Mockingjay Written by Suzanne Collins Essay Example for Free

Mockingjay Written by Suzanne Collins Essay B.Mockingjay, written by Suzanne Collins, is the third and final book to the hit series, The Hunger Games. Katniss Everdeen has ventured through the Hunger Games and the third Quarter Quell, and has been rescued by the rebels in District 13 and has been convinced to become â€Å"the Mockingjay,† which happens to be the symbol of the rebellion in Panem. As she takes lead of the rebellion Katniss demands that the leader of the district, President Coin, allow freedom to all Quarter Quell participants, including Peeta who has been manipulated and brain- washed by the Capitol. Katniss also demands that only she has the right to kill President Snow, leader of Panem. Aggravated and annoyed Katniss is kept in the dark from battles and works to create propaganda for the rebellion. Peetas brainwashing deeply effects and disturbs Katniss, but he slowly begins to improve after much treatment and therapy which had included major cake decorating. His friend from his childhood, Delly Cartwright, helps with his recovery by bringing up lost fond memories of their past lives. Not long after Peeta has become well enough to train with Katniss and her propaganda unit, in which they are then sent off on a mission to the Capitol. The rebels gain and convince and gain control of the districts and are able to begin an ambush on the Capitol. A propaganda filming in a safe Capitol neighborhood goes wrong, and Katniss and her team go deeper into the city with the hope of finding and killing President Snow. Many members of Katnisss team are killed, and Katniss is left alone and pushes toward Snow’s mansion, which has supposedly been opened to shelter Capitol children, but is actually intended to trap the kids and use them as human shields for President Snow. As she reaches the mansion, a hover plane with markings of the Capitol drops supply parachutes to the children which then explode, killing many of the children. A medical team ma de up of rebels, which also involves her younger sister Primrose, attempt to care for the wounded children but more parachutes are dropped and kill the rest of the children along with the medics. Katniss more raged than ever is determined to find Snow in order to avenge not only the District’s, but also her sister. After the victory of the rebels it has been decided that a Hunger Games will be held for the children in the Capitol. While recovering from the same explosion that killed her sister, Katniss accidentally runs into President Snow who is under house arrest. Snow tells her that he did not order the assault that killed Prim, saying he would have escaped if he had access to a hover plane. Katniss assumes it was Gale, but as he denies it she cannot help but face her doubt and finally comes up with the conclusion that President Coin had ordered the assault. At Snow’s execution, Katniss becomes aggravated and shoots Coin instead. The watchers of the execution become angry and begin to run around aimlessly stomping on President Snow until he is dead. Katniss is ordered back to District 12 after trying to commit suicide and after many months Peeta comes to join her and they both fall in love again with eachother and with Haymitch’s help write a book about the Hunger Games and tributes to keep their memory. C.Themes: 1.Bravery, a majorly used trait in the novel. Katniss along with the rest of the rebellion must stand up to the Capitol and take back their lives. Katniss must be brave in order to make the rebellion successful and to create a stronger world. 2. Loyalty, is a major themed used in Mockingjay. Katniss shows her loyalty to her family and all her loved ones. She expresses her loyalty to Peeta by showing her hope towards him to get better and wishing for him to become better. 3. Determination, is highly needed to be a character in the entire series of The Hunger Games. Katniss was determined to avenge not only her sister and the rest of her family, but the entire world. All of the districts depended on her as the lead of the rebellion to stop President Snow. D.Katniss was faced with the problem of leading the rebellion against the Capitol. â€Å"Yeah, so this is the deal. I’ll be you Mockingjay.† (Collins 38) Katniss takes up the role as the â€Å"Mockingjay† and becomes the face of the rebellion. Katniss changes from the beginning of not only Mockingjay, but also throughout the entire series of The Hunger Games. Katniss not only has become the face of the rebellion, but she has led all of Panem against the Capitol and had defeated it. â€Å"I’ll tell them how I survive it. I’ll tell them that on bad mornings, it feels impossible to take pleasure in anything because I’m afraid it could be taken away.† (Collins 390) Suzanne Collins used very specific wording to describe the characters and setting in the book Mockingjay. â€Å"My name is Katniss Everdeen. I am seventeen years old. My home is District 12. I was in the Hunger Games. I escaped. The Capitol hates me†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Collins 4) Though Collins doesn’t go too much into detail to describe characters or setting she does explain events and characters in an very succinct manner. A major symbol in Mockingjay is the â€Å"Mockingjay.† Katniss represents the Mockingjay, which symbolizes the rebellion against the Capitol. The jabberjay was a bird that was used by the Capitol as spies but was compromised by rebels. The Capitol had realized they were being fed false information by the rebels and were left alone in the wild where they mated with mockingbirds hence the name Mockingjay. â€Å"I take a deep breath. My arms rise slightly as if recalling the black-and-white wings Cinna gave me then come to rest at my sides†¦ â€Å"Im going to be the Mockingjay.† (Collins 31) E.The book Mockingjay was a very entertaining book and was also a part of a very entertaining series. This book was recommended by a family member and the dialogue and the descriptions were captivating. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of the genre and tell them that his series was a great one. The book was very absorbing and seemed to end too fast.

Study On The Importance Of Green Banking Finance Essay

Study On The Importance Of Green Banking Finance Essay Introduction In our life money has always play an important and crucial role in almost in every aspect. And in this, bank is an institution which mainly deals with money. According to Freixas and Rocher bank is an institution whose current operations consists in granting loans and receiving deposits from the publics (1999, p1). Till date, the banking industry has improvised his products and facilities to provide it to their customer. No one has imagined that 100 yrs ago, that bank will play a crucial role in 21th century. Now banks are influencing the development and the growth of the economy in the way of both quality and quantity. The major source of financing investment of banking sector is from commercial projects which are important for economic growth. Hence, for promoting socially responsible investment and environmentally sustainability banks play a vital role in it. As we know banks themselves is not a polluters but its having relationships with some companies and institution which are p olluter or could be in future. Banks are environmental friendly as in term of pollution and emission in its sector. In banking sector the internal environment impact is very low and clean as in the usage of water, energy and paper. The impact is not related with banks activities but with it customers activities. Therefore, the impact of external activity is enormous which is difficult to estimate. And environmental management is like a risk management it increases the value of an institution and lowers down the loss ratio. Thus banks should encourage prudent lending and environmentally responsible investment to the institution. Further those industries which are become green and those which are on its way to get green they have to fulfil the priority to lending by the banks. This process of finance can be called as Green Banking to restore the natural environment banks makes the industries to grow green. The concept of green banking will be equally beneficial to the industries institution banks and economy. Internationally, banks and institutional investor for environmentally responsible/ socially responsible investment projects having their growing concern about it rate (Earth submit, 1992). Financial institution and bank can effectively achieve this goal because they have played an intermediary role in an economy and to the number of investors. Now-a-day environmental issue is not only a concern of the government and direct polluters, it also a concern of those institutions which are stake holders and partners of their business. So the bank and other financial institution can provide a vital support in maintain the environmental protection and sustaining the economic development. The bank operate on long term return on their investment and credit, due to the environmental liability there is risk of non -payment and in the reduction of value in credit extension and investment. So it will get more important for the banking sector to follow certain safe procedure for the environment evaluation of the projects before providing them funds. There are some studies has been shown in the positive correlation between financial performance and environmental performance (Hamilton, 1995; Hart, 1995). Thus it will get more important for the banks and other financial institution in the context of environment performance whether to invest in companies or advise client to do so. The environmental management has to follow different rule formation for conservation of the resources like clean water act, toxic substance control act, clean air act. All these are environmental liability for banking institution in a recent (Bindhu.N.Nayak, 2008). Adopting all these principle will be beneficial for the banking sector and to the financial institution as to consumers and also their stake holder. On international scale various strategies has been adopt to sustain development. The multilateral financial and development institution and international consortium has been building up the standard of environment and strategies to estimate the investment projects. The main aim of this paper is to discuss the issue of the banking sustainability and how it can play a role for the sustainable development and growth for the economy, particularly in the India aspect. Methodology The most important and difficult part of the project is methodology. As in this project the research method which is been use to examine the importance of the green banking in economy to sustain the environment with the help of it. There are certain sources to collect a data for the project such as working papers, academic journals, and relevant books. The research has been done by getting secondary data from genuine source such as articles, journals which are issued by genuine newspaper agencies of a specific country. The project is based on the secondary data analysis as getting primary data is difficult because whatever the policies is taking consideration in bank is taken by the top management authorities and it is hard to have interaction with them in personally. Research Methodology Research is to be done to figure out the proper knowledge of the subject in a systematic way. It is analytical and hard working process to figure out the about the fact and theory. The term methodology refers the theory of how research should be done (Saunders, 2009). According to Welman and Kruger (2001) there are various techniques and methods in order to get effectively and scientifically correct information of the subject by applying objective method. Systematically Review The research of this subject is done on the basis of systematic way. And there is already material has been published by a genuine source on this particular subject. As it is said by Gronhaugh and Ghauri (2005) that the word systematic suggest research is based on logical relationship and not just belief. As method of research is consist of explanation of the data collection and the outcome of the facts from the study and finding the limitation of the subject. As Tranfield (2003) stated that traditional reviews are generally lack of information and some time the source of information was not