Advanced Computer Logic

In any organization, it is best that the purchasing transactions be organized in order to reduce purchase transaction costs (About, Inc). The importance of considering the methods involved in purchasing transactions is underscored by the fact that these transactions form the majority of the expenses of an organization (About, Inc). Indeed, it has been noted that â€Å"[i]n a typical organization, 80% of the purchasing transactions represent approximately 20% of the total dollars spent (About, Inc).†Thus, Tom Camp and Eleanor should discuss about changing their procurement process because apparently, it does not serve the best interests of the company. The facts given show that the equipments it purchases have a high obsolescence rate due to differences in preference and orders.Thus, there is a need to streamline the purchasing process of the company and minimize the differences in suppliers and orders, which only cause additional cost to the company.It appears that this situat ion is appropriate for the application of systems contracting. A systems contracting arrangement is described as â€Å"an agreement between the buyer and supplier where the buyer places a blanket order with the supplier and the supplies are delivered to a special area on the buyer’s premises (About, Inc).†This arrangement ensures that the inventory records are in order and constantly updated (About, Inc).In a systems contracting arrangement, the supplier retains ownership of the goods while they are purchase orders are still being generated and the customer is billed at established periods only (About, Inc). This system allows the buyer that his inventory commitment is kept at a minimum (About, Inc).Thus, the buyer is left to deal with his personal concerns regarding maintaining its inventory, without a huge commitment to the seller (About, Inc).  Another option for the company is to adopt the theory of reverse auction, wherein a single buyer would choose from among many sellers so that the buyer could get competitive bids on their needed equipment. This is also an option that could mean savings for the company because only the winning bidder would provide the procured equipment, and the company would no longer concern itself with differences in orders from among the difference departments of the company.Moreover, this could reduce the obsolescence rate of the equipments because the competitive nature of the selection and procurement process would ensure that only the best equipment would be ordered.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Works CitedAbout, Inc. â€Å"Four Methods to Reduce Purchasing Costs.† 2007. 4 Oct. 2007.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   .

My Dream Career Essay

I have a dream seems at first second that is difficult to achieve but with the will and hard work could turn the dream into reality, I want to become the Executive Director of one of the famous companies such as Microsoft. For this job it will be a long and difficult journey. Education: I must be studying in one of the best universities, so I intend to study IT at Bahrain Training Institute. First I will get the Diploma I well study for 2 years then I will get the Higher National Diploma also I will study for 2 years. When I graduate from BTI I will try to get a job to save money to complete my studies. I will study at Al-Ahlia University to get the Bachelor‘s Degree just in one year and Master’s Degree to pass it I have to take a 11 modules (42 credits). There a lot of modules I will take during my studies such as: 1. Programming Techniques 2. Computer Systems 3. Internet Applications and Services 4. Visual Programming 5. Models of Computations and Systems 6. Software Engineering Methods 7. Database Systems: Design and Applications 8. Interactive Systems 9. Networking 10. Software Analysis and Verification 11. Mobile Information and Device programming 12. Information Security 13. Software Project Management 14. Operating Systems 15. Mobile Enterprise Systems 16. Logic Programming and Knowledge Representation 17. Distributed Systems Experience: The experience I will get it when I work in a company during my studies. I will be always hardworking in my job and I will build a relationships with the employees and the company’s directors and owners, and this will help me in the future. I will try to work in more than one company to get a senior positions to be able to reach my dream. Money: There is no doubt that I would need a large sum of money to study, in my studies at BTI I need nearly 600 BD my husband will pay it for me. To study the Bachelor and masters I need nearly 8000 BD. If I could not save enough money to study, I will apply for an educational loan to pay it for my studies and I will repay it from what I get it in my work. Attitude: I don’t have a good communication skills and dealing with others, and I was very shy and not confident in myself a lot, but in my work I improve my communication skills and l learned how to deal with others and my confidence has increased a lot .. After this long and difficult journey in realizing my dream, I hope to see myself as the Executive Director of one of the famous company in the world. Resources: Ahlia University http://www.ahlia.edu.bh/ahliaweb/ BTI – Bahrain Training Institute http://www.bti.com.bh/

