A good life according to Saint Augustine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

A good life according to Saint Augustine - Essay Example here wealth and power are believed to be symbols of a good life, do everything in our power to acquire them and secure them in our lives but in doing so the line that distinguishes good from evil blurs and raises questions inquiring into the validity of condemning all evil acts that are executed to achieve a good cause. Queries also arise concerning the nature of happiness attained from such acts and whether this happiness is actually what we need for a good life. â€Å"All wicked people, just like good people, desire to live without fear. The difference is that the good, in desiring this, turn their love away from things that cannot be possessed without the fear of losing them. The wicked on the other hand, try to get rid of anything that prevents them from enjoying things securely.† (Augustine pg 7-8) Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, in the above reference, significantly clarifies an important basis for the argument he has presented in his book â€Å"On the Free Choice of the Will† i.e. the choice given to human beings to choose right over wrong and do good over evil as a system to judge what acts are condemnable and what not. However despite this apparent freedom, we often feel compelled to practice certain acts that are otherwise considered evil, in order to achieve a desired good. In that sense and in the absence of the justification that the law humans create condemns rightly only acts that are evils, an exemplary murder of his master by a slave who wishes to live without fear is perceived as a good rather than the evil it is commonly taken to be. (Augustine pg 6 -7) However our inner sense of justice signals that such a perception is not right and may create havoc in society as all evil acts may be traced to the satisfaction of one desire or the other, all of which promise to the individual a life of happiness, security and comfort. Thus the initially simple question of whether free will is a good or evil has brought the reader to challenge everything

The development of the American Empire Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The development of the American Empire - Essay Example As they sensed a power vacuum and a unique opportunity to influence the United States, the Union was specifically interested in stymieing these efforts and ensuring that the conflict remained as one between the states. More or less, these efforts were widely successful and they helped to encourage the further understanding the continent of North America, and the surrounding regions could be viewed as the sphere of influence upon which the United States alone had the license to meddle. However, understanding the way in which the American concept of empire developed cannot be appropriately effected without a cursory discussion of the doctrine of Manifest Destiny. Manifest Destiny was the intrinsic belief that the Almighty had provided the United States with dominion over all the land between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. This belief had a profound impact with regards to the way in which colonization of these lands took place and the means through which the native populations were mi streated and relocated. Just as Manifest Destiny and an interpretation of American sovereignty came to be formed during and before the Civil War era, as well as afterward, the course upon which the United States would eventually engage was all but assured. One of the most obvious interventions within this sphere of influence took place during the Spanish American War; a time in which the United States sought to further weaken the Spanish Empire and take territories in the Pacific – as well as carve out further influence within the Caribbean.

Linguistic anthropology Essay Example for Free

Linguistic anthropology Essay Linguistic anthropology is defined as ‘an interdisciplinary field dedicated to the study of language as a cultural resource and speaking as a cultural practice’ (Duranti, 2001) or ‘investigate the relationship between communication and culture’ (Sociology and Anthropology Website, 2010). It is also ‘the study the role language plays in culturally patterned behavior’ (Stanton, 2000). This branch of anthropology utilizes ‘detailed documentation’ of people’s communicative interaction with each other in any social activity. It also focuses on subjective research through oral interviews, recorded transcription and active participation of the subjects. It has garnered interest from the academic field as more studies had been made with credible sources and maintaining the emphasis on systematic and empirical research. Language and culture are the key factors in the linguistic anthropology; it was often pointed out with linguists that children learn the language along with their society’s culture at the same time. Grammar, syntax, accent, dialects often arrived with surprising results. This branch of study often concludes the identity of the speakers; how they speak, why certain accents are received with prejudice or acceptance, etc. Having a linguist working with me, specializing in Political Science would be a very interesting and intellectual camaraderie. Culture is one of the significant factors in the Political Science field; its study is usually of game play of power and how to apply such influence on people. Linguistic anthropology’s methodology is also similar to that of Political Science. Interaction is necessary to achieve favor from the public masses whether for political campaigns or public relations within the government. Understanding different kinds of languages, even dialects, actually helped tremendously in comprehending the other parties’ identity in Society. Political Science is a study of power play and therefore must utilize soft power as much as possible to avoid damages in one’s society. Positive reinforcement to the different kinds of people, whether they are natives or foreigners, elite or poor, and men or women, would be impossible without understanding the language structure of the said subjects (Duranti, 2001). References: Duranti, A. (2001) Linguistic Anthropology. Retrieved on 5 May 2010 from, http://www. sscnet. ucla. edu/anthro/faculty/duranti/reprints/02ling_anth. pdf Stanton, W. (2000). Linguistic Anthropology of Education. Retrieved on 5 May 2010 from, http://www. gse. upenn. edu/~stantonw/pdf/lae. pdf Sociology and Anthropology Website. (2010). What is Linguistic Anthropology? Retrieved on 5 May 2010 from, http://www. mystfx. ca/academic/sociology/anthropology/LinguisticAnthropology. html

