What Is Sexual Orientation

Sexual orientation, sometimes called â€Å"sexual preference,† describes a person’s pattern of feelings of emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to men, women, both, or neither sex. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), sexual orientation â€Å"also refers to a person’s sense of identity—based on those attractions, related behaviors, and membership in a community of others who share those attractions.† Decades of clinical research indicate that individual sexual orientations exist along a spectrum ranging from an exclusive attraction to persons of the opposite biological sex to an exclusive attraction to persons of the same biological sex. The most commonly discussed categories of sexual orientation spectrum are: Heterosexual: attraction to persons of the opposite sex;Homosexual  or  gay/lesbian (the preferred terms): attraction to persons of the same sex;Bisexual: attraction to both men and women; orAsexual: not sexually attracted to either men or women. Less often encountered categories of sexual orientation identities include, â€Å"pansexual,† the sexual, romantic or emotional attraction towards people regardless of their biological sex or gender identity, and â€Å"polysexual,† the sexual attraction to multiple, but not all, genders. While these categories of attraction are similar to those applied in cultures worldwide, they are far from the only labels of sexual orientation used  today. For example, persons who feel unsure of their sexual attractions may refer to themselves as â€Å"questioning† or â€Å"curious.† For over four decades, the American Psychological Association has stressed that homosexuality, bisexuality, and asexuality are not forms of mental illness and are not deserving of their historically negative stigma and resulting discrimination. â€Å"Both heterosexual behavior and homosexual behavior are normal aspects of human sexuality,† states the APA. Sexual Orientation Is Different From Gender Identity While sexual orientation is about being emotionally or romantically attracted to other people, â€Å"gender identity† describes a person’s own internal feelings of being male or female (masculine or feminine); or a blend of both or neither (genderqueer). A person’s gender identity can be the same or different from their biological sex assigned at birth.  In addition, people who are â€Å"gender dysphoric† may feel strongly that their true gender identity differs from the biological sex assigned to them at birth. In simpler terms, sexual orientation is about who we want to be with romantically or sexually. Gender identity is about who we feel we are, how we choose to express those feelings, and how we wish to be perceived and treated by other people. When and HowSexual Orientation Is Recognized According to the most recent medical and psychological research, the feelings of emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction that eventually form adult sexual orientation usually emerge between ages 6 and 13. However,  feelings of attraction can develop and change at any age, even without any prior sexual experiences. For example,  people who practice celibacy or abstinence from sex are still aware of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Gay, lesbian, and bisexual people may  follow different timelines in determining their sexual orientation than heterosexual people. Some decide they are lesbian, gay, or bisexual long before actually having sexual relationships with others. On the other hand, some do not determine their sexual orientation until after having had sexual relationships with persons of the same sex, opposite sex, or both. As the APA points out, discrimination and prejudice can make it hard for lesbian, gay, and bisexual people to accept their sexual orientation identities, thus slowing the process. It is not uncommon for people to be unsure of their sexual orientation. Some people live their entire lifetimes without ever becoming certain of their exact sexual orientation. Psychologists emphasize that  Ã¢â‚¬Å"questioning† one’s sexual orientation is neither uncommon nor a form of mental illness. The tendency for  feelings of attraction to shift throughout ones life is known as  Ã¢â‚¬Å"fluidity.† The Causes of Sexual Orientation Few questions in the history of clinical psychology have been as deeply debated as what causes an individual’s sexual orientation. While scientists generally agree that both nature (our inherited traits) and nurture (our acquired or learned traits) play complex roles, the exact reasons for the various sexual orientations remain poorly defined and even less well understood. Despite years of clinical research on the question, no single cause or reason for developing a particular sexual orientation has been identified. Instead, researchers believe that each person’s feelings of emotional attraction are influenced by a complex combination of genetic dominance, hormonal, social, and environmental factors. While no single factor has been identified, the possible influence of genes and hormones inherited from our parents indicates that the development of sexual orientation may begin before birth. Some studies have shown that exposure to their parents’ attitude toward sexual orientation might affect how some children experiment with their own sexual behavior and gender identity. It was once believed that gay, lesbian, and bisexual sexual orientations were types of â€Å"mental disorders† often caused by sexual abuse during childhood and troubled adult relationships. However, this has been shown to be false and based mainly on misinformation and prejudice against so-called â€Å"alternative† lifestyles. The most recent research shows no relationship between any of the sexual orientations and psychological disorders. Can Sexual Orientation Be ‘Changed?’ In the United States, the 1930s brought the practice of various forms of â€Å"conversion therapy† intended to change a person’s sexual orientation from gay, lesbian, or bisexual to heterosexual through psychological or religious interventions. Today, all major national mental health organizations consider all forms of conversion or â€Å"reparative† therapies to be pseudoscientific practices that are at best ineffective and at worst  emotionally and physically harmful. In addition, the American Psychological Association has found it likely that promoting conversion therapy actually reinforces the negative stereotypes that have led to years of discrimination against lesbian, gay and bisexual people. In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association officially deleted homosexuality from its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, used by medical professionals to define mental illnesses. All other major health professional organizations have since done the same, thus removing all professional support for the idea that an emotional attraction to persons of the same sex can or even needs to be â€Å"changed.† In addition, the same professional organizations have dispelled the old belief that a person can be â€Å"turned† gay. For example, letting young boys play with toys traditionally made for girls, such as dolls, will not cause them to become gay. Fast Facts About Sexual Orientation Sexual orientation refers to a person’s emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to persons of the opposite, same, both, or neither sex.â€Å"Heterosexuality† is a sexual attraction to persons of the opposite sex.â€Å"Homosexuality† is a sexual attraction to persons of the same sex.â€Å"Bisexuality† is a sexual attraction to both sexes.â€Å"Asexuality† is the lack of sexual attraction to either sex.Sexual orientation is different from gender identity.A person’s sexual orientation usually emerges between ages 6 and 13.The exact causes for a particular sexual orientation are not known.Homosexuality is not a form of mental illness.Attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation are ineffective and potentially harmful. Sources .†Sexual Orientation, Homosexuality and Bisexualityâ€Å" American Psychological Association. August 8, 2013. Copyright  © 2008 American Psychological Association..† Answers to your questions: For a better understanding of sexual orientation and homosexualityâ€Å"American Psychological Association. (2008). Copyright  © 2008 American Psychological Association.

How the Novel A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess...

In the novel A Clockwork Orange Alex the protagonist comes in contact with a lot of people who try to change who he is. On one hand we have P.R. Deltoid who tries to talk reason to him trying to change him by talking to him, on the other hand we have Dr. Brodsky who attempts to change him through a more primitive more violent way. It is ironic that the new way how to â€Å"cure† Alex’s urges is to show him violence. Even in the time in which A Clockwork Orange is set it is controversial. The so called Ludovico technique is controversial as it takes away the choice of being â€Å"good† and instead forces Alex to submit to the pain and to surrender to what is happening to him. Before Alex is given off to be cured, he talks to the Prison Charlie who tells him: â€Å"Goodness is something chosen. When a man cannot choose, he ceases to be a man.† (pg.67). With this the Prison Charlie tells Alex that with giving in to this treatment he will lose the choice of be ing bad and will be forced to be what the government wants him to be. Whilst reading the novel A Clockwork Orange, I realized how much it relates to the children in Africa who are being brainwashed into becoming child soldiers. Compared to A Clockwork Orange this is the complete opposite of what the organization is trying to do. As in the book the subjects to this technique go from bad to â€Å"good† whilst in Somalia the kids are good and then are converted to be evil. These kids are either kidnaped or brainwashed into fighting in the

