are valuable to them and neglect the needs of other countries (Bohringer 2003). Uncertainty As mentioned above cost benefit analysis is used to assess the feasibility of environmental policies and requires detailed information to arrive to any conclusion. The effects of greenhouse gasses have still not been completely understood and the causality chain of these phenomenons is complex in

Sunday, October 27, 2019

The causes and effects of torture in prison

The causes and effects of torture in prison Prison Torture explains the harmful consequences that prison torture can cause to the detainees and why it should be abolished. The first part of this paper discusses the common causes of prison torture in which the most known is obtaining confidential information from criminals. The second part of this paper reflects the physical consequences of the prisoner during the process of torture. The third part explains how the experience of being tortured can lead to post-traumatic psychological disorders and other issues. This traumatic disorder could eventually intervene in the individuals behavior towards the society. In brief, torture in prison may generate results that could be even worse than the crimes committed by prisoners and therefore it should be banned. Introduction There are deplorable insights on the realism of life within prisons in the United States and around the world. Sadistic actions and treatment that are almost similar happen in all prisons evoking a lot of debate from human rights activists among other concerned bodies on the magnitude of torture in prisons. Torture varies in different prisons but at the end of the day, the human rights of a prisoner are violated. Some corrective institutions release prisoners to fierce dogs and they are savaged for about half an hour or so, other torture methods include electrocuting with Cattle Prods which is very traumatizing, in some cases a prisoner is burned by highly toxic or corrosive chemicals, among other barbaric abuse. Looking in the societal context a prisoners are considered to have little powers as long as they are behind bars. This explains why a prisoner is the most vulnerable to torture. Although a prisoner finds himself or herself behind bars owing to wrongdoing or breaking laws of a given society they are viewed as isolated people; who deserves to be deprived their freedom or liberty hence they are well placed in prisons. A common cause of prison torture is in a case where a prisoner is abused to obtain confidential information from him, this is common in war crimes, terrorism, or crimes against the state for instance treason. In some States, a prison or a corrective institution may choose to use torture on culprits in case they want to curb serious crimes like illegal movements and cults, drugs networks etc. Criminals netted in relation to specific crimes are tortured to a point of confession. American criminal judicial system is extremely ineffective, expensive, and revoltingly merciless with a rich history with racism. Most city departments are famous for their notorious brutality hence there is a record of over 2 million people in corrective or federal facilities; while other 3.5 million are placed under other types of social control like community service. For this reason Americans reformists came up with modern prisons in support of anti torture policies; they argued that even hard-core criminals would reform by imprisonment alone, hard labor and contrition. Although slavery was not legitimized, captives were punished for crime (Jared Elizabeth, 2006). Following the Abu Ghraib military prisoner torture and abuse scandal in the year 2004, prison torture was redefined since so much was revealed through leaked video tapes (Jared Elizabeth, 2006). Therefore many independent observers and researchers went ahead to explore the activities of torture in various prisons around America. It was evident that most prisons used similar or closely related ways of torture. Study shows that the brutality prisoners are exposed to leave irreversible physical and psychological scars or even cause death. In cases where prison officials use toxic chemicals on prisoners, it is obvious severe physical disfigurations may occur due to burns and erosion of flesh by the harsh chemicals some victims burn to death. Some prisons deprive the torture victims medical attention even after inflicting wounds on them. Moreover some prisons avail medical care which either is too little or too late. Other institutions may choose to have dogs that are released to prisoners in an enclosure and they let them savage on the prisoner causing so much pain and even loss of limbs or other body parts. Ruthless beating and kicks may cause fractures and cuts, which may worsen if they go untreated at times, they rot and a prisoner ends up losing the fractured part of the body. Some officers are so radical that they may choose to amputate a prisoner without anesthesia. The most common method of torture in prisons around the world is the electrocution using cattle prod; this can cause severe brain damage. Sexual abuse takes place every day in almost every prison in the world this is a form of torture from prison officials or fellow prisoners who may be forced to engage in sodomy, homicide and other inhumane acts like rape (Gebhardt, 2004). There are episodes in life that cannot be erased from the mind of a human being; Thus Personal experiences can make or damage the life of a prisoner. In most prisons the criminals are tortured before their fellow inmates hence their counterparts may see a prisoner tortured to death, their lives are filled with fear and anxiety and it is likely to find them hallucinating or they are rendered in permanent shock. Psychological and Social consequences are very common in victims of prison torture psychological outcomes include conditions like Post-traumatic psychiatric where a victim may have experienced a brain injury or brain trauma. This is symbolized by changes in personality traits, disorientation, confusion and at times impaired memory (Dylan, 2006). A victim of prison torture may never be able to interact freely with the people around him or her. This due to various factors that affect them from low self esteem to dull emotional responses like sexual inappropriateness especially if sexually abused, paranoid, aggressiveness etc A person who has experienced prison torture may change or may not change their lifestyle of crime; this could be because of general outlook of life. Some tend to harden and even become hardcore criminals than they were before. They develop a tendency to hate on law enforcers and all they want is to associate with criminals and rebels. Their relationship even with family and friends deteriorates since they feel unwanted. Many a times they may have episodes of their lives in their mind and they may do weird things like screaming, nightmares, wailing, or even trying to fight back; so they prefer staying alone (Coltheart, 2009). Torture might be a method used to gain information and to punish prisoners for decades, but we have to consider the use of other procedures. Torturing should also be considered as a crime, because the torturers behavior of causing pain and simulating death is an unethical process used by criminals as well. Revisiting the infamous horrors of Nazi prisons, which was discovered after the World War II; it really enhanced awareness all over the world about the extensive use of torture to get information from prisoners (Zinger, 2006). Movements such as World Medical Association (WMA) emerged in 1947 following protests and mission to curb torture and other cruel penal approaches used on prisoners. According to (Burgers Mark, 1994) the United Nations further endorsed conventions against torture of prisoners that are in place until today. It defines torture as any act by which severe pain or suffering. This may be physical or mental and intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession. It is aimed at punishing him for an act he has or is suspected of having committed. It can also be aimed at intimidating or coercing him or a third person for any reason based on discrimination of some kind. when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. It does not include pain or suffering arising only from, or incidental to lawful sanctions (UN, 2007).Thus prison torture is illegal according to the international law.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Impact of Family, Gender, and Education on Wuthering Heights :: Charlotte Bronte, Informative

Impact of Family, Gender, and Education on Wuthering Heights  Ã‚   Education of the 18th and 19th century connects closely to the gender association of this period. Men from wealthy families were the only persons provided the opportunity to be educated at the university level. Just as many men use golf to prove their status and superiority today, these gentlemen pursued cricket and rugby.   Another similarity with society today involves the importance of personal connections to further your education possibilities and business opportunities. Social standing was extremely important during this time. "Manners, money, birth, occupation and leisure time were crucial indicators of social standing, determining not only one's place in society but one's freedom to act, speak, learn, and earn" (Longman p. 1886).   Some interesting factors that determined this status, which I personally would love to see more of today, are loyalty, duty and public service. Instead of the elite being chosen by birth, ability and learning became the criteria for administration of society. Frances Cobbe described the boarding school that she attended as a young girl. The tuition cost was 25 times what Charlotte Bronte earned in 1841 (Longman p.1888). Cobbe describes the importance of women from well to do families at this time to be beautiful, and occupied with knitting and gossiping. Intelligence and accomplishments were not pursuits allowed to women. Charlotte Bronte described one of the few occupations permitted women at this time in her book Jane Eyre. As stated previously the income received for such grueling work was one twenty fifth the tuition of Cobbe's tuition for boarding school.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Problems and Prospects of Poultry Industry in Bangladesh Essay