authentic. Therefore, traditional review should be done very carefully and selective which include the evidence which is supported by the genuine authors summaries (Critical Appraisal Skill Programme, 2005). Quantitative and Qualitative Investigation of Methods: It is necessary, first to understand the difference between qualitative and quantitative investigation methods. Generating or using numerical data is called Quantitative data technique and generating of non numerical data is called qualitative technique. If both techniques are using to approach the data then its called mixed method (Saunders, 2009). According to Smith (1981) every method has its own weakness and strength. And as result may be differ as the use if the different technique and approaches by the researcher. Usually researcher goes for the qualitative approaches which consist of analysation of words through illustration and non- standardised frame work and comparison. As the project is an illustrative research and the objective is to understand the importance of the Green Banking in the India. Corbun and Strass (1990) has explained that the use of qualitative method is to understand the aspect of the subject. And it can be useful in understanding more about the subject which is already known. Quantitative methods can be use to gain insights approach to the issue which is sometime not possible to get the results from the quantitative method. Therefore, to describe key issues researcher prefer to use the quantitative methods especially in the case of transfusion service management which is not possible to get through from the quantitative method. The classical structure of literature reviewing according to the researcher is like; Study of basic level of banks and its importance in the economy. And research has been done on the Green Banking at international level. Then at what level Green banks are taking initiative in the Indian economy. Accumulation of the Green banking policy and more narrows down to the work to get the objective of research. To get the transparent literature review, researcher have to describe all the approaches which make to search the selected literature, key words, outline of the choice and data base (Tranfield, 2003). To analysis the literature several journals, books, articles and electronic base data were use. Source of Tool: To get the relevant material Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India site have been re-examine which is an official website of India. There are other search engine has been used such as Google scholar and University Library site has been used to gather the resources but university Library site is come to notice that there are very less journal are available regarding Green Banking. Analysis of Secondary Data: According to Haakim (2000) secondary data from different sources can also be combined if they have the same geographical basis, to form area based data sets to get the answer of the research question secondary data can be use as in getting the objectives which is aimed for the ample assembly. Genuineness of the facts is tested by the reputed database which is publicised by the authentic resource. The aim of this study is to analysis the secondary data methods while investigating the facts and do the international comparisons and to understand the potential outcome that why Green Banking is very important in the developing countries and how they are playing a crucial role in sustaining the development of the economy like India. Aim and objectives of research: The purpose is to learn what strategies leaders in emerging market growth have adopted to attract FDI and how financial services play major role. The purpose is to develop a model for both categories and test the model empirically to substantiate the hypotheses. What are the lessons that laggards can learn from these leaders? The study intends to show a path to the PIN countries and other markets that will emerge in next two decades. Therefore the objectives of this research are as follows: To illustrate the benefits and shortcomings of Foreign Direct Investments in developing countries like India and China. To understand the impact of FDI on gross domestic product of these emerging countries. To examine current situation these economies and analyse the future possibilities of growth. Limitations of the study: This is systematic review based study of the available literature in the area of Green Banking. Genuiness is the touchstone of Analysising the literature. Whereas, there are general and accurately presented material is available about Green Banking in European countries but very few literature was found related to the Green Banking in India. And even thought their not much significant data or literature has been get from the Google scholar and University Library or any other search engine regarding Green Banking in India. Whereas, sincere efforts has been done by the researchers to get the authentic data from the genuine source and the judgement has been done on the secondary the data. Research of the Credibility: There is certain research tool to examine the credibility like Generalisability, Reliability, and validity. Dochartaigh (2002) described it as,assessing the authority or reputation of the source. Validity: In the case of qualitative research the degree of validity is to be tested. To get the correct result, test of validity is important. Validity is concerned with whether the findings are really about what they appear to be about, is the relationship between two variables a causal relationship.(Saunders, 2009). This is a valid research because it is based on systematic data analysis from the genuine resource and on the basis of this research the question has been answered. Reliability: Reliability define by Joppe (2000) it is a consistent of a result which represent the accurate number of data is presented over the time and the study of result reproduced the same methodology then it can be said that research is reliable. If the research contains the systematic review of the available secondary data of same objective with a same topic and same results then the research of study is reliable (Golafshani, 2003). Triangulation: The term triangulation means that the collection of different data technique, which ensure about what you are thinking that they are telling you (Saunders, 2009). According to Mathison (1998) it is crucial for the methodological issue in quantitative and naturalistic approaches to establish valid proposition and get control on bias because alternative epistemology is incompatible with the scientific traditional techniques. But this research is based on the secondary data analysis not from the primary sources. So, this method is not applicable for this research. Consideration of Ethical: This research is completely based on the secondary data review and not on the primary collection method like interviewing or questionnaires etc. So, the approval of ethical and confidentiality is no use in the research. The collection of data is based on books, articles, journals and reports. The research material which has been used is properly referenced and checking the authenticity of the resource to avoid the plagiarism. Importance of green banking Until now, the business operation of financial and banking institution were not acknowledged towards the environmental concern. Generally, the environmentally degrading activities of banking sectors is like obstructing or getting in the way of business affair of their client. Nevertheless, it will be risk to their business if they were dealing with the environment. Although, there are indirect cost to the banks as they are not directly affected the by the environmental degradation. It is due to the firm environmental regulation which is enforced by the other countries authorities. In the case of failure, the industries have to face the consequence which leads banks to its closure. For example, in 1980 comprehensive environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). There was a huge loss for the bank in 1980s in U.S. The bank was directly responsible for the environmental pollution of their clients activities and made them to pay the remediation cost. Thats why banks in U.S are more concern about the environment while lending the fund to their clients. In European countries banks held directly responsible for any misdeed has been done by their clients. Therefore banks and other financial institution have to engage with their stakeholder on social and environmental policy. So that their clients investment can be evaluate. This would make clients to build up a proper management for social and environmental policy issue regarding investment. The green banking is important for both economy and the bank, by escaping from the risk which is involved in the financial sector. Legal Risk: there is a relevant environmental legislation risk for banks if they do not comply with it. More particularly, there is more lender liability risk for paying up the claims and the cost of damages for pollution causing to the asset or depraved. Banks can be helped by the environmental management by enhancing it image and reduce the cost and risk and taking advantage of revenue opportunity. Reputation Risk: As now there is more awareness about the safety of environment and banks may loosen up their reputation if they involve with the big project, which are indulging in the environmental destruction. Environmental management system have a few cases as in good result in cost saving and increase in the value of the bond (Heim, G et al, 2005). Sometimes it has lower risk, great environmental stewardship and increase in profit. Reputation risk is involved in both ethically and economically. By adopting the green banking strategies bank can deal with these risks. There are two components are involved in green banking strategies (1) innovative environmentally oriented financial products (2) managing risk environment (IFC, 2007). Banks have to make a proper arrangement for environmental management system. So that risk can be evaluate which involved in the investment project. The risk can be adopted by recommending the distinctive techniques and rates of interest. From high risk project banks can withdraw fund from it. Creating services and financial products is a second component of green bank which support the environmental benefit with commercial benefit. All these comes in bio-diversity conservation, investment in renewable projects energy, investment in technologies, energy efficiency, environmental investments in mutual funds and bonds (WBCSD, 1997). There should be protective polices for the liability guideline on development and environmental risk. The financial and banking institution should prepare a report of every project they invest and finance (Jeucken, 2001). For projects seeking finance they can have an environmental assessment. For each project bank can outcome with an environmental hazard management procedure and follow it. The big financial institution like Japan bank for international cooperation (JBIC) and International financial corporation (IFC) have consolidated with environmental management in their business strategies. All projects are taking consideration into terms of environmental impact in an account factors like, the substance scale and sector of the project, uncertainty and the degree of environmental impact proposed project site. Even World Banks are lending loan to the beneficiary country on the certain level of commitment that they adopt the environmental protection measures. Over time there is a change in the environmental norms to follow the agreement. And it is considerably bit costly to follow up the standard and environmental norms. If the economic benefits can be consider in the terms of productivity health care and insurance then the cost is not much higher than the benefit. In the study its confirms that 14 billion pound had been caused in the medical expenses and 200 million working days had been loss due to air pollution which resulting in losses in productivity to the European union (Stavros Dimas, 2005). Technologies which are environmental friendly practically decrease the financial burden and also building up the economic sense for the industries. Due to the more environmental awareness among the consumer in all over the world the pollutant industries were facing resistance by the consumer which often cause them