Aircraft engineering essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Aircraft engineering - Essay Example 129-132). With these definitions, the paper shall look at the differences that exist between a degree program and a training course while examining the professional development that is needed for one to prepare him or herself for a degree program.. Hence, this is a vital topic that shall help explain and clear out the thoughts in a way or the other where possible. A great feature of degree programs is their generality. They tend to teach the student a collection of knowledge that is diverse in the concept it avails. Thus, it is up to the student to determine the place he or she will obtain the degree program. A degree program needs a student who has passed in all of his or her previous modes of study. Thus, there is a procedure that is followed, which requires him or her to show that what he or she has achieved academically is true. Thus, degree programs include courses in education that avail a large array of certain subjects. The person has to make a decision for wanting to pursue a certain degree program. Training courses tend to be specific in terms of what they cover unlike degree programs that are general. The specificity of training programs make them unique to a certain group of people. By being particular, training courses differ from degree programs as their coverage is minimised. However, it depends on training that is being offered, unlike in degree programs where training is availed for multiple things that will help an individual to be an all-round person who is knowledgeable and ready for so many differing aspects in life. The specificity of training courses is determined by the aim, the role, and the problem to be solved. This is not the same for degree programs because it is stipulated that people follow a specific curriculum and complete a certain number of subjects as required in the degree program. Due to the differences in the specificity and generalization of the training courses and degree programs, the number of

Social responsibility Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Social responsibility - Essay Example This would mean that such businesses would do anything to evade the monolithic trends, which could be adversarial economically. Usually, a number of corporates engage in social responsibilities for their own reasons, even if the motives behind their participations raise questions. As a way of showing charity and concern for the surrounding community, most corporates participate in certain social responsibility programs in which they too stand to gain. In essence, the main motivation behind the participation in corporate social responsibilities for most corporates include gaining public trust, indicating business diplomacy, and as a way of looking into the welfare of the employees. Perhaps it is important to reveal that these corporates merely masquerade under the guise of such virtues while their main objective in this course is to set a defensive maneuver against a wide array of critics as to the manner in which they make profits. In ardent efforts to protect their profits, these big companies stage-manage their social responsibility programs as to paint a self-righteous light in the public gallery while in real sense they run the risk of being perceived as being self-conscious. Since the competition in the corporate world is rather heightened, most corporates come up with various strategies including the nonprofit approach towards certain aspects of their businesses. This could be because of either flopping in the market or simply trying to settle business scores. Nonetheless, it is incumbent upon organizations to show that they care about the public and that their efforts are not only reflected in the huge protest that they make but instead incorporating social responsibility into their management plans. In the contemporary world, Marxism is the way to go for the corporates as capitalism only erodes the integrity of the companies. This means that a good company in social

