Womens Pathways into Crime | Research Project

Womens Pathways into Crime | Research Project EXPLORING WOMEN’S PATHWAYS INTO CRIME AT CHIKURUBI FEMALE PRISON WASHINGTON BONGANI NGULUBE Introduction The study of female crimes has been limited when compared to the study of male crimes. This research focuses on the why there has been an increase in women participating or committing criminal activities particularly armed robbery at Chikurubi Female Prison in Harare. This chapter will highlight the background to the topic of study and the reasons which prompted the researcher to purpose the research (statement of the problem). The chapter will also bring to light purpose of the study, research questions, and significance of the study. Assumptions, delimitations and limitations are eluded to in this chapter. Key terms which are significant to exploring women’s pathways into crime are also defined in this chapter. Background to the study There is a common perception that the criminal behaviour of women were not serious problems. Women are more likely to commit minor offenses and have historically constituted a very small proportion of the main population. But these facts mask a trend that is beginning to attract attention henceforth motivating the researcher to embark on the quest to get answers to these changes. The research seeks to give the reasons to why there has been an increase in women’s participation in criminal activities particularly armed robbery. The research will be conducted at Chikurubi Female Prison which is located in Harare, Zimbabwe. The student had the privilege to work at Parliament of Zimbabwe during the work related learning in 2013 and 2014. Henceforth the research study is a result of the student’s observations while working for the Parliament of Zimbabwe. The Women and Men in Zimbabwe periodic report in ZIMSTAT (2012) states that Zimbabwe has a population of approximately 12 973 808. Whereas, men constitute approximately 6 738 877 (48%) while women constitute 6 234 931 (52%). Harare is further evidenced as the Province with the largest population of 16.2 percent of the total population in Zimbabwe (ZIMSTAT, 2012). More so, the Women and Men in Zimbabwe periodic report in ZIMSTAT (2012) further brings to light that 48 percent of the female population is in the age group 15- 49. One would further argue that this is the reproductive age group among females. The drastic rise in women’s pathways into crime is fairly well known, less so is that the ranks of women crimes are increasing much faster than those of their male counterparts. However, there are no ready statistics but police and court cases show that the country now has a breed of female criminals, who are terrorizing the public and acting in cahoots with male accomplices. Women in Zimbabwe now have the dexterity to pinch from financial coffers, carry out highway robberies right up to raiding service stations while heavily armed to the teeth. About 3 499 people were kidnapped and robbed by pirate taxis and kombi drivers working in cahoots with female robbers countrywide last year (Butaumocho, 2014). Ibid further states that the situation is more pronounced in Harare where at least 1 200 cases of kidnapping and robberies by public transport drivers working in cahoots with female accomplices were recorded in the last quarter of 2013. One may argue that such cases of engaging in violent crimes like robbery have for long been considered a male domain because of the risks involved that include shoot outs and highway chases that may result in death. Women evidently are now participants of such criminal activities. The pace at which women are being convicted of serious offenses is picking up faster than the pace at which men are convicted. These dynamics motivated the student to embark into an academic research exploring the reasons to these changes (increase) between the period 2011 and 2014. ZIMSTA (2011) notes that 432 females were imprisoned during the 3rd quarter of 2011. The total number of prison admissions in the 3rd quarter of 2011 increased by 21 percent when compared to the 2nd quarter of 2011 while the number of new female prisoners increased by 10 percent in Zimbabwe. In comparison with the 4th quarter of 2012, a total 9 111 prisoners were admitted into prisons, consisting of 8 509 males and 602 females. ZIMSTA (2012) 4th quarterly report further reveals that female prisoners increased by 31 percent in the period under view. Harare province recorded to be having the highest number female prisoners indicating 155 prisoners. What animates the studies is not so much numbers of offenders but the particular circumstances of the women and girls â€Å"behind† the numbers. The involvement of women in robberies might be a fairly new phenomenon in Zimbabwe, the problem is being experienced in a number of countries across the globe. However, Harare as the capital city of Zimbabwe is evidently recording the highest female crime participation rate. Statement of the problem The student felt that there is a notable gap in literature and inadequate extensive research on the women’s pathways into crime in Zimbabwe. When a woman commits a crime, the usual explanation is that it is involuntary, defensive or a result of some