Monday, December 30, 2019

Video Games Has Not Been Smooth Sailing - 1647 Words

Video games have come a long way since Pong rid children of their quarters in 1972. In the past few years, a dramatic shift in the publics’ view of games has occured. What was once considered a kid’s toy capable of turning brains into mush is now enjoyed by the average age of 35 (Essential Facts). In recent times, another paradigm shift has begun for gaming: the road to becoming an art form. Today, museum curators from across the globe continue to accept video games into their collection, adding to its legitimacy. However, just as movies struggled to be considered art in the 1970s, the path for video games has not been smooth sailing. Many critics, such as the late Roger Ebert, have been increasingly vocal about their reasoning for why a†¦show more content†¦This definition is not complete, however. The element that separates an art game such as Myst from the average time waster, such as Angry Birds, is that the former has something to say to the audience, ver sus just making the audience feel a certain way. Myst has a deep tale underneath its puzzles that is comparable to storytelling in books and movies, while Angry Birds is aimed primarily for the user to have fun. In this way, video games can be put under the category of a literary art, which Encyclopedia Britannica defines as being characterized by a narrative (Clarke and Mitchell). With that, video games make for a compelling storytelling medium. Video game art is not purely limited to storytelling, however. There are other games that fall into the category of fine arts, albeit they are much less common than the literary works previously mentioned. One of the best examples of this type of game is the 2009 PlayStation exclusive Flower. The game features no narrative whatsoever, yet still manages to be what Ryan Clements of gaming website IGN called â€Å"very unique and very powerful† (Clements). In the game, you play as a flower â€Å"dreaming† about flying through a lush meadow, while a stream of pedals accompanies you. The games breathtaking scenery is accompanied by its equally awe inspiring music, coalescing to become a coherent experience. There are no scores or even a way to â€Å"win† the game; instead, it is an experience designed for its aestheticShow MoreRelated Bill Gates Essay1359 Words   |  6 Pagescomputers. With the operating system established, Gates and Microsoft set out to create appl ications software, for tasks such as financial analysis or word processing. Microsoft has continued being successful through the years and will be in the future as long as ! it keeps innovating new and exciting computer software. Bill Gates has his eye on the future. He sees the world in a Apowerful, high-speed network-both within companies and across the so called Information Superhighway@ (Brandt, 57). He hopesRead MoreThe Hidden Problems Found Within Online Casino1747 Words   |  7 Pagesbe denied, the process of gambling online isn’t always smooth sailing. Reason being that there are some hidden issues that have the potential to catch out otherwise unsuspecting players. Thankfully, help is now available, as in this blog we will be detail the hidden problems found within online casino play and how you can sidestep them. The key problem when it comes to online casino gaming doesn’t actually come from your approach to the game; it actually comes from the game’s approach to you. TheRead MoreBest Bitcoin Poker Sites For 20161570 Words   |  7 PagesBest Bitcoin Poker Sites for 2016 Have you been searching for a good poker website where you can play for real money? Have you considered using an alternative currency like Bitcoin? Bitcoin is a form of money that you can use to purchase goods and services on the internet, but with the advantage of anonymity. That makes it an ideal choice for gambling sites, especially for players who live in places where gambling is illegal. While Bitcoin poker sites are relatively new to the industry, thereRead MoreThe Uk Online Casino Market1743 Words   |  7 Pagesmeans the company has quite the backbone. It is this backbone that they hope will lead Genting to become a well-known online casino name as well. Key Difference You may have already seen the adverts detailing Genting’s online presence, but it hasn’t been smooth sailing for the company in getting to this point. Speaking on the matter, Genting IT Director Chris Ashworth said, â€Å"A land-based casino is completely different to an online casino in almost everyway. The names of the games may be the sameRead MoreButterfly by Drake Adams1131 Words   |  5 Pagesof his new poem, â€Å"Butterfly.† He has successfully produced twenty poems. Although he is only twenty-one years old, Drake’s poetry skills are far greater than many of older and more experienced poets like his brother, Darius, who also writes poems for a living. Drake flashbacks to when he is young. Even when he was a toddler, he had always had a knack for making all kinds of lyrics that would perfectly embody a variety of emotions. Everything has been smooth sailing for Drake; he would write a poemRead MoreCyber Security : The New Wave Of Social Media1604 Words   |  7 Pagesits boundaries and roles in our everyday lives. You can do anything from complete a complex math problem, to kill animated birds in a pointless video game through the use of the internet. It helps people keep in touch, communicate for business and recreational purposes, and everything in between. 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Hess Corporation currently has a net income of $1.7 billion and transports more than 700,000 barrels of crude oil and other products daily via tankers, barges, pipelines, and production platform sales. However, there have been some important market changes and trends, which companies like Hess Corporation must pay close attention. Adapting to change is essential in the worldRead Moreâ€Å"Brand Preference of Mobile Phone Among Ujjain Youth†7490 Words   |  30 Pageshereby declare that this project entitled â€Å"Brand preference of mobile phone among Ujjain youthâ€Å" submitted in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of Master in Business Administration, is a bonafide record and no part of this project has been submitted by me, for any other degree, diploma or for any other title. Lalit Rathod MBA 4th sem ------------------------------------------------- ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ------------------------------------------------- An individual alone cannot do projectRead MoreProject – Organization Dynamics11615 Words   |  47 Pages5. What disadvantages might emerge over time with the proposed reorganization? 6. Given the advantages and disadvantages of each of the two structures, which would you adopt, and why? Case Study 3: RONDELL DATA CORPORATION (Page 113) 1. How has growth affected Rondell? 2. What are the sources of conflict? 3. Describe the organizational design at Rondell? 4. What design changes should Rondell make? Case Study 4: Rhodes Industries (Page 192) 1. Would the subsidiaries still be competitive

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Depression And Its Effects On Depression - 1531 Words

