Monday, September 30, 2019

Plant Lectin on Blood Agglutination

Lectin is a protein that is commonly found in certain plants such as grains   (wheat), legumes (soybeans and peanuts), and also can be found in potato, tomato, eggplant and pepper. It is found to be toxic, especially if the food containing it is undercooked. It causes damage to the gut wall in the stomach. Lectin’s toxicity may even cause rapid death. Lectin is a glycoprotein. As a glycoprotein, it is capable of binding to carbohydrate. It tends to bind to carbohydrates in specific and reversible manner. It is a protein that has binding site specific to carbohydrate. Because of this ability of lectin, it can cause agglutination of red blood cells. It does so by interaction with the sugar moieties of the cell wall leading to the clumping together of the cells. In blood agglutination by lectin, its active sites are the ones that bind to the sugar moieties present in the cell wall of the red blood cells These active sites are consists of certain amino acid residues. It was suggested that there are two or more amino acid residues that are present in the active site of lectin (cited in Sharon, 2007). Some of these amino acid forms hydrogen bonds with the hydroxyl group of the sugar or carbohydrate moiety. The other amino acids interact hydrophobically. Aside from these interactions, other kinds of interactions such as coordination with the metal, like interaction with the iron compound of the hemoglobin in the red blood cells, and electrostatic interaction might occur as well.   Further interaction of these active sites to other carbohydrate part of the blood cells results to large mass, then the clumping of cells occurs. Specificity of lectin towards carbohydrates depends on the kind of amino acid present in its active site. This made plant lectin found its usefulness in the field of medicine. One application of plant lectin is in determining blood group. Lectin can agglutinate specific types of erythrocytes. Different sources of lectin may have different active sites, therefore may dictate the kind of carbohydrate it binds with. Plant lectins, despite of the danger it may pose in our health, can be still useful in our life. As the study and research on lectin progresses, more benefits that we can derive from these compounds are revealed. Reference Sharon, N. (2007). Lectins: Carbohydrate-specific Reagents and Biological Recognition Molecules. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 282, 5, 2753-2764. Retrieved December 9,   2007 from, http://www.jbc.org/cgi/content/full/282/5/2753   

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Market Potential Index Essay

What are the indicators used in developing this index? Market Potential Index was developed to help companies compare emerging market with each other so they can determine which market to enter and the appropriate marketing strategies for those countries. Eight dimensions were used to create the index; each measured using different indicators (Global EDGE). Market size is measured using indicators such as urban population and electricity consumption. Market growth rate is measured using Average annual growth rate of primary energy use and Real GDP growth rate. Growing markets will show increase demand for products. Market intensity is measured using GNI per capita and private consumption as a percentage of GDP. Market Consumption Capacity is measured using Percentage share of middle-class in consumption/income. Commercial Infrastructure is measured using indicators like Cellular mobile subscribers, Main Telephone lines, Number of PC’s bought, number of internet users, Paved road density, percentage of household with TV and population per retail outlet. Economic freedom relates to the degree of economic and political freedom residents enjoy. It is measured using indicators such as economic freedom index and political freedom index. Market Receptivity related to amount of imports a country consumes and the willingness to try forging products. It is measured using Per capita imports from US and Trade as a percentage of GDP from country trade data. Country risk is measured using the indicator country risk rating from country risk survey Which of the indicators, in your opinion, would have a greater impact for a company that markets laptop computers? I think the dimension of Commercial Infrastructure would have a greater impact for a company that markets laptop computer because it is measured using a very relevant indicator of number of Pcs (per 1000 habitants). This dimension also created using indicators such as number of cellular mobile subscribers, main telephone lines and number of internet users. All these indicators are very useful in determining if the market is favorable to enter because if the market has high number of internet users or telephone  and PC owners, it might show the company that the market has already been tapped by other companies and maybe prompt them to look at other markets, where commercial infrastructure is moderate or low. Using the MPI, which countries would be ideal for this company to enter? Why? I think that China would be ideal for the laptop company to enter because it has a high market size and market growth rate but a moderate to low commercial infrastructure. The way I am reading the MPI, It means that china has room to grow in the commercial infrastructure area and a laptop company could capitalize on this great opportunity. Whereas, Hong Kong, Czech Republic and South Korea are rated high for commercial infrastructure, which could means that those markets might have well established laptop companies and not worth it for this company to enter and compete. On the other hand, you also have to take into account other seven dimensions because a market might have low commercial infrastructure and potential to grow but also have very high country risk, low economic growth and market size for this laptop company to enter. Using the same logic and taking into account other seven indicators, I think some other ideal countries for this company to enter along would China would be Turkey, India, Singapore, Peru, Mexico, and Malaysia.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Attitudes Against Homosexual Women in Rural Areas

