The Role of Computers in Medical Procedures

We all live in an age of science and technology. The appliances of science and technology have revolutionized our way of life. There is nothing that has influenced our lives more than a computer. There can not be any field that is devoid of the influence of computer applications. From agriculture to rocket science, computers have significant roles to play. The demand of computers has always been on the increase for some time in many fields. Among the fields that have made tremendous advances in the twentieth century due to the advent of computers, medicine stands out from the rest. Computers are used in medicine in almost all areas. Whether it is diagnosis, treatment, research or data management, computers have there own applications. Whatever we enjoy today in terms of our health may not be possible without the invaluable contribution of computers. Therefore, my endeavor is to discuss how significantly computers have contributed in the field of medicine. Diagnosis helps to determine the nature of a disease. Without a proper diagnosis, a disease can not be treated effectively. Before the advent of computers, physicians merely guessed at what caused certain diseases. Consequently, many patients either ended up in getting treatment for something that they did not require treatment for or losing their lives. This unfortunate situation does not exist at all now. Thanks to computers, physicians can diagnose a disease with astonishing efficiency nowadays. Modern diagnosis consists of three main steps. Taking of patient's health history, examining the patient physically and conducting laboratory or radiological examinations are the three main steps. In all three steps, computers are used invariably. Instead of guessing the causes for a disease, the physicians just have to enter the symptoms of a patient into the computers. With the help of artificial intelligence, they get a crystal clear picture of the disease. For example, Twenty years ago, doctors relied on conjectures to determine the causes of heart attacks. But now, they use chemicals, nuclear imaging devices and databases they diagnose heart attacks with great accuracy and treat them with tremendous success. Telemedicine is a novel idea that can play a great part in diagnosis. In telemedicine, arrangements are made to see patients via video or computers links. When a specialist sees a patient through computer links, the specialist can provide diagnosis for the disease and help to obtain a proper treatment. Computers are also being used to produce patterns to help physicians diagnose problems of the brain. Research has revealed that a certain pattern of stripes can be painful to look at for some people. â€Å"The pattern resembles a circle filled with alternating black-and -white vertical stripes. At a viewing distance of forty-three centimeters, this grating has a spatial frequency of three cycles/degree of visual arc and a Michelson contrast of about 0.7.† As mentioned earlier, computers are used in medical treatments as well. Computer aided surgery known, as CAS can be a well-known example. Initially, CAS meant a technology of surgical simulation using three-dimensional organ models reconstructed by medical imaging using a computer graphics technique. There is a notion among the public that CAS completely replaces surgeons' hands with robots. This is not the purpose of CAS. Invention in CAS is always to support surgeons but not replace them. Decision-making is the most important process in surgery. Only the surgeons should make decisions regarding a surgery. CAS can provide a lot of new styles of surgery that we have never imagined. Endoscopic surgery is good example. Modern surgery is to remove or replace legions, but rapid progress in laser surgery or radiological treatment may make it unnecessary in the future. Thanks to computers, surgery without operation has become reality. The Role of Computers in Storing and Processing Information Computers have been used as storage of medical information for many years. Electronic patient records called EPR are good examples to prove the worth of computers as information storage. Due to startup and running costs, training staff motivation, obsolesce, poor function possibility for abuse, risk of loss of confidentiality, EPR were not used very much in the past, but now they are very common. They have become almost indispensable. They have many advantages â€Å"Faster and simpler access to notes, maintenance of more detailed notes over longer periods, reduced staffing levels, ease of booking, investigation orders and results, health updates, reminders, integration with telemedicine, ease of integration of non-hospital based care, increased ability to collect health information.† Computers are used for scheduling and appointment keeping. They are used to keep track of patients' visits. With the help of word processors, letters are typed and sent to patients reminding them for follow-up appointments. Accurate keeping of detailed patient records is extremely important to the medical practitioners. Therefore, medical practitioners have to rely on computers heavily in order to be efficient and successful in their profession. Exchange of medical information among the medical professionals has become a common thing now. With the help of computers, they are able to share valuable information with a high level of confidentiality. Computer conferencing is an effective way of achieving this purpose. The Role of Computers in Medical Research and Education The life span of human beings gets increased with the passage of time. This has been possible only owing to the concerted efforts effort's of medical scientists. They have to conduct researches not only to find out the causes for different diseases and ailments, but also to explore new cures for those diseases. Computers are very much utilized in research and education. Modern computer is capable of designing drugs these days. At first, a scientist must find the molecular structure of the targeted virus or bacterium, and then a computer helps find a magic bullet drug to combat it. Incredible equipment from chemistry, atomic energy, and basic physics research help biologists find the structure of molecules. Radioisotopes are used to track molecule through any living organism. Chromatography is used to separate and identify chemicals. Through a computer nuclear magnetic resonance (N MR) produces images, that show charges in the living organism as they happen. Tiny electrodes monitor the movement of material in and out of a cell. Then the exact structure of a molecule is seen by an X-ray crystallography. Once the structure of the molecule is seen, the data is put into a computer and the image of the molecule appears on screen. The image can be turned around to view at all possible angles. The purpose is to design another molecule that will fit the disease organism. The new molecule will be an effective drug. â€Å"A drug designed in this way has a good chance of being effective and safe† Three-dimensional computer models of the human thorax, lungs, heart, arteries, and veins are already available to help train medical students. This allows students to be able to perform dissections or surgeries on the models instead of on real human cadavers. These major achievements in medicine have greatly helped people around the world. It has made life easier for us. Further more, computers are becoming an essential tool in medical education. They are used to enhance the learning process. The ability of a computer to incorporate text, graphics, animation, and sound all at the same time improves the presentations of materials better than a textbook. In addition, a concept known as a hypertext system helps the student to understand a specific topic better. A hypertext system allows the user to browse through other materials related to the user's topic. Also, software-based programs are used for tutorials and multimedia textbooks. The Advantages of Computers in Medicine After the introduction of computers to medicine, we have witnessed an abrupt abundance of new technologies and discoveries in this field. However, computers are also beneficial in medical education and its practice. As new developments are made in medicine, the medical literature continues to grow. There has not been such a huge explosion of new information in history than these past few decades. â€Å"It is estimated that that the quantity of information is doubling every two years.† Yet, our brain capacity stays the same. The ability of a computer to incorporate text, graphics, animation, and sound help students to understand and retain more information. Also, a computer can link the students to other areas related to the subject of their studies. This application of computers to incorporate more text and graphics is known as the use of hypertext and/or hyper media. This is very advantageous because more of the senses are engaged, increasing the chances to recall the information presented. Another matter to keep in consideration is that the information can easily be updated and immediately distributed to those concerned. This allows students and physicians to obtain current information to serve their patients better. In the practice of medicine, doctors have been relieved of the small manual tasks they must perform. For example, doctors no longer have to be bothered keeping manual records of patient visits. There are fewer chances of losing or forgetting an appointment and it so the information can easily be retrieved. In maintaining billing, the computer is very accurate when performing mathematical tasks. In addition, it allows doctors to keep very organized and detailed patient records. Also computers provide assistance in decision-making situations. In making a diagnosis, the doctor simply has to enter the patient's symptoms and the computer provides him or her possible diagnosis and therapies. If a doctor wishes to consult with other doctors, he contacts them through E-mails. The computer also allows doctors to keep with current news and differentiate which alternative therapies have scientific basis. Overall, computers have helped doctors in serving their patients to the best of their abili ties. The Disadvantages of Computers in Medicine Where there are benefits, there are also problems. The negative impact of computers on people in our society is that people can become over-dependent on them. They rely on the computer to do everything. When the computer fails to work out a problem, they become distraught. Computer reliance is a big downfall for many people. Computers do not always give correct answers. There are occasions where the computer will make the wrong diagnosis, which can result in the worsening of a patient's condition. Another problem with computers is that they are prone to viruses and breakdowns. If a virus enters a computer, it has the potential to destroy every file in it. Then, all patient records are lost. Computer breakdowns and power shortages prevent the doctor form accessing patients' records and files. However, scanning the computer for viruses and making backup hard copies can prevent this. Computers can never mechanize the art of medicine. Neither can they eliminate the need of human beings. What they can do is help us bring relevant and timely information to bear on our care of individual patients. They can also help run the medical offices or hospitals in a way that makes good business sense. That is why many physicians have embraced the computer and made information technology an integral part of their approach to patient care. That is why they have been able to meet the increasing needs of the patents remarkably well.