‘Fair Dealing’ Defences in UK Copyright Law: An Analysis

‘Fair Dealing’ Defences in UK Copyright Law: An Analysis â€Å"The ‘fair dealing’ defences occupy a pivotal position in copyright law. They ensure a balance between the interest of the copyright owner in securing a just return on creative work and the public interest in ensuring that intellectual property does not impede the flow of ideas and information.† J Griffiths Preserving Judicial Freedom of Movement –Interpreting Fair Dealing In Copyright Law IPQ 2000, 2,2 164-186. To what extent do you consider that the fair dealing provisions and the supporting case law provide a desirable and consistent balance between these interests? This paper will criticize the restrictive approach of ‘fair dealing’ defences in UK copyright law. American copyright law will be examined in comparison to discuss the alternative attitudes towards ‘fair dealing’ defences in infringement disputes. Changes to the rule will be proposed and discussed to demonstrate how the current copyright defence can be improved to maintain the balance of protecting intellectual property and freedom of information. Fair Dealing defences which are used against copyright infringement cases raise important philosophical issues at the heart of Intellectual Property. There is a need for society to share and build on existing knowledge for progress. For example it can be argued the need to allow freedom of expression, is ‘more than necessary to incentivise creative expression in the first place.’[1] Fair dealing defences attempt to mediate between the fine line of the commercial proprietary rights granted through copyright and the legitimate public use of material in good faith, to teach, educate and share cultural works. Thus there is a fundamental dichotomy between the free expression of ideas in the public domain and the rightful protection of creative works which use such knowledge and information. This is termed the ‘idea-expression divide.’[2] Kretschmer [3] argues against the concept of copyright, due to its capacity to act as an ‘artificial barrier’[4] i mpeding the exchange of ideas in society. One explanation behind such divisions can be suggested to lie in the historical Lockean conceptualization of property. This is defined negatively creating ‘rights to exclude access.’[5] This ‘absolutist conception of property rights’[6] allows the creators to exploit and monopolize economic, cultural production at the expense of fair uses in the public interest and freedom of expression. But there are those who support the rights of the author. For example the French system of droit d’auteur enables an artist to control how their work is distributed in the market. While concerned about economic exploitation of work, moral rights also ensure the author has rights to protect the integrity of a work. Thus the British concept of fair dealing defences must balance these conflicting tensions. British copyright law protects the manner of expression or form of the idea, not the idea itself. A book can be protected but not the actual underlying ideas and themes conveyed in the written text. This was stated in the case of Donoghue[7] where the judge held ‘the person who has clothed the idea in form, whether by means of a picture, a play or book’ will enjoy the benefits of copyright protection. Fair Dealing in UK copyright law is a defence under Sections 28-76 of the CDPA 1988[8]. The legislation provides for a set of prescribed circumstances, where reproductions of copyright material will not be considered an infringement. Fair dealing is outlined in sections 20-30. There are three categories where copying can be considered a fair action to take when using copyright protected material. They are 1) for research and private study under section 29; 2) for criticism and review in section 30; and 3) reporting current events under section 31. It must be noted that the legislation provides no clear definition of what constitutes fair use of material which attracts copyright. Thus the act restricts the defence to the non exclusive purposes as stated above. One reason for restricting fair use to a number of permitted acts enables the judge to consider other factors which are unique to the case itself. Fair dealing in this sense is shaped in the UK by judges as a ‘matter of im pression’[9] on a case by case basis. The scope of fair dealing was clarified by Lord Denning in Hubbard v. Vosper. [10] This case suggested certain criteria to be considered by the judge in order to determine whether fair use can be permitted in different situations involving the use of copyrighted material. Denning outlined considerations, such as the frequency and extent of quotations, and subsequently the nature of using quotations. Denning states in response to this test, ‘If they are used as a basis of comment, criticism or review that may be fair dealing. If they are used to convey the same information for a rival purpose, they may be unfair.’ Another rule of thumb is the extent of the quotation within copyrighted work. This considers the size of the actual quote used and its justified proportions in fair use. For example Denning suggests ‘to take long extracts and attach short commentary maybe unfair.’ Each case of infringement is judged by objective standards, through the eyes of an hon est person as to whether they would have dealt with the protected material in the same way as the infringer has acted. Existing fair dealing case law, only serves to highlight the ambiguity of the defence under English law. It is difficult to provide a desirable balance which protects the exclusive rights of the copyright holder but maintain a consistent approach which provides certainty to use material which is permitted in law. For example the purposes of legitimate research, the courts will not allow commercial research if it is used to produce a competing product or work. This was highlighted in the case of Time Out.[11] It can be suggested large amounts of copying will be allowed for private research and study in the eyes of the law. Academics argue in this context fair dealing functions to enable freedom of individual research and study. To require and enforce protective measures to prevent the use of copyrighted material is impractical and uneconomic. It is argued copyright should not be used as a bar to those who wish to use the work in their own studies. Torremans argues copyright property rhetoric should not be allowed to supersede important value of free ideas. For example ‘copyright should not become a financial and practical obstructing barrier. There needs to be a balance between the interests of the copyright owners and society in the good functioning of the copyright system and the inter est of society for its development.’[12] It can be suggested this same line of reasoning underpins the fair dealing doctrine for educational purposes. Copying is permitted for intellectual property in dramatic, literary, artistic or musical work for purposes of instruction. Thus a student would be allowed to copy a part of an academic article in order to support their research or point of view in an essay. Under the category of infringing material for the purposes of criticism and review, it has been established that infringement will not occur if there is adequate acknowledgement of the author, the title or description of work is made available, as held in the case of Sillitoe.[13] Fair dealing was extended in the case of Pro Sieben Media AG [14] which held criticism of work can be fair, even if including the ideas in a work to discuss its ethical implications. The case stated that the ‘defence is limited to criticizing or reviewing that or another work or a performance of a work.’ The function of the defence is to allow a critic a sensible degree of leeway to conduct a review of the work. The courts stated the use of infringing material in a documentary was ‘a genuine piece of criticism and review rather than an attempt to dress ordinary copyright infringement up as criticism.’[15] This case suggests it is fair to critically treat copyrighted material using the ideas within the work. But crucially ‘the defence does not cover those cases where only ideas, doctrine, philosophy and events are criticized.’ [16] Therefore the fair dealing doctrine is narrow in scope, restricted only to the fair use for the purposes of critical review. This case been criticized by Torremans who has argued it is not sufficient to rely on the infringers ‘sincere belief’ they are conducting fair criticism. There is an imbalance for those to wishing to exploit the fine line and cynically infringe work and simply claim the fair dealing defence for the purpose of criticism and review. It can be suggested in comparison to US legal ‘multi – purpose’[17] concept of fair use, the UK fair dealing doctrine is too restrictive in scope and interpretation. The UK is restrictive because the CDPA legislates three categories of permitted copying under the fair dealing defences, which are determined on a case by case basis of the judge. Thus anything else will be uncovered by the doctrine. The American legal system in contrast uses four standard ‘balancing’[18] tests to determine the extent of copying protected material which is covered under the fair use doctrine. The fair use doctrine is a wider and more flexible legal concept to balance the ‘idea-expression’ division in intellectual property. Under the American Copyright Act 1976 17 U.S.C Section 107 states: ‘In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include- 1.the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or it is for non profit educational purposes; 2.the nature of the copyrighted work; 3.the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole, and 4.the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.’ The fair use doctrine is not defined within the statute, it is left open to broad interpretation by judicial opinion. This ensures a degree of flexibility for the continued transmission of ideas in society. This for example can be seen when analyzing the primary factor of purpose and character. The concept of fair use rests on the idea of limited ‘transformative use’[19] for similar purposes of educating, parody or comment. The standard allows the courts to asses whether the use is fair and justified. It also requires the burden of proof on the infringer to ‘demonstrate how the consideration is the extent to which the use is interpreted as transformative as opposed to merely derivative.’[20] This point of law was considered in cases such as Mattel Inc.[21] The toy company lost the claim against an artist who parodied the iconic â€Å"Barbie† doll figure in a non derivative manner. The doll was used in an entirely different context which defeated the c opyright infringement claim. Secondly the benefits of American fair use can be seen when considering the nature of the work. The standard allows for the distinction between created work and factual information which serves the public through its dissemination into the open arena. It is argued there is more ‘leeway’[22] to copy factual material. This provision directly allows the courts to ‘prevent the private ownership of work that rightfully belongs in the public domain, as facts and ideas are separate from copyright.’[23] This was held to be the case in Time Inc [24]concerning the public interest of the film depicting the assignation of President Kennedy. The social need to keep this in the public domain was greater than the commercial need to uphold the copyright in the film footage. The third factor assessing the amount and substantiality of the original copied work is a more troublesome standard to determine in the courts. For example the issue of sampling in hip hop music, which reclaims existing music and uses it to create a new track, was litigated. Here the courts have been unusually strict seen in the decision Grand.[25] The case enforced the copyright of a Gilbert O’Sullivan song and lead to the restrictive requirement of licensing samples of music from the copyright owner, if the sample if substantially recognizable. The fourth factor of investigating the effect upon the work’s value attempts to quantify the commercial impact infringement has had on the protected material. The ‘Betamax’[26] case involved the copyright owner Universal loosing the infringement claim as it could not prove with any reliable evidence that the Betamax technology had dented the commercial broadcaster’s profits. Such an approach allows the courts to factor in alleged market harm to copyrighted material, and give equal consideration to economic concerns of the rights holder to make a fully informed assessment of the situation. These four non exclusive factors provide enough flexibility for judicial opinion to consider other important considerations in relation to each individual case of infringement. In addition flexibility is encouraged as the fair use doctrine is a positive ‘defense to copyright, which means if the defendants actions do not constitute and infringements of the plaintiffs rights, fair use does not even arise as an issue.’[27] Thus a broader view is established in the US system. You do not need the consent of the copyright owner under American law to engage in fair use of material which attracts copyright. However further criticism of the UK approach to fair dealing arises in the wider context of digital copying technology and file sharing. The doctrine is made to look ineffective, mainly through the botched nature of the UK implementation of the EU Directives on the Information Society. This paper believes it is necessary to resolve these problems and rethink the traditional approach to copyright infringement in a digital environment. The aim to balance the conflicting factors of the author’s rights and the need to allow the free exchange of knowledge in society is harder to perform with widespread digital copying. But it is possible through Digital Management Systems, to distribute copyrighted content through technology which limits the capacity to duplicate files by the consumer. Despite DMS, this paper believes the frequency and simplicity of replication facilitated through digital technology far outweighs such content managed systems that use inbuilt licensing restrictions. For example peer 2 peer file sharing and online digital content has facilitated the exchange of copyrighted music in huge numbers among users of a globalised network on the internet. It can be suggested that the UK’s implementation of the EU Information and Society Directive (2001) shows how outdated the present conception of fair dealing defences are. Article 5 deals with the exceptions and limitations to the use of copyright, in order to harmonize European policy. Under Article 5(5) a ‘draconian’[28] three step test is used to assess any infringement exceptions in special cases. This section is to be ‘applied if they do not conflict with normal exploitation of the work and if the exception does not unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the rights holder.’[29]Critics suggest this is an even stricter standard providing no fair use for ‘copy protected on demand services.’[30] Critics view the directive to mistakenly allow principles of freedom of expression to be ‘handed over to the rights owner.’[31] For example under article 6(4) availability of research material through on-demand services c an be contractually blocked by the copyright holder. This has major repercussions for the role of UK fair dealing defences as it renders the doctrine ineffective in the digital arena. Kretschmer worries this amounts to a ‘possibility of perpetual copyright.’[32] In addition to this under 5(1), the directive provides for technical exceptions which involve necessary copying for technological process and digital content. Temporary reproductions such as the cache of files within a browser which copy files of data will not infringe copyright as such acts are ‘incidental and should have no economic significance.’[33] In light of such developments it can be suggested there is a need to find alternative solutions to reward copyright owners interest within a digital context. There is a need for copyright to ‘generate new resources of remuneration’[34] for rights owners instead of functioning in a prohibitive manner. Kretschmer proposes alternative system of royalties to be used to compensate owners who can not stem the tide of digital copying. For example ‘a small royalty percentage on content traffic revenues from ISP’s would have been the obvious legal innovation.’[35] Such novel solutions are needed in order to successfully balance the freedom of information with traditional copyright interests. In conclusion this paper argues for the need to make changes and decided upon pragmatic alternative solutions to the current legal situation. Fair dealing should be redefined to enable copyright infringement defences take into account the development of digital content. It can be suggested to ensure greater flexibility the UK should adopt the wider US fair use doctrinal approach to defending infringement. Legislation should widen the scope of fair dealing through standard factor based tests. Adopting such standards would promote a liberal approach to asses the degree and nature of infringement. This is needed to make sure the vital balancing act of competing ideological tensions continue within intellectual property law. Bibliography Klang Murray (eds) Human Rights in the Digital Age, 2005 Cavendish Lloyd, Information Technology Law 4th Ed, 2004 ,OUP Bently Sherman, Intellectual Property Law, 2nd Ed, 2004, Oxford Holyoak Torremans, Intellectual Property Law, 3rd Ed, 2001, Butterworths Intellectual Property Law, Fourth Edition 2004, Cavendish Publishing J Griffiths, Preserving Judicial Freedom of Movement –Interpreting Fair Dealing In Copyright Law IPQ 2000, 2,2 164-186 M. Kretschmer, Digital Copyright: End of an Era, 2003 www.cippm.org.co.uk Joint Information Systems Committee and Publishers Association, Guidelines for Fair Dealing in An Electronic Environment, 1998, www.ukonln.ac.uk/services/elib/papers/pa/fair/intro.html R. Buchan, Fair Picture, Guidance from the English High Court on Fair Dealing for the Purpose of Criticism and Review, as Applied to Copyright Material, The Journal of Law and Society, August 2005, Page 52, www.journalonline.co.uk/article/1002090.aspx 1 Footnotes [1] W. Landes and R. Posner, An Economic Analysis Of Copyright Law, (1989) 18 Journal of Legal Studies, 325-366 [2] Http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/idea-expression_divide [3] www.cippm.org.uk, M. Kretschmer, Digital Copyright: The End of An Era [4] http:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/copyright/fair_use_and_fair_dealing [5] www.cippm.org.uk, M. Kretschmer, Digital Copyright: The End of An Era [6] as above [7] Donoghue v Allied Newspapers Limited (1938) Ch 106 [8] Copyright, Designs and Patent Act 1988 [9] Lord Denning Hubbard v. Vosper (1972) 2 QB 84 1 All ER [10] Hubbard V Vosper (1972) 2 QB 84, 1 All ER 1023 [11] Independent television Publications Ltd v. Time Out Ltd (1984) FSR 545 [12] p. 258 Holyoak and Torremans, Intellectual Property Law, 3rd Edition, Butterworths, 2001 [13] Sillitoe v. McGraw-Hill Book Co (UK) Ltd (1983) FSR 545 [14] Pro Sieben Media AG v. Carlton TV (1999) [15] p.259 as above [16] p.259, Holyoak and Torremans, Intellectual Property Law, 3rd Edition, Butterworths, 2001 [17] www.cippm.org.uk, M. Kretschmer, Digital Copyright: The End of An Era [18] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/fair_use [19] http://fairuse.stanford.edu.copyright_and_fair_use_overview/chapter9/index.html [20] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/fair_use [21] Mattel Inc v. Walking Mountain Productions [22] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/fair_use [23] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/fair_use [24] Time Inc. v. Bernard Geis Associates 293 F Supp. 130 [25] Grand Upright v. Warner 780 F Supp 182 (S.D.N.Y 1991) [26] Sony Corp v. Universal City Studios , 464 U.S 417, 451 (1984) [27] as above [28] www.cippm.org.uk, M. Kretschmer, Digital Copyright: The End of An Era [29] p.268, Holyoak and Torremans, Intellectual Property Law, 3rd Edition, Butterworths, 2001 [30] p.8 www.cippm.org.uk, M. Kretschmer, Digital Copyright: The End of An Era [31] as above [32] p.10 as above [33] as above [34] as above [35] p.3, M. Kretschmer, Digital Copyright: The End of An Era