Almost everyone in the world can suffer from the horrible feeling known as depression. Depression causes a deep sadness to a person and can have major effects on a human being’s life. As humans know life is sacred and no one wants to live life in a depressed state. In some cases depression can be repressed and even cured. Certain treatments like therapy and antidepressants are viable solutions for depression. About nine percent of Americans suffer from some form of depression. The different types of depressions include: dysthymia, postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder, bipolar disorder, and psychotic depression. This paper will focus on the main types of depression, the role that antidepressants play on the regression of depression, and the effects hypnotherapy and cognitive therapy can have on depression. Many different people suffer from many different types of depression. One of the first types of depression is dysthymia. Dysthymia is a depression disorder that shares many forms of symptoms with different types of depression. It is a chronic depression but is not as severe as major depression. Dysthymia is characterized by depressed mood experienced most of the time for at least two years, along with at least two of the following symptoms: insomnia or excessive sleep, low energy or fatigue, low self-esteem, poor appetite or overeating, poor concentration or indecisiveness, and feelings of hopelessness. The second type of depression is postpartumShow MoreRelatedDepression And Its Effects On Depression1434 Words   |  6 Pagesthey will likely to suffer from depression. What is the meaning of depression? Depression can actually affect people’s thought and feelings, people who suffer from depression may feel sad, hopeless and lose their direction in doing things. Even though depression is a common illness in the society, people still consider depression as a sensitive topic and does not talk much about it. In fact, people have to be aware of this serious problem and try to overcome depression by standing strong together withRead MoreDepression And Its Effects On Depression1411 Words   |  6 Pages Depression is a broad area because it has to do with the emotional state of a person. It can either make you stronger or break you down to nothing. Many people don’t notice they’re depressed because they’re either in denial or can function regularly with the condition. What is depression? Depression is a state of mind along with feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, and or uncertainty in life. Depression can trigger in so many areas in life such as: losing a child, employment, home or evenRead MoreDepression And Its Effects On Depression1687 Words   |  7 Pages Depression is a psychoneurotic disorder characterized by lingering sadness, inactivity, and difficulty in thinking and concentration. Depression is one of the most common psychiatric conditions encountered (â€Å"Depression†). Doctors have all types of antidepressants that have been used worldwide for patients with depression. Introduced in the late 1950’s, antidepressants were used to accomplish their task by inhibiting the body’s reabsorption of these neurotransmitters, thus allowing them to accumulateRead MoreDepression And Its Effects On Depression1316 Words   |  6 Pagesthe thought that depression is something that all of us have experienced at some point in our lives. It focuses on adolescents because during this period we are young and vulnerable and may not know how to cope with situations or circumstances that may lead us into depression. Factors such as going through puberty and issues at home with parents can all cause depression. This paper will talk about what is depression, how families can affect depression in the child, and how depression can lead to longRead MoreDepression And Its Effects On Depression1371 Words   |  6 Pages Depression is a widely misunderstood disorder. It is a psychological condition that greatly effects the way one thinks, feels and subsequently behaves. â€Å"Some authorities have estimated that at least 12% of the adult population have had or will have an episode of depression of sufficient clinical severity to warrant treatment† (Schuyler and Katz as cited by Beck, 1979, p.1). Depression is not fleeting and effects individuals differently. The treatment of depression has become extensively medicalizedRead MoreDepression And Its Effects On Depression1317 Words   |  6 PagesDepression, a word we all have heard, not all of us understand, and a select few are trying to dissect. However, in doing so, theories are created, and sometimes those same theories will have negatives consequences. In an attempt to further understand depression, I chose Depression’s Upside. If one were simply reading the title, one would assume this would be about some sort of break through in the Psychology field of research, or a t the very least an optimistic view on depression. However, the entireRead MoreDepression And Its Effects On Depression1490 Words   |  6 PagesIn popular culture depression has become a thing that is seemingly almost sought after. A lot of youth use depression to have an edge or some kind of thing that makes them different. I feel like this ideology invalidates people with real mental illness and diagnosed depression. I say this but have also fallen victim to this aesthetic or aura that a lot of people portray. Although hard to define, depression can basically be summed up to be the lack of hope or courage pertaining to your life. It causesRead MoreDepression And Its Effects On Depression1093 Words   |  5 PagesDepression is in fact a legitimate mental disorder. There is too much research to doubt its existence. However, the title of â€Å"depression† is being handed out like cotton candy at the state fair. Too many people cry wolf for society to completely believe and understand the seriousness of the condition. With the number of people being diagnosed with depression growing, more and more people begin to feel that the condition is merely fabricated and can simply be cured with willpower and a little effortRead MoreDepression And Its Effects On Depression2333 Words   |  10 PagesDepression is an illness that no one enjoys talking about, and that is because of what the disease is itself. Since I have been clinically depressed, I understand first-hand the sinking feeling that comes with it. Imagine a leech on your body permanently sucking enjoyment and happiness instead of blood, or imagine being stranded within a bottomless pit with no sight of the sun. That is how I describe depression. However, there are ways to get through it and kick off that leech or climb out of thatRead MoreThe Effects Of Depression And Its Effects On Depression1642 Words   |  7 Pages Depression, 2 Every single day, across the entire world, people are diagnosed with clinical depression. I think a lot of people tend to see depression as a excuse/reasoning for something they ve done. In reality, there have been many discussions done and research studies completed on depression to see whether or not it is genetically passed down or learned through experiences/influences. I think it is safe to say that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in depression. In

Friday, December 13, 2019

Common Wealth Games Free Essays

After having organized the Asiad Games successfully in 1982 at Delhi, India has been fortunate enough to be honoured by Commonwealth Games Federation to perform the duties of a host nation to the 19th edition of Commonwealth Games scheduled to be inaugurated on October 3, 2010 at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium. The Grand Gala opening ceremony was two-and-half hours duration which was a must-see event for sports lovers all over the world. Initially, these games were organized in different names. We will write a custom essay sample on Common Wealth Games or any similar topic only for you Order Now From 1930 to 1950, they were known as British Empire Games. From 1954 to 1966 the games were styled as British Empire and Commonwealth Games. From 1970 to 1974 the games were called British Commonwealth Games and finally from 1978, these games were re-christened as Commonwealth Games. Since then no change has taken place in the nomenclature. The Commonwealth Games are entirely based on Modern Olympic Games pattern. They are conducted and organized regularly after every four years interval. All rules regulations of Modern Olympic Games apply to Commonwealth Games in letter and spirit. The difference between Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games is that while Olympic Games covers 27 disciplines of competitive sports, Commonwealth Games organisation is holding competition only in 17 sports disciplines. Therefore, Commonwealth Games can justifiably be termed as â€Å"Mini Olympics†. Almost 10,000 sportspersons, including coaches and officials from 71 Commonwealth nations, would be in the fray to vie for supremacy in skills, speed, strength and stamina. As expected, Australia, Britain and Canada with their biggest contingents of sportspersons would most likely be dominating the present event, but India – the host nation – would not be lagging far behind. India’s prospects at the Games are certainly bright. The host nation is expected to win medals in the following disciplines. Archery and wrestling have been most popular pastime for the population of ancient civilisations of India, Greece and Egypt. These countries have traditionally been producing good archers and wrestlers. Indian archers have very recently won a gold medal in Archery’s ‘Recurve’ event at Shanghai. The Recurve team of India consisting of Rahul Bannerji, Jayant Taluqedar and Tarun Deep defeated Japan’s Archery team. India’s superiority is fully established in this event and is expected to win at least one gold medal in the discipline. India has had a glamorous past in wrestling too. The country’s famous wrestler, Gama, better known as Rusteme-e-Zama, is said to have participated in London’s unofficial world wrestling Championship in 1930 where he defeated the reigning world champion Czevasko of Russia. Maintaining the glorious tradition in wrestling, Sudhir Kumar, the present Gama of India, defeated another Russian wrestler in Russia very recently. Besides Sudhir Kumar, there are other wrestlers like Yogeshwer Dutt, Anil Kumar and others who can bring laurels to the country in different weight categories. Chances are galore for India to win several medals in this sport. In boxing event also, India has a good opportunity to win more than one gold medal, besides several silver and bronze medals. India’s star Boxers are Vijendra Singh, Akhil Kumar, Nanao, Chhote Lal Yadav and Surronjay Singh, who would be definite winners of medals in this sport. Last, but not the least, one must not forget Mary Kom, the mercurial boxer who has won world title for the fifth time. After boxing, shooting is another discipline of sports in which Abhinay Bindra of India has excelled by winning gold medal in 2008 Beijing Olympics. Besides Abhinay Bindra, there are Manav Jeet Sidhhu, Gagan Narang and Tejasvi Sawant who are expected to perform well and add to the tally of medals. In badminton event the famous Saina Nehwal would be leading the campaign from the front along with Chetan Anand and mixed double pair of Jwala Gutta and Diju to win a gold, silver and bronze medals at Delhi Commonwealth Games. In lawn tennis, India has good chance of winning several medals. There is a renowned doubles pair of Leander Paise and Mahesh Bhupati who are expected to be winners in their event. Sania Mirza is also peaking at the right time to find herself at the podium of victory. Weight lifting is a tough discipline of sports in which India has excelled in the    past. Frontal campaign would be led by VS Rao, Monika Devi, Ravi Kumar and Sonu Chunnu who are expected to win many medals in this sports event. After the disastrous display of hockey at the last World Cup Championship at Delhi, India’s Hockey team, led by a Enterprising captain namely Raj Pal Singh, is said to have been rejuvenated if the recent international exposure is any indication. India has a good opportunity to salvage its lost prestige at Delhi. On record India’s hockey team appears to be the third best team in present competition, but there are two strong opponents against India- one is Australian hockey team-the current World Champion and other is England’s Hockey team –   the European Champion. If India can defeat these teams, it is likely to win a gold medal. Last, but not the least, is the athletics event. Athletics is said to be the mother of all games in sports, but strangely enough, the present youth of the country is not attracted towards athletics and therefore it is the most neglected discipline in the country. Still there is a hope to win some medals also in this discipline. All in all, Indian sportspersons must take full advantage of the home grounds. I am sure the Indian sports lovers will try their level best to inspire the sportspersons to highest pitch so that they can garner more than 120 medals, surpassing the previous Indian achievement at Commonwealth Games. It is really disheartening to note that star athletes of the world like Usain Bolt, Olympic and World Champion in 100 and 200 mtrs dash, Asafa Powell, former World Champion of 100mtr sprint and Shelley Ann-Fraser- the women 100 mtr Olympic Champion (All Jamicans) have decided to skip the present Commonwealth Games. Their absence would definitely dampen the spirit of sports lovers of the country. India’s organizational skill is at stake. If we prove our mettle by organising the event successfully and flawlessly the current Common Wealth Games at Delhi, India can legitimately and honourably claim to host the future Olympics at Delhi. How to cite Common Wealth Games, Papers