A brief history of science education in ghana from the colonial era to present day Essay

Science education is the cultivation and disciplining the mind and other faculties of an individual to utilize science for improving his life, cope with an increasingly technological world, or pursue science academically and professionally, and for dealing responsibly with science related social issues (Akpan, 1992). Ghana, formerly known as the Gold Coast, was the first African country to the south of the Sahara to gain political independence from colonial rule in 1957. This former British colony of 92,000 square miles (about 238,000 square kilometers) shares boundaries with three French-speaking nations: the Cote d’Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north and Togo to the east. The Gulf of Guinea of the Atlantic Ocean is to the south of the country. EARLY HISTORY OF EDUCATION BEFORE INDEPENDENCE As was the case in many colonies during the early colonial period, the main goal of education was to ‘make civilization march hand-in-hand with evangelization’ (Anum –Odoom, 2013). This statement gives a clear description of how education in Ghana was implemented at that time. The formal, western-style education in Ghana is directly associated with the history of European activities on the Gold Coast The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive at the Guinea coast in 1471. Their intention to establish schools was expressed in imperial instructions that, in 1529, encouraged the Governor of the Portuguese Castle at Elmina to teach reading, writing, and the Catholic religion to the people. It is imply proven that the Danish, Dutch and the English merchants also set up schools in their forts and castle to educate their mulatto children by native women. Unmistakably linked to the implementation of formal education in Ghana with the Christian missionaries, who realized that in order to spread the word of God, they needed well- educated local assistants. Following the consolidation of the coastal region as the British Gold Coast Colony, the administration became more aggressive in pursuit of its educational policy. This was precipitated by the British purchase of the Danish property at Christiansborg in 1850 and the Dutch Elmina Castle in 1872. To help redress problems faced by the mission schools—such as training local teachers and improving the quality of education—the administration made grants to both the Wesleyan and Basel missions in 1874. In the Educational Ordinance of 1882, government grants to denominational schools were made dependent on an assessment of the level of efficiency. The schools receiving grant-in-aid were defined as â€Å"government assisted schools,† but their primary funding was to come from the missions themselves and from other private sources. On the Gold Coast, the appointment of Brigadier General Gordon Guggisberg as governor brought its own advantages. During his tenure from 1919 through 1927, Governor Guggisberg initiated several major developmental programs that included educational improvements as a critical ingredient in his construction of a modern Gold Coast. While the previous administration had seen the provision of elementary schools by the various Christian missions as adequate, Guggisberg was of the conviction that the current system could not sustain future developments. In fact, only a few months after his arrival, the governor presented a 10-year development plan for the Gold Coast. Among other things, funding was aggressively sought for post elementary education for boys and girls. Even though the administration proposed a technical college for Accra, the Prince of Wales College (now Achimota College) was the real trophy of the administration’s educational program. This non denominational school catered for students from kindergarten to the pre university level. THE BIRTH OF SCIENCE EDUCATION The inadequacies inherent in the system of education were observed in the post-World War I appeal made by the Foreign Missions Conference of North America to the Phelps-Stokes Funds for a review of the state of education in Africa. The Phelps-Stokes Commission on Africa issued reports in 1922 and 1925 in which educators were criticized for inadequately catering to the social and economic needs of the continent. The commission of which James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey was a member, called for instructions in the mechanical operations necessary for the improvement of the condition of the mass majority of the people. This included science education and character training. The Phelps-Stokes fund’s founded in 1920, is an African Education Commission represented one of the early attempts to link black Africa with Negro America. The attempt to forge this link represented a concerted policy on the part of a number of missionary and philanthropic groups in the United Kingdom and the United States to draw attention to what seemed to be analogous situations-politically, socially, and economically. Ghana is said to be the first independent sub-Saharan African country outside South Africa to embark on a comprehensive drive to promote science education and the application of science in industrial and social development (Anamuah-Mensah, 1999). Science Education after Independence After Phelps- stokes commission had pushed for the birth of science education in Africa in general and in particular, Gold Coast, there has not been any clear cut national policy for science education in Ghana up to date (Ahmed, 2013). Dr Kwame Nkrumah who aimed at achieving Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education instituted an Act called 1961 Act, (Act 87) . This Act was to make Basic education free and Compulsory and anyone who fails to send his or her child to school was made to pay a fund by the Minister for education. The education system at that point consisted of six year of primary education, followed by four-years of secondary education. At the end of the four years suitable students went on to do a two-year sixth form course that could lead to a three year University course. Students, who were not suitable to continue, completed two- year of pre-vocational classes. The Nkrumah government encouraged the learning of science by instituting a special scholarship scheme which enabled science and agriculture undergraduates to enjoy scholarships a little higher than those of their counterparts in the humanities. This facility was withdrawn after 1966. Science and mathematics teachers were also paid a little more than their colleagues in the humanities. (Djangmah, 2007) The Reforms The seven year development plan instituted by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was short lived. The system was later regarded as too long and too academic. Thus Dzobo Education Reforms of 1974 saw a reform of the system, instating the Junior Secondary School (now Junior High School) on an experimental basis. The Junior Secondary School introduced practical subjects and activities allowing students to acquire occupational skills, which after an apprenticeship lead to the qualification for self-employment. Due to a wide range of factors such as the economic decline, bureaucracy and sheer lack of interest the JSS-system never went beyond the experimental phase. By 1983 the education system was in a state of crisis. It faced drastic reductions in Government financing, lack of educational materials, and deterioration of school structures, low enrollment levels and high dropout rates. With the assistance of several development partners (World Bank, Department for International Development (ODA) and international grants) the education system was reviewed and proposals were implemented in 1987 known as Evans-Anfom reforms. In 1987, Ghana’s Ministry of Education introduced a restructured educational system that gradually replaced the British-based O-level and A-level system. The transition was completed in June, 1996, when the last class took A-level exams. The last O-level exams were administered in June 1994, although a remedial exam was offered through 1999 (Keteku, 2013) The 1987 Reforms had strengths as well as weaknesses. One of the strengths was that it provided a comprehensive Basic Education which improved access to education for more children of school-going age. Junior Secondary Schools were provided throughout the country and this helped to increase literacy levels. The reform also introduced Continuous Assessment which formed part of the final examination. This ensured that internal assessment in schools was included in the final examinations and this ended the single-shot examination existing in the old system. The Anamuah-Mensah Report recommended similar structure of education just like the Evans-Anfom Report of 1986. The difference was the inclusion of two (2) years of Kindergarten education as part of Basic Education and Apprenticeship training for leavers of the Junior Secondary School who unable to or do not want to continue in the formal sector. The implementation of the Anamuah-Mensah Reforms began in September 2007, and it was faced with initial problems. These problems included delay in the supply of syllabuses and textbooks for the smooth take-off of the programme, and teachers were not adequately prepared in terms of training to implement the reforms. These problems were later dealt with as the implementation of the reforms progressed. The next major problem being anticipated is the inadequate classrooms and other facilities as students will enter the fourth year of Senior High School in September 2010. The Way Forward For Science Education Promotion of science education in the country will depend on three drivers of change, namely, funding, teaching and interventions, and research (Akyeampong ,2007) Funding Knowledge is not cheap. Science, technology and mathematics knowledge required to move the country into the knowledge society can never be cheap. Government’s commitment to science education should be demonstrated in the level of resources allocated to science and technology. Laboratories and workshops in the schools, teacher training colleges, universities and polytechnics should be well equipped and new ones constructed to take into consideration the increasing student population. Research The knowledge society thrives on the creation of new knowledge. Research provides the means by which new knowledge is created. Resources, both material and human, for research in science and technology are woefully inadequate or non-existent. This has had a profound effect on the development of post graduate research in the universities. A number of measures need to be taken to strengthen research in science and technology in order to meet the demands of the country. The following are being suggested: †¢Research in research institutions and the universities should be adequately funded. †¢Most researches carried out in the universities are those that interest the researchers and are hence supply-driven; the Government should challenge our scientists and provide funds to carry out research on problems confronting the country. This can be done through the provision of research funds to be competed for by all scientists in the country. †¢Establish a National Science Research Facilities Centre equipped with world class specialized facilities which are normally expensive and therefore beyond the means of single institutions, to provide opportunities for Ghanaian researchers to carry out scientific research and development and retain local researchers as well as attract foreign ones. †¢To improve the quality of science education at all levels, research in science and technology should include research on teaching and learning science, technology and mathematics. †¢Institute special awards for best researchers and science teachers. This could be termed the President’s Award for Science to be given annually. We need to celebrate achievement. †¢Set up a formal scheme for mentoring the Youth- This is critical to the development of a career path in science for the youth. Mentors excite interest in junior colleagues and help them to â€Å"walk the path†. This experience is however rare in the universities. These days, newly recruited scientists struggle to keep afloat with little or no support. A formal mentoring system should be established in all institutions to ensure that young scientists recruited into the universities or research institutions are attached to professors and senior scientists in their fields of study to receive advice and support. The mentoring can take the form of joint research, publications and presentations at conferences and seminars. †¢To raise the level of awareness of science and technology innovation (research) and foster a synergy among education, industry and research institutes, a project referred to as SMART MOVES in some countries should be established in secondary schools. This project will involve encouraging schools through visits, presentations and seminars to work on problem solving projects with support from the community. The projects will be assessed and students with innovative and creative projects will be invited to present their projects at a Junior Scientist Conference which will be attended by senior scientists who can later act as mentors for the students. Prizes will be given to students based on the quality of project and presentation. The Ghana Academy of Science and Arts can take up this. Conclusion The vision of the National Science and Technology Policy is: â€Å"to support national socio-economic development goals with a view to lifting Ghana to a middle income status by the year 2020 through the perpetuation of a science and technology culture at all the levels of society, which is driven by the promotion of innovation and the mastery of known and proven technologies and their application in industry, and other sectors of the economy†. (MEST, 2000) This vision can become a reality when science education is given a boost at all levels of education. It has been suggested that the promotion of science education hinges on three pillars – funding, teaching and intervention, and research. Without adequate funding, quality teachers, supportive intervention activities and research to illuminate our understanding, science education will have no impact on the everyday lives of Ghanaians; and the observation made by the National Development Planning Commission will remain true. Our national vision for science and technology will be therefore be meaningless. REFERENCES Ahmed, M. (2012). Ghana to launch National Science policy. Retrieved 4th October, 2013, from http://www. ghanaweb. com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel. php? ID=235350. Akpan, O. E. (1992) Toward Creative Science teaching and learning in West African school. Ghana: catholic Press Akyeampong, K. (Centre for International Education, University of Sussex, England) in his lecture on â€Å"50 Years of Educational Progress and Challenge in Ghana†, at Parliament House, London, England; 2007 Anamuah-Mensah, J. (1999). Science and Technology Education in Ghana. A paper delivered at the National education Forum on the theme: Towards Sustaining an Effective National Education System, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, Accra, 17-19th November. Anum-Odoom, A. K. M . Educational Reforms in Ghana, 1974-2007. Retrieved on 12th October, 2013, from http://www. ghanaweb. com/GhanaHomePage/blogs/blog. article. php? blog=2091&ID=1000004125- Djangmah, J. S. Clarifying Ghana’s national vision for the application of science and technology to development. Retrieved on 12th October, 2013, from http://www. ghanansem. org/index. php? option=com_content&task=view&id=234 Keteku, N. W (EDUCATIONAL REFORM IN GHANA: THE SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL). Retrieved 10th October, 2013, from http://www. bibl. u-szeged. hu/oseas_adsec/ghana. htm Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) (2000). National Science and Technology Policy Document. Accra: MEST.

