Thursday, December 26, 2019

Bernie Sanders A Strong, Democratic Standpoint

Through a strong, democratic standpoint, Bernie Sanders has one of the strongest resolutions to immigration. Being in a family of immigrants himself, Sanders understands a lot of viewpoints from the immigrants. To solve these problems, Bernie has come up with an elaborate, six step plan. This plan covers making it easier to get a visa, making it easier to bring your family when you immigrate, and making equal and fair trade rights. This plan will be a major step towards solving the task at hand. However, there are in fact some opposing, credibility issues. Bernie’s main goal is to make it easier to attain visas, and become naturalized. Senator Sanders wants to help the immigrant’s complete citizenship and visas quickly, without giving the†¦show more content†¦The base of this thriving economy is that we send enormous factories, and farms to other countries. America takes advantage of the low prices that other countries will work for. America fires their own strong workers, who want more money, for the cheap labor. In Guatemala, a little over 60% of the population is living under the poverty line, and the other 40% isn’t much over. Poverty is no joke and a tragic issue that Bernie will fight to develop in not only America, but Mexico, Central America, and China. In order to accomplish a change, laws need to be put in place that will create more fair-trade policies, and ways to make sure they are absolutely being implemented. The tremendous amount of immigrants coming to America are coming for two reasons, t o escape poverty and escape a low quality of life. When in their own country, most of the immigrants can’t afford food every day, because something that America has done to them. This will be a major accomplishment to solve fair trade issues. An argument that goes along with fair trade issues, is the exploitation of immigrants. When immigrants come here to get a better life, the American companies that hire them, take advantage. America pays them less, and treats them unfairly. Creating a reform to keep employers from abusing their workers will help to continue a healthy flow of immigrants, and healthy working conditions. Sanders wants a safe

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Equality Of Educational Opportunity By James Coleman Essay

The issue of inequality in schools comes in many forms, whether it’s the inequality of money given to certain schools, or the issue of students not receiving the same education because of where they come from. Many students drop out of school because they feel they can’t continue to achieve, which I feel is awful because everyone deserves to have an education in which they reach their full potential. Today’s society is all about trying to make the world equal for everyone, but no one wants to try to implement the changes that would make it a fair world. Students shouldn’t have to worry about getting an education based on what their socioeconomic background is, or because of what race they are, but sadly, that’s the type of world that occupies the American society and its educational system. The Concept of Equality of Educational Opportunity by James Coleman discusses what Coleman believes to be the disparity between the educational success of lower class students versus middle class students in the American educational system. His arguments are widely controversial, even though they were asked for by the president of the United States. James Banks’s The Multicultural Curriculum: Issues, Approaches, and Models take one some of the same ideas of Coleman s report and extend on the issue of the curriculum being whitewashed and non inclusive towards other ethnicities of students. Race and the Schooling of Black Americans by Claude M. Steele combines the ideas of both men as heShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of James Coleman s Article On Equality Of Educational Opportunity1517 Words   |  7 Pages James Coleman is the author of the famous, â€Å"Coleman Report†. The Coleman Report is an article based on James Coleman’s findings in a major study conducted at John Hopkins University. Professor Coleman worked along side others to conduct a study with the goal of resolving the problems of equal educational opportunities. This report was published by the US Government, under the title â€Å"Equality of Educational Opportunity†. It is noted that the concept of â€Å"equality of educational opportunity† hasRead MoreDo Schools Change Society, Or Does Society Change The Schools?2126 Words   |  9 Pagesthese questions. There have been moments in the past when reformers believed that education could easily remedy social problems, much time and energy was devoted to improving things through education. This also raised nagging questions such as; is educational reform a strategy potent enough to affect sweeping change? Or is it more limited in impact, destin ed to failure or disappointment. This has been a puzzle in American history; it can be argued that Americans have an uncommon faith in the power ofRead MoreThe Rebirth Of Community Schooling1870 Words   |  8 Pagesto lack of prenatal care and drug/alcohol addicted mother at conception through term, lack of health and dental care, lack of transportation and communication devices, non-traditional living conditions and stress have a direct impact on their educational achievements. We have to consider the Phillips 2 cultural values of these children as we prepareRead MoreSocial Capital Essay3082 Words   |  13 Pages Social capital has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, driven in large part by the work of James Coleman, Pierre Bourdieu, and Robert Putaman. This increased attention for social capital is evident among several research topics, conference papers, dissertations, and educational journals. Social capital is the name given to a store of value generated when a group of individuals invests resources in fostering a body of Read More Affirmative Action Essay2147 Words   |  9 Pagesaction. I hope that through this paper these issues can be presented to gain a better understanding of affirmative action in today’s society. Affirmative action is a policy assigned to increase representation of women and minorities in business, educational institutions and government. It origin lies in the legislation that came out of the civil right movement of the 1960’s. The Civil Right Act of 1964 was passed, which forbids discrimination unions, employment agencies, and business employing moreRead More Affirmative Action Essay4934 Words   |  20 PagesAffirmative Action The Webster dictionary defines affirmative action as an â€Å"active effort to improve the employment or educational opportunities of members of minority groups†¦Ã¢â‚¬  This paper will discuss the history of affirmative action and its effects on education and the work force in our society. I will argue why affirmative action is necessary for minorities to gain equal opportunities educationally and economically and how affirmative action is morally required as reparation for past discriminationRead MoreWhat Parents Look at When Choosing a Public/Private School Essay2641 Words   |  11 Pageswhere they could choose not only the school their child attended but also the textbooks used and the curriculum taught (McDonald 2001). Parents still obtain the right to choose the school that best tailors their child’s special uniqueness and educational needs, but due to social diversities and expansions parents have many factors that they now must take into consideration before c hoosing the best kind of school for their child (Russell 2001). Complexity, diversity, and financial status are someRead MoreThe Early School Funding Litigation2375 Words   |  10 Pagesagainst State Funding States have to exercise their due diligence and responsibility to plan for and deliver a system of free, public education. States also have the duty to balance funding based on local school systems fiscal capacity to pay for educational programs. The State of Georgia’s Constitution specifically states that the provision of an adequate public education for the citizens shall be a primary obligation of the State of Georgia. Public education for the citizens prior to the college orRead MoreEssay on The Purpose of a Public School Education2825 Words   |  12 Pagescreating citizens who are able to participate in their societal duties, training students for jobs, and some even went on to say that it is a form of child-care service. Many proposed that the real purpose of public schooling is to fulfill the educational needs of students. Many believed that indeed this should be the real purpose, and while this would be an ideal school system, the reality is that the existing publi c education does not do this. Many argued that students’ have different needs.Read MoreThe Theory Of Leadership And Leadership7726 Words   |  31 Pagesleadership behavior are numerous; however, for whatever reason—whether morality is perceived as problematic or simply irrelevant—the examination of a moral component to leadership behavior remains largely uncharted. This is particularly true of educational leadership. As school reform shines a spotlight on the role educators play in improving learning outcomes, little attention has been given to the role, if any, moral behavior may play in student success. What research has been done indicates that

Monday, December 9, 2019

Stelarc Essay free essay sample

Post-modern art sorts to re-define the world through its creativity and use of new-aged technology. Opposed to the past creations of the use of paint and canvas many new artists re-define the meaning of â€Å"art†. Post-modern art seeks to communicate, to the world’s audience, a message that may be physically observed through the artwork or mentally through the hidden meaning behind why the artist is creating this art piece. This is successfully shown through the works of ‘Feminist’ artist, Jenny Holzer, and ‘Performance’ artist, Stelarc. Both artists effectively re-define the world and post-modern artworks. Stelarc uses a unique art form to communicate to his audience the message of â€Å"Mind over pain† and â€Å"The human body is obsolete†. He successfully communicates this message through the use of technology and even as far as body amputation being performed in front of a horrified audience. Stelarc has sort to re-define the world by using his technique of withstanding pain by entering a state of mind where he can successfully be physically hauled up, off the ground, by hooks amputated through his skin and flesh and being located all around his body from his back, to his arms, even as far as his legs. We will write a custom essay sample on Stelarc Essay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Rocks serve as weights to complete his artwork, â€Å"Suspension† (1970 – 1980). His other famous artwork heavily focuses on technology where he physically connects himself to a metal construction and included a synthetic ear to his arm in which he connected to his nerves in his arm to make the ear a functional ear. Along with this artwork he connected a robotic arm to his person, added laser lights glasses. This was all connected to an interactive online database where selected users can log in, using a personalised log in, in which each user can control a selected part of the overall construction, causing him both physical pain and personal pleasure knowing his artwork has been a success â€Å"Exoskeleton† (1999). Another artist who uses a unique art form to re-define the world is Feminist artist, Jenny Holzer. Jenny Holzer uses the unique art form of LED installation and projection display in public places to communicate to the world/audience her message of feministic rights and life’s issues in which we all relate too in one way or another. Holzer uses public buildings as part of her artwork. Her artwork displays different messages, phrases from books and short advice phrases in which are communicated through the use of LED installations on highways, roads and in galleries. These are also projected on buildings, churches, castles and Time Square, NY. Messages reading from a LED installation on a highway building reads â€Å"Protect me from what I want† (Time Square – 1999) to the more complex projected messages of â€Å"Scrivendo sui muri di note† (1977 – 1979) in Italian being displayed on a castle translating to â€Å"Writing on the walls of notes†. Jenny Holzer has been featured worldwide for her artistic approach to the everyday issues faced by the common man. This is successfully and effectively done through the use of technology to help display her artwork to the world, thus creating a wider form of audience then those artists who only get featured in galleries. In conclusion, by studying both artists we can see how they have creatively used new-aged technology as opposed to past creations that use paint and canvas. Both Jenny Holzer and Stelarc successfully re-define the meaning of â€Å"art† to the world. The audience effectively receives their message; some arising more questions than answering but both artists have communicated their views on the world and how they have re-defined the world and post-modern artworks.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Sense and Sensibility Review Essay Example