Attitudes of Health Care Providers to Persons with HIV/AIDS

Attitudes of Health Care Providers to Persons with HIV/AIDS Attitudes of Health Care Providers to Persons Living With HIV/AIDS in   Lagos State, Nigeria Sylvia Bolanle Adebajo1, Abisola O Bamgbala1 and Muriel A Oyediran2    ABSTRACT This study was conducted to examine the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of nurses and  laboratory technologists towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWA) and the factors  responsible for these attitudes. Information was elicited from 254 randomly selected  nurses and laboratory technologists from 15 government owned health facilities in Lagos  State with the use of a structured questionnaire. Results indicate that most of the  respondents (96.3%) had moderate to good knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Respondents’ level  of knowledge was influenced by the level of formal education attained, length of practice,  gender and attendance at refresher courses on HIV/AIDS (p 0.05). Attitude towards PLWA was poor. Some (55.9%) of the health  workers felt that PLWAs are responsible for their il lness, while 35.4% felt that they  deserve the punishment for their sexual misbehaviours. Only 52.8% of the respondents  expressed willingness to work in the same office with a PLWA, while only 18.0% would  accept to visit or encourage their children to visit a PLWA, probably because of the fear of  contagion. It is, therefore, essential that health care providers be properly informed in  order to improve their quality of care for PLWAs. (Afr J Reprod Health 2003; 7[1]: 103-  112)    KEY WORDS: AIDS, HIV, attitude, health care providers, PLWA INTRODUCTION From the beginning of the pandemic in 1981 to date, HIV has continued to spread at the  rate of more than 10,000 new cases per day despite significant efforts made to contain its  spread.1 If this trend persists unchecked, a cumulative total of over 60 million adults  would have been infected by the end of the year 2000 with the largest number (63%)  emerging from sub-Saharan Africa.2 Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa is not spared, as the epidemic continues to  show a rapidly increasing trend with a median prevalence of over 5% and over two  million people already infected. With the increasing number of people living with HIV/AIDS, AIDS control and  preventive strategies must not only continue to encourage behavioural modifications by  all, but should also highlight the need to respect the rights to care of the increasing number  of people with HIV/AIDS. In addition, there should be full integration of these persons  within the context of their families and the society at large in the most appropriate ways  that would allow them to continue to live productive lives socially and economically. In reality, however, the fear of being infected at workplaces, educational institutions and  in the community has led to irrational and discriminatory treatment of people living with  HIV/AIDS (PLWA). Their rights to employment, housing, education and even health and  nursing care are being violated because of their HIV status.5-7 This practice unfortunately  exists despite strong evidence from research that has revealed that non-sexual contact with  HIV positive individuals carries little or no risk.5, 8-11 This is even more so if careful  precautions with blood products are taken, as this further protects people from contracting  the infection.    Health care providers, who are also members of the general community, are likely to elicit  similar prejudicial and fearful reactions to HIV/AIDS infected persons as members of the  community. The resultant effects of such negative attitudes include poor patient  management, with people being denied most needed treatment, care and support. This in  turn could affect their morale, self-esteem and self-determination to live quality lives  devoid of stigma, fear, repression and discrimination. Maintaining the desired quality of life of people with HIV/AIDS is poss ible mainly  through extensive, competent and compassionate nursing care. Yet, the provision of this  care raises health and occupational concerns for all levels of health care providers. There  is, therefore, an urgent need for all health care providers, particularly nurses who have  direct contact and spend more time with patients, to examine their personal attitudes  towards PLWAs, as this can compromise compassionate care. This study is aimed at determining the level of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of nurses  and laboratory technologists towards HIV/AIDS infected persons and to recommend  appropriate measures to address the deficiencies identified.   MATERIALS AND METHODS This descriptive cross-sectional survey of three hundred registered nurses and laboratory  health technologists was conducted between July and September 1999 in Lagos State, the  most populous state in Nigeria. It was conducted to assess their level of knowledge of the  causes, m odes of transmission and methods prevention of HIV/AIDS and their attitudes to  people living with HIV/AIDS using a well structured, self-administered questionnaire that  contained 44 items. With permission sought from all relevant authorities, selected respondents who gave their full consent to participate in the study were recruited. Prior to this, they were duly  informed about the general nature and purpose of the study and their right to withdraw at  any time without prejudice to their present or future employment. Respondents’ level of knowledge of HIV/AIDS was computed by judging their answers to  the causes, modes of transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS. A mark was awarded for  every correct response to a set of questions and no mark was awarded for incorrect  responses. The total mark obtainable was sixteen and the levels of knowledge based on the  highest scores attainable were as follows: 0-9 = poor knowledge; 10-12 = fair knowledge;  and 1 3-16 = good knowledge. Similarly, respondents’ attitude to PLWA was also assessed quantitatively judging from  the proportion of `yes’ responses to individual questions asked on how they would react,  relate or treat PLWAs. These responses were computed individually.   Sampling From a comprehensive list of government-owned health facilities in the Lagos metropolis,  fifteen health facilities were randomly selected by simple balloting. From each selected  health facility, a list of names of nurses and laboratory technologists was obtained from  the respective medical directors. From the list, respondents were selected by stratified  sampling method using a ratio of two laboratory technologists to three trained nurses. A  maximum of 20 health workers comprising thirteen nurses and seven laboratory  technologists were recruited from each health facility. To ensure anonymity and confidentiality, respondents in each health facility were  requeste d to drop their completed questionnaires devoid of personal identities into sealed  boxes provided by the study team. The questionnaires were administered and collected in  the boxes provided by the principal investigator assisted by four experienced and trained  interviewers. Two hundred and fifty four questionnaires (84.6%) were returned at the end of the data  collection exercise. Data obtained were crosschecked for consistency and analysed using  the statistical analysis software (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, C). RESULTS Two hundred and fifty four health workers comprising one hundred and four (40.9%)  laboratory technologists and one hundred and fifty nurses (59.1%) were surveyed. There  was a disproportionate sex distribution of 181 (71.3%) females and 73 (28.7%) males.   Many (56.7%) of them were aged between 30 and 39 years with a mean age of 36.0 years  (SD 6.42). Less than half of the respondents had practiced for 10-15 years with an average duration of 10.4 years (SD 5.64). Over three quarters of the respondents were  Christians and the majority of them had been sponsored by their health facilities to attend  at least one refresher course on HIV/AIDS. Levels of Knowledge of HIV/AIDS Two hundred and forty respondents (94.5%) claimed that they had seen at least one case  of AIDS. Based on a total of 16 marks, one hundred respondents (39.4%) had very good  knowledge, one hundred and forty five (57.1%) had fair knowledge, while only nine  (3.5%) had poor knowledge. A high level of knowledge of HIV/AIDS was displayed by  respondents who had higher level of formal education compared to those with lower levels  (p = 0.016). The longer the length of practice, the higher the level of knowledge (p =  0.0003); more males (40.6%) than females (37.5%) had excellent scores on knowledge (p= 0.009); and attending a refresher course on HIV/AIDS was associated with a higher  level of knowledge (p = 0.01). In contrast, age, occupation and religion did not  significantly influence the level of knowledge of respondents (p > 0.05). Although the overall level of knowledge of the modes of transmission and methods of  prevention was fair, there were some deficiencies and misconceptions. (Table 1)   Causes and Modes of Transmission of HIV Over ninety five per cent of the respondents knew the causes of AIDS and correctly  identified heterosexual intercourse, blood transfusion and sharp instruments as some  modes of transmission of HIV. However, in addition to these, some respondents believed  that HIV could also be transmitted through insect bites (15.7%), hugging or touching an  infected person (9.4%), sharing the same toilet and cooking utensils with an infected  person (9.4%), and by having skin contact with an infected person (27.1%).   High Risk Target Population People who indulge in prostitution, homosexuality and multiple sexual partnering were  correctly identified by ove r 90% of the respondents as groups of people at high risk of  contracting HIV. However, an appreciable proportion (50%) of the respondents failed to  identify commercial drivers, adolescents and drug addicts as other high risk groups. Likewise, the respondents had poor knowledge of the groups of people least likely to  contract HIV. For example, 72.4% and 92.1% respectively of the respondents incorrectly  identified patients in hospital and health care providers as groups also at high risk of  contracting HIV/AIDS. Areas of Misconception Identified    Some degree of homophobia was detected among the respondents. Over one third of the  them felt that all homosexuals have AIDS. A large proportion of the respondents (82.7%)  did not know that women are at increased risk of contracting or transmitting HIV during  their menstrual period. A few of the respondents (18.1%) felt that AIDS is curable if  treatment is commenced early. Although 94.5% of the respond ents correctly identified blood as a vehicle of transmission  of HIV, only 81.1% and 71.7% correctly identified vaginal and semen secretions  respectively. Furthermore, 69.9%, 78.0% and 76.4% of the respondents respectively  thought that HIV can be transmitted through saliva, tears and sweat.   Attitudes of Respondents to People Living with HIV/AIDS Two hundred and thirty eight respondents (93.7%) believed that HIV/AIDS is a serious  threat to health workers and 87% believed that treating PLWA puts them at increased risk  of contracting HIV. Many of the respondents (79.5%) believed that an HIV infected  person poses a great danger to others, 34.7% felt that HIV infected persons should be  isolated, over half (55.9%) felt that AIDS patients are responsible for their illness, and 90  (34.4%) felt that they deserve the consequences of their reckless life as a form of  punishment from God. Many (89.8%), however, felt that they do not deserve to die.  Majority ( 94.5%) felt that they deserve to be treated with empathy and understanding and  given the best medical care possible. Whilst many of the respondents felt that persons with AIDS should be allowed to live  their normal lives, i.e., to continue working or schooling, 44 (17.3%) believed that they  should be relieved of their jobs and 50 (19.7%) recommended that students infected with  AIDS should be expelled from school. The majority of respondents (91.3%) claimed that they would retain their friendship with  PLWAs, 154 (52.8%) expressed their willingness to work in the same office with an  AIDS patient and only 46 (18.0%) said they would visit or encourage their children to  visit an AIDS patient. Attitude of Health Workers towards Treatment of HIV/AIDS Patients Ninety three per cent of the respondents accepted that they are duty bound to treat all ill  ersons irrespective of their HIV status and agreed to treat persons known to be infected  with HIV/AIDS. A l ower percentage (87.4%) agreed to examine or touch them. Most of  the respondents (87.4%) advocated for the screening of all patients prior to admission into  the wards particularly those admitted for surgical procedures, but only 108 (42.5%) would  encourage the admission of PLWAs to the wards.    Respondents’ Level of Awareness of the Universal Precautions against HIV Two hundred and eight respondents (81.9%) were aware of and had read the universal  precautions for health workers, while only 66 (26.0%) were aware of its existence at their  workplaces. Only about half (52.4%) were privileged to attend a refresher course on HIV/AIDS, and when asked almost all the respondents expressed the desire to attend a  refresher course on HIV/AIDS if given the opportunity. Attitudes of Health Workers to HIV Screening Only seventy respondents (28.0%) had been screened for HIV. Of these, 31.4% were  screened prior to blood donation, 45.7% out of curiosity or for p ersonal interests, 17.1%  either on doctor’s advice or for routine antenatal check, and 5.7% for travel requirements.  Other respondents (72.0%) had never been screened because of fear (18.5%), high cost of  the test(s) (9.8%), and a strong conviction that they will never be infected (71.7%).   However, many of the respondents (83.5%) said they were willing to be tested if HIV  screening is provided free of charge. All the respondents unanimously agreed that HIV  screening should be made free for all health workers. More respondents aged 30-39 years (37.5%) had been screened for HIV when compared  with 11.1% and 16.2% of those aged 20-29 years and above 40 years respectively (p =  0.0001). More male respondents (46.6%) had been screened for HIV compared to 20.3%  of females (p = 0.0003). The longer the length of practice, the less likely it was for  respondents to have been screened (p = 0.03). Also, 34.6% of the laboratory technologists  were screen ed, compared to 23.3% of nurses although this difference was weakly  statistically significant (p = 0.049). In contrast, the level of formal education and religion of respondents did not significantly  influence whether or not they were screened for HIV (p > 0.05). DISCUSSION Until recently, HIV/AIDS control programmes in Nigeria had focused primarily on  preventing the spread of HIV through behaviour modifications. However, with the  growing number of PLWAs, there is increasing concern on the crucial role of the health  care delivery system in providing wide range of care and support. This has become  inevitable as almost every person living with HIV is bound to fall sick at one time or the  other, thereby requiring medical care from health workers who are well trained and  willing to provide such care. The study revealed that a significant proportion (96.5%) of the study subjects had  appreciable (moderate to high scores) knowledge of the causes and preve ntion of HIV/ AIDS. However, in spite of this, there existed many gaps in their knowledge of HIV and  they had various misconceptions regarding how HIV/AIDS can be transmitted. In  addition, a strong apprehension on how to handle the contagious nature of the disease was  revealed. Most of the respondents (96.0%) knew the causative agent of AIDS to be a virus and the  main modes of transmission to be sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, sharing sharp  objects and perinatal transmission. However, there were also erroneous beliefs by the  majority of the respondents that the HIV could be transmitted through insect bites  (84.3%), touching and hugging (90.6%), sharing of toilet facilities with infected persons  (90.6%), and poor levels of health and nutrition (92.9%). Okotie et al, in their study  amongst civil servants, reported much lower figures of 36.8% and 37.9% on the sharing of  utensils and casual kissing respectively as other modes of transmission.   Epidemiological studies throughout the world have reported only three main modes of  HIV transmission. One is through sexual intercourse with an infected person; second,  through exposure to blood, blood products or transplanted organs or tissues; and third,  from an infected mother to her fetus or infant before, during or shortly after birth.  Casual contacts such as touching, hugging and kissing an infected person with HIV/AIDS  do not result in HIV transmission.18 Respondents had varied knowledge of people at high risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. Whilst a significant proportion correctly identified prostitutes (100%), homosexuals (93.7%), people with multiple sexual partners (94.4%), only 64.6%, 44.4% and 45.2% ofthe respondents respectively correctly identified intravenous drug users, commercial  drivers and adolescents as other high risk groups. In addition, many of them did not seem  to know groups of people who are least likely to contract HIV/AIDS. For exampl e, 92.1%  and 72.4% of the respondents felt that health workers and in-patients are at very high risk  of contracting HIV. Odujinrin et al reported much lower figures (51.5%) of health workers  who identified homosexuals as a high risk group. Studies have suggested that the risk of nosocomial transmission of HIV is extremely low  (0.3%) even after accidental parenteral inoculation.6,8,17,20-21 The incidence of HIV  infection resulting from needle stick injury is a rare event with only 41 cases reported  worldwide.