Does She Encourage Thinness Free Essays

This essay examines the question of whether the iconic â€Å"Barbie Doll† (â€Å"Barbie†) causes young (5-8 year old) girls to desire thinness, thereby detrimentally effecting their self-image. Barbie, introduced to the children’s market in the 1950s, is a 9-inch doll created with what are widely regarded as imaginary proportions. Concern over the adverse effects of Barbie on children growing, Barbie’s figure was recently changed to reflect, among other things, a smaller bust and wider hips. We will write a custom essay sample on Does She Encourage Thinness? or any similar topic only for you Order Now Nevertheless, the controversy still remains: Does Barbie contribute to or even create negative body images in young girls? II. The Concerns: Barbie as Destructive Force Concerned parents and adult women who themselves were affected by the body size and shape portrayed by America’s favorite doll have expressed fear or conviction that playing with Barbie dolls may or does lead to a panoply of image-related problems in the youth who play with them. Little best examples the detrimental results of Barbie on children than the reputed decision of one adult woman to request that a plastic surgeon recreate her body and face to mirror Barbie’s. When examined closely, however, the woman – and, eventually, society – learned that Barbie, if created as a human being, would have feet too small to balance her body on, breasts too large to be supported by her tiny waist, and hips likely too narrow to bear children. Indeed, Barbie could literally never exist in reality. At core, those opposed to Barbie for image-related reasons posit that girls at particularly vulnerable ages are easily impressed upon by the doll they come to not only play with, but idealize. Those girls wish not only to do all the things Barbie does – become an astronaut or doctor – but look like her. While becoming an astronaut or doctor are attainable goals for most if not all young girls, achieving Barbie’s looks is not. Were Barbie not important, she would in fact have little if any effect over her fans. III. Why They Have Their Point Though Barbie may not be responsible for the destructive force many attribute to her, concerned parents and former Barbie fans do have their point: Women do not look like Barbie dolls. Though an ultimate compliment may be, â€Å"You’re so pretty – you look like a Barbie,† in reality Barbie paints a picture of women that does not accurately reflect nature. For children particularly, impressions are easily made at tender ages, when bodies have yet to develop and knowledge is limited. Therefore, the five- or six-year old child, who has little reason to know otherwise, will be prone to accepting Barbie’s figure and appearance as a true reflection of what she will one day become. The detrimental effects may be especially harsh on children without mothers or sisters in their lives, or children in families who perpetuate negative self-images via perpetual dieting or other behaviors. For those children – the ones who arguably need the most direction – they may â€Å"look to† Barbie for more and as a result shape their own self-images around her. IV. Anti-Barbie: A Correct Assumption Underlying the Barbie dissenter’s opinion is the assumption that Barbie’s fans are easily impressionable and that Barbie has enough power in their lives to effect self-perception. Little argument can be made as to the former assumption (few would dispute that 5-year-olds are easily manipulated); and, though there is room for doubt as to the latter proposition, popularity attests to Barbie’s frontrunner status in the children’s market. Year by year, Barbie is consistently a favorite among young girls, and over time has evolved from teen fashion model to wife to mother to career woman. Throughout all, her figure has remained unscathed, sending the perhaps subconscious message to the girls who idealize her that they, too, will look forever young and thin no matter how old they grow or how differently their bodies may be made. It is Barbie’s enduring popularity that makes her so central a figure in the lives of so many. V. Why Barbie Works Despite Her Flaws Despite criticism, Barbie may in fact little harm a young girl’s self-image. She is, after all, just a doll. Few girls are told, or even given the suggestion, that Barbie is a true reflection of women’s bodies or lives. Barbie no more accurately reflects women’s bodies than does Ken accurately reflect men’s, and she is not designed to. Barbie, rather, is a tool of escape. Children of ages five, six, and even eight and ten seldom if ever would be found focusing on Barbie’s proportions or dress size. They, rather, use her as a tool with which to engage in fantasy. Beyond this, while Barbie may be the most popular girls’ toy, she is far from the most determinative factor on a young woman’s self-image. Most girls discontinue Barbie play well before their adolescence, the time when most young women begin focusing on and comparing their bodies with others. The force of society on a girl’s self-image cannot be underplayed. To assign Barbie with greatly influencing a girl’s view of her body when she is bombarded with images of real girls in popular culture who are unnaturally thin (on television, in magazines, in film) is to assign to her more importance than she in fact has. While Barbie lives in the world of fantasy and toy, images of super-thin models and women abound in an adolescent’s very real world – in the magazines she reads and on the television programs she watches. In many instances, the superstars and celebrities she looks up to are unnaturally thin and encourage her to dislike her own body. Perhaps more importantly, a young girl’s friends and family likely have far more influence on a girl’s perception of herself than Barbie. If a girl’s mother is comfortable with her body, she will likely instill similar comfort in her daughter. If, in contrast, a girl grows up hearing her mother perpetually complain that she (the mother) is fat or otherwise inadequate, she may well internalize such thought process and apply it to herself. Peers, too, who complain that their bodies are inadequate in one form or another may cause self-doubt in a girl. VI. A Balance: Healthy Barbie Though Barbie may not have the effect on her fans that her critics assign to her, it is likely that she does have some influence over her audience. Barbie, a staple of the toy world, doubtless plays her part in society and in shaping the goals, values, and self-images of those who play with her. To some extent, Mattel, Barbie’s creator, has recognized and attempted to remedy some of the potential damage Barbie’s surreal figure may do on young girls by slightly changing her mold. Mattel, however, can do only so much, and even the doll sold today paints a false picture of what most girls will mature to look like. Short of Mattel creating a Barbie that comes in all different shapes and sizes, parents in particular can use their influence to minimize any ill-effects Barbie may potentially have. Children should be taught that bodies do not come in standard sizes, and that it is important to have a positive view of yourself no matter how you are built. For some households, this may entail limiting or completely erasing Barbie from the toy mixture. More ideal, however, would be to tell children that they are beautiful and fine, and that Barbie is what she is marketed as: Just a toy. How to cite Does She Encourage Thinness?, Papers

Law for Role of Crown Prosecutor- myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Write about theLaw for Role of Crown Prosecutor. Answer: Introduction: Crown Prosecutor is the lawyer who is authorized to represent the Crown before al the Courts in lieu of prosecution to offense. It must be noted that ideal prosecutor consider themselves as the agent of the justice and they are also own various duties towards the society. In this report we analyze the statement made by Justice Rand that main aim of Crown prosecutor is to present the evidences in fair manner (Aberta, n.d.). This paper also compare two contradict views which state that Crown prosecutors role to prove the accused is guilty of the offence and main aim of Crown prosecutor is to present the evidences in fair manner. Role of Crown Prosecutor: In Canada the prosecutor is known as Crown Attorney, and the main work of Crown Prosecutor is to prosecute those charges which are criminal in nature and lay by the police officers. This process is adversarial in nature. It must be noted that Crown Attorney is quasi-judicial officer, which means it is the duty of Crown Attorney to act in fair manner. It is considered that it is not possible for Crown to wins or loses the case, and he/she is only under obligation to prosecute each and every charge and case that seems to be related to the conviction and such conviction must be in the interest of the public. Crown prosecutor is also obliged to withdraw the case from the prosecution when such prosecutor believes that case is not related to the conviction is present in the case and such conviction is not in the public interest to proceed. Therefore, Crown prosecutor must ensure the interest of the public. Conduct of crown prosecutor while conducting criminal litigation is characterized through three factors that are fairness, moderation, and dignity. This does not state the meaning that it is not possible for counsel to conduct vigorous prosecutions. Important qualities of crown counsel are vigorous and thoroughness. Supreme Court of Canada confirms that vigorous advocacy related to crown is considered as critical element of the criminal law mechanism of the country. It must be noted that special function is performed for the purpose of ensuring that justice is provided and it cannot play adversarial role in lieu of defense. Adversarial process is considered as very important part of the judicial system and it is considered as an accepted tool for searching the truth. It is not possible to assume that crown cannot act advocate in strong manner within this adversarial process. Therefore, it can be considered that main obligation of crow prosecutor is to pursue the best legitimate result from the best of his ability. This element is considered as critical element of criminal law mechanism. After considering the above facts it is clear that crown must be allowed to perform that function with which it had been entrusted that is discretion while pursuing the justice considered the most important part of the function. It is also clear that criminal litigation by crown prosecutor is not a personal contest of showing skill and professional pre-eminence. On the other hand, it is the duty imposed on crown prosecutor to ensure the justice and benefit of society from the conviction. While conducting the criminal prosecutions, crown prosecutor has many duties (Grosman, 1970): Crown prosecutor is under obligation to comply with the applicable rule of ethics. Crown prosecutor is under to maintain the independence judicial. Crown is under obligation to be fair and also to obtain confidence of public in prosecutorial fairness. For the purpose of maintaining the confidence of public in the criminal justice administration, crown prosecutor must not act ony fairy but aso there conduct seen to be fair. In other words, one can act fairy but conduct of the person seems secret, bias or unfair. After considering the above facts, it can be said that it is not possible for Crown to wins or loses the case, and he/she is only under obligation to prosecute each and every charge and case that seems to be related to the conviction and such conviction must be in the public interest Pubic Prosecution Services of Canada, 2014). Conclusion: It can be concluded that, Judge Rand makes correct statement that main aim of crown prosecutor is to present the evidences fairy in the conviction, and not to prove the accused is guilty of the offence. Prosecutor consider themselves as the agent of the justice and they are also own various duties towards the society. References: R v Regan, 2002 SCC 12, [2002] 1 SCR 297 at paras 155-6. Pubic Prosecution Services of Canada, (2014). Duties and Responsibilities of Crown Counsel. Retrieved on 30th October 2017 from: https://www.ppsc-sppc.gc.ca/eng/pub/fpsd-sfpg/fps-sfp/tpd/p2/ch02.html. Grosman, A. B. (1970). The Role of the Prosecutor in Canada. The American Journal of Comparative Law, Vol. 18, No. 3, pp. 498-507. Aberta. Prosecutors' roles and responsibilities. Retrieved on 30th October 2017 from: https://justice.alberta.ca/programs_services/about_us/Pages/prosecutors_roles.aspx.