Attitudes Against Homosexual Women in Rural Areas Issues in Sexuality Coming out and living as lesbians and gay men in regional and rural areas (Peer-Reviewed) Hypothesis The attitudes and perspectives about homosexuality in Western society have undergone through periods of both tolerance/acceptance as well as periods in which gay men and lesbians were looked down upon or even prosecuted. This paper tests the hypothesis that the negative attitudes against women are exacerbated in rural areas (Gottschalk., 2008). Data collection The study was mainly conducted through questionnaires and interviews. Profile of Group Researched The respondents in the study were recruited at random from lesbian and gay social groups. However, since a concise demographic profile of the gay men and lesbian population did not exist in some regions in Victoria, this research cannot claim to be representative to all homosexual persons in this region (Gottschalk., 2008). Table 1 Age of Respondents at time of study Women Men Age n = 55 % n = 40 % Less than 20 2 3.6 5 12.9 20 to 24 7 12.6 7 17.9 25 to 34 14 25.4 9 23.1 35 to 44 22 40.2 16 41.0 45 to 54 8 14.6 0 0 55 or older 2 3.6 2 5.1 Missing value 1 Results Table 2 The age of first realization of same-sex attraction Age Women % Men % Less than 10 16.4 23.1 10 to 14 29.1 35.9 15 to 19 29.1 33.3 20 to 24 3.6 0 25 to 34 12.7 5.1 35 to 44 5.5 2.6 45 to 54 3.6 0 55 or older 0 0 According to the table 2 above, it was found that while more women than men formed their sexual identity during the adult stages, more men than women identified themselves as homosexuals at a younger age. Table 3 Marital Status Women Men Marital status n = 55 % n = 40 % Never married 28 50.9 32 82.1 Currently married 4 7.3 4 10.2 previously married 23 41.8 3 7.7 Missing value 1 It was found that 41.8% of lesbians had been married previously compared to 7.7% of men. Table 4: Current Relationship status Women Men    n % N=39 % Not in a relationship at present 20 36.4 23 59.0 In a relationship with a woman 34 61.8 0 0 In a relationship with a man 1 1.8 16 41.0 The study found that 61.8% of women were currently in a relationship as compared to only 41% of men. It was also found that findi ng partners in rural areas was more difficult compared to urban areas (Gottschalk., 2008). Interpretation and conclusion The study shows that both young people as well as those who form their homosexual identities during adulthood do so in a stigmatized social environment. It confirms that gay men and lesbians in rural regions face more challenges as compared to those living in urban areas. The respondents in the study agree that what is deemed as absence of services and support in rural areas has made embracing a gay or lesbian lifestyle more difficult. This is due to the higher rate of hostility, discrimination, and social stigma combined with negative stereotypes (Gottschalk., 2008). Homophobic? Maybe You are Gay (Popular Media) Hypothesis In an article published by the New York Times in April 2012, the question is raised as to why public figures so often in the frontline of anti-gay rights campaigns are found in same-sex partner scandals. The article generally proposes that when homosexual urges are repressed due to fear or shame, these urges can manifest themselves as homophobia. This process is known as ‘reaction formation.’ This refers to the fight with one’s external environment against feelings that have been inwardly repressed. The articles hypothesis is quite compelling, even offering an example Ted Haggard, a well-known evangelist who advocated against homosexuality and termed it a sin. During his apology speech for his involvement in homosexuality he admitted that he advocated so strongly against homosexuality so fiercely partially due to his struggle with it (Ryan & Ryan, 2012).

Friday, September 27, 2019

Mergers and Acquisitions Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Mergers and Acquisitions - Research Paper Example By this process, the merging companies aim to enhance their long term profitability by expanding their operations. In contrast, acquisitions occur between the bidding company and the target company and it may be either hostile or friendly. Under acquisition, often it is seen that bidding company purchases the assets of the target company. There are several types of M&A and the mode is chosen according to the nature, market position, and requirements of concerned companies. This paper will examine five types of M&A such as horizontal, vertical, congeneric, conglomerate and spin-offs using recent examples. 1. Horizontal M&A In the case of a horizontal M&A, two competing companies merge together so as to take advantage of its same product lines and markets. This strategy reinforces the market position of the integrated firm since the large scale production considerably minimizes the cost of production and thereby increases the profitability. It is precise that the large scale operations will certainly increase the market reputation of the integrated firm which would in turn enable the firm to negotiate successfully with its suppliers and buyers. In the opinion of Frensch (2007), a horizontal M&A aids the integrated firm to divide the labor among different large organizational units effectively. Merger between Daimler- Benz of Germany and Chrysler Corporation of United States is a good example for horizontal mergers. 2. Vertical M&A Zain (2008) states that a ‘customer-company or company-supplier relationship’ is reflected when two companies are merged under vertical M&A concept. Scholars opine that vertical M&A mitigates market uncertainties and thereby promotes decrease in transaction costs. According to Buhner (as cited in Frensch, 2007, p. 46), these transaction cost may include search and information cost, contract conclusion cost, quality control cost, and administration and taxation costs Amalgamation of Apple with Intel can be termed as a vertic al merger. 3. Congeneric M&A Congeneric M&A is a merging strategy where two companies in the same or related industries offering different product lines merge together. In other words, these companies would not have common customer or buyer. Under congeneric M&A, it is observed that the merging companies may share similar distribution channels. A well popularized congeneric merger is Citigroup’s acquisition of Travelers’ Insurance. 4. Conglomerate M&A A conglomerate M&A refers to the merger of two organizations that are engaged in totally unrelated business operations. In most cases, the merging companies would be operating in different geographical areas. It is a best available strategy for extending business territories and extending product ranges. However, it is noted that conglomerate mergers occurs rarely as a result of strategic failures. It has been identified that Kelso’s acquisition of Nortek was a conglomerate merger. 5. Spin-offs Under this technique , an existing business division of a parent company distributes new shares so as to create an independent company. It can be reflected as a type of divestiture. Business houses wishing to reshape their structure often sell less productive businesses as spin-offs. Factors leading to M&A activities From the above discussion, it is easy to analyze the benefits of different mergers and acquisition strategies. It is found that severe competition is the major reason that often causes amalgamation