Note Taking and Referencing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Note Taking and Referencing - Essay Example What is the essence of approaching problems from a new perspective? How possible is it for managers to adapt to the changes in the 21st century? What is objective of finding a balance in effective management? How do incentives influence workers’ productivity if they form part of company goals and objectives? What is the function of dynamism in organizations in the 21st century? 3. Incentives motivate workers to work hard. Motivation gives employees a new lease of completing tasks. Approaching problems from a new perspective helps people to adapt with change. Managers could listen to their 21st century employees. A balance in effective management ensures that there is an agreement in decisions. By incentives becoming part of company goals and objectives, implementation becomes easier. Dynamism helps managers adapt to change. 4. I can apply these facts in making deductions such as the roles of managers, employees and clients in seeking a neutral ground on issues of motivation. T hey will also help me to examine how they are connected with productivity. 5. In my review, I think the facts should be implemented promptly to help organizations succeed. Part 2: Summary My choice of video in business and management is The Puzzle of Motivation by Dan Pink. The speaker begins by noting that he made certain errors that he has never shared with anyone but could do so within the forum. He then confesses that when he went to law school, he failed terribly and it was not a good thing because it was under the influence of youthful digression. Consequently, he was barred from practicing law but on the advice of his wife; he intends to impart a few of the legal skills in building a case to demonstrate motivational perspectives at the workplace as a vital factor in management (Hertel 2003, p. 120). In other words, Dan Pink applies a lawyerly analogy to explain how people run their businesses. He starts with the Candle Problem that was started in 1945 and well familiar exampl e to the audience. Arguing that it is part of a behavioral science, Pink asserts that attempting to fix the candle on the wall without letting it drip on the table forms the backbone of sound management. Similarly, after making several futile attempts according to the speaker, people often settle for the functional fixedness method 10 minutes later as the last solution. Dan Pink further quotes an eminent scientist who has used the Candle Problem to broadly explain the essence of incentives at the workplace as an instrumental form of effective management. In his demonstration, the scientist rounded up his participants and asked them how quick they could tackle a problem under strict timing. On that account, he subdivided the groups into two with one asked to calculate the averages and the normal time it takes to solve a normal problem while the other was promised rewards if they achieved the same task. The scientist guaranteed them that if they attained above 25 percent, then they wo uld get closely $5 for a job well done and the best would receive a total sum of $20. However, this offer came in the backdrop of a severe economic meltdown meaning the scientist had attained the role of a nice motivator in inspiring the second group (Latham 2007, p. 156). Consequently, the second group only spent less than three and half minutes to resolve the problem. According to Dan Pink, if anybody wishes his workers to perform better, the management should reward them by