Problems and Prospects of Poultry Industry in Bangladesh: An Analysis Muhammad Mahboob Ali * Md. Moulude Hossain** – Abstract: The poultry industry has been successfully becoming a leading industry of Bangladesh. The primary objective of the study is to identify the various aspect relating the growth and sustainability of poultry industry in Bangladesh. Authors’ argued that strategic management in poultry sector requires complementing to achieve present Govt.’s vision of Digital Bangladesh 2021. This industry can provide various opportunities to increase GDP growth rate plus equitable distribution through arranging food security as well as ensuring self employment, creating purchasing power and reducing poverty at a large scale. Allowing importance of the country’s poultry industry in order to ensure the sustainable economic development it is now high time to step forward for the better accumulation of resources available from this industry and to save the small and medium farmers. Authors’ observe that to import poultry related products huge amount of valuable foreign exchange will be spent. They proposed for providing subsidy to the local industry and protect safeguard to the local entrepreneurs of the poultry industry. Vaccine, vaccinations services, alternative to vaccine services, antibiotic feed additives and other inputs and services of the poultry sector should be developed locally as suggested by the authors’. Keywords: Poultry, GDP, Poverty, Bangladesh *The first author is Professor and Head, M.H. School of Business, Presidency University. **The second author is lecturer, School of Business, Institute of Science and Technology under national University. 2 Introduction Bangladesh is one of the high density countries of the world has a population of 150 million people within the area of 143,000 km2. About Eighty percent people of this country still live in villages and are extremely poor. Both the government and a variety of non-governmental organisations (NGO’s) are actively promoting poultry development at all levels. The Bangladesh Rural  Advancement Commission (BRAC), the largest, shows in its’ annual report that more than 70% of rural households are involved in poultry keeping. But they face serious constraints, as the mortality rate of poultry is said to be as high as 25%, due to a combination of improper feeding practices, ignorance of management needs and poor distribution of vaccines. Poultry sector will create job opportunity for 10m people as claimed by poultry leaders in a roundtable titled â€Å"Present Crisis and Prospects of Poultry Industry in Bangladesh †(Source: Financial Express, Bangladesh 23 July,2010). Small-scale poultry production has developed in a large number of developing countries around the world as an important source of earning for the rural poor. In the last few years, the recognition of small-scale commercial poultry production helps to accelerate the pace of poverty reduction riding in new height in Bangladesh. The poultry industry has been successfully becoming a leading industry of the country. The sector is also growing rapidly for last two decades though it started farming during mid sixties in this country. It has already capable to rise at an annual growth of around 20 per cent during last two decades. This industry has immense potentialities from the point of view of the economic growth of the country as well as fulfillment of basic needs and to keep the price at a minimum level and ensuring food especially animal protein for the human being. The current farming structures of poultry in the country can be generally separated as mentioned below: Conventional countryside backyard or scavenging/semi-scavenging system while another system is a business-related farming system. Conventional poultry production is an essential part of rural farm household activities; a few birds are reared with little or no feed complement to generate eggs and meat for home consumption and any excess is selling. Business related poultry farms are definite for raising birds in restricted environment support on high yielding breeds, for profit feeds and business exercises. But recently declining trend in the poultry industry has been creating a problem for the country. This industry has immense scope for the country through following points: i) Changing livelihood & food habit; ii) Reduction of dependence of meat related to Cow and goat, iii) Ultimately has positive impact on GDP growth rate of the country. The poultry industry has been making progress despite: i) Avian Influenza/bird flu outbreak; ii)Price rises of raw materials in the international market; iii)Lack of infrastructural support Research question of the study is to assess the impact f the poultry industry among the people of the country. Literature Review Gopalkrishnan and Mohanlal(1994) argue that food costs represents 65 to 75 per cent of total cost of commercial policy production, depending mainly in the relative costs of feed constituents ,labour ,housing., miscellaneous items of costs in a particular situation. Therefore it becomes imperative that economic as well as nutritionally balanced diets are provided during all phases of productive life-in eggers, chickens ,growers and layer stages and in broiler ,starter and finishing 3 stages. The economics of poultry feeding depends to large extent on the local situation of food availability and competition for the same food staff for use by human beings. Hunton (2001) in a study argue that, there is no doubt that exciting times lie ahead for the Bangladesh poultry industry. The combination of basic low input-low output, subsistence level growers, and all combinations up to and including large scale commercial production, presents a daunting and stimulating prospect to a government preoccupied with poverty and malnutrition. Nevertheless, the poultry industry represents one way of accomplishing several national goals under a single banner. Employment, poverty alleviation and improved nutrition are all potential benefits from continued support and encouragement of poultry development. Islam(2003) comments that the poultry sub-sector is crucially important in the context of agricultural growth and improvement of diets of people in Bangladesh. The sub-sector is particularly important in that it is a significant source for the supply of protein and nutrition in a household’s nutritional intake. It is an attractive economic activity as well, especially to women and poor population. Banerjee(2004) observes that in comparison to other livestock ,Poultry requires less investment to start the farming. Persons from low income group may also start the business on a small scale. Poultry farming offer opportunities for fulfillment or part –time employment particularly women, children or elderly person on the farm operation. Khan , Miah , Bhuiyan , Begum , Hussain and Khanum (2006) observe that Local chickens dominate poultry production in Bangladesh. In Sylhet mainly poor families, who have arrived from outside and are landless rear poultry.Most of the households (58.33%) had 0-15 chicken. Most of the families (75%) reared their chicken in combined house with duck. Materials used for housing were similar to other parts of the country. Mainly female members were involved in poultry rearing. About fifty percent farmers got on an average less than 70 eggs per year per bird. A few farmers (5.56%) informed that they had collected more than 130 eggs from a bird in a year. In most of the cases (47.22%) the length of clutch was less than 20. Interval between two clutches was found in highest percentage (42.22%). Highest egg production was observed in winter season (52.78%) followed by summer, spring and late autumn. Maximum (60%) farmer had vaccinated their birds and 55% farmers got service from Department of Livestock Services. Jabbar et al.(access on 31 December ,2007) comments that since the early 1990s, contract farming as a market institution in the poultry industry in Bangladesh has evolved along with the expansion of commercial poultry farming. Apart from classical contract farming within vertically integrated enterprises, there are also formal and informal contract arrangements in input marketing and output marketing A high drop-out rate among commercial poultry producers is observed. Results of a survey conducted among farmers who dropped out of the poultry business in recent years are presented, highlighting the causes of dropping out and the possible role of contract farming in addressing them. Akter and Uddin(2009) argue that as an important sub sector of livestock production, the poultry industry in Bangladesh plays a vital role in economic growth and simultaneously creates 4  numerous employment opportunities. The poultry industry, as a fundamental part of animal production, is committed to supply the nation which a cheap  source of good quality nutritious animal protein in terms of meat and eggs. Aho (2010) predicts that poultry meat output may be impacted and fall before that of eggs in the world production. The factors that influence the production of poultry meat and eggs, he said, are real income per capita, the distribution of that income, the cost of grain and the size of the human population. â€Å"Poultry will do well despite higher grain costs,† said Dr Aho. This is because, at around 2:1, feed efficiency is better for poultry meat than pork (3:1) or beef (4:1), largely thanks to the tremendous progress made by broiler genetics companies over the last 50 years or so. Another important factor is the difference in water requirement: 3,000 litres for chicken compared to 6,000 litres for pork and 16,000 litres for beef. Bangladesh Food Security Investment Forum Report (May 2010) state that, the vibrant fisheries sector in Bangladesh accounts for roughly 20 percent of the agricultural GDP while the growing livestock sector comprises around 12 percent. More than 10 million Bangladeshis directly depend on these sectors for their livelihoods. A large proportion one of these people are smallholders whose production on of milk, meat, and eggs increased significantly between 2002 and 2008 primarily because of improved breed, feed, and fodder; available veterinary health services; and investments led by the private sector. The growth rate in the fisheries sector has also improved—from 2.33 percent in 2002−03 to 4.11 percent in 2007−08. This growth is largely from intensive technological management practices in agriculture. Pond aquaculture has also been improving and now produces about 866,049 metric tons (mt) per year, representing 41.92 percent of total inland fish production on (2,839 kilograms/ hectare). Shamsuddoha (2010) observes that sustainable development of environment friendly commercial poultry industry in Bangladesh seems to have attracted little attention. According to http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/943/antibiotic-feed-additives-politics-andscience Cervantes commented that contrary to public perception, the continued use of antibiotic feed additives is beneficial for both, animal and human health (accessed on 5th November,2011).He said that there are numerous scientifically documented benefits derived directly from their use, such as the prevention and control of enteric diseases, enhanced food  safety, improved animal welfare, preservation and less contamination of the environment, improved efficiency of production and lower cost of production resulting in lower prices for the consumers who can continue to enjoy an abundant supply of safe and nutritious food products of animal origin at an affordable price. According to http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/themes/en/infpd/econf_bang.html(accessed on 5th November,2011) small poultry enterprises with adequate institutional support targeting the poorest rural women and their families can help them take the first step out of poverty. However, for the concept to work as a poverty breaking tool (i) the beneficiaries must come from the poorest segments of the village, (ii) the cost of producing an egg must be lower than in the commercial sector, (iii) an enabling environment must be established to keep a small flock of hens, inter alia, access in the village to feed, vaccine, vaccinations services, micro-finance, marketing and other inputs and services, and (iv) the enabling environment must contain 5  institutional and political space to provide the people involved the possibilities and opportunities to take the next step out of poverty. Objectives of the Study The primary objective of the study is to identify the various aspect relating the growth and sustainability of poultry industry in Bangladesh. We also attempt to seek the factor that making this industry vulnerable in terms of growth potentials. Along with theses we had tried to design recommendations for the developments of our poultry industry. Besides theses primary objectives there are some secondary objectives of the study as follows: †¢ To identify the various stakeholders and market players in the poultry industry of Bangladesh as well the firm size, growth and market structure. †¢ To observe the factors that affect competitive advantages, profitability and firm growth potential within the poultry production supply chain. †¢ To determine the impact of the poultry industry on the food supply chain of Bangladesh. †¢ To address risks associated with the poultry industry and how to mitigate those risks for the sustainable growth and development of poultry industry. Methodology of the Study The study is an explanatory nature. The study is based on mainly secondary sources. Moreover, the study will also try to investigate internal sources of different poultry firms. Time period of the study is January 2011 to April 2011.Exact sources including books, journals, websites, research reports etc. which will be mentioned. Making Vision 2021 a Reality: Prospects of Poultry Industry According to OUTLINE PERSPECTIVE PLAN OF BANGLADESH, 2010-2021: MAKING VISION 2021 A REALITY -Poor nutrition represents a major health problem. It is evident that a substantial majority of the population suffer from varying degrees of malnutrition, including protein-energy malnutrition, micro-nutrient deficiencies (such as vitamin A deficiencies, calcium deficiency disorders), iodine deficiency disorder, Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia, and vitamin deficiencies. Poultry sector in this regard has been playing a significant role in providing protein at a lower cost. Most probably it is the only sector that can grow vertically and produce maximum amount of egg and chicken using the minimum land. However below we see list of calories from different types of meat: List of calories in various meats: Table:1 Meat Type Calories Fat Bacon Calories (average rashers) 500 45g Beef Calories (average lean) 275 20g Lamb breast (roast) 398 30g Lamb Chops (grilled) 368 28g Lamb Cutlets (grilled) 375 31g 6 Lamb Leg (roast) 270 17g Lamb Shoulder (roast) 320 24g Pork Belly rashers (grilled) 400 35g Pork Chops (grilled) 340 24g Pork Leg (roast) 290 20g Pork Trotters (boiled) 290 23g Veal fillet (roast) 240 12g Chicken Calories (average) 140 12g Duck (roast) 330 30g Goose (roast) 350 25g Partridge (roast) 250 8g Pheasant (roast) 250 9g Pigeon (roast) 242 13.5g Turkey (roast) 165 6g Hare 155 6g Rabbit 187 8g Venison 200 6.5 Values for the calories in meats may vary due to different cooking methods! http://www.weightlossforall.com/calories†meat.htm Poultry Industry: contribution to rural & national economy – Livestock is playing an important role in the national economy, contributing significantly to agriculture and the gross national product. – 44% of human daily intake of animal protein comes from livestock products. – Furthermore it plays a pivotal role in the rural socio economic system as maximum households directly involved in livestock. – Investment in poultry sector should be doubled within the next decade and it will enhance the growth of this sector and contribute in the GDP and creates employment opportunity. – In the nineties total investment in this sector was only BDT 15 hundred crores taka, but now it is more than BDT 15 thousand crores – It has created job opportunity for more than 60 lakhs people. – The poultry industry has been engaging supply of quality protein to the Bangladesh population at the lowest price in the world. Present situation of the Poultry industry has been shown below: 7 Table:2 June 2010 December 2010 March 2011 Production of Bird (Million Kg./day) 1.95 1.70 1.6 Egg production (Million /day) 27.5 26 23.5 Numbers of farms of Poultry 1,14,000 98,000 75,000 (Source:Chowdhury,2011) From the aforesaid table: 2, we are seeing that declining trend of production is prevailing in the poultry industry of Bangladesh. Moreover, price of the feed of the poultry rises around 30% during last six months. Poultry industry doe not count in the SME sector of the country. Maximum commercial banks are not interested to finance this sector as they think it as a risky sector. http://www.wattagnet.com/Bangladesh_poultry_industry_loses_1_million_jobs_due_to_bird _flu_outbreaks.html reported that (March 24,2011) that Over 1 million people involved in Bangladesh’s poultry industry have lost their jobs in recent months due to outbreaks of avian influenza, according to the Bangladesh Poultry Farm Protection National Council. http://www.thepoultrysite.com/poultrynews/24379/four-hpai-outbreaks-in-dhaka-andkhulna( December 22,2011) reported that The World Organisation for Animal Health received follow-up report no. 36 yesterday, 21 December. The causal agent has been identified as H5N1 virus and all four outbreaks took place at commercial poultry farms located in Dhaka and Khulna. According to the report, a total of 14984 birds were found susceptible to the outbreaks, out of which 1257 cases were identified, indicating a 100 per cent apparent case fatality rate (meaning all 1257 affected birds were found dead). A total of 13727 birds were destroyed. Fisheries and Livestock Minister of Peoples republic of Government of Bangladesh Abdul Latif Biswas recently has said the government is considering the import of essential antibiotics to sustain the growth of poultry industry in the country (Source: http://www.farmingnewsdaily.co.uk/news/220811/cleaning_up_drugs_in_farming_.aspx). Essential antibiotics are needed to protect poultry from diseases. The government is considering lifting the ban on import of antibiotic for poultry as commented by the aforesaid minister. He said: â€Å"Since the independence, the country’s poultry industry has achieved significant growth both in terms of production and quality.† The Daily Star reports that he added now, a 10-million workforce are involved in the poultry industry and there are 150 million consumers.