The Demand and Supply of the Dollar

How Quantum Computers Work

How Quantum Computers Work A quantum computer is a computer design which uses the principles of quantum physics to increase the computational power beyond what is attainable by a traditional computer. Quantum computers have been built on a small scale and work continues to upgrade them to more practical models. How Computers Work Computers function by storing data in a binary number format, which result in a series of 1s 0s retained in electronic components such as transistors. Each component of computer memory is called a bit and can be manipulated through the steps of Boolean logic so that the bits change, based upon the algorithms applied by the computer program, between the 1 and 0 modes (sometimes referred to as on and off). How a Quantum Computer Would Work A quantum computer, on the other hand, would store information as either a 1, 0, or a quantum superposition of the two states. Such a quantum bit allows for far greater flexibility than the binary system. Specifically, a quantum computer would be able to perform calculations on a far greater order of magnitude than traditional computers ... a concept which has serious concerns and applications in the realm of cryptography encryption. Some fear that a successful practical quantum computer would devastate the worlds financial system by ripping through their computer security encryptions, which are based on factoring large numbers that literally cannot be cracked by traditional computers within the lifespan of the universe. A quantum computer, on the other hand, could factor the numbers in a reasonable period of time. To understand how this speeds things up, consider this example. If the qubit is in a superposition of the 1 state and the 0 state, and it performed a calculation with another qubit in the same superposition, then one calculation actually obtains 4 results: a 1/1 result, a 1/0 result, a 0/1 result, and a 0/0 result. This is a result of the mathematics applied to a quantum system when in a state of decoherence, which lasts while it is in a superposition of states until it collapses down into one state. The ability of a quantum computer to perform multiple computations simultaneously (or in parallel, in computer terms) is called quantum parallelism. The exact physical mechanism at work within the quantum computer is somewhat theoretically complex and intuitively disturbing. Generally, it is explained in terms of the multi-world interpretation of quantum physics, wherein the computer performs calculations not only in our universe but also in other universes simultaneously, while the various qubits are in a state of quantum decoherence. While this sounds far-fetched, the multi-world interpretation has been shown to make predictions which match experimental results. History of Quantum Computing Quantum computing tends to trace its roots back to a 1959 speech by Richard P. Feynman in which he spoke about the effects of miniaturization, including the idea of exploiting quantum effects to create more powerful computers. This speech is also generally considered the starting point of nanotechnology. Of course, before the quantum effects of computing could be realized, scientists and engineers had to more fully develop the technology of traditional computers. This is why, for many years, there was little direct progress, nor even interest, in the idea of making Feynmans suggestions into reality. In 1985, the idea of quantum logic gates was put forth by the University of Oxfords David Deutsch, as a means of harnessing the quantum realm inside a computer. In fact, Deutschs paper on the subject showed that any physical process could be modeled by a quantum computer. Nearly a decade later, in 1994, ATTs Peter Shor devised an algorithm that could use only 6 qubits to perform some basic factorizations ... more cubits the more complex the numbers requiring factorization became, of course. A handful of quantum computers has been built. The first, a 2-qubit quantum computer in 1998, could perform trivial calculations before losing decoherence after a few nanoseconds. In 2000, teams successfully built both a 4-qubit and a 7-qubit quantum computer. Research on the subject is still very active, although some physicists and engineers express concerns over the difficulties involved in upscaling these experiments to full-scale computing systems. Still, the success of these initial steps does show that the fundamental theory is sound. Difficulties With Quantum Computers The quantum computers main drawback is the same as its strength: quantum decoherence. The qubit calculations are performed while the quantum wave function is in a state of superposition between states, which is what allows it to perform the calculations using both 1 0 states simultaneously. However, when a measurement of any type is made to a quantum system, decoherence breaks down and the wave function collapses into a single state. Therefore, the computer has to somehow continue making these calculations without having any measurements made until the proper time, when it can then drop out of the quantum state, have a measurement taken to read its result, which then gets passed on to the rest of the system. The physical requirements of manipulating a system on this scale are considerable, touching on the realms of superconductors, nanotechnology, and quantum electronics, as well as others. Each of these is itself a sophisticated field which is still being fully developed, so trying to merge them all together into a functional quantum computer is a task which I dont particularly envy anyone ... except for the person who finally succeeds.

Community South Medical Center Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Community South Medical Center - Essay Example Currently, the issues confronting the Community South Medical Center are shortage of clinical staff, non-interfacing information technology, antiquated facilities and infrastructure, decline in T.J.C. compliance, and a shift in financial mix. These issues correlate either directly or indirectly with the need we have identified. The shortage of staffs is what makes the organization to improve its technology so that it can improve the efficiency of the existing staffs. Non-interfacing information technology and antiquated facilities and infrastructure are what make addressing of this need to be more difficult. Decline in T.J.C compliance is because of failure of the organization to change according to the changes experience in the medical sector. Advancement in technology is one of the most recent changes in this sector in which the organization has not been able to comply fully. Shift in financial mix is what makes the organization to have a challenge of financing programs to address the identified need. Strategic mission and plan have not been revised in the past three years. This might be the reason why the organization has not been able to advance its information technology in the past three years. Therefore, this is the most appropriate time for revising the strategic mission and plan. If this is done, then the process of addressing issues confronting Community South Medical Center will be much easier. The CEO should address these issues now since the magnitude is likely to increase if the issues are left for another year before they are solved

The Basic Islamic Message of One God Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Basic Islamic Message of One God - Assignment Example Muslims regard the prophets who preceded Muhammad as Allah’s messengers. However, Muslims believe that all the prophets who preceded Muhammad are lower than Muhammad himself, for Muhammad brought a fuller and clearer message of Allah. Nevertheless, faith in Allah’s prophets is important as it is in the pillars and articles of Islam. Muslims are categorical that Allah sent his prophets to every nation and that these prophets appeared and preached all over the world. Because of this, it is an effort in futility, trying to make a full list of the names of all the prophets. Muslims have to believe in all the prophets nevertheless without distinction and discrimination, just as it is written in Quran 2:136, 285 and 384 that Allah makes no distinction among the prophets. According to Muslims, the prophets who preceded Islam helped strengthen the basic Islamic message of the oneness of Allah by preaching and teaching this message. Specifically, all the prophets spoke of Allah as an all-knowing and all-powerful being who alone was worthy of devotion and worship. The prophets made it clear that the belief in, devotion and worship of Allah is what characterized true religion. The prophets also taught of the consequences that would follow anyone who does not believe in the oneness of Allah. Indeed, the Queen teaches that Islam faithfully proceeded from prophets such as Noah Moses and Isa (Quran 42:13). In this light, it is held that scriptures given by the pre-Muhammadan prophets are genuine and sacred, as can be seen in Quran 29:46.  

Database Design and Implementation Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Database Design and Implementation - Coursework Example In other words, though they share common attributes, full time employment may require extra attributes to be recorded. ix. Invoices are prepared per client and can be generated as a report at any time. b. Entity Relationship Model: From the above assumptions, the following business rules are identified: Business Rules: i. Each ARO centre can receive contracts from one or more companies and each company can send contracts to one or more ARO centres. ii. Each company can request for one or more CRPs but each CRP must be requested by one and only one company. iii. No two clients have a same CRP and no two CRPs exist for a same client. iv. Each CRP must have at least one service but each service can exist in one or many CRPs. v. Each client can have one or many dependant buts each dependant must have one and only one client. vi. Each ARO centre must employ one or more employees and each employee must be employed by one and only one centre. vii. Each employee can be assigned only one CRP and each CRP must be assigned to one and only one employee. The above assumptions and business rules are transferred into an enhanced ER data model as shown in below figure: Fig: ER model for ARO database schema c. Data Dictionary Entity ARO_CENTRES Holds details about each ARO centres ARO_EMPLOYEE Holds details about the full time and part time employees employed at each ARO centres COMPANY Holds details about all affiliated companies of ARO CRP Holds details about each Client Relocation Plan created by ARO after receiving Contract from the company SERVICES Relocation services offered by ARO CLIENT Holds details about the client associated with the CRP CLIENT_DEP Holds details about all dependants of each client CONTRACT Attribute CENTRE_ID CENTRE_NAME CENTRE_LOCATION... According to the research findings it can therefore be said that all SQL statements built for creating the tables and relationship constraints are discussed. SQL queries that can used to build the reports given in the requirement were also presented. Further a critical review on the proposed model is discussed in detail. The database for ARO was designed and implemented in SQL SERVER 2008. Initially, an ER diagram was designed that best describes the overall operation of ARO in terms of entities (tables) and the relationship between them. Later, the ER model was transformed to SQL statements for creating the tables and defining relationships. The tables were then populated with sample data. In order to recreate the real business scenario of handling CRP, few rows in the table were initially populated with cost as zero CRP and status of CRP as ‘N’ or ‘P’. The status was later updated to ‘Y’ and the CRP service cost with the actual cost. SQL queri es were also created and executed to produce some of the reports given in the requirement. Further, a VIEW that combines multiple tables to produce invoice report was built and executed. In addition, a brief overview of the model and various security issues that can be considered while creating very large databases along with possible solutions were discussed. Though the overall database design serves the purpose of the requirement, the design can be further enhanced by using appropriate optimisation techniques for maximum efficiency and overall throughput.