Research Report Critique: Nursing and Midwifery Grants

Research Report Critique: Nursing and Midwifery Grants Citation of the article Gledhill, S., Mannix, J., MacDonald, R., Poulton, G. (2010). Nursing and midwifery research  grants: profiling the outcomes.  Australian Journal Of Advanced Nursing,28(3), 14-21. Introduction: This paper was aimed at outlining the contributions that were made in the field of health care particularly to professions of nursing, and midwifery by researchers who were granted financial support in their by The Queensland Nursing Council (QNC) Australia. This research paper is based on the findings obtained from a survey and focused on research grants awarded in the the time frame between1996 and 2010. 1. Substantive and Theoretical Dimensions relevance of research problem and significance The research problem that has been identified in this research paper is very crucial to the professions of nursing and midwifery. This research report exposes the problem of closing down of this grant program with effect from July 2010 due to the shifting of territory and state midwifery and nursing regulations into a regulatory scheme under the authority of national health profession. Moreover the author also points out at the problems lying around underfunding of the nursing research. The problems stated are thus of vital importance which the author has supported with the studies of other authors and have highlighted the need and importance of nursing funds in encouraging and stabilizing the nursing and midwifery profession in different ways such as leadership support that a successful research development provides and making significant contributions to advance the health care system. congruence between research question and methods used Given the authors’ emphasis on the outcomes of Nursing and midwifery research grants, this research is primarily survey-based and takes in responses of different nurses and midwives who have conducted or still conducting researches under such grants. Their fields of study have been taken in account and the relation of these studies to the profession of nursing, midwifery and health care. literature review Gledhill, Mannix, MacDonald and Poulton cite several previous studies as part of their literature review. The literature review that has been incorporated in the research report covers all the dimensions that the author aims to explore, starting from the barriers and obstacles in the nursing research, problems relating to the underfunding, proposed frameworks to make these systems better, sources of the funding to the benefits of nursing grants to the system of health care. 2. Methodological Dimensions research design A cross sectional electronic survey consisting of 21 items was conducted relating to the research grant outcomes. 71 former and current research funds receiver from across Australia participated in the survey. Respondents were required to evaluate the effect and advantage of the research grant on nursing and midwifery and the role they play in enhancing knowledge, education, practice, and how this funding support the professional their project. I think that the cross-sectional survey can result in responses that a high ratio of personal bias on the issue. 71 was very low response rate and I think the electronic form of the survey was one reason that limited the participants in this study. I think that another research design should also have been used for example content analysis of the research articles and publications that have been published as a result of the researches conducted with the help of such grants. population and sample Methodologically, I have concerns regarding sampling of this research report. (91.4%)of the respondents were female, while the males only comprised of 8.6% of respondents. There were Ninety three per cent (93 %) nurses in the respondents and only 7% of the midwives. There were approximately nine times as many females than males, 91.4% versus 8.6%. Coincidentally, most of the respondents were also nurses. I would have favored if the survey had engage a comparatively more equivalent number of participants on the basis of sex and the fields of profession i.e. nurses and midwives. Age groups were classified as: 20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years and 60 years and older. 