(Source: ibid) Poultry Industry: Supply of Animal Protein, Food Security – Rising population, moderate growth of per capita income and higher income elasticity of demand for livestock products are likely to bring a further increase in the demand for livestock products. – The demand for milk and eggs has increased by 6, 5.2, per cent respectively which is well above national average in the past. 8 – Bangladesh is a densely populated country. Agricultural land is limited and is reducing at a rate of 1 percent per annum. As such scarcity of production of agricultural product will be felt. – Fish & cattle production are decreasing. These also require longer time to produce. But poultry production is relatively easier if both public and private sector initiatives go side by side. – Poor nutrition represents a major health problem. It is evident that a substantial majority of the population suffer from varying degrees of malnutrition, including protein-energy malnutrition, micro-nutrient deficiencies, iodine deficiency disorder, Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia, and vitamin deficiencies. – Poultry sector in this regard has been playing a significant role in providing protein at a lower cost. Most probably it is the only sector that can grow vertically and produce maximum amount of egg and chicken using the minimum land. – A report titled ‘Climate Change as a Security Risk’ said that the probable loss of arable and residential lands through flooding in this part of the world (Bangladesh and its neighbourhood) would result in increase of  internal and external environmental migration and strained relations between countries. A solution to the issue of farmland depletion could be formulation of a sensible and realistic land-use policy. – Moreover, from the poultry sector biogas plant and organic fertilizer can be prepared. State of protein deficiency & contribution of Poultry Industry – According to FAO each person should take o 56 Kg. meat per annum while 365 eggs per annum. But in Bangladesh per head use of meat is only 14.57 kg per annum while use of egg is 31 per head per annum only. o As a resultant factor suffers from malnutrition and prevails disparity between poorer and richer section of the society. – Currently as per UNICEF report total population is 16.40 crore. If population growth rate rises at the rate of 1.40 % per annum, then protein deficiency will rise, which can be mitigate from the poultry sector as this sector has immense potentialities. Poultry Industry: Creating Huge Job Opportunity – The sector can create huge job opportunity. The Honorable Finance Minister and the Food Minister also declared that poultry sector can create more job opportunity. – Poultry farming offer opportunities for fulfillment or part–time employment particularly women, children or elderly person on the farm operations. – Scope of Four Folds Increase in Poultry Production In a handbook of poultry farming and feed formulation it was commented that the first and foremost reason of poultry farming is a high nutritious food in a reasonable price. There is a scope of four folds increase in poultry production. – The milk, which is a traditional protein food for growing children and other vulnerable population, is getting costlier and there is every chance of adultering in it. 9 – In future, one can visualize the egg and poultry meat not only as a supplementary protein food but also as a substitute of other meat products and even milk for a healthy purpose. Major Challenges Facing Poultry Industry â€Å"Yesterday who was a solvent farmer has become a poor guy today†- this is basically true to the poultry farmers. The farmers are severely suffering from security of their farms and investment. Every year thousands of farms are collapsing due to bird flu outbreak and many for their incapability to by high priced poultry ingredients and absorbing losses from market price fall. However the poultry industry of Bangladesh currently facing the following challenges against its growth potentials. Porter’s Five Forces Model of Poultry Industry is shown below: (Source: Porter’s Five Forces Framework used for Poultry sector) General Challenges – In the country the epidemic of some infections coupled with increase in feed cost sometimes emerge to be the most significant hinders for this industry. – Recently NBR is trying to impose new taxes on maize import. This has created problem as maize is the key ingredient to prepare poultry feed. – Moreover, the tax exemption on poultry will also come to an end by June 2011 which increased up to 2013. – The price of poultry raw materials has hiked up sharply in the international market. Very naturally the production costs have also hiked up. – The banks interest rate in this sector is very high which is on an average 12-14% per annum and real effective interest rate is around 18-20% per annum. Moreover, lot of hidden charges and costs are associated in this sector to avail the loan from the banking sector. Actually bank interest rate should be 10%.Moreover,NGOs and also Grameen bank should play more active role to lower the interest rate for poultry sector under their social business program so that rural people can be motivated. – Cost push inflation and demand pull inflation both are presently prevailing in the country. As a result purchasing powers of the people are declining. According to Economic Trends (2011) the annual rate of inflation increased to 9.43 percent at the end of the August 2011 from 7.87 percent at the end of August 2010. – This sector faces the problem of load shedding. Avian Influenza outbreak: A threat for poultry growth – Currently the country has been affected by Avian Influenza and as a resultant factor suffered losses around BDT 700 core taka (as per Breeder’s Association of Bangladesh). This is a huge losses for the producers and they did not get any sort of financial help to mitigate this huge losses – As per FAO report (20 April, 2011), Bangladesh and other five countries India, China, Egypt, Indonesia and Vietnam has been suffering from the H5N1 virus. This is because of ‘firmly entrenched’ due largely to ‘weak producer and service associations’ to support farmers. In aforesaid countries avian flu is still endemic due to poor veterinary and livestock production services retard appropriate revealing and managing of infection. Due to bird flu we can not know export chicken in Nepal and also Middle East countries. As such negative impact has been felt. – In this context, expansion of veterinary services including vaccination is essential. – Need for country’s strategy, long-term planning and its effective implementation to feed the population of the country as well as export in abroad to be added by 2021. Currently eggs and chickens are distributing through middlemen, as a result: – The farmers are not getting actual price. Since the last 6-7 months they are counting huge losses, as the production cost is high and selling price is low. – Therefore the actual producers won’t get any benefit of the high price as they are oppressed by the middle men who suck the profit. – Lack of modern management of poultry farming is also creating negative impact. – Moreover, the end users i.e. customer has to pay higher price. Conclusion and Recommendations Strategic management in poultry sector requires complementing to achieve present Govt.’s vision of Digital Bangladesh 2021. As this sector has immense potentialities, so there are no 11  other alternative but to give more emphasis in the context of cater the demand of the people of the country. Bangladesh should not be a place of foreign country which will use dumping technique to capture the local market. Hunton (2001) observations that exciting times lie ahead for the Bangladesh poultry industry is also observed in the study. Poultry industry of the country should thrive or it may lose its distinct competencies in the sectors like biscuits or detergent powders which has faced serious problem during early nineties. As such protection and special measures are being required to be taken by the present govt. Price of meat of chicken and egg should be stable so that lower income group and middle income group of  people can afford. Country’s persistent poverty may bound the number of people who can afford to consume chicken more than suggested by the simple relationship between per capita GDP and chicken consumption. However, recently present Govt. is trying hard to reduce poverty level and arranging nutrition for the inferior segment of the society in terms of arranging earnings capability. As purchasing power is lower especially for the aforesaid group, employment opportunity will create their redistributionary income effect. However, we should be more cautious to remove bird flu problems for which not only govt. machineries but also local supportive tool are being required. Acceptance of the most recent technology in poultry sector especially to control environment and process of automation are being required. These require to feed, drink, and other managerial and day to day operational activities and to build capacity. This will add creation of value. Efficiency and effectiveness of production should be brought through cost-cutting technique and reducing heavy dependence on high-cost imported raw materials for this sector. Alternative arrangement should be developed domestically for cheap feeding cost as well as air cleaning mechanism. Technical ability requires being careful in cooperation farmer and extension levels. Locally available craftsmen could be trained to produce tiny equipment, like feeders, drinkers, etc. Vaccine, vaccinations programs, and other inputs and programs of the poultry sector should be available for which research and development program may be taken as well as local pharmaceuticals come with developing vaccines and other related medicine to keep poultry sector disinfected. Environment of the farm area must be cleaned to protect them. Arrangement for training through lives stock agencies, NGOs and private agencies are necessary for mutually farmers and labours associated in this sector as well as extension level which may include: sickness manage, accommodation and tools, give food to, inherited step up and promotional activities. Essential information in precise kind of poultry grounding and composition are also vital to recognize the foundation of the exceeding  matter. Accommodation and organization might be enhanced from side to side through arranging suitable farmer guidance, if possible manner to run the farm smoothly. Akter and Uddin (2009) comment is appropriate as this poultry sector has immense potentialities in the economic development provided public-private partnership with join collaboration and be arranged so that nutrition especially meat and eggs can be available for the poorer section at a cheaper rate. If Bird flu can be removed we can be able to export meat and eggs in foreign countries for which special strategy is being required. 12 Considering the importance of the country’s poultry industry in order to ensure the sustainable economic development it is now high time to step forward for the better accumulation of resources available from this industry. This industry can provide various opportunities to increase GDP growth rate plus equitable distribution through arranging food security as well as ensuring self employment and creating purchasing power at a large scale. Islam(2003) observations about the poultry sub-sector is crucially important in the context of agricultural growth and improvement of diets of people in the country which also reveals from our study. Besides this, the developments of poultry industry in Bangladesh surely help the government to mitigate the problems of food crisis of the country. Price of chicken and egg should keep stable and problem of middlemen can be lowered down through arranging effective and efficient supply chain management by the Govt. as well as Private sector through keeping in mind about the customers’ protection and reducing economic disparity and eliminating poverty. Bangladesh Food Security Investment Forum Report (May 2010) should be considered as an important factor to develop the poultry industry of the country and people can get access of protein related food. Recommendations Following recommendations may be considered to sustain the poultry industry of the country: – To mitigate food deficit especially protein related food, the poultry sector needs special attention for which Public and private collaboration is essential. – To fulfill the dream of present Govt.’s Vision 2021, poultry sector can act as an auxiliary force to arranging food at cheaper rate. As such tax exemption can be extended for the period of 2025. – Imposition of tax on import of maize ought to be withdrawn urgently as producers of the poultry sector specially small farmers are facing – Bank loan in the poultry sector should be arranged at a 5-7% simple interest rate per annum considering thrust sector. Conditions of loan providing should be eased. Moreover, Bank should come forward so that new entrepreneurs as well as NRBs can come forward to invest in this sector through opening special window in each bank arranging not only bank loan but also offering special services starting from pure line farms and Hatcheries to Consumers. Banks who won’t be interested to invest in the poultry sector may be penalized by the Bangladesh Bank. This industry also treated under SME sector. – Livestock department should be more effective and efficient. Proper human resource management and staffing as well as extension of the livestock office is required. They should play proactive role. As such livestock institutes at Sylhet and Gaibandhya should be effective and regional research centers should be more active. – To face the global warming problem, this sector should get more priority so that they can be able to cater the demand of the food deficit. – The price of chicken and egg, if fixed, should not for only some months but whole year considering the production cost so that producer deficit not occurs. 13 – Supply chain management should be improved so that the poultry farmers can directly supply to the retail shops and middle men can not suck the profit. – Avian Influenza affected farms should get subsidy immediately after culling. – A special fund may be created by the Govt. to help the actual producers. – Poultry Insurance should be introduced immediately. Insurance companies should come forward with such policies. – Electrify arrangement is required for the poultry farms. The government may come forward to produce bio-electricity or support the poultry farmers to produce it. – Govt. Hatcheries should be reactivated and play due role so that they can supply huge deficit of protein related food. – Transportation costs and facilities for eggs and chicken and chicken related products should be kept minimal so that consumers can purchase at a reasonable price. – Govt. should come forward to deal with the problem of Avian Influenza as FAO reported that Bangladesh is one of the Sixth worst victim nations. To raise export of chicken related products abroad we need to come out from this worst disease. – The role of the farmers are laudable and that could export poultry products to foreign market if a capacity building can be developed and growth of strategic alliance among private sector, govt., Bangladeshi embassies and NRB can be developed. – Poultry industry needs special attention from the Govt. as this sector will not only mitigate huge deficit of protein related food at a cheaper cost but also can create employment of 1 crore people in this sector as projected by this researcher by the year 2021 which will complement present Govt. decisions to create employment. – Government needs prior planning and preparation for bird flu and should arrange appropriate steps so that farmers can maintain bio-security and keep healthy environment inside and outside the farms. – Department of Livestock should come forward to holistic approach for developing the poultry sector. Organogram of Livestock may be restructured and it should be set up office at least union level. Efficient and dynamic personalities should be appointed. They must not fix maximum price of one-day chick and it is unjustified. – To mitigate deficiency of veterinary doctors, four years diploma courses after SSC level may be introduced. Trade courses may also be introduced so that technicians can be available to mitigate immediate shortage of nursing of the poultry industry. – AIT on maize import should be withdrawn and tax imposed on pelleted feed production. – Poultry sector faces problem due to lack of insurances. Insurance companies of the country did not come forward with insurances in the Poultry sector. – Importing live poultry is very much sensitive as it relates not only to financial matters but also to human health. – Therefore, strong measures should be taken so that the guideline of the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) is followed strictly while importing One-day old chick, hen or egg. 14 – Moreover, to import products from outside the country instead of lock chicken and eggs huge amount of valuable foreign exchange will be spent. As such subsidy should be given to the local industry and protect safeguard to the local entrepreneurs of the poultry industry. Vaccine, vaccinations services, alternative to vaccine services, antibiotic feed additives and other inputs and services of the poultry sector should be developed locally. References Aho Paul(2010).† Challenges Facing the World’s Poultry Industry†, http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/1700/challenges-facing-the-worlds-poultry-industry Ahuja, Vinod and Arindam Sen, â€Å"Scope and space for small-scale poultry production in developing countries†, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, India, http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/home/events/bangkok2007/docs/part3/3_3.pdf Jabbar, Mohammad A., Md. Habibur Rahman, R.K. Talukder and S.K. Raha, â€Å"Formal and informal contract farming in poultry in Bangladesh† International Livestock Research Institute, http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/home/events/bangkok2007/docs/part3/3_6.pdf Ahmed, F. (2008). Export Strategy of Bangladesh. Power Point presentation prepared for the NDC Course, 22 May, 2008. Ministry of Commerce, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh:http://www.mincom.gov.bd/images/additional_images/NDC- %20Export%20Strategy-22- 5-08-final.ppt (July 18, 2008) Akter,Afia and Uddin,Salah(2009).†Bangladesh Poultry Industry†, Journal of Business and technology (Dhaka),Vol.4,No.2,July-December,pp.97-112. Akter, S., and Farrington, J. (2008). Poverty Transition through Targeted Programme: The Case of Bangladesh Poultry Model. Paper presented at the 82nd Annual Conference of the Agricultural Economics Society. Royal Agricultural College. UK. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/36765/2/Akter_farrington.pdf (July 8, 2008). Alam, J. (1997). Impact of smallholder livestock development project in some selected areas of rural Bangladesh. Livestock Research for Rural Development, vol. 9, no. 3: http://www.cipav.org.co/lrrd/lrrd9/3/bang932.htm (June 20, 2008). Alam, J. (2008). Studies on Agriculture and Rural Development. Palok Publishers, Bangladesh. Alam, J., Akteruzzaman, Md., Rahman, S.M.A and Palash, Md. S. (2008). Impact of Recent Outbreak of Avian Influenza on Production, Marketing and Consumption of Poultry Meat and Eggs in Bangladesh. Final Draft. Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute and Bangladesh Agricultural University. Banerjee,G.C.(2004).Poultry ,Oxford & ONH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi,3rd Edition Begum, I. A. (2005). An Assessment of Vertically Integrated Contract Poultry Farming: A Case Study in Bangladesh. International Journal of Poultry Science, vol. 4 (3): 167-176: http://www.pjbs.org/ijps/fin332.pdf (July 2, 2008). Bessei, W. (1990). Lessons from field experience on the development of poultry production. In: S. Mack (ed.) (1990) Strategies for sustainable animal agriculture in developing countries. FAO Animal Production and Health Paper no. 107: http://www.fao.org/docrep/004/t0582e/T0582E25.htm (July 10, 2008). Bhuiyan, A.K.F.H., Bhuiyan, M.S.A. and Deb, G.K. (2005). Indigenous Chicken Genetic Resources in Bangladesh: Current Status and Future Outlook. In: S. Galan and J. 15 Boyazoglu (eds.) Animal Genetic Resources Information, issue no. 35, FAO: http://www.fao.org/docrep/008/a0070t/a0070t0c.htm (July 9, 2008). Biswas, P.K., Uddin, G.M.N., Barua, H., Roy, D., Ahad, A. and Debnath, N.C. (2008). Survivability and causes of loss of broody-hen chicks on smallholder households in Bangladesh. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, vol. 83, pp. 260-271. Chowdhury,S.D.(2011),† Destabilization in the Poultry Industry: Ways to overcome the problem†, paper presented in the Seminar on â€Å"Great Crisis in Poultry industry and ways to overcome the problem† jointly organized by Bangladesh Poultry Industry co-ordination committee and Monthly Khama Bichitra at National Press club on 29th December. Dolberg, F., Mallorie, E. and Brett, N. (2002). Evolution of the Poultry Model – a Pathway out of Poverty. Paper presented at the workshop â€Å"People Fight Poverty with Poultry. Learning from the Bangladesh Experience: http://www.ifad.org/english/operations/pi/bgd/documents/poultry.pdf (July 9, 2008). Du, H. (2008). Bangladesh Economy: Opportunities and Challenges. Speech, June 17, 2008 to the American Chamber of Commerce: http://www.adb.org/Documents/Speeches/2008/sp2008031.asp (July 17, 2008). Economic Trends(2011).Bangladesh Bank, September,Vol.XXXVI,No.9 Ershad, S.M.E. (2005). Performance of Hybrid Layers and Native Hens under Farmers’ Management in a Selected Area of Bangladesh. International Journal of Poultry Science, vol. 4. No. 4: 228-232: http://www.pjbs.org/ijps/fin349.pdf (July 8, 2008). Financial Express, Bangladesh(2010).23 rd July Gopalkrishnan,C.A.and Mohanlal ,G Morley(1994).Livestock and Poultry Enterprises for Rural development, Vikas Publishing house Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India. Hartung, J. (2008). Risks caused by bio-aerosols in poultry houses. Paper presented to the International Conference: â€Å"Poultry in the 21st Century – Avian Influenza and Beyond†. FAO, Bangkok, November 5-7, 2007.Helmrich, H. (1983) Tierhaltung in Bangladesh Empirische untersuchungen uber bedingungen, funktionen und entwicklungsmocglichkeiten. The Institute for Rural Development Georg-August- University, Gottingen, Fed. Rep. of Germany. http://www.farmingnewsdaily.co.uk/news/220811/cleaning_up_drugs_in_farming_.aspx http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/943/antibiotic-feed-additives-politics-and-science http://www.thepoultrysite.com/poultrynews/24379/four-hpai-outbreaks-in-dhaka-andkhulna http://www.wattagnet.com/Bangladesh_poultry_industry_loses_1_million_jobs_due_to_bir d_flu_outbreaks.html