Off-loading for the Prevention of Diabetic Foot Ulceration

Off-loading for the Prevention of Diabetic Foot Ulceration THE ROLE OF OFF-LOADING IN THE PREVENTION OF DIABETIC FOOT ULCERATION INTRODUCTION OF DIABETIC FOOT ULCER In the modern techno-world diabetic foot ulcer is the most common reason of lower extremity amputation which makes it highly essential that ulceration in the foot of a patient with Diabetes mellitus must be taken care of immediately or else it will lead to a more serious condition and the end result will be amputation of the leg. As stated in ‘The Lancet’ an early diagnosis is imminent as this condition has high chances of recurring even after the ulcer is treated but medical intervention can prevent amputation. Health care research has been neglecting the importance of planning and taking adequate prophylactic measures to prevent the onset of diabetic foot ulceration and treatment were being given based on clinical diagnosis and results but more importance was to be given to scientific facts and extensive studies were to be done to assess the root cause of the incidence of diabetic foot and timely measures were to be taken (1). Patients with diabetes have higher chances of getting hospitalized with foot problems and this can only be taken care of by a careful analysis by the family physician during the patients’ routine visits. Simple office tests such as the nylon filament test (2) can be performed in the office so that those patients in the risk category can be identified and prophylactic measures can be taken to prevent the ulcer from forming. This is a simple test wherein the feet are examined and the pressure is applied on certain pressure points in the feet and if the patient is not able to sense the pressure applied then he is considered at risk for developing an ulcer in the region and the doctor advises him to take extra care to prevent the ulcer from forming. In spite of seeking medical help diabetic foot ulcers often develop to more chronic conditions and lack of timely intervention to prevent this condition may lead to amputation of the lower extremities and at times may even be fatal. In a normal individual, when harmful pressure is applied on the feet making it difficult for the person to handle, then the brain sets off a pain alarm (1). But, in the case of diabetic patients, due to excessive nerve damage the sensation of pain is lost and an ulcer forms and this will be noticed only after it is too late to redeem. But, with the advent of technology and medical science off-loading helps in preventing further damages and one has to choose the right kind of off-loading modality that suit’s one’s purpose. Risk Factors for patients suffering from diabetic foot (2) 1. Nerve cell damage hence lack of pain sensation 2. Deformed foot and callus formation 3. Decreased sweating, dry, fissured skin 4. Obesity 5. Limited Joint mobility 6. Poor glucose control leading to unhealed wounds 7. Foot wear issues that can lead to skin breakdown and ulcers 8. History of foot ulcers PREVALENCE Studies conducted in the west of Ireland to assess the prevalence of diabetic foot complications show that almost 4.7% (Institute of Public health in Ireland, 2006) of the population is suffering from the debilitating disease called diabetes and out of which an increasing majority of patients are suffering from developing foot ulcers of which some of them have already undergone lower extremity amputation. Pilot studies conducted among a sizeable number of diabetes population in the west of Ireland shows that they have vascular insufficiency and have neural dysfunction in the feet. These data are to be treated with concern as these prevalent conditions are associated with increased risk of ulceration which left unattended will lead to more irreversible complications (Nather et al, 2008) (3). INCIDENCE The need of podiatric inputs in the field of diabetic foot study is necessary and for this pilot studies, researches, data cumulative study must be done to prevent incidence of diabetic foot complications in the Irish population. Pilot studies conducted on diabetic foot complications in the west of Ireland reveal that pedal neural dysfunction was detected in up to 30% of the screened population and vascular impairment in 17% of those screened (3). With timely intervention and prophylactic measures the case of diabetic foot ulcers can be controlled and with just an initial investment of podiatric clinics across the republic of Ireland the economic impact of growing incidence of diabetic foot ulcers and associated disorders that can lead to downfall of the healthcare system can be reduced and stabilized. COST In developed countries, health care resources account that diabetes-related complications are the most costly and studies conducted at St. James Hospital, Dublin reveal that the annual hospital expenditure on the treatment of diabetic foot ulceration amounted to 74,000 pounds (Smith et al., 2004). In an Irish healthcare setting, the cost of managing diabetic foot ulceration was studied and on screening of thirty patients who were admitted for diabetic foot complications it was revealed that out of the thirty, amputations were performed in eight of the patients and one died with a non-healing ulcer. The net hospital expenditure was 704,000 and an average of 23,489.63 per admission (4). IMPACT According to Dr. Canavan, almost 50% of the people with diabetes who undergo a lower limb amputation are of working age and that HSE was not channeling the financial and human resources in the health system effectively to tackle diabetes. The direct in-patient costs amount to â‚ ¬239 million (4) and this is estimated only for the hospital care and not for the cost of dressings or antibiotics. Taking all of these factors into account it has become of national economic importance to devise a national strategy to manage diabetes so that the healthcare resources need not be spent on preventable complications. Instead the financial resources must be channeled for setting up more diabetic management clinics with podiatric clinical settings and recruitment of diabetic specialists. The theoretical role of off-loading in the case of diabetes mellitus Since a diabetic patient has lost the sensation of pain it becomes difficult for the patient to identify a minor bruise that may develop into an ulcer. Pressure reduction or off-loading is essential for a patient who has just been treated for diabetic foot. Wound care is essential in case of diabetes effective management and off-loading or reducing the pressure plays a significant role in managing the healing process. There are various off-loading modalities such as the total-contact casts (TCC), removable cast walkers (RCW) and half shoes and studies have been conducted to compare the effectiveness to heal neuropathic foot ulcerations in diabetic individuals (5). Although less commonly used than RCW and half shoes the results reveal that TCC is better than the other two off-loading modalities and TCC heals comparatively higher number of wounds in a shorter duration of time (6). Customized therapeutic footwear is manufactured to suit the individual needs taking into account the defor mity and the pressure points. Published studies reveal that TCC are a better option compared to other modalities but clinical skill is essential for its application (7). But another factor that is to be taken into consideration is that removable cast walkers enable daily wound inspection and timely care for the wound which is difficult in the former modality. However, one can conclude that wounds on the posterior heal cannot be treated with TCC although it has significant healing percentage. The best feature of RCW is paradoxically its disadvantage (8). Since this is removable it has the disadvantage of forced adherence which is taken care of by TCC which makes it a better alternative to treat neuropathic foot. Evidence of Impact of off-loading High risk diabetic feet is often prone to deformities and offloading of these feet is essential to prevent its recurrence. Diabetic foot ulcer has high chances of recurring even after healing if proper care is not taken to prevent its occurrence. The diabetic feet has certain high risk locations and research on clinical trials by Arts et al. show that highest success rates were seen at previous ulceration areas and Charcot feet whereas forefoot deformities showed the lowest success rates. Studies comparing the effectiveness of RCW and instant TCC showed comparable results in the healing of foot ulcers. In this study it was concluded that a significantly higher proportion of people using the TCC healed faster when compared to those using the RCC. Pressure reduction using the advancement in medical technology will be the corner stones of treatment so that lower extremity amputations can be avoided (9). Discussion Studies reveal that Ireland has the minimum number of podiatrists and hence effective management of diabetes foot is not possible. Effective measures must be taken to ensure that more qualified medical professionals specializing in this field must be recruited and diabetic foot clinics are set up where clinical tests like nylon filament tests are conducted for patients during their routine check-up in order to ensure that they are not at risk and counseling must be provided to create their awareness about foot ulcers and the risk factors associated with lower extremity amputation. According to the present scenario the current national and international guidelines (NICE, 2004; IDF, 2009; SIGN, 2010) advise that diabetic patients must receive a comprehensive annual foot examination and this must be done on a regular basis. Conclusion A team approach by the family physician and relatives is essential to creating a general awareness for the patient to improve foot hygiene and nail care. In addition to this the patient must understand that routine checkups are necessary and the doctor must also perform frequent foot examinations during the routine visits. Early detection is the key to controlling the incidence of this condition and ensuring the medical practitioners take adequate measures to do a routine examination during every hospital visit. Effective management of diabetic foot ulceration has a positive economic impact on the Irish health care budget and the health care system must take preventive measures to provide prophylactic care to diabetic patients and effective measures to educate the patients about pedal hygiene and its importance. Taking into account the importance of podiatry input in effective management of diabetic foot the manpower deficit in the country of Ireland must be accounted for and fullâ⠂¬â€œtime podiatrists (90-100) must be assigned to the country to manage diabetes related complications. REFERENCES William JJ and Prof Keith JH. Diabetic foot Ulcers. The Lancet 2003; 361: 1545–51. David GA and Lawrence A.L. Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Prevention, Diagnosis and Classification. Am Fam Physician 1998; 57(6): 1325-32. Sarah et al. Prevalence of Diabetic foot complication in the West of Ireland: A pilot study. The Diabetic Foot Journal 2010; 13(2):82-91. Smith D, Cullen MJ and Nolan JJ. The cost of managing diabetic foot ulceration in an Irish hospital. Irish Journal of Medical Science 2004; 173(2): 89-92. Adler AI, Boyko EJ, Ahroni JH and Smith DJ. Lower-extremity amputation in diabetes. E independent effects of peripheral vascular disease, sensory neuropathy and foot ulcers. http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/24/6/1019.full Gerit M, David A, Susie S. Standard, Appropriate, and Advanced Care and Medical Legal Considerations: Part one – Diabetic Foot Ulcerations. Wounds 2003:15(4) Armstrong DG, Lavery LA. Evidence-based options for offloading diabetic wounds. Clin Podiatr Med Surg 1998; 15:95-104 Stephanie W and David A. Managing the diabetic foot: treatment, wound care and off-loading techniques. Diabetes Voice 2005; 50 (Special Issue):29-32. Armstrong DG, Lavery LA, Wu S, Boulton AJ. Evaluation of removable and irremovable cast walkers in the healing of diabetic foot wounds: a randomized controlled trial. Diabetes Care 2005; 28: 551-4.

Essay --

A Feminist Approach to Susan Glaspell’s â€Å"Trifles† The approach being used for Susan Glaspell’s play is feminist criticism. Glaspell’s play was written in 1916. In the 1900s women were expected to stay home, clean, cook, and take care of the family. Men were the providers of the household, smarter, and in control. Today women are more independent. They are running businesses and taking on more masculine jobs such as, firefighters and police officers. Women are even working and raising families. In some households the wife works while the husband stays home. A woman can do a man’s job and maybe sometimes better. Linda Napikoski explains, â€Å"Feminist criticism is the analysis that arises from the viewpoint of feminism, feminist theory and/or feminist politics. Feminist literary criticism suggest that women in literature were historically presented as objects seen from a male perspective. Feminist literary criticism actively supports including women’s knowledge in literature and valuing women’s experience. It has since intertwined with postmodernism and increasingly complex question of gender and social roles.† â€Å"Trifles was based on true events. In 1900, a man named John Hossack was murdered with an ax while he slept. His wife, Margaret claims to have slept through the murder. The Jury did not believe her story and found her guilty of murder. Susan Glaspell, who was a journalist with Des Moines Daily News, covered the trial for her newspaper. Even though she did not have any criminal justice background, Glaspell acted like a true detective. She investigated the murder by visiting the farmhouse where Hossack and his wife Margaret lived. She also interviewed attorneys and studied testimonies. Glaspell became very impressed with the st... ...what his life was like behind closed doors. He could have been abusive and angry towards his wife causing her to snap. â€Å"She – come to think of it, she was kind of like a bird herself – real sweet and pretty, but kind of timid and – fluttery. How – she – did – change† (1074). Mrs. Wright did change. She felt trapped in her marriage and she needed to escape. Her life was stolen from her. She strangled her husband and took his life. She probably felt that her life was already over and it wouldn’t matter if she were put in prison or not. Women might see things in a different light than men. They want to please the man in their life, but at the same time they want to be respected and seen as a human beings with feelings. Women today are stronger and more in charge and they don’t allow for a man to come into their life and destroy what they have built for themselves.