Kosovo Crisis :: essays research papers

Kosovo has encountered some hard times. Ethnic Albanians claim themselves to be the descendents of the ancient llyrians, Kosovo’s first inhabitants. The Serbs believe that Kosovo is the cradle of their history and culture. Both have different wants; the Serbs with to have â€Å"their† land while the Albanians, which make up ninety percent of the population, want an independent nation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many of the troubles evolved from World War II when the country was torn on whether or not to support tHitler and his movement. Since then the Albanians have cried for a free republic. The Kosovo Liberal Army resulted from Albanian attacks. The army was formed to perform terrorist attacks on this who didn’t wish to conform to the Kosovo government. Thus, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) involvement was imminent. The purpose of NATO’s involvement was to resolve the conflict as peacefully as possible. Their involvement, however, seems to be more of a cancer that a cure. Both side of the conflict turn their weapons of destruction not only on each other, but also onto NATO soldiers. Somewhat ironic, to prevent death we must send our brave men in to die. The conflict has been hard on the world, but more so on Kosovo itself. It is predicted that if the war doesn’t stop the two-sides will be fighting over nothing other than pride. The worldà ¢â‚¬â„¢s involvement into the conflict seems to have fueled the anger of both sides.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are hundreds of people suck in the middle. Regular farmers have become heroes. Women starting orphanages for children who have been abandoned or lost their parents. One story is of a man that digs through the destroyed rubble searching for anything that could be of value to give to those less fortunate than he, and there aren’t many that are fortunate. Another is of those who have given their lives, which amounts to hundreds of stories related. There are those who don’t even want to be there such as the American G.I. who is ready and willing to gibe his or her life for those caught in the middle. Yet even though there is goodness in the torn country an official describes it as, â€Å"if five candles are burning and one is extinguished, the one not lit sticks out among the others. There is good in this place of anger, it has just been overlooked.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The conflict continues, and every day another person is found risking a sacrifice for the good or the country or another person.

Plantation Slavery in the Middle East

Plantation Slavery in Indian Ocean When topics such as African history and slavery are brought to mind, many American’s have a predetermined belief or idea on the subject. Such ideas may include that there is not much of African history until European presence, that African’s did not do anything of significance until the arrival of Europeans. Then, there are some beliefs that slavery was only a matter of American history. Both ideas are incorrect, in that there is plenty of evidence that points towards significant achievements in Africa before the arrival of Europeans and that slavery was a major part of Indian Ocean history. Slavery had existed in the Indian Ocean world far before Europeans captured and enforced slaves to work in agriculture plantations in America. In fact, many countries in the Indian Ocean world used slaves for manual labor. Although the manual labor is similar to that of plantations in America there are great differences between the two. Manual labor may be the sole reason for wealth and prosperity of the countries in the Indian Ocean world. Some countries in the Indian Ocean world that were under development became prosperous and powerful due to the cruel and harsh labor of slaves. Slavery around the world dates back before the eighteenth century but slavery in the Indian Ocean world begins around the eighteenth century. According to Eduardo Medeiros in his article â€Å"Contribution of the Mozambican Diaspora in the Development of Cultural Identities on the Indian Ocean Islands† he states that, â€Å"Starting about 1720, thousands of Africans were kidnapped from their original social groups and transported to the more important islands of the Indian Ocean† (pg. 5). These slaves were transported by ships, in which they were typically stuffed into the ship with nothing to sleep on but the cold wood beneath their feet. Such treatment was bound to cause slaves to rebel or fight as Medeiros states, â€Å"’Rebellion was a constant danger to the slaver’ at sea, and a permanent peril in the fields at their destination† (pg. 58). One such rebellion was legendary in the region of the Indian Ocean was that of a man named Bororo. Bororo’s enslaved ship was set to sail from Mozambique to Mauritius carrying 237 slaves. Bororo signaled for the uprising to begin, in which Bororo attempted to attack the pilot of the ship, Captain Le Bel,while the other slaves grabbed whatever was nearby as a weapon and commenced to destroy the ship. Le Bel freed himself of Bororo’s attacks, fled to his quarters, grabbed his sword and was able to contain the riot shortly. And â€Å"Soon after, 23, of the most energetic men had been put in chains and the rest tied with ropes. He then, wanted to know who had been the leader of the uprising and Bororo volunteered to admit the responsibility† (pg. 58). The Captain soon realized the size of his crew was outnumbered by the slaves and as such he commanded for Bororo who â€Å"was tied to the foremast’s top and was shot in the presence of the remaining slaves. His body was thrown to the sea† (pg. 59). Transportation of slaves was so sever and harsh that rebellion, although slim in success, was worth more than enslavement. Other times rebellious acts such as suicide were acts of religious beliefs. Africans from Malagasy â€Å"believed that at death, when the soul departed, the body would return not to God, but to the place of birth where a new existence would begin under another form† (Medeiros pg. 73). Such a belief was so strongly felt among these people that it would persuade them to commit suicide by jumping into the sea. Slaves were transported to islands such as Reunion, Seychelles, Macarenes, and Chagos. Their labor work was needed for agriculture plantations. According to Alpers, the commencement of plantations of indigo and coffee – soon after to be replaced by sugar cane in the Masacarenhas islands – date coconut, and clove in Zanzibar and Pemba islands, grain in the Kenya coast, date in the Persian Gulf, as well as building of ports and urban development in Arabia, underwater harvest of oysters for pearls in the Red sea and Persian Gulf, cultivation of grain in Madagasca r and Somalia’s Littoral, and the political expansion and consolidation in Yemen and Oman contributed greatly to the demand of a large quantity of African labor force in the 18th and 19thcenturies† (Medeiros pg. 6). Without such a â€Å"large quantity of African labor force† as Medeiros says, prosperity among such islands would not have reached such potentials. Such demands for large quantities of labor force reached numbers as Gwyn Campbell author of â€Å"The Structure of Slavery in Indian Ocean Africa and Asia says numbers climbed, â€Å"from 33,031 in 1765 to more than 93,000 by the late 1790s,† (Campbell pg 34). But such intense labor and transportation of slavery was bound to create multiple kinds of rebellion amongst slaves. In conclusion, slavery in the Indian Ocean world was one that contained brutal, severe, and sometimes deadly conditions. Beginning with their means of transportation, slaves were treated as monsters as such given the icy ground to sleep on during transportation. Such conditions would cause anyone to desire escape. Flight was not only numerous during the slave trade in the Indian Ocean world but it had many classes or levels of complexity. Whether it be simple rebellion from no longer wanting to work in the fields of plantation or whether it is an attempt to form a small community in which runaways could survive in, flight allowed for slaves to interrupt the systematic nature of the slave trade structure. Interruption such as these would also cost the region loss in financial stability. Such interruption would also eventually lead to the demise and extinction of the slave trade in the Indian Ocean world although it took more than rebellious acts such as flight. Although many attempts were set to extinguish the fire of slavery, slavery would officially end in the Indian Ocean world by the end of the 19thcentury. Such attempts were disproved by simply disregarding treaties, or discovering different alternatives in the treaties. Many regions would effortlessly change the title of slave to â€Å"contract labor† in an attempt to overcome the system. Nevertheless, slavery in the Indian Ocean world came to an official conclusion in the end of the 19th century. With the end of slavery there was a large shortage in the need for manual agricultural plantation labor. With such a shortage the Indian Ocean world lacked an edge in the economic race to achieve success this was due partly because of former slaves no longer compliant to the diminutive amount of compensation as they began consider other occupations. Yet after slavery was officially abolished in the Indian Ocean world, there were still discriminatory and inequality issues that needed to be faced head on. After years of violence, equality is still an issue that has yet to have been reached in many regions of the Indian Ocean world. Sources: Alpers, Edward A. , Gwyn Campbell, and Michael Salman. Resisting Bondage in Indian Ocean Africa and Asia. Routledge studies in slave and post-slave societies and cultures, 2. London: Routledge, 2007. Alpers, E. â€Å"Flight to Freedom: Escape from Slavery among bonded Africans in the Indian Ocean World, c. 1750-1962. † In Alpers, E. , Gwyn Campbell. And Michael Salman (eds), Slavery and Resistance in Africa and Asia. London: Routledge (2005), 51-67. Campbell, Gwyn. The Structure of Slavery in Indian Ocean Africa and Asia. Studies in slave and post-slave societies and cultures. London: Frank Cass, 2004. Hintjens, Helen. â€Å"From French Slaves to Citizens: The African Diaspora in the Reunion Island. In Jayasuria, Shihan and Richard Pankhurst (eds), The African Diapsora in the Indian Ocean. New Jersey: Africa World Press, 2003, 99-122. Medeiros, Eduardo. â€Å"Contribution of the Mozambican Diaspora in the Development of Cultural Identities in the Indian Ocean Islands. In Jayasuriya, Shihan and Richard Pankhurst (eds), The African Diaspora in the Indian Ocean. New Jersey: Africa World Press 2003, 53-80. Scarr, Deryck. Slaving and Slavery in the Indian Ocean. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1998.