Sense and Sensibility Review Paper Essay on Sense and Sensibility I guess I am the only one who read Jane Austens novel, even if only one can not ascribe themselves to her fans, rather admired readers and admirers. I will not deny her tongue is bright, easy to read, a dynamic plot, with less extensive descriptions of the countryside and the natural environment, which I do not like. Yes, style is good, but the story and characters .. To me it all seems a bit absurd. The plot is predictable. Both the main character, which is built and contradiction romance, fall in love. It is clear that a happy weekend to all and sundry will not. One villain, another even more villain, broken hearts, tears and collective deletion from the list of friends. So the way Colonel Brandon appeared, fell in love with Marianne, a suspicious Lucy, who at the first Board of Eleanor ready to terminate the engagement with Edward Heroes each in its wake, but at the same time all of one test. John Deshvud with his wife Fanny, which, in addition to the money, only care about the money, but to the extent that he dares not fulfill the last will of his father, confused Fanny zhmotinoy, some just to look. Looking for they need only helpful, only people with money, and relatives, by and large, and spit. Let yourself live in close little cottage, but they will be warm and prosperity. We will write a custom essay sample on Sense and Sensibility Review specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Sense and Sensibility Review specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Sense and Sensibility Review specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Edward Ferrars .. And that it only found Eleanor? Hes neither fish nor fowl, roughly speaking! Do not freak out and not handsome, so come down. Besides him and only heard that yes taste something I do not, so the music, I do not understand, however, as in poetry, way of life of his I could find. And where is the charm, intelligence, came from him, and so on? One negative to it. The sisters Steele. If we compare them with some modern characters, it will be two girlfriends blonde, carefree and careless. But I will not dwell on each character, just say, who still pleased. Willoughby probably because I have a weakness for handsome with features villains as it partly is. And Mr Palmer a kind of skeptic boomy, it is not a pair of his wife, as if hung in childhood and remains the same naive and nothing caring -. Oh, do not taites from us! said Mrs. Palmer. We all know everything, I assure you. And I admire your taste, hes a rare beauty! And, you know, in the village, we are almost neighbors. From us to his estate, law, no more than ten miles -. At least thirty said her husband -. Ah! What a difference! The house had I never been, but they say, everything is charming -. A vile barn I see do not have to Mr. Palmer said I apologize to everyone. mine not the biased report touched a nerve, destroyed their faith in the beautiful and innocent or something. Ill go see the movie, it can correct the impression there is Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman and Hugh Laurie, as in any way!

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Free Essays on Supercomputing

By a "superintelligence" we mean an intellect that is much smarter than the best human brains in practically every field, including scientific creativity, general wisdom and social skills. This definition leaves open how the superintelligence is implemented: it could be a digital computer, an ensemble of networked computers, cultured cortical tissue or what have you. It also leaves open whether the superintelligence is conscious and has subjective experiences. Entities such as companies or the scientific community are not superintelligences according to this definition. Although they can perform a number of tasks of which no individual human is capable, they are not intellects and there are many fields in which they perform much worse than a human brain - for example, you can't have real-time conversation with "the scientific community". Superintelligence requires software as well as hardware. There are several approaches to the software problem, varying in the amount of top-down direction they require. At the one extreme we have systems like CYC which is a very large encyclopedia-like knowledge-base and inference-engine. It has been spoon-fed facts, rules of thumb and heuristics for over a decade by a team of human knowledge enterers. While systems like CYC might be good for certain practical tasks, this hardly seems like an approach that will convince AI-skeptics that superintelligence might well happen in the foreseeable future. We have to look at paradigms that require less human input, ones that make more use of bottom-up methods. Given sufficient hardware and the right sort of programming, we could make the machines learn in the same way a child does, i.e. by interacting with human ad... Free Essays on Supercomputing Free Essays on Supercomputing By a "superintelligence" we mean an intellect that is much smarter than the best human brains in practically every field, including scientific creativity, general wisdom and social skills. This definition leaves open how the superintelligence is implemented: it could be a digital computer, an ensemble of networked computers, cultured cortical tissue or what have you. It also leaves open whether the superintelligence is conscious and has subjective experiences. Entities such as companies or the scientific community are not superintelligences according to this definition. Although they can perform a number of tasks of which no individual human is capable, they are not intellects and there are many fields in which they perform much worse than a human brain - for example, you can't have real-time conversation with "the scientific community". Superintelligence requires software as well as hardware. There are several approaches to the software problem, varying in the amount of top-down direction they require. At the one extreme we have systems like CYC which is a very large encyclopedia-like knowledge-base and inference-engine. It has been spoon-fed facts, rules of thumb and heuristics for over a decade by a team of human knowledge enterers. While systems like CYC might be good for certain practical tasks, this hardly seems like an approach that will convince AI-skeptics that superintelligence might well happen in the foreseeable future. We have to look at paradigms that require less human input, ones that make more use of bottom-up methods. Given sufficient hardware and the right sort of programming, we could make the machines learn in the same way a child does, i.e. by interacting with human ad...

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Shakespeares Brothers and Sisters

Shakespeare's Brothers and Sisters William Shakespeare came from a large family and had three brothers and four sisters ... although not all of them lived long enough to meet their most famous sibling! William Shakespeares brothers and sisters were: Joan ShakespeareMargaret  Shakespeare Gilbert  ShakespeareJoan  ShakespeareAnne  ShakespeareRichard  ShakespeareEdmund  Shakespeare Much is known of Shakespeare’s mother Mary Arden whose house in Wilmcote near Stratford-upon-Avon remains a tourist attraction and functions as a working farm. His father John Shakespeare, also came from farming stock and became a Glover. Mary and John lived in Henley Street Stratford upon Avon, John worked from his house. This is where William and his siblings were brought up and this house is also a tourist attraction and it is possible to see exactly how Shakespeare and his family would have lived. John and Mary had two children before William Shakespeare was born. It is not possible to give the exact dates as birth certificates were not produced in those times. However, due to high mortality rates, it was customary to have the child baptised as soon as three days after the birth so the dates given in this article are based on that assumption. Sisters:Joan and MargaretShakespeare Joan Shakespeare was baptised in September 1558 but sadly died two months later, her sister Margaret was baptised on December 2nd 1562 she died aged one. Both were thought to have caught the prolific and deadly bubonic plague. Happily William, John and Mary’s first born son was born in 1564. As we know he lived a very successful life until he was 52 and died in April 1616 on his own birthday. Brother:Gilbert Shakespeare In 1566 Gilbert Shakespeare was born. It is thought that he was named after Gilbert Bradley who was a burgess of Stratford and was a Glover like John Shakespeare. It is believed that Gilbert would have attended school with William, being two years younger than him. Gilbert became a haberdasher and followed his brother to London. However, Gilbert often returned to Stratford and was involved in a lawsuit in the town. Gilbert never married and died a bachelor aged 46 in 1612. Sister:Joan Shakespeare Joan Shakespeare was born in 1569 (It was customary in Elizabethan England for children to be named after their dead siblings). She married a hatter called William Hart. She had four children but only two survived, they were called William and Michael. William, who was born in 1600, became an actor like his uncle. He never married but it is thought he had an illegitimate child called Charles Hart who became a famous actor of the time. William Shakespeare gave permission for Joan to live in the western   house on Henley street (There were two houses) until her death at the ripe age of 77. Sister: Anne Shakespeare Anne Shakespeare was born in 1571 she was the sixth child of John and Mary but sadly she only survived until she was eight years old. It is thought that she also died of the bubonic plague. She was given and expensive funeral despite the family experiencing financial problems at the time. She was buried on April 4th 1579. Brother:Richard Shakespeare Richard Shakespeare was baptised on March 11th 1574. Little is known about his life but the families fortunes were in decline and as a result it is very likely that Richard did not receive an education like his brothers and he would have stayed home to help with the family business. Richard was buried on February 4th 1613. He died aged 39. Brother: Edmund Shakespeare Edmund Shakespeare was baptized in 1581, he was sixteen years William’s junior. By this time the Shakespeare’s fortunes had recovered. Edmund followed in his brother’s footsteps and moved to London to become an actor. He died aged 27 and his death is also attributed to the bubonic plague which had already claimed 3 of his sibling’s lives. William paid for Edmund’s funeral which was held in Southwark London 1607 and was attended by many famous actors from the Globe. After having eight children Mary, Shakespeare’s mother lived to the grand age of 71 and died in 1608. John Shakespeare, William’s father also lived a long life, dying in 1601 aged 70. Only their daughter Joan lived a longer life than them dying at 77.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Steve Wozniak (Co-Fonder of Apple) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Steve Wozniak (Co-Fonder of Apple) - Essay Example His father was an engineer from whom he was influenced to innovate newer things. His succeeding creativity and creation was the basis of modern computer race that the present generation is experiencing at its best (Cohen, 2011). 2.0 Life and Education Since childhood, he was devoted to electronics items. He had completed the high school education in the year 1968 from California at ‘Homestead High School’. He started the college education in the University of Colorado, and subsequently changed the university; and in the year 1971, Steve Wozniak got admission in the University of California in the city of Berkeley with major in Engineering. At that time, he started to team up with Steve Jobs to create ‘Blue Boxes’ which permit individuals to ‘make long distance call’ (A&E Television Networks, 2011) & (National Inventors Hall of Fame, 2002). 3.0 Family Background Steve Wozniak belongs to a simple family background. His father was an engineer in th e Lockheed Martin, a security and IT organization of the US and his mother was a housewife. When he was only seven years old, his family was transferred to Sunnyvale at California. He got vast knowledge about electronics and other scientific areas from his father. Because of his huge potential and curiosity in inventing electronics materials, Steve Wozniak’s parents had given him electronics sets which included things such as lights, switches and timers. The most vital knowledge he gained from his father was information about transistor, logic circuit and idea about creation of basic gates (AND, OR) which were useful for development of his experience in the field of electronics (Hyman, n.d.). 4.0 Obstacles There were many obstacles that Steve Wozniak faced in his way of creation. He always endeavored to achieve peak position in his creation. After getting employed in the Hewlett Packard for making calculators, he realized it is a type of computer and subsequently knew about t he chip and how it works. Finally, he got an idea of making computer with that chip. As Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak did not have enough money to buy computer, they had developed their individual computer named Apple I, which was a prototype. The plan of making Apple I was generated from designs of TV and typewriter. Wozniak was a member of ‘Homebrew Computer Club’. Both Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs together met with technology sorcerers from the ‘Homebrew Computer Club’. In order to raise the money required to make computer, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs had sold many of their precious assets. By selling the scientific calculator of HP brand and ‘Microbus’ of Volkswagen both had gathered 1300 USD. The money was not enough for making computer which made them to request credit from the home electronic suppliers and consequently arranged their first product line (Srivastava, 1996). The Apple Company was established in the year 1976 by Steve Woznia k and Steve Jobs. They had faced several arguments because of the name ‘Apple’. The first creation of the company was ‘Apple I’ which was sold at 666 USD. Quite rapidly the ‘Apple I’ stroke in the market and they got an order of 50,000 USD. By evaluating the demand of ‘Apple I’, Steve Wozniak had upgraded it and developed ‘Apple II’