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Mechanism for leading and managing change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Mechanism for leading and managing change - Essay Example t be evidence of improvements in or an intention to improve the effectiveness of the client system.† In this regard, organizational development is the comprehensive change made within the corporation as well as the follow through to see that it is enacted effectively. The client represents the aspect of the corporate system that is experiencing the organizational development, a process that is enacted by the organizational development leaders. This essay considers these aspects of organizational development in relation to mechanism for leading and managing change within the Apple Corporation. When considering these factors of change with regards to the Apple Corporation it’s important to consider the corporate structure and leadership model that is currently in existence at the company. Apple, Inc. is vertically integrated in regards to their business model, with their hardware and pre-installed software. The company follows a traditional corporate model with Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) leading the organization, followed by the directors, executives, and a variety of lower level employees. They select candidates from the campuses of the various educational institutes of repute or higher through the website of the company and the department of human resource of the company. The company is divided into five distinct management divisions that function in conjunction to develop products; in addition there are four distinct departments that function to promote these newly developed products, as well as advance the already established Apple, Inc. merchandise. The bu siness contract with Apple, Inc is primarily based upon ‘Short Term Purchase Agreement Request’ that remains valid for six months and becomes due for further renewal. Since the company’s inception there have been significant and frequent levels of organizational development, with various times throughout the 1980s witnessing drastic shifts in corporate differentiation, and in the late 1980s

Roe v. Wade or Miranda v. Arizona Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Roe v. Wade or Miranda v. Arizona - Essay Example (Cross & Miller, 165). However, some legal professionals were of the impression that Miranda had been denied his legal rights to remain quiet and to have an attorney during the police interrogation. AUCL helped Miranda to initiate a ‘thirty-six months’ legal battle on the issue and finally, the issue was posted before the Supreme Court. U.S.A. Before and during the Miranda’s case, the accused or the suspect had the constitutional rights to remain silence but the main question was when and how those privileges could be used. Whether the right to remain quiet or silent, which is being guaranteed under the Fifth Amendment’s which bar against self-incrimination be practiced either during the police interrogation at the pretrial stage or only during the trail stage of the case. Were admissions obtained from accused permissible in court if the accused was not reminded of his privilege to remain quiet and other legitimate privileges? (Cross & Miller, 164). These questions were answered in the ‘Miranda v. Arizona1, a milestone judgment by U.S Supreme Court which held that anyone accused of a crime had â€Å"the privilege to remain silent.† Thus, Supreme Court verdict is being referred as ‘Miranda Warning’ that is being applicable every individual who is arrested in U.S.A. Further, Miranda case also unveiled the privileges of the defendant, especially in criminal cases. (Cross & Miller, 164). Fifth Amendment to U.S Constitution offers to safeguard against the self-accusation and a right to have a counsel during police questioning of an accused is guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment. Under the Fifth Amendment, an individual cannot be forced to swear against her or himself or to offer incriminating testimony that can be employed later in a trial. The Sixth Amendment offers the constitutional right to engage a counsel during police questioning. (Cross & Miller, 165). The Miranda Rule demands that an accused or a witness while

