Consent searches in the Fourth Amendment Essay

The Fourth Amendment provides provisions that protect citizens from searches and seizures that are unreasonable. However, the individuals may waive their rights by consenting to searches. This essay is aimed at listing (Zalman, 2010), describing and explaining the rules regarding consent searches and providing a case study to illustrate the rules. When the court is called up on to determine whether consent was given for a search, it puts into consideration several issues. The first is that it considers the age, background and mental capacity of the subject. When the officer is seeking consent from the subject, he or she should not show weapons as that is considered to be coercive. In short, the officer should not use aggression to get the consent (Stephens & Glenn, 2006). The other rule is founded in the case Monroe v. Pape (1961) and which is based on the time the consent is sought. The rule requires officers to desist from seeking consents at night. Attempting to conduct a search at night is seen as evil and in a most obnoxious form (Zalman, 2010). Conclusion In conclusion, the law provides a waiver for the rights of protection from searches and seizures and the Fourth Amendment. However, the rules that govern such a waiver are so strict such that, an officer may find himself in breach easily if care is not exercised. These rules cover issues such as the mental capacity, age, time of getting the consent and the manner of soliciting such consent. As mentioned, care has to be exercised or otherwise the search constitutes a breach. References Zalman, M. (2010). Criminal Procedure : Constitution and Society, Sixth Edition. Prentice Hall.Hess, K. Orthman, C. H., & Cho, H. (2014). Introduction to Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. Cengage Learning. Top of Form Stephens, O. H., & Glenn, R. A. (2006). Unreasonable searches and seizures: Rights and liberties under the law. Santa Barbara, Calif. [u.a.: ABC-Clio. Bottom of Form Source document

Collaboration To Prevent Zoonotic Disease Health And Social Care Essay

In 1899 Sir Patrick Manson wrote â€Å" aˆÂ ¦that the lower animate beings, particularly. . . those that are closely associated with adult male, play an of import portion in the transmittal of human disease is now merely going to be appreciated. . . for one time in a manner, scientific discipline is immensely in progress of pattern. Our sanitarians and the public do non to the full recognize all that the community of involvement, as respects disease sources, of adult male and animal agencies in the spread of disease. At all events if they do understand it they surely do non move as if they appreciated it. † Since so, research workers have discovered a scope of agencies by which assorted diseases may be transferred from animate beings to people. Besides direct animate being contact ( consumption, animate being bites, diseased carnal handling ) these include direct or indirect exposure to septic tissues, piss, spit, secernments or fecal matters through tegument or mucose me mbranes, inspiration of contaminated aerosols or dust, bites from arthropod vectors, and research lab accidents ( Baptiste et al, 2005 ; Dabritz and Conrad, 2010 ) . Bender and Minicucci ( 2007 ) modified the 1959 World Health Organisation definition of zoonotic diseases to be â€Å" Those diseases and infections that are of course transmitted between craniate animate beings and adult male, with the animate beings functioning as the reservoir where a pathogen lives or persists and multiplies. † Despite this possible for disease transportation, it is estimated that 63 % of families ain at least one pet ( McNicholas et al, 2005 ) . The bond between worlds and animate beings has been recognized for many old ages, and favored ownership has been associated with psychological, emotional and physical benefits. Surveies have identified stress decrease, decreased feelings of depression and disaffection, reduced cardiovascular disease, higher endurance from myocardial infarctions, reduced hazard of asthma and allergic coryza as advantages of having comrade animate beings ( Friedmann et al, 1980 ; Anderson et Al, 1992 ; Spencer, 1992b ; Patronek and Glickman, 1993 ; Beck and Meyers, 1996 ; Villar et Al, 1998 ; Siegel et Al, 1999 ; McNicholas et Al, 2005 ) . Unfortunately, the zoonotic transmittal of infective diseases amongst immunocompromised persons and their pets is frequently overlooked, ignored or over overdone. While possible zoonotic pathogens of concern to immunocompromised in dividuals include Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium spp. , Salmonella spp. , Campylobacter spp. , Giardia lamblia, Rhodococcus equi, Bartonella spp. , Mycobacterium marinum, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Chlamydia psittaci, and zoophilic dermatophytes, appropriate hygiene and instruction can dramatically cut down the hazards ( Trevejo et al, 2005 ) . With the exclusion of Bartonella henselae ( cat abrasion disease ) and zoophilic dermatophytes, the predating infections in worlds are more normally acquired from beginnings other than pets, and the infective disease hazard from having pets is considered low even amongst immunocompromised persons ( Spencer, 1992a ; Jones et Al, 1999 ; Robertson et Al, 2000 ; Mani and Maguire, 2009 ) . However, HIV-infected and immunosuppressed individuals may still be advised non to ain pets, or to dispose of their comrade animate beings. Since people are more likely to hold their Canis familiariss and cats vaccinated against hydrophobias than to hold the ir kids vaccinated against grippe ( Rock and Lail, 2009 ) , fear that they may lose their pets can take sick persons to wholly avoid intervention. Therefore, concern for the wellness and public assistance of pets can