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Discrimination in the Emergency Department

There is discrimination in the emergency department because of the need for health care workers to implement standards in determining the extent of condition of patients brought to the emergency department for treatment for purposes of prioritization. It is in the process of screening the emergency of patients brought or seeking treatment in the department that discrimination occurs, through the ineffective or limited application of objectives and professional standards during the screening, flawed or baseless screening results, and weak prioritization decisions.Discrimination in the emergency department could occur on the part of individual health care workers or due to the policies implemented by the emergency department. As such, the solution could require institution-wide effort in ensuring the implementation of sound policies for the emergency department together with an anti-discrimination culture encompassing the professional practice and actions of individual emergency health care workers. An emergency pertains to the any critical situation or life-threatening condition.Since the definition is broad, it allows health care workers in the emergency department room to exercise judgment in deciding what scenarios comprise an emergency. Common criteria applied in determining an emergency include unconscious patients rushed to the hospital, potential stroke victims, patients identified to have suffered serious blood loss, or patients with broken bones especially if this involves the spinal column. (National Health Service, 2007)When the emergency department faces one or more of these criteria, together with other similar intervening factors, especially when many cases are received, the people in charge of the emergency department have to make decisions on a number of issues. The wide-range of allowance for personal judgment of health care professionals in the emergency department (Aberegg, Arkes & Terry, 2006) together with the need to make decisions with lim ited time requiring screening skills and experience as well as the implementation of objective professional standards (Gulland, 2003) opens room for biases and subjectivity.First decision is on whether the cases taken singly comprise an emergency (Aberegg, Arkes & Terry, 2006). If so, then the case is considered for emergency action. If not, then the case is referred to the appropriate department. However, the determination of whether the cases constitutes an emergency should be made using professional standards to prevent the intervention of discriminatory practices such as considering a case as an emergency not because it constitutes a life threatening situations but because of biases against one case relative to the other cases (Gulland, 2003).Second decision is the prioritization of all the cases determined as emergencies, brought to the emergency department at one time or in a given period (Aberegg, Arkes & Terry, 2006). The emergency department operates 24/7 so that personnel work on a shift basis resulting to a minimum number of personnel on standby at one time.The number of personnel on standby depends on the trends in emergency cases based on the experience of the hospital and expected periods of the occurrence of emergencies such as forest fires and heat waves during the summer. With limited personnel, mounting cases can make prioritization difficult especially when cases are comparable in terms of the extent of seriousness of the health care need (Gulland, 2003). In these situations, prioritization is a necessity but decisions have requires justification.During decision-making, discrimination could occur such as when white patients are prioritized over a black patient regardless of the extent of the life-threatening condition or younger patients are prioritized over geriatric patients even if the older patients require more immediate treatment and the availability of health care professionals in the emergency department allows the prioritization of the geriatric patient.Third related decision is the action to be taken on the case, such as immediate treatment of the patient, referral of the patient to the health care personnel suited in handling the particular case, denial of treatment for certain reasons, referral of the patient for transfer to another health care facility, and other case-based actions (Aberegg, Arkes & Terry, 2006). Even if prioritization decisions are justifiable, action or implementation relating to the decision could involve discrimination such as when better service is extended to specific patients relative to other patients involved in comparable emergencies.Overall, discrimination in the emergency department could include biases based on race or ethnicity, gender, age, economic status, or other views expressed in the three areas of decision-making previously discussed. This means that discrimination in the emergency department is multi-faceted. In addition, the degree of intervention of discrimination v aries. The intervention of discrimination in the emergency department, from the perspective of emergency health care workers, could include either or both personal and professional bias.Personal bias refers to subjective opinion of a person as against the patient or the circumstances of the case that could affect screening and intervention judgments. Professional bias pertains to the views of the health care workers regarding the condition of the patient, the emergencies, the intervention, and the role they play in this specific situation based on the knowledge and experience of the professional. Both could overlap and operate in creating discrimination in the emergency department. (Gulland, 2003; Aberegg, Arkes & Terry, 2006)Based on the manifestations and causes of discrimination in the emergency department, a number of solutions become apparent. One is the efficient organization of the emergency department in anticipation of life threatening cases at any time. (Gulland, 2003) Sin ce the number of available staff and the level of preparedness of the emergency department determines the creation of opportunities for discrimination since only a small number of emergency cases brought to the emergency department can be addressed.Another solution is the development and continuous enhancement of the operational infrastructures of the emergency department including policies and guidelines in compliance with legal and professional standards, flexible budget and personnel allocation to the department, sound human resource management strategies, organizational culture grounded on objectivity, and other necessities in supporting the high level of preparedness and efficiency of the emergency department (â€Å"Interpretive Guidelines,† 2005).This solution also works in limiting the opportunities for discriminatory action in the emergency department. Still another solution is the application of training and development programs in compliance with the principle of co ntinuous learning. This means that health care workers assigned to the emergency department undergo continuous learning programs to update their knowledge and skills to be able to accommodate developments in professional practice as well as emerging issues arising in professional practice in the emergency department.(Gulland, 2003)When this happens, the likelihood of discrimination lessens because updated information supports the achievement of more objective professional judgments or decisions on issues and challenges faced by the emergency department. Although the emergency department involves a wide-room for judgment and decision-making on the part of health care workers in the emergency department as well as poor support infrastructural support and organizing inefficiencies, which create situations that give rise to discrimination, the causes of discrimination in the emergency department are preventable by addressing these causes.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Free Essays on Celebration Of Creativity