International Finance (Compare between the current rate and The Essay

International Finance (Compare between the current rate and The temporal method) - Essay Example Thus, the use of the current rate method and the temporal method of foreign exchange come into play. This paper looks at the each of the two methods and compares them. The current rate method involves the conversion of foreign currencies, Items on balance sheets and income statements at the exchange rate that is current (Investopedia, 2009), hence the name. On the other hand, the temporal method converts the same based on time (Investopedia, 2009). That is to say, if an item is valued at the market cost then the current market rate is used and if it is valued at historical cost then the historical rate is used to translate the value of said item. Of these two methods, the current rate method is the more popular. This is because unlike the temporal method, which is constantly changing, this method is more static and has only one variable, which is the current exchange rate. Also rather than recording profits and losses associated with the conversion in the net income, it is recorded and presented in a reverse account. This creates simplicity in the interpretation of the earnings. The temporal method combines the two, losses/profits, and net income thus causing the volatility of the earnings expected From the above, there is a clear advantage in the use of the current rate method as it provides more accurate and static results trough separation of net income from the losses and profits compared to the temporal method, which consolidates losses/profits with the net income. Also current rate method depends only on the current exchange rate while the temporal method relays on the current or historical market depending on the nature of the value of the

D.A.R.E. Drug Abuse Resistance Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

D.A.R.E. Drug Abuse Resistance Education - Essay Example The most prevalent drug education program in existence is the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, commonly referred to as D.A.R.E. This is a program currently taught in all 50 states as well as in foreign countries and is in the vast majority of all school systems. Despite its immense popularity, there has been great debate in whether or not the program is successfully maintaining its own goals of preventing the nations’ youth from engaging in substance use/abuse. In this paper, I will present arguments and studies both for and against the program and its effectiveness. This paper will also demonstrate that with all the research that has been examined in the debate over the effectiveness of the D.A.R.E. program, there may be crucial questions that have not yet been addressed that might further reveal D.A.R.E.’s influence on youth. Literature Review The following literature review attempts to demonstrate and support the hypothesis that the D.A.R.E. program is effect ive in combating drug use among the nations’ youth. Ennet et al., (1994) carried out a research to analyze the effectiveness of D.A.R.E program in meta-analysis. ... In two of their studies, there was reliable information on the long-term effects of the program. However, there was no indication D.A.R.E’s effectiveness deters individuals from using drugs even at their adult stage. In illuminating some light on Ennet et al., (1994), (Hansen, et al. 1988) conducted, a study to that aimed at preventing multiple substances among seventh grade students. In their research, two drug abuse prevention curricula tested aimed at determining their efficacy in preventing the onset of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use among adolescents. The first program focused on prevention through social pressure resistance training, while the second featured affective education approaches to prevention. A test on curricula was on seventh grade students. Subjects were pretested just prior to the program and post-tested at 12 and 24 months. Post-test analyses indicated that the social program delivered to seventh grade subjects was effective in delaying the onset of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use. There was no preventive effect of the affective education program was observed. By the final post-test, classrooms that had received the affective program had significantly more drug use than controls. A study conducted in 1991 suggested that two strategies for preventing the onset of alcohol abuse and marijuana and cigarette use were tested in junior high schools in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, California. The first strategy taught skills to refuse substance use offers. The second strategy corrected erroneous normative perceptions about prevalence and acceptability of use among peers and established conservative groups norms regarding use. Four experimental

The Human Resource Function of Harrison Brothers Corporation Assignment

The Human Resource Function of Harrison Brothers Corporation - Assignment Example They also want to convert the empty spaces into selling spots and want to stock and sell the in demand brands. Moreover, they are also looking to better forecast their sales and maintain better inventory records by using computer systems. Also, they want to increase the productivity of their staff. Ans 3: Harrison is headed by an Executive Vice President and General Manager. The Branch Store Manager works under him. Within the branch, Harrison has divided it’s human resources into three departments: HR, Sales and Operations. The sales department is itself divided into three departments each headed by a Sales Manager. Each Sales Manager looks after the sales of a number of sales categories. The HR manager has four people working under him responsible for assistance, training and payroll processing. The Operations Manager oversees five employees responsible for receiving, maintenance, supplies, security and accounting. Ans 4: Exhibit 1.4 presents a summary of the responses made by HR and Store Managers on how much importance they give to the various HR functions. In some of the functions, both of them have given equal importance, which means that they will support and approve the HR department’s activities in these areas. Store Managers give more importance to areas such as compensation and training and development, while Ans 5: At Harrison Brothers, the HR department was not up to the mark in its performance. However, since McCain has joined she has taken measures to reorganize the HR department and upgrade its performance. Given the strategic objectives of Harrison Brothers, I believe they need to hire a more educated and trained workforce. Rather than hiring sales people in general which they can place in any category, they should hire sales people who can perform well in specific areas, such as women clothing, furniture, house wares etc. This would make the sales force more focused and allow them to specialize in

Criminal Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 5

Criminal Law - Essay Example The Act describes the nature of such offences and suggests penalties against such acts and omissions. In the same way, the Act condemns any sexual activity practiced or performed without free consent of both the parties to the contract and views such sexual act an offence, which is based on fraudulence, undue influence, coercion, misrepresentation or any other related act that reveals the non-compliance of the aggrieved party and hits his/her freedom of choice. Malignantly doing any act known to be likely to spread infection of any disease dangerous to life is a serious offence and the offender of such act is liable to be punished under the section 269 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. In the same way, Law forbids a person undergoing contagious and venereal disease(s) from entering into sexual relationship with any other person without bringing to the knowledge of the other all information regarding his/her infectious disease, as well as taking protective measures necessary to save the partner form bodily harm of transmitting the disease he suffers. In addition, the statute of law not only condemns involving into sexual intercourse without the free will of the parties, but also it does not allow any such act in which the element of misrepresentation involves. Misrepresentation stands for the statement made by a party to a contract, that a thing relating to it is in fact in a particular way, when he knows it is not so. Sexual Offence 2003 is the outcome of the changes that took place with the induction of new laws as well as discovery of new diseases afflicting the individuals of society. Free sex with the consent of the parties as well as homosexual activities are also among the significant factors along with the discovery of human immunodeficiency virus known as HIV more than a decade ago, to bring in new laws and amend old