Bis Case Study

Chapter 8 / Enterprise Business Systems ? 259 REAL WORLD CASE 2 Agilent Technologies and Russ Berrie: Challenges of Implementing ERP Systems Co. (www. russberrie. com) was taking another crack at replacing its legacy business systems. The Oakland, New Jersey–based distributor of toys and gifts ? nalized plans to roll out J. D. Edwards & Co. ’s OneWorld Xe suite of enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management, and ? nancial applications. The multimillion-dollar project was scheduled to be done in phases over the next 18 months.Russ Berrie CIO Michael Saunders said that the company, which had sales of $225 million during the ? rst nine months of 2001, hoped the OneWorld System would help it reach $1 billion in annual revenue in the coming years. Within the next 12 months, he said, Russ Berrie planned to begin installing the applications one department at a time, starting with a stand-alone implementation in purchasing. â€Å"We’re not going big bang,† Saunders said. â€Å"We’re mitigating implementation risks by taking a phased-in approach. The company had reason to be cautious. Three years before, a Y2K-related migration from its homegrown distribution, ? nancial, and customer service systems to packaged ERP applications experienced major system failures. Saunders said the problems were severe enough for Russ Berrie to take many of the new applications off-line and return to their old systems. Saunders wouldn’t identify the software vendors that were involved in the failed implementation, but sources said that SAP AG’s applications were part of the 1999 project.A spokesman at SAP con? rmed that Russ Berrie was one of its customers, but he declined to offer further details because of pending litigation between the two companies. Joshua Greenbaum of Enterprise Applications Consulting said it appeared that Russ Berrie â€Å"bit off more than they could chew† on the 1999 project. Compan ywide rollouts are especially risky for midsize businesses like Russ Berrie, Greenbaum said. T he good news is that Agilent Technologies Inc. (www. agilent. com) says its enterprise resource planning applications are stable.The bad news is they got that way only after a rocky ERP migration project that cost the company $105 million in revenue and $70 million in pro? ts. In mid-August 2002, the multinational communications and life sciences company, formerly a part of HewlettPackard Co. , said problems with the ERP components in Oracle’s e-Business Suite 11e software froze production for the equivalent of a week, leading to the massive losses. The Oracle system handles about half of the company’s worldwide production of test, measurement, and monitoring products and almost all of its ? ancial operations, as well as functions such as order handling and shipping. Agilent was in the process of migrating as many as 2,200 legacy applications that it inherited from HP to Orac le. As part of the switchover, approximately 6,000 orders in the internally developed legacy systems had to be converted to an Oracle-friendly format, an Agilent spokeswoman said from company headquarters in Palo Alto, California. She said the con? guration process had problems requiring correction.In a statement last week, Agilent President and CEO Ned Barnholt said the disruptions to the business after implementing the ERP system were â€Å"more extensive than we expected. † An Agilent spokeswoman said the issue wasn’t the quality of the Oracle application, but rather the â€Å"very complex nature of the enterprise resource planning implementation. † For its part, Oracle Corp. said it’s working closely with Agilent. â€Å"At Oracle, we are fully committed to all of our customers for the long haul and support them in any way necessary,† the company said in a statement. We have a strong relationship with Agilent, and both companies believe the impl ementation is stable. † Agilent also had a takeaway lesson: â€Å"Enterprise resource planning implementations are a lot more than software packages,† the company said in a statement. â€Å"They are a fundamental transformation of a company’s business processes. People, processes, policies, the company’s culture are all factors that should be taken into consideration when implementing a major enterprise system. † According to one analyst, ERP disasters are often caused by the user company itself.Joshua Greenbaum, an analyst at Enterprise Applications Consulting, said 99 percent of such rollout ? ascoes are caused by â€Å"management’s inability to spec out their own requirements and the implementer’s inability to implement those specs. † Russ Berrie and Co. After a three-year saga that included a $10. 3 million ? nancial hit from the failed installation of packaged applications, teddy bear maker Russ Berrie and Case Study Questi ons 1. What are the main reasons companies experience failures in implementing ERP systems? 2.What are several key things companies should do to avoid ERP systems failures? Explain the reasons for your proposals. 3. Why do you think ERP systems in particular are often cited as examples of failures in IT systems development, implementation, or management? Source: Adapted from Marc Songini, â€Å"ERP Effort Sinks Agilent Revenue,† Computerworld, August 26, 2002, pp. 1, 12; and Marc Songini, â€Å"Teddy Bear Maker Prepares for Second Attempt at ERP Rollout,† Computerworld, February 4, 2002, p. 16. Reprinted with permission from Computerworld.

Pros and Cons of Utlizing a Traditional Grading Scale

Pros and Cons of Utlizing a Traditional Grading Scale The traditional grading scale is archaic with roots extending back to early education. This scale is commonplace in schools as most incorporate the traditional A-F grading scale as the core of student assessment. This scale may also have additional components such as incomplete or pass/fail courses. The following example of a traditional grading scale is what most schools in the United States rely on to evaluate student performance. A 90-100%B 80-89%C 70-79%D 60-69%F 0-59%I IncompleteU UnsatisfactoryN Needs ImprovementS Satisfactory In addition, many schools attach a system of pluses and minuses to extend the traditional grading system to quantify and establish a more tiered traditional grading scale. For example, a 90-93 is an A-, 94-96 is an A, and 97-100 is an A The traditional grading scale has been embraced by many schools across the country. This practice does have many opponents who feel that it is outdated and that there are more beneficial alternatives available. The remainder of this article will highlight some of the pros and cons of utilizing the traditional grading scale. Pros of a Traditional Grading Scale The traditional grading scale is universally recognized. Virtually everyone knows that earning an A is good while earning an F is associated with failure.The traditional grading scale is easy to interpret and understand. The simplistic nature of the system makes it user-friendly for teachers, students, and parents.The traditional grading scale allows for direct comparison from one student to another within a specific class. A student with an 88 in a 7th-grade geography class is performing better than another student with a 62 in the same class. Cons of a Traditional Grading Scale The traditional grading scale is easy to manipulate because it is often subjective in nature. For example, one math teacher may require students to show work, while another may only require answers. Therefore, a student making an A in one teachers class may be making a C in another teachers class even though the quality of the work they are doing is identical. This can make it difficult for schools and decision-makers who are trying to compare students using a traditional grading scale.The traditional grading scale is limited because it does not show what a student is learning or what they should be learning. It provides no explanation for why or how a student ended up with a particular grade. The traditional grading scale leads to hours of subjective grading and fosters a testing culture. While it may be simple for teachers to understand, it takes a lot of time to create and grade the assessments that drive the traditional grading system. Furthermore, it promotes a testing culture b ecause they are simpler to score than other assessment practices typically are.

Martin Luther A Development of His Theology essays

Martin Luther A Development of His Theology essays Martin Luthers development of his theology, Lutheranism, took many years of Biblical studies, monastic living and inner soul searching. Luther had been designated by his father to be a lawyer. He pursued this wish by attending the University of Erfurt, a university that was considered to be the best and a university in which religion played a dominant role. In 1505 he passed his Masters exam and received his degree of Law. Also in 1505 Luther had an intense spiritual experience; a bolt of lightning struck him down. In his fear, he pleaded with St. Anne to spare his life and in return he will devote his life to the monastery. It is here that I will explain how he developed his theology. In the fall of 1506 Luther entered the Augustinian Order as he had promised St. Anne, and was a monk for the next twenty or so years. While he was a monk, he became concerned with the impending question, How can I be saved? He was faithful in his obedience to his order, and performed the spiritual requirements with a reverence. As Luther stated, If ever a monk came to heaven through monkery, it should have been I. But Luther thought of himself as unworthy in Gods eyes. God was stern and to be feared, he was at the mercy of a relentless judge, and he had no possibility of appeal. How could this God be the just God that is spoken of in the scriptures, when He set forth-impossible requirements for a human to achieve to attain salvation? He was deeply troubled in the fact that he went against his fathers wishes for him to be a lawyer for he broke the fourth commandment: honor thy father and mother. It seemed to Martin that the harder he tried to attain salvation and get close to his God, the farther away he was. In Luthers search for inner-spirituality, another Augustinian Monk assisted him by telling him to look no further than the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for his salvat...

A Study of the Events That Motivated My Identity

A Study of the Events That Motivated My Identity â€Å"I’m disappointed†, said my father after he saw the paper my teacher sent with my horrible test grade. I’ve always looked up to my father, so when he told me those words felt the shame piercing my soul. However, presently I am a hardworking person who has come far in school. The geeky glasses and pony tail add to my school girl look. Getting superior grades in school is one of my main priorities and it has been effective since I graduated in the top percent at my school. I’ve come far as a result of the dedication I put into my schoolwork. Throughout my life, I experienced many things that have that shaped who I am today, but that shameful event had the greatest impact on the person I’ve become. It taught me not to take things for granted and to always weight my options. In sixth grade they informed us of a state test that the students were required to take. We were told of its importance and difficulty. All my friends and classmates spent that year preparing while I passed the time watching TV and playing on the computer. I believed that I didn’t need to know any more information than what I knew in order to pass. I would say â€Å"Ill study tomorrow whenever my parents peeved about reviewing. When the day came, I sat down in that cold room and made a terrible realization; it was impossible to answer any of the questions. I just stared blankly at the clock and watched time pass while everyone around me completed the exam. When the results came back they reflected the horror I went through that day. My teacher became disappointed and sent a note to my parents. I let everyone down. The next year, I was forced to take remedial classes while my friends took classes like art or played outside. I stayed home and studied every day in order to retak e and pass the test. It was embarrassing that I acted carelessly and thought too high of myself. Consequently, I faced the consequences. That shameful experience taught me many valuable things. It helped me understand that I need to pay attention to the little things in life because they can impact our lives. I realized that I needed to work harder if I wanted a better future. Now I have a greater sense of my goals and priorities and no longer give up on my goals as easily as before. I work harder towards the things I want to achieve and try to focus more on my school work. These attributes are what helped me get accepted into my dream university and in am in one of the best colleges of the states with a scholarship. Everyone is made up of the experiences they faced. Events in our lives, whether large or small, shape the way we are. A shameful incident that marks who I am today was failing my exam at a young age. It made me into an intellectual student who is more focused on accomplishing her goals. It proved to me that we always learn from our past and our mistakes for we are the sum of our experiences and tomorrow we will become more than we are today.