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Case Studies Legislation - Negotiation and Recruitment

Question: Describe about the Case Studies of Legislation, Negotiation and Recruitment? Answer: Case Study 1 Issues There are few issues in the case study which needs to be addressed. Few of the issues are discussed as follows: - 1. There is a dispute between the two men and the female in the office. 2. All the three people belong to different community, culture and age groups and hence, their thought process may not be on the same line.3. Emails are private and the privacy policy is not taken into consideration while the man is sending across emails to everyone.4. The female is emotional harassed with emails that she isnt comfortable with and also emotionally.5. It can also be stated that she is sexually harassed.6. All people will be stressed if the manager takes any further action (Werner 2014).Relevant legislation and agency guidelines Work and Health Safety ACT 2011 Discrimination ACT 1991 Workers Compensation ACT 1951 Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation ACT 1988 Brodies Law (June 2011) Fair work ACT 2009 Sex Discrimination Act 1984 Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986 Charlottes LawRoles and responsibilities of the managerFirst and foremost, I will inform all the respective line ma nagers so that they can ensure that nothing happens on the work floor. I will talk to all the people who are involved in the case. To start with, I will talk to the young lady so that I can understand the things that create stress. Accordingly, I will talk to the males involved in the case. I will try to explain the stress that they are creating to the young lady. If this doesnt work then I will have to take help of the higher authority and also the legal bodies.Steps in resolving the situation1. I will talk to the manager and inform her that one of the managers on the floor has raised a concern about her situation. This has risen to breach of privacy policy in the office.2. I will also make the feel safe and ensure her that she can share the problem with me.3. Will talk to her about her importance in the team and then will explain her, the various laws that are in place to support her. 4. Will offer her employee assistance program for free of cost so that she can feel secure and sa fe in the workplace. Challenges in the scenario1. There are possibilities that the lady may say that there is no problem at all2. All the people involved in the dispute belong to different culture and hence, counseling each one of them will be complicated.3. The manager will have to confirm if they will have to take someone elses help to resolve the case.4. In the next teaming, the manager will have to discuss about the code of conduct, sexual harassment policy and also the privacy policy so that further such cases can be avoided (Foelker 2014). Case study 2 Managing the situation John and Fiona will have to work cordially so that results can be delivered. I, as a manager, will look for ways by which the situation can be dealt with a win-win situation. I will also help John and Fiona to undertake an employee assistance program so that they can understand the responsibilities as a manager. Disciplinary process To start with, I will fill resolution form as that the employees can be aware of the problem that is going on at the workplace. I will also bring to their notice that there is a breach of privacy policy. I will also bring to their notice that there is a problem with their performance due to this internal conflict. Strategies and mechanism 1. All the employees in the organization should be clearly briefed about the appraisal process so that they can get an idea on the various grounds, they can get promotion.2. The management structure of each department will be made clear so that such conflicts can be avoided (Munteanu 2013). Case Study 3 Job Analysis I will hire 6 people in all so that the requirements of the client can be met. 5 support staff will be hired so that they can work with people who have disability. Apart from that, team leader will be hired. It will be responsibility of the team leader to prepare reports regarding the outcome. Recruitment process 1. The HR team will be informed about the requirement and they will also be informed about the qualification and salary.2. HR will prepare a job description and take approval.3. Once approved, the job description will be shared with the existing employees so that they can refer people whom they know. Emails will be sent to the employees and they will be informed about the last date for sharing the resume.4. If the HR is not satisfied with the resumes received then job posting will be done on various job portal.5. Appropriate candidate will be called by the HR professional.6. The candidates will be asked to come down for an interview (Seidmehdi 2014).7. Appropriate candidates will be offered.Position description for team leader role1. Good communication to interact with the client via email and calls.2. The candidate should be good with Excel and word so that they can prepare reports efficiently.3. Should be passionate to achieve the target that has been set.4. Should motivate the emp loyees to achieve the target.Consultation for job description1. Accounts team to ensure the billing amount received from the client.2. Line manager regarding the expectations that the line manager has from the client.3. Human resource manager regarding the availability of resource.Processes to allocate work1. Consider the qualification of the workforce.2. Needs of the workplace and also the client3. Organize the routine work that will have to be managed on day-to-day basis (Louw 2012).Ensure all the employees are inducted1. Induction will given by the HR on the day of joining of the employee.2. Orientation regarding the work will be given by the manager so that the employee can be aware of the work culture.Supervision, support and development opportunities1. All the supervisors will be given instruction regarding the supervision that they need to undertake regularly in the workplace.2. All the information regarding training and qualification of the resources will be maintained.3. Em ployee Assistance program will be provided to all the employees who need it (Chen 2004).Communicate1. Team responsibilities can be communicated during the team meetings.2. Individual responsibilities can be elaborated through supervision or through individual meetings with the team member.Addressing the poor performance of the resourceMeeting with the resource and highlighting the problem area in their performance. The manager will ensure the resource that they are always available to help the resource.Challenges of the team memberAll the staffing members are new and at the same time, the team leader is also new. Managing the new resource and understanding the requirements of the client will be difficult.The team leader should involve the team members in the planning so that the team members are more than happy to be associated in the particular team (Darvish 2012). References Werner, J, 2014, Human resource development human resource management: so what is it?, Human Resource management, Vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 127-139Foelker, W, 2014, Human Resource Development, European Journal of Training and development, Vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 254-258Munteanu, A, 2013, new Approaches of the concepts of human resources, human resoyrce management, and strategic human resource management, Annals of university of Oradea, Vol. 22, pp. 1520-1525Seidmehdi, V, 2014, The effects of human resource flexibility on human resources development, management science letters, Vol. 4, pp. 1789-1796Louw, P, 2012, Evaluating human resource interventions, SA Journal of human resource management , Vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 1-6Chen, L, 2004, Human resources for health: overcoming the crisis, The lancet, Vol. 364, no. 9449, pp. 1984-1990Darvish, H, 2012, Survey Relationship between Human Resources Roles and Human Resources Competencies, International journal of academic research in business and social sc iences, Vol. 2, no. 9, pp. 254-265