mental illness or hormonal imbalance inherent in the female physiology. Engaging in violent crime for example, robbery has for long been considered a male domain because of the risks involved that include shoot outs and highway chases that may result in death. Zimbabwe seems to have recorded a disturbing increase in the involvement of woman in armed robberies, rape and other criminal activities in the past 3 years. There is no clear explanation for the increase of female robbers or participation of women in criminal activities. Could this be a result of women’s increased masculinity? Or the environment playing a significant influence on women’s participation into crime? Is it as a result of gender based violence? Such questions the research seeks to address in at Chikurubi Female Prison Significance of the study The study will shed light on what are the motivating factors which prompt the increase of women’s pathways into crime particularly in armed robbery. It is of paramount importance to assess the impact of the environment on the increase of women’s pathways into crime. The significance of the study to the: Government This research will be an eye opener for the Government and the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and other government parastatals (Police, correctional services) to come up with effective polices and interventions on improving social order and deal with these crimes. Communities This research will help other women to avoid the pathways into crime and will help understand why other women participate in criminal activities. Future researchers The increase of women’s pathways into crime is a serious national and community problem which has to be addressed and thoroughly researched on. This research will help future researchers come up with ways to understanding the factors behind the increased women’s pathways into crime. The researcher The research will benefit the researcher as he aspires to further his studies in forensic psychology. Therefore, in carrying out this research, the researcher will gain valuable insight and knowledge into the subjects as he also fulfils the requirements to obtain an Honours Degree in Psychology. Research questions The research was based on the following questions: What are the psychological factors contributing to women’s pathways into crime? What are the contribution of socio-economic factors leading to women’s pathways into crime? How does culture influence women’s pathways into crime? Assumptions The research was based on the assumption that: Women are weaker than men. Purpose of the study The sole purpose of the research was to investigate the mitigating factors to increase of women participation into crime particularly in armed robbery. The research used the results to implement effective ways to help women in prisons to recover and it will also help to understand why women commit such criminal offences. Delimitations of the study The study was confined to focusing on pathways into crime and having women prisoners as the research subjects. Limitations Disclosure The researcher encountered a challenge in gathering information regarding women’s involvement and participation in criminal activities at CFP as they considered the information to be highly sensitive. Obtaining information from the subjects may also be a challenge. Therefore, the researcher sought permission first from the Department of Prisons Services Headquarters. Data collection procedures Data can be unreliable in the event participants choose not to participate. The researcher used popcorns and chips as incentives in order to motivate participates of participate. Time and financial constraints This research was conducted concurrently with final year modules. Time to effectively cover all issues and aspects involved in carrying out a proper research was restricted. There were a lot of resources needed for printing, internet research, typing and travelling which also put strain on the available resources. Therefore, the researcher came up with a budget and time plan which guided the researcher in efficient time and resource allocation. Definition of terms Women These are adult female humans (Wehmier, 2005). Pathways These are plans along or a way of achieving something (Wehmier, 2005). Crime This refers to those activities which break the law of the land and are subject to official punishment (Haralambos,0000). Summary This chapter provided the background to the area of study as well as highlighting the statement of the problem. The significance of the study, assumptions, purpose of the study, limitations and delimitations have also been addressed. This chapter also outlined the research questions. More so, the relevant terms to the research have been defined. Case Study: Impact of Type 1 Diabetes Case Study: Impact of Type 1 Diabetes Title: Knowledge required for decision making in adult nursing Introduction. This essay is primarily about the impact of Type 1 diabetes on a particular patient. It will consider not only the relevance of Type 1 diabetes to the patient and how they coped with it, but, in this particular case, how they also dealt with the health deviation of the development of a particularly severe peripheral neuropathy and the impact