supply a strategic gap for conveying information sing human wellness and health by health care professionals. Given that human medical specialty does non by and large explore the function of animate beings in the transmittal of zoonotic agents, and veterinary medical specialty does non pull off the clinical facets of human disease, zoonotic disease bar amongst immunocompromised individuals requires engagement of both doctors and veterinaries.Immunocompromised PersonsWhen sing the immunocompromised as a vulnerable population, there is a broad assortment of root causes for immune map decrease amongst the most immunosuppressed groups. The cardinal similarity between them all is that they are more susceptible to serious unwellnesss from infections associated with pathogens from animate beings, insects, nutrient and H2O. This is due to impaired immune system map which consequences in a decreased ability to battle the resulting infections. Primary or inborn immunodeficiencies are caused by familial or innate upsets, B- and T-cell lacks, and defects in unconditioned unsusceptibility, while acquired immunodeficiencies include the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ( HIV/AIDS ) , impaired unsusceptibility from chemotherapy or radiation, splenectomy, diseases of bone marrow, and protein-calorie malnutrition ( Abbas et al, 2009 ) . Immunosuppressive therapy for grafts of bone marrow, haematopoietic root cells, and solid variety meats enhances the hurtful effects of underlying unwellness or organ failure. Malignancy, diabetes mellitus, Cushing's syndrome, gestation, hypogammaglobulinemia, extremes of age, alcohol addiction, and asplenia besides impair host unsusceptibility to changing grades by impacting endocrine and immune cell degrees, reactions and sensit ivenesss ( Abbas et al, 2009 ) . Therefore, it is of import to acknowledge that immunocompromisation is a far making term which includes those enduring from HIV/AIDS, pregnant adult females, babies younger than 1 twelvemonth, people older than 65 old ages of age, people taking immunosuppressive medicines ( such as transplant organ receivers ) , people having chemotherapeutic agents, and people enduring from diabetes, nephritic failure, malnutrition, liver cirrhosis, or assorted other immunosuppressive diseases or conditions. A conservative estimation is that about 20 % of the United States population is considered immunocompromised ( Robinson and Pugh, 2002 ) , and there is no ground to surmise that this is non the same in Canada. This figure is expected to increase as the overall population ages, and as malignant neoplastic disease and HIV/AIDS therapies improve taking patients to hold longer endurance rates ( Robinson and Pugh, 2002 ) .Preventing Zoonotic Disease Transmission in Immunocompromised PopulationsThere are of import factors that immunocompromised individuals need to see with respects to pet ownership, and by and large most writers agree on several cardinal points refering to these issues. First, that immunocompromised persons need to carefully see the important hazards of favored ownership and that instruction leting them to make so needs to be provided in an empathic, caring environment ( Kotton, 2007 ) . Second, that few immunosuppressed individuals initiate these conversations themselves ( Davis, 2008 ) . Last, that there does non look to be consistent duologue or coaction between the Fieldss of human and veterinary medical specialty ( Lipton et al, 2008 ) . In order to get the better of these jobs and travel towards a declaration of the issue of zoonotic disease transmittal, physician-veterinarian relationships need to be established early. In a survey sing the attitudes of veterinaries and doctors towards zoonotic diseases amongst immunocompromised patients, doctors were uncomfortable discoursing the function of pets in the transmittal of zoonotic diseases. Alternatively doctors preferred that veterinaries initiate those treatments ( Grant and Olsen, 1999 ) . However, without physician support, most patients do non see veterinaries as a beginning of information sing human wellness ( Beck and Meyers, 1996 ; Robinson, 2000 ; McNicholas et Al, 2005 ) . This is despite most veterinaries recognizing their function in public instruction refering zoonotic disease bar, and being prepared for stronger partnerships with public wellness bureaus ( Lipton et al, 2008 ) . As the theoretical account of coaction between wellness professionals alterations into a system of One Health, opportunities to develop schemes specifically adopted towards the bar of zoonotic disease within vulnerable immunosuppressed populations could originate. Currently policies remain in their babyhood as comprehensive, comparative medical specialty has merely late regained widespread entreaty. Generally, schemes have been centred on the distribution of educational booklets and stuffs on the subject of comrade animate being related zoonotic diseases, or little marks within medical waiting countries promoting patients to talk with their wellness professional to heighten bar ( Beck and Meyers, 1996 ; Grant and Olsen, 1999 ; Bender and Minicucci, 2007 ; Pickering et Al, 2008 ) . Unfortunately, despite the fact that these methods may at first appear empowering, it is improbable that many patients are within the appropriate phase of alteration to originate alterations, and therefore are unwilling to utilize the resources. Furthermore, it has been suggested that on norm, veterinaries engaged in treatments sing zoonotic disease merely twice per hebdomad, and doctors seldom, if at all ( Grant and Olsen, 1999 ) . This farther demonstrates the deficiency of information being communicated to patients. However, despite the lack of concrete stairss taken towards seting specific policies into topographic point, the undermentioned suggestions have been put frontward as recommendations for cut downing the transportation of zoonotic disease to immunosuppressed persons. 