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Mechanical Solidarity in Eating Christmas in the Kalahari

As of today, the suggestion that human societies can be categorized as primitive, on the one hand, and advanced, on the other, is considered politically incorrect. This, however, does not undermine the suggestion’s factual appropriateness, as the considerations of political correctness do not affect the actual state of affairs, in this respect. In my paper, I will explore the validity of the above statement at length, in regards to what appears to be the discursive significance of Richard Borshay Lee’s article Eating Christmas in the Kalahari.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Mechanical Solidarity in Eating Christmas in the Kalahari specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More When discussing the concerned subject matter, I will promote the idea that it is precisely the primitive people’s endowment with the sense of a mechanical solidarity (as defined by Emil Durkheim), which allows them to maintain the i ntegrity of their traditional societies, while simultaneously denying them the prospect of a socio-cultural and technological advancement. In his article, Lee expounds upon his experience of having bought an ox for the members of one of the Bushmen tribes in Africa, so that the animal could be slaughtered by them, during the course of these people participating in their traditional Christmas festivities. However, even though Lee made a deliberate point in choosing the biggest ox out of those available for purchasing, the Bushmen appeared utterly dismayed by the fact that in their eyes, the animal in question was too small and skinny. As one of the tribe members pointed out: â€Å"Everybody knows there’s no meat on that old ox. What did you expect us to eat off it, the horns?† (Lee 1). Initially, Lee did not know what to make out the tribesmen’s reaction, as there appeared to be no reason whatsoever for them to complain about his Christmas offer. Nevertheless, as time went on, it started to dawn upon Lee that the reason why the Bushmen were so critical about the slaughtered ox, is that it was their way of preventing him from growing too prideful, on the account of having succeeded in appeasing them in reality. Moreover, as it appeared later, downsizing each other’s hunting-related accomplishments represents a commonplace practice among the Bushmen, because it helps them to maintain the inner stability of their tribes. Apparently, the earlier mentioned practice is meant to discourage particularly successful tribesmen from aspiring to claim the position of a leadership, which would threaten the interests the tribe’s elders. As it was implied in the Introduction, Lee’s account can be best discussed within the conceptual framework of how Emil Durkheim used to reflect upon the notions of mechanical and organic solidarities. According Durkheim, in archaic (primitive) societies, people’s individual identities are being ‘dissolved’ within what happened to be this society’s ‘collective archetype’.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This explains why in primitive societies, people tend to lead highly ritualized lifestyles while striving to objectualize themselves within the surrounding environment – hence, their endowment with the mostly tribal (mechanical) sense of solidarity (Durkheim 140). As it was shown in Lee’s article, while possessing the rudimentary understanding of the fact that certain preconditions should be created for tribesmen to refrain from challenging each other’s positioning, within the tribe, the Bushmen could not come up with any better (as the mean of encouraging the tribe members to live peacefully), than practicing the ‘ritual of humility’. This presupposes the tribesmen’s automatic assumption that oneà ¢â‚¬â„¢s strive to attain a social prominence is necessarily counterproductive, as it is being potentially capable of undermining the harmony of interrelationships within the tribe. Nevertheless, such an assumption, on the part of the Bushmen, is exactly what prevented them from being able to evolve beyond the Stone Age, as it is namely the never-ending competition between the society’s members for a particular environmental niche, which sets this society on the path of progress. Due to their intellectual primitiveness, it never occurred to the Bushmen that it is possible for people to be simultaneously competitive and moral/tolerant, as it happened to be the case with individuals in Western industrialized societies, the integrity of which is maintained by the citizens’ willingness to profess the virtue of an organic solidarity. People that practice an organic solidarity understand that it is not solely the particulars of their kinship-relationship with each other, whi ch cause them to act in one way or another, but rather the specifics of their professional affiliation and their varying ability to relate to a number of cognitively abstract notions, such as morality or ethics, for example. In its turn, this is being made possible by the fact that in industrialized societies, people are encouraged to distance themselves from what happened to be their animalistic instincts, as the main prerequisite for them to be able to rise to the position of social prominence. This, of course, makes these people naturally predisposed towards entering into ‘social contracts’ with each other, which empowers them even further, as functionally independent but thoroughly integrated parts of the society.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Mechanical Solidarity in Eating Christmas in the Kalahari specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Thus, we can well assume that the fact that the Bushmen profe ss the virtue of a mechanical solidarity signifies these people’s inability to rise above their genetically predetermined perceptual and cognitive atavism. The validity of this suggestion can be well illustrated in regards to the scene in Lee’s article, where the tribe member reflects upon what the Bushmen consider the actual purpose of their existence: â€Å"We love meat. And even more than that, we love fat. When we hunt, we always search for the fat ones, the ones dripping with layers of white fat†¦ fat that slides down your gullet, fills your stomach and gives you a roaring diarrhea† (2). In other words, it is specifically the sheer strength of the Bushmen’s animalistic instincts, which define their existential mode more than anything else does. This creates a specific dead-end circle – being unable to exercise a rational control over their atavistic urges, the Bushmen do not evolve cognitively, which in turn prevents the functioning of th eir societies to be observant of the principle of division of labor. Consequently, this leaves Bushmen with no other option but to practice a number of essentially meaningless rituals, as the mean of preventing their tribes from being destroyed from within. However, whereas, this practice does appear sensible, as a ‘thing in itself’, it makes it rather impossible for the Bushmen to remain on the path of a continual evolvement – hence, these people’s socio-cultural and technological backwardness. I believe that the earlier deployed line of argumentation, in regards to what should be considered the discursive implications of Lee’s article, is fully consistent with the paper’s initial thesis. Apparently, there is indeed a good rationale in referring to the particulars of one’s ‘cultural uniqueness’, as such cannot be discussed outside of what accounts for the measure of his or her evolutionary fitness. This, of course, expose s the methodological fallaciousness of culturally relativist sociological theories. Works Cited Durkheim, Emil. The Division of Labor in Society, London: Macmillan, 1984. Print. Lee, Richard Borshay 1969, Eating Christmas in the Kalahari. 2013. Web.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This essay on Mechanical Solidarity in Eating Christmas in the Kalahari was written and submitted by user Estrella Buckner to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