that the latter had on both their quality of life and their lifestyle. It is notable that the development of this complication had an impact not only on the patient, but also on both the family and his other informal carers. There is no consent form for this essay as the patient’s details have been annonymised. Rationale for choice of client and the health deviation. (200 words ) This essay will consider the case of Mr. J who is a 54 yr old postman. He was found to have Type 1 diabetes four years ago which was promptly diagnosed and brought under control with Insulin. Over the last six months he had developed painful legs and feet. Initially he ignored this, putting it down to â€Å"just getting older† and â€Å"circulationâ€Å". It got progressively worse however, to the point that he could not work. He took early retirement, a move which he later regretted. He was diagnosed with peripheral diabetic neuropathy. It was notable that Mr. J initially presented as a particularly stoic individual who made light of every adversity. His subsequent development of the neuropathy and retirement seemed to generate a marked change in his approach to life. He became withdrawn and resentful and difficult to live with. This was a major factor in his treatment plan. My initial contact with Mr. J came in the context of a primary health care setting when he presented at the diabetic clinic for a follow up appointment. He appeared to be particularly negative about his condition and we got into a conversation. I became interested in his situation and followed him up in some detail. Pathophysiology of the health deviation and its effect on the client. ( 1400 words). This essay is primarily about Mr. J and his peripheral neuropathy. This section will begin however, with a brief overview of the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus Diabetes mellitus There are two primary types of diabetes mellitus Types 1 and 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs when there is an autoimmune process which culminates in the destruction of the ß cells of the pancreas together with a consequent reduction in the amount of circulating Insulin produced. (Meigs, J.B et al. 2003). Type 2 diabetes occurs when the circulating levels of insulin are insufficient to effectively control the glucose levels within normal limits. In clinical terms, this results in a high blood sugar level in association with high levels of circulating Insulin. A number of studies have suggested that Type 2 diabetes accounts for more than 95% of all cases. (Narayan, K.M et al. 2003). In broad terms, the control of both types of diabetes mellitus requires rigorous attention to dietary intake of carbohydrates and calories and a controlled exercise regime. Type 1 diabetes is invariably treated with insulin and Type 2 diabetes may be controlled with diet alone (with or without weight loss) and the possibility of oral hypoglycaemic drugs. Peripheral diabetic neuropathy Peripheral diabetic neuropathy is a comparatively common complication of diabetes mellitus and some studies suggest that it can affect up to 50% of diabetic patients (viz. Boulton A J M et al. 2000). The development of the neuropathy is a feared complication as it is likely to predispose the patient to a number of sequelae including varying degrees of functional limitation together with the possibility of unremitting pain and motor unsteadiness. (Reiber G E et al. 1999). Its end stage sequelae include intractable diabetic foot ulceration and amputation. (Pecoraro R E et al. 2000). Virtually all of these elements are associated with very substantial health care costs, quite apart from major socio-economic consequences such as loss of work time and a reduced quality of life. (Rathman W et al. 2003) A number of studies (viz. Vileikyte L 1999 and Vileikyte L et al. 2005) have presented the association of peripheral diabetic neuropathy with depressive illness. This is clearly relevant to Mr. J in this case and therefore will be explored in some detail. The literature on the subject is contradictory with the meta-analysis by de Groot (de Groot M et al. 2001) finding little evidence to support the association. It is fair to comment that part of the reason for this apparent discrepancy may be due to the reason that there was a considerable variation in the techniques used to diagnose peripheral diabetic neuropathy which meant that different populations were included in different studies. (Boulton A J M et al. 1999) This comment is based on the discovery that different types of nerve fibre are affected in different types of peripheral diabetic neuropathy and in different individuals. It follows that more than one modality of testing is required to establish a diagnosis. A second factor is that the severity of the neuropathy, as determined by objective testing, actually correlates poorly with the subject’s assessment of their pain levels. Patients (such as Mr. J) who have high levels of perceived pain, may have remarkably preserved sensory function on clinical testing. Some authorities have argued that this may demonstrate a central processing component to the subjective appreciation of the pain from neuropathy. It is known that less that 10% of patients who have a peripheral