38% of respondents were among the 40-49 year age group followed by 29.6% from the 50-59 year age group, 19.7% were 30-39 years of age group and 12.7% of respondents were from the age group greater than 60 years. Response rate from the age group of 20-29 year was nil. This did not extend the prospects of thi s study towards young nurses and midwives or enrolled students or fresh graduates in the nursing, midwifery and health care degrees. collection of data Collection of data was well carried put considering the survey method that was used. Frequencies were calculated by means of the data analysis function of survey tool. Frequencies presented an actual count as well as the calculation of the percentage of participants individually, choosing each response category for a particular item of questionnaire. Qualitative data was examined by means of thematic analysis. Every response was independently coded, while identifying the subthemes and the clustering them into major themes. Data was collected in four spheres: demographic data, research focus and award category, impact of research grants and qualitative findings. Validity The results were quite consistent with the already done research around this topic. The result obtained from the survey showed that majority of respondents centered their research on midwifery and nursing staff. These results are in line with the literature reporting and support the ideas that most nursing research focuses on profession ‘endogenous’, rather than on patient ‘exogenous’ (Trayner et al 2001). The results also show consistency with an international comparative analysis carried out by Polit and Beck (2009). Taken from eight English journals, this analysis examined the 1,072 nursing research studies and their characteristics 2005 and 2006. The researchers used the scales consisting of a variety of settings. This could result bad for the internal validity as the participants might not have focused on completing the scale, rather they tried on completingpaperwork etc. 3. Ethical Dimensions confidentiality or anonymity The authors mentioned percentages of the respondents who have obtained different research grants, however, they did not mention that their names were known or not. Moreover, the authors have also not given any confirmation regarding disclosing the forms that they filled or keeping them confidential. informed consent The authors engaged the participants in an electronic survey which was suppose to be filled and answered by them directly. Therefore, I don’t think there is a chance of any negligence regarding the consent of the respondents. The participants engaged in the survey with their own choice knowing what it was aimed for. vulnerability of study subjects/participants We do not know that respondents were kept anonymous or not, therefore it is not certain to say that their vulnerability was compromised or not. research ethics board approval Ethical approval was obtained from the Queensland Nursing Council before conducting the research because the research was based on research grant programs administered by Queensland Nursing Council. 4. Interpretive Dimensions discussion section The researchers incorporated an extensive discussion section. It is a well structured section explaining the survey outcomes in terms of sampling and their link with the results, informing of the new techniques being used and new dimensions being explored, the limitations in the researches and the recommendations for providing more research grants in the nursing and midwifery field. The authors highlighted several explanations for their findings. The authors clarified the shortcomings that I pointed out earlier (population and sample) in their sampling in the beginning of the discussion section. They make it clear that demographics of respondents represented present demographics among the midwifery and nursing professions. The nursing profession in Australia consists of 90.4% females of which 33.0% are above 50 years of age. Most respondents were working as nurse academics or nurses than midwives and the average age was 43.5. Respondents over the age group of sixty corresponded really well, signifying that old age group researchers make valuable contributions in the knowledge body related to nursing and midwifery. The authors had also taken note of the lack of response amongst the young burses and midwives and suggest that this indicate the need of balancing a career along with personal commitments. The significance of consolidating a clinical career in young and fresh graduates was also highlighted. The frequency of randomized controlled trials technique and pre-test/post-test method carried out by respondents in this survey indicates the increasing trend towards a practice based on evidence in nursing and midwifery. This was unknown prior to this survey so it was a stepping stone in signifying the importance of increased research practices. The authors also pointed out the desire that nursing and