Current macroeconomic situation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Current macroeconomic situation - Essay Example economic productivity in the US depicted in the numerous productions and purchases in terms of goods and services, the rates of national unemployment have remained steadily high. This implies that increment in the overall productivity of both goods and services is not playing any noteworthy role in the generation of fresh jobs for the general populace. It further implies that employers are not offering job opportunities to fresh workers in order to develop the required growth rates. In the most recent probe into the macroeconomic situation, Consumer Price Index with regard to urban consumers stood constant during the month of December similar to the month of November. The index for all goods except for food and energy rose significantly by 0.1% in December after it augmented to 0.2 in November (BLS, 2012). This has been presented as the inflation levels for US for the fiscal months of December and November. According to reports on employment and unemployment, a rise in the nonfarm payroll job offering augmented by 200, 000 in December 2011, while the unemployment rate continued to drop at 8.5% (Haskell, 2011). Job opportunities emerged in the conveyance, warehousing, retail vending, industrialized, medical and mining sector of the economy. According to the presented report, real GDP, which is the production of goods and services that US generated in labor and property augmented to a yearly rate of 1.8% as per the third quarter of last year (Haskell, 2011). Previously, the second quarter of last year saw an augment of the real GDP by 1.3%. Currently, the expansionary fiscal tools such as the purchases made by the government on taxes are not working within the current situation. The working group has been amassing less experience concerning jobs than expected, which consequently leads to augment in inflation and unemployment (Bullard, 2011). Although inflation is triggered by supply side dilemmas, inflation and unemployment augment in a similar manner making the