diabetic neuropathy have severely painful symptoms and many experience no symptoms of pain at all. (Chan A W et al. 1999) The pathophysiology of peripheral diabetic neuropathy still remains unknown in any detail but there is evidence that metabolic and ischaemic components are implicated. (Leon C et al. 2007). Chronic hyperglycaemia is known to be associated with small blood vessel disease and therefore reduced blood flow to the nerves. It is also known to interfere with myoinositol, sorbitol and fructose metabolism, all of which are essential for nerve activity. (Dyck P J B et al. 2003) There is also thought to be a mechanism of oxidative stress that is important. Free oxygen radicals (produced in diabetes mellitus) activate protein kinase C which has been shown to produce damage to nerve cells. A number of papers show that there is a link between the degree of control of the diabetes mellitus, the length of time since diagnosis and the eventual development of peripheral diabetic neuropathy (viz. Pirart J 1977) Consider how this health deviation impacts upon the clients journey through health care. (500 words) In consideration of the specific case of Mr. J, one can note that his diabetes mellitus was diagnosed four years ago. He presented with the classic symptoms of suddenly feeling unwell, frequency of urination and increasing thirst (polyuria and polydypsia). He was correctly and promptly diagnosed by the GP and referred to the local diabetic clinic where he was swiftly brought under control with injected insulin. Mr. J proved to be a good patient. Considerations of empowerment and education of the patient paid dividends with Mr. J rapidly learning about his condition and he became very competent in managing it on a day to day basis, learning how to adjust the insulin doses himself. (Howe A et al. 2003). The impact of the development of his peripheral diabetic neuropathy cannot be overstated. It was responsible for his decision to retire early, a decision which he rapidly regretted. He became depressed and withdrawn, taking little pride in his appearance and less care with his glycaemic control. He was initially treated with anti depressants (with marginal success). At the time of writing he is undergoing a course of cognitive behaviour therapy to try to remedy the situation. His HbA1 levels, which were initially exemplary, became erratic and are only now coming back to normal levels. His peripheral diabetic neuropathy was diagnosed with the specialist using a number of diagnostic tools including electro-diagnostic studies (EDS), cardiovascular autonomic function testing (cAFT) together with physical examination scoring, quantitative sensory testing (QST) (Meijer J W G 2002) It is known that peripheral diabetic neuropathy is notoriously resistant to treatment. There are four basic elements: causal treatment aimed at (near)-normoglycemia, treatment based on pathogenetic mechanisms, symptomatic treatment avoidance of risk factors and complications. (CS 1998) At this time the only specific treatment licensed for peripheral diabetic neuropathy is alpha-lipoic acid. This may be assisted by specific analgesics such as duloxetine and pregabalin, otherwise treatment is symptomatic and the treatment of subsidiary factors (such as alcohol intake, hypertension, smoking and cholesterol control) to prevent a worsening of the condition. Potential influences of the health deviation on the long term well being of the client and family significant others. ( 600 words ) The impact of Mr. J’s condition on the life of the family has been considerable. All family members were very positive about his primary diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. His development of secondary conditions such as the peripheral diabetic neuropathy and the depression were far more challenging. Mrs J complained that he was difficult to live with, lost all interest in sexual matters, had poor self esteem and started to self neglect. The primary health care diabetic nurses spent as much time supporting (empowerment and education) Mrs J as they did Mr. J. It remains to be seen how Mr. J progresses with his cognitive behaviour therapy and his depression. Mrs J blames his early retirement on the development of his depression rather than the peripheral diabetic neuropathy. One can only hope that Mr. J does not progress to foot ulceration and a further reduction in his quality of life. Learning gained. (150) words. The research that I have done into this condition has given me a must more complete knowledge of the pathophysiology of peripheral diabetic neuropathy together with the treatment and support that is necessary for both the patient and his informal carers. It has become quite clear that it is simply not sufficient to control the diabetes mellitus, the patient and their extended family will need huge amounts of both information and support if their condition is to be optimally managed Specifically I have realised just how important it is to make a holistic assessment of the patient at the earliest opportunity, to gain an empathetic bond early on so that it becomes easier to identify problems at their earliest stage rather than waiting for the patient to present them at a stage when they are more difficult