SIM 6 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

SIM 6 - Essay Example The scripture Deuteronomy 6:1-9 warns the Israelites against worshipping any other god but Yahweh. The big idea in this passage is that the Israelites are a chosen people down their generations. It is apparent from the passage that they must live according to God’s will. The LORD God promises to allow them live in the Promised Land for a long time if they not only listen to His commandments, but also obey them at the same time. In short, God is revealing that His promises are conditional. Moses says, â€Å"Listen to them, people of Israel, and obey them! Then all will go well with you, and you will become a mighty nation, and live in that fertile land, just as the LORD, the God of our ancestors has promised (Deuteronomy 6:3).† This passage fits the theme of the book in the sense that it continues to give laws guiding man’s relationship with God. After being chosen, taken into captivity in Egypt and finally emancipated, the LORD God makes the terms of His covenant with Abraham1 specific to the Israelites. The laws given demonstrate that they have been called to righteousness2 and that they have to be righteous in the first place. They must also have faith in God alone, trust in him and keep his commandments down the generations so that His promises may be fulfilled in their lives. The historical and cultural background of the passage traces back to the call of Abraham when he was in Ur. Upon demonstrating faith in God, he had been promised that he would be made a great nation3. When Abraham’s descendants were now numerous and serving in Egypt as slaves, God saved Moses as the vessel through which he would later free the Israelites from bondage. Moses rises as a great prophet who liberated the Israelites from Egypt in plan with God’s plan. Through him, God gives His people the Law to guide their relationships as they await the Messiah

HYBRID ENERGIES Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

HYBRID ENERGIES - Research Paper Example The most striking feature is its very low negative impact on the environment, especially of the small hydropower plants (Our Energy, 2010). This is because the large-scale plants, although producing no waste products like gases and fumes, effect the surrounding ecology by disrupting the ecosystem and laying a waste to the soil in terms of agriculture (Our Energy, 2010). Hence, of late, the small-scale power plants, which can be set up on local water supply pipelines and, therefore, not radically shifting the ecosystem, are preferred (Our Energy, 2010). Another near-zero negative impact hybrid energy comes from the solar thermal technology (Solar Thermal Energy, 2008). This is the most favored form of the hybrid energies, and is increasingly becoming cheaper than the conventional fuels to both harness and maintain (Solar Thermal Energy, 2008). The point focus form of this technology is much more efficient than the other forms, almost double the efficiency (Solar Thermal Energy, 2008). This means that to produce the same amount of energy, it will have the least negative balance on the environment. The highest negative balance on the environment comes from the burning of fossil fuels (Postnote, 2006). Even from among these traditional fuels, coal has the highest carbon footprint, reaching to a level of more than 1,000 gCO2eq/kWh (Postnote, 2006).

Project Outline Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Project Outline - Essay Example Everything becomes meaningless without a vision. Therefore, one has to devote his time and effort in order to make his vision a reality. Vision drives people to take action and move forward. A leader has to realize his unique vision and organize all his activities in attaining it. Effectiveness of leadership is all about doing much and talking less. More often, people are more affected by what they see than what they hear. Therefore, one has to choose actions and stop wasting people’s precious time on cheap talks about his intentions and plans One cannot lead in a vacuum. Leadership is all about influencing, communicating and engaging. The basis of effective leadership is communication skills. Therefore, it is imperative to communicate with people as this will yield amazing results. Personality has an effect on all aspects of an employee performance. Not every personality is fit for every position; thus it is advisable to recognize various personality traits and group employees according to what theyre capable of doing best. This results in job satisfaction, motivation and increased productivity, thus helping the organization to work more effectively and achieve its goals and objectives. Intrinsic Motivators- these are motivators that originate from within without any external influence e.g. hunger and sleep. Nobody creates these motivations since you already have them and forms part and parcel of the human being Extrinsic Motivators – these motivators originate from an external environment, and they tend to control individual behavior. Nobody is born with these factors; for instance, yearning for money, prices, and praise and good

Halloween as a Ritual of Reversal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Halloween as a Ritual of Reversal - Essay Example Halloween overcomes the normal order of things in a variety of ways. Some of the costumes include gown black, like bats. This is mostly dressed because they symbolize that bats always operate during the night. Also, bats are thought to be creepy and this put people to think they would symbolize the link with the dead the other common costume symbolizes the black cat this was due to at the end of the autumn season symbolized the act of reincarnation. Most people believed that cats were more close to witches and this also another reason why they would prefer black cats. Others costumes that do come in handy are the skeletons this are perceived to show or portray the link between the living and the dead. The skull is unique in its own as it is used to show courage and not afraid of death. Costumes and masks are dressed to symbolize that during those days one could hide from the evil spirits. The spider web is always common because it shows the stages and process of life as a progress and not a one off thing. Halloween can be a strong tool in bringing America together as one without any discrimination of race it by portraying The USA as people who had a specific origin. It has grown to be so prevalent in The USA by the fact some of its history was found in there. It has been more popular due to the different race that is in America; people of different backgrounds who have met in one country. The influence of the media and social media cannot be

Using the literature about IMC Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Using the literature about IMC - Essay Example The report has been prepared for demonstrating various approaches towards the use of IMC tools by the marketers of low involvement and high involvement products. Its aim was to evaluate the difference in strategy generation through IMC tools by the marketers. It has been found out from the report discussion that the consumers’ perception of any product is the ultimate initiator for choosing the IMC tools. The marketers of low involvement products are less interested in using the IMC tools due to the inability of the strategy pertaining to influencing the customers while on the other hand, the marketers of high involvement products are very conscious of selecting the best IMC tools because these strategies have been proved to be effective in influencing the customers of high involvement products over a long period of time.The most important aspect of both product as well as service marketing is to create effective communication with customers. The organizations which can effect ively and efficiently communicate with their respective purposes to the customers, becomes ultimately successful in achieving the organisation’s objectives. Marketers make the most use of marketing communication tools for most effectively reaching their targeted customers. In the present times, Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) approach has developed and the marketer presumes it to be the most effective among all other individual means of marketing communication.... trategy for Relationship Building The concept of Integrated Marketing Communication has gained its importance as an effective means of communication in the recent times due to its effective credibility of creating long term relationship with customers. According to the literature presented by Perkins and Algren (2008), marketers who have the objective of enhancing relationship with their supporters are more probable of achieving success through the use of IMC tools than those who have lesser concern for relationship building. The prospect of relationship building strategy is enhanced through successful communication of organizational aims and objectives to the customers. Communication of the aims and objectives is aimed towards creation of greater value perception of the organization among the customers. Since the strength of relationship determines an organization’s age, marketers, in the modern world are all focused on building up long term relationship with their stakeholde rs. This literature has been included in this report because this will provide a basis for further analysing the marketer’s point of view regarding marketing of low involvement and high involvement products. It can, however, be cited that relationship building is the primary objective of using IMC tools by the marketers (Perkins & Algren, 2008). IMC Tools Used by Marketers of Low-Involvement Products Kitchen and Pelsmacker (2004) in their book â€Å"Integrated Marketing Communication: a Primer† have written about the fact that it does not matter as to what an advertisement provide to the people but it matters as to how the people perceive the advertisement. People are interested in spending their valuable time watching advertisements of those products only which they perceive to hold an

ADVANCED PRICING TECHNIQUES Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

ADVANCED PRICING TECHNIQUES - Assignment Example US has an absolute advantage in ______________Chemicals____________ (apparel, chemicals, both apparel and chemicals, neither apparel nor chemicals). e. China has a comparative advantage in ________ both apparel and chemicals __________________ (apparel, chemicals, both apparel and chemicals, neither apparel nor chemicals). US has a comparative advantage in __________ neither apparel nor chemicals ________________ (apparel, chemicals, both apparel and chemicals, neither apparel nor chemicals). g. Compared to the initial optimal product combinations D and S, world output of chemicals is ________smaller________ (smaller, greater) by __18___ tons of chemicals and world output of apparel is ________greater________ (smaller, greater) by __28___ 1000 units of apparel. i. Based on the actual terms of trade in previous part of this question, US can now choose four 1000 units of apparel and ___1.5___ tons of chemicals and China can now choose six tons of chemicals and ___1.5___ 1000 units of apparel. Specialization and trade between the two nations has ______decreased________ (decreased, increased) the standard of living in US and has ________Increased______ (decreased, increased) the standard of living in