History and Development of the Kinetoscope

History and Development of the Kinetoscope The concept of moving images as entertainment was not a new one by the latter part of the 19th century. Magic lanterns and other devices had been employed in popular entertainment for generations. Magic lanterns used glass slides with images which were projected. The use of levers and other contrivances allowed these images to  move. Another mechanism called a Phenakistiscope consisted of a disc with images of successive phases of movement on it, which could be spun to simulate movement. Edison and Eadweard Muybridges Zoopraxiscope Additionally, there was the Zoopraxiscope, developed by photographer Eadweard Muybridge in 1879, which projected a series of images in successive phases of movement. These images were obtained through the use of multiple cameras. However, the invention of a camera in the Edison laboratories capable of recording successive images in a single camera was a more practical, cost-effective breakthrough that influenced all subsequent motion picture devices. While there has been speculation that Edisons interest in motion pictures began before 1888, the visit of Muybridge to the inventors laboratory in West Orange in February of that year certainly stimulated Edisons resolve to invent a motion picture camera. Muybridge proposed that they collaborate and combine the Zoopraxiscope with the Edison phonograph. Although apparently intrigued, Edison decided not to participate in such a partnership, perhaps realizing that the Zoopraxiscope was not a very practical or efficient way of recording motion. Patent Caveat for the Kinetoscope In an attempt to protect his future inventions, Edison filed a caveat with the patent office on October 17, 1888  that described his ideas for a device which would do for the eye what the phonograph does for the ear record and reproduce objects in motion. Edison called the invention a Kinetoscope, using the Greek words kineto meaning movement and scopos meaning to watch. Who Did the Inventing? Edisons assistant, William Kennedy Laurie Dickson, was given the task of inventing the device in June 1889, possibly because of his background as a photographer. Charles Brown was made Dicksons assistant. There has been some debate  over how much Edison himself contributed to the invention of the motion picture camera. While Edison seems to have conceived the idea and initiated the experiments, Dickson apparently performed the bulk of the experimentation, leading most modern scholars to assign Dickson with the major credit for turning the concept into a practical reality. The Edison laboratory, though, worked as a collaborative organization. Laboratory assistants were assigned to work on many projects while Edison supervised  and participated to varying degrees. Ultimately, Edison made the important decisions and, as the Wizard of West Orange, took sole credit for the products of his laboratory. The initial experiments on the Kinetograph (the camera used to create film for the Kinetoscope) were based on Edisons conception of the phonograph cylinder. Tiny photographic images were affixed in sequence to a cylinder  with the idea that, when the cylinder was rotated, the illusion of motion would be reproduced via reflected light. This ultimately proved to be impractical. Development of Celluloid Film The work of others in the field soon prompted Edison and his staff to move in a different direction. In Europe, Edison had met French physiologist Étienne-Jules Marey who used a continuous roll of film in his Chronophotographe to produce a sequence of still images, but the lack of film rolls of sufficient length and durability for use in a motion picture device delayed the inventive process. This dilemma was aided when John Carbutt developed emulsion-coated celluloid film sheets, which began to be used in the Edison experiments. The Eastman Company later produced its  own celluloid film, which Dickson soon bought in large quantities. By 1890, Dickson was joined by new assistant William Heise and the two began to develop a machine that exposed a strip of film in a horizontal-feed mechanism. Prototype Kinetoscope Demonstrated A prototype for the Kinetoscope was finally shown at a convention of the National Federation of Womens Clubs on May 20, 1891. The device was both a camera and a peep-hole viewer that used 18mm wide film. According to David Robinson, who describes the Kinetoscope in his book, From Peep Show to Palace: The Birth of American Film the film ran horizontally between two spools, at continuous speed. A rapidly moving shutter gave intermittent exposures when the apparatus was used as a camera and intermittent glimpses of the positive print when it was used as a viewer, when the spectator looked through the same aperture that housed the camera lens. Patents for Kinetograph and Kinetoscope A patent for the Kinetograph (the camera) and the Kinetoscope (the viewer) was filed on August 24, 1891. In this patent, the width of the film was specified as 35mm  and allowance was made for the possible use of a cylinder. Kinetoscope Completed The Kinetoscope was apparently completed by 1892.  Robinson also writes: It consisted of an upright wooden cabinet, 18 in. x 27 in. x 4 ft. high, with a peephole with magnifying lenses in the top...Inside the box, the film, in a continuous band of approximately 50 feet, was arranged around a series of spools. A large, electrically driven sprocket wheel at the top of the box engaged corresponding sprocket holes punched in the edges of the film, which was thus drawn under the lens at a continuous rate. Beneath the film was an electric lamp and between the lamp and the film a revolving shutter with a narrow slit. As each frame passed under the lens, the shutter permitted a flash of light so brief that the frame appeared to be frozen. This rapid series of apparently still frames appeared, thanks to the persistence of vision phenomenon, as a moving image. At this point, the horizontal-feed system had been changed to one in which the film was fed vertically. The viewer would look into a peep-hole at the top of the cabinet in order to see the image move. The first public demonstration of the Kinetoscope was held at the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences on May 9, 1893.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Critical Standard of Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address and Essay

Critical Standard of Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address and - Essay Example With this argument, he was able to make a case for the necessity of having both North and South work to clean up the damage left behind by war. Although the speech is widely recognized as a rhetorical device, it is not always clearly expressed what exactly comprises a rhetorical device. In other words, while experts claim the speech is rhetorical, they don’t define why it is rhetorical – what elements are required in order to classify a speech as rhetorical. Understanding the rhetorical structure of Lincoln’s speech requires first understanding rhetoric. In attempting to understand just what elements should be looked for or understood as a means of identifying rhetoric, it is helpful to examine the field of rhetorical study. One theorist, Lloyd Bitzer, provides a relatively straight-forward answer regarding how to identify rhetoric by suggesting there are three essential components – exigence, audience and a set of constraints. The first component of Bitzer’s theory regarding rhetoric is the concept of exigence. The American Heritage Dictionary defines this term as â€Å"the condition of being in need of immediate assistance; a condition in which something necessary or desirable is required or wanted; a decisive point; something asked for or needed† (â€Å"Exigence†, 2003). In his theory, Bitzer explains that exigence refers to any situation in which there is â€Å"an imperfection marked by urgency; it is a defect, an obstacle, something waiting to be done, a thing which is other than it should be† (Bitzer, 1968: 7). In other words, something is supposed to happen and it doesn’t, creating an urgent need for communication to resolve the issue. On the other hand, this could also refer to a situation in which something has happened that shouldn’t have happened, again creating the necessity for effective