to manage. (Marinker M.1997) Conclusion (50 words) . This essay revolves around the appreciation of how difficult some patients find it to adapt to the illness role when they have been fit and active throughout their lives. It is one of the challenges of the good healthcare professional to understand and to pre-empt some of these adaptive processes to help their patients accommodate this transition. (Newell N et al. 1992). I believe that Mr. J has made some progress with dealing with his condition but there is clearly a long way yet for him to go. References Boulton A J M, Gries F A, Jervell J A: (1999) Guidelines for the diagnosis and outpatient management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabet Med 15: 508 – 514, 1999 Boulton A J M, Malik R A, Arezzo J, Sosenko J M: (2000) Diabetic neuropathy: technical review. Diabetes Care 27: 1458 – 1487, 2000 Chan A W, MacFarlane I A, Bowsher D R: (1999) Chronic pain in patients with diabetes mellitus: comparison with non-diabetic population. Pain Clinics 3: 147 – 159, 1999 CS (1998) Consensus statement: Report and recommendations of the San Antonio conference on diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes Care 11: 592 – 597, 1998 de Groot M, Anderson R, Freedland K E, Clouse R E, Lustman P J: (2001) Association of depression and diabetes complications: a meta-analysis. Psychosom Med 63: 619 – 630, 2001 Dyck P J B, Sinnreich M. (2003) Diabetic Neuropathies. Continuum 2003; 9: 19 – 34 Howe and Anderson (2003) Involving patients in medical education. BMJ, Aug 2003 ; 327 : 326 328. Leon C, Asif A (2007) Arteriovenous Access and Hand Pain: The Distal Hypoperfusion Ischemic Syndrome. Clin. J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., January 1, 2007; 2 (1): 175 183. Marinker M. (1997) From compliance to concordance: achieving shared goals in medicine taking. BMJ 1997; 314: 747 – 8. Meigs, J. B. et al. (2003) . Prevalence and characteristics of the metabolic syndrome in the San Antonio Heart and Framingham Offspring Studies. Diabetes. 52 :: 2160 2167. Meijer J W G, Smit A J, van Sonderen E, Groothoff J W, Eisma W H, Links T P: (2002) Symptom scoring systems to diagnose distal polyneuropathy in diabetes: the Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom score. Diabet Med 19: 962 – 965, 2002 Narayan, K M., Boyle, J P., Thompson, T J., Sorensen, S W., and Williamson, D F. (2003). Lifetime risk for diabetes mellitus in the United States. JAMA. 290 :: 1884 1890 Newell and Simon. (1992) Human Problem Solving. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs: 1992. Pecoraro R E, Reiber G E, Burgess E M: (2000) Pathways to diabetic limb amputation: basis for prevention. Diabetes Care 13: 513 – 521, 2000 Pirart J. (1977) Diabetes mellitus and its degenerative complications: a prospective study of 4400 patients observed between 1947 and 1973 (third and last part). Diabetes Metab 1977; 3: 245 – 56. Rathman W, Ward J: (2003) Socioeconomic aspects. In Textbook of Diabetic Neuropathy. Gries F A, Cameron N E, Low P A, Ziegler D, Eds. Stuttgart, Thieme, 2003, p. 361 – 372 Reiber G E, Vileikyte L, Lavery L, Boyko E M, Boulton A J M: (1999) Causal pathways for incident lower-extremity ulcers in patients with diabetes from two settings. Diabetes Care 22: 157 – 162, 1999 Vileikyte L: (1999) Psychological aspects of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetes Rev 7: 387 – 394, 1999 Vileikyte L, Leventhal H, Gonzalez J S, Peyrot M et al. (2005) Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and Depressive Symptoms. The association revisited. Diabetes Care 28: 2378 2383, 2005 ################################################################ 3.7.08 Word count 2,425 PDG

Homelessness Essay -- essays research papers

Homelessness in our society. The existence of homeless people in our society is still evident today. Everywhere you look around our cities, parks and streets it is likely that you will witness a homeless person struggling to survive. This is most certainly a social justice issue, every Australian deserves a secure and comfortable place to dwell, not left on the streets to perish. In society the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. People today are far to driven by work and money to see the problem of homelessness surrounding them. Those very reasons explain why I chose this topic to create an advertising campaign. On the 23rd of June, 1987 the Hawke government promised us this. â€Å"For our next term, we are setting achievable goals for Australia’s future in the world†¦. So we set ourselves this goal: By 1990, no Australian child will be living in poverty.† If only this goal was achievable. Between the years of 1991 and 1994, the number of young Australians between the ages of twelve and eighteen living in poverty had doubled to twenty one thousand. The government does not do enough to help the homeless, although some people are homeless due to their own wishes, there are many people on the streets that do not choose to live as they do. People are homeless because they may have lost their jobs, evicted from their homes, teenagers that run away from families and teenagers that are ‘thrown away’ by families who no longer want them. Every year, nearly twenty seven thousa...