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Who is Jeffrey Dahmer Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Who is Jeffrey Dahmer - Research Paper Example Certain incidents of his life are in line to shape his personality as a murderer, however, it cannot be stated as the reason to give anyone freehand to do what he was up to. This paper will analyze the character of Jeffery Dahmer as a murderer who was involved in doing illicit homosexual activities and finally killing and humiliating the corpses of his victims during his criminal life. According to his parents stated opinion, Dahmer was initially cool minded and also had group activities with his friends and classmates but after his surgery of hernia when he was only six years old, his personality as a whole showed a number of transformations. Hernia surgery of Dahmer can be categorized as the first incidence of Dahmer’s life that brought some mental problems in his life as he shifted from being a normal child to a child showing abnormal traits. (Davis, 1991). Later on, he moved from his residential place to Bath Ohio that added to his seclusion, as he has to leave all his mat es. He started showing interest in school newspapers giving criminal stories. He also developed a taste for drinking (Masters, 1993). As a student, he was not good and showed little concern towards his studies. The harsh realities of life distracted his father and mother. Their disconnection added fuel to his negative personality and his father was unable to show proper concern towards a son who started as being negative as a teenager. His mother left him and his father had to move from one place to another place in connection with the business besides developing an illicit relationship with another woman. After separation from his mom, he felt himself more insecure and abandoned. His being left friendless and abandoned compelled him to walk on a path, which was not at all tolerable for a society where moral values and ethics matter (Masters, 1993). His activities were totally against the moral values of a society having a motto â€Å"Live and Let Live†. During his studies at Ohio State University, unlike a student-like attitude, Dahmer showed no interest in his studies and was involved in massive drinking habits. University administration took him to the task many times for his indifferent attitude but their actions failed to put him on the right track. Under his father’s pressurized persistence, Dahmer joined the Army for a period of six years in the year 1979. His father considered that by joining the force, he would be able to rectify his personality and personal problems but his habits of drinking were uncontrollable. He was unable to continue his profession in Army and got out within a period of two years only. (Davis, 1991). After being discharged from Army, he was so mentally disturbed that he got involved in more drinking and establishing illicit and illegal relationship with his friends. One such initial incident that took place in his life was with a 19 years old boy named Steven whom he invited to his father’s home to drink and to have sex with him. He drank frequently during the sexual intercourse. Dahmer’s first kill was this boy as he was hit hard on his head for his struggle to leave Dahmer. Dahmer not only killed the boy but also chopped up his body into many pieces and put the pieces in plastic bags and put in the wooden box around his father’s property. After a considerable period of time, he opened up the wooden box and smashed bones and head of Steven for placing in the forest. This shows that Dahmer was mentally not absent minded, as he knew that he had to hide what he had done wrong. His age was 18 years when he murdered mentioned boy (Davis, 1991). Jeffery Dahmer continued to

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

The Years of My Birth By Louise Erdrich Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Years of My Birth By Louise Erdrich - Essay Example At that time she was too young to be even admitted to a state run institution. Tuffy and her brother referred to as the doppelganger shared a very ethereal and unique relationship. Tuffy’s birth circumstances, her deformities and the fact the she was left stranded in the nursing home was an effect of her brother’s presence. After Mrs. Lasher’s, the mother’s delivery of the twins, Tuffy never saw any of them ever again. It was only during her mid-adulthood that she chanced upon when a phone call came to her residence. Tuffy never saw her brother, her doppelganger, and was not aware of his looks, his name, his whereabouts, or any information related to his brother whatsoever. Quite frequently she used to feel the presence of a comforting soul, a sympathetic hand, and a warm presence of an invisible person around her, beside her. She used to have the same feeling when taking ling walks, as if someone was accompanying her just beyond the corner of her eye. She felt this for years, right from the time she was abandoned till her years of womanhood. While Tuffy was still a child growing up at the Wishkob household, amidst the love, care and affection of the Wishkob couple: Betty and Albert, she began to have a growing attachment towards them and their children, Sheryl and Cedric. She didn’t hold her birth mother or her bother in high regard, rather she was indifferent to their whereabouts, and didn’t want to go to them. Her relationship with her doppelganger in the beginning was quite different. She bore agony and resentment in her heart for the inhuman treatment that was metted out to her during her birth. The incident has such a deep engraving in her mind that she bore a feeling of indifference toward the Lasher family. She remembered her birth mother Nancy Lasher with a lot of pain and discontent in her heart. All her life she tried avoiding pain and the prime cause of a raw and aching nerve inside her was her own birth fam ily. Such being the case, she didn’t care and even though she worked in the reservation post office, she didn’t bother, for years, to get the address of her birth mother and contact her. It was only on the night when Tuffy (Linda Wishkob) was contacted by her birth mother, under extraordinary circumstances and quite unannounced that the trail of her life and her feelings took a turn. After Tuffy was abandoned by her parents in the local nursery and she started growing up with the Wishkobs there were times when she was taken away from Betty and Albert by welfare officers with the duty to find a better home for her. During on such incident when she was driven off to an unknown place by the visiting welfare officer, and found herself waking up in a white room, she felt the presence of someone. She felt as if someone was with her, comforting her, holding her hand, crying and grieving with her. She never had this experience before, but thereafter continued to experience it on several occasions throughout her life under varying circumstances. She had a strange and peculiar feeling in her heart as if someone was around her and was in dire need of help. It was as if a person was holding on to life and depending on Tuffy’