midwifery reflect to understand experiences of patients and the health care. The authors proved the validity of the results in the discussion section explained earlier in (Validity). The discussion also point out the shortcomings that exist in the nursing and midwife research i.e. the focus on endogenous aspects such as examining what it is that midwives and nurses are doing, and how they deliver care, which should arguably be focusing on patients. They also pointed out that researched merely focused on main national health concerns which include asthma, cancer control, arthritis/musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, injury prevention, diabetes, obesity and mental health. The authors identified several benefits from funding led research including enhancing the body of knowledge, workplace efficiencies due to healthier workforce such as cost savings and better decision making attributed to up to date information. conclusion section The conclusion was well built. It adequately highlighted the aim of the research paper i.e. outlining the contributions that were made in the field of health care particularly to professions of nursing, and midwifery by researchers who were granted financial support in their by The Queensland Nursing Council (QNC) Australia. Respondents were capable of revealing the benefits of their research projects in the course of clinical practice changes, policy changes and the development of professional networks that adds significantly to the mass of research based knowledge in nursing and midwifery. Moreover, most participants were also able to publish their research findings and knowledge in various national and international journals. While highlighting the contributions of the nurse and midwifery led research, the conclusion also proposes a positive future of health care nationally and internationally through continued support for researches in nursing and midwifery to maintain the existing capacity of researchers in Australian nursing and midwifery as well as internationally. implication section I felt that recommendation section was a little vague. The recommendations presented were very general and were not explained specifically. In fact, there were a few implications that were outlined in discussion section were more elaborated such as advising to consider a close link between national health priorities and nursing and midwifery research projects to efficiently utilize the available funding and advising professional organizations of nursing and midwifery consider the overall benefits of the research grants to the health care consumers and profession. 5. Presentation and Stylistic Dimensions any missing information The survey did not include information about the effects that these nursing and midwifery had on the career of these researchers. Was it able to boost their career and gave them improved opportunities to work in better positions in health care? I think the survey also missed out on questions relating to the duration of the grants and their research. Information regarding confidentiality, anonymity and vulnerability is also missing. The percentages for response rate for any quantitative item have not been given. . clear, grammatically correct writing The writing is clear and easy to understand. The authors’ tone adds continuity in the article. The writing is somewhat grammatically correct and use simple words. well organized The research report is well structured. The information is presented in order. Research focusing questions and major themes for quantitative and qualitative data collection has been presented in tables that made the structure of the questionnaire/form easy to understand. enough detail, no jargon Jargons and technical terms have been explained for example the terms such as RCT, endogenous and exogenous were explained for the reader to understand. Limitations: The response rate was very low, of only 33%. Due to this low response rate, generalizing the results to nursing and midwifery research was a little difficult and thus a lot of support from existing literature was taken to do so. Conclusion: The research report is well structured and well organized. However, the research questions are not stated in a question form and neither any hypothesis has been proposed as such. However, the research problem has been identified effectively and has been supported with the results obtained from a survey. The results along with literature reporting were sufficient enough to fulfill the purpose of the study. However, a mixed method approach could still have been used such content analysis for a more detailed information on the subject.