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Social Networking Distracting People Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Social Networking Distracting People - Essay Example Social network analysis examines the social structure by applying the Theory of Graphs and identifying the entities as "nodes" or "vertices" and relationships as "links" or "edges". The structure of the graph resulting is often very complex. However, the fact remains that technology plays a crucial role in such networks in the modern day and their sophisticated networks attract people and entice them to indulge in such activities. Thus, people at work or at school, and even those in places like churches get distracted by different forms of technology. Therefore, the largest form of technology distracting people today can be perceived as social networks. With photos and status updates about one’s daily thoughts and actions, these social networks are a way for people to keep up with their friends, family, and even favorite celebrities on a daily basis (Leigh, 2011). Services such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumbler, and the newly added Pinterest and instaGram are swiftly growing and t aking over the attention and time of today’s generation While social networking sites can provide a place for positive interactions, unfortunately, they have becomes a places for people to be not only distracted from more important tasks but also to cause personal and public harm to others. The first recognizable social network site, six degrees.com was launched in the year 1997 and it has had the facility of enabling its users to create profiles and list and surf their friends. Though some forms of profile sharing and social contacts existed through dating and community sites prior to the advent of social networking sites, these were not so popular or common place. Besides, they were also found to be lacking many of the features that the social networking sites presently have. AIM and ICQ buddy lists supported lists of friends, although those Friends were not visible to others. On the other hand, today these same social media and social networking sites have many

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Motivational factors on the employee’s commitment Essay Example for Free

Motivational factors on the employee’s commitment Essay Today’s organizations and companies want their enterprise to be around in the future, successful and sustainable; avoiding the risk of performance or any negative effect. They consist of employees known as personnel that turned into human resources. Some of the major factors shaping the outcome are the quality that you hold: if employees are the right people; how the manager could keep it up; how they can be motivated for good performance. Motivation is a necessary tool for management or leadership providing a reason to employees to perform in a certain way. In addition, the essay will include the academic background of motivation theories as that of Herzberg, Maslow, Adams and Vroom. Setting goals is an essential motivating process and has been the focus of recent research and theory on work motivation (Locke and Latham, 1990). Thus, examples would be provided for further and practical explanation of theories, as the cases of Starbucks, Freese and Nichols (FNI) and Apple’s iPhone. At the start of the 20th century fundamental theories of motivation are presented, models about what motivates workers and their responses. Several theories of motivation try to analyze and estimate who wants, what and why. This is the reason why the theories of Herzberg, Maslow, Adams and Vroom have implications on the contemporary business. First, the bigger portion of Herzberg is that he developed the motivation –hygiene theory, which believes that there are many factors that workers could be motived. Byhese factors generate satisfaction and dissatisfaction. According to Herzberg (1959) accomplishment, the work itself, responsibility, growth and recognition, and company policies, work  conditions, supervision including relations with peers and management, salary causing respectively the two different distinctions. Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction portrait two different human needs driven by salary to purchase shelter and food and by actions leading to grow and attain (Herzberg, 1987). However, job satisfaction does not imply always-high level of productivity or excellence of motivation response. Practicing in business, the challenge at work is to raise the utility of ability of employee leading to the growth of responsibility levels. Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory and Maslow’s are the main theories of motivation. Continuing with Maslow’s model, Maslow classifies the human needs and examines how the classifications are connected to each other. A person starts at the bottom level, where they try to satisfy basic needs (food and house). When the needs have been fulfilled, there are no longer a motiving force and the individual goes to the next stage. Moving on the rest hierarchy; we can recognize safety needs (loss or protection against unemployment), social needs (communication, teamwork), esteem needs (human to be accepted and valued by others, respect from others) and self-actualization (how people think about themselves) (Maslow, 1954). If the management can find which level of need each employee expects, they can then decide corresponding rewards. Besides, one of the most relevant process theories of motivation is Adams’ Equity Theory. According to Adams, the theory argues the comparison of employee’s job input and outcome and also the same with that of other person at the same level (Mowday, 1991). Adam identified inputs as characteristics (age, sex, education, social status) that guide individual to ‘’social exchange’’ for an effort. Outcomes are specified as the benefits, the rewards or privileges (money, work duties, better status, power, authority). The employee is not moved to an action when there is a balance between inputs and outcomes, because they are already satisfied and equality exists. However, if the individual notices that the ratio of outcome/input is less than that of expected, then inequality exists and motivation forces start to build up the lost equity. It should be noted that there are two main different ways to restore the equity. Either the individual might choos e higher outcome based on their lower inputs, or reduce the inputs in relation  to the same outcome (Adams, 1965). The actual purpose is the equality between input and outcome. Therefore, inequality could be when the employee is either over-rewarded or under-rewarded (Fok et al, 2000). It was initially proposed in the early 1960s the Expectancy Theory by Victor Vroom, which premises the significance of motivation. The theory tries to examine why individuals choose specific behavior or action. According to Vroom (1964), there are three central components; Expectancy (effort leading to a particular level of performance); Instrumentality (that performance will lead to outcomes); Valence (the value that the individual places on the outcome). Droar (2006) suggests that for a person to be motivated the key elements must be linked. Otherwise, Porter and Lawler (1971) argue that Expectancy theory needs to be updated, because it includes some flaws. For example, an employer gives a reward, such as a promotion or financial bonus hence the employees will bonus their productivity to gain the reward. However, this only works if the employees believe the reward is favora ble to their actual needs. Apple is a company that can be used to exemplify the theory of Herzberg. Behind Apple and the design of products by employees is the psychology of extrinsic and intrinsic characteristics driven by the question ‘’Will I enjoy using this product myself? ‘’. The extrinsic motivation is based on rewards for executives by giving them 3%-5% bonus of their salary. Next, all Apple employees receive discounts on products or they might receive free iPhone or iPad if they are on the developing team (Issaacson, 2011). This is more efficient than the increase of the salary as long as they see in front of their eyes the results of the effort, but also it is cheaper for Apple. In addition, intrinsic motivation is driven by corporate culture. Employees are weightily committed to their job, as ‘’monotonous encoding’’ that they enjoy it (Issaacson, 2011). The culture of Apple was forced by Steve Job. What motived him to follow his dream and his heart was the passion, creating innovative products based on enjoying using himself rather than to bring profits to Apple. The core principles for this are: Do something direct for your life; Get better and better at something that matters; There is no reason not to follow your instinc ts and your heart, nothing to lose (Awareness of his death) ; Understand that you live only once. Apple is a company that works and thinks outside the box helping people to change the world (Gladwell,2011). Furthermore, Freese and  Nichols (FNI) is a practical example of expectancy theory. FNI is the first engineering/architecture firm to receive this honour. Employees are trained to improve quality in the work and seminars and FNI University training offered by the company. Workers have the authority to work on their own. In 2010 FNI gained the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. In addition, Starbucks Corporation, the most famous chain of coffee shops in the world, attracts customers for its quality and the good value for money while the prices are high. Beyond, the employees are also satisfied. Major motivational principle of king of coffee is the equity, meaning how fair the employees are treated by the employers during their work (Economist.com , 2009). For Starbucks employees are partners, not just employees, giving them valuable knowledge and training and providing them with rewards and benefits. Besides, Starbucks offer a creative and excellent work place, as part of ethics program, where the company treats its ‘’partners’’ with respect and prestige. Motivation theories should be examined in a deeper and macro level. Firms corporate operate and have subsidiaries in different countries, where there are different employees around the world with different cultures and values. It is complicated for an organization to motivate different cultures, for the reason why each has different temperament and the ranking of needs differs among cultures. The motivation to work differs across cultures and this could be illustrated the following example. In countries where there is high risk of economic failure the reward of success is low, like Greece, where there is an enthusiasm for work because the deep recession. Great enthusiasm for work could be found when high uncertainty of outcome combined with positive reward (Triandis,1982). To conclude, according to the background theories, personal goals are contributing to the developing of human behavior. They are used by individuals to monitor, to modify and evaluate their behavior. Generally speaking, motivation can be preferential and selective aspect of particular behavior. It should be understood that motivation is important for the explanation of force toward a particular behavior or action. Vroom’s expectancy theory also places emphasis on the importance of motivation in the explanation of why people choose a particular action or behavior. Managers’ responsibility is to inspire, empower, envision and motivate employees for the fulfillment of their needs based on the different cultural  background. References Adams, J. (1963) Towards an understanding of inequity. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67 p.422-436. Adams, J. (1965) Inequity in social exchange . Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, Academic Press. Droar, J. (2006) Expectancy theory of motivation. Economist.com (2009) Woke up, smelled the coffee. [online] Available at: http://www.economist.com/node/14536977 [Accessed: 23rd October 2012 ]. Fok, L. et al. (2000) Human factors affecting the acceptance of total quality management. International Journal of Quality and Reliability Management, 17 (7), p.714-729. Freese and Nichols Website (2010) Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Report. [online] Available at: http://www.freese.com/sites/default/files/Malcolm%20Baldrige%20Service%20Sheet.pdf. Gladwell, M. (2011) The Tweaker: The Real Genius of Steve Jobs. New York:. Herzberg, F. (1987) One more time:How do you motivate employees. Harvard Business Review, 65 (5), p.109-120. Herzberg, F. et al. (1959) The Motivation of work. 2nd ed. Barbara B. Snyderman:. Isaacson, W. (2011) Steve Jobs. New York: Simon and Schuster. Locke, E. and Latham, G. (1990) A Theory of Goal Setting and Task Performance. Prentice Hall: Englewood, NJ. Maslow, A. (1954) Motivation and personality. New York: Harper and Row New York, p.91-93 , 256. Mowday, R. (1991) Motivation and work. New York: McGraw-Hill. Porter, L. and Lawler, E. (1968) Managerial Attitudes and Performance. Homewood: IL:Richard D. Irwin Inc. Triandis, H. (1982) Cross-Cultural Management :Conceptual Analyses. International Studies of Management and Organization, 12 (4). Vroom, V. (1964) Work and Motivation. New York: John Wiley and Sons.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Bill Clinton - Redefines Democratic-republican :: William Jefferson Clinton Essays