1. Increased public instruction demands to be provided to immunocompromised persons and their households. a ) Education sing appropriate attention and hygiene of pets, and people in contact with comrade animate beings needs to be provided ( Robinson and Pugh, 2002 ; Hemsworth and Pizer, 2006 ; Mani and Maguire, 2009 ) . This includes manus rinsing after contact with pets, every bit good as care of a clean, healthy environment, modus operandi and regular veterinarian attention ( including handling with appropriate parasiticides ) , and regular pet hygiene ( e.g. niping cats claws, cleaning litter box day-to-day, forestalling Canis familiariss from creaming, etc ) ( NASPHV, 2009 ) . It is of import besides that comrade animate beings are spayed or neutered to cut down the potency for contact with venereal secernments. Discussions sing appropriate eating wonts are important, as immunocompromised patients should ne'er feed their pets natural meat due to the increased hazard of transmittal of pathogens such as Salmonella and tineas to their pets, which can so go vectors themselves. Immunosupp ressed persons must keep their ain hygiene, as integral mucocutaneous barriers are one of the few defense mechanisms against development of disease. B ) Recommendations refering appropriate pet purchases and contact with bad species need to be outlined ( Robinson and Pugh, 2002 ; Hemsworth and Pizer, 2006 ; Mani and Maguire, 2009 ) . Immunosuppressed individuals should avoid holding any reptilians or amphibious vehicles, wild or alien birds, or gnawers as pets. Additionally, many persons are non cognizant that acceptance of an grownup animate being reduces the opportunities of infection with a GI zoonotic disease. 2. Improved coaction between wellness attention professionals needs to be maintained in order to place possible zoonotic state of affairss. a ) Health professionals must join forces sing their consciousness of the hazards of infection and showing marks of disease in both human and carnal patients ( Robinson and Pugh, 2002 ; Hemsworth and Pizer, 2006 ; Mani and Maguire, 2009 ) . Knowledge of susceptible persons within the same family, such as an sick pet or individual, allows wellness attention practicians to give appropriate advice and instructions on bar of disease transmittal. Comprehensive medical direction programs can so be given in order to maximise life anticipation and minimise morbidity for both human and carnal patients. B ) Dialogue refering zoonotic diseases present in the patient ‘s and the community ‘s environing environment must be undertaken within a squad environment ( Robinson and Pugh, 2002 ; Kahn, 2006 ) . Currently disease surveillance is fragmented, with human wellness professionals describing to different administrations and sections in authorities than veterinary professionals. If this were synchronised there would be a greater opportunity of placing possible zoonotic eruptions prior to occurrence, every bit good as hastening local responses required to command events. 3. Integrated instruction for doctors and veterinaries can cut down the uncomfortableness that wellness professionals feel at the thought of collaborative treatments. a ) Comprehensive instruction on the topic of public wellness, zoonotic disease and immunocompromised patients during professional preparation can cut down the fright of treatments on the topic ( Grant and Olsen, 1999 ; Robinson and Pugh, 2002 ) . Combined veterinary and medical preparation both during preparation and through continuing instruction post-graduation through required coursework or workshops ensures consistence in the messages given to patients sing zoonotic disease every bit good as furthering collaborative working relationships between professionals that can transport frontward to future interactions. 4. There should be increased scientific survey on the subject of disease transmittal between immunosuppressed persons and their pets. a ) Research performed jointly by doctors and veterinaries on the topic of zoonotic disease transmittal could formalize present twenty-four hours concerns and sentiments ( Robinson and Pugh, 2002 ; Hemsworth and Pizer, 2006 ; Kahn, 2006 ) . To day of the month at that place have been no randomised controlled tests, and few instance control surveies on the subject of disease transmittal amongst immunosuppressed persons, taking to guess as to the overall hazards of infection. Misconceptions of elevated hazard of pet-acquired unwellnesss often lead households to acquire rid of darling pets unnecessarily doing indefensible emphasis and depression. This is despite the fact that the bulk of pets do non do any greater hazards to immunocompromised patients than interaction with other people or the environment would ( Burton, 1989 ; Wallace et Al, 1993 ) . B ) Studies performed jointly by doctors and veterinaries on the topic of successful wellness promotional activities could promote farther integrating of these schemes and enterprises, and create and drift for future support ( Grant and Olsen, 1999 ; Kahn, 2006 ) . There exists small literature on which wellness promotional schemes appear to hold had a important impact on the decrease of zoonotic transmittal of disease amongst pet proprietors. 