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Report Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Report - Case Study Example New homes built on traditional practices cannot improve the general respiratory health of occupants. Further, well executed energy retrofits have led to improvement in self rated health and ensures that occupants have reduced visits to general health practitioners (Tassos, 6). Energy efficient devices are important to low income families because the income they save in using efficient energy sources can be used to by food, afford medical care and health insurance. Weatherization assistance programs are important in saving energy bills. In addition, they also ensure that there is a reduced water cost (Tassos, 7). Energy Efficiency and Renewable in Home Retrofits reduce the production of contaminants that can harm the health of occupants. Some of the contaminants that harm the health of occupants include carbon monoxide, mold and mist. Efficient energy home retrofits improve ventilation in rooms, reduce moisture and condensation, increase safety, improve thermal comfort and ensure that residents live in a comfortable environment (Tassos, 14). Conventional energy upgrades are dangerous to the occupants. Homes without measure put in place to ensure that there is adequate flow of air can affect the indoor air quality. The risk factors associated with poor quality indoor air include asthma, allergies and other respiratory complications. Efficient home energy retrofits reduce the water heater temperature to 120 degrees. This ensures that energy is saved and reduces the risk scalding (Tassos, 12). Saving on the energy use in homes requires the use of specific technology such as the properly designed and executed home energy retrofits. These home retrofits also ensure that green house gases are not emitted into the atmosphere. Investing in the use of efficient home energy retrofits will help in the implementation of healthy housing best practices in order to meet the objectives of energy

Monday, November 18, 2019

Science applied to adult nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Science applied to adult nursing - Essay Example Whenever he consumed alcohol, he would take huge amount at a time, despite advice from his family doctor to take alcohol in moderation. In the emergency room, he was found to be pale and dehydrated. He had tachycardia (heart rate 120 per minute), high blood pressure (150/110mmHg), diaphoresis and tenderness and gaurding in the epigastric and left hypochondriac region. Respiratory rate was mildly elevated (26 per minute), but there was no breathlessness. Oxygen saturation was normal. A diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was made and patient was shifted to medical intensive care unit for further management. In this essay, the life science patho-physiology of acute pancreatitis will be discussed along with behavioural science as applied to the care-taking nursing staff, including breaking bad news, with reference to the patient. Sam is diagnosed to have acute pancreatitis. Inflammation of the organ pancreas is known as acute pancreatitis. Pancreas is an important gland located in the left upper and posterior aspect of the abdomen. It is both an endocrine and exocrine gland. As an exocrine organ, it produces various digestive enzymes essential for the digestion of protein, fat and carbohydrates. As an endocrine gland, it secretes the hormone insulin essential for glucose metabolism. While 80 percent of the organ is involved in exocrine function, only 20 percent is responsible for endocrine function (Gardner and Berk, 2010). According to Al-Omran et al (2010), "acute pancreatitis is a common hypermetabolic, hyperdynamic disease process of variable severity that has multiple etiologies and creates a catabolic stress state promoting a systemic inflammatory response and nutritional deterioration." Any injury to acinar cells and impairment of secretion of zymogen granules can result in acute pancreatitis. Factors which contribute to acinar damage are gall stones, alcohol abuse and intake of drugs toxic to pancreas. Though it is unclear as to what mechanism triggers the