Bill Clinton - Redefines Democratic-Republican In the early 1800's, the United States was but a promising seedling in search of viable political direction. The initial parties were known as the federalists and the Democratic-Republicans, the first of which soon diminished and the later eventually bisected. The result is the two party Democrat and GOP system which the majority of politicians of current day subscribe. However, many political and economic analysts find themselves perplexed by an incredible new phenomenon radiating from the white house - the economic policies of President Bill Clinton. This dilemma has left many wondering, did we elect a democrat or a republican? Has Clinton unintentionally begun a campaign to reunite the two rivals? The telltale signs of Clinton's political ambiguity include reminiscently republican techniques of reducing the budget, creating jobs, lowered productivity, and shaping the tax code. During Clinton's 1992 campaign, balancing the budget was not among the countries main economic objectives (Miller 4). However, after close scrutiny, the economic woes of the approaching millennium were projected as "higher then we thought it would be" (Miller 4). In fact, "in the twelve years before Clinton took office, the deficit quadrupled in size" (deficit 1). As a result, Clinton must engage in creative cost cutting techniques to keep the budget under control. Money afforded to state and local governments for development programs, such as those which relieve "urban blight," will eventually be cut by two-thirds, a third more then Gingrich's last congress proposed (Rauch 2). In addition, cuts to transportation aid will prove fifty percent greater then republican propositions (Rauch 2). According to Clinton, all of these maneuvers will result in the lowering of the deficit by $600 billion, or almost one-third by the year 1998 (progress 1). Economists speculate that these reforms may produce the desired effect (Rauch 2). However, putting these measures into action may contradict one of Clinton's main election tenets - to preserve the status quo as it relates to government programs. The final budget will include one-seventh for interest on the national debt. A whopping two thirds will go toward entitlement, one sixth for defense programs and another one-sixth for "non- defense discretionary spending" (Rauch 2). Perhaps the most touted aspect of the initial Clinton administration was its ability to "create" jobs. According to the White House, almost six million jobs have been created in the past four years, and the unemployment rate in Texas has dropped from 7.5% to 5.8% (Progress 1). This is a level well below the 6% rate which many economists regard as full employment. However, there may be a great deal more then meets the eye when it comes to these "promising" statistics.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Activity Based Costing as an Alternative to Traditional Product Costing Essay

If manufacturing overhead rates were allocated based on direct labor hours, the total manufacturing overhead cost for each product will seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000) and two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) for the mono-relay and bi-relay, respectively. This is computed by multiplying the one million dollars ($1,000,000) total manufacturing overhead with the total direct labor cost for each product over the total direct labor cost for both products. The manufacturing overhead cost per unit of product is eighteen dollars and seventy-five cents ($18. 75) and twenty-five dollars ($25) for the mono-relay and the bi-relay, respectively. This is arrived at by dividing the manufacturing overhead cost allocated to each product with the number of units produced. The total product cost is sixty-two dollars and seventy-two cents ($62. 75) and eighty-five dollars ($85) for the mono-relay and bi-relay, respectively. If the manufacturing overhead rate was allocated based on Activity Based Costing, the manufacturing overhead rate will be allocated to each activity pools as follows: maintaining parts – sixty thousand dollars ($60,000) and one hundred twenty thousand dollars ($120,000) for the mono-relay and bi-relay, respectively; processing – seventy-two thousand dollars ($72,000) and eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000) for the mono-relay and bi-relay, respectively; quality control – one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) and one hundred thirty thousand dollars ($130,000) for the mono-relay and bi-relay, respectively; and machine-related overhead – two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) and three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) for the mono-relay and bi-relay, respectively. This is computed by multiplying the pre-determined overhead cost for each activity with ratio as given in the problem. The total manufacturing cost for each product is four hundred thirty-two thousand dollars ($432,000) and five hundred sixty-eight dollars ($568,000) for the mono-relay and bi-relay, respectively. The figure is arrived at by adding the manufacturing overhead allocated to the each activity pool for each of the product, as computed above. The unit product cost per unit of product, using Activity Based Costing, is ten dollar and eighty cents ($10. 8) and fifty-six dollars and eighty cents. The bi-relay is not more profitable than the mono-relay. Since the company is producing seventy-five percent less bi-relay than mono-relay, the cost of maintaining parts inventory, quality-control and machine-related cost is much higher per unit of bi-relay than mono-relay.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Rawls Theory of Justice Essay