massive boycott and close down of the industries and the cost is adding enormously. The concerns about environment are articulated into the international policy trade and act as a blockade for ESGs (Environmentally Sensitive Goods). So affirming modes of production and sustainable technologies are now not taking as a financial burden. Although, it providing high profits and new opportunities for the business. Green banking has neutralized the risk, save the cost and up brings the reputation of banks. So it serves both the commercial objective of the bank as well as its social responsibility. Green banking solves the problem faced by the environmental regulation and enforcements authorities related to size and location of the polluting unit. The authorities have practical limitations on enforcing environment standard on small-scale industries and also industries located in far off places. International initiative of green banking At international level there are many banks who have taken initiative to get their branch green. There is one bank name PNC Financial Group Inc which is based in Pittsburgh has certified as a green bank. PNC green bank does not stop with getting eco-friendly construction. They include there parent company business model in developing their products, marketing and giving training to their employee. PNC is one of the banks who have taken the green concept so seriously that it evolved the idea into the brand of the company. PNC has started its construction of getting green bank in 1998. They had selected 17 different sites for their location and make sure that it is easily accessible through transportation. Then they had planned to build their building accordingly to U.S Green Building Council (USGBC) and Leader in Energy and Environmental Design certification process. In 2000 the building was completed and it was the largest LEED green certified building in the world. Some of the new features have been included into the building structure like the lobby of the building is eco with a green roof. It was stated by Gary Saulson the director of the corporate real estate that you can walk into the building lobby on 90-degree humid day without any problem because there is a three- story water wall in the space which work as coolant radiant which maintain the inner temperature of the bu ilding. Because of this innovative method PNC has set a new standard of development. And it has been appreciated by the mayor of the city for setting up the standard of eco-friendly responsibility and quality development in the city. And in 2007 PNC Bank has secure 20th rank among the Best Green Company for America Award (Deb Stewart, 2008). Now PNC has more than 58 eco-friendly branches all across the state. And 41 branches has also obtained the Benchmark of Green Bank most of the branches has granted the LEED certification. As all of these branches has follow the eco-friendly process such as; Recycling: Near about 15 percent of furniture fabric and carpet is made of green material or recycle material for example Door and cabinetry are made of wheat board which process by the wheat product. Water and Energy Efficiency :- the usage of energy has been reduce by 50 percent because of the high-tech system installation in the building and maximum usage of the natural light and water usage was also reduce by 6200 gallon in year. Reduction in land waste: Wastage of construction material like steel, wood and cardboard is to be recycled. By doing this 150 ton per branch wastage has been reduce. Using of the pre-made panel for exterior has reduced the waste, while constructing the panels. To protect the ozone layer non- chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant are use for cooling the system (Deb Stewart, 2008). In 90s the United Nations environment programme has launched a program which is known as UNEP finance initiative (UNEPFI). Under this, near about 200 financial institutions of all around the world has taken the participation and signed the initiative statement to promote the environmental development (Jeucken, 2001). The main purpose is to merge the social and environmental dimension to the financial performance. According to the UNEPFI, the sustainable development is a basic thing for the business management. It supports for the elementary advance to the environmental management and offers reconciling environmental discussion into the asset management business operations and other decision of the banks (Earth Submit, 2002). In 1991 the IFCs environmental panel was established for receiving the environmental assessment project. ABN-Amro banks which is Netherlands based banks who has developed certain polices like reputation risk management (RRM) to recognise, manage the non- financia l and asses within their business strategies. Likely, the big international banks like Deutsche, HSBC, Standard Chartered and ABN-Amro banks has look and discuss at environmental problem under Kyoto protocol. Moreover, the government of Dutch has requested formally from the banks to achieve sustainable development. This agreement has been establish between banks and government in 1999. This environmental policy will improve the development of services and new financial products. The Rain Forest Action Network (RAN) and Earth (FOE) had challenged the industry with their campaign which highlighted the case in which commercial banks were bankrolling Disaster in 2000 in U.S. Bank Tract is a network which formed by the NGOs to promote the sustainable finance in the commercial sector in 2002. This coalition up comes with 6 principles which assisting in the protection of environment and justice by the bank. This is known as Collevecchio Declaration (Bibhu Prasad Nayak, 2008). These 6 principles are no- harm, commitments to sustainability, responsible sustainable market and transparency, accountability and governance. There are more than 200 institutions that signed up the declaration and asked the banks to integrate with these commitments into their business operation. The declaration states that Finance and Commerce has been at the centre of a historic detachment between the worlds natural resource base, production and consumption. As we reach the boundaries of ec ological boundaries of the ecological limit upon which all commerce relies, the financial sector should take its share of responsibility for reversing the effects this detachment has produced. To guideline the project banking institution have been constraint into common set of social and environmental policy for sustain the green finance. In Oct 2002 the group of small banks along with IFC had come with the proper general guideline and later in July 2003 they came up with a policy is known as Equator Principle. And other big commercial were also adopting this set of principles in their structure. And in July 2006 equator principle has been revised and updated. The used of the revised set of principle, the project coverage has been lowered by 10 million from 50 million dollar. Now 16 countries with 46 financial institutions were managing their business in more than 100 countries and they all have adopted the equator principle. The adoption of this principle in the business operation has become common standard for the project which integrated with social and environmental issue in business. (Bibhu Nayak, 2008; p10) The NGOs has received the activities of equator bank in a worldwide and it being proclaimed, when they came to know that it not commit to the equator principle. Sustainable Banking Award has been initiated by the Financial Times along with IFC in 2006. There are 151 financial institutions in which 104 institutions has made through to the final list of award in 2007. The ratio of bank apply was more than the previous year, it was about 100 percent more. The international initiative of banks operations are voluntary in nature and the basic thing is to up come of the common good for the enhancement of the ecosystem. In competitive market there is a short coming of a voluntary commitment. As an increase of the green money in the market, lender will stimulant to delay the social commitment and the commercial interest which will programme in the short run. If the green money is voluntary than it will be precondition demand for the green bank. According to the government policy the bank which is responsible for the breach of law of their clients will have to help in promoting green banking. Green Banking In India From last two decade, the growth rate of Indian development is very high. And this is because of the industrial sector that plays a curial role in the development of the India. However, controlling the environmental challenge has been occurred in the way of Indian industry which makes impact in their business i.e. emission of pollution by their clients. Although government of India is trying to solve this problem by adopting the environmental policies and comforting the industries to adopt this environmental technology. Fortuitously, India is a second fastest growing nation in the world in producing green house gases. Indias three main metropolitan cities like Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai are the worlds most busy and polluted cities. In India major polluted industries are paper and pulp, zinc steel and copper metallurgical industries, refine, tanneries, sugar, pesticides and insecticides, textile, fertilizers etc. The environmental management have to be taken care by the financial institution and banks, who are investing in the industries project. This can be done by improving the level of efficiency, quality of products and services. In this case banks and financial institution play an important role because these institutions are major source of finance to the industries. In India there are broadly two main categories for the environmental policies and regulation which is liability, law control and command regulation. The control and command regulation are ex an-te regulation which are assigned to prevent from the environmental polluting businesses. With the help of this policy lending institution will set up a specific standard for the industries, so that they have to follow the regulation and project will examine closely by the ministry of environment and forest authority and its up to these authority whether they give the permission or not. The liability law is like based on the analysis of past performance (ex post). In this impose will be made by the authorities on the industries by closing down or imposing fine on them etc. Although there is no such law in India which impose any fine on the bank; which are providing financial help to those client whose are responsible for creating damages to the environment. Once the legal regulation comes in th e frame work then the environmental standard will raise in India. And the industries which are responsible for polluting the environment will either have to shut down or have to invest money in the development equipment to meet the standards. And at international market industries will lose their competitiveness, which will directly affect the bank sector and economy of India. Thus it is crucial for the bank to protect them from getting into non- performing assets in coming days. Analysisation of these facts make banks to accept the concept of Green Banking. The institutions which are not capable to control the pollution now may be future polluters. And one day, the legislation will taken a strict decision against the polluters who are responsible for damaging the environment and may have to shut down their units. For e.g. in Delhi and Agra, almost 150 SSI units had to be shut down because of not following the standard. Now banks and financial institutions are taking consideration about these perspectives, if the industries were not performing the environmental standard. According to the pollution control status there are 17 different categories of institution where they are equal number of institution which are shut down or defaulted. When there is a shut down or a default of a project, bank has to face financial losses it is because of increase of the li ability and bad asset. Year Total Acceding^ Defaulting^^ Shut down 2001* 1551 1350 24 177 2002* 1551 1351 22 178 2003* 1551 13356 52 189 2004 2155 1877 53 225 2005 2455 1909 168 265 2006 2678 2044 297 335 Note: ^Competent to agree with the Standards, ^^ Not able to agree Standards. Source: * Annual Report 2005-2006 LOk Sabha ; Govt. Of India, Ministry of Forest and Environment; (sourced from www.indiastat.com) Now-a-days, awareness is spreading among the public regarding environmental pollution. And people are taking strict action against those industri