HR Planning Case Study Essay

Xerox is a widely known firm worldwide, but it has been through numerous crises in the past decade. In fact, at one point several years ago, there were questions about Xerox surviving as a firm. But no longer. Under the leadership of Anne Mulcahy as CEO, Xerox has rebounded. Numerous strategic business and financial decisions had to be made, including reducing the workforce by 30,000. But Mulcahy also stressed that HR had to become a more strategic contributor. One of the actions taken was to consolidate a number of HR functions from different busi-ness units into a corporate HR Service Center. This center performs many administrative trans-actions, and has added Internet- based systems to make HR services more accessible to managers and employees. To track employees’ views on the company and HR, employee surveys on the company in-tranet have been used for several years. Areas at which lower scores were recorded have been addressed by HR staff and other managers. The survey results have led to another primary focus at Xerox: employee retention. With all of the reductions and organizational restructurings, keeping the remaining employees, especially high- potential ones, has been a continuing emphasis. Xerox has invested significant time and resources into training and development of its employees, an important retention factor. Greater use of e- learning, technology, and leadership development have paid off in reducing turnover and convincing employees that career opportunities exist at Xerox. Continuing com-petitive pressures are presenting new challenges for Xerox and its HR staff. The strategic importance of HR has been demonstrated in the past, and looks to be a part of the firm’s future.

An Introduction to the Jack the Ripper Mystery

An Introduction to the Jack the Ripper Mystery Someone in London murdered and mutilated a number of prostitutes during the autumn of 1888; the press went into a frenzy, politicians pointed the finger at each other, hoaxers polluted the investigation, and one of several nicknames stuck: Jack the Ripper. Over a century later, Jacks identity has never been wholly proven (there isnt even a leading suspect), most aspects of the case are still debated, and the Ripper is an infamous cultural bogeyman. The Enduring Mystery The Rippers identity has never been established and people have never stopped looking: the publishing rates average is a new book a year since 1888 (although most of these have come in recent decades). Unfortunately, the wealth of Ripper source material - letters, reports, diaries,  and photographs - provides enough depth for detailed and fascinating research, but too few facts for any incontrovertible conclusions. Just about everything about Jack the Ripper is open to debate and the best you can get is a consensus. People are still finding new suspects  or new ways to reframe old suspects, and books are still flying off the shelves. There is no better mystery. The Crimes Traditionally, Jack the Ripper is considered to have killed five women, all London prostitutes, during 1888: Mary Ann Polly Nichols on August 31, Annie Chapman on September 8, Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes on September 30 and Mary Jane (Marie Jeanette) Kelly on November 9. In practice, there is no agreed list: the most popular change is to discount Stride and/or Kelly, sometimes adding Martha Tabram, killed August 7th. Authors naming more than eight have achieved very little consensus. At the time Polly Nichols was sometimes considered the second or third person to have been killed by the same person, and plenty of later investigators have searched the world in search of similar killings to see if the Ripper moved on. The Ripper generally killed by strangling his victims, then laying them down and cutting the arteries in their throats; this was followed by a varied process of mutilation, during which parts of the body were removed and kept. Because Jack did this quickly, often in the dark, and because he seemed to have great anatomical knowledge, people have assumed the Ripper had a doctors or surgeons training. As with much of the case, there is no consensus - a contemporary thought him simply a blunderer. There have been accusations that the missing organs werent stolen from the bodies by the Ripper, but by people dealing with them later. Evidence for this is scant. The Letters and Nicknames During the autumn and winter of 1888/89, a number of letters circulated among the police and newspapers, all claiming to be from the Whitechapel murderer; these include the From Hell letter and one accompanied by part of a kidney (which may have matched a kidney taken from one of the victims, but like everything Jack, were not a hundred percent sure). Ripperologists consider most, if not all, of the letters to be hoaxes, but their impact at the time was considerable, if only because one contained the first use of Jack the Ripper, a nickname the papers swiftly adopted and which is now synonymous. Horror, Media, and Culture The Ripper killings were neither obscure nor ignored at the time. There was gossip and fear in the streets, questions at high levels of government,  and offers of rewards and resignations when nobody was caught. Political reformers used the Ripper in arguments and policemen struggled with the limited techniques of the time. Indeed, the Ripper case remained high profile enough for many of the police involved to write private accounts years later. However, it was the media who made Jack the Ripper. By 1888, literacy was common amongst the crowded citizens of London and newspapers reacted to the Whitechapel Murderer, whom they initially christened Leather Apron, with the frenzy we expect from modern tabloids, stirring opinions, fact,  and theory – along with the probably hoaxed Ripper letters – together to create a legend which seeped into popular culture. From the very start, Jack doubled as a figure from the horror genre, a bogeyman to scare your kids. A century later, Jack the Ripper is still hugely famous world over, an unknown criminal at the center of a global manhunt. But he is more than that, hes the focus of novels, films, musicals,  and even a six-inch high model plastic figure. Jack the Ripper was the first serial killer adopted by the modern media age and hes been at the forefront ever since, mirroring the evolution of western culture. Will the Mystery Be Solved? Its extremely unlikely anyone will be able to use the existing evidence to prove, beyond all reasonable doubt, who Jack the Ripper was and, while people are still uncovering material, the discovery of something unarguable has to be regarded as a long-shot. Fortunately, the mystery is so fascinating because you can do your own reading, draw your own conclusions and, with some critical thinking, generally have as much chance of being right as everyone else! Suspects range from people the detectives at the time suspected (such as George Chapman / Klosowski), to a whole gallery of strange suggestions, which include no less than Lewis Carroll, a royal doctor, Inspector Abberline himself, and someone who even blamed their relative decades later after finding some tenuous items.

Textual Integrity in Hamlet Essays

Textual Integrity in Hamlet Essays Textual Integrity in Hamlet Essay Textual Integrity in Hamlet Essay a feminist viewpoint, a Marxian viewpoint a Freudian psychoanalytical reading etc. ) A text is not produced by an author, but by readers, who themselves are produced by social and political forces. New perspectives frequently attempt to establish their authority by specialized vocabulary (remember this term! ) and extensive appeal to theory. As with all literature we are unable to separate ourselves from our personal interpretation and that of the writers. Works of literature usually lead to various interpretations differing from era to context to experience. Each interpretation of Hamlet brings different elements to the forefront. Without these interpretations of Hamlet one may not be able to feel as though they receive a full understanding of the play and a lack of connection may become a dislike of the play rather than a love for the tragic tale. Shakespeare possibly has his own interpretation of the play. The writer merely sets words to the page; it is our job to make them our own.

Project management and methods of enquiry Essay

Project management and methods of enquiry - Essay Example ......................................................................3 1.6 Stakeholders Analysis...........................................................................................4 1.7 Time frames†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..5 1.8 Action plan............................................................................................................5 1.9 Resource Allocations............................................................................................5 1.10 Risk Analysis .................................................................................................6 1.11 Business Case Evaluation...............................................................................9 1.12 References†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..10 1.13 Appendixes; 1.13.1 Appendix a; Questionnaire†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.11 1.13.2 Appendix b; Gantt chart for the business case†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦12 1.13.3 Resource Allocation List†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦13 1.13.4 Risk Assessment chart†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦14 1.1 Introduction Nutritional awareness is becoming one of the major factors influencing the consumption habits of most of the female students in Saudi’s High schools. ... 1.2 Overview Healthy eating is a global concern in relation to rising obesity rates (world health organization) and in particular healthy eating awareness is a priority in Saudi Arabia (Barker and Cole, 2009). The knowledge of healthy diets among female high school students is inadequate; a study done in 2005 (Al-shammari, 2001) revealed 65.2% had little or no knowledge on healthy eating habits. It is known that there could be several factors behind this (Al-rukban, 2003). For example there could be lack of education about nutrients, and/or unavailability of health information in schools (Al-shammari, 2001). This requires a thorough explanation of the benefits and ways of maintaining healthy bodies. Furthermore Al-rukban has shown that (2003) knowledge of the effects of poor eating habits could be a factor in influencing young people and in this case students as they change their eating habits and thus reduce their exposure to ailments associated to malnutrition. 1.3 Business Case Un healthy lifestyles are the major contributors of the medical conditions in the world and also in Saudi Arabia (world health organization). Some health related behaviors like poor dietary habits, substance use and exercise patterns are most visible in adolescent level and could persist into adulthood (Caldwell et.al, 1998). Obesity is however the most persistent problem affecting this age group i.e. adolescents and young people, this is due to their tendency of eating junk and fast foods (Caldwel et.al, 1998). Due to this perceived problem in the school there is a case to support the introduction of a nutritional programme in schools to create awareness to the female students. The following perceived aims for developing

Economic Crisis In Cyprus Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Economic Crisis In Cyprus - Dissertation Example Researchable Context: The study is going to examine how competition and increased public and private debt contributed to the Cypriot financial crisis. It would also examine the rescue model that was used in Cyprus in the economic crisis, bail-in of the Cypriot banks imposed by Euro group, and what it could have been done by the government and banks to avoid this situation. It would also provide recommendations to avert the financial crisis. The rationale for the study: Over the last decade, the Greek government has borrowed greatly from international markets in order to pay for its trade deficits and budget. Investors became nervous that the public debt was soaring high, which drove up Greece’s borrowing costs. With the banking systems in Cyprus were experiencing intense pressure; they amassed â‚ ¬22 billion of Greek private sector debt. This increase in public and private debt reduced economic growth plunging the country into a crisis (Faustman and Kaymak, 2013). This market concern is what initiated the study to examine how public and private debt contributed to the Cypriot Eurozone crisis. Although Cyprus had been experiencing rising living standards before the commencement of the economic crisis in 2012, serious problems surfaced in the Cypriot banking sector as early as 2011. Cyprus borrowing costs slowly increased due to its exposure to the Greek debt (Theophanous, 2013). Furthermore, the public debt that was owned by the foreigners increased thus making the economy unsustainable thus creating the crisis. High public debt is very detrimental to economic growth.