Friday, November 15, 2019

Social Work Roles And Criminal Justice Settings Social Work Essay

Social Work Roles And Criminal Justice Settings Social Work Essay There are many competing pressures to direct the service in ways that may not be consistent with Social Work principles towards greater penal and correctional models. It is therefore essential to have a clear understanding of the policy and legal framework that creates the remit and legitimacy for the operation of Social Work in the Criminal Justice process (Whyte, 2001, p.7). Statute law is created by Acts of the UK and Scottish Parliaments and relies upon rulings made in Court Hearings to set precedents that define and interpret key terms i.e. Case Law. Understanding the law is fundamental to practice in Criminal Justice settings. Criminal Law is a powerful instrument of social control and sanctions and the Criminal Courts have the potential to impose restrictions of liberty of individuals. Social Workers have a responsibility towards the general public and the courts to protect the public and ensure their wellbeing however, there is also obligation towards those who are in the Criminal Justice process who may be vulnerable and in need of services provided by Social Work. It is therefore essential that all workers have an understanding of the legal frameworks that govern Criminal Justice Social Work and are aware of the scope and limitations of their mandate (Whyte, 2001). However, law is subject to change and criminal justice policy is more liable to su dden, politically motivated changes of direction than is social policy in other fields (Smith, 2002, p.309) The law defines what a crime is, rules of evidence and criminal procedure. However, discretion is given to those involved and therefore, the criminal justice process is not systematic. The judiciary, police and social work have differing roles, agendas, values and beliefs which are shaped by training and cultures which can make working within the system difficult due to lack of shared understanding of common aims and individual roles. Social Work involves working with the marginalised and disadvantaged and can be both vulnerable to crime and susceptible to criminalisation and practice involves work with victims or offenders. Local Authorities have statutory responsibility to provide Criminal Justice Social Work Services to support the Criminal Justice Process through assessment of individuals, information to the Courts and supervision of offenders. Scotland differs from the rest of the UK in that there is a unique cultural and political heritage and a separate legal system. Social Work therefore, has a central role within the Criminal Justice process in Scotland which is in contrast to England and Wales where probation work is commissioned by the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) which is separate from Local Authority control and Social Work functions and shows a difference in their approaches in responding to crime. As McAra (2005) suggests a more welfare orientated approach has been adopted due to its legal culture and political history. The legal framework outlining powers and duties of Criminal Justice Social Work is the Social Work Scotland Act 1968 (as amended). Section 27 of this Act outlines the duty by Local Authorities to provide specific Criminal Justice services (e.g. social background reports, supervision of offenders on an Order or Licence) in respect of central government funding however, it does not explain the objectives of these services or provide guidance on their exercise. Section 12 gives Local Authorities (LAs) discretion to provide additional services (e.g. victims) as part of the general responsibility to promote social welfare. Probation or offender services became the responsibility of the Local Authority Social Work Departments in 1968 and had a general duty to promote social welfare in their locality (S12, Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968). This was due to the Kilbrandon Committee (Kilbrandon, 1964) being appointed to investigate increasing juvenile crime. The Kilbrandon Report recommended a new approach to childrens services based on the needs of children and families and those who offend should be treated the same as those children requiring care and protection. Kilbrandon also suggested diversion and early voluntary intervention as crime prevention and one department for children and adults. This merge of work with adult offenders was pivotal in recognising work with offenders as having a welfare component admittedly with a level of control. Although the Kilbrandon philosophy followed trends of the time which advocated rehabilitation and treatment of offenders and an awareness of the social causes of c rime, this is still highly relevant to todays practice. From the 1980s onwards Criminal Justice in Scotland has undergone major legislative and policy change due to successive governments. As there was concern for public protection and community disposal effectiveness in 1991, 100 per cent central government funding was introduced and the National Objectives and Standards were published which set out core objectives, service provision and guidance on their delivery (Social Work Group, 1991). This resulted in the government committing to Social Work delivering this role. This policy arrangement outlined by Rifkind in 1989 has survived changes in political administration although, it has been suggested that devolution has caused a sudden and dramatic politicisation of Criminal Justice issues and could undermine the welfare tradition (McNeill and Batchelor, 2004: Croal, 2005). Social Work with offenders should aim to address and reduce offending behaviour. Whilst the law provides a framework for practice, effective work with offenders requires Social Work skills such as communication, therapeutic relationships in supervision, assessment and risk management. The task is therefore, varied and complex as Social Workers have the power to control the individuals who are referred via the Courts and enforce any Court Orders but must also work with an offender in a holistic, inclusive way to have a positive impact on their offending behaviour and this can be through support and assistance in relation to personal and social problems but also the individual taking responsibility for their actions. Effective and ethical practice is therefore, about considering and managing the needs and rights of the Courts, the general public, victims and offenders. Although Social Workers have statutory duties and powers to interfere in peoples lives this is not always welcome but is necessary in promoting public safety. Under the Scottish Social Work Services Council (SSSC) Code of Practice Social Workers have an obligation to uphold public trust and confidence and the Criminal Justice Authorities (CJAs) are required by Scottish Executive guidance to develop a strategy to address this (Scottish Executive, 2006b). This strategy includes both offenders and their families and Social Workers should engage these individuals and recognise their views in the development of services. Both Criminal Law and Social Work recognise the autonomy of individuals choices on how they lead their lives and with this capacity is criminal responsibility. Those of which who lack capacity (e.g. children and the mentally disordered) are not culpable in the eyes of the law and may be treated differently. It is therefore recognised that criminal behaviour is not just a choice but may be about social circumstances to which they have minimal control. Social Workers should assist in allowing individuals to improve their capacity for making choices together with consequences to their actions (ADSW, 1996a). Although Social Workers are obliged to protect the rights and interests of service users there is a belief amongst the general public that they have forfeited these rights when they have offended. All Criminal Justice agencies must comply with the Human Rights Act 1988 which incorporates into domestic law the fundamental rights set out in the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR). Public Authorities are required to respect all of the provisions however, the two articles with particular relevance to Criminal Law and Social Work are the right to liberty and security (Article 5. ECHR) and the right to a fair trial (Article 6, ECHR). However, the state can impose restrictions on those who breach criminal law or are a threat to public safety as long as the detention is authorised by law and there is a balance between the individual, their victims and the general public. The Social Worker must assess this balance through rigorous assessment and analysis of risk. The Social Work role r equires respect to offenders as individuals and ensure that the offenders ability and right to function as a member of society is not impaired to a greater extent than is necessary in the interests of justice (ADSW, 1996a). Criminal Justice Social Work services are delivered in partnership with various statutory and non-statutory agencies and this can present challenges due to conflicting professional values and aims. The Management of Offenders etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 was introduced to improve joint working and co-ordinate the management of offenders especially in the transition from custody to community supervision and places a duty on Criminal Justice Authorities (CJAs) to have an information sharing process in order that relevant information is shared between agencies (s.3 (5)(g)) for improving offender and risk management. However, sensitive personal information must be handled carefully and be under the principles of the Data Protection Act 1988 and local agency protocols. Practitioners within Social Work must ensure that any information sharing decisions are fully explained and understood by the offender even when their consent to disclosure is not required. Organisations who deliver public services have general duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination and promote equality of opportunity on the grounds of race (Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000), sex (Equality Act 2006), and disability (Disability Discrimination Act 2005). Individuals who are involved with Criminal Justice organisations are entitled to the protection of discrimination laws which relate to sex, race, disability, religious beliefs and sexual orientation, with exception to exercising judicial functions or carrying out Court orders. In these circumstances it may be within Article 14 of the ECHR which prevents to the right to liberty and security of the individual or the right to a fair trial being interfered with on a wide range of discriminatory grounds. Criminal Justice is still influenced by prejudicial and discriminatory views. Research has been carried out by both the Social Work and Prisons Inspectorate for Scotland (1998) which highlighted concerns about the treatment of female offenders in the Criminal Justice process. In addition to this, several inquiries in England and Wales in relation to racial discrimination by the police and prison services has subsequently raised public awareness (Macpherson, 1999; Keith, 2006). The Scottish Government has a duty to publish information of discrimination of any unlawful grounds (s.306 (1)(b) Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995) and therefore, all workers need to practice in an anti-discriminatory way. The law outlines the limits of Social Work intervention and knowledge of the law is essential to anti-oppressive practice. The only legitimacy for intervening in the life of the individual within the criminal justice process is the individuals offending behaviour†¦if individuals have social needs which require to be met but are not crime related or crime producing, or if the offence is not sufficiently serious to fall within the criteria of the twin-track approach, services should be offered, as far as possible, through voluntary provision†¦No-one should be drawn into the criminal justice processes in order to receive social work help (Moore and Whyte, 1998, p.24). Rehabilitative intervention is not just about helping; it imposes limitations on the rights of the individual who is subject to the intervention. Risk assessment and offence based practice is an ethical approach. It aims to ensure that the most intensive and potentially most intrusive services are focused on those service users who pose the greatest risk of causing harm to others (ADSW, 2003) and to prevent socially disadvantaged individuals being taken further into criminal justice control which can result in further social exclusion. Criminal Justice Social Workers must take note that the role involves work with disadvantaged social groups. Certain types of crimes and offenders often criminalise the young, deprived, unemployed and undereducated male with an experience of the care system and this is clear from Social Work and prison statistics (Croall, 2005; McAra and McVie, 2005). There is often a complex relationship between social exclusion and offending behaviour and often the Criminal Justice process displays existing injustices within society. It is important that issues in relation to class, age and social context should be recognised together with vulnerability to discrimination. The Social Workers role should be to address issues of social exclusion and empower individuals to lead law abiding lives by addressing their offending behaviour. Social Work can help offenders develop capacity to make informed choices by actively encouraging their participation in the supervision/change process and their engagement with improving their current social situation (McCulloch, 2005; McNeill, 2004). Assisting offenders to focus on their strengths as opposed to their risk and needs can have a positive impact as they learn to recognise the value in their own lives and respecting the value of others. The sentencing stage in the criminal justice process generates the majority of Criminal Justice Social Work through provision of information to the Court in the form of Social Enquiry Reports (SERs) and the administration of community disposals, with the exception of liberty orders (tagging). SERs have no legal basis but there is a statutory duty on criminal justice social work to provide reports to the Court for disposal of a case (s.27(1)(a) SWSA 1968. Reports provide the court with the information and advice they need in deciding on the most appropriate way to deal with offenders. They include information and advice about the feasibility of community based disposals, particularly those involving local authority supervision. In the case of every offender under 21 and any offender facing custody for the first time, the court must obtain information and advice about whether a community based disposal is available and appropriate. In the event of custody, the court requires advice abo ut the possible need for a Supervised Release order or Extended Sentence Supervision on release. (Scottish Executive, 2004d, para. 1.5) The Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 sets out when the court can or must obtain an SER. Failure to request a report, where required by law, can result in a sentence being quashed on appeal. The Court is not obliged to follow recommendations or opinions in the SER however, Social workers can have a direct influence on the sentence passed. Preparing SERs demands a high standard of professional practice. It requires skilled interviewing, the ability to collect and assess information from different sources, and the art of writing a report which is dependable, constructive, impartial and brief (Social Work Services Inspectorate (SWSI), 1996, Foreword). The law imposes time limits in compiling reports. The Courts require a report within three weeks (s.201(3) (a) if an offender is remanded in custody and within four weeks if the offender is on bail (s.21(3)(b) of the 1995 Act). This means in practice that there are increased demands on a workers time that places increased pressure in the preparation of SERs especially if there are high numbers of worker absence due to leave or whether the worker knows the offender and their individual circumstances. Whilst conducting interviews the worker must ensure that the offender understands the purpose of the report, the relevance of questions (health, addiction issues, and personal relationships) and the limits to confidentiality of this information. Social workers must balance between an informed recommendation and an awareness of the severity of the offence. The report author should be impartial and not minimise the seriousness of the offence and its impact (NOS, Scottish Executive, 2004d, p ara 5.5) and phrases that imply moral judgements, label or stereotype offenders should not be used (para. 5.1). When compiling an SER workers are required to consider the suitability of disposals in relation to the risk posed by an offender and to target appropriate resources which are most appropriate and successful in addressing offending behaviour. Guidelines for the assessment and management of risk are outlined in the Management and Assessment of Risk in Social Work Services (SWSI, 2000) and there are also additional risk assessment frameworks which specifically relate to serious violent and sex offenders. In Criminal Justice the focus has moved from risk of custody to risk of reoffending and risk of harm. Risk assessment is complex and there has been a shift from concern for the offender and their needs to concern about public safety and the offender being a potential source of risk to others. Although the legislation is not explicit about offending behaviour, National Standards state that SERs should provide information and advice which will help the Court decide the available sentencin g options†¦by assessing the risk of reoffending, and†¦the possible harm to others. This requires an investigation of offending behaviour and of the offenders circumstances, attitudes and motivation to change (Scottish Executive, 2004d, 1.6). Risk is defined by Kemshall (1996) as the probability of a future negative or harmful event and assessment of risk includes: the likliehood of an event occurring, who is likely to be at risk, the nature of the harm which they might be exposed and the impact and consequences of the harmful event. Risk assessment has changed over the years and prior to the introduction of risk assessment tools workers relied on clinical methods or professional judgement which was based on an offenders history. These methods were criticised for being too subjective, inaccurate, open to worker bias and dependent on information given by the offender. In the 1990s workers moved towards objective and empirically based risk assessment tools (actuarial) to support their assessment. Actuarial risk assessment tools rely on static (historical) risk factors together with dynamic (criminogenic) risk factors and to assess the risk of reoffending. The static factors (which cannot change) take into account gender, age at first conviction, number of previous offences and custodial experiences, school progress, previous employment and personal history. The criminogenic factors (focus on current areas) include current employment, personal relationships, peer associates, use of time, substance use, mental health and attitudes and behaviour. All of these factors impact on the risk of reoffending (Bonta, 1996). The most widely used assessment tool, The Level of Service Inventory Revised (LSI-R) devised by Andrews and Bonta (1995) incorporates both static and dynamic factors. However, it does not assess risk of harm and this shows that both actuarial and clinical risk assessments are crucial for an effective and comprehensive risk assessment. Clinical methods combine knowledge of the offenders personality, habits lifestyle and an analysis of the circumstances of the offending behaviour and are therefore, the most appropriate assessme nt tool at identifying those who are likely to cause serious harm. Although more time consuming and require more in-depth analysis of both the offender and the offence risk is assessed on predispositions, motivation towards certain behaviours and triggers that may contribute to harmful behaviour. Actuarial tools are not totally accurate (Kemshall, 1996) and although this is improved upon through use of clinical methods in decision making, professional judgement is also crucial. Social workers must be aware that social disadvantage plays a part and this can contribute to a higher assessment of risk and need and to be cautious about the total reliability of these factors when making recommendations that may affect an offenders liberty. Risk assessment and intervention or supervision should be informed by valid, reliable and ongoing assessment and Social Workers should familiarise themselves with research emerging in this area and the many assessment tools and change programmes available (Levy et.al., 2002). To support change Social Workers have to not just think about what work is done with the offender but how that work is done. Offenders under supervision have very high levels of need. Moreover, although most offenders have many needs in common, there are also significant variations that necessitate the thoughtful tailoring of individual interventions if the effectiveness of practice is to be maximised. In delivering effective practice, the accumulated weight of evidence†¦drives us towards recognition that practice skills in general and relationship skills in particular are at least as critical in reducing re-offending as programme content (McNeill et al., 2005, p.5). This recent review of core skills required for effective Criminal Justice Social Work practice raises challenges in practising ethically and effectively but when applied critically and reflectively this could achieve positive outcomes that are in the interest of the public, victims and offenders. Although the law is crucial in framing Social Work practice in the Criminal Justice process it is equally important that Social Work skills and values are central to effective interventions as the role is both demanding and rewarding. Crime has become increasingly prominent both in the public and political agenda and therefore, Social Work has become more prominent and complex. Social Workers have a professional responsibility towards victims, the Court, community and offenders. To fulfil this role effectively, Social Workers must have a clear, confident understanding of their role, the legislative and policy context and a commitment to increasing and developing knowledge, skills and values required for effective and ethical practice.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Civil Disobedience as a Method of Protest Essay -- Nonviolent Resistanc