Role of the US President

Role of the US President Who Wants This Job? Government 2305: Professor: John Sutter Student: Cathy Lynch Date: March 18, 2015 Who Wants This Job? Would you want to be President of the United States of America, Why? We hear and read political news from the television, radio, internet, special interest blogs, news papers and magazines, for those who still read hard copy printed material, and of course Barbra-shop gossip. After listening to what sounded like tongue and cheek, total organized chaos, back-biting, mudslinging, political undermining pitting party against party issues against issues, dealing with millions of other people’s lives in totality for generations to come †¦etc, the proverbial question seem fitting to ponder, Who wants this job and why? This essay sets out to investigate by reviewing articles, books, video commentaries and documentaries of individuals who may consider being president of the United States of America. First let’s look into the prerequisites in order to become president of the United States. According to our Constitution, Article II, Section 1, which place minimal requirements seem like the best place to start. The U.S.Constitutionâ€Å"Article II Section 1 Clause 5 expresses â€Å"No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of thisConstitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States. (Roland 2008) A little fun fact, on who was the youngest and eldest president to service USA: Theodore Roosevelt (42 years, 10 months, 18 days) Ronald Reagan (69 years, 11 months, 14 days) (Rosenberg n.d.) Only native-born U.S. citizens (or those born abroad, but only to parents at least one of whom was a U.S. citizen at the time) may serve president of the United States. Of course, like many things there are from time to time requirements are called into question, such as most recent current event the potential 2016 presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz (R – Texas).† (Trethan n.d.) One of his parents is from another country Cuba, the other is a native-born U. S. Citizen, and yet they resided in Canada where Ted Cruz was born making him to posses multiple citizenships [Canadian, American and Cuban].Would this be a hindrance or an asset to American if he were to be elected as President? Actually the reality is our Constitution indicates native born. However, Ted Cruz, isn’t the first, nor the last to have their citizenship questioned. For an example Obama, Kenya or Hawaii? Term limit amendment according to US Constitution, Amendment XXII, Section 1 ratified February 27, 1951 states, No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once. (Hickok n.d.) But there are much more for a potential president nominee to be considered. We Americans are very demanding. We want what we want, and we want it NOW; if we don’t get it, we won’t stand behind the leader of the band, [the President]. A good example is when Ben laud in was captured; all praise was given, but then a few months down the road, we turned our backs on the President because we didn’t like what he did on another issue. After all, the President is a mouth piece for our country, the leader of the executive branch of the federal government of our grand country, the head of state, head of government, the commander-in-chief of our military armed forces. He makes laws, has the power to veto them, a leader of a vast economy and nuclear arsenal responsibilities to know when to hold and when to fold, as they sing in the country and western song the Gambler. He sometimes has to gamble with people’s lives too. Would you consider the position of presidency as the most powerful held position a person could hold in the world? This job requires one in power to execute of federal law, appoint other political executive, and judicial officers. The president comprises therein treaties with foreign powers with the help of the Senate, which may or may not be of his own party. He’s also the person that takes the heat when separate powers don’t want to play ball due to special interest group contributions, and other enticements. He must be well connected in order for fundraising for campaigning, to get elected, re-elected and other expenditures. He must possess the power of persuasion, have thick skin. Hey the political arena can be brutal and strip one to the bone and hang them out to dry without a blink of an eye. Who would and why would someone put them self and family through such torture? For the good of the nation or is there more too it? What does the President get in return for four year term of service? From the very beginning of our great nation’s first constitution to now most leaders are already wealthy and set well in life and business. So becoming a federal leader for the pay isn’t much of a motivator being the president currently collects the amount of $200.000 $500.000 annually for services rendered, depending on the president, of course. Thanks to Clinton who signed legislature to provide the presidency their first pay-raise since 1969 from $100.000 to $200.000. (Howstuffworks 2000). That seems like a lot to us average income earners doesn’t it? But if you think about their expenses, and all they are required to do, even with an expense account of $50,000.00, that amount doesn’t go very far. Actually they make more than that in their private lives of business. So what’s the motivation to become President? There’s free housing in the grandest best well kept house in the nation, the white house; unlimited access to Camp David, Travel and meet with very important, influential people and other nation leaders. But also keep in mind, they are putting their lives on the line every time, in spite of body guards around the clock and everywhere they go. They live under a microscope too; also one can never please everyone. There is always something brewing, scheming and always a problem to fix and improvements to be made if they can get the opposing party to comprise. They have the weight of the World, Our Nation, Congress, Constituents, not to mention their own personal family upon their shoulders. When the president decides to retire they receive some lifetime and some time restricted benefits. However, they do have an option to relinquish these benefits and services. Post presidency, what is it like? Life after being a president has its reward system well in place. The United States have had eight presidents meet their demise while in office. Four of those were assassinated, (Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, William McKinley and John Kennedy). One president resigned (Richard Nixon), and two presidents were impeached, (Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton), though not convicted. (2000Josh Clark). As a rule most presidents serve one to two – four year terms; then either get re-elected, defeated or retire. Living in such intensity under a microscope some retire out of the public lime light. Other’s profit from their published and distributed memoirs, some get involved in speech circuit, and some utilize their distinction toward business improvement, as Jimmy Carter is known for being the most successful post president. However, not all post presidents get out from public eye, instead they may continue to move forward by being nominated into the House of Representatives or Supreme Courts. As in the early times, the departing presidents would merely pat upon the back, given an Atta boy; when the Former President Act (federal law) was expedited by Congress back in 1958 this act was to provide an annual pension of $25,000. Of recent, according to an article posted on the About News website post president’s pay and compensation consist of the receipt of several lifetime benefits which entitle them to: Annual pension An annual pension of $400,000 which is equal to the executive head level I. In addition to their spouse who also receives an annual pension of $20,000., providing they do not accept additional benefits. This benefit start immediately upon the vacating their presidential position. Staff and office expenses – Transitional fund, are labeled for expenditures of vacating the office available up to seven months (It covers office space, staff compensation, communications services, and printing and postage associated with the transition). However in addition to the transitional fund, there is also revenue provided for the departing president’s private staff and office thanks to the Administrator of General Services Administration. Medical care or health insurance Post presidential is entitled to medical treatment in Veteran’s hospitals thanks to Management and Budget Office charges are discounted by interagency rates. Two-term presidents have an option to purchase medical insurance provided by the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program Secret Service protection—Post presidential and their family members use to be entitled to a lifetime of secret service protection. Then when Clinton was post president the SSP were only for ten years. However, current president Obama signed legislation reinstating lifetime protectionin 2013 for him and other post presidential. (Longley 2014) We have covered a lot about why anyone would want to be president, but we hadn’t mentioned anything about their political aspects, admirations and goals to further our country into all its glory, an improved nation. Nor have we mentioned anything about We the people being considered or being the main focus. Though, we are certain being these men and women of today’s political world have many fires to start and to put out being the great successful leaders that they are have us in mind, have our country in mind. After all, it’s their country too and they live in it too. They are not above the law even though they may receive extra perks here and there†¦ It merely proves these intelligent leaders, know what they want earlier on in their life, because politics is a lifelong commitment; as simple as step 1, 2 3; to get your foot in the door, to follow, to rule, to lead, and to succeed as an individual as well as a country. Would you want this job? Why or Why not is something amazing to ponder? It’s not the kind of job a lazy person, that is uneducated, lack morals, and integrity to embark upon. It is a position of distinction, reverence and money, keen communication skills, the ability to persuade and work well with others, know the law, and how to select their supporters to help manage the Oval Office and foreign affairs, an innovative thinking and producer of excellence. This is why everyone should vote in all elections local, state as well as governmental levels. Obama stated this morning on telecast news on channel 8, if Everyone would vote the results would outnumber the money. It is crucial to arm one’s knowledge banks regarding worldwide politics, voice ones opinion by voting. It is our right, and a privilege we may not have in the future, if not exercised now and every time there is an election. References Hickok, Eugene. Amendment XXII . http://constitutioncenter.org/constitution/the-amendments/amendment-22-presidential-term-limits (accessed March 13, 2015). Howstuffworks. August 21, 2000. HowStuffWorks.com. http://money.howstuffworks.com/question449.htm> (accessed March 17, 2015). Longley, Robert. Presidential pay and Compensation. April 22, 2014. http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/thepresidentandcabinet/a/presidentialpay.htm?utm_term=Benefits of Being Presidentutm_content=p1-main-4-titleutm_medium=sem-relutm_source=msnutm_campaign=adid-928de88a-d94c-40b9-b35c-49ea4f7fca65-0-ab_msb_ocode-28810 (accessed March 15, 2015). Roland, Jon. Presidential Eligibility. April 13, 2008. http://www.constitution.org/abus/pres_elig.htm (accessed March 17, 2015). Rosenberg, Jemmofer. About Education 20th Century History Expert. http://history1900s.about.com/od/worldleaders/a/youngpresidents.htm (accessed March 17, 2015). Trethan, Phaedra. Requirements to Service as President of the United States Now accepting Applications. Edited by Phaedra Trethan. Camden Courier-Post. http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/thepresidentandcabinet/a/presrequire.htm (accessed March 14, 2015).