Child Development Article Review Essay

This article is about studying children’s sleep patterns to see if sleep disorders may be a direct correlation to behavior problems within children. Could sleep issues be the cause for such issues like ADHD and other behavior related illnesses including psychiatric disorders? According to John Bates, Richard Viken, Douglas Alexander, Jennifer Beyers, and Lesley Stockton, there are many behavior related disorders that could be related to how much sleep a child receives, along with the age and quality of sleep. Many parents who have children with behavior related issues are realizing that the quality of sleep may be directly related. There may be many factors that can be discussed and taken into consideration, including environmental factors, developmental factors, income of families, and genetic inheritance as well. There are many types of sleep disturbances that need to be looked at since many young children experience different forms of sleep disturbances such as, night waking, sleep walking, resistance to bed time routine, delay, and trouble falling asleep. Survey showed that 42% of 12 -35 month olds had problematic bedtime resistance, and 35% of all others have night waking issues. (Bates, E. Bates et all p.62) Sleeping disorders in the young child can have a negative impact on the brain, inadequate amounts of sleep can cause a child not to perform up to their potential, resulting with stress. Stress causes a number of issues within the child, such as overworking brain functions, misfiring of neurons, and stress hormones being over produced. Then the effects of daily day to day functions are disrupted within the child causing poor concentration and incapability’s in daily routines. Three main issues to think about when understanding child sleep disorders is that 1. Insomnia in the young child may forecast psychological disorders. 2. Sleep is not well understood in the young child but can be thought of as social and biological. 3. Relations to environment, genetic inheritance, developmental factors all need to be considered. 4. Sleep issues in the young child can have a negative impact on social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. 5. Age and quality amounts of sleep are factors that need to be considered when studying sleep disturbances in young children. This article touches on many different aspects on how sleep issues can develop into very serious conditions in children. Good healthy sleep patterns are key to a healthy child and if the child is experience irregularities in sleep then the parents or care giver should look into what maybe causing the disturbances. If that child experiences this continuously then that caregiver should really look more into the underlying issues with a medical professional. Sleep disturbances can be related to a multitude of developmental problems. Parents, teachers and caregivers should be aware of signs and symptoms of lack of sleep and try to monitor or regulate good sleep habits. Good sleep habits in a child can be so positive and so beneficial. It’s important for parents and caregivers to know they are not alone when trying to combat sleep issues in the young child, many children go through stages of mild sleep disturbances.

The Definition of Public Relations

The Definition of Public Relations Free Online Research Papers The task of defining Public Relations is difficult because the scope of work is different as it pertains to a particular organization or individual, and the responsibilities vary. As well, the PR industry refers to relations or dealings with the public, but publics can vary as well. Through segmentation, publics can be defined or classified as various types. PR often refers to the â€Å"buzz† surrounding an individual or organization. When the entity is talked about, it becomes recognized, and public opinion begins to formulate. Definitions throughout the years have tried to capture all the PR entails. What makes defining PR challenging is that it is a relatively new industry, in terms of being recognized in a corporate environment. As well, technological advancements and legislation has affected PR in the last few decades, therefore changing the scope of duties from a PR professional. Though many have attempted to define PR, the one commonality among all definitions is that it refers to the influence of public opinion. Here is a look at three definitions, and a personal definition of Public Relations. Though the definition dates back to around 1923, one current definition is stated, according to Fraser Seitel (2004) as: Public relations is a planned process to influence public opinion, through sound character and proper performance, based on mutually satisfactory two-way communication.† Similarly, to describe a PR professional, â€Å"public relations practitioner is a manager/orchestrator/producer/director/writer/arranger and all-around general communications counsel to management. It is for this reason, then, that the process works best when the public relations director reports to the CEO. (p.10) The first definition, listed by Seitel, seems to provide a modern, accurate description of what PR encompasses. Breaking it down, Seitel mentions it is a â€Å"planned process.† This means the work done behind the scenes in preparation for any PR efforts. This refers to the communication with management, stakeholders, employees, customers, political groups, and all publics. By gathering this information, the PR professional is armed with the appropriate information to represent an organization effectively. Going further, â€Å"to influence public opinion.† This fragment clearly describes the essence of PR, which is an effort to change, modify, or influence a publics attitudes and thoughts that will turn into behaviors and actions. The purpose of including the second part of the definition by Seitel, in which he describes the PR professional, is to further show what roles are included in PR. The person or persons truly serve as an overall communications counselor or entity in that they are consistently forming and maintaining relationships, writing, researching, managing, creating, and searching for opportunities to communicate with their various publics. The job does not focus on one particular skill, rather, requires multiple skills and characteristics for success in influencing public opinion. The official statement adopted by the PRSA Assembly (November, 1982) states that: â€Å"Public relations helps our complex, pluralistic society to reach decisions and function more effectively by contributing to mutual understanding among groups and institutions. It serves to bring private and public policies into harmony.† The PRSA, like Seitel, mentions the importance of two-way communication with publics by using the phrase â€Å"mutual understanding.