Personal development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Personal development - Essay Example The thought can be well versed in clear meanings when the change takes place in one’s life through practical application of knowledge in either personal or professional world. The terminology that strikes the mind in relation to behavioral change is Personal Development. The development of potential capabilities, recognition of goals and targets, improving standard of living, and developing economically, personally and professionally all are the characteristics that defines personal development. While an individual works towards the development of his/her behaviors, they consciously or unconsciously may act as a guide or role model for the enhancement of others’ personality as well. In this context, the role of an individual can be of a teacher, coach, trainer, or instructor. An organization can work towards the development of employees’ performance through diverse processes of evaluations, monitoring of work and feedback system. To evaluate if the change has occ urred or not, whether it be personal or institutional, a person needs to design specific visions and outline an agenda for the achievement of aims, as a person is his/her own boss (Rose, 2008). Learning is an essential component in human’s life as it continues since the time of birth until the death. With the passage of time, the person notices a changing trend in his behavior, which initiates from schooling and moves ahead to his professional phase. Throughout his learning journey, one comes across many people with different backgrounds and experiences that influence his performance by a great deal. This can either inspire or encourage an individual to move towards his goals with determination or can leave de-motivating impact that may lead to decline and poor quality of his learning. Motivation is one of the fundamental aspects that lead to increase in possibility of positive learning. Reward is amongst the best examples of motivating one towards achieving his targets becau se it is human psychology that wherever a person finds a chance of gains, his work efficiency increases by a historic proportion. Constant guidance from senior workers and feedback on the quality of the work presented assists in gaining experience because they act as an expertise in the particular field (Rose, 2008). In view of some scholars, learning is â€Å"the process leading to relatively permanent behavioral change or potential behavioral change† (Cotton, 1995). Learning enables humankind to respond to the activities happening in the surroundings. In relation to it, learning also effects one’s perception about the issues due to the reason that it provides with quality information that gives us the knowledge to differentiate between right and wrong. Researchers (Rose, 2008) who have studied the impacts of learning on human behavior termed it as Behaviorism. The learning or a skill that a person attains through any kind of experience, commonly referred as experient ial learning is crucial and critical for change in behaviorism. Every individual has its own niche in the society for which a person works according to his approach and behavior that may have a positive or adverse influence on others’ behaviors. Moreover, the above discussion is justifiable by a real case scenario that has an enduring impact on my life. Initially, I was a person that used to leave a bad influence on my surroundings along with a non-earnest attitude towards work and life. I used to mess around with others and did not pay

Networking Fundamentals Essay Example for Free

Networking Fundamentals Essay 1. Unit 1 review questions: a. The functions provided by a network are usually referred to as Network Services. b. A(n) Client Server may also be known as simply an access server. c. True or False: A client/server network is the simplest network model. d. True or False: A common way to share resources on a client/server network is by modifying the file-sharing controls via the computer’s operating system. e. True or False: The oldest and still most frequently used network communications services are print services. 3. Still learning about all these technical terms, so I goggled it come up with the similarities and differences between a peer-to-peer network and a client-server network are peer-to-peer network is inexpensive to set up and are installed where the employee most interacts regularly. Client-Server networks are as big or as little as you need, in some cases it has supported millions of users and ultimately can be really expensive to support and install. It says the concept behind the peer-to-peer networking is to be able to share all your files and use the same printers as cheap as possible. Seems though having a Peer-to-peer network you are exposing yourself, it has no central security or any way to change your settings, that it can’t control what is shared on the network. 4. Describe two hypothetical situations, one in which a peer-to-peer network would be most appropriate and one in which a client-server network would be most appropriate, and explain why the particular network type would be most appropriate for that case. In one of my previous jobs I worked for an eye doctor, the best thing for her when setting up her office is to build a peer-to-peer network. We had a total of 5 people that worked in the office, by doing the peer-to-peer network it is inexpensive and it will get the job done. We don’t need a lot being a small company and we shared the network drive for the patient files and printed to the same printer. For the Client-Server Network, it would be for a company that I work for right now and that is Amazon.com, this building has about 3,000 employees that need to log into a computer to either process a customer order, get the order for the shelves or ship it out. So they will most definitely need a larger server to maintain the largely group of people on one network.