Celebration of Creativity: Three Centuries of Masterworks on Paper, from the Columbus Museum Celebration of Creativity is an eclectic display of artists’ research and social-commentary from the past three centuries. This exhibit contains 88 masterworks on paper organized by the Columbus Museum in Georgia from a recent gift of drawings. The works are predominantly by American artists and represent the changes in artistic styles and techniques. This exhibit is organized in five parts, including From European Traditions to the Face of a New Nation, American Renaissance and Cosmopolitanism, Realism, Modernism and the Avant-garde, Regionalism, Socialism and American Visions, and Beyond Modernism: Post-war Abstraction and Resurgence in Realism. From European Traditions to the Face of a New Nation, includes an extraordinary selection of landscape drawings and watercolors as well as portraiture. The artistic styles in this section include Neoclassicism (1780-1820) and Romanticism (1800-1850). Neoclassicism is a style developed during the enlightenment. Art made in the neoclassic style reflected Greek and Roman art. Neoclassic works are easy to spot by their order and solemnity. These works are intended to be uplifting and inspirational. Most neoclassic artists stressed drawing with lines instead of separation in color. They also were excellent painters and left no trace of brushstrokes. Another key aspect of neoclassic art is rhythm through geometry. Benjamin West, an American, was a painter of historical and religious subjects for the court of King George III. His work greatly resembles the neoclassic style. West accurately recreates time periods by depicting characters in similar costumes while also creating an a ctively organized, theatrical representation of the events that occurred. West’s exhibited drawing is typical of his work. It is a study for a painting he created to represent Moses’ triumph over Pharaoh.... Free Essays on Celebration Of Creativity Free Essays on Celebration Of Creativity Celebration of Creativity: Three Centuries of Masterworks on Paper, from the Columbus Museum Celebration of Creativity is an eclectic display of artists’ research and social-commentary from the past three centuries. This exhibit contains 88 masterworks on paper organized by the Columbus Museum in Georgia from a recent gift of drawings. The works are predominantly by American artists and represent the changes in artistic styles and techniques. This exhibit is organized in five parts, including From European Traditions to the Face of a New Nation, American Renaissance and Cosmopolitanism, Realism, Modernism and the Avant-garde, Regionalism, Socialism and American Visions, and Beyond Modernism: Post-war Abstraction and Resurgence in Realism. From European Traditions to the Face of a New Nation, includes an extraordinary selection of landscape drawings and watercolors as well as portraiture. The artistic styles in this section include Neoclassicism (1780-1820) and Romanticism (1800-1850). Neoclassicism is a style developed during the enlightenment. Art made in the neoclassic style reflected Greek and Roman art. Neoclassic works are easy to spot by their order and solemnity. These works are intended to be uplifting and inspirational. Most neoclassic artists stressed drawing with lines instead of separation in color. They also were excellent painters and left no trace of brushstrokes. Another key aspect of neoclassic art is rhythm through geometry. Benjamin West, an American, was a painter of historical and religious subjects for the court of King George III. His work greatly resembles the neoclassic style. West accurately recreates time periods by depicting characters in similar costumes while also creating an a ctively organized, theatrical representation of the events that occurred. West’s exhibited drawing is typical of his work. It is a study for a painting he created to represent Moses’ triumph over Pharaoh....