† The official statement mentions the complexity of society and gently describes that again, PR is to influence public opinion, but takes the definition a step further by pointing out that PR should pointedly assist the public in reaching decisions and not just shape the decisions. As well, the statement implies that without PR, society’s public opinion would not function as effectively and harmoniously. The statement continues by mentioning the various organizations that need PR. Also, organizations must be able to effectively influence public opinion in order to meet their goals. The Council of Public Relations Firms (Eggerston, 2006) says: â€Å"In their service to clients, public relations firms play a vital role in encouraging public discourse. The professionalism and objectivity of our firms helps clients engage in that discourse, and clients turn to us for our counsel and assistance to vigorously pursue their organizational goals in educating or persuading audiences that matter most to them.† In the third definition, again, influencing public opinion is made known in this definition, and in the first sentence. The softer word, encourage, however is used. This particular definition stresses the importance of professionalism and objectivity. A lack of objectivity could be seen as fraudulent activity, thus producing a PR nightmare. It is imperative to maintain objectivity, flexibility, and admit humility when necessary. Publics respond well to facts. Facts are used to persuade public opinion. Therefore, maintaining objectivity in line with facts is often a successful way to maintain positive public opinion. This particular definition reflects how professionalism can certainly influence public opinion. Given the research and definitions reviewed, a personal definition would be: â€Å"Public Relations is the creation, management, and maintenance of communicating with various publics to establish and promote two-way communication, and aid in the persuasion of positive public opinion towards an organization or individual. Objectivity, professionalism, and understanding societal differences is the key to assisting the influence of a public’s opinion and society as a whole.† The personal definition mentions PR’s overall goal – to influence public opinion. However, this definition lists the methods and responsibilities in doing such. As well, the definition states that there are, in fact, different publics as well as society in general without being too specific or convoluted. Though the definition of PR has evolved over the past 100 years, and the methods of delivery have changed, the overall message remains the same. If there was no effort to influence public opinion, PR would not exist. However, for centuries have various governments, organizations, and individuals used PR to communicate with their publics to achieve certain goals, yet they may not have given their efforts the formal Public Relations term. In this modern day, and especially in this high tech, fast-paced society, does it become increasingly important to keep the â€Å"buzz† generated so that organizations and individuals can rise above the noise. Research Papers on The Definition of Public RelationsThe Project Managment Office SystemPETSTEL analysis of IndiaIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalStandardized TestingUnreasonable Searches and SeizuresBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfResearch Process Part OneThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoRelationship between Media Coverage and Social and

Grow Your Own Multicolor Mineral Crystal Specimen

Grow Your Own Multicolor Mineral Crystal Specimen Natural minerals need millions of years to form, but you can make a homemade mineral in just a few days using inexpensive ingredients you can get at a home supply store. The chemicals grow different colors of crystals, which look like a geological specimen. The result is pretty enough to showcase at home or in the lab. Homemade Mineral Materials alum or chrome alumcopper sulfateborax or boric acidwaterfood coloring (optional)rock or other material for a base Regular white alum is sold as a kitchen spice. If you use this alum, youll want to add food coloring to grow colored crystals or you can stick with the natural clear crystals. Chrome alum (also known as chromium alum or potassium chromium sulfate) is available online and grows natural purple crystals. If you have both chemicals, you can mix them to produce natural lavender-colored crystals. Copper sulfate grows naturally blue crystals. It is sold either as a pure chemical online or as a root killer at a home supply store. Check the label to make sure copper sulfate is the ingredient. The product will look like a blue powder or granules. Boric acid is sold as an insecticide (roach killer) or disinfectant powder. Borax is sold as a laundry booster. The white powder of either chemical produces delicate white crystals. Procedure Growing a homemade mineral specimen is a multi-step process. Youll grow one layer of crystals on a rock, let the specimen dry, then grow another layer of a different chemical, let it dry, and grow the third layer to complete the project. First, find a rock and a container just large enough that you can add liquid to cover the rock completely. You dont want too big of a container or youll have to make up a lot of each crystal solution. Make up the crystal growing solutions one at a time, as you need them. In all cases, the procedure for preparing the solution is the same. Dissolve as much chemical as you can in boiling hot water. Add food coloring, if desired.Filter the solution through a paper towel or coffee filter to remove any sediment.Allow the solution to cool slightly so you dont burn yourself and dont accidentally dissolve any pre-existing crystals (for the second and third crystal sets).Place the rock or other substrate in a container. Pour the solution into the container until the rock is covered.Allow crystals to grow overnight or for a couple of days (until you are pleased with them). Then carefully remove the rock and place it on a paper towel to dry. Empty the container of solution and let it dry.When the rock is dry, return it to the empty container and add the next crystal solution. While you can grow the crystals in any order, my recommendation is to start with the alum, followed by the copper sulfate, and finally the borax. In any case, Id do borax last because the crystals are relatively fragile. Once the mineral specimen is complete, allow it to air dry. Once it is dry, you can display it. Over time, changes in the humidity of a room will alter the appearance of the crystals. If you wish to store the crystals, gently wrap them in paper to help keep the humidity stable. Alum Solution Recipe 5 tablespoons alum1 cup very hot water Copper Sulfate Recipe Copper sulfate saturation is highly dependent on water temperature. Determine how much water you need to fill your container. Heat it in a kettle or microwave until it boils. Keep stirring in copper sulfate until no more will dissolve. There will be undissolved material in the bottom of the container that you can filter out using a paper towel. Boric Acid or Borax Recipe Stir boric acid or borax into very hot tap water until no more will dissolve. Additional Crystals To Grow If three colors isnt enough for you, you can add delicate needle-like crystals of Epsom salts or red potassium ferricyanide crystals.