Monday, September 23, 2019

Sovereign wealth funds. International Finance Essay

Sovereign wealth funds. International Finance - Essay Example These funds’ management is separated from official management of foreign currency reserve. The aim of SWFs among others is to manage government wealth so that funds do not remain static thus balancing investment with savings. The SWFs as a government-based investment strategy may involve the buying of shares in profit making organization or the taking over of a foreign based company, foreign direct investment, purchase of stakes in financial firms, long-term government bond amongst others. This process has resulted in a well recognized trend in monetary trade, foreign currency policy, and new international finance strategies. But, much debate subsists on the legitimacy of these policies and their ethical parameters. There are considerable economic and social issues associated to fairness of competition and possible political non-commercial hidden agenda, which come to the surface seriously. Various institutions are starting to feel greatly concerned by the issue of SWFs especi ally because these investments are taking considerable proportions. While many countries are facing important turnabouts and recession in their economy others are continuously sustaining their considerable economic rise. Some major states are facing recurrent financial crises due to external parameters which are out of their control for instance the oil crisis, financial globalization which results in accumulation of wealth in term of foreign currencies and financial asset by some countries. While there was the 800 billion U.S dollars deficit in 1996 in the United State’s current account, export-oriented economies of South East Asian countries were enjoying incessant growth. It is universally recognized thus, that the subsequent rise in SWFs is a result of large global macroeconomic impairment and imbalances. These major discrepancies have resulted in some countries possessing high relative ratio of foreign currency reserve which has boosted considerably the event sovereign wealth

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Terrorism Its Causes and Effects Essay Example for Free