Manipulatives: Material and Students

7 Musts for Using Manipulatives By Marilyn Burns 1. I talk with students about why manipulatives help them learn math. These discussions are essential for first-time users and useful refreshers to refocus from time to time. I precede discussions by giving children time to explore a manipulative. Then we talk about what students noticed and I introduce the concepts they'll learn with the material. 2 . From day one, I set ground rules for using materials. We talk about the similarities and differences between using manipulatives in class and playing with toys or games.With toys or games, children can make up their own rules. With manipulatives, they are given specific problems and activities. I do make clear, however, that they're free to make discoveries and explore new ideas. It's also important for students not to interfere with one another. I step in when I hear a howl of protest as a student who needs one more yellow tile takes it from another group's table. Sometimes I open up th e discussion to the entire class. These impromptu reminders help keep students on track. 3. I set up a system for storing materials and familiarize students with it.It's important for students to know where and how to store materials. A clear system makes the materials more accessible. Some teachers designate and label space on bookshelves. Others use zip-top plastic bags and portion materials into quantities useful for pairs or groups. Still others place a supply of each material at students' tables so they're always within reach. 4. Time for free exploration is worth the investment. Whenever I introduce a new material, I allot at least one math period for this. Teacher demonstrations alone are like eating a papaya in front of the class and expecting children to know how it tastes. Free exploration time also allows students to satisfy their curiosity so they don't become distracted from the assigned tasks. Expect children to see if tiles can fall like dominoes; build tall towers wi th rods; or construct rockets out of cubes. After children have explored a material, I ask what they've discovered and record their observations on a chart so their classmates can get insights from their ideas. Then I assign a specific task. 5. For easy reference, I post class charts about manipulative materials.Charts not only send students the message that I value manipulatives, but also help students learn materials' names and how to spell them. In September I post a chart that lists all the materials we'll use during the year. For some materials, I post separate charts to list their shapes and colors. And I leave posted charts of students' discoveries about materials. 6. Manipulatives are a natural for writing assignments; having students write in math class has many benefits. Manipulatives provide concrete objects for children to describe. 7. I let parents get their hands on manipulatives, too.It's important for parents to understand why their children are using materials. Foll ow up by having children take home materials and activities to do with their families. (Hint: I wait until students have had some experience. )3 Marilyn Burns Answers Your Questions Marilyn Burns Answers Your Questions About Manipulatives Q. Manipulatives help my learners who struggle, but do my better Math students need them? A. Absolutely. The challenge of teaching any subject is to find activities that are accessible to all learners and have the richness to challenge more interested or capable students.Manipulatives are a wonderful resource for this. For example, I introduced fourth graders to Build the Yellow Hexagon. All students found different ways to build the hexagon and recorded their constructions with correct fractional notation. I asked the students who finished quickly: â€Å"How much larger is the red trapezoid than the blue parallelogram? † This challenged them to figure out how much more 1/2 is than 1/3. Q. How often should I use manipulatives in my teaching? A. Ideally, the materials are available for students to use at any time to help them think, reason, and solve problems.When a manipulative material is key to a lesson, I initiate its use. Q. What about students who work well with manipulatives but have trouble with textbooks? A. Showing the bridge from concrete experiences to symbolism is essential. While it may be obvious to adults, it can be a stretch for students to see how a 3-by-4 rectangle built with tiles relates to the textbook explanation that 3 x 4 means three groups of four. I help children make connections by demonstrating how a rectangle can be separated into three rows with four tiles. Q. How many kinds of manipulatives do I need?A. It makes sense to introduce one material and provide time for in-depth exploration. But one advantage of using a variety is that children can think about ideas in different ways. For example, we wouldn't want children to think of fractions as related only to round pies. Q. Can't I make che aper manipulatives? A. For years I've had children cut paper cookies to explore fractions, fold shapes for geometry, and use strips for measurement. Students also cut paper squares into the seven tangram puzzle pieces to see that the pieces make a square.However, to create other shapes, compare areas and perimeters, or make observations over time, paper pieces aren't durable or exact. Manipulatives stand the test of time and are precise. They also allow students to discover the mathematical relationships inherent in them. 4 Q. Where do I fit manipulatives in when there's so much to do? A. I use manipulatives as a support for teaching the math topics that are in the curriculum. I don't reserve materials for special days or assignments, but make them a regular and integral part of my general teaching. Q.I worry that children will see the same materials year after year and lose interest. Do they? A. School-wide planning to discuss which manipulatives you'll use and how to use them can be valuable. However, be careful not to designate certain materials or activities for only one grade. Most are appropriate for different levels, and repeat experiences help students stretch their thinking. For example, asking primary children to find different ways to make trains of six interlocking cubes using just two colors helps them explore different addends of 6.Older students can be challenged to figure out how many arrangements there are, not only for trains of 6, but also for trains of other lengths. Q. I don't have enough of any one kind of manipulative to use with my whole class. What can I do? A. Some teachers I know organize learning centers and have small groups work at them. Others introduce a few activities to be done over several days, and students make choices based on which materials are available. Still others pool materials for a week with other teachers to create class sets.In all cases, having students work cooperatively not only cuts down on the amount of mat erial you need, but also encourages communication — which in turn promotes learning. Q. How do I know when it's time for students to put away the materials? A. I let students be my guide. Observing them gives me valuable information. Sometimes I've assigned students the problem of finding all of the rectangular arrays using 6, 12, and 24 tiles. While some need to build all of the rectangles with tiles and then record them, other students stop using the tiles and are comfortable drawing the rectangles.Q. I worry older students will complain that manipulatives are babyish. Any advice? A. I rarely get this reaction. Most are delighted to get their hands on concrete materials. If you anticipate naysayers, talk about how, for example, architects often build models of buildings and engineers construct prototypes. Tell students that they'll use materials to model a problem or situation. Then be sure they first experience something that offers a challenge and that you provide free ex ploration time.

Information Sensitivity and Protection of Data Essay

Information Sensitivity and Protection of Data - Essay Example Each organization significantly talks about the scanning of emails and other information that is being exchanged on internet to ensure that no illegal activity or transaction is being conducted. The use of email for the exchange of confidential information is discouraged by each organization. Authorization controls have been stressed upon so that the persons utilizing the information systems are authenticated to make sure that data does not get disclosed to wrong persons. 2. Each organization has a different form of information that it has to protect. BIDMC stores all sorts of information regarding BIDMC that includes general information and medical records which the employees can make use of for academic and research purposes. Thus, its policy talks about the protection of this specific kind of information that can help its employees in the development of projects and professionalism. Mayo Foundation stores not only general information but also regarding patients that can be useful during transactions for health benefits of the patients.

Fan Crimes at Sporting Events Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Fan Crimes at Sporting Events - Research Paper Example This has been an ongoing problem for many years, despite efforts to curb the behavior, such as preventing many stadiums from selling alcohol on the premises. Criminal activities among fans at sporting games tend to focus around violence against other fans, but they also include vandalism, rioting behavior and other criminal acts. These acts are driven by the interaction of a number of different factors, including the fierce loyalty that many fans have towards their teams, the atmosphere present at a sporting event, the emotions that are associated with the outcome of the game, the size of the crowd and the presence of alcohol. These factors interact to produce a charged atmosphere, where it is easy for fans to take events or conversations out of context and to react in an extreme manner. Not all attendees of a sporting event are the same. They come to the event with different desires and for different reasons. Many are casual watchers, who enjoy viewing the game, are not overly conce rned about the outcome and who like the atmosphere that is present. However, some fans are more devoted to their team, and whether they win or lose is of significant consequence to these fans, and they can often feel cheated or disheartened if their team loses. This is particularly true if there was some aspect of the game that is contested, such as when it is not evident whether a move by the opposing team was legal. These are the fans. They have one team that they follow and consider to be their own. They will attend as many games, which their team is in as possible, and listen to information on the game on television or radio if attending is not possible. Many fans wear their team colors to games or team shirts in day-to-day life. Others will paint their faces or carry props associated with their team to the game . For fans, there is a lot at stake in any game, and regardless of the result, emotions will run high. A sporting event consists of two teams playing each other; one of which will win and the other will lose (except in the case of a draw, which is only possible in some sporting games). Whatever the outcome of the game is, some observers will be pleased with it and others will be upset. The sports event environment involves a strong clash of cultures as each team has its own fans that have their own distinct opinions, beliefs and desires. This can be especially prevalent where the two teams are from different states or different countries. Additionally, sports games have the ability to draw in large crowds of fans and the concentration of people can increase the opportunity for altercations or disputes to occur between the fans . The polarity between the sets of fans alone is often enough to cause disputes as there are occasional, although much rarer, reports of fan altercation outside of a sports event. For example, in some American cities, wearing a shirt of an opposing team will result in substantial heckling. In a sporting event, not only is thi s polarity present, but these fans are in a confined space for many hours with many other people, some of who they agree with, some that they do not. Alcohol is often seen as a playing a pivotal role in the behavior of fans at a sporting event. It is well known to decrease inhibitions and has been documented to result in an increase in aggressive behavior, an effect that is intensified when the fans are already frustrated , such as from a game that is not going well or from

Value at Risk Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Value at Risk - Essay Example Risk management methods and nature varies from industry to industry like it can't be same for project management, industrial process and financial portfolios. From a management view point, risk management is an important tool which is used in decision making because it is systematic and well structured. For better utilization of risk management in management's decisions, risk analyst's reports must be based on the latest and best available information. The cause behind the mentioning of the Chinese proverb above is that risk management is the only tool which differentiates a good management with a bad one. From a bank's standpoint the term is usually used synonymously with specific uncertainty because the usage of statistics allows us to quantify the uncertainty which is called the measure of dispersion (Shirref, 2004). We know that every country have mostly two regulators on their heads, one for the banks and one for the companies. Usually Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulates the companies while the Reserve bank regulates the financial institutions. Bank of International Settlement is the regulator of the regulators. From the same concept there is another regulator which regulates the financial institutions risk management department regarding the capital requirement and capital adequacy ratio. The name of the regulator is Basel Accord. Let's see in detail, what Basel accord has in its regulation. FROM ORIGIN OF BASEL TILL IMPLEMENTATION: Basel was an attempt to reduce the quantity of bank failures in a country, due to the insufficient capital which ties a bank's Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) to the risk of the loan Bank's makes. In 1988, The Basel Committee for Banking Supervision (BCBS) did the first attempt to implement such methods worldwide, which enhance the risk absorption power of the banks. Basel I was the initial or first set of capital requirement for all actively international banks because it sets charges for the credit risk which is known as crude capital charges. It instituted for the first time the requirement of minimum capital which must be held by the international banks to avoid the financial risk. In 1980, credit risk was the dominant player in risk class for banks but by the early 1990s, banks became more anxious to be a part of the capital market and for those markets which are larger and more liquid, and to play their role, and they did that. The significance and importance of risk then arose in the banks, but the Basel I merely emphasized on the credit risk. To overcome the risk of all traits, a new framework was desperately required to make the risk calculation and reporting more sophisticated. The BCBS agreed upon the market risk amendments in 1996 from there the concept of Basel II was born (Reuvid, 2008). Initially, the capital charges were based on definite standards, defined by the BCBS,

Elliott West Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Elliott West Analysis - Essay Example Therefore, west systematically presents an account of how geography, animals, weather, and climate shaped the life and experience of both the Euro- Americans and the natives of this region. West introduces the text by explaining how the history of these Great Plains is much more than â€Å"changing the Indians and the gold rush.†1 Rather to offer a broader experience of the people in the Great Plains, West critically examines the physical biological and environmental factors, and the effects which resulted from the interaction of these issues. Therefore, West offers a more broad account of the events in the Great Plains, and how these events interplayed to define the lives of people in this region; not only the rush to exploit the gold by gold seekers, in the Great Plains. â€Å"The contested plains are a significant contribution to the growing field of environmental history.†2 The conflict in the Great Plains was a remarkable event, which would later have a remarkable account on environment in history. This is well portrayed when West takes the reader through many centuries through different adaptations to the central Plains while at the same time stressing on the physical and biological constraints of the inhabitants of these plains. However, West puts some emphasis on the environment, and cultural impact of the Colorado gold rush, which marked several instances of clashes between the American military forces and the Cheyenne in 1857 at Solomon River and 1869 at Summit Springs. 3 The native inhabitants in the plains had well established trade patterns throughout the plains, battling constantly with the drastic climate and severe environmental changes. The people were remarkably successful, and established a â€Å"sustaining way of life.†4 The diverse cultures in this region, which formed a complex ecological complex,

How Managers Can Apply Their Interpersonal, Informational and Essay

How Managers Can Apply Their Interpersonal, Informational and Decisional Roles to Influence the Performance of Their Organizatio - Essay Example Leadership is the process of manipulating other people to achieve specified objectives or goals. From a business point of view, a manager is a person, who has been given the mandate to influence the employees of a given organization in order to achieve the organization goals. Therefore, leadership roles are to communicate ideas, motivating employees, and gaining their commitment, enthusiasm, and acceptance so that they can support and implement the organizational goals and objectives. A manager should be a person who can perform the following roles; 1. Interpersonal roles: Should be able to perform, symbolic and ceremonial skills. Should also be one who can direct and monitor the subordinates, through communication and counsel, and be one who can maintain links in information through mail, meetings, and phone calls. 2. Informational roles: Can seek and receives information by maintaining personal contact with stakeholders and scanning periodicals and reports, transmits the informatio n to employees through reports, speeches and memos. 3. Decisional roles: An excellent manager is one who can come up with new ideas and delegate the idea responsibility to other persons. He should be one who can take the necessary action during crisis and disputes among his subordinates, a skilled negotiator who can represent his unit in budget, sales, purchases, and union contracts. Thematically, this paper seeks to show, by use of relevant case examples, how managers can influence successful performance of their organization through the application of the managerial skills discussed above. The three managerial roles will be discussed separately, in order to analyze each of them critically. Interpersonal roles Interpersonal skills are required, in order, for the manager to perform as a figurehead role in the organization, and this is considered to be a leading management function. An organization cannot succeed if the managers cannot direct and monitor their subordinates. In a case example; Intermatic Inc, a company located in spring Grove, Illinois was on the verge of bankruptcy. Jim miller, a former employee, was asked to return as president of the firm. He applied his interpersonal roles that enabled him to restructure the whole firm; he directed his staff and managed to bring the firm back from the edge of bankruptcy to its growth, profitability and survival (Lussier & Achua, 2010). For a manager to have strong interpersonal skills he should be capable of performing the following roles; 1. The figurehead role: Any manager or leader in an organization is capable of performing this role; it includes the caring out of basic tasks such as, presiding at meetings, and signing important documents (Davis, 2006). 2. The leader role: This is the role that influences how most leaders perform all other roles, the tasks that are preformed in this role include tasks like; evaluation of employee performance, coaching and giving instructions, training and hiring new empl oyees (Davis, 2006). 3. The liaison role: The liaison role is involved with the interacting and communicating with people outside the organization, and several tasks that include the developing of relationships, attending of professional meetings, maintaining contact with organizations and other people, and networking (Davis, 2006). Interpersonal skill is an individual’s capability to perform the above roles. In another case example, British airways hired a

Survey for health research and methodlogy class Essay

Survey for health research and methodlogy class - Essay Example In the U.S., both the medical community and public have shown more interest in different alternative medical practices over the past couple of years. The establishment of an Office of Alternative Medicine by the National Institutes of Health in 1992 was testimony to the growing interest by the U.S. healthcare fraternity in alternative medicines. The Office later noted that therapies that were then considered unconventional had the potential of gaining more acceptance and becoming conventional in the future (Berman, Singh, Lao, Singh, Ferentz & Hartnoll, 1995). Recent studies conducted in the United States of America, Britain, and Australia among other countries reveal that alternative medicines are getting wider acceptance and attention among physicians and members of the public. A study conducted in 1990 by Eisenberg and other researchers, for example, revealed that about 30% of the American population used at least one form or another of complementary therapy (Berman, Singh, Lao, Singh, Ferentz & Hartnoll, 1995). In Britain, the number of people practicing alternative medicine grew 5.6 times more than physicians. Alternative medicines are used in the treatment of various ailments ranging from fevers to aches, pains and cancers. A study published in the European Journal of Cancer in 2000 revealed that out of the 1023 women suffering from breast cancer, roughly 22% had consulted with an alternative medicine practitioner in the previous twelve months (Rees, Feigel, Vickers, Zollman, McGurk & Smith, 2000). The attitudes of physicians and patients toward alternative treatments for cancer have been a subject of great interest for many researchers especially considering the effects of physician attitudes on patients. In her study on the relationship between patients’ use of alternative cancer treatments and physicians reactions toward them, Bourgeault (1996) established that patient –physician

Radio Control Office Essay Example for Free

Radio Control Office Essay The first radio regulatory office was known as the Radio Construction and Maintenance Section under the Telegraph Division of the Bureau of Posts. This section was charged with the enforcement of radio laws and regulations, particularly the provisions of Act No. 3396, known as the Ship Radio Station Law which was enacted on December 5, 1927. This law provides for the installations of radio obligatory for ships of Philippine register to protect life and property at sea. On November 11, 1931, the Philippine Legislature enacted Act No. 3846, known as the Radio Control Law of the Philippines.Section 8 of the law provides that the Secretary of Commerce and Communications is hereby authorized to create a Radio Regulation Section, Division or Office which shall take charge of carrying out the provisions of this Act and the regulations prescribed by him, to any bureau or office of his Department, subject to his general supervision and control. Thus, the Radio Control Division in the Bureau of Posts was created under the Secretary of Commerce and Communications. In 1939, the Department of National Defense was organized pursuant to Executive Order No. 230. It was realized then that the functions of supervising and regulating the establishment and operation of all radio stations in the country were important to national defense and security. Consequently, the Radio Control Division was transferred to the Department of National Defence. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 94, series of 1947, the Department of Commerce and Industry was created. The Radio Control Division was again transferred from the Department of National Defense to the Department of Commerce and Industry. The reason for the transfer was that in time of peace, the function of radio regulations was a vital factor in the promotion of commerce and industry and in the economic development of the country. On January 1, 1951, by virtue of the provisions of Executive Order No. 392, the Radio Control Board were transferred to the Department of Public Works and Communications. Actually, The Radio Control Division and the Radio Control Board were two distinct agencies with separate functions. The Division was charged with the supervision and regulation of the establishment and operation of all radio stations in the country. On the other hand, the Board implemented the provisions of the Radio Broadcasting Law, Act No. 3997, regarding the administration of the national radio broadcasting fund derived from radio receiver registration fees collected by the BIR, and the purchase, distribution, and installation of radio receivers to fourth and fifth class municipalities, municipal districts, barrios and selected government institutions. In the Department of Public Works and Communications, the Radio Control Division was under the supervision of the Radio Control Board. In 1956, R.A. No. 1476 was enacted, abolishing the radio receiver registration fees in effect also abolished the Radio Control Board. The Radio Control Division remained and continued to fuction under the Office of the Secretary of Public Works and Communications. On August 23, 1962, Department Order No. 51 was issued by the Secretary, Department of Public Works and Communications, changing the name of the Radio Control Division to Radio Control Office. As provided in the Integrated Reorganization Plan of 1972, the Radio Control Office was retained and assumed the functions relative to the supervision and enforcement of policies, rules and regulations involving telecommunications. The Office, which was later named on July 1, 1974, as the Telecommunications Control Bureau, was headed by a Director who was assisted by an Assistant Director. The Office had four divisions and district offices, the number and locations of which were determined on the basis of necessity and effectiveness of the service. Board of Communications The Board of Communications, which was created under the Integrated Reorganization law of 1972, was the first quasi-judicial body with the adjudicatory powers on matters involving telecommunication services. The Board was composed of a full-time chairman who was of unquestioned integrity and recognized prominence in previous public and/or private employment; and two full-time members who were competent in all aspects of communications, preferably one of whom was a lawyer and the other an economist. The Director of the Radio Control Office and a senior representative of the Institute of Mass Communication of the University of the Philippines were made ex-oficio members. It may be noted that the regular members of the board were experts on telecommunications. The Chairman must have previous employment on telecommunications, and the other two full-time members must be competent on all aspects of communications, preferably one of whom was a lawyer and the other an economist. The reason f or this organizational set-up is aptly stated in the Integrated Reorganization Plan which states that: Since technical and economic determinants will govern decisions with respect to economic regulation, the expertise involved should be strongly reflected on the composition of the body so that it can adequately review, revise, and decide on proposals and applications. The Board itself must also have the capability to adequately review, revise, and decide on all aspects under its coverage from both technical and economic points of view. Knowledge of the economic consideration involved must be coupled with the ability to distinguish, detect, and resolve possible conflicts with the corresponding technical considerations. The Board of Communications was attached to the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communications for administrative supervision. According to the IRP, the DPWTC was in direct possession of facts and situational appraisals inherent in its role in the fields of communications. Adjudicative Boards operating under its umbrella would thus have direct access to the substantive bases for decision. The National Telecommunications Commission By virtue of Executive Order No. 546 dated July 23, 1979, the Telecommunications Control Bureau and the Board of Communications were abolished and have been integrated into a single entity now known as the National Telecommunications Commission. It is composed of a Commissioner and two Deputy Commissioners, preferably one of whom is a lawyer and another an economist. The Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners should be of unquestioned integrity, proven competence, and recognized experts in their fields, related as much as possible to communications. The integration of the TCB and BOC into a single entity has for its purpose the effective and unified control and supervision of communications facilities and services. Executive Order No. 546 has also created the Ministry of Transportation and Communications which has administrative jurisdiction over the National Telecommunications Commission. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 125 as amended by Executive Order No. 125-A dated April 13, 1987, the National Telecommunications Commission is now an attached agency of the Department of Transportation and Communications (Sec.14). The Philippines National Telecommunications Commission (Filipino: Pambansang Komisyon sa Telekomunikasyon), abbreviated as NTC, is an agency of the Philippine government under the Commission on Information and Communications Technology responsible for the supervision, adjudication and control over all telecommunications services throughout the Philippines.

A Probation And Parole Criminology Essay

A Probation And Parole Criminology Essay The idea of the corrections system has been around for a while. Within this system there lies several different types of programs that do not require an offender to be placed in a prison or jail. These programs to allow the offender to remain out in the community, while being closely monitored. The earliest and most common programs are probation and parole. These two programs allow most offenders to be in their normal everyday setting, unless otherwise stated by the judge or probation or parole officer. Usually this is the sentence given to offenders who have a non-violent offense and are less likely to run away. These are the offenders who are seen to be harmful to society. Probation and parole are two of the easiest ways to help with problems within the jail such as overcrowding. Background/History Probation and parole are two of the oldest programs within the corrections system that takes care of non-violent offenders. Before the development of these programs, the offenders would be placed into the same facilities as all the other offenders. This wasnt fair to the offenders, nor was it helpful to the staff there. The actual goal of probation and parole was not to place these people into prisons or jails, but to rehabilitate them while in the care of their community. Probation John Augustus was the father of probation, although there were similar practices around 437 BC. Augustus was your average, everyday man. However, his goal with probation was behavioral reform. He believed that if the system allowed the offender to stay within the community, they would get sort of a second chance. Then, by providing support and guidance from probation officers, the officers may in fact be able to reach the goal of assisting the offender in becoming a law-abiding individual. The word probation actually is a form of the Latin word probatio which mean to test or prove. The individuals who receive probation are called probationers. They are people who have been convicted of a crime and are given this sentence instead of going to jail. Probation officers are the people who supervise them. They are usually court-appointed and must make sure that their probationer follows the rules handed down to them by the court. Parole Parole was first used in Australia and Ireland. It was seen as an award for inmates who were on their best behavior. Parole is a privilege given to an individual when are eligible to parole. This happens after the prisoner receives a minimum or maximum sentence; then they become eligible with the decision of the parole board, which decides whether or not to put them on parole after a consideration hearing. Just like probation, this is a program that focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders and getting them back into the community and on the right track. Parole was first introduced in the United States by Brockway Zebulon in 1876 as a way to reduce jail overcrowding. Zebulon also saw this as way to rehabilitate offenders by encouraging them to exhibit good behavior while incarcerated. This allows offenders to be let back into their community after serving a portion of their jail time and live, but under supervision from a Parole Officer. The parole period is based on a decision made by the board of parole. If the offender violates their parole while out, they are then placed back into the prison system. Both Alexander Maconochie and Walter Crofton played important roles in the development of the parole program. Literature Review Probation Evidence of probation goes all the way back to the Middle Ages (Ditton and Ford 1994). During that time, the court systems practiced suspended sentences. The first courts in America allowed these suspended sentences, but not every court used this (Young 1976). All of this occurred before John Augustus idea of probation came about (Ditton and Ford 1994). John Augustus was a local businessman who asked judges to allow him to pay the fines for offenders who had been convicted of minor or non-violent crimes and then allow him to supervise them (Ditton and Ford 1994). After bailing these individuals out, he helped them find jobs and monitored their changes (Young 1976). When it was time for the offender to return to court, Augustus went along and provided the judge with a report on how the offender was progressing. (Ditton and Ford 1994; Young 1976) In 1978, thanks to the success of John Augustus, the first probation law was passed in Massachusetts (Ditton and Ford 1994). However, it wasnt until after Chicago established the first juvenile court that probation became a popular and useful sentencing method (Young 1976). In 1925, the National Probation Act was passed, which ultimately created a probation system for the federal government (Ditton and Ford 1994; Young 1976). By 1956, every state had some form of probation as a sentencing method (Ditton and Ford 1994; Young 1976). There are two main goals established by the probation program. The first is to protect society from additional crime by the offender (Ditton and Ford 1994). The achievement of this goal usually comes through the report of a presentence investigation that is done to determine whether or not the offender is a risk to society (Ditton and Ford 1994). If the information that comes from this report confirm that the offender is in fact not a risk to society then they are sentenced to probation. If the information confirms that the offender is a dangerous offender and may be harmful to their community, then they are usually sentenced to more harsh repercussions (Ditton and Ford 1994). The second goal is to help the offenders (Ditton and Ford 1994). This is done through supervision and management (Ditton and Ford 1994). Probation officers are there to basically watch over the probationers and make sure that they stay away from things that could cause them to reoffend. They also monitor their actions and help keep them from violation rules that have been set as a result of their probation. As far as managing goes, the probation officer is there to lead the offender in the way that they need to go in order not to offend again (Ditton and Ford 1994; Young 1976). They are there to help and ultimately provide the offender with the resources that they need. This actually includes helping them to find employment which is a requirement when on probation. If a probationer violate their probation orders they will have their probation revoked. Their violations fall under one of two types. The first is technical, which is usually defined by minor violations (Ditton and Ford 1994). The second is a re-arrest or new offense (Ditton and Ford 1994). This is serious violation of probation rules. Another offense committed by the offender shows that the individual is not likely to adhere to the probation rules and not prepared to cooperate. These individuals tend to have their probation revoked and end up back in the jail or prison facilities (Ditton and Ford 1994). Over the years, the number of probationers has fluctuated. From 1995 to 2004, the number of individuals on probation rose from 3,077,861 to 4,151,125. This is about a 0.2% change in 2004, the smallest annual growth rate since 1979. In twenty-one states, the adult probation population decreased with Washington State being the only one who saw a double digit decrease. Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico, and New Jersey were among the four states who saw an increase of more than 10% in probation population. Since 1990, probationers have accounted for about half the growth of the entire prison population. (Glaze and Palla 2005; Burrell 2005) As with anything, there are problems that occur with probation (Paparozzi and DeMichele 2008). When placed on probation, offenders are expected to follow the guidelines provided to them through the courts (Ditton and Ford 1994). However, we find that they dont always follow the rules and sometimes never get caught or charged. In 2004, in a certain area of Florida, 199,215 individuals were supposed to be on probation in particular month. About one of five offenders had disappeared; out of those left, close to one of four had an active violation report. Nothing was done because a judge stated that it would be hard to do something with each person that had violated their parole. Another problem with probation is that the officers experience heavy caseloads (Paparozzi and DeMichele 2008). They often have to pull overtime in order to keep up. Its hard for the officers to manage all their cases and be sure to keep up with supervising the offenders (Paparozzi and DeMichele 2008). This also tends to be an issue when it comes to parole officers. Parole The parole system goes back to the 1800s when Sir Walter Crofton introduced tickets of leave (Schuessler 1954). He used these to give to prisoners who experienced good behavior in exchange for an early release from prison. Crofton also introduced the idea of intermediate prisons (Schuessler 1954). Inmates could live and work in a supervised manner while carrying out their prison sentence (Schuessler 1954). As for the United States, Brockway Zebulon introduced the idea of the first parole system (Schuessler 1954). Zebulon used the help of volunteer community members to monitor the behavior of the inmates who were released. He wasnt focused on the help of police officers, as he believed they had enough on their plate. As time went on, he used the help of volunteer members who were concerned with the well-being of the individual. By the 1900s this idea had spread and become popular in every state except Virginia, Mississippi, and Florida. (Schuessler 1954; Dressler 1951; Abadinsky 1982) The parole board was established in 1902 (Schuessler 1954). This took the parolees out from under the control of the officers in prisons and allowed the parole board to define the rules and regulations for them (Abadinsky 1982). The board was made of three members; the deputy warden would sit in as the chair person (Abadinsky 1982). Prisoners would come before the board as their behavior was analyzed and the board would determine whether the convict deserved a parole (Schuessler 1954). The parole board established to manage paroles based on the convicts behavior (Virginia General Assembly 1992). However they also had to observe the convicts criminal history, prior supervision opportunities in the community, behavior in the prison during their jail time, and the convicts plans after being released (Abadinsky 1982). During this time, parole officers were introduced into the system. Their job was to monitor parolees once they are released from prison (Virginia General Assembly 1992). In 1910, inmates who were in any US prison received an automatic and equal chance to parole. No parole would be sentenced until the attorney general approves it. For prisoners who were sentenced to a life sentence would be able to go up for parole after 15 years. As a result of all of this, each prison had to hire a parole officer who would supervise the convict and help the parolees get a job. (Schuessler 1954; Dressler 1951; Abadinsky 1982) Within the time of being paroled, just like with probation, the parolee must abide by a set of rules (Schuessler 1954). The must meet with their parole officer at meetings established by the office. The must adhere to all other rules and regulations of being on parole. In the case of any new arrests, the parolee must report this to their parole officer (Schuessler 1954). If the parolee moves, they must make the parole officer aware. This also goes for any change in employment. During this time the officer cannot have any control substances in their possession nor be in the possession of a firearm (Schuessler 1954). Its also recommended that the parolee refrain from associating with individuals that may cause them to reoffend or could possibly get them in trouble in any way (Schuessler 1954). The number of individuals on parole went from 679,421 in 1995 to 765,355 in 2004. Therefore, the Nations parole population grew about 2.7%. This is a huge difference compared to the small growth of probation. A total of about ten states had double-digit increases in their parole population and as few as nine states saw decreases in their parole population. (Glaze and Palla 2005; Burrell 2005) There are numerous problems with the parole system (Paparozzi and DeMichele 2008; DeMichele and Payne 2007). One being the amount of caseload being given to parole officers (Schuessler 1954). The system seems to have a shortage of parole officers leading the ones that there are to have more cases, making it hard for them to keep control of what they have (Paparozzi and DeMichele 2008; DeMichele and Payne 2007). Another problem is the fact that if the individual is a reoffender, the chances of them reoffending is greater than those of a first-time offender (Schuessler 1954). This is true because the US has seen a high rate in recidivism over time. There is not much that can be done due to the lack of personnel. Probation and Parole Officers Basically, probation and parole officers serve the same duties. They are supposed to supervise and manage the offenders. This allows them to be case workers as well as law enforcers because they have to make sure the offenders dont break any laws. Some will argue that supervision is the most important aspect of the job. (DeMichele and Payne 2007) Probation and parole officer have several duties they must attend to. They conduct home visits, perform curfew checks and verify with the employer of the offender is actually employed. They also help the offender get into treatment facilities if they need it. Thats just a few of the duties that these officers accomplish. (Dressler 1951; Schuessler 1954) In order to became a probation or parole officer you must go through specialized training at a Peace Officer Standards and Training facility. Once this training is completed, they become POST certified peace officers. These officers must take part in quarterly training classes in a variety of areas concerning their job. Difference between probation and parole Most people think that probation and parole are the same thing. The have the same goal as to rehabilitate offenders, but they play two different roles. Probation is basically an extension to the offenders sentence, while parole is a reward given to prisoners for good behavior (Dressler 1951). Parole lessens the amount of time the individuals serves in prison (Dressler 1951). Probation is a sentence handed directly to the offender from the judge, but a parole board is in charge of the decision to grant an offender with parole (Dressler 1951). When it comes to parole, the judge has no say, the decision is left up to the parole board in the prison facility (Dressler 1951; Abadinsky 1982). Parolees are eligible for parole after they have served the minimum prison sentence that has been handed down to them (Abadinsky 1982). The board at this point determines whether or not the individual receives parole (Dressler 1951). As far as probation goes, this is based on the judges decision after determining the seriousness of the crime and whether or not the individual is likely to reoffend within the probationary period (Dressler 1951). Society on Probation and Parole Those within the community have mixed reactions about these programs. Most feel as if it is a good thing to try and rehabilitate these offenders. However, they are unsure how they feel about this individuals having contact within the community. They feel as if these individuals have already offended, that there is not much to keep them from offending again. As far as offenders are concerned, those who serve jail time are able sort of network within the prison walls. They develop these relationships with other prisoners that lead them back where they began. These relationships allow them to establish other relationships out in the community with other criminals or deviant individuals. This is not the case all the time, but for a majority of the time, this is the case. Some members of society realize this and begin to worry what could come of these relationships and networks that have been made. When an offender is released back into society, they have to learn how to control what happens as a result of being labeled. As an offender enters the prison system, they become labeled as an offender. This label then makes it hard for them to find employment, as well as make changes that lead and keep them on the right path. There are individuals who are willing to help these offenders, but most fear their past. This is when the help of the parole or probation officer comes into play. Its their job to help these individual get jobs or get into rehab or even continue with their education. More than likely, if an offender reoffends, its because they are unable to establish a place in society that keeps them busy. Idle hands are the devils workshop which means anyone who has free time to waste is more likely to offend than someone who is constantly doing something. Conclusion The jobs of being a probation or parole officer is not easy. On a day to day basis they have to deal with keeping track and supervising individual, as well as possibly receiving more individuals. Their job is already hard enough with making sure their probationers and parolees are following the rules, but when you have multiple things tend to get tricky. These officers are underappreciated. They are also often taken advantage of. These people come into these positions to help people. Thats why they choose this career, to try and make a difference in ones life. These two programs are very useful within our correction system. They provide for means of rehabilitation just as their founders wished they would. They also save tax payers a great deal of money. Prison overcrowding cause the tax payers of America to have to fork over more money to support the funding of prison and jail facilities. With probation and parole programs having been founded, we are able to save money and alleviate the crowding in these correctional facilities. Although they are not all fail proof, they do help.

Organised Crime Affecting The United Kingdom Essay

Organised Crime Affecting The United Kingdom Essay In order to assess the extent to which organised crime is affecting the UK one must first try to define the term itself. A recent definition by Interpol describes it as Any group having a corporate structure whose primary objective is to obtain money through illegal activities, often surviving on fear and corruption  [1]  . UK based SOCA simply states that Organised crime covers a very wide range of activity and individuals involved in a number of crime sectors. The most damaging sectors to the UK are judged to be trafficking of Class A drugs, organised immigration crime and fraud. In addition, there is a wide range of other threats, including high-tech crime, counterfeiting, the use of firearms by serious criminals, serious robbery, organised vehicle crime, cultural property crime and others.  [2]  There are many terms brandished about for organised crime and it is difficult to come up with one definition, therefore, this makes it difficult to also assess what is being tackl ed as far as the UK in concerned. As the SOCA definition above shows there are many different types of crimes which can be called organised crime so therefore in order to assess of how there being tackled one will need to assess them individually, for the purposes of this essay one will focus on Trafficking i.e. drugs and how money laundering is being dealt with in the UK as a big part of organised crime are its proceeds. Organised crime generates a huge income and as crime becomes more globalised and so revenue generated from it increases more and more every day. Profits are usually in the form of cash so therefore need to be disguised in a way to blend into the banking system. The ultimate aim of the money laundering is to get the proceeds of the crime into the financial world legitimately, so the criminals can benefit from it and not get caught. The process is long and complicated as the cash has to moved several times in order to cover its tracks. Different routes the money might take are being transferred in between various different accounts and through front companies which are set up to disguise the illegitimate profits in a legal business form, this process is repeated many times until the criminals can extract their profits legitimately. There are three stages to money laundering, firstly placement, whereby the illegitimate profit is put into the banking system, followed by layering, where t he cash is passed through many different areas in order to perplex its origins, and the final step is integration, where the cash is put through legitimate companies and accounts. Money laundering in the UK is a criminal offence, and as such, any person involved in any known or suspected money laundering activity risks a criminal conviction carrying a jail term of up to 14 years. It is significant that even innocent involvement on the part of professionals such as bankers and lawyers can provoke a criminal charge. Money laundering is an offence covered by many different parts of legislation United Kingdom and can be found in statutes such as the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended), and the Terrorism Act 2000 (as amended). The most significant change made by these two pieces of legislation is that they enforce two new obligations to create Suspicious Transaction Reports. The legislation, then, increases the responsibility on professionals dealing with big financial business of any kind to be cautious in detecting suspicious transactions, and this in effect helps find criminals when such occasions do arise, so, in essence, this is an example of the UK successfully implementing legislation in order to tackle organised crime . This attack on money laundering is huge part of tackling organised crime as it is suggested that the economic and social impact of organised crime in the UK is staggering and statistics show that global profits from people smuggling are estimated to be $10 billion annuall y, 280,000 problem drug users cause half of all crime, every  £1 spent on heroin is estimated to generate about  £4 of damage to the national economy and there are around 400 organised crime bosses in the UK with an amassed criminal wealth of approximately  £440 million.  [3]  The economic and social cost of organised crime is estimated to be in the region of  £20 to  £40 billion per year. The role of recovering criminal assets fell upon the Assets Recovery Agency which was set up under the Proceeds of Crime act 2002 and played an important part in the governments plans to seize the profit out of crime, and separate and prevent the criminal organizations from continuing with their activities by removing the money which motivates their activities and their major source of income  [4]   The Assets Recovery Agency had three strategic aims to disrupt organised criminal enterprises through the recovery of criminal assets, thereby alleviating the effect of crime on communities, to promote the use of financial investigation as an integral part of criminal investigation, within and outside the Agency, domestically and internationally, through training and continuing professional development and to operate the agency in accordance with its vision and values.  [5]   The UK is a founding member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), established in 1989 to develop global measures to prevent money laundering. The FATF has 40 recommendations, engineered to combat money laundering and create the best resources to do so internationally. UK money laundering experts regularly participate in FATF mutual evaluations of its members, showing that the UKs initiatives against money laundering are strong as not only are they tackling the issue internally but are looking at the international impact money laundering has. On the 1st April 2008 the Assets Recovery Agency merged with the Serious Organised Crime Agency. Commenting on the merger Hughes, of SOCA said we are gaining important skills and expertise with the arrival of Assets Recovery Agency staff and we welcome them into SOCA. Now that the merger has taken place we will get on with the job that parliament want us to do, namely depriving crooks of their ill-gotten gains  [6]. In support of this the Home Office minister Coaker said that assets recovery is critical in the fight against all levels of crime and we are determined to stop criminals profiting from crimes which affect the lives of law-abiding majority.  [7]  Adding to this Goggins, said this merger will strengthen the fight against crime in Northern Ireland as it combines the intelligence expertise of SOCA with the hands-on practical experience of ARA. This combination will make the recovery of assets even more effective and strengthen our fight against those who profit from org anised crime.  [8]  This important merger highlights the steps in the UK have taken to try to successfully tackle aspects of organised crime, by merging together these two organisations it showed that the UK has acknowledged the fact the money laundering linked with organised crime is a very serious issue that needs to be dealt with. A further offence as introduced in the Drug Trafficking Act 1994 and the Terrorism Act 2000 which states the offence of failure to report. This occurs where the person suspects that another person is involved in laundering the proceeds of drug trafficking or terrorism, and fails to report it. In the case of the Terrorism Act 2000, this offence is broadened to those who have reasonable grounds for knowing or suspecting. These statutory offences have amplified the range of money laundering offences within the UK legislation, and have similarly enlarged the mandatory degree of vigilance on financial professionals. By increasing the legislation to include those or may not even be involved directly in the crime or its proceeds it eliminates any sort chains there may in a particular organised crime groups structure. This offence highlighted is very similar to offences laid out in the USs Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) whereby prosecutors could arrest group leaders ba sed on the activities of those who worked with them. This shows another way in which the Uk is successfully trying to tackle the issue by looking at all aspects of weakening organised crime. Overall the legislation on tackling money laundering is effective, with agencies such as SOCA recognising its importance Money is at the heart of all organised crime. The lifestyle and status it brings are the main motivation for most criminals.  [9]. SOCA states that it is determined to ensure that criminals cant enjoy their profits  [10]. According to the report released by SOCA 2009/10  £317.5 million was seized from organised crimes groups in the UK. A recent example of SOCA in action in April 2011 where SOCA was granted the Confiscation Order in Leeds Crown Court for  £933,422 against Paul Anthony Romano Morgan from Leeds  [11], this is a significant achievement for the UK in tackling the issue of organised crime. In order for the UK to continue being protected the effects of money laundering, authorities, however, must work stronger at identifying criminals that are still accessing the financial system. Only by using more advanced method will criminals and money launderers become more hesitant. Professor Bill Gilmore stated: for the first time, to take co-ordinated and effective worldwide action to undermine the financial power of drug trafficking networks and other criminal organisations, is now in sight if not, as yet, fully within our reach.  [12]  Highlighting there is still room for the UK to improve to completely eradicate organised crime. One of the most threatening of activities undertaken by organised crimes groups is the trafficking of illegal narcotics. The drug trade has the capability to infiltrate all aspects of society and can threaten the social, political and economic security of any nation, so it is not surprising that it is becoming an increasing issue in the UK. The impact of the drug trade may not necessarily be the most threatening to social security, but it is probably the most threatening to the people of the country. The problems with drug trafficking are not simply mattered of criminal activities taking place but what the drugs trafficked into the country are causing, such as addiction and furthermore diseases being spread through improper use and then furthermore the crime associated with drug abuse as more and more people depends on these trafficked narcotics. McFarlane points to another interesting threat which may emerge from an increase in crime: Furthermore, with increasing crime, a free press and civil rights tend to be ignored both by the criminals and by the hard-pressed law enforcement agencies.  [13]  The threat that drug trafficking brings is potentially very large and is affecting the economic stability of the UK and therefore has become a focus of major law enforcement to tackle and one will now review on whether atte mpts to combat drug trafficking have been successful. The Serious Organised Crime Organisation (SOCA), takes a role in the gathering of information about major drug syndicates that control the UK drug trafficking scene. Created in 2007, SOCA is responsible for the collection, analysis, research and dissemination of intelligence relating to major criminals involved in serious crime, including the distribution and trafficking of drugs.  [14]  And in the Annual SOCA Plan 2010/2011 they mention that Class A drugs, poses the greatest single threat  [15]  showing that they realise that it is a serious target to be dealt with. SOCA has been working heavily on tackling drug trafficking with a recent case in again in April 2011 highlighting the capture and trial of one of SOCAs most-wanted, Edward Morton, who went on the run for more than three years,and has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for his part in a organised crime group which trafficked illegal narcotics worth millions of pounds into the UK. SOCAs Gerry Smyth said: This ope ration succeeded in breaking up highly organised professional drugs trafficking gang who brought large quantities of controlled drugs onto the streets of the North East of England. Morton tried to evade justice by hiding in Amsterdam. He failed. SOCA and its national and international partners are determined to bring fugitives back to the UK courts to face justice.  [16]  , this highlights SOCA and UKs enthusiasm on working with international organisation to tackle the problem, which is a positive factor as most drugs are trafficked into the country so therefore it is not enough to tackle the issue internally and from this case we can see the UK has picked up on this and is using this to tackle organised crime successfully. Important organisations that help deal with the international aspect of the problem is HM Customs and Excise National Investigation Service. There are two principal aspects of Customs control for drugs. The first is preventive control at ports and airports and through coastal surveillance. The second is specialist investigations based on information and intelligence gathered from various sources at home and overseas, designed to anticipate and intercept consignments of drugs and arrest the organisers of smuggling attempts.  [17]  With this work continuing it will add the to work with other agencies such as SOCA to deter drug traffickers in the UK. However one may note that the HM customs side of operations does need substantial improvement if today the figure of the profits of drugs being trafficked into the country remains at a staggering 4-6.6 billion a year, this emphasises aspects of the UK operations that needs to be improved in order to tackle organised crime successfully. In fulfilling its aims, the UK works as a partner or member in a number of leading international organisations, The UK is part of United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP), formed in 1991, which acts as the focal point in the United Nations for international support and battle against drugs. The UK is also an active member of the Dublin Group, which merges the EU and other countries to bring together individual country policies and give assistance to source country of the illegal narcotics. Many actions have been implemented throughout local Dublin Groups to ensure more commitment from national governments in assisting producer countries but also assistance from the actual source countries themselves in order to successfully tackle organised crime. In particular, the UK plays an important role in the 1988 UN Drugs Convention, which provides a broad framework for intercontinental cooperation against drug trafficking. The UK ratified the Convention in June 1991, extending it to UK Dependent Territories. The UK participates in the G8 Group on Transnational Organised Crime (TOC) following the G7/8 Halifax Summit in 1995. The groups objective was to recognise gaps in intercontinental cooperation against TOC and put forward realistic actions for improvement. All of these movements and actions were taken by the UK show their intent on successfully tackling drug trafficking and in essence organised crime as they have again acknowledged that the problem is not entirely internal and international aid needed to be addressed as most organised crime groups have a non-British ethnicity and in order to administer actions against them and to deter them in it important that the UK seek support of source countries and on reflection it seems that they have done this successfully. There are other arguments that state that the UK cannot tackle the issue of drug trafficking alone simply but regret the source or even the supply, some may argue that present legislation needs to be revisited and weaknesses in it need to be addressed, Steve Rolles of Transform Drug Policy said When prohibition of something collides with huge demand for it, you just create an economic opportunity and illegal criminal entrepreneurs will inevitably exploit the opportunity that it creates  [18]  Lord Mancroft agreed by stating We have controlled drugs in this country but you only have to walk a mile of this palace to realise that the controls do not work, because anywhere on the streets of London you can buy any of these drugs The way forward is a range somewhere from the way we control alcohol or indeed the most dangerous object in our everyday lives, the motorcar. If you go outside in the street and step in front of a moving motor car you will find out how dangerous it is, so what do we do? We do not prohibit it. We license the vehicle, we license the users, we made them pass a test, we make them have insurance so if they damage anybody they have to pay up, we tell them how fast they can use it, on which side of the road. That is control.  [19]   However to argue in favour of what is already being done and its benefits and arguing against controlling drugs trade Professor Strang of the National Addiction Centre told states, There is no question that the illegality of a substance is a major deterrent to its useà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦one would have to presume that if legal constraints were taken away the level of use would almost certainly increase  [20]  , these two arguments highlight different approaches the UK can implement the second being what is being actioned now, however despite how drastic the first argument that Rolles and Mancroft mat be one may have to consider its possible effectiveness in aiding the UKs campaign in tackling organised crime, by eliminating the opportunity for organised crime groups. To conclude is seems on a whole the UK is successfully trying to tackle organised crime, but there are some hole so to speak and from looking at SOCA Annual report 2010/11 one can see that the UKs weakness when it comes to tackling organised crime is its understanding of the inner workings of an organised crime group, Organised crime is identified in the National Security Strategy as a major threat to the UK. Broad estimates value the economic and social costs to the UK, including the costs of combating it, at between  £20 billion and  £40 billion a year. Whilst the understanding of organised crime is becoming clearer year on year, there are however still gaps. To be successful in reducing the harm caused by organised crime it is essential that efforts to combat it are well-directed. This requires investment in developing knowledge and understanding of the threats and of those responsible for them. The harm to the UK comes in particular from a large number of individuals and grou ps operating in tactically astute ways, in response to this the UK has recognised that it needs to improve and will do so by bringing together a wide range of departments and agencies, each with specialist skills and powers  [21]  but whether or not this proves to be successful is yet to be seen. However, in 2010, the Home Office published an evaluation named Drugs Value for Money Review. It pointed out that there was a lack of factual data being collected by the government on the effectiveness of its drug policy against the trafficking of drugs it stated that policies to reduce the availability of drugs produced the greatest analytical challenge. The absence of robust and recognised measures of success, combined with a limited base of research evidence, makes it particularly difficult to draw conclusions about supply-side policy.  [22], so this reiterates the point that in order for the UK to successfully tackle organised crime it needs to put more effort into its research in order to create a higher intelligence to what they are actually trying to tackle.