Sweatshop Abuse and MIT’s Prospective Actions in Pursuit of Internation

Sweatshop Abuse and MIT’s Prospective Actions in Pursuit of International Labor Justice The term â€Å"sweatshop† refers to those factories relying on the exploitation and abuse of workers. Often (although not always) located in developing countries, these factories have been frequented by independent university researchers, who have published numerous accounts of worker imprisonment and physical abuse, as well as economic evidence revealing that many of these factories pay wages so small that their workers cannot live outside poverty. Several factories use horrific labor practices, and many factory workers have also been severely burned or mutilated in the workplace, while women among the labor population have often been forced to take birth control or abort their pregnancies (Given, 1997; Fernandez, 1997). The health burdens placed upon sweatshop workers have been extensively documented, and include exposure to noxious fumes, organophosphate compounds, and silica dust, resulting in record high cancer, asthma, bronchitis, pneumoconiosis, and leukemia rates in ma ny regions because workers aren’t provided with masks and gloves (Kim et al., 2000). These abuses are neither just nor irreconcilable, but many people believe that sweatshops are an economic necessity and will come to pass on their own with economic development. Closer examination of both the social and economic dimensions of sweatshop labor, however, reveals this presumption to be far from the truth. Most objections to anti-sweatshop action stem from the idea that sweatshop jobs are the best opportunities available to people living in poor conditions. â€Å"They keep coming back day after day, so they must want these jobs.† Trying to make the jobs better will simply me... ..., February). Sweat Shop Workers Struggle in New York’s Chinatown. Z Magazine. Kim, Jim Yong et al. (2000). Dying for Growth: Global Inequality and the Health of the Poor. Cambridge: Common Courage Press. Meyer, Karl (1997, June 28). Editorial Notebook. The New York Times. Mort, Jo-Ann. (1996, Fall). Immigrant Dreams: Sweatshop Workers Speak. Dissent. Richburg, Keith B. & Swardson, Anne. (1996, August 5-11). Sweatshops or Economic Development? Washington Post National Weekly Edition. Rosen, Sonia A., Jaffe, Maurren, & Perez-Lopez, Jorge. (1997). The Apparel Industry and Codes of Conduct: A Solution to the International Child Labor Problems. Upland, PA: Diane. Ross, Andrew. (1997). No Sweat: Fashion, Free Trade, and the Rights of Garment Workers. New York: Verso. Salomon, Larry. (1996, September/October). Sweatshops in the Spotlight. Third Force.

A Re-Hearing of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight :: Essays Papers

A Re-Hearing of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight As J.A. Burrow has recently reminded us, Middle English literature "requires the silent reader to resist, if he can, the tyranny of the eye and to hear. Certain of the writings ... make a further requirement. They treat the reader, not just as a hearer, but as an audience or group of hearers" (Medieval Writers 1). Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is such a poem, a literate composition designed for oral performance, bearing the imprint of a poet skilled at once in manipulating a text and using it to affect his audience in ways outside the scope of the oral poet. It is with this dynamic between text and audience in mind that I approach the process of "re-hearing" Sir Gawain. In doing so I hope to achieve some clarification of what Tolkien referred to as one of the "structural failures" of the poem the failure of Mary, Gawain's protectress, to receive any further acknowledgement after Gawain twice asks her help, during his journey and in the final temptation scene. Studies of structural repetition (Howard 1964, 430-33; Burrow 1966, 87-97) and numerological patterning (Hieatt 1968, 129-31; Eckhardt 1980, 141-55) demonstrate the Gawain-poet's ability to exploit the spatial and temporal control afforded by the technology of writing (Ong 1971, 23-27). As Kent Hieatt has shown, he consciously uses numerological patterns. Line 2,525, the last long line of the poem, echoes the opening line and reinforces the emphasis given to five and twenty-five in the description of the pentangle. In a similar manner, notes Hieatt, in the "companion poem Pearl, the line that echoes the first line of the poem is 1,212, and 12 is probably the significant numerical structure in the poem" (Eckhart, 1980, 65-78). While such numerological structuring would of course go unnoticed by an audience during performance, its existence gives us a picture of a poet able to apply a fairly sophisticated process of organization to the physical text. In this paper I will examine an other method of textual structuring, one which deals primarily with color patterns rather than numerical sequences, though predictably the two appear to be interrelated. The poem deals almost exclusively and abundantly in reds and greens. Red, the color of Gawain's symbol of perfection, the red-gold pentangle on a red field, appears A Re-Hearing of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight :: Essays Papers A Re-Hearing of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight As J.A. Burrow has recently reminded us, Middle English literature "requires the silent reader to resist, if he can, the tyranny of the eye and to hear. Certain of the writings ... make a further requirement. They treat the reader, not just as a hearer, but as an audience or group of hearers" (Medieval Writers 1). Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is such a poem, a literate composition designed for oral performance, bearing the imprint of a poet skilled at once in manipulating a text and using it to affect his audience in ways outside the scope of the oral poet. It is with this dynamic between text and audience in mind that I approach the process of "re-hearing" Sir Gawain. In doing so I hope to achieve some clarification of what Tolkien referred to as one of the "structural failures" of the poem the failure of Mary, Gawain's protectress, to receive any further acknowledgement after Gawain twice asks her help, during his journey and in the final temptation scene. Studies of structural repetition (Howard 1964, 430-33; Burrow 1966, 87-97) and numerological patterning (Hieatt 1968, 129-31; Eckhardt 1980, 141-55) demonstrate the Gawain-poet's ability to exploit the spatial and temporal control afforded by the technology of writing (Ong 1971, 23-27). As Kent Hieatt has shown, he consciously uses numerological patterns. Line 2,525, the last long line of the poem, echoes the opening line and reinforces the emphasis given to five and twenty-five in the description of the pentangle. In a similar manner, notes Hieatt, in the "companion poem Pearl, the line that echoes the first line of the poem is 1,212, and 12 is probably the significant numerical structure in the poem" (Eckhart, 1980, 65-78). While such numerological structuring would of course go unnoticed by an audience during performance, its existence gives us a picture of a poet able to apply a fairly sophisticated process of organization to the physical text. In this paper I will examine an other method of textual structuring, one which deals primarily with color patterns rather than numerical sequences, though predictably the two appear to be interrelated. The poem deals almost exclusively and abundantly in reds and greens. Red, the color of Gawain's symbol of perfection, the red-gold pentangle on a red field, appears

Limitations From Suffering Chronic Asthma

One of the major public health problems facing Australia today is Asthma. It is disturbing that there has been an apparent increase in its prevalence and severity, and increased rates of hospital admissions. (E.J.Comino, 1996) For the diagnosed patient, the degree to which he or she suffers is related to severity of the condition, compliance with recommendations by medical experts, the immediate environment and the effectiveness of education programs. Like other major health problems, asthma has varying degrees of symptoms. As such, the degree and frequency of the symptoms limits many aspects of the asthmatics life. To describe the main limitations suffered by those with chronic asthma, asthma must be defined. Asthma is a condition whereby the sufferer has difficulty breathing due to widespread narrowing of the airways of the lungs. This narrowing can be caused by a local inflammation of the air-ways, muscle contraction or the production of excess mucus with in bronchi. (R.Roberts, 1996) Most common is bronchial asthma. Medical definitions of asthma suggest that environmental triggers can substantially contribute to the occurrence of an asthma attack. The review of asthma in Victoria (1988) by the Asthma Foundation of Victoria outlined infection, exercise, climatic conditions, exposure to airborne irritants and emotional upsets as the main trigger factors. However, doctors use a general classification to identify a patients pattern of asthma†¦classifying people who experience some symptoms of asthma on most days as having a chronic asthma condition. The classification system also extends to the categories of children, occupational asthma and asthma in later life. Usually regular medication is required to keep the lungs functioning as normally as possible. Some chronic asthmatics have severe symptoms over a long period of time and may require long term or indefinite medication to be able to lead a normal life. (Lane, 1996) The most obvious limitations suffered relate to the asthmatics physiological dysfunction. However, physiological dysfunction can in turn contribute to greater social and psychological limitations. This area is related more specifically to quality of life and morbidity and will be discussed further on. The main physiological limitation is related to the presence of the bronchial narrowing slowing the movement of air into and out of the lungs. Thus, there is difficulty both breathing in and out. Asthmatics commonly describe the feeling – tightness of the chest, congestion and wheezing. Although these symptoms can commonly occur in other chest diseases, in asthma it is a characteristic that can occur in an aggravated attack. This may be either brief episodes of chest tightness lasting a matter of minutes or a prolonged episode of wheezing lasting up to and hour, which can merge into a full blown attack of asthma. (D.J.Lane, 1996) Other physiological limitations relate to the sufferers sensitivity to known triggers factors and the consequential effect on their daily functioning. The Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention (1995) states that triggers are risk factors that cause asthma exacerbation†s by inducing inflammation or provoking bronchio-constriction. This report also describes the main triggers as allergens, air pollutants, respiratory infections, exercise and hyperventilation, weather changes, allergies to foods, additives and drugs, and emotional stress. For example it is well established that viral respiratory infections can exacerbate asthma, especially in children under the age of 10. (Busse, 