Verbal Abuse against Children Essay Example for Free

Verbal Abuse against Children Essay Verbal abuse is increasingly being recognized for its negative effects (Visaing, Straus, Gelles, Harrop, p. 223-238). Subjecting children to the victimization of their mothers is a severe form of psychological maltreatment. Despite the parents attempts to shield the children from adult violence, most children witness some violence against their mothers and are likely to at least hear the violence (Phillips, Lukens, Casriel, p. 111-121). Hiding in their bedrooms out of fear, the children may hear repeated threats of injury, verbal assaults on their mothers character, objects hurled across the room, suicide attempts, beatings, and threats to kill (Rosenberg, p. 85-89). Such exposure arouses a mixture of intense feelings in the children that include fear that the mother will be killed, guilt that they could not stop the violence, divided loyalties, and anger at the mother for not leaving (James Madison University, Center for Child Abuse Education, p. 114). Even a single episode of violence can produce posttraumatic stress disorder in the children (Stullman, Schoenenberger, Hanks, p. 32). Thus, the father who batters is at risk for emotionally traumatizing the children because he already has a history of doing so. The immediate problems of the children can be divided into two broad categories: (1) internalized problems such as withdrawn or anxious behavior and (2) externalized problems such as aggressive and delinquent behaviors. Some children show both types. In one study three-fourths of the children of battered women exhibited clinically significant behavioral problems, compared with only 13 percent of those in a control group (Jaffe, Wolfe, Wilson, Zak, p. 142-146). The impact on behavior may be greatest for children who are exposed to the most conflict between the parents and are treated punitively. The effects may differ by gender, but the findings are not consistent (for example, Davis Carlson, p. 278-291). The children may also develop hearing, speech, and learning difficulties (Penfold, p. 108-114). Teenage children may turn to alcohol and drug use. The ability of the children to solve social problems is also impaired. The children tend to do poorly on measures testing their understanding of social situations and the thoughts and feelings of others and are less able to deal with an emergency (Jaffe et al. , p. 45). Exposure to violence is likely to teach male children how to be abusive throughout their lives, thus contributing to the intergenerational transmission of violence. Factors That May Affect Risk of Abuse Besides knowing which parent is most at risk for physically or emotionally abusing their children, there may be important factors that raise or lower the level of risk, including parental separation and parents traumas, psychological profiles, and participation in treatment. Parental Separation Many men who batter cling to the marital relationship after separation and continue to harass and physically abuse their partners. Some wives are killed during separation in the context of custody disputes or visitation (Saunders Browne, p. 379-402). An abuser may try to control his partner by having the children act as spies, or he may lash out at the children if he views his partner and children as a single entity and feels vengeful (Chesler, p. 67). Wallerstein and Kellys study of divorced families illustrates how men who batter try to convince the children and the court that their partners are either morally bankrupt or emotionally unfit to continue mothering (pp. 28-29). The children will also be exposed to more violence if either partner is a victim or offender in a new relationship. However, the risk of exposure differs for men and women. It does not seem, as practice lore has it, that battered women are likely to find a new abuser. Pagelow (p. 65) found that only 33 percent of the battered women in her study were in more than one violent relationship. The national norm of all marriages that have experienced violence at some point is about the same-28 percent (Straus, Gelles, Steinmetz, p. 62-64). On the other hand, abusers may have more than a 50 percent chance of battering in a new relationship, with rates ranging from 57 percent to 86 percent in two nonrandom studies (Pagelow, 76). Parents Childhood Traumas Perhaps the most common truism among those trying to determine the potential for child abuse is that being abused as a child is a strong predictor of becoming a child abuser. In the past it was believed that because both battered women and their partners were likely to have been abused in childhood, both have about the same chance of abusing their children. Recent evidence, however, suggests that two pieces of practice lore need to be modified. First, all studies do not find that either battered women or their partners are more likely to have been abused in childhood. Hotaling and Sugarman (p. 101-124) found that four out of 13 studies they reviewed did not confirm the notion that battered women or men who batter were abused in childhood. A more consistent risk marker was for the men to have witnessed violence between parents (14 out of 16 studies). When witnessing violence is combined with being abused in childhood, an especially potent risk factor is created for becoming a woman and child abuser (Straus et al. , p. 68-95). Second, it was also believed that most parents who abuse their children were abused themselves. There is a positive relationship between being abused and becoming an abuser, but the relationship is not as strong as was once thought (Jayaratne, p. 23-43). Kaufman and Zigler (p. 186-198) concluded from their review of studies that about 30 percent of those who were abused as children were likely to become abusers. If a broader definition of abuse is used, as in the national study by Straus (p. 213-234), only 15 percent of those who were frequently abused by their parents abused their own children. Of those who were not abused, 8 percent abused their children. Bowker, Arbitell, and McFerron ( p. 158-175) concluded from their survey of battered women that male dominance and violence against wives, especially marital rape, was a much more important link to child abuse by fathers than the fathers childhood victimization. When there is a link between childhood victimization and later abuse, there is some evidence that it is stronger in men. Miller and Challas (p. 29-43) found that of those who were abused as children, 31 percent of the men and 19 percent of the women were rated as being at high risk for abusing their own children. Parents Psychological Profiles Psychological evaluations are frequently ordered in contested child custody cases, and social workers need to know the strengths and limits of these evaluations. In general, the prediction of dangerous behavior is best made from past violent behavior and not from general personality traits. Wolfe (p. 462-482) concluded from his literature review that underlying personality attributes and traits have been unable to detect any patterns associated with child abuse beyond general descriptions of displeasure in the parental role and stress-related complaints (p. 465). A more relevant indicator of risk for child abuse is the Child Abuse Potential Inventory (Milner, p. 41-54). Men who batter have been shown to score higher on this measure than nonbatterers (Milner Gold, p. 169-172). In custody and visitation evaluations, the measure needs to be supplemented with interview and background data (Saunders, p. 208-235). Evaluations are often complicated by the ability of many of the men who batter to function well while their partners appear pathological (Ayoub, Grace, Paradise, Newberger, p. 191-207). Despite appearances, the men are likely to have longstanding, severe problems such as alcoholism and emotional wounds from childhood traumas. A large proportion has personality disorders. Hotaling and Sugarmans (p. 101-124) review did not find similar chronic problems in battered women. There is evidence that if the women develop psychological problems, they are the direct result of battering. The nonviolent tactics of men who batter are also likely to contribute to the womens emotional turmoil. Many tactics are similar to those used against prisoners of war. The men often isolate the women; blame them for the abuse; falsely accuse them of infidelity; and put labels on them like crazy, stupid, or whore (Walker, p. 34). The men may also make death threats, especially if the women try to leave. When a woman learns that her partner wants custody of the children, her stress can become overwhelming, because her goal in leaving her partner is often to protect the children. Posttraumatic stress disorder and depression are the likely outcomes of such an ordeal. When Rosewater (p. 86-96) administered the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory to a group of battered women, their average profile showed features consistent with borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia. She interpreted the findings, not as a sign of severe psychopathology, but as an indication that battered woman can be severely traumatized by the battering and fear of its recurrence. Therefore, using psychological test scores and courtroom behavior to assess the parenting abilities of battered women must be done with extreme caution. Crites and Coker (p. 9-13) noted that the battered woman may appear in court to be unstable, nervous, inarticulate, or angry because of her ordeal. The author worked on a case in which the judge interpreted a womans attempt to find safety as pathological, stating that she had shown evidence of impulsivity and poor judgment because of her recent precipitous move to another state. Crites and Coker (p. 40-43) noted that therapists as well as judges make such interpretations. Another symptom-flat affect-may also works against the women. Women may