Using the literature about IMC Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Using the literature about IMC - Essay Example The report has been prepared for demonstrating various approaches towards the use of IMC tools by the marketers of low involvement and high involvement products. Its aim was to evaluate the difference in strategy generation through IMC tools by the marketers. It has been found out from the report discussion that the consumers’ perception of any product is the ultimate initiator for choosing the IMC tools. The marketers of low involvement products are less interested in using the IMC tools due to the inability of the strategy pertaining to influencing the customers while on the other hand, the marketers of high involvement products are very conscious of selecting the best IMC tools because these strategies have been proved to be effective in influencing the customers of high involvement products over a long period of time.The most important aspect of both product as well as service marketing is to create effective communication with customers. The organizations which can effect ively and efficiently communicate with their respective purposes to the customers, becomes ultimately successful in achieving the organisation’s objectives. Marketers make the most use of marketing communication tools for most effectively reaching their targeted customers. In the present times, Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) approach has developed and the marketer presumes it to be the most effective among all other individual means of marketing communication.... trategy for Relationship Building The concept of Integrated Marketing Communication has gained its importance as an effective means of communication in the recent times due to its effective credibility of creating long term relationship with customers. According to the literature presented by Perkins and Algren (2008), marketers who have the objective of enhancing relationship with their supporters are more probable of achieving success through the use of IMC tools than those who have lesser concern for relationship building. The prospect of relationship building strategy is enhanced through successful communication of organizational aims and objectives to the customers. Communication of the aims and objectives is aimed towards creation of greater value perception of the organization among the customers. Since the strength of relationship determines an organization’s age, marketers, in the modern world are all focused on building up long term relationship with their stakeholde rs. This literature has been included in this report because this will provide a basis for further analysing the marketer’s point of view regarding marketing of low involvement and high involvement products. It can, however, be cited that relationship building is the primary objective of using IMC tools by the marketers (Perkins & Algren, 2008). IMC Tools Used by Marketers of Low-Involvement Products Kitchen and Pelsmacker (2004) in their book â€Å"Integrated Marketing Communication: a Primer† have written about the fact that it does not matter as to what an advertisement provide to the people but it matters as to how the people perceive the advertisement. People are interested in spending their valuable time watching advertisements of those products only which they perceive to hold an

Meaning of Life and Thanksgiving Essay Example for Free

Meaning of Life and Thanksgiving Essay As the first pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock and had a feast with the Indians, they shared a moment of thanks together. They gave thanks for all their blessings, thus, creating our lovely day of Thanksgiving. When Thanksgiving is thought of, the first thing that comes to mind is turkey and a plentiful amount of food. Thanksgiving to me, is the time to be together with the ones you care about. Coming together for a day to just be with each other and to catch up is what Thanksgiving means to me. Family should be with each other to share memories and to realize the plentiful amount of blessings they have been given. Thanksgiving is not only a day for gorging on food or falling into a food coma, but talking with each other and just being glad to be with one another. Having family during Thanksgiving is a crucial part in my life. Having all of my relatives in one place for one day to talk and have fun with them makes Thanksgiving extra special for me. It is one of the few days of the year that I get to see everybody. The turkey, yams, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes is just the icing on the cake. Everybody in my family loves the food. We eat and eat until we cant eat anymore. My family has a tradition of playing soccer afterwards but that goes only so far due to our full stomachs. My cousins and I play a friendly game of poker, afterwards our failed attempts for soccer, for first dibs on dessert. After a good game of poker, my cousins and I look for ways to entertain ourselves meanwhile the adults talk about their lives and brag about their kids. Society today makes Thanksgiving look like a day just to eat. As society advances the meaning of Thanksgiving deteriorates into a secular holiday. The meaning of Thanksgiving seems obsolete. I truly believe that Thanksgiving should be refreshed in its meaning and should be celebrated with family and love. As people come together to share a special day in our history, this should be a day which people will not take for granted.