Terrorism Its Causes and Effects Essay Terrorism has become a worldwide phenomenon with its many faces and manifestations. State-sponsored terrorism presents its worst form. Pol Pot in Cambodia let loose such a terrorism which killed millions of Cambodians. In India terrorism has been there in many States. Terrorists do not hesitate in using even the most cruel methods of violence and do not spare even women and children. In Punjab it has been Pakistan sponsored terrorism. It has been in control in Punjab but still not eliminated. Poverty, unemployment, deprivation and illiteracy make a good breeding ground for militancy extremism. In north-eastern States of India the terrorism has been on the rise and nothing effective has been done to check it. The tribal’s of these States have been victims of long neglect, deprivation, economic backwardness and alienation. Similarly People’s War Group (PWG) has been very active in Andhra Pradesh and has won support, sympathy and participation of the rural public in Telengana. Problem Of Terrorism The problem of terrorism need to be tackled on many fronts. It is a global menace and requires global cooperation between powers of the world to check and eradicate so devastating a phenomenon as terrorism. The biggest threat that the nation-state faces today emanates from terrorism which is widespread geographically and diverse ideologically. Modern terrorism thrives on its ability to hit where it hurts the most. The practitioners of modern terrorism believe the world ‘is beyond redemption. Irishterrorists, the Italian and Japanese Red Brigades, the Baader-Meinhoff gang in Germany, Islamic and Jewish fundamentalists have all sought to spread their ideology by the sword. Terrorist’s use of explosives, machine-gun fire or other sophisticated use of arms has interrupted the prayers of dozens of worshipers of all religions and cut short the journey of bus, rail and air passengers. Terrorism has many faces, faces and dimensions. It may be regional, national or global and international in scale. Then it may be regional, communal, political, state-sponsored or foreign in origin. It is found worldwide in one form or the other. The development of very fast means of transport, communication and very sophisticated automatic weapons, have given terrorism new dimensions, depth and immensity. With the globalization, economic integration and cooperation of the nations, the terrorism too has become unlimited and can be transported and transplanted to any part of the world easily. It is a cult of violence, killings, murders, arson and destruction to perpetrate terror, fear and demoralis1ation among the masses. It is in its worst form when it is state-sponsored. Then dictatorial and military rulers resort to violence, killings and shootings of people on suspicion or any other pretext and suppress human rights to make the public obey their unjust, discriminating dictates and administration. For example, Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, let loose the reign of terror in Cambodia between 1970 and 1975 and millions of its citizens were killed by its trigger-happy troops in uniform. Similarly, the Communist Government in China suppressed and killed people in thousands when they demand political reforms, liberalization and freedom from tyranny in 1989. In Tiananmen Square alone outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, the main place of students demonstration, about 5,000 young students were shot dead and another 10,000 injured. In Tibet as well, the followers of Dalai Lama and Buddhism are tortured and prosecuted by the government troops and administrators. The people there are being forcibly sterilized and their brains are being systematically washed. Dalai Lama himself fled Tibet and sought refuge in India to escape state-sponsored terrorism, violence and persecution. Now, he has his Government-in-exile at Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Terrorism in India is widespread and there seems no end to it, at least for the present. The way it has been spreading in States like Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, etc. and spilling-over other states alarmingly, is a matter of great concern. The trigger-happy terrorists and extremists have been using all kinds of violence and automatic weapons and bombs to terrorize people and the administration. Their strategies include killings, murders, bomb-explosions, destruction of houses, looting of banks, disruption of road, and rail transportation and other means of communication, desecration of religious places, hijacking and kidnapping, arson and looting. They rape women and do not even spare innocent children. In retaliation, sometimes there is more terrorism, blood-shed, violence and destruction. In the cross-fire between terrorists and the government, the innocent citizens suffer the most because then the opponent forces become totally blind and lose discrimination. The militancy and terrorism and Punjab has been sponsored by neighbor Pakistan. The Pakistan’s ISI has been supervising and financing the terrorists in the Punjab and adjoining States of Haryana and Rajasthan. It has misled the many young people in the name of religion and separate and independent state of Khalistan. The extremists are trained and armed in Pakistani camps and then smuggled across the border into India. They explode bombs, loot banks, ransack homes, hijack, buses and planes and kidnap people. The militancy and terrorism in Punjab has been curbed and controlled to a large extent but it has not been eliminated. The then Chief Minister of Punjab, Mr. Beant Singh, himself was killed in an terrorist attack. In recent days there has again been a spurt in terrorist activities in Punjab. In the Bhatinda train blast in July, 1997, the fourth in the series of bomb-explosions, 38 lives were lost. The extremists have been striking at soft targets. According to the intelligence reports, Prakash Singh Badal himself was under threat from the terrorists. Again, terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has been Pakistan- sponsored. A number of terrorist outfits have been active there supported, trained, armed and sneaked into the State by Pakistan. The extremists have given a communal colour to the violence and militancy and thousands of Kashmiri Hindus and Pandits have fled the State. The seeds of communal violence and extremism were really sown during the partition of the sub-continent into India and Pakistan. The terrorists groups in Kashmir mainly consist of some politically frustrated groups, religious fundamentalists and mislead youth of the society. Poverty, unemployment, deprivation and illiteracy have made the region a good breeding ground for militancy. The terrorists indulge in all sorts of anti-social and anti-government activities to achieve their narrow, sectarian, political and unholy aims but they are unlikely to succeed in spite of massive financial and other support from Pakistan. 