1993) Because the triggers may vary from person to person and from time to time, it is important to take the sufferers natural history into account and identify each individuals triggers. Therefore, an individuals identified trigger can restrict the sufferers ability to function normally. For example – an asthmatic child may try to avoid exercise for fear that it may trigger an asthmatic attack. This may in turn limit the sufferers physiological development over the long term and hence further contribute to the problem. (Global Strategy, 1995) Some psychological and social problems can also be considered as a consequence of the interaction with physiological limitations. The Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention (1995) states that â€Å"asthma is a chronic disorder that can place considerable restrictions on the physical, emotional, and social aspects of the lives of patients and may have an impact on their careers†. Chronic asthma sufferers have to live with the need for treatment and with the limitations that having asthma places on their everyday lives. It is in this context that the asthmatics life area†s are most likely to be handicapped. In general, the chronic asthmatics activity choices are particularly handicapped. †¦. especially physical education. Exercise incites airflow limitation in most children and young adults who have asthma. Exercise appears to be a specific stimulus for people with asthma because it seldom leads to airflow limitation in people without asthma. (Global Strategy, 1995) More specifically sports where sustained effort is needed over a considerable period (eg long distance running) are not recommended. From a psychological point of view, the development of a positive sense of self (ie self-esteem) can be adversely affected by asthma. In one study, nearly 41 percent of parents of children with asthma said that asthma caused their children to feel self-pity. These children also were found to have low self-esteem as well as poor relationships with their peers. (Charmaz, 1983) For an adult, occupation and social life may be handicapped. A comparative study from Edinburgh (1996) between asthmatics and people with other forms of physical disability were found to have similar levels of anxiety or neuroticism. It was found most asthmatics exhibited varying levels of anxiety in relation to their beliefs and, in particular, their constant fear of another attack and anxiety over school and work prospects. (Lane, 1996). Similarly, fear also plays a predominant role in children who suffer from asthma†¦. with one in four Victorian children fearing not being able to breathe as a result of asthma (King, 1988). Furthermore, the relationship between asthma and emotional andor severe behavior problems is documented in a 1995 study by R,Bussing et al. In particular they tend to suffer from limited school functioning, inability to attend school and need for special school or special classes. In Australia, school loss caused by asthma accounted for approximately 965,000 days annually. (Aust Bureau Statistics, 1991) In particular poor academic performance and greater risk to learning difficulties were found to be the greatest negative consequences. (Fowler, 1992) The asthma sufferer can have a limited choice of occupations, because they are exposed to an increasingly large number of potential irritants in their working lives. In particular if specific allergies are known to exist then an occupation that exposes them to the allergens must be avoided. For instance, those sensitive to pollen should not become gardeners or those who have recurrent shortness of breath, should not become marine biologists. (Lane, 1996) 3. What can an individual do to prevent the occurrence of unnecessary as asthma attacks, or to minimize the seriousness of those that do occur? In 1989 an Australian Asthma management (AMP) plan was set up as a guideline for health professionals. The guideline was set up as a common consensus among health experts to help tackle the irregular diagnosis and treatment of asthma. More particularly, to help combat the increase of asthma induced admissions to hospitals due the occurrence of unnecessary asthma attacks. This report outlined 6 important steps to aid the doctor and the sufferer as to the basis of good asthma management. They include (1) Assess the severity of asthma; (2) achieve best lung function (3) maintain best lung function by identifying and avoiding triggers; (4) maintain best lung function with optimal medication; (5) develop an action plan; and (6) educate and review regularly. (Woolcock, 1989) Current research by Beilby (1997) highlighted that having an action plan can play a vital role in preventing hospital admissions and death from asthma. An asthma action plan is a co-ordinated method of management that covers all aspects a persons asthma – medication, triggers factors, lung function measurements, etc. To ensure greater adherence, both the patient and the doctor should fill out an asthma management chart together. It encourages self management and focuses on the importance of identifying the main trigger factors and monitoring the warning signs of an asthma attack. Essentially this involves a regular check on airway function by the use of a peak flow meter and the additional measurement of lung capacity twice a day those with severe asthma. Use of symptomatic (quick working) medication such the bronchodilator ventolin aerosol type to maintain best lung function, is recommended to reduce the seriousness of an acute attack. Doctors prescribe preventative medication such as Intal (sodium cromogylcate), anti-allergy injections and inhaled steroids for people who have severe asthma. Long term use of preventative medicine is used in conjunction with bronchodilators. After several months on preventative medicine, asthmatics find they are able to reduce their use of bronchodilators dramati cally. (Prendergast, 1991) Identifying trigger factors such as allergens, infection, exercise, weather changes and emotional stress is also important. The use of a bronchodilator or Intal, before being exposed to an identified trigger factor, can reduce the likelihood of an asthmatic reaction. The asthma management chart also describes what to do if following warning signs are observed : (1) the bronchodilator doesn†t bring expected relief, (2) a decrease in the peak expiratory flow, (3) Increased breathlessness and variation in peak flow rates during the day, (4) more frequent wheezing and a persistent dry cough and (4) disturbed sleep. (Prendergast, 1991) Asthmatics who live in highly polluted areas and are surrounded by electrical appliances, high tech equipment and power lines can benefit from air ionisers and a purifiers. Individuals can also prescribe to alternative treatment (for instance the Buteyko method), various breathing exercises, physical exercise (such as swimming), a healthy diet, and natural remedies such a homeopathic and acupuncture. It has been found that these treatments should complement orthodox medication and also help reduce the reliance on it. Roberts (1996) suggest that there is evidence that the Buteyko method is effective in treating chronic asthma. Devised by professor Beteyko of Siberia, this program consists of specific relaxation techniques and shallow breathing to correct breathlessness and wheezing. For those who are prone to exercise induced asthma choosing the right type of exercise is important †¦ particularly choosing a sport that requires longer and slower breathing and/or short bursts of effort. Examples include gymnastics, cricket and basketball. Swimming with its controlled breathing pattern is also recommended as it promotes chest development, flexibility and, therefore better breathing. (Roberts, 1996) There has been extensive research into new drug treatments of asthma by pharmaceutical companies and universities over the last 20 years. One such new effective drug to emerge is a Leukotiene receptor antagonists (LTRA). It was recently introduced into Australia this year and the USA 3 years ago. In people with asthma, leukotrienes play a key role in causing the inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucous production that lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. LTRA†s prevent leukotrienes from attaching to the proinflammatory receptors on circulating and lung cells, which contribute to asthma symptoms. Leukotriene research is the direct result of a Nobel Prize-winning discovery made by scientist Beng Samuelsson in 1979. (Lipworth, 1999) However, there needs to be further research into the efficacy and its side effects. 4. How effective are the educational programs undertaken by organizations such as Asthma Victoria? Current statistics indicate that there has been a reduction of asthma mortality and morbidity in Australia over the past 10 years. The fall in deaths from 964 in 1989 to 715 in 1997 may indicate that some of Australia†s strategies for asthma management have been successful. (NAC, 1998) The Australian Asthma Management Program provides a systematic and methodical approach to asthma care. Nevertheless, it was not formulated as an evidence based document. This means that its recommendations (devised in 1989) were not based on systematic reviews or had been ranked according to the strength supporting them. However, today there have been a number of studies reviewing the effectiveness of the AMP. One such report by the National Asthma Campaign (1999), commented on the crucial role of education in improving the management of asthma rather than the token gesture of handing over a leaflet at the end of a patient consultation. This was in relation to the 6th step – educate and review regularly and highlights the importance of education programs undertaken by organizations such as the Australian National Asthma Campaign, Asthma Victoria, the Thoracic society of Australia and New Zealand and other relevant educators. The 1990 and 1993 national surveys of 22,000 adults and 16,000 children conducted by the National Asthma Campaign (NAC) showed improved asthma management practices in the three year period. Although the changes are not necessary the direct result of the National Asthma Campaign, it is considered to be consistent with the campaign and other agencies having been successful in promoting awareness and optimal management of asthma. (Comino, 1996) One of the goals of the NAC was to reduce the reliance on daily medication and hence increase the use of preventative therapy (such as inhaled corcosteroids) for patients with moderate or severe asthma; together with written action plans based on symptom severity and measurements of lung function. Use of preventative medication was found to have increased among both children and adults. The study highlighted also that there was a significant decline in the use of daily inhaled bronchodilator drugs among children and also inappropriate medications such as antibiotics and oral prescriptions. In addition this study also showed that in 1993 survey, doctors measured lung function significantly more often than in 1990; with similar increases observed in the use of peak flow meters and written action plans. (Comino, 1996) These results suggest that