Role of the Nurse in HIV Prevention and Care

Role of the Nurse in HIV Prevention and Care INTRODUCTION This brief considers role of the nurse in the HIV prevention and care in the black African community. The document considers empirical literature from academic, governmental, and other sources. It is argued that the available evidence is too scant to warrant conclusive inferences about the role of nurses in HIV care and management for this ethnic group. This is compounded by ambiguities about the role of nurses in promoting sexual health, and uncertainty about the appropriate criteria for evaluating their impact on the African community. Black Africans in Britain According to the Department of Health (2005b) approximately 480,000 people living in England (less than 1% of the population) have Sub-Saharan African heritage, by birth and /or descent. More than 75% live in the Greater London area, mostly in inner London Boroughs. Compared to the rest of the UK population, Africans tend to be younger, well educated (just 13% of Africans reported have no educational qualifications), more likely to be unemployed and living in rented (often overcrowded) accommodation. Asylum legislation has meant that a significant proportion of the population has questionable migration status in the UK. New arrivals in the UK, including asylum seekers, are offered a medical examination that may include a HIV test if this is requested, or the medical examiner judges that a test is necessary. The test result is not necessarily considered when an asylum application is processed. Many Africans live in isolation, separated from friends and family back in Africa, (for asylum seekers), with no access to public funds, and struggling to adapt to a new culture (Millar Murray, 1999). Many are struggling to learn English. Sexuality is heavily influenced by traditional (tribal) beliefs, taboos, customs, religion, and spirituality. HIV is virtually a taboo subject. Thus, a sero-positive status has a significant effect on various aspects of a persons life, including problems dealing with the diagnosis, ambivalence about whether or not to test, gender issues (e.g. whether or not to breastfeed), and coming to terms with the possibility of death (e.g. implications for children, family) (Miller and Murray, 1999; Doyal Anderson, 2005). The prevalence of HIV infection is high in both the immigrant and British born/resident African populations. Asylum seekers and others with unsatisfactory immigration status have limited access to public funds, live in poverty, and generally avoid utilising public health services, until illness is at an advanced stage. Black Women There is considerable research on the plight of African women as distinct from men (e.g. Withell, 2000; Tabi Frimpong, 2003). Much of this literature highlights aspects of their increased susceptibility, or predisposing factors or experiences. Motherhood is an extremely important goal for many African women, so that unprotected sex becomes a cultural necessity. Doyal and Anderson (2004) document the devastating impact of HIV on the lives of African women living in Britain. Many women harbour serious concerns about the health of their offspring. There is a distinct reluctance to give birth to a sick (HIV-positive child). Many women have a vague immigration status, whereby they may not be entitled to state benefits, have no work permit and/or rely on charities for subsistence. The immigration issue is multidimensional. Many women live with a chronic fear of deportation, perhaps remaining in doors for days at a time, and/or refusing to open the door when the bell rings. Then there is the poor housing. Some put up with unsanitary and crumbling accommodation due to lack of funds and the awareness that housing conditions back home in Africa are much worse. Furthermore, some individuals become distressed or depressed because they are isolated from friends and family back home, and for a prolonged (and perhaps indefinite) period of time. Finally, many women may be unsure of their health care entitlements in the UK, and hence be unaware off and/or fail to utilise appropriate HIV care services. Additionally, religious faith remains a stable and salient characteristic of Black African culture. In the face of adversity many women turn to religion for hope and deliverance. Doyal and Anderson (2004) quote one woman: I have turned to God. I have really got to know more about God now. I know God exists . God is in control. I know there is an afterlife here (p.1736). The danger is that some women may seek therapeutic remedy from God, as a substitute for seeking medical care. Epidemiology According to Department of Health (2005a) figures provided by the Communicable Disease Surveillance Center (CDSC), up to 12,558 black Africans living in England by 2003 were HIV-positive. This figure was based records from HIV treatment clinics and care centers in England, and accounts for 36% of the total number of people in England living with HIV. In 2003 69% of heterosexual HIV-positive people (or 2624 individuals) were probably infected in sub-Saharan Africa. The majority of cases (65%) were female. In 2002 black Africans accounted for 70% of the total number of diagnosed HIV infections. Furthermore, â€Å"of the 15,726 heterosexual men and women seen for care in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in 2003 for whom ethnicity was reported, 70% (11068) were black African, 19% (3009) were white and 4% (657) black Caribbean. Africans feature in all the main transmission routes for HIV†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (p.12) (see Figure 1). HIV positive Africans tend to be diagnosed much later in the course of the HIV disease, and show low uptake of clinical monitoring and antiretroviral treatments. Focus: The North West of England The North West HIV/AIDS Monitoring Unit (2005a, 2005b), based at the Center for Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University, regularly and comprehensively Figure 1 Distribution of HIV infections (those seen for care) across ethnic groups in 2003 monitors HIV trends in Northwest of England. The surveys are supported by the Health Protection Agency and the Northwest Public Health Observatory, and cover three main regions: Cumbria and Lancashire, Cheshire and Merseyside, and Greater Manchester. The Units data reflects both new and total HIV cases and dates back to 1996. The total number of HIV cases virtually doubled over the nine-year period from 1996 to 2005, rising from fewer than 300 in 1996 to over 600 by mid 2005. The data suggests that black Africans living in the Northwest have an unusually highly risk of contracting HIV compared to other ethnic groups. This trend applies to both newly diagnosed HIV cases from January to December in 2004 and 2005, and total HIV cases by the end of these periods. Also, this pattern seems to echo national trends. Africans accounted for almost a quarter (23.1%) of total HIV/AIDS cases (3574), by far the highest figure of all ethnic minority groups. For comparison, black Caribbeans made up less than one percent (0.7%, or 26 cases). The vast majority of black Africans (93.1%, or 769 of 826 cases) contracted HIV through heterosexual interactions. This contrasts sharply with Caucasian cases, of whom more than three-quarters (75.2%) contracted the virus through homosexual intercourse. When the data was collapsed by gender, again, black African women accounted for the majority (63.4%) of the 857 females diagnosed with HIV. These findings may be confounded by significant variations in the distribution of ethnic groups across the UK and native (British born) versus immigrant status. For example, population census figures show a much higher population density for black Africans compared with black Caribbeans in the Northwest regions. This may partly account for the over representation of Africans in some categories. Furthermore, it is not clear whether patterns observed are statistically significant. On the other hand the proportion of Africans amongst new and total HIV cases is over represented when compared with the proportion of Africans in the overall UK population. Current Health Strategies Prior to 2001 there was no official health strategy for promoting sexual health in Britain. In July 1999 the Secretary of State for Health presented a white paper to Her Majesty, the Queen, titled Saving Lives: Our Healthier Nation (The Stationary Office, 1999). Curiously the HIV/AIDS threat received little mention in what was otherwise a comprehensive document on the Governments health policy. The lack of an elaborate national strategy for HIV/AIDS meant that the steady increases through the 1990s in HIV-related morbidity and mortality (North West HIV/AIDS Monitoring Unit, 2005a) went virtually unchecked. This all changed in 2001 when the Department of Health published the National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV (Department of Health, 2001, 2002, 2005a, 2005b). The strategy outlines several generic aims: Reducing the transmission of HIV and other STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections); Reducing the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV and STIs (in other words, increasing HIV testing for people at risk). Improve health and social care for HIV-infected people; Reducing the social stigma associated with sexually transmitted diseases, notably HIV. In 2005 the Department of Health published more detailed objectives for HIV prevention specifically within the African community (Department of Health, 2005b). These objectives were as follows; HIV Prevention: 1.Reducing transmission (sexual and vertical); 2.Reducing prevalence of undiagnosed HIV cases; 3.Eliminating the stigma associated with sero-positive status. Health and Social Care: 1.Ensuring that HIV-positive Africans have equal access to services; 2.Ensuring that those services are culturally sensitive; 3.Ensuring that service delivery is based on assessment of individual need; 4.Facilitating access to testing; 5.Making special provision for children and adolescents; 6.Improving adherence to anti-HIV treatment regimes; 7.Creating better access to education, employment and leisure; 8.Supporting carers and families; Eliminating social exclusion is minimized. Several strategies for prevention are outlined. The first plan is that HIV prevention must operate at both an individual and structural level. Prevention activity at the individual level must address knowledge deficiencies (e.g., awareness of available health services), tackle inappropriate attitudes, beliefs, perceptions, and intentions, and teach relevant skills (e.g., condom negotiation). These goals can be achieved through various interventions including one-to-one counseling, out-reach work, telephone help lines, the internet, provision of sperm washing services, and clinical interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Structural prevention measures include reducing poverty, introducing and implementing appropriate laws and regulations, and modifying societal factors (e.g., social norms, stigma, discrimination), and organisational factors (e.g., supporting community health organisations). Structural change can be achieved through group, community, and socio-political level interventions. Strategies for social care include: making peer support available at special ‘flashpoints’ of maximum need (such as at diagnosis, or during times of emotional distress), in order to improve adherence to treatment regimes; and providing support, advice, and education to sero-positive people, to help them to return to education. Additionally, the Department of Health (2005a) has clarified how the National Strategy for Sexual Health can be implemented by primary medical services, through four contracting routes: Primary Medical Services (PMS), General Medical Services (GMS), Alternative Provider Medical Services (APMS), and PCT-led Medical Services (PCTMS). All four services rely heavily on nurses, and â€Å"provide flexibility and opportunities to tailor services around the needs of the patients† (p.17). Thus, in theory, the current sexual health strategy can be tailored to meet the needs of minority ethnic groups. RATIONALE Black Africans are the minority ethnic subgroup most at risk for contracting HIV/AIDS in the UK. It is therefore widely acknowledged that this group has special care and management requirements (Department of Health, 2005a). Gaps in Care and Practice This report reviews the literature on nursing HIV care provision specifically for the black African community. The review identifies various salient issues that need to be addressed: 1. Uncertainty about the role and effectiveness of nurses in prevention and care of this ethnic group. 2. Insufficient empirical evidence on various aspects of prevention/care including; the role of nurse in facilitating uptake of antenatal testing by African women, and HIV testing by Africans in general; the degree of involvement and effectiveness of nurses in community-based African HIV/AIDS projects; sensitivity to cultural factors in, palliative care, and self-management; Dealing with the HIV stigma and its effect on health service utilisation; and nurses roles in supporting involuntary care provision. 3. Inadequate evidence on the role that African nurses can play in reducing cultural barriers, and providing liaison and training services. LITERATURE REVIEW Literature searches were performed using several electronic data bases: PSYCHINFO (BIDS), INTERNURSE, Academic Search Premier (EBSCOhost databases), British Medical Journal On-line, HIGHWIRE Press, SOCIAL CARE Online, Department of Health database, and the Internet. Various combinations of the following key words were used: nurse, nursing, care, African, black, ethnic, minority, women, sub-Saharan Africa, community, HIV, AIDS, palliative, and antenatal[1]. Priority was given to studies published from the late 1990s, although due to the paucity of literature some earlier studies are reviewed. Furthermore, emphasis was placed on UK studies. However, limited evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa is considered to highlight certain cultural issues. Finally, the review is structured in relation to prevention (including antenatal testing and transmission through breastfeeding), and health and social care (Department of Health, 2005a). The Nurses Role The National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV (Department of Health, 2001, 2002) illuminated the rise in HIV sero-prevalence for ethnic minority groups in Britain. Nursing care was identified as essential in managing sexually transmitted diseases and promoting sexual health in these groups. The prevention and care strategies for African communities, specified by the Department of Health (2005b), provide a framework for nurses to tailor their roles to meet the cultural needs of sero-positive Africans. Miller and Murray ((1999) provide a comprehensive account of some of these cultural characteristics, specifically regarding response to a positive diagnosis, parenting issues especially for HIV-infected mothers, problems of disclosure, attitudes towards death, immigration issues, and common health care dilemmas, and effective engagement between carer and patient. Training According to the Medical Foundation for AIDS and Sexual Health (2003) nurses do not receive any special training in HIV care and prevention. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) approves special HIV training courses for nurses but these are not offered in all universities and colleges, and may be optional at institutions that offer them. According to Campbell (2004, p.169), Pre-registration training for nurses does not include mandatory education relating to sexual health services. Nurses working in sexual health gain post-basic education in an ad-hoc manner through working in the specialty, and by undertaking specialist post-registration courses. Moreover, although the NMC regularly monitors courses, it does not scrutinise individual courses that confer no special qualification, so that they may be considerable variability in the quality of courses offered in different institutions. Thus, it is possible that a large percentage of nurses have no special knowledge or skills in HIV prevention/care for ethnic minority groups. It follows that many nurses that may be ill prepared to deal with the particular HIV needs of African communities. However, nurses who work in Greater London, and hence are regularly exposed to African patients/communities, may quickly acquire some degree of ad-hoc expertise. By contrast nurses based in other parts of the country with smaller African communities may be especially uninformed and inexperienced. Role Ambiguity In the absence of mandatory HIV training, there may be some ambiguity about the precise roles/tasks nurses are required to perform in HIV care/prevention. Campbell (2004) notes that career pathways are patchy and ill defined, and it may be necessary for nurses to undertake placements in key areas of sexual health. Certain aspects of HIV care are applicable to other diseases, and hence may form part of a nurse’s standard training and job description (e.g. antenatal testing, patient pre-admission assessments). However, certain tasks are specific to HIV and/or a particular population group. Some nurses may be uncertain whether such roles are within their jurisdiction. For example, whose job is it to reduce the powerful HIV stigma that prevents many sero-positive Africans from testing for HIV, and/or benefiting from family support? Who is responsible for addressing cultural taboos and totems? Palliative Care This refers to nursing care aimed at maximising the quality of life for terminally ill patients, for example by reducing pain and discomfort. The National Council for Hospice and Specialist Palliative Care Services (NCH-SPCS) identifies seven domains of palliative care: increasing patient/carer understanding of diagnosis/prognosis; alleviating pain/symptoms; facilitating patient independence; reducing patients/carers negative affect (e.g. anxiety, depression); soliciting support from other agencies; advising on appropriate care locations as illness progresses; supporting families/carers, before/after death. To what extent do nurses meet these requirements met in sero-positive black African patients? There is a paucity of research addressing the palliative care needs of black African patients specifically. However, some studies have examined the needs of ethnic minority groups in general (Jack et al, 2001; Diver et al, 2003). Various barriers to effective palliative care for ethnic minorities have been identified including communication difficulties and the lack of trained interpreters (Jack et al, 2001). Diver et al (2003) conducted a qualitative study to identify the specific palliative needs of ethnic minority patients attending a groups regarding palliative care. Participants comprised two Jamaicans, one Indian, and one from the Ukraine, but no black Africans, who attended the day-care center once or twice weekly, for up to a year. Several key themes emerged. One concerned the individual needs of the patients, which were not related specifically related to culture (e.g. diet, religion, day care, avoiding social isolation). Two other themes highlighted attempts to fit in with the dominant culture, for example by eating English foods and communicating with staff in English. Another theme highlighted positive perceptions of palliative care: participants expressed gratitude to staff, with one individual noting â€Å"the Macmillan nurse had been sympathetic and had not pressurised her when she decided to stop having chemotherapy† (p.395). However, participants reported that staf f had not inquired about their culture albeit they simultaneously felt their cultural needs were being addressed. Although Diver et al’s (2003) study involved a very small sample, the findings suggest that nursing staff can effectively meet the palliative needs of minority patients. Some evidence suggests that nursing care can be more effective when a liaison professional is involved. Jack et al (2001) assessed the value of a ‘liaison’ worker that mediates between ethnic minority patients, their families, and health care staff. This study focused on the role of an ethnic minorities ‘liaison’ officer, appointed in May 2000. The workers brief is to facilitate palliative care amongst the Asian community specifically. Thus, he/she helps with communication, religious, gender-specific, bereavement, and other issues. However, several case studies are presented that illustrate the difficulties inherent in using a liaison person. For example, the liaison role is emotionally demanding and health care staff sometimes assume the liaison worker has medical expertise. Nevertheless, the concept of a liaison worker may improve the job performance of nursing staff involved in palliative care. Hill and Penso (1995) make recommendations that tailor palliative care to the needs of ethnic minority groups. These include: ethnic monitoring; having an equal opportunity policy; enforcing a code of conduct; staff recruitment/training; developing a communication strategy; health promotion; facilitating culture-specific care provision; appropriate food policies; community health initiatives. Given the paucity of research evidence focusing of HIV-positive black African patients in the UK, it remains unclear the extent to which these strategies facilitate effective palliative care in this population group. Some evidence is available concerning palliative care delivery in sero-positive women living in Sub-Saharan Africa (Defilippi, 2000; Gwyther, 2005). This evidence may provide additional insights that may apply to the care of black Africans who have emigrated to the UK. Gwyther (2005) documents the nature of palliative care in South Africa. Here, hospice care is primarily performed at home, with only a few inpatient units available on a short-term basis to selected patients (e.g. those with serve symptom control problems). A comprehensive community-based home care programme has been established, in which patient care is provided by the local community (e.g. extended family, neighbours), but managed by health care (hospice) staff. Thus, there has been a shift away from the conventional hospice domiciliary nurse as the primary caregiver to community care workers, who are trained, supervised, and supported by the professional nurse (p.113). This South African model has several advantages when applied to the UK theatre: Firstly, training extended family members (and perhaps even neighbours) in palliative care, with the aim of managing AIDS, and decreasing transmission of the HIV virus, may help resolve problems of communication, diet, custom, and other culture-specific issues that the patient considers relevant. This model goes some way to address Hill and Pensos (1995) recommendations for recruitment/training, effective communication, culture-specific care, suitable food policies, and community health initiatives. The professional nurse, free from some primary responsibilities of care, may be able to commit more resources to ethnic monitoring, enforcing codes of conduct, and ensuring equal opportunities in practice. Evidence-Based Practice There is a growing requirement in nursing and (other medical specialties) for evidence-based medicine/decision making (Thompson, et al, 2004). Evidence-based practice is particularly essential in the care of minority groups due to the relatively greater level of cultural ignorance in health care about ethnic minority customs compared with the dominant culture (Serrant-Green, 2004). There is a paucity of research assessing the degree to which nurses refer to empirical evidence when making clinical decisions about black African HIV patients. Thompson et al (2004) suggest that, in reality, nurses rarely consult evidence when making clinical decisions, irrespective of the patients’ background. Instead they are much more likely to consult their colleagues for information for advice. This is worrying because clinical decisions can be made about black-African patients based on incorrect assumptions rather than fact. For example, Gibb et al (1998) highlight the possibility that nurse midwifes may fail to offer antenatal HIV-testing to black African women, for fear of appearing discriminatory. Yet, there is little or no evidence about how black women may actually perceive such offers. Overall, there is a paucity of research on the role and effectiveness of nurses in delivering health and social care to the African community. Studies that focus on â€Å"black† patients (i.e. Afro-Caribbean or African parentage) cannot be generalised to Sub-Saharan Africans as HIV/AIDS incidence and prevalence is significantly different for these groups, suggesting different health care requirements. Similarly, data collected from Asians, Bangladeshis and other UK minority groups is generally inapplicable as the cultures are vastly different. The role of African Nurses A significant number of black African nurses work for the NHS. These individuals may play an important role in facilitating HIV prevention and care in the African community (Andalo, 2004; UNISON, 2005). There are two ways this may happen. Firstly, African nurses can serve as in-house liaison workers, improving communication and eliminating cultural barriers between the health service and African communities. Secondly, African nurses can help in educating other health-professionals on fundamental cultural issues, both in relation to the African community as whole, and individual sero-positive patients. The Department of Health (2000b) acknowledges the significant contributions of African nurses to sexual (and other) health issues in the African community, in the form of the Mary Seacole Leadership Awards. A recent article published by BioMedCentral (Batata, 2005) indicates that over 3000 nurses trained in Sub-Saharan Africa were registered to work in the UK in 2002/2003. These nurses originated from eight countries (South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Botwana and Mauritius), most of which have high HIV sero-positive prevalence rates. It therefore follows that these professionals will be very familiar with HIV preventive and care measures that work effectively with African communities. Approximately a quarter of all the foreign trained nurses registered during 2002/2003 (i.e. including nurses from non-African countries) worked in or near London, with 49% based in other parts of England, suggesting that there is a significant nurse pool available to support African communities in the London area. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research evidence on the role of African nurses in facilitating HIV care and prevention in African communities. Most studies focus on immigration, recruitment, or discrimination issues, rather than job performance and impact on care provision for local communities. The World Health Organisation (2003) indicates that one of the three top non-EU source countries for international nurses working in the NHS is from a Sub-Saharan African country (South Africa). The number of nurses recruited from Zimbabwe has increased recently. Nevertheless, recruitment and retention remain a problem. Although the NHS is thought to have one of the most effective nurse recruitment schemes in the public sector, there are still problems recruiting African nurses. For example, Andalo (2004, p.17) notes that although there has a been a significant increase in the number of Africans applying for nurse diploma courses, the rejection rate was more than fifty percent higher for African compared with white applicants. However, an argument for more recruitment can be better formulated given empirical evidence on the value of African nurses in promoting HIV prevention and care in their community. Department of Health (2005b) highlights the â€Å"need for basic information regarding HIV transmission, testing, and treatment. In particular, cultural practices that place some Africans at particular risk of transmitting or acquiring HIV requires specific, culturally competent attention† (p.13). Community nurses play an important role in this regard (Hoskins, 2000). Moreover, effective dissemination of knowledge requires collaborations between health professionals and agencies, access to services, and other recommended measures (Department of Health, 2000a, 2001, 2002, 2005a, 2005b). Community Nursing Community nursing care for sero-positive Africans in Britain has expanded rapidly over the last decade, reflecting a national shift in emphasis towards community care (McGarry, 2004). The Department of Health framework for prevention and care emphasised the importance of partnerships between HIV prevention agencies, Primary Care Trusts, local African community-based organisations, and other establishments (Department of Health, 2005b). According to the Department of Health (2005b), over 75% of black Africans in Britain live within Greater London. The largest concentrations live in Inner London Boroughs, which also have high sero-prevalence rates. Thus, the role of community nursing in the Greater London area is of particular interest. There is some evidence of collaboration between different agencies. One south London HIV partnership incorporates up to fourteen HIV prevention organisations, including several African-based projects: One African project covers up to nine catchment areas (Croydon, Kingston, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Richmond, Southwark, Sutton, Wandsworth), and promotes the access to and utilisation of local HIV care and support services. This project recently launched a new treatment service designed to encourage men to adhere to treatment regimens. There is a paucity of research on the efficacy of such partnerships in reducing the spread of HIV in the black African Community. More importantly, there is limited empirical evidence on the involvement and impact of community nurses in these projects. The partnership in south London offers complementary HIV care services across the local area. Some of these services are available from local HIV clinics, were nursing staff presumably play a key role. Furthermore, there appears to be specific community nursing provision for children and families. For example a childrens hospital in Croydon offers nursing care for HIV-infected children and their families. Community nursing services are also available for adults. A study was commissioned to review progress on African HIV prevention initiatives in Enfield and Haringey, from 1997 to 2002. The investigation collected data on HIV-prevention needs, and voluntary and statutory sector provision, all of which are implemented by nurses (e.g. health visitors, community nurses, nurse midwifes). It was found that a lay referral system, operated solely by friends and family, worked effectively. Medical support from nurses and other health professionals was requested when symptoms become too serious. Compared with other ethnic groups HIV-positive Africans were more reluctant to test for HIV, and those who were sero-positive showed lower uptake of anti-retroviral treatments. Furthermore, there was evidence of poor attendance at clinical monitoring sessions, and it was argued that lat