Regional and extra regional players

Regional and extra regional players CHAPTER IV THE REGIONAL AND THE EXTRA REGIONAL PLAYERS AND THEIR ROLES â€Å"Besides a common religion, Islam, foreign invaders- from Alexander the great to British in the 19th century and the Soviets in the 20th century have united the Afghans†. -Insight Magazine, 09 April 1990. Brief History   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Afghanistan was the only country in the world to launch a strong protest in United Nations against the induction of Pakistan in 1947 and also to lodge a border dispute with Pakistan when it claimed that Durand Line is no more a binding contract as now there is no British Raj present in the region[1]. It also incited a major incursion in Bajur Agency, NWFP in 1961 with hope to have it annexed with itself and led then Prime Minister Dauod Khan to resign from his post, it plunged Afghanistan into a long spiral fall from which it has yet to recover[2]. Top of Form Bottom of Form   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Afghanistan soon proved to be a tough neighbour and sided with India on every matter which could hurt Pakistani interests using an India-Soviet favouring group. In December 1979 Russia invaded the Afghanistan with the pre-text of supporting the pro-Soviet Government. The USA weary of spreading Communism, Saudi Arabia indebted to the American cause coupled with sense of Muslim power and Pakistan worried of increasingly unstable and hostile Afghanistan combined together to exploit the Islamists waged a â€Å"Jihad† against â€Å"Soviet Invaders†. The Pashtun grievances and warlordism gave way to Taliban (literally meaning students) who rose from Kandhar and took 95% of Afghanistan under control by year 2000. Taliban were the friends of Pakistan and safeguarded the Western frontier of Pakistan against not only Indians but even Soviets[3]. Environmental Realities USA have tried to render peace in Afghanistan, but it has become more complicated due to inability of U.S. and NATO forces to understand the environmental realities peculiar to this region and being alien to the culture and traditions of the people. To have peace requires patience and right priorities. Before peace is attempted we need to understand some hard facts[4] :- (a) The continuing influx of Afghan youth trained in Pakistans madrassas now comprises the bulk of Taliban and Al Queda cadres. They are hooked to glorified violence in the name of jihad, and imbued with robotic discipline. They are an army beyond redemption and reasoning. (b) The silent Pashtun majority is terrorized into submission by Taliban and Al Queda. (c) The internecine warfare between the warlords for the past decade has created an unbridgeable divide between the Pashtuns, the Tajiks, the Uzbeks, the Hazaras and the Persian speaking Shiites of Herat. The past mutual ethnic cleansing and betrayals have created visceral hatred among different tribes. (d) The Pashtun dominated Taliban still cling to the idea of Pashtuns ruling over all Afghanistan which the minorities no longer countenance. This has led to a growing friction between ethnic groups, specifically the Pashtuns and their northern Tajik and Uzbek contemporaries. Foreign Relations Before the Soviet invasion, Afghanistan pursued a policy of neutrality and nonalignment in its foreign relations. After the December 1979 invasion, Afghanistans foreign policy mirrored that of the Soviet Union. The fall of the Taliban in October 2001 opened a new chapter in Afghanistans foreign relations. Afghanistan is now an active member of the international community, and has diplomatic relations with countries from around the world. Iran Iran shares a long border with Afghanistan (900kilometres) and has provided shelter to roughly 1.5million Afghans. Afghanistans relations with Iran have fluctuated over the years, with periodic disputes over the water rights of the Helmand River as the main issue of contention[5]. Initially, due to its war with Iraq, Iran was not actively involved in Afghanistan but later the Shia groups who were bitter due to meagre support from Pakistan became close to Iran. Following the Soviet invasion, Iran supported the cause of the Afghan resistance. Iran shares a cultural, linguistic affinity with northern Afghanistans non-Pashtun elements, which suffered the most under Taliban rule. Tehran resents the atrocities regularly visited upon the Shiah Hazara minority by Sunni fanatics in Afghanistan. Its relations with Afghanistan have improved since the fall of the Taliban and has been active in Afghan reconstruction efforts, particularly in the western portion of the country[6]. Presently, Iran h as adopted a more aloof posture and appears to be avoiding overt commitments or opposition to any single Afghan faction. Iranian policy makers have long sought to prevent an alliance between Pakistan and a Sunni-dominated Afghanistan, which would destabilise its entire eastern border. Besides Irans competition with Pakistan for access to the CARs, Irans Afghanistan policy is largely motivated by sectarian ties to Afghanistans Shia minority. A territorial collapse of Pakistan, or domestic instability that threatened to draw in Afghanistan has always tended to be contrary to Irans interests. It has always been perceived that the nationalistic developments of Pashtunistan could spill over to neighbouring Iran, destabilizing its Baluch population, thereby activating the anti-Iran elements in the form of the establishment of a Greater Balochistan. Thus, Iran is against both formation of a Pashtunistan within the Afghan confederation as it would give greater dominance to Sunni Pashtuns and further deteriorate the conditions of Shias, and also of an independent Pashtunistan which would result in similar demands of independent areas within Iran by other sub nationalistic communities. Prolongation of Afghan instability restricts Pakistans capability to export its light industrial goods in Central Asia and the Caucasus, where government subsidised cheap Iranian consumer exports have proliferated. A peaceful Afghanistan would also offer an unwelcome alternative for carrying Caspian basin oil and gas across Afghanistan to South Asia. Iran may also be concerned that an Afghan settlement could provide a larger opening for American and Turkish economic and political influence in the region[7]. CAR The main concern of the three CARs (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan) bordering Afghanistan was the spill over of militants into their territories. Uzbekistan and Turkey had contacts with General Dostum who had argued that a confederation of autonomous states is the only solution for the chaos in Afghanistan. He warned that the Uzbeks will never again live under Pashtun domination and demanded a separate state, which would be a secular entity and act as a buffer for Central Asia against the spread of Islamic fundamentalism from the Pashtun-dominated area in the south[8]. Afghanistans relations with Tajikistan have been complicated by political upheaval and civil war in Tajikistan, which spurred some 100,000 Tajiks to seek refuge in Afghanistan in late 1992 and early 1993. Also disenchanted by the Talibans harsh treatment of Afghanistans Tajik minority, Tajikistan facilitated assistance to the Northern Alliance. The Karzai government has sought to establish closer ties with its no rthern neighbours in order to capitalize on the potential economic benefits of increased trade. CHINA During the 1970s, the Soviet influence in Kabul, and later their invasion of Afghanistan, has been perceived by Beijing as the purposeful encircling of China by the Soviet Union. Thus, support to Pakistans western border security has been a major feature of Beijings policy. China also has keen interests in Central Asias energy resources and, thus, supports a moderate government at Kabul, because it is believed to be least likely to foment any sort of extremism and disturbance in neighbouring countries. Chinas strategic concerns in the area are mirrored by the security of its lines of communication, which tends to counter Afghanistans rhetoric on Pashtunistan. The ethnic-religious civil wars in Afghanistan have caused rise of Islamic fundamentalism. Just as America has a vision of a modestly stable Afghanistan that will no longer be a haven for extremists, China has a vision of Afghanistan as a secure conduit for roads and energy pipelines that will bring natural resources from the Indian Ocean and elsewhere. So if America defeats Al Qaeda and the irreconcilab le elements of the Taliban, Chinas geopolitical position will be enhanced[9]. This is not a paradox, since China and America have convergence of interests with difference being that whole direction of Americas military and diplomatic effort is toward an exit strategy, whereas the Chinese hope to stay and profit. Saudi Arabia In late seventies, Saudis were facing severe criticism for their close alliance with USA from Arab governments. Saudis used the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan as a springboard to portray their commitment to Muslim causes and brush up their Islamic credentials. In early eighties in close cooperation with America, Saudi Arabia provided a large amount of financial aid for military and humanitarian purposes for Afghanistan. Pakistan had close working relations with all Sunni groups, and never tried to bring Shia groups into the coalition to avoid friction with Saudis. After the cut off of U.S. funds, Saudis became the largest provider of funds for Afghan adventure. The direct role of Saudi Arabia also dramatically increased. Later, especially post 9/11, the warm relations between Taliban and Saudis hit the bottom when Taliban refused to cooperate on Osama bin Ladin issue. Saudis had funded the most conservative individuals and organizations in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Ironically, most o f them turned against the Saudi royal family and had openly criticized the royal family for its close relationship with USA. Russia Russia though major player until 1991 had markedly reduced influence since its disintegration into many independent states. It has given limited military help to the Taliban opposition and deployed troops in Tajikistan near the border of Afghanistan. It is suspicious of increasing US influence in the area traditionally seen by them as their area of influence but not in a position to challenge the USA. Since the fall of the Taliban, the Karzai government has improved relations with Russia, but Afghanistans outstanding foreign debt to Russia still continues to be a source of contention. While the campaign against international terrorism is a key area in which U.S. and Russian interests converge, Moscow is also wary of growing U.S. influence in especially the oil-rich Caspian Sea basin. Russia is providing military hardware to Afghanistan and is aware of the fact that fragile nature of central authority in Afghanistan, torn by chronic infighting among rival ethnic factions, requires U.S. presence as its disengagement would likely spur renewed competition for influence. Russia has became more interested in confining Pashtun dominated Islam to the south and creating a Tadjik and Uzbek entity as a buffer area for the Central Asian states, which also suits Russias near abroad policy. Pakistan Pakistan shares a border of some 2,400 kilometres with Afghanistan and has 10 million Pashtun citizens of its own. The main aim of Pakistans Afghan policy was to have a friendly government in Afghanistan to secure its Western border. Pakistans policy since its inception has been focused on maintaining a situation that could help it avoid controversy over the Durand Line. It has been trying to force a fusion of communities along own side and inciting separation of those on the other side of the line. Islamabad sought to offset Afghan territorial claims by supporting Afghan Islamic parties. Unfortunately, the policies, which it adopted, had exactly the opposite effects. None of the Afghan governments were willing to subordinate its actions to Pakistans wishes. Many Afghans say Pakistan has exacerbated the ethnic component of their conflict by supporting Pashtun Islamic rule. There was a domestic political incentive as well, linked to Islamabads fears about irredentism. â€Å"Pakistan saw in the Taliban, and other fundamentalists, the opportunity to undermine support for Pashtun nationalism†[10]. Pakistan was the first country to recognise Taliban rule in Afghanistan and initiated efforts to persuade the Taliban to accept a broad-based government in Kabul in which all major ethnic tribes would share power. September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the USA changed everything and presented Pakistan with a stark choice: either make common cause with Washington in its war against bin Ladens al-Qaeda network based in Taliban-controlled neighbouring Afghanistan, or persist with its pro-Taliban Afghan policy and as a consequence suffer international condemnation of guilt by association. On September 13, 2001 then President General Pervez Musharraf announced that Pakistan would lend its unstinted cooperation to the international coalition against terror[11]. General Pervez Musharraf address to the nation on 19 September is attached as appendix B. More recently, Pakistan has been alarmed by Indias growing political, military, and economic ties to Afghanistan, and sees its establishment of consulates in the Pashtun-majority cities of Jalalabad and Kandahar as provocative. Many Afghans feel Islamabads insistence on Pashtun representation in the post-Taliban political order as the â€Å"crying of crocodile tears†, reflective of an inability to give up strategic designs on Afghanistan[12]. Infact it is widely believed â€Å"When push comes to shove, Pakistan is unlikely to hold back, and will use its long border and deep ethnic links with Pashtuns to alter the balance in its favour†, says a senior Pashtun leader in the present Hamid Karzis government[13]. Even though there are more Pashtuns in Pakistan than in Afghanistan and Pakistani Pakhtuns are better educated and more affluent, Pakistan has always been nervous about its Pashtun population. Does that mean Pakistan and Afghanistan will forever remain condemned to instability and seek security by dependence on outside forces? This may not be true, but to bring stability in the region by uniting the furious Pashtuns divided by the Durand line may be a viable option. A weak non-Pashtun dominated state in Afghanistan has never posed any threat to Pakistan because it has neither had any ideological bearings or religious extra-national ambitions nor any ethnic or sub-nationalist stirrings. On the other hand, whenever there has been a strong Pashtun dominated state in Afghanistan, its government has supported Pashtun separatism (refusal to accept the Durand Line) and pose a threat to the territorial