Accounting for the Substance of Transactions Essay

Accounting for the Substance of Transactions - Essay Example Though giving an account of the economic summary of the activities of the organization is a straightforward job, generally, an effort is made to give better perception of the organization to be presentable to the Shareholders and other stakeholders by inflating the earnings or assets or deflating the liabilities or losses or manipulation of depreciation methods, stock valuation and accounting development expenditure. Here, two factors influence the presentation. The legal provisions and accounting provisions. The presentation which is correct in legal angle may not be founded on sound accounting principles and may vary from the underlying economic reality. The managements, may, therefore, sometimes choose the best and most advantageous of these two options to present the economic substance of the transactions according to their wishes. Certain artificial transactions/combination of transactions undertaken by the organization are such that it is very difficult to assess the net effect the entire exercise. The assessment of net effect of such various activities of the enterprise may be captioned as â€Å"substance† of a transaction. "substance" of a transaction. Assessment of the substance of the transactions is found necessary to provide reliable, fair and accurate information about corporate performance and to ascertain the actual state of affairs of the business organization. The need is felt very seriously as the various distortions in Financial statements are on the increase, among other things, defining the nature of assets and liabilities and inclusion or non-inclusion of such assets and liabilities in Books of Accounts. Such events not only distort the substance of the economic activity of the organization but also fail to project the actual problems faced by the organization, depriving the organization to initiate remedial steps to address the real problems. Accounting reforms comprising provisions for reporting of substance of transactions are therefore, found necessary. Statement of principles of Accounting prescribe the activities that should be reported on in financial statements, the various dimensions of those activities that should be prominently furnished, the features that information should have if it is to be mentioned in the financial statements. The main role of the Statement of principles is to provide conceptual input into the ASB's work on the development and review of accounting standards. The Statement is not, therefore, neither an accounting standard nor does it contain any requirements on how financial statements are to be prepared. The prominent among the principles for reporting the Substance of the Transactions is definition of assets and liabilities, accounting for subsidiary undertakings, and the activities to be excluded from the business organization's financial statements and those to be included, thus setting standards for presentation of Financial statements. Factors like legal requirements, cost-benefit considerations, i ndustry-specific issues, and the desirability of evolutionary change and implementation issues are also covered. Reporting the Substance of Transactions' implies the addition of Application Note G 'Revenue Recognition'. This clears the ambiguity regarding the treatment of revenue and, in particular, the treatment of turnover (as a subset of revenue). This Application Note deals with revenue recognition from the supply of goods or services by a seller to its customers. It sets out basic principles of revenue recognition which should be applied in all cases. It also provides specific guidance for

Macro and micro economics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Macro and micro economics - Assignment Example Letting the price of shirts be x and that of computers be y. The two countries might trade if the price of computers is: y=11/12x d) There will be less trade between the two countries. The economic well-being of the citizens of the two countries improves since both can acquire the commodities locally. a) The worker in Brazil. This is because they can produce one ounce of coffee in loess time as compared to the worker in Peru and also produce soya beans at a higher rate. b) The worker in Brazil. This is because they can produce the same amount of coffee as the worker in Peru but at a faster rate or within few minutes. c) Peru will import coffee. Brazil will specialize in producing coffee and hence export to Peru. Peru will specialize in production of soya beans. d) After the country specialize in producing and exporting those commodities which they can produce at a relatively lower cost and import those goods which are relatively expensive to produce.