2004 Lok Sabha campaign in JK-the Jaish-e-Mohammed leaflet in Mitari village, lays out a seven-point code of conduct for local residents. People’s Democratic party workers are â€Å"not to participate in the elections, or else face the consequences-which they understand†. Not only this-there has been scores of events of this nature in JK. During the 2002 Assembly elections, 250 companies of the police and paramilitary forces had been pressed into service to hold the ground. Likewise, contrary to that what may happen this time (2004), and how many companies would be needed is a matter of great concem for the Election Commission. The rise of terrorism and extremism in our north-eastern States of Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur etc. is part of our colonial legacy. The long British rule never attempted to bring the tribal’s of these states into the main stream of the nation. Rather a feeling of separation, hatred, alienation and disharmony was created. Unfortunately even after 55 years of independence, our leaders and governments have failed to change the equation for better. Consequently, misled by a false sense of losing their ethnic identity and independence, they have taken to arms and extremism. Besides social-political and economic aspects there are some such other aspects as psychological, emotional and religious. As a result there has been no participation of the people of these States in the process of democracy and independence. They have been haunted by insecurity, neglect and alienation and want separate and independent states. To achieve their ends they commit heinous crimes like burning, looting and destroying of the homes and houses of other ethnic groups, killing†¢ government security personnel and soldiers. They explode bombs at public places and kill innocent people. They also resort to abduction and kidnappings. The Peoples War Group (PWG) has been quite active for a long time in Andhra Pradesh and now exercises control on a big part of the Telengana region. The poverty and unemployment coupled with illiteracy and exploitation of the weak and vulnerable sections of the society have made these parts of the State fertile ground for insurrection and terrorism. No effective. steps were taken to improve the socio-economic conditions of the people and they were demoralized. In sheer desperation and misery they saw a ray of hope in the PWG movement and if the information is to be believed the militants have been delivering goods. The militant Naxalite outfits have been successful in winning the sympathy, favor and patronage of the down- trodden and long exploited masses who have always been at a receiving and at the hands of the corrupt government officials for many generations. Large parts of Telengana are now under effective control and administration of the PWG. Simply banning an extremist group is not enough, the genuine grievances of the public need to be redressed at the same time. They need a healing touch besides social and economical developments and empowerment. Devaluation and decentralization of powers and economic resources at the grassroots levels to the panchayat raj institutions is the need of the hour. Militancy and terrorism can be checked and eradicated only with the support and active participation of the people of the area. The menace of terrorism needs to be tackled on many fronts. The cause of militancy and terrorism should be clearly and precisely identified and remedial steps taken. There should be clear under- standing and cooperation between neighboring countries on the matter to check terrorism. Moreover, national security and intelligence need be kept quite fit and updated. In the ultimate analysis terrorism achieves nothing, solves nothing. It is sheer madness to take to arms when there are many other democratic and constitutional means available to solve problems in a democratic country like India. Pakistan should also understand that its militant activities and terrorism in India will not succeed. They have already started boomeranging and Pakistan itself is in the worst configuration of communal violence, frenzy, terrorism and bloodshed. Terrorism and its sponsors commit a crime against humanity at large and must be dealt with accordingly. It is a global danger and can be eliminated only by close cooperation between various communities and nations of the world. All terrorist groups are criminals including even those who start with good intentions and objectives because sooner or later they degenerate into corrupt, criminal and anti-social groups. They become so blind in their over-ambition and misguided enthusiasm that they soon lose sense of balance and discrimination between good and evil. Most of the militant outfits have their origin in evil and sin. They are ruthless, rapacious and greedy and do not spare even children, women, old and weak people. They do not hesitate even to abduct and kill foreign tourists and visitors. It creates an endless vicious circle. Terrorists become indiscriminate’ in their killings, shootings and violence. They have no religion, ethics, fellow-feelings and code of conduct. Terrorism drains a country of its valuable resources and enormous funds are spent in facing and checking it. It is said not in vain that prevention is better than cure. Our political leaders are mainly responsible for the origin and growth of terrorism in India in most of the cases. There is still time that th1ey realize that national interest is above everything else and that unity and integrity of the nation is the hallmark of patriotism. Only patriotic feelings coupled with efforts in reduction of poverty, illiteracy, regional imbalances, and inequality among people can successfully face and fight the menace of terrorism.