Monday, October 21, 2019

Bio technology essays

Bio technology essays The international issues in the bio-technological field of development are putting forward a dilemma of whether these technological advances will have a positive affect on society or not. Bio- technological research scientists claim that this great development will open up economic impetus similar to what we are seeing as a result of communications and Information technology. However, other scientists and citizen groups are increasingly concerned about the potential costs and adverse effects of these bio- technologies, especially genetic engineering. The world today is exposed to questions like if genetic engineering produces miracle crops to feed the hungry? Does it offer greener agriculture to protect the environment and provide magical cures for fatal diseases? Or will these promises pale beside the perils lurking in the large scale commercialization of an untried, inadequately researched technology that can get horribly out of control. The term genetic engineering encompasses a wide range of procedures designed to alter genetic material. The approach to genetic engineering in society is an important ethical and economic factor in government policy. It is a responsibility of the society to think about new processes that can be initiated with genetic engineering. It is not inappropriate to discuss whether or not to make use of this technology possible for a developed industrial society. Cloning is one aspect of genetic engineering, which has fired many issues internationally. Now that the cloning genie is out of the bottle, the issue is: what can be done and what should be done? If we can clone humans, should we? If parents could choose the gender, body type, hair color, and intelligence of their child like flavors of an ice cream, should they be allowed? If we had the power to create clones of already dead people, should we dare? Former U.S. president Bill Clinton imposed a ban on using government funds for cloning r...

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Analysis of Microfinance Lending and Credit Assessment Methodology

Analysis of Microfinance Lending and Credit Assessment Methodology Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) core activities are driven by a social mission through provision of full range of banking needs to poor people for productive purposes, thereby contributing to the developmentl objective of poverty reduction. MFIs products and services includes micro-credit, micro-savings, micro-insurance and also remittances. Microcredit program is providing financial capital to the poor household in order to engage them in income generating activities for alleviating poverty mostly to finance small businesses agricultural loans. Typically this type of lending is not secured by any collateral but granted based on the client’s ability to generate the necessary financial means for repayment based on his or her business activities. Most of the terms and conditions for microcredit loans are flexible and easy to understand. However, there is no standard lending and credit assessment methodology employed by MFIs. We are motivated to explore and document this resear ch gap. 1.2 The Innovation and Development of Microfinance Industry in Malaysia The provision of microcredit is nothing new in Malaysia. Poverty eradication programs involve provision of credit at subsidised rate to the poor has been around since 1970s after formation of the New Economic Policy (NEP) that was instituted in 1970. The earlier micro credit program was mainly carried out by credit unions, co-operatives, specialised credit institutions and NGOs. The provision of small financing designated mostly to finance micro enterprises, agriculture sector for poverty reduction and to improve income of the Bumiputera. The legislation for microfinance regulation in Malaysia includes, Moneylender Act 2002, Banking and Financial Institution Act 1989, Development Financial Institution Act 2002, and Cooperatives Societies Act 1993, (Zakiah, 2004). The Microfinance business models are based on mass market, cooperatives, monoline and distributor network (BNM, 2010). Majlis Amamah Rakyat (MA RA), a council of trust to the Bumiputera and Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGC) are some of the pioneers to introduce micro credit to micro enterprises. The rural credit institutions comprising of Agriculture Bank of Malaysia (Agrobank), Farmers Organization Authority (LLP), Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA), Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) and other agro-based Co-operative Societies provide micro credit for the agriculture sectors. There are also a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that engage in micro credit provision (Kasim and Jayasooria, 1993). These include Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), Yayasan Usaha Maju (YUM) and Sabah Credit Corporation (SCC) in Sabah, Koperasi Kredit Rakyat (KKR) in Selangor. Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga (TEKUN) is a government agency micro credit provider. While, Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation (YaPEIM), a cooperatives institution providing Islamic microcredit program based on al -rahnu concept in Malaysia. Prior to 2003, Commercial banks involvement in microfinance program are just limited to extending lines of credit to AIM, and as a mediator for schemes such as the loan fund for hawkers and petty traders operated by the Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGC). In May 2003, the government launched a Micro Credit Scheme, particularly stimulating agricultural production activities as well as expanding small and medium enterprise activities. Two banking institutions namely Agrobank and Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), and AIM have been given the responsibility to carry out the scheme. The scheme is collateral free, and borrowers are eligible for a maximum loan of up to RM20,000 with interest rates charged at 4% per annum on reducing balance.

Friday, October 18, 2019

To what extent do you agree with the claim that small to medium sized Essay

To what extent do you agree with the claim that small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are always better at innovating than la - Essay Example The drivers of innovation include competitive pressures, and the need to gain competitive advantage. Competitive advantage can also be achieved from firm size or possession of assets (Tidd and Besant, 2009, Ch 2, p1). Mobbs (2010) cites from a book by Baumal who noted that â€Å"virtually all the economic growth that has occurred since the 18th century is ultimately attributable to innovation†. Drivers of Innovation Internationalization, deregulation and globalization have compelled companies to find newer ways to enhance performance, productivity and growth. Innovation has become a strategic priority as it helps to survive adverse changes, to protect market share, to open new horizons and to become market leaders (Mobbs, 2010). As markets have become customer-driven, firms also need to innovate to cater to customer needs, preferences and wants. In addition, advanced communications and transportation technology have fuelled growth thereby increasing competitive pressures on fi rms to innovate (The Economic Intelligence Unit, 2007). Other drivers of innovation include education and technical skills of the workforce and investments in research and development as a percentage of the GDP. Innovation is the application of knowledge in some innovative way and it definitely boosts performance. Business leaders in both small and large companies have started focusing on top- and bottom-line growth and one of the best ways to achieve this is through innovation. They have started evaluating their products, services, processes and even their corporate culture to gain competitive advantage (Mobbs, 2010). This paper evaluates to what extent small and medium-sized companies are better at innovating than larger companies. Types of Innovation Various theories have been put forth by researchers and scholars as they evaluate the potential of SMEs and large firms to innovate. Firm size and age influence survival, but the direction of growth matters more than the firm size (C efis and Marsili, 2005). According to the product life cycle (PLC) theory, both product and process innovation influence market competition in different stages of industry evolution. Process innovation gains prominence as the industry matures. However, product innovation has to be ongoing as in the case of cardiac pacemakers. Firms that could introduce intermittent incremental innovations could support themselves better. Smaller firms would focus on product innovation but there are other ways in which firms can obtain strategic advantage such as change in the process, position (changing identities) and paradigm (new ways of seeing the world). Schumpeter, the founder of innovative studies, believed that entrepreneurs have the propensity to innovate and also receive rewards as long as they enjoy monopoly (Tidd and Besant, 2008). However, they can soon be overtaken by competitors who copy and imitate. Therefore constant innovation keeps the capitalist engine in motion. Sources of Innov ation However, this ability to innovate is more important than any other factor. Innovation transcends all functional areas such as marketing, planning, human resource management and finance. In SMEs most of these functions are carried out by owner-managers who may lack the realization of the process needed for implementing innovation. Moreover, SMEs consider innovation as a one-dimensional function and hence consider innovation only through a major technological breakthrough (Tunney, 2007). However, there is

Film review Movie Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Film - Movie Review Example In addition, he keeps a non-Muslim girlfriend which is against the Islam teaching. He also brings in a dancer contrary to the religion expectations. However, his perspective concerning his religion changes especially when he sees a large number of Muslims who turn up for the religious event. The father practices his religion by observing all the pillars of Islam. According to the film, he prays five times a day and has shown meekness as required by the religion by travelling by roads for many kilometers. In addition, he travels to Mecca as one pf the main pillars of his religion. It is evident that the journey to Mecca has made Reda to involve. In this case, the first aspect of evolution is evident when he is overwhelmed by the multitude of Islam faithful who turn up for the pilgrim event. Furthermore, Reda starts talking to the father quite often in their native language; French. Reda goes back home a change person as far as Islamic religion is concerned. According to the film, Rada learns more about the religion and comes to understand why the father preferred a car to the plane. The main challenge of maintaining a Muslim identity in western culture is the influence of the current trends. In this case, young people are fascinated by clothing, ornaments and other trendy stuff ion expense of the religion. In the film, Reda keeps a non-Muslim girlfriend and sometimes takes alcohol. In addition, he clad in jeans instead of normal Muslim religious wears. The film presents Saudi Arabia as a nation that has refused to move on with the rest of the world. The film has presented situation where religious matters surpasses human consciousness and feelings. In this case, the society has refused to upheld basic human freedoms in the name of protecting the religion. The film has reflected the position of women being inferior when compared to that of men. According to the film, women are just there to be used by men for their convenient. In addition, the film has

Literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Literature - Essay Example Unfortunately this artificially created wall appeared in the result of perverted ideals of the 20th century, when women were subjected to men and lower classes were oppressed by upper classes. The wall can be eliminated only in case of a great desire and common efforts directed on its abolishment. Racial differences â€Å"The Garden Party† is focused on class differences and racial concerns very much. Mansfield uses a broad metaphor, and readers can see the way a world of pianos, uniformed bands and luxury turns into a little space for lower class. When we read an episode about Laura’s walk to a husband of a dad man, we can see that this young woman has strange ideas†¦She thinks about her appearance and weather, but a tragic event of funeral is not too emotional for her. Laura’s are also showed as hypocrites. Laura’s father expresses his regrets concerning death of a man and her mother tries to look sympathetic too (Burgan 21). An outer impression is much important for them than their inner feelings. Thus, Mansfield emphasized the significance of patriarchate that prescribes that a woman should subject to a man. A mother should always depend on her husband. Laura’s brother uses this template of behavior as well and there are different episodes, when men asking women to take care of their appearance. These are the principles of the upper class representatives. People of that class have nothing to do but create their artificial values and principles of behavior. Men play the role of money earners and women should take care about the house, get everything in order and beautiful (Burgan 24). The narrator talks about lower class from a negative perspective, while Laura remains patient and sympathetic. Her ideals are not perverted and she shows a positive attitude to people from the lower class. Laura wonders: why is it impossible to â€Å"have workmen for her friends† (Mansfield 2425). Her mother claims that â€Å"Peop le like that don’t expect sacrifices from us† though Laura does not agree with such a statement (Mansfield 2430). Poor people are treated negatively by her mother for sure and little houses, where poor people live spoil architectural ensemble of their neighborhood and thus they do not have a right to survive, as her mother thinks (Mansfield 2429). A vivid symbolism of the story reflects a variety of attitudes concerning class and racial issues. It is not Laura who criticized lower class, but the author (Daly 34). That is her benefit and a great advantage. It means that this girl managed to preserve her individuality in a cruel world of upper class. Moreover, a writer intentionally moves readers from light to darkness thus showing a parallel nature of two worlds. Cottages of poor people are in a â€Å"deep shade† (Mansfield 2431). There are many barriers and poor people cannot cross them. Class distinction can be found when the author describes representatives of lower and upper classes by comparing them with animals. For example, a uniformed band looks like â€Å"frogs† (Mansfield 2430), a cook â€Å"clucked†¦like an agitated hen† (Mansfield 2428) and the widow deserves nothing more than a selfless comparison with a â€Å"poor creature† (Mansfield 2431). There is an interesting comparison even in relation to the difference of smoke coming from poor and rich houses. Thus, Laura’s chimney releases â€Å"great silvery plumes†

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Sony attacked by cyber criminals Research Paper

Sony attacked by cyber criminals - Research Paper Example Once such attack is the one that was experienced by Sony Corporation, a division of Sony that deals with electronics in the United States of America with headquarters in San Francisco. This paper will look into details that case of cyber attack into the company’s website, Sony corporation, the American division of the multinational Sony organization are one of the organizations that have been affected by the computer hackers into its system and compromising data that belong to its clients. The attack, which is credited to a hacking group called collective anonymous (Amoroso, 2007). It will also dwell on the process that the hackers used in order to gain access to the Sony website and how the attack was handled by Sony, in addition the various ways I which to avoid such incidents from happening again will be discussed. Threat actors Anonymous collective or ‘Anons’ as it is referred to which is the short form for its full name is a group that was formed in 2004 that is against any form of censorship of online interactions, any type of censorship by governments or organizations where they respond by hacking websites belonging to church organizations, government agencies or departments, or organizations. In the recent past attacks have been launched to websites that belong to US, Israel and Uganda governments and in organizations like MasterCard, Visa PayPal and Sony among others. Anonymous collective, which is the group, that is suspected to have been behind the hacking of the website of Sony, is a group that is largely decentralized in its command structure without any rules that govern it rather it is governed by ideas. What sort of people would go after this type of information and why? This group, was created for entertainment purposes and the information they get which is mainly user names and passwords of subscribers is used to threaten the company to stop the directives on tinkering of play station 3. The information that they stole woul d be important on online hackers since credit card information and passwords got from the website can be used to access bank accounts of the users, therefore, the likelihood of making money transfers to their accounts (Pankaj, 2005). Investigations into the attack by anonymous collective group on Sony are going on, and it is estimated to cost the firm a total of $170 million, in the investigation. The company discovered that the data of about 8500 users’ data had been accessed. The attack did not happen as a surprise to Sony as there were some warnings that had been sent to the company. The group, which was on a revenge mission, attacked MasterCard’s website in December and was after Sony corporation had arrested a young boy of 21 years for allegedly posting information on how to modify play station 3 gaming console on the internet. The group had also announced that it was on a revenge mission that it called ‘operation payback’ on its website anonnews.org, However, in May, the group, announced the group announced that it was not responsible for the attack, but its members, operating individually may have been behind the breach on the Sony site. How did they get it? The process, which the group may have used in the hacking of th

Bankruptcy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Bankruptcy - Research Paper Example However, individuals who have had their bankruptcy cases dismissed in the last 180 days do not qualify for this type of bankruptcy. People essentially file for bankruptcy in order to protect themselves in situations where they have much debt or cannot pay their creditors in a timely manner. This is done in order to safeguard their property from being seized by the creditors. This ensures that a person does not lose their means of survival despite having financial difficulties. People will thereby surrender portions of their assets in exchange for the forgiveness of some of the debt. In this case, both the debtor and creditor continue their work and generate income (Allen, 2008). Once a person files for bankruptcy, they will usually have a low credit card score on their credit report. This is because bankruptcy is much derogatory item on the report. As a result of a poor report, many lenders might not consider such a person for future credit. In the same way, bankruptcy greatly affects the interest rates on loans received from financial institutions. In fact, there is considerable differences in the interest rates changed on people who have filed for bankruptcy and those who have not. Bankruptcy greatly increases the interest rates as financial institutions seek to eliminate any risks associated with failure to

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Literature - Essay Example Unfortunately this artificially created wall appeared in the result of perverted ideals of the 20th century, when women were subjected to men and lower classes were oppressed by upper classes. The wall can be eliminated only in case of a great desire and common efforts directed on its abolishment. Racial differences â€Å"The Garden Party† is focused on class differences and racial concerns very much. Mansfield uses a broad metaphor, and readers can see the way a world of pianos, uniformed bands and luxury turns into a little space for lower class. When we read an episode about Laura’s walk to a husband of a dad man, we can see that this young woman has strange ideas†¦She thinks about her appearance and weather, but a tragic event of funeral is not too emotional for her. Laura’s are also showed as hypocrites. Laura’s father expresses his regrets concerning death of a man and her mother tries to look sympathetic too (Burgan 21). An outer impression is much important for them than their inner feelings. Thus, Mansfield emphasized the significance of patriarchate that prescribes that a woman should subject to a man. A mother should always depend on her husband. Laura’s brother uses this template of behavior as well and there are different episodes, when men asking women to take care of their appearance. These are the principles of the upper class representatives. People of that class have nothing to do but create their artificial values and principles of behavior. Men play the role of money earners and women should take care about the house, get everything in order and beautiful (Burgan 24). The narrator talks about lower class from a negative perspective, while Laura remains patient and sympathetic. Her ideals are not perverted and she shows a positive attitude to people from the lower class. Laura wonders: why is it impossible to â€Å"have workmen for her friends† (Mansfield 2425). Her mother claims that â€Å"Peop le like that don’t expect sacrifices from us† though Laura does not agree with such a statement (Mansfield 2430). Poor people are treated negatively by her mother for sure and little houses, where poor people live spoil architectural ensemble of their neighborhood and thus they do not have a right to survive, as her mother thinks (Mansfield 2429). A vivid symbolism of the story reflects a variety of attitudes concerning class and racial issues. It is not Laura who criticized lower class, but the author (Daly 34). That is her benefit and a great advantage. It means that this girl managed to preserve her individuality in a cruel world of upper class. Moreover, a writer intentionally moves readers from light to darkness thus showing a parallel nature of two worlds. Cottages of poor people are in a â€Å"deep shade† (Mansfield 2431). There are many barriers and poor people cannot cross them. Class distinction can be found when the author describes representatives of lower and upper classes by comparing them with animals. For example, a uniformed band looks like â€Å"frogs† (Mansfield 2430), a cook â€Å"clucked†¦like an agitated hen† (Mansfield 2428) and the widow deserves nothing more than a selfless comparison with a â€Å"poor creature† (Mansfield 2431). There is an interesting comparison even in relation to the difference of smoke coming from poor and rich houses. Thus, Laura’s chimney releases â€Å"great silvery plumes†