A contemporary philosopher, John Rawls (1921-2002), is noted for his contributions to political and moral philosophy. In particular, Rawls’ discussion about justice introduced five important concepts into discourse, including: the two principles of justice, the â€Å"original position† and â€Å"veil of ignorance†. Rawls most famous work is, A Theory of Justice (1971) gives an introduction to this body of thought and he emphasises the importance justice has on governing and organising a society. The problem arises by defining what the term means theoretically. One of two definitions can be used, the first being definition based on ones merit or lack thereof. This â€Å"merit theory† of justice uses merit to decide how an individual of the society will be treated based on the contribution to the society. The other is the â€Å"need theory† of justice where is it assumed every individual should help those in need or who are less privileged. Attempting to balance the demands posed by these rival theories, Rawls maintained that inequalities in society can only be justified if they produce increased benefits for the entire society and only if those previously the most disadvantaged members of society are no worse off as a result of any inequality. An inequality, then, is justified if it contributes to social utility, as the merit theory asserts. But, at the same time, Rawls argued, priority must be given to the needs of the least advantaged, as the needs theory asserts. Thus, differential rewards are allowed to the advantaged members of society but not because of any merit on their part. No, these rewards are tolerated because they provide an incentive for the advantaged which ultimately will prove beneficial to society (e. g. , taxing the advantaged with the goal of redistributing the wealth to provide for the least advantaged). Original Stand Using â€Å"the original position† and experimental thought where agents behind â€Å"veil of ignorance† choose principles to govern society. Rawls argued that two principles serve to organize society, the â€Å"liberty principle† and the â€Å"difference principle. † He rooted the original position in and extended the concept of â€Å"social contract† previously espoused by Hobbes, Rousseau, and Locke which made the principles of justice the object of the contract binding members of society together. In addition, Rawls’ advocacy of treating people only as ends and never as means rooted his philosophical speculations in and extended Kant’s categorical imperative. According to Rawls a society is a venture between free and equal members for the purpose of mutual advantage. Cooperation among members makes life better because cooperation increases the stock of what it is rational for members of society to desire irrespective of whatever else its members may want. Rawls calls these desires â€Å"primary goods† which include among others: health, rights, income, and the social bases of self-respect. Rawls noted that there would be disagreement when deciding how the burden would be shared amongst the people. Rawls responded to this challenge by invoking the original position, in which representative members of a society would determine the answers to these difficult questions. That is, absent any government, the representatives would rationally discuss what sort of government will be supported by a social contract which will achieve justice among all members of society. The purpose for this discourse would not be to justify governmental authority but to identify the basic principles that would govern society when government is established. The chief task of these representatives would not be to protect individual rights but to promote the welfare of society (1971, p. 199). To this end, the representatives do not know—are â€Å"veiled† from—which place in society they will occupy. In addition, every factor which might bias a decision (e. g. , one’s tastes, preferences, talents, handicaps, conception of the good) is kept from the representatives. They do, however, possess knowledge of those factors which will not bias one’s decision (e. g. , social knowledge, scientific knowledge, knowledge identifying what human beings need to live). From this original position and shrouded by a veil of ignorance about their place in society, Rawls argued the representatives ultimately would select the principle of justice rather than other principles (e. g. , axiological virtues, natural law, utilitarian principles) to organize and govern society. While individual members of society oftentimes do act in their self-interest, this does not mean that they cannot be rational about their self-interests. Rawls argued that this is precisely what would occur in the original position when the representatives operated from behind the veil of ignorance. Freed from focusing upon one’s self-interest to the exclusion of others’ self-interests, the society which the representatives would design determines what will happen to its members and how important social matters like education, health care, welfare, and job opportunities will be distributed throughout society. The idea is that the representatives operating from behind the veil of ignorance would design a society that is fair for all of its members because no individual member would be willing to risk ending up in an intolerable position that one had created for others but had no intention of being in oneself. Rawls claimed that the representatives to the original position would invoke the principle of rational choice, the so-called â€Å"maximin decision rule. † This rule states that an agent, when confronted with a choice between alternative states of the world with each state containing a range of possible outcomes, would choose the state of affairs where the worst outcome is that state of affairs which is better than the worst outcome presented by any other alternative. Rawls’ example of two persons sharing a piece of cake demonstrates how the maximin decision rule works in actual practice. Suppose there is one piece of cake that two persons want to eat. They equally desire to eat the cake and each wants the biggest piece possible. To deal with this dilemma, both agree that one will cut the cake while the other will choose one of the two pieces. The consensus derived guarantees that the cake will be shared fairly, equating â€Å"justice† with â€Å"fairness. † Two Principles of Justice The first is the liberty principle that states that each member of society has an equal right to the most extensive scheme of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar system of equal liberty for all. Accordingly, each member of society should receive an equal guarantee to as many different liberties? and as much of those liberties? as can be guaranteed to every member of society. The liberties Rawls discussed include: political liberty (the right to vote and to be eligible for public office); freedom of speech and assembly; liberty of conscience and freedom of thought; freedom of the person along with the right to hold personal property; and, freedom from arbitrary arrest and seizure. In contrast to some libertarian interpretations of utilitarianism, Rawls did not advocate absolute or complete liberty which would allow members of society to have or to keep absolutely anything. The difference principle requires that all economic inequalities be arranged so that they are both: a) to the benefit of the least advantaged and b) attached to offices and positions open to all members under conditions of fair equality of opportunity. If this is to occur, Rawls argued, each generation should â€Å"preserve the gains of culture and civilization, and maintain intact those just institutions that have been established† in addition to putting aside â€Å"in each period of time a suitable amount of real capital accumulation. † Rawls is willing to tolerate inequalities in society but only if they are arranged so that an inequality actually assists the least advantaged members of society and that the inequalities are connected to positions, offices, or jobs that each member has an equal opportunity to attain. In the United States, this scheme is oftentimes called â€Å"equal opportunity. † The inequalities Rawls discussed include: inequalities in the distribution of income and wealth as well as inequalities imposed by institutions that use differences in authority and resRawls is willing to tolerate inequalities in society but only if they are arranged so that any inequality actually assists the least advantaged members of society and that the inequalities are connected to positions, offices, or jobs that each member has an equal opportunity to attain. In the United States, this scheme is oftentimes called â€Å"equal opportunity. † The inequalities Rawls discussed include: inequalities in the distribution of income and wealth as well as inequalities imposed by institutions that use differences in authority and responsibility or chains of command. The reason the representatives in the original position and operating from behind the veil of ignorance would agree upon the difference principle is not due to the existence of a social contract but to ethics. That is, members of society do not deserve either their natural abilities or their place in a social hierarchy. Where and when one was born and the privileges and assets afforded by one’s birth is a matter of sheer luck. It would be unfair, Rawls contended, were those born into the least advantaged of society to remain in that place if all members of society could do better by abandoning (or redistributing) initial differences. According to Rawls, this is what ethics? according to the standard of justice? demands and, in the United States, this is the basis of what is oftentimes called â€Å"affirmative action. † The representatives would agree. The liberty principle must always take precedence to the difference principle so that every member of society is assured of equal basic liberties. Similarly, the second part of the difference principle cited above (b) must take priority to the first part (a) so that the conditions of fair equality of opportunity are also guaranteed for everyone (1971, p. 162). Thus, the two principles of justice, the liberty principle and the difference principle, are ordered because society cannot justify a decrease in liberty by increasing any member’s social and economic advantage. Reflecting Rawls’ interest in political philosophy, the liberty and principle and the difference principle apply to the basic structure of society (what might be called a â€Å"macro view†)? society’s fundamental political and economic arrangements? rather than to particular conduct by governmental officials or individual laws (what might be called a â€Å"micro view†). The liberty principle requires society to provide each citizen with a fully adequate scheme of basic liberties (e. g. , freedom of conscience, freedom of expression, and due process of law). The difference principle requires that inequalities in wealth and social position be arranged so as to benefit society’s most disadvantaged group. In cases where the two principles conflict, Rawls argues the liberty principle must always take precedence over the difference principle. One example that applies Rawls’ theory of justice involves how one would become a lawyer in the society designed by the representatives in the original position and operating from behind the veil of ignorance. This example also indicates how and why inequalities would exist in that society. In the original position and operating from behind the veil of ignorance, representatives organize society to be governed according to the liberty principle and the difference principle. In that society, any member of society can become a lawyer if one possesses the talent. So, a young woman discovers that she possesses the talent and interest to become a lawyer and decides that this is what she wants to do in her life. But, to get the education she actually needs to become a lawyer requires an inequality. That is, less fortunate people must help pay for her education at the public university’s law school with their taxes. In return, however, this young woman will perform some very important functions for other people? including the less fortunate? once she becomes a lawyer. At the same time, however, the lawyer will make a lot of money. But, she is free to keep it because she has earned it. At the same time, she will also pay taxes to the government which, in turn, will be used to provide needed programs for the least advantaged members of society. The issue of equitable pay also provides a practical example that clarifies how Rawls’ theory of justice can be applied (Maclagan, 1998, pp. 96-97). Noting that the principle â€Å"equal pay for equal work† is eminently fair in concept, Maclagan notes that not all work is equal. What is really needed in society is some rational basis to compare what sometimes are very different occupations and jobs, especially when this involves comparing â€Å"men’s work† and â€Å"women’s work. † Typically, the criteria used to compare dissimilar jobs quantifies work requirements as well as the investment individuals must make to attain these positions. In addition, the amount of skill and training required, the potential for danger and threat to one’s life, the disagreeableness involved in the work, as well as the degree of responsibility associated with a job all figure prominently when making such calculations. In actual practice, however, making comparisons between dissimilar jobs is an immensely difficult undertaking, as Maclagan notes, citing as an example the difficulties management and labor both confront in the process of collective bargaining. Collective bargaining involves ethics because each party declares what the other ought to do. When these differences are resolved through a consensus, a â€Å"contract† provides the basic structure by which the members of that society (called the â€Å"corporation†) will organize and govern themselves for a specific period of time. Coming to agreement upon a contract—like Rawls’ concept of reflective equilibrium—requires both parties to the collective bargaining process to align their principles and intuitions through the process of considered dialogue and mutual judgment. Furthermore, the contract? like Rawls’ difference principle? tolerates inequalities in pay but only as long as the least advantaged enjoy equal opportunity and their situation is protected if not improved. What is noteworthy about Maclagan’s example is that the parties are not in the original position nor do they operate from behind a veil of ignorance. Instead, they have to move toward those positions if they are to adjudicate their differences amicably and for the benefit of both. The critics†¦ Since its first publication in 1971, Rawls’ work has received some begrudging if not respectful criticism. Some have asked which members of society constitute the â€Å"least advantaged†? For his part, Rawls identified these people generally as unskilled workers and those whose average income is less than the median income. What Rawls failed to address, however, is the plight of those who may be the truly least advantaged members of society, namely, those citizens of some permanently unemployed underclass, who depend entirely upon government largesse to subsist (e. g. welfare), or whose racial or ethnic origins condemn them to permanent disadvantage. The critics ask: Should not their plight be considered more important than those who possess more of society’s benefits? Furthermore, in so far as Rawls states the difference principle, it appears that inequalities are permissible but only if they better the lot of the least advantaged members of society. However, cr itics note, that position is inconsistent with Rawls’ claim that the representatives to the original position must not take an interest in anyone’s particular interests. The logic fails if preference must be given by those in the original position to the least advantaged. Lastly, Rawls’ critique of utilitarianism, his embrace of egalitarianism, and the actual effects of the difference principle combine in such a way that his philosophy can be construed to advocate political agenda with Marxist overtones. That is, in actual practice Rawls’ theory would redistribute society’s benefits away from the â€Å"haves† to the â€Å"have nots† with little or no concomitant bearing of society’s burdens. Economists, for example, note that Rawls has neglected to consider the market forces unleashed in a capitalist society where seeking one’s self-interest is arguably the primary motivating principle. These critics argue that even the least advantaged, if they so choose, can take advantage of the minimal benefits society offers them by virtue of citizenship. Through education, persistence, and hard work, the least advantaged (or, their children in the next generation) will be able to participate more fully in enjoying the benefits as well as in bearing the burdens of membership in society. The critics ask: â€Å"Is this not what has happened to waves of immigrants to the United States during the past two hundred years? † In light of these criticisms, Rawls modified the principles of liberty and difference. Pondering the question of social stability, Rawls considered how a society ordered by the two principles of liberty and difference might endure. In Political Liberalism (1996), Rawls introduced the idea that stability can be found in an overlapping consensus between citizens who hold diverse religious and philosophical views or conceptions about what constitutes the good to be sought. As with Maclagan’s (1998) collective bargaining example, this â€Å"overlapping consensus† is found in their agreement that justice is best defined as fairness. In Justice as Fairness (2001), Rawls introduced the idea of public reason, that is, the reason possessed by all citizens which contributes to social stability, a notion he first detailed in The Law of Peoples with â€Å"The Idea of Public Reason† Revisited (1999).

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Free Essays on Scott Joplin

SCOTT JOPLIN April 7, 2004 Scott Joplin is thought to have been born in mid –1867 in or near Linden, Texas. His birth parents were Florence Givens and Jiles Joplin; Scott was the second of six children. Sometime in 1871 the family moved to Texarkana, Texas where Scott’s mother cleaned the homes of the well off white people. These homes were where Scott learned to play the piano. In 1882 Scott’s mother purchased the first piano for the Joplin home. The Joplin family was very musical. Florence sang and played banjo, while Jiles played the violin, and Scott played the piano, violin and sang. While in Texarkana, Scott’s talents were noticed by a local music teacher, Julius Weiss. Weiss educated him further, with emphasis on European art forms and opera. It is believed that this education was his basis for his composing form. The 1880s found Joplin in Lincoln High School, located in the black district of Sedalia, Missouri. Records show many black families with the â€Å"Joplin† name in Sedalia at that time. It is thought that he could have been related to and staying with a number of them. In 1891 Joplin began his traveling. First he began touring with a minstrel group in Texarkana. Then in 1893 he was said to be in Chicago playing the cornet and leading a band, probably somewhere outside of the 1893 World’s Fair. After the Fair he set up in Sedalia, and that became his home. There ha played first cornet with the Queen City Cornet Band. After a year of playing with the band, he began to itch for the road. He formed the Texas Medley Group, his first vocal group and went to Syracuse, New York. There he impressed several businessmen, who issued his first two publications, Please Say You Will and A Picture of Her Face. While not on the road, Joplin worked in Sedalia as a pianist and at the town’s two black gentlemen’s clubs, the Maple Leaf Rag and the Black 400 Club. Also he taught some of the young musicians in tow... Free Essays on Scott Joplin Free Essays on Scott Joplin SCOTT JOPLIN April 7, 2004 Scott Joplin is thought to have been born in mid –1867 in or near Linden, Texas. His birth parents were Florence Givens and Jiles Joplin; Scott was the second of six children. Sometime in 1871 the family moved to Texarkana, Texas where Scott’s mother cleaned the homes of the well off white people. These homes were where Scott learned to play the piano. In 1882 Scott’s mother purchased the first piano for the Joplin home. The Joplin family was very musical. Florence sang and played banjo, while Jiles played the violin, and Scott played the piano, violin and sang. While in Texarkana, Scott’s talents were noticed by a local music teacher, Julius Weiss. Weiss educated him further, with emphasis on European art forms and opera. It is believed that this education was his basis for his composing form. The 1880s found Joplin in Lincoln High School, located in the black district of Sedalia, Missouri. Records show many black families with the â€Å"Joplin† name in Sedalia at that time. It is thought that he could have been related to and staying with a number of them. In 1891 Joplin began his traveling. First he began touring with a minstrel group in Texarkana. Then in 1893 he was said to be in Chicago playing the cornet and leading a band, probably somewhere outside of the 1893 World’s Fair. After the Fair he set up in Sedalia, and that became his home. There ha played first cornet with the Queen City Cornet Band. After a year of playing with the band, he began to itch for the road. He formed the Texas Medley Group, his first vocal group and went to Syracuse, New York. There he impressed several businessmen, who issued his first two publications, Please Say You Will and A Picture of Her Face. While not on the road, Joplin worked in Sedalia as a pianist and at the town’s two black gentlemen’s clubs, the Maple Leaf Rag and the Black 400 Club. Also he taught some of the young musicians in tow...