By definition, civil disobedience means to actively refuse to obey certain laws, demands, and commands of a government or of an occupying power without resorting to physical violence (Wikipedia 2007). Many of the influential people in history have felt passionately about what they believe. These passions caused them to rebel against a government or authority. Many times they felt so strongly about what they believed and how they were being treated was wrong they became disobedient. They would take physical and verbal abuse for being disobedient but would never retaliate. They believed in what they thought was wrong and tried to change the way they were governed. Albert Einstein once said 'never do anything against conscience even if the state demands it.' Albert Einstein's views seem to be reasonable. The claim by Albert Einstein is accurate because people should stand up for what they believe, they should know when they are right and their government is wrong, and they should trust in themselves and their own beliefs. People in this world must stand up for what they believe because many people will take advantage of their power and infringe their rights. When Einstein said what he said about civil disobedience that you should trust a person?s conscious and not his government he was telling people to make a stand. A prime example of standing up for what you believe in and not bowing to a law or demand that a person doesn?t think is right would be Sophocles Antigone she didn?t stop trying to bury her brother because she believed it was the right thing and she stood up for herself ?I shall rest, a loved one with him whom I have loved, sinless in my crime, for I owe a longer allegiance to the dead than to the living: ... ...cience He believed that conscience should tell a person what to do not just a majority vote. To follow a government blindly ruins people they should only trust what they believe is right. The use of civil disobedience is a respectable way of protesting a governments rule. When someone believes that they are being forced into following unjust laws they should stand up for what they believe in no matter the consequences because it is not just one individual they are protesting for they are protesting for the well-being of a nation. Thoreau says ?to resist, the government, when its tyranny or its inefficiency are great and unendurable.? People should only let wrong and right be governed by what they believe not the people of the majority. The public should always stand for what is right, stand when they think a government is wrong, and trust in their moral beliefs.