Femininity and Gender Roles in Films The Graduate and The Last Picture Show :: Gender Stereotypes, Sex-role Stereotypes

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Society has set certain standards that women are supposed to follow. The most common image of women is that they are very passive and try to avoid conflict in any situation. More and more in society women are breaking down the social barriers that confine them to their specific roles. The movies The Graduate and The Last Picture Show reveal to viewers a side to females that is very nontraditional. These two movies help to show how women are rebelling against sexual social norms, and they are taking a more active and aggressive role when dealing with heterosexual relationships.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Women in today’s society seem to be having a very difficult time expressing themselves without dealing with lots of criticism. Common values are standing in the way of women’s drive toward molding themselves into whatever they desire. Our culture has made standards about how should women look, act, and conduct themselves that greatly limits what they can do, and still gain respect. Martin S. Fiebert and Mark W. Meyer state that, â€Å"[there are] more negative [gender] stereotypes for men than for women.† This idea doesn’t seem to have a great amount of validity in our present society. Society set certain standards that men are supposed to live up to such as strength and confidence, which are more behavioral characteristics. Women seem to be more trapped than men by societies standards because they are supposed to live up to standards dealing with beauty and size, which are more physical characteristics These specific guidelines have be en set by society that are sometimes unattainable for a majority of women. The women that follow the specific criteria are greatly respected, and the ones that try and be innovative usually are criticized if not disliked.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The movie The Graduate depicts a story about an older woman named Mrs. Robinson who is tired with her marriage and sex life and decides to spice up her life a bit with a different man. She notices a youthful man named Benjamin Braddock who just graduated from college and is very inexperienced sexually. She decides to seduce the young man, and does it quite successfully even though she is a married woman with a daughter the same age as Benjamin. Most mothers would consider Mrs. Robinson’s situation as inappropriate because it does not send the traditional image to her daughter of what is right for women to do. While trying to seduce Benjamin, Mrs.