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

The Most Common Place Names in America

The Most Common Place Names in America Is there a place name that exists in all 50  U.S.  states? It depends on what you count as a city, town, or village- for example, whether a township name counts as a town and whether youll count county names as well, as they also contain populations. Sources vary widely as to what is the most prolific place name throughout the United States. This piece follows World Atlass numbers for count and MSN for the largest city with that name. Washington (88) Although Springfield is commonly thought of as the most prolific place name in the United States, Washington is the most common, according to World Atlas, with 88 place names. There are even more if you count places where Washington is only a portion of the name. Springfield (41) Springfield is in second place, coming in with 41 cities and towns named it, the first being in Massachusetts, naturally, in 1636, after a city in England. Its a long-running debate among fans of the animated TV series The Simpsons as to which state the family actually lives in, because Springfields are seemingly everywhere and the TV series makes a point never to specify which state theyre in. Franklin (35) In third place is Franklin, with 35 cities and towns named after founding father Benjamin Franklin, who was integral in the Declaration of Independence, served as an ambassador to France, and helped establish the U.S. Postal Service. The most populous Franklin city is in Tennessee and has  68,549 residents as of 2017. Greenville (31) A lot of city and town founders must have enjoyed the scenery where they put down roots, as the name Greenville is next, with 31 U.S. instances. The name appears coast to coast. One of the first founded was in South Carolina,  in 1786. Bristol (29) If there are any city names that sound as if it were plucked straight out of Britain, the place name of Bristol has to be at the top of that list. It has 29 cities and towns named after it in the United States, and in Britain, its historically been a commercial center and important seaport. Clinton (29) The first tie on the list comes up here, with the moniker of Clinton also notching 29 instances in the United States. New York state alone has three Clinton place names, the village, town,  and county of. The most populous city by that name is in Maryland, with more than 39,000 inhabitants, and the city in Arkansas wasnt named after its governor turned president but after New York governor DeWitt Clinton. Fairview (27) Fairview might be popular around the country as a name, but the cities across the United States must be fairly small if the most populous is the one in New Jersey at just over 14,000 residents. Founders of these cities must have liked the scenery around their location and realized that the name Greenville was already taken. Salem (26) Of the 26 Salems in the country, the one in  Massachusetts is where the infamous 1692 witch trials were.  The city in Oregon is the largest, though, coming in at just over  160,000 in population. Madison (24) Known for his work on  US Constitution and the Bill of Rights, fourth president James Madison has 24 place names sprinkled throughout the United States that carry his surname. The largest city is the capital of Wisconsin, which has  243,122  people living there. Georgetown (23)   Being that Washington is tops, its no surprise that George towns  also make this list. The United States has 23 Georgetowns, in fact, though some could have been named for other Georges or even the former king of England. Georgetown, Texas, is the largest city, with a population of  56,102.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Economic Impact of Peacekeeping Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Economic Impact of Peacekeeping - Essay Example The topic gives me a chance to highlight the importance of peace in economic development. Any country at war its economy grows backward and investors will not invest in that country thus leading to high level of unemployment. What does a peacekeeping mission help in the economy of the country? What are the challenges associated with the peacekeeping missions across the world? The peacekeeping mission is an activity that provides peace and security in a country affected by conflict. Peacekeeping missions have helped countries like Kosovo, Timor Leste, Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Liberia, Burundi, and Ivory Coast restore stability (Garnahan, Durch & Gilmore, 2006). The peacekeeping mission is crucial for the propriety of the continent. According to Nibishaka, â€Å"When it brings about peace in the continent, it creates an environment that is conducive to reconstruction and development in our region and possibilities of faster economic development" (Nibishaka, 2011.p.2). Despite the positive role played by peacekeeping missions towards the growth of the economy, it is faced with various challenges. Some of the challenges include the operations of peacekeeping missions sometimes canno t be sustained by the developing country, and a mission sometimes takes policies without understanding their impact on the local economy. Finally, there is the uneven distribution of economic impact by the geographic area or ethnic groups (Garnahan, Durch & Gilmore, 2006). Consequently, the questions raised above are critical to the fact that peacekeeping play a crucial role in the growth of any economy. The economy determines the many things including the living status of the concerned citizens. If stability is not in a country, the life will be difficult in that country. In my opinion, nobody likes war and from my perspective, stability is only to economic development of any country.

Friday, November 1, 2019

Students with Special Needs Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Students with Special Needs - Assignment Example However, he is capable of understanding speech and language although this capability is not absolutely normal. The disability in speech and language slows down his capability to comprehend sounds and language that he is able to listen (Speech and Language Disorders and Diseases, 2009). I would use visuals and words to meet the needs of the speech and language disabled student. For instance, if I wanted to teach this student what a house was, I would show him the picture of a house with the word "house" written under the picture of the house. I would then proceed to break down the visual of the house to its various components such as the door, windows, walls, floor, etc. each with the respective words under them and show these visuals to the student until he has thoroughly understood them. The speech and language disabled student will have some problems in understanding what he is being taught with pictures and words. However, he will soon master the art of identifying the house with the word "house" beneath the picture. Although, he is speech and language disabled, he is not completely deaf and dumb. He is capable of producing sounds. He is also capable of recognizing the outlines in the pictures being shown to him. The speech and language disabled student will have problem with different languages. ... However, he will soon master the art of identifying the house with the word "house" beneath the picture. Although, he is speech and language disabled, he is not completely deaf and dumb. He is capable of producing sounds. He is also capable of recognizing the outlines in the pictures being shown to him. 2a) Identify one additional instructional strategy or student activity from the outline of plans that could be challenging for the student, considering the student's other learning needs The speech and language disabled student will have problem with different languages. For instance, if I show him the picture of the house with the word "house" written below the picture in English, he will soon master the English language as well. However, if I used the words in other languages he may have to be taught all over again. In this case, it will be a challenge like the one experienced by a person learning a new language. 2b) Explain why the strategy or activity you chose could be challenging for the student, based on specific aspects of the student description The strategy or activity chosen could be challenging because there is no guarantee that one strategy could work for all the speech and language disabled students. One strategy could work for one student, but for another student I may have to use another strategy that may be successful only with the second student. For instance, I can use the picture of the house and the word "house" written under it for the first student because it works for him. But another student may not understand English, so I may have to use words of his mother tongue to meet his need. 2c) Describe how you would adapt the strategy or activity you identified to meet the needs of the student I would use words and sounds with which the

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Avaition law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Avaition law - Essay Example eferences confirm the significance of ALIs product and lend support to our belief that the Restatement (Third) will have a significant influence in establishing a more uniform national products liability law. The Restatement (Third) already is having a notable impact on the products liability jurisprudence of many states. The states treatment of the Restatement (Third) is grouped into three categories. The first category consists of those states that expressly have incorporated various sections of the Restatement into their law. The second category consists of states that expressly have rejected various provisions or principles of the Restatement. The final category consists of states that have cited and discussed the Restatement in a significant way, but whose treatment of the Restatement falls short of an express adoption or rejection. The issue before the Supreme Court of Iowa in Lovick v. Wil-Rich,3 was whether the trial court erred in its instruction to the jury regarding the defendant-manufacturers post-sale duty to warn. In concluding that the instruction was improper, on the grounds that the court failed to inform the jury of the â€Å"special† circumstances affecting the reasonableness of the manufacturers conduct, the Iowa Supreme Court expressly adopted Section 10 of the Restatement (Third), â€Å"including the need to articulate the relevant factors to consider in determining the reasonableness of providing a warning after the sale.† Although Section 10 was consistent, in principle, with Iowa law, the Iowa Supreme Courts adoption of Section 10 in full, and its corresponding rejection of an Iowa standard jury instruction, underscores the significance of the Iowa development. The second category consist of those states that expressly have rejected various aspects of the Restatement (Third). This group consists of Connecticut, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, and Tennessee. Although New Jersey also was one of the states in the first

Sunday, October 27, 2019

New Zealand Oral Health Practitioners Preparedness

New Zealand Oral Health Practitioners Preparedness Title: An update on New Zealand oral health practitioners preparedness for medical emergencies Running title: Medical emergencies Authors: C L Hong, A W Lamb, J M Broadbent, H L De Silva, W M Thomson Corresponding author: C L Hong, Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, PO Box 647, Dunedin 9054. Abstract Background and objectives: To update information on the preparedness of New Zealand general dental practitioners (GDPs) and other oral health practitioners (OHPs) for medical emergencies. Methods: Electronic and paper survey of a sample of 889 OHPs (comprising GDPs, specialists, hygienists, therapists and clinical dental technicians) randomly selected from the Dental Register. Results: The response rate was 39.7%. About half of the respondents (43.3%) reported encountering at least one emergency event during the last ten years. Vaso-vagal syncope was the most commonly reported emergency event, followed by hyperventilation. The mean ten-year incidence of emergency events (excluding vaso-vagal syncope and hyperventilation) was 2.6 events (SD, 7). Dentists were 6.8 times more likely to experience emergency events than other OHPs (p Conclusion: The majority of New Zealand OHPs were equipped in training, and equipment for medical emergencies, and New Zealand appears better than many other countries in this respect. However, some OHPs still lacked some of the required emergency equipment, drugs, and training. Introduction The New Zealand population (as with other developed countries) is ageing (Statistics New Zealand, 2015). This means that oral health practitioners (OHPs) are (and will continue to be) providing care for an increasing proportion of elderly patients. This demographic shift towards a greying population is not without its dental implications. Ageing is accompanied by chronic diseases, disabilities and poly-pharmacy (Hung et al., 2011), all of which are risk factors for the occurrence of medical emergencies in dental practices. Thus, the risk of medical emergency events is likely to be increasing. Most medical emergencies can be anticipated, and all OHPs should be well-versed in their prevention and management. Training in the provision of basic life support is considered an essential and fundamental component of dentistry. Despite this, studies have shown general dental practitioners (GDPs) to be inadequately trained for medical emergencies (Alhamad et al., 2015; Arsati et al., 2010; Chapman, 1997; Muller et al., 2008). Only about half of German GDPs were able to provide basic life support (Muller et al., 2008). About two in five Belgian dentists had never had adult basic life support training following graduation, and four in five never had pediatric basic life support training (Marks et al., 2013). Some years ago, only half of New Zealand GDPs had a current CPR or first-aid certificate, and one in five lacked an emergency equipment kit (Broadbent and Thomson, 2001). Overseas studies have indicated that the incidence of medical emergencies in dental practice (excluding syncope) is between 3.3 and 7.0 emergency events per practitioner during a ten-year practice period (Arsati et al., 2010; Atherton et al., 1999; Atherton et al., 2000; Chapman, 1997; Girdler and Smith, 1999). A 2001 study of 314 New Zealand GDPs reported a mean 4.5 emergency events per dentist during a ten-year practice period (Broadbent and Thomson, 2001). While this falls within the reported range, most of those studies are dated, and there is a need for more contemporary information, particularly in light of the ageing population (and its greater tooth retention). Published studies also tended to focus on GDPs. There is a lack of published data on the preparedness of other OHPs for medical emergencies. Only one study investigated the incidence of medical emergencies among both dentists and dental auxiliaries. Atherton et al. (2000) noted that dentists experienced more emergency events than dental auxiliaries (nursing staff, hygienists and radiographers). This suggests that other OHPs also encounter medical emergencies, but evidence for this within the New Zealand dental workforce remains unknown. Moreover, in September 2014, the Dental Council of New Zealand (DCNZ) updated its Codes of Practice for Medical Emergencies in Dental Practice (Dental Council of New Zealand, 2014). In this updated standard, the New Zealand Resuscitation Council Certificate of Resuscitation and Emergency Care (CORE) certification level required of OHPs was updated, along with the period of recertification. Little is known about the adherence of OHPs to this updated practice standard. Accordingly, this study investigated the preparedness of New Zealand GDPs and other OHPs for medical emergencies in dental practice. Methods This study was approved by the University of Otago Ethics Committee. Data were collected between March and July 2016. OHPs were randomly selected from the 2015-2016 Dental Register, obtained from the DCNZ. The 896 randomly selected OHPs represented 20% of the source population for each OHP type (GDPs, dental specialists, hygienists, therapists, and clinical dental technicians). A small number (7) who did not have a clinical role or were not practising in New Zealand were considered ineligible and were excluded from the sample, leaving 889 eligible participants. The electronic survey used Qualtrics TM software. A link to the online questionnaire was emailed to each participant in March 2016. Participants who failed to respond within two weeks were sent a reminder email. Those who did not respond to the electronic survey were then sent a questionnaire with a cover letter and reply-paid envelope. Questionnaire The questionnaire sought information on the respondents socio-demographic characteristics (specifically gender, age, ethnicity, year of primary dental qualification, and practice location), experience and preparedness for medical emergencies. The frequency of specific medical emergencies was also assessed. To maximise the accuracy of recall, the question on the incidence of vaso-vagal syncope and hyperventilation was limited to the past practising year, while other medical emergencies events to the past ten practising years, or as long as the practitioner had been practising if less than ten years. Information on the availability of emergency equipment and drugs (and confidence in administering these) was also sought. The list of emergency equipment and drugs was derived from the DCNZs practice standard (Dental Council of New Zealand, 2014) . Statistical analysis Data were entered electronically and analyzed using version 21 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (for Windows) (IBM).The level of statistical significance was set at p Results Responses were received from 353 of the 889 invited practitioners giving a response rate of 39.7%. Dentists (GDPs and dental specialists) represented 65.7% of respondents, while the remainder were other OHPs. Comparison with the 2011-2012 Workforce Analysis suggested an over-representation of New Zealand qualified dentists and dentists aged above 50 years within the sample (Table 1). For analysis purposes, the respondent age was dichotomized to less than 50 years old and 50 years or older. Similarly, the year in which practitioners obtained their primary qualification was also divided into two groups for analytical purposes: before 1990 and after 1990. More than half of the respondents (64.4%) listed their ethnicity as New Zealand European. The mean number of patients seen by a dentist in a week was 49 (SD, 26), and 44 (SD, 23) for other OHPs. Most dentists (96.6%) reported treating patients with local analgesia (mean, 49 per week; SD, 26); 36.2% reported using intravenous sedation (IV), oral sedation (OS) or relative analgesia (RA) (IV: mean, 0.6; SD, 3, OS: mean, 0.3; SD, 1, RA: mean, 0.2; SD, 1); and 8.0% reported treating patients under general anesthesia. The use of local analgesia during dental procedures was reported by 74.4% (n=90) of other OHPs (mean, 19; SD, 14). Almost half (48.7%) of OHPs reported updating each patients medical history at every visit; 45.8% did it at every new treatment plan/check-up, and the remaining 5.4% updated the medical history only occasionally. Vaso-vagal syncope was the most commonly reported emergency, followed by hyperventilation. Excluding hyperventilation and vaso-vagal events, there were 828 emergency events reported, corresponding to a mean of 2.4 events per respondent during the ten-year period (range, 0-62; SD, 7). Nearly half of respondents (43.3%) reported encountering at least one medical emergency during the last ten years. Dentists experienced a mean of 3.4 events (range, 0-62; SD, 8) and other OHPs a mean of 0.5 events (range, 0-11; SD, 1). Dentists were significantly more likely to experience more emergency events. Other significant emergency events reported were 78 episodes of tachycardia, five episodes of allergic reaction to latex, four episodes of Bells palsy, four episodes of vomiting and three episodes of bleeding (Table 2). Most respondents (96.9%) reported having a medical emergency kit available. Only 38.1% reported checking their medical emergency kit more than twice annually. Details of the emergency equipment and drugs kept by respondents are shown in Table 3. Most respondents reported having an ambubag and airway (82.1%), breathing apparatus for oxygen delivery (82.9%), an oxygen cylinder and regulator (82.3%) and a basic airway adjunct (77.2%) available. Among those who reported keeping these items, fewer than three in four were confident in using them. Dentists were further asked to provide information on the availability of a spacer device to deliver salbutamol and disposable hypodermic syringe and/or needles. Of the 70.1% who reported having a spacer device to deliver salbutamol, 82.6% were confident in using the device. A higher proportion of dentists reported having a disposable hypodermic syringe and/or needle available (82.5%), and 76.7% of dentists were confident in using it. A majority of dentists reported having adrenaline (91.3%), glyceryl trinitrate spray or tablets (86.9%), aspirin tablets (82.1%) or a salbutamol inhaler (79.0%) available in their emergency kit. Most respondents (92.9%) reported holding a current NZRC certificate. The majority (97.2%) of dentists who did not use sedation reported holding a NZRC certificate of level 4 or above. Three dentists did not provide information on their NZRC certificate level and one dentist reported having NZRC certificate level 3. For dentists who reported using any form of sedation excluding RA, 76.1% had a NZRC level 5 certificate or above, 22.5% reported having a NZRC level of 4, and 1.4% did not provide information on their certificate level. Most other OHPs (90.2%) had a NZRC level of 4 and above. Four other practitioners had a NZRC level of 3 and two reported having a NZRC level of 2. Five other OHPs did not provide information on their certification level. Data on the emergency items available among dentists who uses any form of sedation (including no sedation) are presented in Table 4. Just over one in four dentists using sedation (excluding RA) reported having an opioid antagonist. Excluding opioid antagonists, dentists who reported not using IV sedation were significantly more likely to have these emergency items than dentist not practicing sedation. The mean number of emergency events reported by dentists over the past ten years by the use of varying modes of sedation (including no sedation) are presented in Table 5. A statistically significant difference was observed in the frequency of angina pectoris, respiratory depression, allergic reaction to a drug, acute asthma and prolonged epileptic seizures between dentists who reported using sedation and those who did not practice sedation. Dentists using GA sedation reported significantly higher occurrence of angina pectoris than dentists used other form of sedation or did not use sedation, and those using RA reported more episodes of acute asthma than those who did not use sedation. Discussion This survey aimed to investigate the preparedness of New Zealand GDPs and other OHPs for medical emergencies. It was found that dentists were significantly more likely to encounter emergency events than other OHPs and that the majority of New Zealand OHPs were adequately prepared to manage a medical emergency. The response rate of 39.7% was higher than that reported by Muller et al. (2008) but lower than other studies (Atherton et al., 2000; Broadbent and Thomson, 2001).This may be attributed to the use of an online survey, which are less likely to achieve responses rates as high as surveys administered on paper (Shih and Xitao Fan, 2008). As with other self-administered survey, there is a tendency to under- or over-report the incidence of medical emergencies. Certain characteristics of the study respondents and differed significantly from the wider New Zealand dental workforce (Table 1). Dentists aged under 50 years and those who qualified overseas were under-represented. Such a difference may affect the generalizability of the findings. Despite these limitations, this is the first cross-sectional survey study which attempts to evaluate the incidence and preparedness of all New Zealand OHPs for medical emergencies in dental practices. Vaso-vagal syncope is the most commonly reported emergency by OHPs, followed by hyperventilation. This is in accordance with previously published studies (Alhamad et al., 2015; Marks et al., 2013; Muller et al., 2008) with the exception of Broadbent and Thomson (2001) who reported hyperventilation as the most common emergency event. Comparison of the findings of the current study in respect of GDPs to those of Broadbent and Thomson (2001) found that while the percentage of GDPs reporting vaso-vagal syncope and hyperventilation was lower than the 2001 study, the overall mean number of events per reporting participant in this study was higher. The incidence of respiratory depression reported by GDPs was 1.5 times lower than in the 2001 study (Broadbent and Thomson, 2001). This may be due to greater awareness and preparedness among GDPs, combined with stricter regulations imposed by the DCNZ. The use of sedation in dentistry has a positive influence on patients, but while it reduces anxiety and fear, it also increases the risk of respiratory depression. This was reflected in this study. Dentists using IV sedation reported a significantly greater incidence of respiratory depression than those who did not. This is, perhaps, unsurprising, as airway complications are the greatest threat to the safety of sedated patients (Tobias and Leder, 2011). However, the overall incidence of hypoglycemia reported by OHPs in our study was higher than that reported by Arsati et al. (2010) and Broadbent and Thomson (2001). Proper diagnosis of hypoglycemia is dependent on the observation of the Whipples triad; elevated plasma glucose concentration, hypoglycemic symptoms and relief of symptoms following carbohydrate administration, (Nelson, 1985). It is possible that any one of these symptoms may be overlooked by the practitioner when making a diagnosis resulting in over-diagnosis. Excluding vaso-vagal syncope and hyperventilation, the overall rate of medical emergency events among OHPs in New Zealand was lower than reported in previous overseas studies (Table 6). Comparison with Broadbent and Thomson (2001) suggests a decrease in the incidence of emergency events reported by GDPs, dipping from 4.5 to 2.9 emergency event per practitioner over a ten-year period in this study, pFigure 1). Dentists were 6.8 times more likely to experience an emergency event than other OHPs. This is consistent with findings of the 2000 United Kingdom survey, which also reported a greater frequency of emergency events by dentists than ancillary staff (Atherton et al., 2000). Several factors could contribute the latter difference. First, dentists are more likely to provide more complicated treatment than other OHPs. Second, patients who have more complex medical problems (or who are more anxious) may be more likely to attend a dentist than other OHPs for dental treatment. Being prepared with the proper equipment and drugs for the management of an emergency event is important, and most OHPs did have access to an emergency kit. With respect to GDPs, an 18.2% increase over 2001 was observed in the proportion of GDPs with an emergency kit (Broadbent and Thomson, 2001). The four basic emergency pieces of equipment meant to be contained within an emergency kit (regardless of practitioner type) are an ambubag and airway, breathing apparatus for oxygen delivery, oxygen cylinder and regulator, and basic airway adjuncts. The majority of GDPs (85%-89%) had these items, which was a marked improvement from the 2001 study where it ranged between 24% and 81%. Other OHPs were lacking in the availability of an ambubag and airways (30.3%) and basic airway adjunct (35.2%). The drugs required by the DCNZ practice standard were available to the majority of GDPs, but a relatively high proportion of specialists lacked some drugs, namely glyceryl trinitrate spray or tablets (21.9%), aspirin tablets (40.6%), and salbutamol inhaler (34.4%). The availability of oxygen was not specifically asked about in this survey, instead, the availability of an oxygen cylinder and regulator was assessed. We did not specifically asked OHPs whether the oxygen cylinder was filled. It was assumed that, if respondents had this equipment, oxygen would available. Dentists using sedative agents would be expected to be best prepared with appropriate medications and equipment. While they were well equipped (>86%) with the four basic pieces of equipment (listed in the previous paragraph), they were not well equipped with the additional equipment required for sedation, especially in the availability of an opioid antagonist (27.6%). This study found that overall, dentists practising sedation were better prepared with these additional items than those who did not. It is likely that some practitioners may be using a form of sedation that negates the use of these equipment. However, regardless of the form of sedation used, the requirement set by the DCNZ should always be followed. Proper training in the management of medical emergencies is important. A majority of dentists not using sedation (97.2%) and other OHPs (90.2%) had the appropriate NZRC CORE Level 4. Comparison with other overseas studies found OHPs in New Zealand to be better equipped in this area. Arsati et al. (2010) showed that only 59.6% of Brazilian dentists had undergone some form of resuscitation training, while only 47.5% of Belgium dentists (Marks et al., 2013) and 64% of Australian GDPs had undertaken basic life support trainings or CPR courses (Chapman, 1997). However, additional reinforcement is necessary to ensure that all OHPs have the appropriate NZRC CORE level, and thus the skills required to manage medical emergencies. For dentists using sedation, NZRC CORE Level 5 as outlined by the DCNZ guideline (implemented in 2014) is mandatory. However, almost one in four dentists using sedation (excluding RA) did not have a NZRC Level 5 or above certificate. This may be a concern because these practitioners are likely to undertake more complex procedures, possibly in patients with complicated medical conditions. We observed that they were more likely to experience emergency events in their practices. Conclusion Most New Zealand OHPs were equipped in training and equipment for medical emergencies, and New Zealand appears better than many other countries in this respect. However, the different groups of OHPs were still lacking some of the required emergency equipment and drugs. Our findings also clearly show that while there has been a marked improvement from the 2001 study, some OHPs still lacked training (NZRC CORE), and so, it is possible that these practitioners may lack competence in treating medical emergencies. References Alhamad M, Alnahwi T, Alshayeb H, Alzayer A, Aldawood O, Almarzouq A, Nazir MA(2015). Medical emergencies encountered in dental clinics: A study from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. J Fam Community Med 22(3):175-179. Arsati F, Montalli VA, Florio FM, Ramacciato JC, da Cunha FL, Cecanho R, de Andrade ED, Motta RHL (2010). Brazilian dentists attitudes about medical emergencies during dental treatment. J Dent Educ 74(6):661-666. Atherton GJ, McCaul JA, Williams SA (1999). Medical emergencies in general dental practice in Great Britain. Part 1: Their prevalence over a 10-year period. BDJ 186(2):72-79. Atherton GJ, Pemberton MN, Thornhill MH (2000). Medical emergencies: the experience of staff of a UK dental teaching hospital. BDJ 188(6):320-324. Broadbent JM, Thomson WM (2001). The readiness of New Zealand general dental practitioners for medical emergencies. NZ Dent J 97(429):82-86. Chapman PJ (1997). Medical emergencies in dental practice and choice of emergency drugs and equipment: a survey of Australian dentists. Aust Dent J 42(2):103-108. Dental Council of New Zealand (2014). Medical Emergencies in Dental Practice Practice Standard. Wellington: Dental Council of New Zealand. Girdler NM, Smith DG (1999). Prevalence of emergency events in British dental practice and emergency management skills of British dentists. Resuscitation 41(2):159-167. Hung WW, Ross JS, Boockvar KS, Siu AL (2011). Recent trends in chronic disease, impairment and disability among older adults in the United States. BMC 11(1):1-12. Marks LA, Van Parys C, Coppens M, Herregods L (2013). Awareness of dental practitioners to cope with a medical emergency: a survey in Belgium. Int Dent J 63(6):312-316. Muller MP, Hansel M, Stehr SN, Weber S, Koch T (2008). A state-wide survey of medical emergency management in dental practices: incidence of emergencies and training experience. EMJ 25(5):296-300. Nelson RL (1985). Hypoglycemia: fact or fiction? Mayo Clin Proc 60(12):844-850. Shih T-H, Xitao Fan (2008). Comparing Response Rates from Web and Mail Surveys: A Meta-Analysis. Field Methods 20(3):249-271. Statistics New Zealand (2015). 2013 Census QuickStats about people aged 65 and over. Wellington: Statistics New Zealand. Tobias J, Leder M (2011). Procedural sedation: A review of sedative agents, monitoring, and management of complications. SJA 5(4):395-410. Author details: C L Hong BDS. Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, PO Box 647, Dunedin 9054. A W Lamb BDS. Dental and oral health department, Level 10, Wellington Hospital, Riddiford St, Newton, 6021. J M Broadbent BDS, PGDipComDent, PhD. Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, PO Box 647, Dunedin 9054. H L De Silva BDS, MS, FDSRCS, FFDRCSI. Department of Oral Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, PO Box 647, Dunedin 9054. W M Thomson BSc, BDS, MA, MComDent, PhD. Department of Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, PO Box 647, Dunedin 9054. Table 1. Comparison of respondents sociodemographic characteristics with those of the New Zealand (NZ) dental profession. Dentist (%) Dentists in NZ dental profession a (%) Other OHPs (%) Other OHPs in NZ dental profession a (%) Sex Male Female 140 (60.6) 91(39.4) 1347 (64.6) 738 (35.4) 9 (7.4) 112 (92.6) 54 (4.3)c 1191 (95.7)c Age Less than 50 50 and over 104 (45.6) b 124 (54.4) b 1220 (58.5)b 865 (41.5) b 68 (56.2) 53 (43.8) 881 (61.1) 561 (38.9) Country of qualification New Zealand Other 184 (81.4) b 42 (18.6) b 1456 (69.8) b 629 (30.2) b 112 (92.6) 9 (7.4) NR NR a Dental Council of New Zealand (Workforce Analysis 2011-2012) b p c Excludes clinical dental technicians NR: not reported Table 2. Incidence of medical emergencies by practitioner type. Emergency event Number of GDPs reporting during a one-year period (%) Number of specialists reporting during a one-year period (%) Number of other practitioners reporting during a one-year period (%) Mean number of events for per reporting practitioners (sd) Total number of events reported (max) Vaso-vagal syncope a 71 (36.0) 10 (37.0) 1.5 (12.8) 3.3 (6.0) 313 (50) Hyperventilation a 40 (20.3) 3 (11.1) 1.2 (10.3) 3.5 (5.1) 185 (25) Angina pectoris (chest pain) 2.4 (12.2) 5.0 (18.5) 1.0 (0.9) 1.7 (1.3) 51 (5) Swallowed foreign body 2.9 (14.7) 3.0 (11.1) 1.2 (10.3) 1.8 (2.2) 79 (12) Epileptic seizures (grand mal) 1.7 (8.6) 4.0 (14.8) 3.0 (2.6) 1.8 (2.0) 43 (10) Hypoglycemia 4.4 (21.3) 7.0 (25.9) 3.0 (2.6) 3.7 (3.7) 192 (15) Myocardial infarction 0.3 (1.5) 1.0 (3.7) 0.0 (0.0) 1.3 (0.5) 5 (2) Respiratory depression 1.0 (5.1) 5.0 (18.5) 0.0 (0.0) 6.0 (6.4) 90 (80) b Allergic reaction to a drug 2.8 (14.2) 5.0 (18.5) 2.0 (1.7) 3.2 (4.6) 112 (20) Anaphylaxis 9.0 (4.6) 4.0 (14.8) 0.0 (0.0) 1.7 (1.4) 5 (5) Overdose (eg of anesthetic) 4.0 (2.0) 2.0 (7.4) 1.0 (0.9) 1.4 (0.8) 10 (3) Circulatory depression or collapse 4.0 (2.0) 2.0 (7.4) 2.0 (1.7) 2.1 (1.6) 17 (5) Stroke (cardiovascular accident) 3.0 (1.5) 1.0 (3.7) 0.0 (0.0) 1(-) 4 (1) Inhaled foreign body 2.0 (1.0) 0.0 (0.0) 1.0 (0.9) 1 (-) 3 (1) Acute asthma 7.0 (3.6) 1.0 (3.7) 2.0 (1.7) 1.8 (1.3) 18 (5) Hyperglycemia