the Australian Asthma Management Programs are relatively effective. However, the study also points to the fact that limitations still exist. In particular there is a lack of communication and joint management strategies between specialists and GP†s, hospitals and the community; whilst the use of action plans still has considerable room for further improvement. Nonetheless, not all studies on education programs show positive conclusions. A British research paper ‘Greenwich Asthma Study† of 1291 asthmatics conducted in 1993 and 1996 found that their model of service delivery was not effective in improving the outcome of asthma in the community. The intervention program used was based on the British Thoracic Society†s guidelines and was conducted by specialist nurses in community based settings. There were similarities in the methodology and intervention measurement. However, they concluded that no evidence was found for an improvement in asthma related quality of life among newly surveyed patients in intervention practices compared with control practices. (Premaratne, 1999) Altogether this highlights that the variability of the asthma educational programs undertaken by various major organisations make it difficult to comparatively evaluate. A comprehensive world wide study, ‘Objectives, methods and content of patient education programs for adults with asthma: systematic review of studies published between 1979 and 1998†³ found that there was great difficulty in identifying the most effective components of asthma educational programs. The main reason cited was that education programs for adults with asthma vary widely. Most reports did not specify the general (56%) and educational objectives (60%) of the intervention. Important training characteristics were often not available: duration of education (45%) and number of sessions (22%), who delivered education (15%), whether training was conducted in groups or was individualised (28%). (Sudre, 1999) Such variability suggests a lack of consensus on what educational components actually work. With insufficient documentation of asthma education programs for adults, replication is limited. In conclusion there is some evidence to suggest that written treatment management plans are most effective in improving the quality of life for people with asthma. In the Australian context the National Asthma Campaign has clearly documented program goals. However, the limitations lie in its lack of empirical evidence. In addition the reliability of the research documents in general has been brought into question by the Sudre (1999) study. Therefore it is difficult to demonstrate the most effective management plan for asthma sufferers. This issue is currently being addressed by the National Asthma Campaign and the Asthma Foundation of Victoria. The Asthma foundation is currently conducting a study into the effectiveness of their schools based program. Hopefully, this and other studies will help fill the gap associated with the effectiveness of asthma education programs. And hence secure the continuation and development of asthma education in the community. Limitations From Suffering Chronic Asthma One of the major public health problems facing Australia today is Asthma. It is disturbing that there has been an apparent increase in its prevalence and severity, and increased rates of hospital admissions. (E.J.Comino, 1996) For the diagnosed patient, the degree to which he or she suffers is related to severity of the condition, compliance with recommendations by medical experts, the immediate environment and the effectiveness of education programs. Like other major health problems, asthma has varying degrees of symptoms. As such, the degree and frequency of the symptoms limits many aspects of the asthmatics life. To describe the main limitations suffered by those with chronic asthma, asthma must be defined. Asthma is a condition whereby the sufferer has difficulty breathing due to widespread narrowing of the airways of the lungs. This narrowing can be caused by a local inflammation of the air-ways, muscle contraction or the production of excess mucus with in bronchi. (R.Roberts, 1996) Most common is bronchial asthma. Medical definitions of asthma suggest that environmental triggers can substantially contribute to the occurrence of an asthma attack. The review of asthma in Victoria (1988) by the Asthma Foundation of Victoria outlined infection, exercise, climatic conditions, exposure to airborne irritants and emotional upsets as the main trigger factors. However, doctors use a general classification to identify a patients pattern of asthma†¦classifying people who experience some symptoms of asthma on most days as having a chronic asthma condition. The classification system also extends to the categories of children, occupational asthma and asthma in later life. Usually regular medication is required to keep the lungs functioning as normally as possible. Some chronic asthmatics have severe symptoms over a long period of time and may require long term or indefinite medication to be able to lead a normal life. (Lane, 1996) The most obvious limitations suffered relate to the asthmatics physiological dysfunction. However, physiological dysfunction can in turn contribute to greater social and psychological limitations. This area is related more specifically to quality of life and morbidity and will be discussed further on. The main physiological limitation is related to the presence of the bronchial narrowing slowing the movement of air into and out of the lungs. Thus, there is difficulty both breathing in and out. Asthmatics commonly describe the feeling – tightness of the chest, congestion and wheezing. Although these symptoms can commonly occur in other chest diseases, in asthma it is a characteristic that can occur in an aggravated attack. This may be either brief episodes of chest tightness lasting a matter of minutes or a prolonged episode of wheezing lasting up to and hour, which can merge into a full blown attack of asthma. (D.J.Lane, 1996) Other physiological limitations relate to the sufferers sensitivity to known triggers factors and the consequential effect on their daily functioning. The Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention (1995) states that triggers are risk factors that cause asthma exacerbation†s by inducing inflammation or provoking bronchio-constriction. This report also describes the main triggers as allergens, air pollutants, respiratory infections, exercise and hyperventilation, weather changes, allergies to foods, additives and drugs, and emotional stress. For example it is well established that viral respiratory infections can exacerbate asthma, especially in children under the age of 10. (Busse, 1993) Because the triggers may vary from person to person and from time to time, it is important to take the sufferers natural history into account and identify each individuals triggers. Therefore, an individuals identified trigger can restrict the sufferers ability to function normally. For example – an asthmatic child may try to avoid exercise for fear that it may trigger an asthmatic attack. This may in turn limit the sufferers physiological development over the long term and hence further contribute to the problem. (Global Strategy, 1995) Some psychological and social problems can also be considered as a consequence of the interaction with physiological limitations. The Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention (1995) states that â€Å"asthma is a chronic disorder that can place considerable restrictions on the physical, emotional, and social aspects of the lives of patients and may have an impact on their careers†. Chronic asthma sufferers have to live with the need for treatment and with the limitations that having asthma places on their everyday lives. It is in this context that the asthmatics life area†s are most likely to be handicapped. In general, the chronic asthmatics activity choices are particularly handicapped. †¦. especially physical education. Exercise incites airflow limitation in most children and young adults who have asthma. Exercise appears to be a specific stimulus for people with asthma because it seldom leads to airflow limitation in people without asthma. (Global Strategy, 1995) More specifically sports where sustained effort is needed over a considerable period (eg long distance running) are not recommended. From a psychological point of view, the development of a positive sense of self (ie self-esteem) can be adversely affected by asthma. In one study, nearly 41 percent of parents of children with asthma said that asthma caused their children to feel self-pity. These children also were found to have low self-esteem as well as poor relationships with their peers. (Charmaz, 1983) For an adult, occupation and social life may be handicapped. A comparative study from Edinburgh (1996) between asthmatics and people with other forms of physical disability were found to have similar levels of anxiety or neuroticism. It was found most asthmatics exhibited varying levels of anxiety in relation to their beliefs and, in particular, their constant fear of another attack and anxiety over school and work prospects. (Lane, 1996). Similarly, fear also plays a predominant role in children who suffer from asthma†¦. with one in four Victorian children fearing not being able to breathe as a result of asthma (King, 1988). Furthermore, the relationship between asthma and emotional andor severe behavior problems is documented in a 1995 study by R,Bussing et al. In particular they tend to suffer from limited school functioning, inability to attend school and need for special school or special classes. In Australia, school loss caused by asthma accounted for approximately 965,000 days annually. (Aust Bureau Statistics, 1991) In particular poor academic performance and greater risk to learning difficulties were found to be the greatest negative consequences. (Fowler, 1992) The asthma sufferer can have a limited choice of occupations, because they are exposed to an increasingly large number of potential irritants in their working lives. In particular if specific allergies are known to exist then an occupation that exposes them to the allergens must be avoided. For instance, those sensitive to pollen should not become gardeners or those who have recurrent shortness of breath, should not become marine biologists. (Lane, 1996) 3. What can an individual do to prevent the occurrence of unnecessary as asthma attacks, or to minimize the seriousness of those that do occur? In 1989 an Australian Asthma management (AMP) plan was set up as a guideline for health professionals. The guideline was set up as a common consensus among health experts to help tackle the irregular diagnosis and treatment of asthma. More particularly, to help combat the increase of asthma induced admissions to hospitals due the occurrence of unnecessary asthma attacks. This report outlined 6 important steps to aid the doctor and the sufferer as to the basis of good asthma management. They include (1) Assess the severity of asthma; (2) achieve best lung function (3) maintain best lung function by identifying and avoiding triggers; (4) maintain best lung function with optimal