Bankruptcy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Bankruptcy - Research Paper Example However, individuals who have had their bankruptcy cases dismissed in the last 180 days do not qualify for this type of bankruptcy. People essentially file for bankruptcy in order to protect themselves in situations where they have much debt or cannot pay their creditors in a timely manner. This is done in order to safeguard their property from being seized by the creditors. This ensures that a person does not lose their means of survival despite having financial difficulties. People will thereby surrender portions of their assets in exchange for the forgiveness of some of the debt. In this case, both the debtor and creditor continue their work and generate income (Allen, 2008). Once a person files for bankruptcy, they will usually have a low credit card score on their credit report. This is because bankruptcy is much derogatory item on the report. As a result of a poor report, many lenders might not consider such a person for future credit. In the same way, bankruptcy greatly affects the interest rates on loans received from financial institutions. In fact, there is considerable differences in the interest rates changed on people who have filed for bankruptcy and those who have not. Bankruptcy greatly increases the interest rates as financial institutions seek to eliminate any risks associated with failure to

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Investigating the Inverse Square Law Essay Example for Free

Investigating the Inverse Square Law Essay The inverse square law can also be applied to gravity, electric fields, light and sound. In relation to electric fields, the electric force in Coulombs law follows the inverse square law: If gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation and undergo negligible absorption in air, then the intensity, I, should vary inversely as the square of the distance between the source and the detector.2 Air acts as an almost transparent medium to ?-rays, and the intensity (rate of energy arrival per unit area) of ?-rays emanating from a point source varies inversely as the square of the distance from the source. 3 ?-rays fall into many distinct monoenergetic groups because of their variable energies which emanate from any particular emitter. The least energetic radiation will only pass through very thin foils, whereas the most energetic can penetrate up to several centimetres of lead.4 As ?-rays tend to produce 10-4 times as many ion-pairs per unit length as ?-particles do, measurements are usually carried out using a Geiger-Mller (G-M) tube.5 G-M tubes are widely used for detecting radiation and ionising particles. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geiger-M%C3%BCller_tube The anode is a central thin wire which is insulated from the surrounding cathode cylinder, which is metal or graphite coated. The anode is kept at a positive potential and the cathode is earthed. The tube may also have a thin mica end window.6 When radiation enters the tube, a few electrons and ions are produced in the gas. If the voltage is above the breakdown potential (The minimum reverse voltage to make the diode conduct in reverse)7 of the gas, the number of electrons and ions are greatly multiplied. The electrons are attracted to the anode, and the positive ions move towards the cathode. The current flowing in the high resistance resistor (R) produces a pd which is amplified and passed to a counter which registers the passage of an ionising particle or radiation through the tube.8 The tube cannot be filled with air as the discharge persists for a short time after the radiation is registered. This is due to electrons being emitted from the cathode by the positive ions which arrive there. Instead, the tube is filled with argon mixed with a halogen vapour which quenches, reduces the intensity, the discharge quickly, ensuring that the registered radiation does not affect the recording of other ionising particles. When the G-M tube is detecting one particle, if another enters the tube it will not be detected. This is known as dead time; the average maximum being approximately 90 microseconds.9 Because this number is so small, it can justifiably be ignored for this experiment. Background radiation must be taken into account when taking readings from the source. Background radiation primarily comes from cosmic radiation and terrestrial sources.10 This radiation will affect the count and must be corrected. The level of this radiation varies with location and must be measured before conducting the experiment. Since I ? C: C ? 1 (d + d0)2 Therefore: d + d0 ? 1 Vc I ? 1 r2 Where: * d = distance * d0 = distance to be added to the measured distance, d, because of the reference point on the holder not coinciding with the source, and the effective counting space inside the GM tube may not be close to the window, then r = d + d0. * I = intensity * C = corrected count rate the measured count rate minus the reading for background radiation11 Corrected count rate against 1/(d + d0)2 should produce a straight-line graph, passing through the origin, if the inverse square law is followed. Source: A Laboratory Manual of Physics -F. Tyler, Page 269 The gradient of the line obtained is a measure of the strength of the source used in the experiment.12 The strength of the source is the activity, A=?N. The decay constant, ?, can be calculated using ? = ln2/t1/2 where the value for the half-life of Co-60 is 5.2714 years13. Therefore: ? = ln2/t1/2 = 0.693/1.664 x 108 = 4.175 x 10-9 The gradient of the straight line graph will equal ?N0e-?t so ? = gradient/ N0e-?t Safety Precautions: To ensure the utmost safety before, during and after this experiment, some guidelines should be followed: * Food and drink should not be consumed whilst in the same room as the source * Food items should not be stored in the same room as the source * The source should only be handled with long handled source handling tongs, and as little as possible * Hands should be washed thoroughly after contact with the source * If in contact with the source for an extended period, it is recommended that a monitoring badge is worn * As the source will radiate in only one direction, it should not be pointed at anyone * The source should be locked away in a lead lined box when not in use * Open wounds should be covered securely * Protective gloves should be warn when handling potentially contaminated items Errors: To reduce the possible errors within the experiment, an optical bench will be used to ensure that the G-M tube and the source are properly aligned throughout, as the source radiates in one direction, the alignment must remain standard. Also, for small distances, specifically the distance d0 which is the distance the source is from the opening of the holder plus the distance of detection from the window in the G-M tube, vernier callipers will be used to hold as much accuracy as possible. Vernier callipers read to fractions of a millimetre, making them much more accurate than other measuring devices. Other distances, such as distance d, can be measured with a metre rule as the distances are larger which decreases the possible error in measuring. There will also be the error of human reaction times from observing the final count and pressing the stopclock. To ensure accuracy, practise using the stop-clock and count switch until reasonably consistent results can be obtained. Preliminary Work: To decide on an appropriate voltage to use, the G-M tube and source set-up should be tested. Place the source approximately 10 cm from the window of the G-M tube and increase the voltage slowly, until the count rate stops changing dramatically. Plot a graph of the count-rate, C, against EHT voltage, V. Record the voltages V1 and V2 between which the rate of counting does not vary too much. If the rate of counting begins to rise after remaining much the same for a range of voltage do not raise the voltage any higher or the tube may suffer damage.14 The optimum operating voltage will be halfway between the voltage where the plateau begins and the voltage where it ends. To decide on the range of distances used, the source was moved close to the window of the G-M tube and was moved back slowly until the scaler could count adequately (5 cm). This is the smallest distance that will be used. To find the other extreme, the source was moved back until the count rate fell to a low value, but could still provide adequate results (35 cm). d (cm) N t1 (s) t2 (s) t3 (s) Ave. t 5.00 10,000 212 209 209 210.00 10.00 10,000 773 779 790 780.67 15.00 1000 180 220 205 201.67 20.00 1000 317 355 345 339.00 25.00 1000 457 469 437 454.33 30.00 1000 543 510 542 531.67 35.00 1000 749 720 735 734.67 From these preliminary results I have decided to time for 10,000 counts at 5 cm from the source, 5000 counts for 10cm from the source, and 1000 for 15 30cm. This is because any higher values will take considerably longer to measure. I will take three readings from each, as radioactive decay is a random process and it would be unlikely for more than three readings to be similar. An average will be calculated from the three values and the reading for the background radiation will be subtracted to find the corrected count rate. Equipment: * Geiger-Mller tube of , ? sensitive type * Decade scaler with variable EHT supply * Sealed cobalt-60 source sealed to prevent contact with the source and to prevent isotropic radiation * Long handled source handling tongs to prevent contact with the source * Optical bench with source holder to ensure constant alignment * Stop-clock, readable to at least two decimal places * Vernier callipers to measure the distance d0 to a higher level of accuracy * Metre rule to measure the distance d Diagram: Where: * B is the optical bench with source holder, H * G is the Geiger-Mller tube * S is the decade scaler with variable EHT supply * R is the sealed radioactive source, cobalt-60 Cobalt-60 will be used as the gamma source as it is easily produced, by exposing natural cobalt to neutrons in a reactor, and therefore easy to acquire.15 It also produces ?-rays with energies of 1.17 MeV and 1.33 MeV. Method: 1. Clamp the G-M tube to one end of the optical bench and attach it to the input socket of the scaler 2. Set the variable EHT voltage on the scaler at a minimum and turn it on, allowing a few minutes for the scaler to warm up 3. Change the variable EHT voltage on the scaler to the value found through preliminary work and set it to count pulses from the G-M tube 4. Start the stopclock and measure the background radiation for an adequate length of time, e.g. 25 minutes, as background radiation is variable 5. Place the holder containing the ?-source at 5.0 cm from the window of the G-M tube 6. Start the stopclock and stop after 10,000 counts are registered. Record this value and repeat twice 7. Move the ?-source to 10.0 cm from the window of the G-M tube and repeat procedure 5, instead only counting 5000 counts 8. Move the ?-source to 15.0 cm from the window of the G-M tube and repeat procedure 5, instead counting only 1000 counts 9. Repeat procedure 7 for sets of 5.0 cm until a distance of 30.0 cm is reached 10. Tabulate these results and find the average count rate for each distance 11. Evaluate 1/(d + do)2 12. Using the recorded value for background radiation, evaluate the corrected count rate for each distance 13. Plot the graph of corrected count rate against 1/(d + do)2 References: 1 http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/forces/isq.html 2 Essential Pre-University Physics Whelan Hodgson, page 953 3 Essential Principles of Physics Whelan Hodgson, page 472 4 Essential Principles of Physics Whelan Hodgson, page 472 5 Essential Principles of Physics Whelan Hodgson, page 472 6 http://www.imagesco.com/articles/geiger/03.html 7 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breakdown_voltage 8 Essential Pre-University Physics Whelan Hodgson, page 406 9 http://www.imagesco.com/articles/geiger/03.html 10 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Background_radiation 11 Advanced Level Practical Physics M Nelkon JM Ogborn, page 218 12 A Laboratory Manual of Physics F. Tyler, page 269 13 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobalt * 14 Advanced Level Practical Physics M Nelkon JM Ogborn, page 212 15 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobalt