Monday, September 30, 2019

A Family Centered Preschool Essay

Several people may ask the question, â€Å"What makes the difference in a family centered preschool? † This paper will help outline the importance of a family centered program versus a preschool that focuses only on the child. The learning of the children in family centered preschools are enhanced due to the focus points not only being on the child, but the family too. Educators can best help children achieve effectively by meeting the nine essential elements(Morrison, 2009). One of those nine elements is to develop a partnership with parents, families, and friends of each child. The focus of this paper is Abraham Maslow’s whole child concept(Maslow, 1954) and helping families resolve issues. This program style helps each child to learn and develop in a more consistent environment and maintaining the goals each family has expressed for their child. Family Centered Preschool As children prepare to enter preschool there are several areas required for educators to effectively address for the child and family to feel comfortable in this new type of environment. A family centered preschool’s goal is to focus on child and family not just the child. The first step in this process is to focus on any attachment issues. Attachment is normal for each child to go through. What makes attachment something important for educators to focus on? Well, it is a lasting emotional relationship that is part of child development and it begins in infancy. This process will continue throughout the child’s lifespan. It is important for early childhood educators and families to work together to recognize and agree on proper goals for the child so that each child attains proper development in this area. When preschool educators focus on providing healthy attachment development this will help each child transition more easily into school. One main goal of educators at this point is not to look down on the families of these children because this will hinder the ability to effectively support the adults in the child’s life. An educator must remain free of judgements and enter each relationship with an opened mind. The educators acts as an extended part of the child’s family remembering that it is not a competition game for the child’s affection. When attachment issues are recognized, very important to sit down with the family and correctly identify issues together. The next step would be to use problem solving techniques to resolve these issues. This could mean a few easy steps such as letting the child watching the parent leave when dropping the child off for preschool or providing the family with community resources such as classes educating the family on appropriately dealing with attachment issues. Setting the family up with an attachment expert would only need to be done if some of these things do not work. For example: a family has adopted the child and the child is not connecting with them. An educator could suggest some of the following: holding the baby more often, holding the bottle verses letting the child hold the bottle if still in bottle feeding stages, bathing with the baby (the skin to skin contact generates closeness), playing face to face games with baby (eye contact is important), and cuddling with the child. These are just a few suggestions that could be provided. Keeping staff well educated in this area and having a readily usable list of outside resources will help ensure the appropriate development of the children in the preschool. Once the attachment issues are resolved the child can move into the next stage of readiness for school which is self-help skills. Self-help skills become an important part of a child’s readiness for school. Educators of kindergarten expect each child to have already developed the skills to accomplish small tasks on their own. The job of the educators of a preschool is to help the child do things for themselves. Knowing how to appropriately teach the skills is very important. How adults respond to this is and to the exploring behavior will determine to some extent the child’s adult behavior(Gonzalez-Mena, 2009). Feeding themselves is one of the beginning lessons of preschool educators. Some families, based on culture, may find this a difficult task. Helping the family to recognize this is an important part of child development and working through the issues together will help to attain the goal of self feeding. Once the baby becomes mobile even bigger issues can arise. The main goal of this stage is to help the families set up a safe place for baby to explore in, after all this is what this stage of development is all about. When children are restricted to extremes, they loose their curiosity, their willingness to take risks, and their drive to be independent of others and do things for themselves(Gonzales-Mena, 2009). Toilet training falls within this category as well. Remembering to honor the values of each family will help to have a more successful result of developing self-help skills. After effectively working through self-help skill development, the next category will be to work on empowerment. Empowerment has a lot to do with issues of power and control. Educators can do a lot to facilitate empowerment and the controls that need to go with it to keep all children safe and secure. The immediate reaction of most adults in power struggle situations is to give lessons on sharing. This is not the appropriate approach. The educator must acknowledge and reflect feelings of both parties rather than to discuss sharing and fairness. To discuss sharing and fairness is null because these lessons have not yet been learned. The situation needs to become the learning guide for all children involved. Rather than create anger and grudges by removing something from one child and giving to the other, feelings on both parties should be acknowledged and then talked through. Explaining what took place and an appropriate reaction to correct the issue provides the child with options to do the right thing verses forcing the child to do the right thing. Other effective tools in dealing with empowerment are giving choices, setting limits, providing the ability for the child to play, and encourage self-help skills. Helping families to understand this simple guide will help alleviate issues at preschool. Families also need to understand providing a safe environment for children to explore in helps counter react power struggles. Allowing children to play outside of preschool with other children will help them achieve good healthy play habits for preschool. This may be the only interaction with other children that a single-child family has to mingle with other children. A suggestion to these families might be to create play groups. The educator could provide the families with tools in creating a schedule for play groups and meeting places. If they are not interested in using families of the preschool provide them with community play groups. Child avenue (http://www. childavenue. com/pages/playgroups_pages/playgroups_national. html) provides such resources to families and it is a nationwide data based tool. After leveling out empowerment issues, prosocial skills are next in line. Prosocial skills involve the skills for each child to learn what is important in life, right from wrong, and anything involving morals or values. This is a very controversial issue within any school whether it is preschool or high school. The best way to promote prosocial skill development is to do the following: model them yourself, explain why you are setting limits, encourage cooperation by finding ways to get children to work and play together, take a problem solving approach when dealing with conflicts, rather than a power stance, avoid punishment as a way of disciplining, do not be overpowering remember to empower instead, avoid using competition to motivate, help children to appreciate the world and people they share it with, give choices, teach children to solve conflicts without violence, and teach children to be peace makers (Gonzalez-Mena, 2009). If families also model these ways to promote prosocial skills the developmental process will be more beneficial. This may involve working closely with families to help them identify strengths and weakness to work on. Providing them with goals and guideline checklist as well as modeling the behaviors when working with the families. This can be a lengthy drawn out process but the results will be worth it all. While working on a successful completion of developing good prosocial skills, it may be necessary to work on self-esteem. Self-esteem is very important to the success of every aspect of life. If an individual perceives themselves in a negative way their accomplishments tend to be very limited. The ability to open the doors of the future depends on the appropriate development of a positive self-esteem. This does not mean an individual has to like everything about themselves, but rather accept themselves the way they are and make changes to the things they do not like. The serenity prayer is one passage that comes to mind when talking about self-esteem.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Auditing Chapter Two

(TCO 4) To succeed in an action against the auditor, the client must be able to show that: Student Answer: the auditor was fraudulent. the auditor was grossly negligent. there was a written contract. there is a close causal connection between the auditor's behavior and the damages suffered by the client. Instructor Explanation: Page 121 Points Received: 2 of 2 Comments: 2. Question : (TCO 4) The principal issue to be resolved in cases involving alleged negligence is usually: Student Answer: the amount of the damages suffered by plaintiff. whether to impose punitive damages on defendant. he level of care exercised by the CPA. whether defendant was involved in fraud. Instructor Explanation: Page 119 Points Received: 2 of 2 Comments: 3. Question : (TCO 4) A third-party beneficiary is one which: Student Answer: has failed to establish legal standing before the court does not have privity of contract and is unknown to the contracting parties. does not have privity of contract, but is know n to the contracting parties and intended to benefit under the contract. may establish legal standing before the court after a contract has been consummated. Instructor Explanation: Page 121 Points Received: 2 of 2 Comments: 4. Question : (TCO 4) The objective of the ordinary audit of financial statements is the expression of an opinion on: Student Answer: the fairness of the financial statements. the accuracy of the financial statements. the accuracy of the annual report. the accuracy of the annual report. Instructor Explanation: Page 142 Points Received: 2 of 2 Comments: 5. Question : (TCO 4) The responsibility for adopting sound accounting policies and maintaining adequate internal control rests with the: Student Answer: board of directors. company management. financial statement auditor. company’s internal audit department Instructor Explanation: Page 143 Points Received: 2 of 2 Comments: 6. Question : (TCO 3) Which of the following statements is most correct regarding errors and fraud? Student Answer: An error is unintentional, whereas fraud is intentional. Frauds occur more often than errors in financial statements. Errors are always fraud and frauds are always errors. Auditors have more responsibility for finding fraud than errors. Instructor Explanation: Page 145 Points Received: 2 of 2 Comments: 7. Question : (TCO 3) Which of the following is not one of the conditions for fraud described in SAS No. 99? Student Answer: Attitudes/rationalization. Opportunities. Incentives/pressures. Each of the above is a condition for fraud. Instructor Explanation: Page 337 Points Received: 2 of 2 Comments: 8. Question : (TCO 3) Fraudulent financial reporting may be accomplished through the manipulation of: Student Answer: assets. liabilities. revenues. all of the above. Instructor Explanation: Page 336 Points Received: 2 of 2 Comments: 9. Question : (TCO 3) Which of the following is a factor that relates to incentives to misappropriate assets? Student Answer: Significant accounting estimates involving subjective judgments. Significant personal financial obligations. Management's practice of making overly aggressive forecasts. High turnover of accounting, internal audit and information technology staff. Instructor Explanation: Page 339 Points Received: 2 of 2 Comments: 10. Question : (TCO 3) Auditors may identify conclusions during fieldwork that change or support a judgment about the initial assessment of fraud risk. Which of the following conditions should alert an auditor about the initial assessment? Student Answer: Missing or conflicting evidence. Discrepancies in the accounting records. Unusual relationships between the auditor and management. All of the above.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Forum 4 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Forum 4 - Assignment Example Cars in India and China have effective design that suits the consumers’ demands. Cars are designed to provide efficiency, high quality and attractive style. Indian consumers demand cars that have maximum passenger space for use as family vehicles. Other design considerations by car consumers in India include safety, comfort and utility. Designers of cars in Indian and Chinese cars understand the consumers’ unique demands while offering affordable prices. Designers combine diverse dimensions such as functionality, affordability and consumer demand characteristics. Design for reliability implies that goods perform best under their specified conditions for the period stated by the manufacturer or producer. Designers should detect possibilities of potential failure occurrence for a specified design. It informs product simplification. In the case of IBM, the use of acoustic foam in computer panels produced chemical-based adhesives. Chemical-based adhesives hindered recycling and increased greenhouse gas emission. That was an example of improper product design. IBM eliminated the chemical-based adhesive to enhance recycling and reduction of greenhouse gas emission. IBM’s decision to eliminate the chemical-based adhesive improved its products’

Friday, September 27, 2019

Interview Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Interview - Article Example In the budget, the expected needs of each department in the institution are outlined and matched with the existing resources. In addition, budgeting makes the decision-making process expeditious as all capital structure decisions are always made during budgeting. It is paramount to note that the budget instrument is the only recognized tool for communicating financial requirements to the funders of public institutions. Apart from internal organizations that influence the budgeting process, there exist external forces that determine the allotment in each department. In this case, these forces usually influence the budgeting process by making recommendations and distributing circulars that dictate on various items in the budget statement. It should be noted that public institutions are mainly funded from the public coffer and hence the entire budgeting process is often subjected too much oversight and supervision. Apart from the oversight practices, the board of directors managing a given institution seeks to their interests in the budget. Their main interest is to influence and to have control over the fee pooled from the learner. In this case, the independence of the budgeting officers is not guaranteed. When filling vacant positions in the budgeting offices, all interested parties in a given institution often feel comfortable when their choices are picked. In this case, there exist situations where some candidates with good credentials miss these vacancies. For the obvious reason, every interested party seeks to have people they are comfortable with on budgeting table. History always exonerates diligent officials who occupy budgeting offices at any given time. In most case, the end products justify the process used. In this case, when an institution is hard hit by bad economic time, the budgeting office carries all the blame. Going with the history, many budgets fail to

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Strengthening of concrete using fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) Dissertation

Strengthening of concrete using fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) - Dissertation Example Further, the energy dissipation capacity increases in multiples of 10of the retrofitted column-beam joints under increased displacements, till failure at 0.4g for unconfined frame and at 0.5g for confined frame. Accelerations of the shake table at 0.2g and 0.4g are observed and it is found that the acceleration of the shake table is higher under 0.4g by at least a factor of 10. Comparing accelerations of the left and right joints of the first and second floors respectively, it is found that the acceleration increases by at least a factor of 10between the floors and also based on higher accelerations of 0.4g when compared to 0.2g. The relative displacements of the first and second floor joints are measured and it is found that the relative displacement of the second floor joint was high (almost 4 times) to the point of breakdown while that of the first floor joints was same as that of the shake table at 0.4g. ... elative displacements of the two floor joints with respect to shake table are observed for 0.4g and 0.5g for confined frame and it is observed that while the displacement of the shake table is almost same or slightly higher by a factor of 10 for 0.5g as compared to displacement at 0.4g, there is little difference in displacement at the two floors at 0.4g, it is noted that the relative displacements of the two floors remain almost the same at 0.5g when compared to the same with those at 0.4g. Stability of the frame is more at 0.4g than at 0.5g. It is also more for the second floor joints than at the first floor joints. As axial compression is more at the first floor joints than at the second floor joints, the torsional capacity and ductility are high for the square RC column-beam joints. Further, as the FRP is bonded at the tension zones, in this case, the joints of beam-column, with external mounting, the flexure strength is increased and the seismic behaviour is improved with TFCÂ ® composite bonding at the joints of both the

A Comparison of Probation and Parole Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

A Comparison of Probation and Parole - Assignment Example 1). From the definitions, it could be deduced that probation and parole share similarities in terms of serving time periods outside of incarceration, usually in the community; but differ in terms of time of application, where â€Å"probation occurs prior to and often instead of jail or prison time, while parole is an early release from prison† (Advice Company par. 1). There are similarities between probation and parole in terms of influencing behavioural changes and serving the best interests of the community, to wit: â€Å"both are concerned with a defendant breaking the bad habits or behaviours that caused them to break the law. Even though both probation and parole have a strong rehabilitation component, each process has the additional goal of protecting the community† (Advice Company par. 8). Likewise, both involved supervision statutes that require, either active or inactive supervision, depending on the severity of the offence and on other mitigating factors (Bureau of Justice Statistics). On the other hand, the disparities between probation and parole are diverse. At the onset, through definition, the time of application spelt major difference where probation is recommended prior to incarceration; while parole is dispensed after some time has been served in jail. In addition, the supervising officers are different: a probation officer for the former and a parole officer for the latter. Also, conditions or subsequent changes in probation are noted to be within the jurisdiction of the court (Advice Company); while parole changes and conditions were reportedly set by the parole board (Advice Company). Concurrently, in terms of purpose or function, although both were noted to share similarities in behavioural intent and aiming to reduce the impact as well as incidence of crime in society, offenders who were given parole would face challenges in terms of reintegration due to the social stigma associated with criminal offenders who had been incarcerated.     

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Animal Rights Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Animal Rights - Research Paper Example In applied research with direct clinical applications in animals and humans.† Animals are used in psychological research because they assist in the better understanding of human psychological characteristics which include remembering things and the changes seen in periods of strain. This research has assisted in the understanding of psychopathological conditions which include schizophrenia and depressive disorders as well as the assessment of the untoward effects of medications used in the treatment of psychological conditions. It is for these reasons that the role of ethics has come into play. Many argue that animals should have their rights and they should not be used for experimental and research purposes (Plous 1996; Smith 2010). Other than that animals are also being slaughtered and killed because of which their habitat is being endangered. This essay would further revolve around animal rights and prove as to why is it important to preserve animal rights these days. Signif icance History In the seventeenth century a common notion was held against the acts of animals which were considered to be unethical and dangerous. However gradually the rights of animals have been recognized such that some states even look forward to extend the rights of liberty and life to them (Kadri 2006). It has been seen that strict measures have been taken to measure the violence against animals by many animal rights organizations. The argument of animal rights Previously animals did not have many rights but over time organizations have been created to argue for the rights of animals. The case of animal rights lies in the fact that the animals can breathe just like the human beings. The proponents of animal rights believe that there is no such difference between human beings and animals and both of them should be treated equally. In accordance to biology human beings and mammals have almost the same characteristics. Both of them have a conscious perception about the surroundi ngs and can make choices in accordance to their will. Human beings do not like certain things over others and same is the case with animals and this should be respected in terms of animal equality. On the other hand the opponents of animal rights believe that these animals do not have a right similar to that of human beings. According to them the animals do not have conscious perception about the things that they are doing. According to the famous philosopher Rene Descartes animals were merely robots acting in a complicated manner. At certain instances religion is also brought by these opponents to argue the case against animal rights. St Augustine stated that "by a most just ordinance of the Creator, both their [animals'] life and their death are subject to our use." The opponents also put forward that animals do not have a sense of morality similar to that of human beings. These opponents argue that because of their immoral acts the animals should also not be tolerated in the soci ety (BBC 2011). Animal Cruelty Although animal rights have been promoted in the society it is still seen that animal cruelty figures are on the rise. Between the years of 2003 and 2004 it was found that more than 100000 complaints were made against the cruelty of animals (BBC News 2004). Moreover in 2010 it was found that the complaints against animal cruelty rose by around 10%. Animal cruelty has been discouraged to a great extent in many states and the consequences of animal cruelty have been severed to the extent

Monday, September 23, 2019

Proofread Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Proofread - Essay Example During physical assessment, I noted several bruises on the chin and abdomen. The patient informed me that the bruises were from a previous fall. I proceeded to monitor her heart for atrial fibrillation. During my assessment, I noted that the patient’s pulse was elevated and her blood pressure was high. I administered 40mg of Lasix by IV pulse via peripheral line and left the patient to rest. A few hours later, I went back to take the vital signs. Her blood pressure has decreased from 141/62 to 113/70. The patient was on fall precaution due to side effects of medication, which was hypotension. The Lasix was pushed slowly because it could cause hearing problems if it was pushed too fast. Thoracencetis was done and 1 liter of fluid was drained. I did not observe any ABD distention or swelling of the lower extremities. The patient was taking Lasix and void 1400CC of clear and yellow urine that was the expected outcome. I was confused during the auscultation of the lungs because I expected to hear crackles upon auscultation. However, I did not hear crackles, so I was puzzled by where all the fluid was coming from. I did not see any edema in any of extremities. The patient appeared healthy to me. After several discussions with my clinical instructor, I learned that the continuous weight loss could be an indication of cancer. The patient had PMH of hyperthyroidisms since even after consuming large amounts of nutrients, she still lost weight. At first, I thought the patient was losing weight because of thyroid. Later, I got convinced that it could have been an indication of cancer because she did not have any problems with weight loss during previous diagnoses. This patient’s symptoms were similar to my cousin’s. They were both losing weight very rapidly and coughing with no mucus. Later, my cousin was diagnosed with

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Strategic Staffing in Global Communications Incorporation Assignment

Strategic Staffing in Global Communications Incorporation - Assignment Example Many of those procedures are now bound to the theories and texts. There is a little process which is in practice right now. Here we go with questionnaires, surveys, employees’ diaries and 360 degree feedback from employers, peers and subordinates (Dessler, 2000)1. Person job fit is analyzed through various techniques in real world out of which human resource information system is most significant. We have a powerful Human Resource Information System installed in our server. It is helpful in defining the scenario which updates and excommunicates about what are the current practices going on and where is discrepancy lying in the air. Another reasonable approach which is currently in practice refers to employees questionnaires in order to conduct a credible Job Analysis. This is what we know about our employees and it’s all about the ways we use to identify the required skills in the employees. We are more likely to post the positions on the basis of prior experience of certain skills required. We focus on interpersonal and innovative skills of personnel. While posting the jobs to the concerned source, we often use only signaling by only mentioning degree requirements, prior experience and age limits. The further identifications are taken from face to face interactions and job recruitment tests. We get the applications online under career tab of our web page. It is directly reached to HR department who is liable to evaluate person to job and person to organization match by analyzing the curriculum vitae and revealing in application forms. After that the list of recommended candidates are added in minutes and they are called through phone as well as through surface mail. 20. Write a brief objective statement explaining why do you feel yourself as a better fit for this job, how your skills may be helpful in value maximization of the organization supporting your career plans, mission and vision? Â  

Saturday, September 21, 2019

A Love After God’s Own Heart Essay Example for Free

A Love After God’s Own Heart Essay What is the foundation of Christianity? If the question being discussed is whether something is ideally Christian, then the motivation behind Christianity must be understood. The basic outline of Christianity is simple. Man exists in a fallen and depraved state. Christ died on the cross to conquer death and atone for all humanity. Those who acknowledge their need for a Savior and place their faith in this gift, shall have eternal life. That leads to the logical question of why. Why should Christ sacrifice himself for such undeserving people? Therein is found that basis, that motivation behind Christianity. Love. The Bible says, â€Å"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.† (NASB Jn. 3.16). Love is the heart of Christianity. God sent his Son to pay the ultimate cost for sinners because He loves them so much. Indeed, all truly Christian actions are committed out of out of love. Christ said while he was on the earth, â€Å"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.† (NASB Jn. 13.35) Christianity starts and ends with love. Love is the root of Christianity and it is also the outward manifestation of Christ in a life. God is love. Therefore, though Silas Marner is at first estranged from both God and man, the Christ-mirroring love he bestows upon Eppie is a clear reflection of God’s own nature and is ideally Christian. George Eliot’s Silas Marner details the life of a solitary linen weaver. Silas Marner lives a life of seclusion in the town of Raveloe for 15 years while dealing with deeply inflicted emotional wounds. He loses his faith in God and his fellow man. Marner’s lone refuge is the coins he earns. He treasures them not for their monetary value, but for their companionship. Meanwhile, there is an alternate storyline of Godfrey and Dunsey Cass; sons of a wealthy landowner. The latter is a slobbering drunk while the other is well thought of. However, the former has a secret wife and child, and the knowledge of this allows the drunk to blackmail his elder brother. One day the drunk chances upon the empty house of the linen weaver. He discovers the coins and steals them. When Silas Marner discovers his loss, he elicits the help of the villagers. They search extensively for the coins, but to no avail. No one knows who has taken the coins, but Godfrey is delighted by Dunsey’s absence. On New Year’s Eve, the Cass family throws a large party and Godfrey attempts to woo the respected Nancy Lammeter. Meanwhile, Godfrey’s wife tries to bring their child to the Cass home and proclaim Godfrey’s secret to the world. However, being under the influence of opium, she falls asleep on the snowy ground. The child wanders into the nearby house of Silas Marner. When Marner finds the child and eventually the mother, he rushes to the Cass house for the doctor. The woman is found to be dead and as no father comes forth for the child, Marner claims it as his own. He names the child Eppie and does his best to raise her. He is often given motherly advice by his friend Mrs. Winthrop. Sixteen years go by and Eppie is now 18. Godfrey is married to Nancy. Godfrey regrets not claiming Eppie and decides it is time for her to come live with them. He tells Silas and Eppie the truth and asks Eppie if she wants to come live with him and his wife. Eppie declines, saying Silas is the only father she has known. Later, while a pit is being drained near Silas’ house, the body of Dunsey is discovered and with it Silas’ money, which is returned to him. Silas uses the money to return to his old home for closure on his past wounds, but the entire place is gone. When Silas returns, Eppie gets married to Mrs. Winthrop’s son and the story concludes with Eppie and her husband living happily with Silas. The child Eppie does not have a father, so Silas Marner adopts her as his own. Eppie quite literally wanders into Silas’ life and though she should not have to be his responsibility, he takes it upon himself to be her father. â€Å"Till anybody shows they’ve a right to take her away from me,† said Marner. â€Å"The mother’s dead and I reckon it’s got no father: it’s a lone thing- and I’m a lone thing† (Eliot 679). Though he shows it in his own peculiar way, Silas takes great compassion on this homeless, parentless girl. This is the first way Silas Marner shows God’s love to Eppie. God is obviously not a â€Å"lone thing,† having existed for eternity past in perfect harmony with the Trinity. However, he does take compassion on poor, lost people. God is the Father to all who place their faith in Jesus Christ. â€Å"For you have not received a Spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a Spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, Abba! Father! The Spirit himself testifies with our Spirit that we are children of God† (NASB Ro. 8. 15-16). Silas Marner adopts Eppie and becomes her father who she can always rely on. God adopts sinners who come to him and becomes their Everlasting Father in whom they can rely. The clear correlation between the two is the first way Silas Marner reflects God’s nature and ultimately Christian ideals. As Silas has this Christ-like love for Eppie, he naturally wants to protect her and help her grow. This gives Silas a completely new outlook on his surroundings and his normal everyday life. â€Å"As some man who has a precious plant to which he would give a nurturing home†¦and asks industriously for all knowledge that will help him to satisfy the wants of the searching roots, or to guard leaf and bud from invading harm† (689). Silas’ new role is to do all he can to keep Eppie safe. Eppie is young and inexperienced and vulnerable. Silas watches out for her and keeps her away from trouble because he knows better. Jesus Christ does the same thing for believers. He protects Christians from the Devil’s schemes as well as from their own folly. The Bible often describes this relationship with the analogy of a shepherd and his flock. â€Å"Like a shepherd He will tend his flock, In his arm he will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead t he nursing ewes† (NASB Is. 40.11). Silas is gently leading his nursing ewe, Eppie. Silas, in protecting and shepherding Eppie, is portraying distinctly Christian ideals. Eppie does not do anything to gain Silas’ love and likewise she can do nothing to lose it. Before she does any of the things that Silas later comes to love, Silas loved Eppie. Silas loves her from the first night she toddled into his home. She does not earn his love, it is based on Silas’ goodness and not Eppie’s merit. That is why she cannot lose it. It does not depend on her performance. â€Å"Here was a clear case of aberration in a christened child which demanded severe treatment; but Silas, overcome with compulsive joy†¦could do nothing but snatch her up and cover her with half sobbing kisses† (687). This is such a beautiful picture of what Christ does for the believer. Eppie runs off and disobeys Silas. He tirelessly pursues her until he finally catches her. Christians likewise stray from the fold of God, but Christ pursues them and is overjoyed to find them and bring them back. â€Å"If any man has a hundred sheep and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the 99 on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? If it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over 99 which have not gone astray† (NASB Mt. 18.12-13). This is how Silas feels for Eppie. Silas mirrors God with his unmerited and unconditional love for his daughter. Silas loves Eppie so much he is willing to sacrifice his happiness for her betterment.   Silas on the other hand, was again stricken in conscience and alarmed lest Godfrey’s accusation should be true- lest he should be raising his own will as an obstacle to Eppie’s good. For many movements he was mute, struggling for the self-conquest necessary to the uttering of the difficult words. They came out tremulously. â€Å"I’ll say no more. Let it be as you will. Speak to the child. I’ll hinder nothing. (714) Godfrey has now come and is asking Eppie to come live with him and his wife. Eppie is the absolute joy of Silas’ life. Even so, with those words, Silas is letting her go. He is relinquishing his daughter and his happiness that she might have a higher station in life. This is a truly sacrificial love. This again is in keeping with the Christian model Silas has been following all along. â€Å"But he was pierced through for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon him and by his scourging we are healed† (NASB Is. 53.5). The greatest sacrifice of all is Jesus’ death on the cross. Obviously Silas Marner is not crucified for Eppie, but he is willing to sacrifice his entire happiness for her betterment. Silas’ small sacrifice is a shadow of the Lord’s great sacrificial love for his people and clearly Christian. Sometimes this story is thought to have too many coincidences or be too much like a fairy tale to have realistic Christian ideals, but the Bible clearly disproves this. God is in control and He has a plan for everything. There are no coincidences in His eyes. It is not a coincidence that Eppie comes to Silas’s door. Silas then honors God with love he shows Eppie and God rewards him with happiness and fulfillment. It is a lie of the Devil that happy endings are only for fairy tales. Christians know Jesus wins in the end over evil. That is the happiest ending of all. â€Å"For I know the plans that I have for you,† declares the Lord, â€Å"plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope† (NASB Jer. 29.11). When the Christian is trusting in God’s plan and honoring Him, he can see that Silas Marner is a great story about a man who honored God with his love. Silas Marner’s love for Eppie is adoptive, protective, unconditional, and sacrificial. This clearly reflects the Lord’s love for his own children and thus the ideals in this novel are Christian. Works Cited Eliot, George. â€Å"Silas Marner.† Adventures in Appreciation. Laurence Perrine. Ed. et al. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc., 1973. 390-472. Print. NASB. Anaheim: Foundation Publications Inc., 1996. Print. Taylor

Friday, September 20, 2019

Isolation of Caffeine From Tea

Isolation of Caffeine From Tea   James Maitland Xanthines are purine alkaloids synthesised in plants such as coffee, tea, and cacao, with the most known xanthine being caffeine, theobromine and theophylline. Their production is limited in the aforementioned plant species compared to other plant alkaloids such as morphine, nicotine and strychnine, which are widely expressed across the plant kingdom. Caffeine is the worlds most consumed psychoactive drug, with approximately 74% of it used as beverages, 25% utilised for pharmaceutical formulations and the remainder for other purposes.3 It is chemically known as 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine, with a complex purine-based structure, chemically associated to adenine and guanine found in DNA and RNA Caffeines also found in human tissues as well as various organisms. It is appreciated for its role in stimulating the CNS, kidneys, bronchial smooth muscle and relaxing the cardiac muscle.2,3 As a therapeutic, caffeine is administered as a powdered form, but the psychoactive substance found in tea leaves constitutes 2-5% caffeine per weight. Caffeine is used to treat apnea of prematurity, fatigue, in analgesic preparations with aspirin and paracetamol, and in various other roles including night duties (promoting alerting effect by antagonising adenosine A1 and A2A receptors in the brain), and in sports as a performance-enhancer. Because of the prerequisites for its usage in beverages and its significant potential in the pharmaceutical industry, caffeine has been isolated primarily from coffee. However, the increasing demand for naturally derived caffeine for consumption necessitates additional other sources, for its extraction.4 Contrastive to its utilisation and because it is unregulated, there has been increasing concerns pertaining its connection to adverse side-effects on human physiology regarding its high consumptions by some, which is linked with tachycardia, arrhythmia, muscle tremors, headache, coma, or fatality.4,2,3 As such, alternative forms of beverages have been decaffeinated (e.g., green tea) to eliminate the described potential side-effects and the demand for alternative forms of beverages goes hand in hand with increasing environmental-friendly techniques used to decaffeinate the crude product. This article, therefore, looks at the water extracting method for the isolation of methylxanthines and using thin-layer-chromatography and IR spectroscopy to characterise individual methylxanthines, as well as discussing their Rf values, the use of caffeine in cold and flu remedies, and a brief look into the caffeine market. MATERIALS AND METHODS Preparation of Tea solution 200ml of water was placed into a beaker and the solution was allowed to boil using a Bunsen burner. Tea (10.3052g) was then added into the solution and boiled for approximately 15 minutes. The beaker was then removed from the heat and 50ml sulphuric acid was then added to the hot solution and shake to ensure no emulsion occurs. The solution was later allowed to cool at room temperature and then filtered using Buchner system. Extraction of Caffeine 20ml of 10% sulphuric acid was added to the filtrate and stirred. Sulphuric acid converts the tannins to their salts, therefore, making them insoluble in chloroform, though soluble in water. The solution was then extracted by 3 successive washes of 50ml chloroform using a separating funnel, collecting the organic layer for each consecutive wash. The mixture of the solution was frequently shaken with occasional venting to prevent pressure buildup. The extracts were collected and dried by adding the catalyst anhydrous sodium sulphate for 10-15mins, removing all the water, leaving behind a fine powder. Isolation of The Caffeine Remove the sodium sulphate by filtration using the Buchner system. The chloroform was then evaporated by the use of a rotary evaporator, leaving behind the methylxanthine crystals. The weight of caffeine was then measured and the yield calculated. Thin Layer Chromatography TLC was conducted at room temperature and was used to verify the presence of caffeine by obtaining the methylxanthines, which was re-dissolved in 2ml of chloroform, 1ml of which was examined under TLC along with reference solutions and mother liquor. The UV-absorbing methylxanthines absorb UV light and so fluoresce agent (dichloromethane) in the stationary phase was used for visualisation in the UV254nm. On the TLC plate (Silica gel GF254; Dimension: 5cm x 20cm), a 1cm line was drawn above the base of one end of the plate. Capillary micropipette to place a spot of the reference solution (Caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, and mother liquor) along the line drawn on the plate and labelled as appropriate to reduce confusion with the other samples, which were also labelled as appropriate. This step was repeated using different micropipettes for each sample, creating spots at about 1cm from each other. The TLC plate was then placed upright in the TLC chamber contacting the developing solvent (Chloroform: Acetone: N-Butanol: 30% Ammonia, at 30:30:40:10 ratio) at a level below 0.5cm (the origin) and sealed with using a watch glass. The solvent was allowed to migrate along the TLC plate so it reaches at least 1cm from the top and once the solvent had evaporated, the plate subsequently visualised under UV light as most organic compounds are colourless in the naked eye, facilitated by the fa ct that the TLC plate contains chemical additives that fluorescent under UV-light. Infra-Red Spectroscopy The remaining methylxanthine solution of caffeine obtained was used to produce an IR spectrum to deduce the functional groups in the compound. The measured spectral range was between 600 4000 cm. The sample was placed on a sampling window and spectral data collected using a spectrum software (PerkinElmer Spectrum Express version 1.02.00, UK).10 Table 1: Weight of crude caffeine Caffeine 0.1606g Percentage yield = Mass of crude caffeine / mass of tea bags x 100% = 0.1606g / 10g ÃÆ'- 100% = 1.606% Table 2: Distance travelled by the standard solutions and Methylxanthines (mm) C TB TP ML Sample 36 24 18 Spot 1= 34 Spot 2= 26 Spot 3= 16 34 Note: C=caffeine, TB = Theobromine, TP = Theophylline, ML = Mother Liquor, S = Sample Rf value= Distance travelled by the compound (mm) Distance travelled by the solvent (mm) Caffeine = 36mm/38mm = 0.95 Theobromine =24mm/38mm = 0.63 Theophylline =18mm/38mm = 0.47 Mother Liquor spot 1= 34mm/38mm = 0.89 ML spot 2 = 26mm/38mm = 0.68 ML spot 3 = 15mm/38mm = 0.39 S= 34mm/38mm = 0.89 Table 3: Rf values of the standard solutions and Methylxanthines (mm) C TB TP ML Sample 0.95 0.63 0.47 Spot 1= 0.89 Spot 2= 0.68 Spot 3= 0.42 0.89 Note: C=caffeine, TB = Theobromine, TP = Theophylline, ML = Mother Liquor, S = Sample Figure 1: IR spectra of the caffeine. Peak 3000 cm-1 represents amides and amines, and peaks between the regions 1700 -1600cm-1 indicates the presence of alkene in caffeine. A and B shows the carboxyl groups C=O bands of carbon-2 and 6 in region 1700-1659 cm-1. Figure 2: IR spectrum of the standard. The peak around 3000 is due to amides and amines. Peaks 1700-1600 is alkene in the caffeine molecule The structure of caffeine (Figure 3) is a function of how it behaves and interacts with other molecules and defines its properties such as solubility (e.g., due to the presence of nitrogen atoms), boiling point, as well as the melting point. The tertiary purine-based caffeine constitutes an amine, amide and alkene function group, all containing lone pairs of electrons on the nitrogen atom. The achiral molecule is polar in nature due to the electronegativity difference between carbon-oxygen and carbon-nitrogen covalent bonds due to dipole-dipole interactions, London dispersion forces, and hydrogen bonding once in water. The higher melting point of this molecule is as a result of these strong intermolecular forces and would necessitate high energy to break the associated bonds.1,2 Figure 3: Structures of caffeine, theophylline and theobromine Figure 3 indicates that the methylxanthines share similar structures (purine ring), but the slight molecular difference in structure results in the differences in properties. The difference in structure is based on the positioning of the methyl groups. Caffeine has three methyl group in carbon-1, 3 and 7; theobromine has two methyl groups on carbon-3 and 7; and theophylline has two methyl group on carbon-1 and 3, and is deficit of methyl group at position 7 and so has only a proton that can be donated, the same for theobromine having a proton on carbon-1, making them a weakly amphoteric compared to caffeine (a base compound).2       The TLC result shows the distance travelled by caffeine, theobromine and theophylline were 0.95, 0.63 and 0.47mm, respectively (Table 2). This implies that caffeine is more of a solvent compared to theobromine and theophylline. Mother Liquor contains three substances as shown by spot 1 to spot 3 in Table 3, with spot 1, 2 and 3 having Rf values of 0.89, 0.68 and 0.42, respectively. This means that spot 1 and caffeine are more attracted to the mobile phase, interacting less with the polar adsorbent (thats interaction with the silanol group of the silica gel, with the most prevailing interactive force being dipole-dipole) as the compound is less polar, restricted to form hydrogen bonds by its three methyl groups (these contain electrophilic sites and the compound possess electrophilic and nucleophilic function groups, but caffeine is not a proton donor so less polar to adsorb) and so having large Rf values, consequently spent less time travelling towards the solvent front as it is more soluble in the mobile phase. Theoretically, compounds that are less polar characteristically dissolve in the solvent, thus migrate faster, and that the silanol group of the silica surface is highly polarised and is capable of forming dipole-dipole and hydrogen bonds. The more polar compounds such as theophylline (spot 3) strongly binds to the silanol group of the adsorbent or the stationary phase as theyre both capable of hydrogen bonding (theophylline is more of a proton donor thus has more electronegative substituents than for example, caffeine, so binds tightly to the stationary phase), and so moved slower than both spot 1 and 2, but also spends more time closer the origin, held by the resistive force of the sorbent.5,28 Spot 1 is likely to be containing samples of caffeine as they travel almost the same distance. Spot 2 is likely to contain samples of theobromine and spot 3 contains samples of theophylline as they have almost similar Rf values. IR spectroscopy was employed to e lucidate the types of the functional groups in an unknown sample. The results from the IR (Figure 1) shows the presence of a compound indicated by the energy speaks. The spectrometer produced a graph based on the measurements of the photon within 600 4000 cm-1 frequencies. Comparison between the IR spectrum of the standard solution (Figure 2) and that of Figure 1 confirms the likeliness in functional groups shared between these solutions. Figure 1 indicates photon energy peak visible at 3000 cm-1, representing amides and aliphatic amines6, and peaks between the regions 1700 -1600cm-1 are due to the presence of alkene in caffeine molecule9. A and B specifies the carboxyl groups (C=O) of carbon-2 and carbond-6 in region 1700-1659 cm-1, indicating the most intense bands.17 Opinion on the use of caffeine in cold and flu remedies The effects of caffeine vary around the body and are dependent on the dose limit (400mg), at which beyond this parameter will elicit a range of physiological effects including muscle tremors, stomach upset, urinary incompetence, and a possible death. Below this dose limit, however, its effect is less detrimental to health.11 Due to it being readily available in foodstuffs and medicines, some may not be aware of the imposing dangers of caffeine, coupled with the fact that the FDA and the European guidelines consider caffeine not being a nutrient, but a natural ingredient found in beverages and so does not require identification in labelling of caffeinated product unless theres added caffeine in the product.12 This makes it a daunting task for those tracking their caffeine intake especially those that are more vulnerable to its side-effects. Caffeine is issued both as a prescription and as an OTC medication treating various conditions from lethargy to being used as an adjuvant in analgesic, as well as in flu or cold remedies.12 Flu causes rhinorrhea, resulting in loss of fluid, which is counter to sustaining the bodys fluid balance needed for healthy wellbeing. The elderly are the most at risk if not hydrated and the problem exacerbates with the consumption of diuretic substances including any of the methylxanthines.14 A literature review by R. J. Maughan and colleague of caffeine ingestion and its effects on fluid balance assessed various age groups (adults) and the elderly of both sexes. Robertson et al. (1978) reported that R. J. Maughan and colleague administered a single dose of caffeine (250mg) and a placebo to the subjects and urine was accumulated for 3hrs. The result produced an increase in urine output from 366  ± 30 mL (mean  ± SD) on the placebo trial to 469  ± 43 mL on the caffeine trial, accompanied b y an increase in urinary sodium excretion. However, in the same report by Robertson et al., other studies indicated that the diuretic effect of small doses of caffeine had minimal effects, which may be in the same dose range in these flue/cold remedies. It was also reported that long-term caffeine users are not susceptible to this diuretic effect and may not lose water via urine output14, but those that are may be disposed to electrolyte abnormalities (e.g., natriuresis) to kidney dysfunction. The mechanism in which caffeine induces diuresis is not yet clear, but it is believed that the compound acts as a phosphodiesterases inhibitor in the kidneys, along with its antagonistic effect on adenosine receptors.15 Another complication that may arise using caffeine remedies is the possibility of drug-drug interactions such as in the case of taking tizanidine (muscle relaxant), causing low blood pressure and dizziness16, or its inhibitory effect on the antipsychotic medications clozapine and olanzapine, metabolised by CYP1A2. Caffeine may also pose as a competitive inhibitor of CYP1A2 if metabolised at a slower rate compared to an administered drug, thus minimising the drugs plasma concentration with the likelihood of toxicity.20 The compounding benefits of caffeine, when consumed within physiological limits, cannot be contested. Studies have shown that the groups most at risk of caffeine overdose are young people/children and adolescents due to the lack of awareness and incorrect social perception regarding the benefits versus harmful effects.17 It was reported by the American National Poison Data System that 6,309 cases related to caffeine overdose. A recent article by the telegraph newspaper reported that some students came close to fatality upon accidentally overdosing on caffeine (consumed 30000mg) and were placed on dialysis to remove the intoxication from the kidneys.19 So, in support of it still being a legal stimulant, not only does the benefits outweighs the adverse effects, the compounds plasma half-life is approximately 5hrs. This fast pharmacokinetics or elimination via urinary excretion entails that its concentration in the blood will always be regulated, adverse side-effects occurring or at lea st decrease its effects.20 Due to caffeine being readily available, there are no age limits for their purchase and are not costly either as beverages. The FDA and EMA must assume responsibilities in engaging and communicating with the most at-risk groups, using public education campaign, and firmly addressing the potential risks of overdosing, especially when using multiple caffeine products in combination, and also labelling of such products, indicating the caffeine concentration, as well as targeting the medium used by these at-risk groups such as social media, the internet, and television. The European legislation, however, has taken the incentive in labelling beverages containing caffeine equal to or over 150mg caffeine per litre, affirming in their statement, High caffeine content. Not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women.17 Additionally, self-monitoring of caffeine concentration by providing device similar to those used by diabetic patients may assist with staying within physiologi cal limits, but also restricting accessibility (age-dependent) might just be one way to control the likelihood of abuse. As a commodity, caffeine can be obtained in various forms for many applications (cosmetics, medical, etc.) and there is always a huge demand, which are popular amongst young people, particularly with the emergence of caffeine-fuelled energy drinks that are used to mix alcohols in social venues.21 Compared with other drugs, the Global Drug Survey 2014 (Figure 4) reported that caffeinated energy drinks were the fourth most drug bought (45.9% prevalence use) after alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis. This illustrates caffeines importance both at physiological level, and as a big earner for the industrys major players in global caffeine market (Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, CSPC Pharma, BASF, and Cocam) as it is consumed by 90% of the worlds population.24,25 One of the drivers of the industry is the production of coffee, which is forecasted to produce 156.6 million bags in 2016/17, and global consumption to be 153.3 million bags.26 This points out the growing demand for caffeinated products, predominantly in traditional markets including Canada, EU, USA, Japan, Norway and Switzerland, but also in emerging markets; Turkey, Algeria, Russia.27 Figure 4: Prevalence of top 20 drug use. Caffeinated drinks was among the most drugs bought in the year 2014.21 It is concluded by the study that the amount of caffeine extracted in tea was almost consistent with the theoretical constituents per weight, 2-5%. This research yields 0.1606g (1.606% ) from 10kg of tea bag and so was impossible to recover 100% of caffeine, greatly impacted by the fact that the reaction was never at completion, not all the caffeine was extracted through the funnel separation, loss of product may have occurred due to emulsions, discrepancies with the instruments due to factors affecting calibration, and steaming during brewing affects the mass of the extracted caffeine. One way to improve the percentage yield may be to explore different organic solvents. Although caffeine has numerous health benefits within physiological optima, it is also detrimental and causes death if these limits are breached. As such, healthcare authorities, as well as the caffeine industry must put in place measures so it is better regulated, and may mean being transparent about the health benefits/risk factors, and spread this awareness in all media used by their target users, especially young people as this is the group that are less aware of the risks. References   Ã‚   Caffeine: The Molecule. [2017 Feb 9]. Available from: http://caffeinethemolecule.weebly.com/physical-properties.html Preedy V.R, editor. Caffeine Chemistry, Analysis, Function and Effect. UK: The Royal Society of Chemistry; 2012, p.3 -6,44 Vuong Q.V, Roach P.D. Caffeine in Green Tea: Its Removal and Isolation.[2017 Feb 16]. Available from: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15422119.2013.771127 Vuong Q.V, Bowyer M.C, and Roach P.D. L-Theanine: properties, synthesis and isolation from tea. J. Sci. Food Agric. 2011; 91: 1931-1939 Analyzing a Mixture by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). [2017 Feb 17]. Available from: http://cactus.dixie.edu/smblack/chemlabs/analyzing_a_mixture_by_thin_layer_chromatography.pdf Gunasekarana S, Sankarib G, Ponnusam S. Vibrational spectral investigation on xanthine and its derivatives-theophylline, caffeine and theobromine. Spectrochimica Acta Part A. 2005 Caffeine. [2017 Feb 16]. Available from: https://tinyurl.com/hsbppmn Al-Hitti IK, Ibrahim SS. EXTRACTION, IDENTIFICATION AND DETERMINATION OF CAFFEINE AND TRACE METALS IN THREE TYPES OF TEA LEAVES. J. of al-anbar university for pure science. 2009 Sing BM et al., Determination of caffeine content in coffee using Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy in combination with attenuated total reflectance technique: a bioanalytical chemistry experiment for biochemists. Biochemical Education. 1998 Palo M et al., Quantification of caffeine and loperamide in printed formulations by infrared spectroscopy. JDDST. 2016 Behind the hype: Caffeine. [2017 Feb 12]. Available from: http://nutritionandactivity.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2%202%20NPA161%20Behind%20the%20Hype-Caffeine_5.pdf Why isnt the amount of caffeine a product contains required on a food label?. [cited 2017 Feb 12]. Available from: http://www.fda.gov/aboutfda/transparency/basics/ucm194317.htm Caffeine and Your Body.[Cited 2017 Feb 13]. Available from: https://www.ctclearinghouse.org/Topics/Customer-Files/Caffeine_And_Your_Body_052113.pdf Maughan RJ, Griffin J. Caffeine ingestion and fluid balance: a review. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2003 Dec;16(6):411-20. Zhang Y et al., Caffeine and diuresis during rest and exercise: A meta-analysis. J Sci Med Sport. 2015; 18(5): 569-574 25 Most Severe Caffeine and Drug Interactions. [2017 Feb 14]. Available from: http://www.caffeineinformer.com/caffeine-drug-interactions Caballero B, Finglas PM, Toldra F, editors. Encyclopedia Of Food And Health. Oxford: Elsevier; 2016 S. Jain, et al., Caffeine addiction: Need for awareness and research and regulatory measures. Asian J Psychiatry. 2017 Bodkin H. Students left fighting for lives after taking enough caffeine for 300 cups of coffee in botched university experiment. Telegraph. 2017 Jan 25 Caffeine: An Evaluation of the Safety Database. In: Gupta RC, editor Nutraceuticals: Efficacy, Safety and Toxicity. London: Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc;216. P421,430. Caffeine. Technology, Products, Market, Manufacturing. [2017 Feb 10]. http://www.primaryinfo.com/industry/caffeine.htm The Global Drug Survey 2014 findings. Dr Adam R Winstock. Global Drug Survey. [2017 Feb 10]. https://www.globaldrugsurvey.com/past-findings/the-global-drug-survey-2014-findings/ Caffeine Drug Interactions. Anna Duggett. Drugsdb. [2017 Feb 10]. http://www.drugsdb.com/cib/caffeine/caffeine-drug-interactions/ Global Caffeine Market Forecast and Analysis 2016-2021. Radiant Insights. [2017 Feb 11]. https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-caffeine-market-forecast-and-analysis-2016-2021 Caffeine Market 2016 Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share. GlobalInfoResearch.[cited 2017 Feb 10]. Available from: https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/637714-global-caffeine-market-by-forecast-to-2021 Coffee: World Markets and Trade. Foreign Agricultural Service/USDA Office of Global Analysis.[cited 2017 Feb 10]. Available from: https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/coffee.pdf An industry study: The Coffee Industry. Mairin M. OConnor. [2017 Feb 10]. Available from: http://www.slideshare.net/MairinOConnor/coffee-industry-analysis Thin Layer Chromatography. Industrial Economics.[2017 Feb 16]. Available from: https://yvesrubin.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/tlc.pdf

Thursday, September 19, 2019

India and E-Business :: Free Essay Writer

India and Ebiz INDIAN OVERVIEW The Indian private sector has already recognized the attractive economics of e-business. Clearly, the opportunity (and the need) for Indian businesses to get onto the e-business power curve is really quite high. Needless to add, that the potential exists. The size of the transactions over the net at Rs10 crore by the end of 1999 approximately, a piddling size when compared to the world, which is expected to cross $300 billion by the year 2002. Unlike in the past, where existing attitudes have posed major challenges to adopting a new way of life, with the Internet it has been rather a smooth sailing, thanks to the extraordinary levels of Internet awareness in the country. As a result of this, companies have been more open to taking studied chances, as is evident. Here, we are not just talking of companies that have static web sites but those which conduct commerce on the net like Color Plus, India Book Shop, bababazaar, Rediff-on-the-net and Shoppers Stop, selling from books and shirts to vegetables and soaps. The lack of infrastructure was a serious impediment, but bottlenecks are soon being removed. With several private value-added networks (VANs) coming up and with the reach of Internet expanding, this is becoming less of a problem. In fact, collective experience indicates that firms can deploy e-commerce solutions over the current infrastructure and realize significant benefits from them. To be fair, this is one area that has received focus from the highest levels and there is feverish activity to build bigger bandwidth and crucial payment gateways, which will enable online credit card authorization. Indeed, there is much at stake for, say, an automobile company or a fast-moving consumer goods company which has multiple offices with different manufacturing sites and warehouses etc across the country. Infact ,Dynamix-a software infrastructure solutions company, is in the process of helping TELCO to replicate the Ford "just in time technology" The recent announcement of Hindustan Lever indicates that soon all of its cosmetic line will be made available only on the net, with one center in each city acting as demonstration/guidance center. The country needs to get its legal, legislative, regulatory, infrastructure and manpower ready for ebusiness. We already see some of this readiness, and hence, India is ready to boom in ebusiness. While the air of optimism persists, the fact remains that in India Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) has not really taken off.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Favorite Norse Myths :: essays research papers

Favorite Norse Myths Published by: Scholastic Inc.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2.) The Types of stories found in this book are based on Norse Mythology. They contain information on the creation of the Earth, (Midgard), and some of the trials that the gods and goddesses had gone through.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3.) One of the myths that I enjoyed was the first one on creation, entitled: Creation: The Nine Words. This story tells us how in the beginning there was nothing other than fire, ice, and mist. The land with all the ice was called Niflheim, and the land of fire was Muspell. As time went on, Muspell melted Niflheim, and from that came two giant creatures. One of them was named Ymir, and he was an evil frost-giant, and the other was a cow named Audumla. Ymir drank Audumla milk to get stronger, and one night, while sleeping, a troll with six heads grew from his feet, and a male and female frost-giant came from his armpit. Audumla also brought something to life, as he licked the salt blocks for food, he recovered another giant. This giant was a good giant, and his name was Buri. His sons and grandsons became gods, because they were very honorable. The greatest of Buri’s grandsons was Odin. Odin was the greatest of all the gods, and he was the god of war and death. Odin and his wife Frigg, goddess of knowledge, and also knew what happened in the worlds, had many children. Odin was a lso the one who led his brothers to overthrow Ymir, and they eventually killed him. After killing him, different parts of his body became different parts of nature. His flesh became the world, his blood became the seas, his bones became the mountains, and his hair and teeth became the trees and stones. Now his blood, that made the seas, drowned all but two of the frost-giants, and they repopulated the frost-giants, witches, warlocks, enchanters, and ogres, and taught them to hate Odin. They lived in Jotunheim. The worms in the Earth, Ymirs flesh, were turned onto dwarves, and the dark elves. The dwarves lived in Nidavellir, and the dark elves lived in Svartalfheim. There were also some nice creatures, and they were the elves, who lived in Alfheim. Odin took Ymirs skull and made it the sky, and places four dwarves in each corner of the sky. Nordri, Sudri, Austri, and Vestri; North, South, East, and West.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Black People Essay -- Racial Relations, Equality

Familiar to almost every individual in this country is the passage in the Declaration of Independence that states, â€Å"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Jefferson par. 2). This statement would seem imply that all people, regardless of creed, gender, race or ethnicity, have equal access to advancement in all facets of life. However, despite this concepts’ status as a foundational American ideal, complete equality among all groups of people has never been a reality in this country. Instead, different categories of people are ranked into a hierarchy and maintain various degrees of wealth, power, and prestige, often as a result of prejudice and discrimination. An area where this stratification is extremely pronounced is the difference in opportunities for women relative to those of men. Since the conception of this nation, women have been the subordinates of men. For many years, women were denied basic freedoms, such as the r ight to vote and own property, and they are still currently denied the right to make some decisions regarding their own bodies. In today’s society, it is widely recognized that men control more wealth, have greater opportunity for advancement, hold more powerful positions, and are more respected than women. In this paper, I will explore several aspects of inequality that contribute to gender stratification. In the past century, the number of women in the labor force has increased dramatically. In 2009, â€Å"[w]omen comprised 46.8 percent of the total U.S. labor force (Quick). This stands in stark contrast to the number of women in the labor force in previous years. However, women are still disproportionately represented in many occupations, such as secretaries, administrative as... ...ly stated, women, occupational segregation is a problem for many categories of people in the United States. All of these disadvantages in employment have resulted in an over-arching problem for ethnic and minority groups: low income. Income varies drastically between different groups of people in the United States, a fact which suggests that discrimination is widespread in this country. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average median income for families was â€Å"$58,407† in 2006. Considering this fact, the $40,000 that the average Hispanic American family makes is extremely low. Even lower is the average median family incomes of African Americans and Native Americans, which are $38,206 and $38,800, respectively. Income is such an integral part of every person’s life, affecting not only a person’s house, car, and clothing but also their health and education.

God’s Existence Can Be Proven a Priori Essay

Trying to prove that God exists is a difficult argument and many people have tried many different ways. The Ontological argument is one argument; at the centre of the argument is the concept of existence. The Ontological argument has been argued from a group of philosophers for the existence of God. â€Å"Ontological† means talking about being and so that being is the existence of God. The ontological argument differs from other arguments in favour of God because of the fact that it is an a priori deductive argument. There are two main arguments for the ontological argument which seeks to prove the existence of God a priori. The first argument is from Anselm; he was the Archbishop of Canterbury and therefore started his argument from a theistic point of view. Anselm believed that no belief in God was absurd and he used a reducio ad absurdum argument, which tries to show that God not existing could not be believed because in not believing you are adopting a nonsensical argument. His starting point was his definition of God, ‘God is the thought than which nothing greater can be conceived’. Firstly Anselm attacks the idea that there is no God, even the thought that there is no God requires the concept of God. The greatest possible being has to exist in reality as well as in the mind to be the greatest possible being therefore we can conceive of the greatest possible being because it also has to exist in reality. A criticism that was raised about the greatest possible being is that we as humans all have different ideas of what it could be but Anselm responded by saying that when we reach the idea of such a high level being such as God then the idea of what it is becomes very similar. Therefore God exists according to Anselm. Also God is considered to be a necessary being, which will always exist, does not rely on other beings and cannot not exist, therefore God must exist if he is to be called a necessary being. The second philosopher to argue the existence of God using the ontological argument was Rene Descartes; he set out his argument firstly by defining God as ‘a supremely perfect being’. From this he tried to prove the existence of God, because God is defined as a supremely perfect being he possess all perfections. According to Descartes the perfect state includes existence as well as the classical attributes of God, he believed that existence was perfection in itself and therefore God must exist. Therefore this is why we as humans cannot have a necessary existence because we do not have complete perfection. Descartes used mathematics and an example of a mountain with a valley to explain that God must exist, the mountain being separate from the valley and according to him it is the same with God, you cannot separate existence from God. This argument however cannot apply to objects affected by space and time, contingent things and can only apply to necessary beings which are perfect. He continues by saying that only God can have absolute perfection and there can only be one absolute. Descartes goes on to point out that Mackie or Russell are trying to establish necessary existence of contingent objects such as unicorns but necessary existence only applies to absolutely perfect beings. A criticism of the argument was put forward by Thomas Aquinas, who had already questioned the important aspect of the ontological argument, the idea that we cannot assign existence a priori to our definition of the idea of a perfect being. Aquinas claimed Anselm was guilty of making a ‘transitional error’, moving from his definition of God to the claim that he exists. Anselm also made the assumption that his definition was shared by all believers of God. The meaning of the term God means he exists in peoples understanding but not in reality. According to Aquinas the existence of God must be shown a posteriori which is what he tried to attempt to show in his cosmological argument. Also David Hume disagrees with the ontological argument. Hume was an empiricist so disapproves the use of a priori to prove existence and believes it should only be used for a definition. A description of a thing can contain every detail possible but we have to go beyond a description to be able to determine its existence, just because we can describe it does not mean it therefore pops into existence. He believed the only way in which you could prove something a priori was if the opposite implies a contradiction, such as x=not x. Therefore if it implies a contraction then it is inconceivable and then everything can be conceived not to exist. Therefore Hume’s believed that nothing can be proven to exist a priori, including God. He came to the conclusion that existence could only ever be contingent. Kant also disagrees with Descartes ontological argument. He used the example of a triangle, if you have a triangle it must have three angles but if you do not have a triangle it will not have three angles. It all depends on whether you agree there is a God or not, if there is a God then his existence is necessary but we do not have to accept the idea there is a God. Descartes according to Kant just gives God existence, however existence isn’t a property. God could have all the classic attributes but still he might not exist. For example a chair, it has many properties which are established a posteriori but whether it exists or not have to be discovered a priori. Using Descartes idea but changing it slightly, â€Å"existence is not predicate†. By adding reality to something does not mean it makes it better, Kant’s example, â€Å"a hundred real thalers does not contain the least coin more than a hundred possible thalers†. We must establish whether something exists or not before we can describe it, not the other way around and therefore if there is a perfect being then he must exist. Kant distinguishes between a priori and a posteriori, a priori are necessary, they have to be so whereas a posteriori can be challenged, such as how many people you think you saw. If something exists and the existence of that tells us about its property then by saying it does not exist you deny it of that property and almost say that it lacks it, however how can you say that something that does not exist lack something? This is a strong argument against the ontological argument which cannot be explained easily. A criticism of Anselm’s ontological argument directly was from Gaunilo, he had the same idea as Kant, that something cannot be defined into existence. Just because we define what we believe God to be does not mean that he actually exists. In Gaunilo’s book ‘On behalf of the Fool’, he describes the Lost Island as the greatest possible island and that no greater island can be conceived. It is logical to say that it is greater to exist in reality than as just an idea. If this island therefore did not exist there could be a even greater island which did exist and so therefore the Lost Island must exist somewhere. The perfect island exists but it may not be what you think of as the perfect island because by imaging it does not mean it exists. Therefore Anselm saying that God the perfect being had to exist cannot work. However, there is a problem with Gaunilo’s criticism, Anselm said he was not arguing about contingent things such as the island which have no intrinsic maximum, he was arguing for the ‘greatest thing that can be conceived’ which has a intrinsic maximum and so can be perfect. Therefore the ontological argument can be used to talk about such things as God which is necessary but cannot be used when talking about contingent things such as an island. The island is limited whereas the notion of God is not. To conclude, to prove the existence of God a priori we need to have knowledge of what God is, before sense experience can be gathered. This is where the ontological argument falls down. How can we understand a being when we cannot see, hear or touch them first if we want to prove the existence using a priori. A priori uses facts which are either true or false to determine things but without ever experiencing God ourselves through a posteriori first we have no facts in which to use a priori. The only way in which we can argue that God exists is if we treat him as if he were an object. God existence is reality in the believer’s world but for someone who is atheistic then he does not. I agree with Norman Malcolm who argued that necessary existence cannot be affected by anything external to itself. It cannot be created or destroyed, therefore God either exists or his existence is impossible. Therefore I believe that he cannot exist because something would have had to bring him into existence at the beginning which therefore means he cannot be a necessary being because he would have always had to exist but there must have been a point when he didn’t. Also if he is a necessary being with all the classical attributes why is the evil and suffering and if he was omnipotent then why does he want to hide himself from us? If he has power in which to be able to show himself then why has he not and then we would be able to prove his existence using a posteriori instead of a priori.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Not Your Grandfather’s Farm

Imagine a world where the food you ate was secretly replace with a factory created artificial replica. In this world the imitation food looks, smells and tastes like the original, sometimes even better. Most of this fake food including the meat was made up of only a few plant-based materials and a gang of chemicals. Also, imagine it would slowly kill you trough a range of horrible dieses. We currently live in this bizarre world. America's food industry is one of its deepest, darkest, best-kept secrets. When we think of a farm we picture scenes from Charlotte's Web. Not warehouses with ten thousand chickens, or dairy cows ankle-deep in ordure, huddled together under tin sheds in blistering heat. We picture the cows grazing on grass. Not eating formulas made of poultry waste and orange peels. The way food is produced is so over looked that it takes an outbreak of some sort to focus our eyes on problems beyond the grocery store shelves. Naturally, capitalism produces a natural pressure toward efficiency. In the meat industry this has led to the factory farm. Every effort is bent toward maximizing the output of meat and minimizing the cost. As a result, â€Å"The U. S. agricultural industry can now produce un- limited quantities of meat and grains at remarkably cheap prices† (32). The food that factory farms produced is cheap in terms of monetary value. However, it comes at a high cost. The mass production of farm animals effects the environment, economy, and human health. Inevitably, intensive animal agriculture depletes valuable natural resources. Instead of being eaten by people, the vast majority of grain harvested in the U. S. is fed to farm animals. This wasteful and inefficient practice has forced agribusiness to exploit vast stretches of land. Forests, wetlands, and other natural ecosystems and wildlife habitats have been decimated and turned into crop and grazing land. Scarce fossil fuels, groundwater, and topsoil resources that took millenniums to develop are now disappearing. In addition, industrialized farms are threatening the well being of rural communities throughout the U. S. , and citizens are increasingly working to block their construction in order to prevent pollution and protect the quality of life. Family farms have been the core of agrarian culture for thousands of years, providing the opportunity to connect with the land and to live in tune with the seasons and the weather. Traditional farmers don't produce more than the carrying capacity of the land. They understand the condition of the soil and its ability to sustain various crops from season to season. They commonly produce and save their own seeds, a practice that has helped small farms maintain the integrity of crops, and allow hardier, diverse strains of plants to prosper. Contrasting this, industrial farms use a few strains of high yielding crops, an approach that threatens genetic diversity and often leads to chemical dependency. Short-term efficiency and profitability, rather than long-term sustainability drives the factory farming model. It externalizes costs, such as pollution clean up and health care services, onto others in the community. Neighbors of industrial operations have experienced health problems ranging from chronic asthma to neurological damage. Furthermore, the meat, poultry, dairy and egg industries employ technological short cuts to maximize production. Under these conditions, virulent pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics are emerging. These new super germs, whose evolution is traced directly to the overuse of antibiotics in factory farming, have the potential to cause yet unknown human suffering. Millions of Americans are infected, and thousands die every year from contaminated animal food products. Despite repeated warnings from consumer advocates, the United States Department of Agriculture's meat inspection system remains grossly inadequate, and consumers are now being told to expect animal products to be tainted. Meanwhile, the agribusiness industry, rather than advising consumers to curb their intake of animal products, has devised extreme measures of overcooking and antibiotics. This helps consumers avoid the dangers of animal products and maintain their gross over-consumption of meat and dairy In conclusion, it seems like some appalling conspiracy straight from the pages of a George Orwell novel. Yet factory farming is not plot to manipulate the masses. It's not only of our making, but it also made us. Cheap food accounts for American prosperity. We spend less of our annual incomes on food than any other nation. According to Walsh, â€Å"Americans spend less than 10% of their incomes on food† (33). There are various hazards that stem from our cost efficient food. Consequently, they are the price of the American way of life. Maybe they are telling us that it is time to change.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Early Life and Introduction to Badminton Essay

Saina Nehwal was born 17 March 1990 She was born in a Jat[8] family at Hisar in Haryana and completed first few years of her schooling from Campus School. She completed her schooling at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Vidyashram, NIRD campus, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Nehwal has a brown belt in Karate .She is an Indian badminton player who attained a career best ranking of 2 in December 2010 by Badminton World Federation. Her Father Harvir Singh initially worked in CCS HAU and they then had their residence in the University Campus.[9] He later shifted to Hyderabad & so Saina spent her growing years inHyderabad, India. Both her father, Dr. Harvir Singh and mother Usha Rani were former State Badminton Champions in Haryana, so she got the game of Badminton in her genes Her Father encouraged her to pick up the game of Badminton. The 8 yrs old Saina followed a very tough training schedule right since the beginning, and would travel almost 50kms a day for the training. She practised Badminton in Badminton Court of Faculty Club of CCS HAU located in the University itself Further, Saina trained under S.M. Arif, a Dronacharya Award winning Badminton Coach, and now is receiving Coaching at the Pullela Gopichand’s Academy of Badminton at Hyderabad. She is India’s highest-paid non-cricketing sportsperson as on September 2012. National Achievement : Nehwal became the National Junior Champion in the year 2004, and won the title again in the year 2005. She was a runner up in the National Senior Championship 2005, and won the title in the year 2006, repeating the victory in the year 2007 again. Apart from these, she has won the All India Jr. Ranking Tournaments of the year 2005 held at Chennai, Cochin, Bangalore and Pune. She further won the All India Senior Ranking Tournament 2005 held at Mumbai, and also emerged as the winner at the National Games held at Guwahati. In 2006, Saina appeared on the global scene when she became the first Indian woman to win a 4-star tournament, the Philippines Open.[16] The same year Saina was also the runner up at the 2006 BWF World Junior Championships, She did one better in the 2008 by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Badminton Championships Saina is on the par with the likes of Prakash Padukone and her mentor Pullela Gopichand who both won the all England championships which are of similar status to the super series. In August 2009 she reached the quarterfinals of world championship losing to the second seed Lin Wang. Saina Nehwal was rewarded with Arjuna awardin August, 2009 and her coach Gopichand was also rewarded with Dronacharya award at the same time. International Badminton : Saina made her International Debut in the year 2003 at the India Satellite tournament where she reached the top-16 round. The same year, she won the Junior Czech Open tournament. Further, she reached the Quarter Final at the Cheers Asian Satellite tournament 2004 held at Singapore. She got her first International success at the India Satellite tournament 2005 where she emerged as the winner of the tournament. After this, she also claimed the Bingo Bonanza Philippines Open title in the year 2006, and the India Satellite tournament 2006. She played at the All England Open 2007, and reached the Pre-Quarter Final round where she lost to World No. 3 player from China. She also reached the Quarter Final rounds at the Macau Open tournament 2007 and the Dutch Open tournament 2007. In the year 2008, Saina won the Chinese Taipei Grand Prix Gold tournament, and reached the Semi Final round of the LI NING China Masters Super Series tournament also. The same year, she created a history in the sport when she became the First Indian Woman ever to reach the Quarter Final round of the Badminton event at the Olympic Games. At the Beijing Olympic Games 2008, Later on, She became the first Indian to win a medal in Badminton at the Olympics. She is the first Indian to win the World Junior Badminton Championships and was also the first Indian to win a Super Series tournament, by clinching the Indonesia Open with a victory over higher-ranked ChineseWang Lin in Jakarta on 21 June 2009. Saina won her second career Super Series title by winning the Singapore Open title on 20 June 2010. She completed a hat-trick in the same year by winning the Indonesian Openon 27 June 2010. This win resulted in her rise to 3rd ranking and subsequently to No. 2. Saina Nehwal won 2010 Commonwealth games gold in the women’s singles badminton event held in Delhi, on 14 October 2010.Later in the same year she also won Hong Kong Super Series on 12 December 2010. After experiencing a poor 2011 season, On 17 June 2012 she successfully reclaimed the Indonesian championship by beating China. It is her third Indonesian open title, having won it twice before in 2009 and 2010. Saina became the first Indian singles player to reach the summit stage of year-ending Super Series Finals defeating two-time All England champion and former World No. 1 Tine Baun in the semi-finals, a feat she repeated in the quarterfinals in the London Olympics 2012 . Though she lost in the semi-finals of London Olympics 2012 to Wang Yihan, she created history as she became the first Indian ever to win an Olympic medal in badminton. On 21 October 2012 she became the second Indian to win the Denmark open by defeating Juliane Schenk of Germany. There were many Indian supporters in the crowd which loudly cheered her each and every point. She acknowledged their support by throwing two badminton rackets at them after her win. She thanked God and her fans for the win. This was her fourth title of the year. This second Super Series Premier title fetched her USD 30,000 from a total purse of USD 400,000. The victory was sweet revenge for Saina who had lost in straight games to Schenk the previous year.[24][25] Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar presented a brand new BMW car to Saina Nehwal gifted by Andhra Badminton Association for winning a bronze medal at the London Olympics 2012.[26] HONOURS AND TITLES : Saina was named â€Å"The Most Promising Player† in 2008. Badminton champion Saina Nehwal was conferred with the prestigious Arjuna award for sporting excellence, in the year 2009 following her success at winning the Indonesian Open Super series title. The Arjuna award was handed over to Saina by the President of India, Pratibha Patil at the presidential palace in New Delhi. The Arjuna awardee is given a statuette, a scroll of honour, ceremonial dress and a cash award of Rs. 5 lakhs. Saina Nehwal won the prestigious Padma Shri award in Jan-2010 barely 4 months after receiving the Arjuna award in 2009. The award carries a medal, a scroll of honour and a cash prize of Rs. 5.00 lakhs. Saina was awarded with Padma Shri award in January 2010. Saina was also awarded the highest national sporting award given to a player, The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award on 29 August 2010. The Khel Ratna award consists of a bronze statuette, citation and cash prize of Rs.7.5 laks for the award winner, and is handed over to the sportsperson by the President of India. [22] Saina is the brand ambassador of Deccan Chargers, an Indian Premier League team owned by Deccan Chronicle. She has also become one of the 8 brand ambassadors of 2010 Commonwealth Games held on New Delhi India.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Liberal Democracy vs Social Democracy Essay

Abstract The essay to follow will discuss what is meant by liberal democracy. The term will be defined and further discussed. In addition, it will be contrasted with that of a socialist democracy. This democratic system will be defined in political terms with reference to valid examples as too will liberal democracy. The following essay is based on a contrast between liberal and socialist democracy from a political perspective. An analysis of the terms, concepts and the question will then follow. In addition, reference will be made to current examples such as that of the USA, Great Britain, and Chile as evidence for each type of democracy that is being examined. Furthermore, key issues that will be discussed in this paper consist of democracy as a whole, negative and positive freedom within a liberal democracy, and the failure of socialism in the third world. Furthermore this essay will prove that Sweden is not a socialist democracy. In order to contrast liberal and socialist democracy one must first hold an understanding of what each term means. In order to go about understanding these terms, it is important to first understand what democracy. In simple terms, democracy can be defined as the rule of the people. A democracy is about the people who come together to decide on laws. And according to Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address of 1863, democracy links government to the people as he stated that democracy is a â€Å"government of the people, by the people, and for the people† (Heywood, 2014). Universal suffrage plays a role in deciding these laws. This term is understood as the right of almost all adults to vote in political elections. Depending on the country, there are different requirements which have to be fulfilled. In the Philippines, citizens have to be at least eighteen years of age, and have to have resided in the Philippines for at least one year and in the region wherein they wish to vote, for at least six months prior to the election (Castillo, 2011). There is not always collective decision-making within every democracy. Zimbabwe for one claims to be a â€Å"democracy† based on the will of the people with a leader who claims to a monopoly of ideological wisdom but there isn’t collective decision making. Whereas it really is a totalitarian democracy in which there is absolute dictatorship that pretends to be a democracy. Also here, which is a republic version of democracy, where you elect representatives to make decisions on your behalf. The scope of a democracy defines what should fall under the sovereignty of life, and divides the liberals from the socialists. Heywood (2013) states that liberalism is â€Å"the ideology of the industrialized West†. By this Heywood means that liberalism is a classical ideology that supports social progression and the changing of laws through reform rather than through a revolution. The individual is the primary focus of liberalism, not of revolution. Consequently we can understand liberal democracy as a modern form of governance that denies that popular rule is the ultimate political rule. Leaders are elected by the collective to govern the entity on behalf of the community. In South Africa not all leaders declare voted for by the collective due to the fact that there are provisional elections that are only open to those citizens residing in that province, such as you could not vote in Cape Town if you live in Gauteng. But you choose to vote for an overall party during the ele ctions based on the rule of the law and therefore the election is free and fair (Yufo, 2008). Great Britain is an example of a state which has a liberal democracy even though it is also a monarchy (Evolution News, 2014). It is considered a laissez-faire liberalism in that the Government are free to do as they choose for up to 5 years before the next free and fair democratic election The British declaration political settlement of 1688 is evidence that Great Britain became the first liberal state in 1614. Another liberal democratic state is the United States of America according to the American Declaration of Independence of 1776 as freedoms such as that of thought, speech, association and religion are all basic liberties that take priority over popular rule (Gutmann, 1993). Liberal freedom within this democracy is a characteristic of negative freedom as individuals are equally free and protected from collective decisions. Negative freedom has no external constraints on the individual or the collective due to the freedoms available to them and the fact that there is no interference in decision-making and a lack of forces which prevent individuals from doing as they please. Although in South Africa, government has implemented the â€Å"Secrecy Bill†. This bill is somewhat a farewell to democracy, as the freedom of speech is no longer a right, as both citizens and the media have been censored by government. The purpose of the secrecy bill is to protect state information (SABC, 2013) and many people would argue that this silencing is due to the self-interest of politicians that are involved in activities such as corruption. Laws such as this contradict democratic freedoms such as that of speech. Positive freedom can be defined as having some control over your decisions. This is an autonomous state which gives you as the individual an education for example in order for you to reach your full potential. The government also provides grants and subsidies to assist individuals in achieving this potential. The formation of free and compulsory education, public health systems limit the freedom of the capitalists to exploit workers, but give worker the opp ortunity to develop as human beings. Positive freedom has been built up due to the struggle of the working class which in which the legislation limited the hours of work per day, per person and abolished child labor (Marxist, 2014). In the words of J.S Mill â€Å"the only freedom which deserves the name is that of pursuing our own good in our own way† and this is exactly what Liberal democracy aims at achieving as American and Great Britain citizens have individual and property rights which are both a principle of classical liberalism (Heywood, 2014, p32). Socialist democracy in essence is a modern version of socialism. All these notions were integrated but there are small distinctions between them. Social democracy takes some of its principles from socialism such as free enterprise and the focus on societal framework. Whereas capitalism, private enterprise and maximization of life opportunities are more democracy than socialism. In theory South Africa is an example of democracy as the constitution states that RDP housing is provided by government (Rabbani, 1994), due to the fact that government provide grants and education in order to correct the ills of Apartheid. Socialism, by definition, is a system marked by the â€Å"common ownership of the means of production (Legon, 2013). Having said so, we can simply understand it is a democracy that uses socialist reforms in their referendum. It is pivotal to make this distinction between socialism and socialist democracy as they are not the same concept and often the two terms are confused. A social democracy is a government that uses democratic process but also consists of characteristics that resemble those of a socialist society as mentioned in the above. Social democrats generally are committed to acting for the common good. In a government that is a social democracy, the government plays an active role in regulating certain political and economic conditions (Jablonsky, 2014). A socialist democracy is a Marxist organisation which believes that the poverty and misery and the oppression and exploitation that marks their society is the result of control of the world’s wealth and productive resources by a tiny class that exploits the vast majority of society. This leads to humanity crippled by the reality an d ideology of capitalist society. In the Soviet Union, China, Vietnam and Eastern Europe socialist democracy is the dominant system. The trouble of the people in liberal democratic countries is not as wretched as it is in socialist countries, due to the fact that in communist countries, political and economic system are imposed on society by party officials therefore resulting in untold human suffering and severe psycho-economic exploitation. Both liberal democracy and socialist democracy may be considered forms of political democracy because these systems are based on economic and political centralization (Evolution news, 2014). Many would argue that socialism has failed and that the Cuban economy is a disaster and when Cuba found itself caught in disagreement therefore facing both the merciless US blockade and enduring the suspension of all trade with the former members of the socialist bloc–, leaders of the Cuban revolution told the people: â€Å"either we stand our ground or we lose everything we have ach ieved under socialism† (Legon, 2013). This brings us to discuss the failure of socialist democracy in third world countries. This democracy promised prosperity, equality and security. Yet it is evident that it rather delivered poverty, misery and autocracy. Equality was achieved only in the sense that everyone was equal in his or her misery. Socialism is now a bankrupt, discredited, and flawed nineteenth century theory that has failed miserably in countries around the world (Perry, 2014). We can agree that Socialism has collapsed because of its failure to operate under a competitive, profit- and-loss system of bookkeeping. A profit system is a very effective monitoring tool which frequently assesses the economic performance of every enterprise (Perry, 2014). The firms that are the most efficient and most successful at serving the public interest are rewarded with profits. Evidence of a socialist democracy can be seen in Chile as their changeover to democracy has still not been achieved. After a decade of non-combatant rule, the state remains under the military dictatorship’s 1980 constitution. According to the writings of Alejandro Reuss â€Å"The president has made sure to not aggravate the still-powerful Armed Forces. He has insisted that his relations with the Armed Forces are â€Å"excellent and that they can work together for Chile†. The Chilean Socialist leader Ricardo Lagos has declared that Chileans should stop worrying about the past, concentra ting instead on their future together (Reuss, 2001). The above clearly proves that socialism has failed in the third world. The question of whether Sweden is or is not a socialist democracy has risen many times before in the past within the left internationally, with regards to the politics and economy of the Nordic state or if Sweden is an alternative to neo-liberal capitalism (Olsson, 2009). Sweden has never been a socialist society as it is based merely on public ownership of production, workers’ control and management, social equality and a democratic plan of production which are characteristics of a socialist entity according to Olsson (2009). Neither has Sweden been a ‘mixed economy’. In fact it is one of the most well off country’s to date. It is evident that the social democrats and the trade union movement in Sweden are â€Å"facing a historic crisis as they have lost roots, influence and support, with no prospect of regaining their old ground as their policy and methods mean further attacks on what is left of the general welfare system. The social democratic party has become an empty shell† (Olsson, 2009) but that doesn’t change the fact that Sweden is not a socialist democracy. In conclusion, there is a major contrast between liberal democracy and social democracy. Evidently a liberalist democracy is built on the foundations of organic social solidarity with private ownership of production, empirical (demonstrable, verifiable reasoning), scientific, reflective and constructivism. The pursuit of the greatest possible welfare for all is a major view of liberal democracy. It considers the State as an association like any other, generally managed no better and no more efficient than others and wishes the abolition of all monopolies as well as the disappearance of classes and that there should be no more proletariats (Lesigne, 1887). Liberals wish to leave each in possession of its own and desires everybody to be a proprietor. The latter promises liberty and makes the State the employee of the citizen. Whereas socialist democracy is based on collective ownership of the means of production, political restrictions, and is dogmatic, meaning that the government is i nclined to lay down principles as undeniably true as well as being destructive. Socialist democracy wishes for the governed class to become the governing class and that that there should be none but proletariats. The most obvious distinction is that socialist democracy wishes to take everything and all positions away from everyone and impound them (Lesigne, 1887). 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