medication; (5) develop an action plan; and (6) educate and review regularly. (Woolcock, 1989) Current research by Beilby (1997) highlighted that having an action plan can play a vital role in preventing hospital admissions and death from asthma. An asthma action plan is a co-ordinated method of management that covers all aspects a persons asthma – medication, triggers factors, lung function measurements, etc. To ensure greater adherence, both the patient and the doctor should fill out an asthma management chart together. It encourages self management and focuses on the importance of identifying the main trigger factors and monitoring the warning signs of an asthma attack. Essentially this involves a regular check on airway function by the use of a peak flow meter and the additional measurement of lung capacity twice a day those with severe asthma. Use of symptomatic (quick working) medication such the bronchodilator ventolin aerosol type to maintain best lung function, is recommended to reduce the seriousness of an acute attack. Doctors prescribe preventative medication such as Intal (sodium cromogylcate), anti-allergy injections and inhaled steroids for people who have severe asthma. Long term use of preventative medicine is used in conjunction with bronchodilators. After several months on preventative medicine, asthmatics find they are able to reduce their use of bronchodilators dramati cally. (Prendergast, 1991) Identifying trigger factors such as allergens, infection, exercise, weather changes and emotional stress is also important. The use of a bronchodilator or Intal, before being exposed to an identified trigger factor, can reduce the likelihood of an asthmatic reaction. The asthma management chart also describes what to do if following warning signs are observed : (1) the bronchodilator doesn†t bring expected relief, (2) a decrease in the peak expiratory flow, (3) Increased breathlessness and variation in peak flow rates during the day, (4) more frequent wheezing and a persistent dry cough and (4) disturbed sleep. (Prendergast, 1991) Asthmatics who live in highly polluted areas and are surrounded by electrical appliances, high tech equipment and power lines can benefit from air ionisers and a purifiers. Individuals can also prescribe to alternative treatment (for instance the Buteyko method), various breathing exercises, physical exercise (such as swimming), a healthy diet, and natural remedies such a homeopathic and acupuncture. It has been found that these treatments should complement orthodox medication and also help reduce the reliance on it. Roberts (1996) suggest that there is evidence that the Buteyko method is effective in treating chronic asthma. Devised by professor Beteyko of Siberia, this program consists of specific relaxation techniques and shallow breathing to correct breathlessness and wheezing. For those who are prone to exercise induced asthma choosing the right type of exercise is important †¦ particularly choosing a sport that requires longer and slower breathing and/or short bursts of effort. Examples include gymnastics, cricket and basketball. Swimming with its controlled breathing pattern is also recommended as it promotes chest development, flexibility and, therefore better breathing. (Roberts, 1996) There has been extensive research into new drug treatments of asthma by pharmaceutical companies and universities over the last 20 years. One such new effective drug to emerge is a Leukotiene receptor antagonists (LTRA). It was recently introduced into Australia this year and the USA 3 years ago. In people with asthma, leukotrienes play a key role in causing the inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucous production that lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. LTRA†s prevent leukotrienes from attaching to the proinflammatory receptors on circulating and lung cells, which contribute to asthma symptoms. Leukotriene research is the direct result of a Nobel Prize-winning discovery made by scientist Beng Samuelsson in 1979. (Lipworth, 1999) However, there needs to be further research into the efficacy and its side effects. 4. How effective are the educational programs undertaken by organizations such as Asthma Victoria? Current statistics indicate that there has been a reduction of asthma mortality and morbidity in Australia over the past 10 years. The fall in deaths from 964 in 1989 to 715 in 1997 may indicate that some of Australia†s strategies for asthma management have been successful. (NAC, 1998) The Australian Asthma Management Program provides a systematic and methodical approach to asthma care. Nevertheless, it was not formulated as an evidence based document. This means that its recommendations (devised in 1989) were not based on systematic reviews or had been ranked according to the strength supporting them. However, today there have been a number of studies reviewing the effectiveness of the AMP. One such report by the National Asthma Campaign (1999), commented on the crucial role of education in improving the management of asthma rather than the token gesture of handing over a leaflet at the end of a patient consultation. This was in relation to the 6th step – educate and review regularly and highlights the importance of education programs undertaken by organizations such as the Australian National Asthma Campaign, Asthma Victoria, the Thoracic society of Australia and New Zealand and other relevant educators. The 1990 and 1993 national surveys of 22,000 adults and 16,000 children conducted by the National Asthma Campaign (NAC) showed improved asthma management practices in the three year period. Although the changes are not necessary the direct result of the National Asthma Campaign, it is considered to be consistent with the campaign and other agencies having been successful in promoting awareness and optimal management of asthma. (Comino, 1996) One of the goals of the NAC was to reduce the reliance on daily medication and hence increase the use of preventative therapy (such as inhaled corcosteroids) for patients with moderate or severe asthma; together with written action plans based on symptom severity and measurements of lung function. Use of preventative medication was found to have increased among both children and adults. The study highlighted also that there was a significant decline in the use of daily inhaled bronchodilator drugs among children and also inappropriate medications such as antibiotics and oral prescriptions. In addition this study also showed that in 1993 survey, doctors measured lung function significantly more often than in 1990; with similar increases observed in the use of peak flow meters and written action plans. (Comino, 1996) These results suggest that the Australian Asthma Management Programs are relatively effective. However, the study also points to the fact that limitations still exist. In particular there is a lack of communication and joint management strategies between specialists and GP†s, hospitals and the community; whilst the use of action plans still has considerable room for further improvement. Nonetheless, not all studies on education programs show positive conclusions. A British research paper ‘Greenwich Asthma Study† of 1291 asthmatics conducted in 1993 and 1996 found that their model of service delivery was not effective in improving the outcome of asthma in the community. The intervention program used was based on the British Thoracic Society†s guidelines and was conducted by specialist nurses in community based settings. There were similarities in the methodology and intervention measurement. However, they concluded that no evidence was found for an improvement in asthma related quality of life among newly surveyed patients in intervention practices compared with control practices. (Premaratne, 1999) Altogether this highlights that the variability of the asthma educational programs undertaken by various major organisations make it difficult to comparatively evaluate. A comprehensive world wide study, ‘Objectives, methods and content of patient education programs for adults with asthma: systematic review of studies published between 1979 and 1998†³ found that there was great difficulty in identifying the most effective components of asthma educational programs. The main reason cited was that education programs for adults with asthma vary widely. Most reports did not specify the general (56%) and educational objectives (60%) of the intervention. Important training characteristics were often not available: duration of education (45%) and number of sessions (22%), who delivered education (15%), whether training was conducted in groups or was individualised (28%). (Sudre, 1999) Such variability suggests a lack of consensus on what educational components actually work. With insufficient documentation of asthma education programs for adults, replication is limited. In conclusion there is some evidence to suggest that written treatment management plans are most effective in improving the quality of life for people with asthma. In the Australian context the National Asthma Campaign has clearly documented program goals. However, the limitations lie in its lack of empirical evidence. In addition the reliability of the research documents in general has been brought into question by the Sudre (1999) study. Therefore it is difficult to demonstrate the most effective management plan for asthma sufferers. This issue is currently being addressed by the National Asthma Campaign and the Asthma Foundation of Victoria. The Asthma foundation is currently conducting a study into the effectiveness of their schools based program. Hopefully, this and other studies will help fill the gap associated with the effectiveness of asthma education programs. And hence secure the continuation and development of asthma education in the community.

Red Scare Created McCarthyism

Fear. Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. Fear is a chain reaction in the brain that causes stressful stimulus, causing the release of chemicals. This is what makes your heart race, fast heavy breathing, and energized or tense muscles. Fear can be the chain reaction through your own body and through your peers. In the 1950’s, after World War Two, there was the nationwide fear called the Red Scare. The ‘Red Scare’ is a period of time where there was strong anti ­communism in the United States. Senator Joseph McCarthy became the public face of that movement. His intentions fueled fear of Communist subversion to the nation. The â€Å"Red Scare† caused America to be in fear of communism, motivating Senator Joseph McCarthy to take advantage of his power. Harry S. Truman was the president during McCarthyism. On March 21, 1947 Truman signed United States Executive Order 9835, sometimes known as the â€Å"Loyalty Order† . This order was developed to establish loyalty for the United States, and root out communist sentiment in the federal government. Truman aimed the opinion of communism on the public. Executive Order 9835 also was the main motivation for the creation of the Attorney General's List of Subversive Organizations. This became known as McCarthyism. The Loyalty Order was part of the introduction to the rise of Joseph McCarthy.