develop such an affect to guard against painful memories. Practitioners, attorneys, and judges may mistakenly assume that the womans apparent indifference to danger means that she accepts it, rather than seeing that she is suffering from psychic numbing. A battered womans psychological state can certainly affect her ability to parent. For example, battered womens depression appears to be related to their childrens problems as much as the childrens exposure to violence (Wolfe, Jaffe, Wilson, Zak, p. 657-665). If severe, maternal depression can lead to neglect of the childrens needs. A major goal in assessment is to determine the likelihood that the depression will lift once the woman is safely away from her abuser. Some battered women turn to drug and alcohol abuse to cope with their depression, pain, and fear. The goal of assessment is to determine the prognosis for recovery once she is safe from violence. Drug and alcohol abuse by women makes it easier to see them as bad victims. When drug or alcohol abuse or depression impairs a battered woman, she may be held liable for her partners abuse of the children, an extension of societys stereotype that places mothers in the role of ultimate protector of their children. Just as in cases of father-daughter incest where mothers are sometimes veiwed as complicit, many courts contend that women could have stopped their partners from physically abusing the children (Crites Coker, p. 42). Schechter (cited in Suh, 1989) suggested that victims can put us in touch with our own vulnerability, and some who cant tolerate those feelings find it easier to turn them into anger at the victim (p. 63). Practitioners are not immune from these feelings. They may see the woman as passive, uncooperative, and ambivalent rather than as caught between the fear of battering and the agencys requirements for child protection. An innovative program described by Schechter and Gary (1992) provides advocacy for battered women in a pediatric setting, which is ideal for helping battered women because they often seek help for their children before seeking it for themselves. A peer advocate works with the woman to help keep her and her children safe. Parents Participation in Treatment If interventions could efficiently and effectively reduce the child abuse potential of either or both parents then custody and visitation recommendations could be made based on the completion of treatment or other interventions. Unfortunately, some interventions used with these cases are ineffective or even hazardous for battered women and their children. For example, the unqualified application of family systems theories and mediation models can be risky. Many of these models assume equal power among family members and equal responsibility for causing family problems. Abuse is often seen as arising from poor communication or alcoholism. If divorce counselors use such models, battered women and their children may be placed at greater risk for abuse. The patriarchal structure of the family is supported, and consequently there is an increased risk of woman abuse. Furthermore, if conjoint sessions are used, the mother or children may reveal continued abuse or a desire for the father to leave the family. The family may be left unprotected from the mans rage after the counseling session. Divorce mediators may apply some of these same principles. Walker and Edwall (p. 127-154) concluded that abusive men are unlikely to be able to put their childrens needs ahead of their own. Mediators may believe that they can equalize the power difference, but battered women carry with them a terror that makes them prone to give in. Also, mediation offers no enforcement of agreements, and in many states what is revealed to the mediator is not held in confidence. Some mediators seem to provide more safety because they have separate assessment and mediation sessions (Zemmelman, Steinman, Knoblauch, p. 32-37). Magana and Taylor (p. 50-64) provided special training and protocols for mediators and found that separate sessions and protective measures were more likely in the most violent cases. Out of concern for power and safety issues, some states are now exempting battered women from required mediation. A number of guidelines are available for mediators and judges to help them screen for abuse and decide on a course of action (Crises Coker, 9-13). Innovative treatments to help men who batter end their violence have not been evaluated extensively. Social workers and their clients need to know that recidivism rates after treatment can be fairly high, ranging from about 15 percent to 40 percent more than one year after treatment (Saunders Azar, p. 481-545). In addition, many men leave treatment prematurely even when they are legally mandated to attend. Also, psychological abuse by many of the men is not reduced after treatment (Saunders Azar, p. 481-545). Treatment programs for men who batter usually do not contain material on parent training. However, many methods of anger management for men who batter are the same as those used to help abusing parents (for example, Schinke, Schilling, Barth, Gilchrist, Maxwell, p. 13-26). Thus, men who batter have the potential for transferring the same skills to their parenting role. There is some evidence that the men have lower child abuse potential after treatment. A study by Stacey and Shupe (p. 64) showed a substantial reduction in actual child abuse by men as reported by their partners. Problems with Visitation and Joint Custody Joint custody laws are now in effect in most states to encourage or mandate the sharing of parental responsibilities. Joint custody has many advantages when a woman has adequate financial resources and a partner who is nonabusive and supports her as a parent. However, many practitioners are having second thoughts about joint custody because of financial hardships for women and the risk of renewed trauma to the children (Geffner Pagelow, p. 151-159). Elkin (p. 18-24) listed the types of parents for whom joint custody is appropriate. These parents are committed to making joint custody work out of love for their children, are willing and able to negotiate differences, and are able to separate husband and wife roles from parental roles. These are rarely the characteristics of domestic violence cases. Emery and Wyer (p. 472-480) have contended that joint custody is contraindicated when there has been family violence. Elkin (p. 18-24) listed contraindicating factors that often coexist with wife abusefor example, a history of alcohol or other drug dependency, the parents inability to agree on childrearing, and family disorganization. One problem with joint custody is that battered women may agree to it because they are coerced and do not want to look bad in a sole custody trial. Conclusion Recent legislation reflects the growing reservations about joint custody. Most states now have statutory clauses to take marital violence into account when making custody decisions. It is hoped that such laws will counter the trend that places financial ability and two-parent families as the highest standards in awarding custody. Men who batter are likely to win custody with these standards because they usually have higher incomes and remarry sooner than their ex-partners. Joint custody and visitation allow abusers continued contact with their partners. Supervised visitation may provide important father-child contact that prevents idealization of the absent father. It is ironic that women were once told to fabricate cruel treatment by their spouses to obtain a divorce, yet today, cruelty to women and children is often not believed, especially mothers charges of child abuse in the midst of a custody dispute. Abuse may be revealed only after separation because the mother feels safer reporting it then, or abuse may start in the years immediately following separation because it is a very stressful time. Many battered women face a catch-22; when the abuse spills over to their children, they may seek shelter or flee to another state, yet they may be punished for doing so. One judge stated that a womans extensive contacts with a battered womans shelter meant that her environment was characterized by self-interest and excessive liberalism (Fredericks, 1986, p. 2). Works Cited Ayoub, C. C., Grace, P. F., Paradise, J. E., Newberger, E. H. Alleging psychosocial impairment of the accuser to defend oneself against a child abuse allegation. Child and Youth Services, 15 (1991), 191-207. Bowker L. H., Arbitell, M., McFerron, J. R. On the relationship between wife beating and child abuse. ln K. Yllo M. Bograd (Eds.), Feminist perspectives on wife abuse (pp. 158-175). Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications, 1988. Chesler, P. Mothers on trial: The battle for children and custody. Seattle: Seal Press, 1987. Crites, L., Coker, D. What therapists see that judges might miss: A unique guide to custody decisions when spouse abuse is charged. JudgesJournal, 27(2) (1988). 9-13, 40-43. Davis, L. V., Carlson, B. E. Observations of spouse abuse: What happens to the children? Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 2(3) (1987), 278-291. Elkin, M. Joint custody: Affirming that parents and families are forever. Social Work, 32 (1987), 18-24. Emery, R. E., Wyer, M. M. Divorce mediation. American Psychologist 42(5) (1987), 472-480. Fantuzzo, J. W., Lindquist, C. U. (1990). The effects of observing conjugal violence on children. Journal of Family Violence, 4, 77-94. Geffner, R., Pagelow, M. D. Mediation and child custody issues in abusive relationships. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 8 (1990), 151-159. Hotaling, G. T., Sugarman, D. B. An analysis of risk markers in husband to wife violence: The current state of knowledge. Violence and Victims, 1 (1986), 101-124. Jaffe, P. G., Wolfe, D. A., Wilson, S. K. Children of battered women. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications, 1990.