Burmese Days Essay -- essays research papers

George Orwell’s novel Burmese Days is set in 1920’s Burma under British colonialism. It focuses on the imperialism of the British and its effects on the relationships between the British, the British and Indians, and between the Indians themselves. The novel concentrates on the town of Kyauktada in Upper Burma.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Kyauktada is described as hot and sultry. It is a small town of about four thousand. The overwhelming majority of the inhabitants are Burmese, but there are also a hundred Indians, two Eurasians, sixty Chinese, and Seven Europeans. (Pg. 16) It is near the jungle and the Irrawaddy River. There are many trees and flowers, including honeysuckle. Though the English have jobs to perform much of their time is consumed with drinking whiskey in the Club, retreating from the “prickly'; heat, napping, and occasionally playing tennis or hunting. Though there is not much physical activity by the English, they do not complain about it. They do complain incessantly about the heat and about the possible acceptance of natives into their exclusively European Club.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Burmese Days the overwhelming majority of British held themselves superior to the Burmese. They feel that it is their duty to rule over the less intelligent “niggers'; of Burma. Through the description of the characteristics of both the British and Burmese, Orwell helps us understand the value system through which the British have come to the conclusion that they must rule over the Burmese. An example of such a description is that of Maxwell, them acting Divisional Forest Officer. Maxwell is depicted as a “fresh-coloured blond youth of not more than twenty-five or six – very young for the post he held.'; (Pg. 22) This description lends value to the light skinned and fair-haired British, though some, like Flory, have black hair. Maxwell is also very young for his post, giving the impression that he is intelligent. Mr. Lackersteen, the manger of a timber firm, though forty and slightly bloated, it described a “fine-looking'; with an ingenu ous face. (Pg. 20- 21) This description leads us to believe British are good looking and honest. Orwell offers us numerous descriptions of favorable characteristics of the British, but he clearly distinguishes “bad'; British from &am... ...sire to become a member of the Club is seriously discussed. However, U Po Kyin succeeds in his quest for the membership to the Club by ruining Flory’s relationship with Elizabeth, which results in Flory killing Flo, his dog, and committing suicide. The prestige that Dr. Veraswami had possessed died with Flory. This ruined Flory, making a membership in the Club impossible. Instead U Po Kyin was elected into the Club, and became and agreeable, yet largely absent, member. Any possibility for understanding between Englishmen and Indians dies with Flory. This is because no other Englishmen could see beyond the stereotype of Indians as conniving, lazy, uncivilized “niggers.'; Though Mr. Macgregor did not dislike the Indians he only found them pleasing when they had no freedoms. None of these opinions held by the Englishmen are conducive to a reciprocal, understanding relationship between the British and the Burmese. Even if the English had overcome these barriers, the natives held stereotypes of the British as power-hungry, mean, degrading, and naà ¯ve. The feelings of the natives toward the British would also need to be overcome if an understanding were to be reached.