Friday, September 20, 2019

The Relationship Between Money And Happiness Philosophy Essay

The Relationship Between Money And Happiness Philosophy Essay In todays world without exception everyone wants a happy and fulfilling life. The people around us, the society which we belong and even media tells us daily that the only way to reach a happy and fulfilling life is to have a higher income. But, is it true? Firstly we have to examine the meaning of happiness. Most commonly, happiness is known as a state of mind or feeling characterized by contentment, love, satisfaction, pleasure, or joy. For years, a great amount of researches have been done to answer this question. In this investigation, while some of researchers are supporting that attaining wealth and possessions is good for us, on the other hand some people are saying it is not. For example, In The High Price Of Materialism Tim Kasser says, No matter how many fancy designer clothes, cars, or jewels they might obtain, no matter how big their house or how up-to-date their electronic equipment, the lost opportunity to engage in pleasurable activities and enjoy each others companion ship will work against need satisfaction, and thus against their happiness. Annie Leonard also supports her idea through her video about consumerism and happiness. In this video the most important thing missed is people and their satisfaction. And again Juliet Schor claims that with statics National income has been rising for the last 20 years, but measures of the quality of life and happiness have fallen. Although all of these statements prove that happiness doesnt come from wealth and possessions, according to Peter Saunders Why Capitalism is Good for The soul, In some companies when workers start to get more profit, it results in higher living standards for workers as well as cheaper and more plentiful goods and services. And this improvement leads to a good life for workers. Although without money and wealth life seems difficult, too much focusing on the possessions affects our mental health, self-control and satisfaction badly as well as damages our relationships and lead to un happiness. Happiness is the most valuable aim of human being. While the earth is getting complicated and changing day by day, almost all people are trying to have a happy and fulfilling life. During this pursuit of happiness, our relationships play a crucial role. In pace of life, when we have encountered with some stressful or disappointing situation or cases, in order to take a breath we always consult our families and fly into our familys arms. If we have our own families and their real support, it is the most reliable way to reach the happiness and relief. But sometimes people can be in a dilemma between possessions and relationships. This is the point of collapsing real happiness, because when the passion of money comes to a person, he starts to abandon his family. He thinks as if money will bring them happiness and good life. But it wont. As Tim Kasser says in the article of Mixed Messages a focus on materialistic values detracts from well-being and happiness. For example when spouses spe nd most of their time working to make money, they neglect opportunities to be with each other and do what most interests them. And again in Downshifting in Britain Difficulties in managing work-life balance can have a detrimental impact on the quality of the relationships between parents and children and the parents responsiveness to the child, with implications for child outcomes. This is particularly important for every young children, with evidence suggesting that it is best for children if they can receive intensive parental contact for the first months(HM Treasury DTI 2003, p 13-14). As you can see in these sentences as long as people dont allocate enough time for their families, there is no way to make them happy. The same situation is also acceptable for peoples friends. Friends are known as a second family; even for some people they are the first. A friend can help us in every tough situation, they can back up us in everywhere. So always we want to have a good friend. If we select and take care of our friends carefully, as well as we have to be careful to maintain our relationships with them. The money, possessions, wealth shouldnt be our friends. While we are establishing a friendship, it mustnt be based on materialistic values or we mustnt let money to interfere our friendship. When money comes, it might hurt our friends and us. Furthermore, if we look at the richest people in the world, we see that the loneliest people are these rich people because of money. According to lots of people, money means high status, greedy and responsibility. With these prejudices, rich people cannot make friends easily, by this way they cant be happy. We associate this situation with food pyramid, if assume t hat there are richest people at the top of chain, and the chain is getting narrowed with the rate of friends, so if we are at the top of the pyramid we wont have friends who makes us more and more happy. To give an example, John Jacob Astor 3 bemoans, money brings me nothing but a certain dull anxiety. So even if you have too much money to spend, as long as you dont have friends and family you cant be happy. The other most important step to reach the happiness is our satisfaction. Because actually the money doesnt make us happy, it can help us just by providing some satisfaction. When we lost our satisfaction, it means we lost our happiness and this is exactly what our possessions do. Lots of people in consumer countries and societies think that they always need more money than they have now, even if they are wealthy and rich people. In the book of Clive Hamilton, this situation is stated with this sentence: The trouble with the rat race is, even if you win, you are still a rat. Because of the society that they belong to, they are convinced that more money means always more happiness. So without exception all people are trying to have more possessions to be satisfied by being able to buy what they need. But there is an insidious fact they always forget, and it is that at the same time they are raising their threshold of sufficiency, and decreasing their rate of happiness. The answer of h ow they can raise their threshold is meanwhile their needs change as incomes rise. While this is being happened, usually most of people are unaware of this situation. So no matter how they are wealthy, unconsciously it is working against their satisfaction and happiness. According to the Affluenza, studies shows that most people would prefer an income of $50 000 if the average is $40 000 to an income of $70 000 if the average is $100 000, that is, most people would rather be poorer, provided others are poorer still. Moreover, in late 2002 when a newspoll survey asked Australian people (richest) whether they can afford to buy everything they need, the answer investigators got is that sixty-two per cent of Australians believe they cannot afford to buy everything they need. If we consider Australia is one of the richest countries, it is a really good example of dissatisfaction and rat race. Self-control is the ability to control ones emotions, behaviors and desires or is the capacity of efficient management to the future, in this process without any control mechanism is it possible to have a good life or live peaceful. Of course NO, because the failure of self-control can cause immense personal and societal repercussions on people. So in this world everyone has to have self- control to handle with obstacles and bad effects of our environment but our possessions are such a dreadful nightmare for self-control that when we look at the whole world suffering of lack of self-control results from more money people have. Because as long as you have more money your ability to prevent yourself from doing something false is getting weaken. For example, using of drugs are known as a way of escaping from stress and most of people dont use it thanks to their self-control because they can see the results of this addiction after usage, but if there is a person who is rich and cannot be happy no longer with his possessions, due to dissatisfaction his/her self-control couldnt work. And at this point he/she lose themselves in drugs and also their happiness lose in it. Beside their happiness their physical health also can be harmed like the brain, heart, and other important organs. We can give more general examples to this case like consumption and credit card debts. If you dont have more money, by fear of debts and overconsumption while you are buying something or spending your money you try to be careful because you can imagine the results of overconsumption thanks to your self- control, but when you lose it, you plunge into debts immediately. So without the self-control we cannot be happy because it is most effective way to be careful about the harmful things. And money is the main enemy of the self-control. On the contrary there is some people claim that money can buy happiness with its benefits in terms of providing higher living standards. Peter Saunders stated that when workers start to get more profit, it results in higher living standards for workers as well as cheaper and more plentiful goods and services. And this improvement leads to a good life for workers. Yes until a certain limit it is true because this world which has capitalist system is not suitable for living without money. Because money provides you necessities like shelter, education, health etc. Furthermore if you have a family, without a good income you cant imagine a good life while you are trying to be alive in this world. But when you have enough money and you are able to supply what you need, after this point moneys importance suddenly decrease and remains only one way to be happy which is not money, just our relationships and our health. According to the Journal of Happiness Studies by Fischer, Claude S. Although Americans wealth increased substantially over the last few decades, their happiness did not. Because as I said before this is not the case of money after a certain point. So no matter without enough money we cannot be happy, it doesnt mean happy comes from wealth and possessions. To conclude, if you have enough money for your basic necessities, after that happiness doesnt come from money. On the contrary, as long as you have a great amount of money or try to have more money than you have, in the pursuit of wealth and possessions you can lose your most important relationships with your friends and family which make you really happy, furthermore your mental and physical health can be affected very badly because of dissatisfaction and lack of self control. Briefly attaining wealth is not essential for our fulfillment even it is against. Work Cited (HM Treasury DTI 2003, p 13-14). The high price of materialism / Mixed Massages By Tim Kasser Why Capitalism is good for the soul By Peter Saunders Journal of Happiness Studies by Fischer,