The Importance Of Peat Bogs Environmental Sciences Essay

The Importance Of Peat Bogs Environmental Sciences Essay Peat is a material that is left in the ground by decaying vegetation, and is found in many parts of the world. Conditions most favourable to peat are low temperatures and a fairly moist atmosphere. Peat is formed in waterlogged, sterile, acidic conditions of bogs. These conditions favour the growth of mosses, especially Sphagnum. Sphagnum is a pale or ashy moss from the genus Sphagnum whose decomposed remains from peat. Peat is brownish/black in colour and in its natural state is composed of 90% water and 10% solid material. Peat consists of sphagnum moss along with roots, leaves, flowers, seeds of heathers, grasses and sedges. There are several types of peat: Fen Peat: is a black peat and contains a large amount of lime. It is usually found in hollows or in the beds of shallow lakes. This is found mainly off the Curragh, Co.Kildare. Blanket bog Peat: is generally found in Irish mountains and in flat areas in Donegal, Galway, Mayo and Kerry. It is composed primarily of grasses. Raised bog Peat: is formed mainly from sphagnum moss. Sphagnum is the main type. These are found exclusively in central Ireland, mainly in the Shannon basin. (Irish Peatland Conservation Council 2002). Here is an example of a peat bog landscape taken in Dublin, Eastern Ireland. (Travel Pod, Peat Bogs Dublin, Ireland). What is a bog? A bog is a type of wetland characterized by a thick mat of partially decomposed material and highly acidic water. Bogs have been useful to humans for thousands of years, providing a source of fuel in the form of peat and food in the form of berries which grow on bog shrubs such as cranberries. Peat bogs are wetland sites with poor drainage. Peat bogs are fed by rainwater and the soil builds up its own water table and acidity. Sphagnum mosses grow and decompose eventually forming layers of peat. Peat piles below the surface and may be many metres deep. (Environment and Heritage Service 2004). Formation of a Peat Bog: Flooded hollows and basins provide idyllic growing conditions for reeds and sedges. When the vegetation dies, it does not rot away completely as the water in the hollows prevents oxygen from reaching the dead plants. The partly-rotted plants steadily build up to form fen peat. Eventually dark fibrous peat completely fills the hollow to form a fen. Most of the nutrients are tied up in the peat and so the only minerals available for plant growth are those dissolved in rainfall. Layers of bog moss, which has the ability to create their own acid environment, begin to replace the fen vegetation and alter fen into true bog. A growing thickness of sphagnum peat slowly accumulates and the surface of the bog starts to rise above the surrounding land. The original fen has now become a raised bog. Raised bogs are mostly found on the lowlands around Lough Neagh, along the Bann Valley and in counties, such as Fermanagh and Tyrone. (Natural Heritage 2005 Abbot 1997). This image is of a raised bog in the Bann River Valley, which is situated in Northern Ireland, separating Londonderry from Antrim. (Irish Peatland Conservation Council 1998). The importance of peat bogs and there benefits. Peat bogs are very important and extremely beneficial to the environment and humans. They are; A living archive. A rich record of information lies sealed in our bogs. Much of this is organic and has a capacity to expand our understanding of people, culture, economy and climate far back to prehistory. Peat bogs have produced some of the most impressive finds of Irish archaeology, including extremely fresh-looking bodies of some of our ancestors. The lack of oxygen in the peat prevents the normal decomposing processes from taking place and so bogs have sealed within them a vast assortment of gold, bronze, amber, wooden and stone objects. These can tell us about how and where people lived in ancient Ireland. Archaeologists have discovered many fascinating structures within and below the peat. Some remains can be revealed without digging the peat. For example; the Stone Age farmland in the Cà ©ide fields, co. Mayo, is covered by up to 4 metres deep. The outline of the farm walls can be mapped by probing with iron rods which go down through the peat until they hit a solid structure. By inquiring at the right angles to the wall, its possible to establish the level of the old ground surface under the bog and the location and elevation of the wall built on the surface. (Irish Peatland Conservation Council 2002). A Habitat. Peat bogs are rich in range of plants and wildlife, some of which are exclusive to these environments. They are home to thousands of insects, including butterflies, dragonflies, and a rare raft spider. Nearly up to a thousand plants grow here, including carnivorous plants such as the great sundew as well as mosses and fungi. Birdlife is rich with waders, wildfowl, nightjar, winchat, merlin and the short-eared owl. A Carbon Source. Peat is rich in fossil carbon which has been removed from the atmosphere by plants accumulated over many years. Drainage and damage of raised bogs results in the quick loss of the stored carbon in the form of greenhouse gases, as the peat decays. Globally, Peat stores twice as much carbon as forests. A fuel source. Peat has been the traditional domestic fuel in Ireland since the early 1300s when peatlands were more widespread. Traditionally peat was cut by hand, using a special turf-spade called a sleà ¡n/slane. It is a slow, labour intensive process that can allow the bog to recover partially. (Godwin 1981) Endangered species. Many rare and unprotected species of plant and animal are found on bogs. For example, The GreenLand White-fronted Goose relies on wet bogs with pools for feeding and roosting. The invertebrates found on bogs contain many rare species. The bog moss Sphagnum imbricatum is entirely restricted to bogs and is the main peat performing species in the oceanic peatland types. Sphagnum imbricatum is becoming rarer as further sites are brought into development and bogs are being destroyed therefore killing off this bog moss. An electricity source. Milled peat moss is used to produce electricity. Milled peat is air dried peat in the form of powder or crumbs. This began first in co.Offaly in the year 1957. Bord na Mà ³na is responsible for peat production in Ireland. Bord na mà ³na owns 80,000ha of peatland and harvest 4 million tonnes of milled peat per year. The main market for milled peat is the energy sector both for burning in power stations and for domestic consumption via briquettes production. A tourist attraction. Due to huge areas of bog land in Ireland, many tourists visit the peat bogs. This is benefiting the local surrounding area economically and making people more aware of the importance of peat bogs. Peat bogs are a great place for Bird watchers as there is a huge diversity of birds. (Godwin 1981 Irish Peatland Conservation Council 1996). Although peat bogs are very important, they do however face many threats, the main one being; Peat extraction and human intervention, the introduction of machines for peat-cutting and milling has destroyed vast areas of bogland. Once the peat is cut, the area is drained and in turn damages the delicate ecosystem. The surface of the peat bog lowers and becomes drier and the wildlife there begins to die or leave. Humans can benefit from cutting peat economically. When humans cut too much peat at one time out of greed, they damage the bog as the peat does not have sufficient time to recover. If the peat was extracted gradually, the bog has a better and longer chance of survival. (Natural Heritage 2005 Environment Waikato Regional Council 1997-2007). There is a huge demand for peat from amateur gardeners. Peat actually isnt a great source of nutrients for plants as it contains very little biological activity. Manufacturers add nutrients to boost its chemical fertility. If gardeners were to make their own compost our peatland wildlife would have a more secure future and there would be less peat extracted from our peat bogs. Another threat faced by our peat bogs is silage run-off. This poisonous run-off can seep into the bogs water table; the results are devastating to both animal and plant life within, killing large numbers of different species present here. Overgrazing can have huge effects on our bogs. This can disturb wildlife and it damages the surface of the bogland. However, it has the ability to increase nutrient levels through animal urine and dung. When there are plant pests present and living, they threaten the biodiversity. They can grow very quickly and will compete against native plants for space, light and nutrients. These pests are reducing the original and native plant diversity. (Backyard Gardener) The Government has had a huge success in introducing laws to protect our peat lands. This was mainly prompted by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council. Our peat bogs need to be protected for many reasons. Bogs contain a wide variety of plants and animals. Without bogs as a habitat some of these animals may become extinct. Animals and plants can live and breed there without being disturbed. (Godwin 1981). Bogs contain a lot of water. Most of the water comes from rainfall. This is an excellent source of water when the community is in need. The peat bogs also help to filter water, leaving it fairly clean. The carbon contained in peat bogs make up 60% of the carbon in terrestrial ecosystems. If the bog is still living, (not destroyed or damaged) then carbon is slowly emitted to the atmosphere which helps reduce carbon dioxide pollution. In return, this provides for a better and cleaner environment. (Poland. Pl 2009) Peat bogs are a natural archive to our past. We can investigate into the changes of climate and the anthropogenic history of the area. Peat takes a long time to accumulate, so by analyzing the remains of plants preserved in peat, we can research changes which took place in the environment over the years. To observe nature in its natural condition unchanged by human intervention becomes a very popular way of spending free time. Therefore, people travel to see this landscape and it becomes a tourist attraction in many ways. (Irish Peatland Conservation Council 1996). What can we do to help save our peat bogs? Its easy and requires simple tasks such as; Refuse to buy peat or plants grown in peat. Stop using peat in your garden; you can start a compost heap as an alternative. Visit a peatland reserve close to you and see the wildlife. Once you do this, youll never want to buy peat again. Raise awareness of the importance of our bogs and inform the local community about our peat bogs. If you live near one, keep an eye out and report any illegal cutting or dumping. Recycle kitchen/garden waste to make your own compost and persuade others to do the same. Oxigen waste company have even introduced a brown bin collection day for all kitchen and garden waste that can decompose. (Irish Peatland Conservation Council 1996). In conclusion, although we may not think about it, peat and peat bogs have a huge influence on humans and the environment and vice versa. Without bogs, a wide variety of species would be killed off, there would be no natural source of history available to historians etc., there would be a lot more carbon in the air which would result in ozone damage, some animals would be left without a habitat and finally, they are a source of water when we are in need. However, Peat lands help humans in many ways and have a huge importance in the world today.