A Study on Effects of Different Levels of Aloe Vera Gel as an Alternati

According to the results obtained on feed intake in different periods, it can be seen that the Aloe vera groups have the highest level of feed intake compared to the control group and this leads to increased body weight gain in these groups in comparison to the control group. Olupona et al. (2010) reported increased feed intake in groups which were treated by Aloe vera gel solved in water (15, 20, 25, and 30 cm3/dm3) as body weight gain rose. Similarly, the present study shows increased feed intake in the 2-percent Aloe vera gel with raised level of body weight gain. Increased feed intake in Aloe vera groups can be attributed to changes in feed taste and stimulated appetite since, as reported by Windisch et al. (2008), phylogenic substances (as additives to birds’ feed) can improve taste of diet. Furthermore, Wenk (2002) argued that herbs can stimulate appetite and endogenous secretions which, in turn, improve grower performance. on the other hand, our experiments showed that Aloe vera groups consumed more feed compared to the antibiotic groups both in the grower period (days 25 to 42) and during the total experiment period (days 0 to 42). Guo et al. (2004) observed that food consumption level in chickens treated by Chinese herbs added to their diet was higher than this level in chickens fed by viriginiamycin mixed with their food. In general, increased body weight in different periods show larger body weight gains in the antibiotic groups compared to other groups. Among the experimental groups, the 2-percent Aloe vera group had better body weight gain compared to other Aloe vera groups and the control group, showing no significant difference from the antibiotic group. On the other hand, findings obtained in studies on treatment... ...nd viral infections (Sohn et al., 2000). Other researchers reported properties in herbal medicine which are similar to those of prebiotics (Verstegen and Schaafsma, 1999; Cummings and Macfarlane, 2002; Guo et al., 2004). By definition, prebiotics are dietary supplements in the form of nondigestible carbohydrate that favor the grower of desirable microflora in the large bowel (Gibson and Roberfroid, 1995). Since the main polysaccharide contained in Aloe vera gel is acemannan, the enhanced body weight gain in groups treated by Aloe vera compared to the control group may be attributed to antibacterial properties of Aloe vera gel which can improve intestinal microflora. Furthermore, the acemannan contained in Aloe vera gel can stimulate immunosystem and improves body resistance against bacteria and viruses; and this, in turn, improves grower and body weight gain.

Social Capital in the Developing World Essay -- International Developm

The globalized world today is getting very advanced in all areas and so has become very competitive. This then accommodates the use of a comparative approach in society. Comparative, an activity derived from the word comparison meaning to compare, it is defined as a research which uses data that are compared between at least two countries (Ragin, 1987). This comparative study is a very important phenomenon in the field of social science and commenced in the1960s and 1970s. It is used as an essential form of an investigating tool in analyzing the operations between different countries with a view to formulate solutions for under- developed countries and to give details of the development of social structuring in the framing of public policies (Ghorra-Gobin, discussion paper No. 40). In order to do a comparative analysis/study, a case study is usually done between two countries. The objective is to foster a better understanding of how and why certain scenarios occur in one country and how it relates to the same scenario in the other country. One such example is the political stability in Guyana (an undeveloped country) with a ranking of 26 % compared to the political stability in the United Kingdom (a developed country) with a ranking of 66% (worldwide governance indicators). A qualitative and quantitative format is utilized in order to assess systems within government and its political affiliates. Charles Ragin states that this comparative method can be used as a means of experience in using data from one country to another in order to improve stability. The main objective of the comparative approach method is mainly to improve efficiency, effectiveness, growth and development in under-developed countries and a... ...edge Publishers. New York, USA. ARTICLES Boyne, I., (2009). Gleaner Article: Jamaica's losing battle with corruption. Fukuyama, F., (2000). Social capital and civil society. Issues 2000-2074. IMF Institute. IMF Working Paper Ghorra-Gobin, C. The Comparative Social Science Approach. Discussion Paper No. 40. www.unesco.org/shs/most Gregory, R.J., (1999). Social Capital Theory and Administrative Reform: Maintaining Ethical Probity in Public Service. Vol. 59, No. 1 (Jan. - Feb., 1999), pp. 63-75. Blackwell Publishing. Public Administration Review. Powell, L. A. (2009). Probing Jamaica’s Political Culture: Main trends in the July-August 2006 Leadership and Governance. Department of Government, UWI, Mona, Kingston WEBSITES Worldwide Governance Indicators. www. info.worldbank.org/governance/wgi/index.asp . Retrieved September 20, 2010.