integrity and political solidarity of Pakistan[14]. Pakistan has no effective control over a large swath of territory along its border with Afghanistan primarily dominated by Pashtuns[15]. Dangerous extremist groups that are intent on attacking the U.S. such as al-Qaeda, enjoy safe haven in these border areas. United States â€Å"had we looked deeper, we might have found that the root causes behind the enduring and resilient nature of the Taliban have very little to do with religion, and much to do with an ancient ethnic struggle we [the United States] should consider the prospect of creating a Pashtunistan which reflects the tribal boundaries. This would be a new state, carved from parts of both Afghanistan and Pakistan This new area would be composed largely of ethnic Pashtuns, similar to what we have created in Kurdistan or Bosnia, and it would there ­fore very likely have the consent of the population on the ground†[16] -Major Michael D. Holmes Following the Soviet invasion, the United States supported diplomatic efforts to achieve a Soviet withdrawal and contributed to the refugee program in Pakistan to assist Afghans. After the Soviet withdrawal, CIA let Pak ISI deal with the ugly mess of Afghanistan. The USA initially gave a free hand to Pak to build up the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. The US wanted the Taliban to develop as a counterweight to the Iranian regime and to check USSRs influence in the region. A favourable govt in Kabul would help USA in numerous ways. With the emergence of CARs as independent countries in 1991 and the prospects of availability of huge oil and gas reserves again brought that area to international focus. Meanwhile, the Taliban on capturing Kabul, imposed a strict Islamic code and practiced fundamentalist policies. This led to the USA gradually distancing itself from the Taliban. Post September 11, 2001 events of cosmic proportions have resulted in world focusing on Afghanistan with a renewed interest to deal with Osama Bin Laden, who was responsible for the acts of terror originating from Afghanistan. The Osama Bin Laden Factor. Osama Bin Laden was once one of the star recruiters of the US intelligence agency the CIA. He enrolled thousands of jihad volunteers from the Middle East for a jihad against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan. Ironically after winning their jihad against the USSR, these fundamentalists turned their attention onto the other superpower. Post 9/11 led to U.S. GWOT as the Taliban refused to hand over Osama Bin Laden to the USA. Pashtun Factor. U.S. policymakers recognised early on that Pashtun support was needed to create a broader-based moment to replace the Taliban and provide a degree of stability in the region[17]. This approach appears to have long term goal of stabilising effect as U.S. has demonstrated that America supports the Pashtun desire for a stronger position in relation to the Punjabi-dominated government in Islamabad in the Af-Pak border area of Durand Line. U.S. understands that Pashtuns in FATA treasure their long-standing autonomy and do not like to be ruled by Islamabad. What they want is integration into the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP) and FATA to form a single unified â€Å"Pashtun† province that enjoys the autonomy envisaged in the inoperative 1973 Pakistan constitution[18]. Al-Qaeda and its â€Å"foreign fighters,† who are mostly Arab, depend on local support from the Taliban for their sanctuary. Unlike Al-Qaeda, with its global terrorist agenda, most of the Tali ban factions focus on local objectives in Afghanistan and FATA; they do not pose a direct threat to the USA. On March 1, 2007, Pakistani ambassador to Washington the Maj. Gen (retired) Mahmud Ali Durrani, said at a seminar at the Pakistan Embassy, â€Å"I hope the Taliban and Pashtun nationalism dont merge. If that happens, weve had it, and were on the verge of that.[19]† India Afghanistan remained the focus of Indian regional policy because of its geo-strategic proximity to Pakistan and the Indian foreign policy was centered on maintaining very cordial relations with it. India in 1950 signed â€Å"Friendship Treaty† to promote bilateral co-operation with Afghanistan to enhance Indian influence. In 1967, the United Pashtunistan Front (UPF) was formed in New Delhi. The then Indian Foreign Minister Swaran Singh told the Indian Parliament that â€Å"we are fully aware of the fundamental freedoms and natural aspirations of the brave Pashtuns which have been consistently denied to them, and their struggle has got our greatest sympathy and we will certainly support the efforts that Khan Abdul Ghafar Khan might undertake in that direction.†[20] After the Soviet invasion in 1979 India doubled up its efforts to further strengthen its relations with Afghanistan. Over the years Indian political elite maintained close contacts with Pasthun leaders on both sides of Durand line. The two countries have always shared a healthy relationship but with the Soviet withdrawal and its disintegration in 1991 and Mujahedeens control of Kabul in April 1992 the relations reached its nadir. During Taliban rule more than 30,000 Afghan refugees moved to India. India is helping Afghanistan rebuild itself and with an ever-increasing belligerence in all fields, including military, intelligence, humanitarian, and economic[21]. India is the largest aid provider to Afghanistan and in the coming few years India likely to project as a regional power is appropriately following a pro-active approach and take the right initiatives on Afghanistan. By fostering greater economic ties with the pro-Indian Northern Alliance dominant Kabul government, New Delhi has dramatically increased its involvement in Afghanistan, and is seeking to marginalize Pakistan[22]. India would prefer a separate Pashtunistan rather than a neo-Taliban ruling over Afghanistan, as this would frustrate Pakistani strategy. India has good relations with Tajikistan and would continue to have good relations with the Tajik section of Afghanistan as well as with a newly formed Pashtunistan. The geo-strategic importance of Afghanistan has a great bearing on India and its approach is primarily Pak focused. Indias economic interests in Afghanistan are secondary to its strategic interests. Apart from the desire to restore Pakistans two-front problem, some of the factors that govern Indian approach to Afghanistan are :- (a) A pro Pak government in Afghanistan is likely to support Pakistan in case of any future Indo-Pak Conflict and would provide them necessary Strategic depth. (b) Pak has been using Taliban militia to wage a proxy war in Kashmir. (c) Afghanistan is the hub of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism[23]. (d) A peaceful and stable Afghanistan will be in the economic interests of India as it will raise the prospects of Indo-Afghanistan trade and also provide greater access to the Central Asian markets and important centers for gas and oil. (e) A fundamentalist Afghanistan is likely to encourage the spread of Islamic fundamentalism in the region which would affect India. Afghanistan constitutes a new battleground for Indo-Pakistani hostility. Credible U.S. media leaks indicate that Pakistani linkages to the car bombing of the Indian Embassy in Kabul on July 7, 2008.India, thus needs to convince Pakistan that Islamabad instead of exporting hatred and destruction, should seek positive parity with India and others in terms of improving the quality of life of its citizens in an inclusive manner. International Perspective There is no formal international position on the Durand Line, simply a de facto one that recognizes it as a real border. No other state has accepted Afghanistans position that it is not such a border. The question arises so why should there be any international pressure on Pakistan and Afghanistan to negotiate about Durand line? The reason is that since September 11, 2001, FATA and the area alongside the Durand line has been viewed as a site of global insecurity that can be controlled only when Pakistan takes responsibility for its territory and extends the structures of the state into the region through expanding opportunities for economic development and education in the FATA region[24]. This is quite difficult because the security situation is currently poor, which makes launching large development projects difficult. Afghanistans refusal to give de jure recognition to the border therefore stands in the way of a comprehensive development program that would have much more impact th an would parallel developments in each country[25]. Having driven the Taliban and Al Qaeda from Afghanistan, the United States and its allies are particularly keen to end FATAs (and to a lesser extent Baluchistans) along the Durand Line to serve as center of Islamic radicalism that promotes international terrorism and seeks to destabilize Afghanistan. The presence of U.S., International Security Assistance Force(ISAF)[26], and Afghan troops gives the border issue some practical urgency as the insurgents they fight retreat back into Pakistan in the belief that they will not be pursued or attacked across an international boundary[27]. From the perspective of the international community the discussions limited to recognition of the Durand Line as a de jure international boundary would not bring stability in the region even if they succeeded as no government in Afghanistan would be willing to pay the political price for accepting the border unless such an agreement were part of a broader package designed to make the country more secure. P akistan also has much to gain as its economy will get a boost[28]. While Afghanistan is concerned about Pakistans support of the Taliban, in times past it has been Pakistan that has been concerned about Afghanistans tacit support of Pashtun separatists[29]. Afghan Nationalism. On a functional level, Afghanistan cannot be subjectively examined under the Western conception of either a state or a nation. The country simply does not operate in any sense of either definition at this time. Both a limited security apparatus and stalled international support have done little to cultivate ancient divisions based on ethnic and religious elements[30].This relatively low level of Afghan nationalism is a result of internal conflict of last two decades with atrocities committed by all sides on ethnic rivals and forced displacements and makes the task of rekindling the flame of nationalism more difficult. Political reconstruction is the essential pre-requisite for the economic reconstruction of the country. Afghanistan is at a major crossroad of its history today. The chain of events, which has led to the present situation, was beyond the control of Afghans. But now, it is Afghans who will have to do soul searching and make some difficult choices. Afghanistans neighbours need to understand and digest the fact that the entire region will be the net winner in case Afghanistan and Pakistan are good friends. The old theories of using Afghanistan as a pawn to open a second front against any third country need to be buried. Any state which has any motivation to incite sectarian or ethnic divisions in any of its neighbours is following a zero gain policy as far as the long term interest of the entire region is concerned. This is the age of globalisation and not of any â€Å"Forward Policies†. Afghan history has proved that great issues of the day cannot be settled by fighting but by consultation and consensus[31]. Many regional and extra regional powers are trying to retain their respective spheres of influence in Afghanistan but no regional power can afford to antagonise Washington by working openly at cross purposes with its military campaign, it has to be supportive to U.S. goals and objectives in the region to meet its asp irations. The international community, including the U.S. government, has long avoided taking a clear position on the border issue, but its ambivalence is beginning to change[32]. Ghaus, Abdul Samad,The fall of Afghanistan,Pergamon-Brasseys Intenational Defense Publishers,London1988,p109. Qureshi, S.M.M. Pakhtunistan: The Frontier Dispute Between Afghanistan and Pakistan . Pacific Affairs, Vol. 39, No. 1/2 Spring Summer, 1966, pp. 99-114. . â€Å"The future of Afghanistan and Pakistan†. WTF: What the fork? . Puri, Rajinder â€Å"Defusing Af-Pak† June 7, 2009 Ghaus,Op.cit.pp148-149. Afghanistan- Conservapedia. . Tomsen, Peter. â€Å"Geopolitics of an Afghan Settlement.† Perceptions, Journal of International Affairs Dec 2000 Feb 2001, Volume 5, Number 4. . Hussain, Hamid, â€Å"Afghanistan not so great games† Robert D. Kaplan. â€Å"Beijings Afghan Gamble†. The Center for a New American Security Khattak, Afrasiab. Interview with ICG, Chairman, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Peshawar, May 2002. Hussain, Dr. Rifaat â€Å"Pakistans Relations with Afghanistan: Continuity and Change.† The International Crisis Group, â€Å"Afghanistan:The Problem of Pashtun Alienation†.5 August 2003. . ibid. Bhatt, Garurang. â€Å"Coming Chaos in Afghanistan†.23 Aug 2006. Bokhari, Kamran and Burton Fred, â€Å" The Counterinsurgency in Pakistan† Aug 13,2009. . Holmes, Major Michael D. â€Å"Secessionist Jihad: The Talibans Struggle for Pashtunistan,† the Military Intelligence Professional Bulletin, On the Horizon: MI Missions of the Near Future, July-September 2008 Zalmay, Khalilzad and Daniel, Byman, â€Å"Afghanistan: the Consolidation of a Rogue State†, The Washington Quarterly, Vol. 23, No. 1 (Winter 2000), p. 74. Selig S. Harrison, â€Å"Pakistan: The State of the Union† Ibid. Owen, Bennett Jones Nationalism in Pakistan: Eye of the Storm, New Haven: Yale University Press, 2002,p. 139. Bhadrakumar, M.K. â€Å"India and the Central Asian Dawn†. The Hindu. 31 Dec 2009. Zaman, Aly, â€Å"Indias Increased Involvement in Afghanistan and Central Asia: Implications for Pakistan,† Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) Journal, Vol. 3, N0.2 (Summer 2003), Bhadrakumar, M.K. â€Å"Indian Interests in Regional Security†. The Hindu. 28 Aug 2009. Subramanian Nirupama, â€Å"Gilgit-Baltistan Autonomy wins few Friends†. The Hindu. 30 Nov 2009. Barfield, Thomas, The Durand Line: History, Consequences, and Future. Conference Organized by the American Institute of Afghanistan Studies and the Hollings Center in Istanbul, Turkey November 2007. â€Å"Across the Durrand Line†. Editorial. The Dawn 24 July 2008. . Bhadrakumar, M.K. Loc.cit. Maitra, Ramtanu, â€Å"Central Asia: Dangerous Line in the Sand†.13 March 2003. . The Durand Line: History, Consequences and Future Istanbul, Turkey July 11-13, 2007 Feiser, Jonathan, â€Å"Central Asia The ghost of GreaterAfghanistan† Jul 23, 2003 Amin, Agha. â€Å"Durand Line-Afghanistan-Pakistan-Border Disputes† Journal of Afghanistan Studies Kabul, November 2004. Neumann, Ronald, â€Å"Borderline Insanity: Thinking Big about Afghanistan† The American Interest, November December 2007 issue.