Vero Moda Marketing mix

VERO MODA was one of the first brands to launch within the Bestseller family. Today VERO MODA is one of the largest brands in the company. The vision of the brand was to fulfill a need for good quality, on-trend clothing at affordable prices. VERO MODA is the brand of choice for the fashion-conscious, independent young woman who wants to dress well and pay less. Today, VERO MODA has more than 1,000 stores in Europe, 1,600 stores in China, and experience rapid growth in both India and Canada. VERO MODA is represented in almost 45 countries. Vero moda has two in-house labels that specialize in a certain type of apparel that is-Y.A.S- The core collection is founded in our eternal passion for luxurious fabrics, contemporary shapes, modern lines, and refined silhouettes. Y.A.S stays true to its ethos, which is a design approach centered on well-crafted, feminine collections with a touch of edge and understated coolness. Noisy May is a team of passionate individuals bound together by their love for fashion and true denim.SEGMENT- Young adults, young independent women, fashion conscious women. Between the age group of 18-35TARGET- It targets the upper middle class and high class; with annual income of 5 lakhs and above.THE FOUR P’sPRODUCT Vero Moda has apparel, accessories and shoes.Women’s wearVero moda caters to the fashion loving populace.Vero Moda clothes follow the current fashion trends and patterns. The silhouettes are very feminine, stylish and semi-formal. It doesn’t give a casual look rather a very prim and proper feminine look and feel. Premium quality fabrics are used giving the products a very luxurious feel. The colours used by the brands are sober and sophisticated and then again they have a section with bright feminine colours. The colour pattern is also tweaked from time to time according to the season’s trends. It offers a wide range of sizes catering to all- from an XS to a XL.Accessories & shoes The accessories include w allets, scarfs, earrings, neck pieces and rings. The accessories are again quite feminine and complement their apparel range. Scarfs use a lot of trendy prints. The wallets and shoes use a lot of leather and sequins- Keeping the target audience in mind this is very apt as a young fashionable working women need both to go with their professional and social life.PRICEVero moda has placed itself has a affordable fashion brand for young independent women.The price ranges from Rs 400 to Rs 6000. Since the brand is providing good quality and follows current fashion trends , their customers don’t mind paying that extra bit. Vero Moda has a very niche and sophisticated feel to it which is also reflected through it clothes. But it’s pricing strategy is such that it should target the young independent women who are willing to look good but at affordable prices. Women today are smart and aware and look for the best deals. Thus Vero moda is giving them high quality fashion at an a ffordable price and service. The strategy is that the price should come as a pleasant surprise to its customers.The competitor brands are Zara, Mango, Chemistry. Zara and Chemistry are similarly priced whereas Mango is priced at a higher level.PLACEThe brand targets the fashion conscious independent women and the upper middle class and high class.By Place it means the distribution channel a company follows. Maximum distribution of its products is direct. The brand owns independent stores. Off late they have set up sections in other departmental store that share a similar design philosophy. The brand is placed in a mall or high street which is frequently visited by the target audience. Vero Moda has not restricted itself only to high street or exclusive malls as it talks about affordability and reaching the masses.PROMOTIONAbove the line- Vero Moda doesn’t have much of above the line promotion. It doesn’t have tv or radio commercials. Though it does promote itself quite a bit through print media; especially in fashion magazines. For new collection Vero Moda prints out catalogues which are circulated to frequent customers and given to any visitor who comes to the store..Below the Line-Vero Moda has its own active website which is regularly updated. It also conducts online competitions and other promotional activity. The brand sends out regular mails to its valued customers always keeping them in the loop. Thus maintaining a good customer base and trying to create a brand loyalty for itself.One of the most striking promotional activities is the window displays done by the brand. Its out of the box, trendy and very attractive. It speaks smartness, class, chic, sophistication.During sales they have special window displays and holdings. This makes more and more people aware about their ongoing sale.SWOT ANALYSIS:STRENGTH- Fashionable and trendy Affordable pricing Good quality Spacious stores Strong brand image Brand awareness WEEKNESS Not enough promot ion ( tv commercials, endorsements, ) Repetition and can get monotonous Narrow target audience ( only young women)OPPORTUNITIES To broaden target audience ( menswear, children) More commoditiesTHREATS Competitor brands Global brands Brands with better promotional strategies Better offers and pricing strategies.