5. Improved visibleness of health care professionals within the general community can advance discourse in the subject of disease transference between comrade animate beings and their vulnerable proprietors. a ) Evidence of the presence of the support available for immunocompromised patients with pets can take to more unfastened communicating between patients and the health care professionals with whom they interact ( Grant and Olsen, 1999 ; Lipton et Al, 2008 ) . It is recommended that doctors and veterinaries affiliate with support groups to promote patients to utilize all preventative and diagnostic steps available.Strategic ExamplesAs mentioned, one of the cardinal wellness publicity schemes recommended by several writers was specialised, comprehensive instruction of the particular immunocompromised population. Health instruction is geared to better the cognition that a mark population holds sing the specific issue being discussed. A assortment of methods can be used to leave this information, from printed paperss ( including booklets, postings or manuals ) , to diverse media mercantile establishments ( including telecasting or wireless advertizements or internet web sites ) , to int eractive public treatments ( including community meetings and particular involvement groups ) . Currently, wellness instruction sing the transmittal of zoonotic diseases between immunocompromised persons and their comrade animate beings by and large takes the signifier of marks, booklets or postings in medical and veterinary office waiting suites. For best pattern, educational stuffs should be designed by a collaborative squad of doctors, veterinaries, nurses and wellness publicity specializers. For illustration, the Center for Disease Control presently maintains a web site that contains many client educational resources, including booklets and postings aimed at cut downing zoonotic disease transmittal in immunosuppressed populations for medical and veterinary offices ( CDC, 2011a ; CDC, 2011b ) . These resources are designed by their epidemiological public wellness specializers. Unfortunately, as was mentioned antecedently, even though these are first-class resources, as a inactive resource they are merely utile when they are used, and so make non truly empower the patient. A client ‘s sensed susceptibleness to disease and personal cues to action will play important functions in whether they choose to take the stuff, and so whether they choose to prosecute their wellness professional in the necessary duologue to do of import changes to their state of affairs. As good, the patient must be willing to take action one time they have acquired the recommendations. So while wellness instruction can ensue in improved communicating with patients as a starting point for originating treatment, it is merely functional when used as one of an armory of tools, instead than as the primary or exclusive agencies of zoonotic disease decrease amongst an immunocompromised population. Another recommendation was for a collaborative team-centered attack, in which wellness attention professionals form a squad to recommend for comprehensive medical direction programs that maximize healthy long lives for both human patients and pets. Since veterinaries have a duty to name, dainty and rede the proprietor or health professional on zoonotic disease it is of import that they feel they are a member of the wellness squad. Their function needs to guarantee that doctors and other wellness professionals are given accurate information on the hazards for their patients and practical advice on how to understate infections from happening. As portion of a collaborative squad, doctors should besides be proactive in asking about pet or dog ownership among their immunocompromised patients. Physicians must keep consciousness of pet infective diseases and hazards to advocate patients to forestall human infection. Doctors must besides acknowledge the disease in worlds every bit good as de velop cognition and apprehension of clinical syndromes in animate beings, because these may supply a hint to the aetiology of undiagnosed diseases in human patients. In order to ab initio make this positive working relationship, it is recommended that wellness scientific discipline colleges at universities create interdisciplinary nucleus classs necessitating all wellness subjects ( including but non limited to Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Nursing, Public Health ) to work together on public wellness issues. By larning to work together groups learn to understand and recommend for each other, and hence go more expert at recommending for all of their patients. This would so widen to immunocompromised pet proprietors. Unfortunately, developing this type of course of study will take important organizational alteration and has non yet been completed. Organizational alteration seeks to cut down the demand for remedial or reactive policy by making positive, balanced and flexible constructions and schemes to get by with issues as they arise. Successful organizational alteration in this case requires reconstituting of resources and transmutation of metho dological analysis, which can merely be undertaken one time all cardinal stakeholders acknowledge and consider the possible effects of disregarding the state of affairs. As mentioned, it is estimated that at least 20 % of the current population is considered to be immunosuppressed ( Robinson and Pugh, 2002 ) . As this per centum grows, the impact of avoiding the reverberations of absent policies will go undeniable. However, legion pupil run interdisciplinary groups exist and one successful illustration of this type of confederation is the Aboriginal, Rural and Remote Health Group ( ARRHG ) from the University of Saskatchewan which fosters an interprofessional position on issues affecting vulnerable rural, distant and Aboriginal populations. With members from each of the professional wellness scientific discipline sections on campus, pupils learn to interact and pass on with a diverse array of subjects. In the interim, while waiting for new course of study to be developed, joint medi cal and veterinary medical workshops based on the success of groups such as ARRHG could be given to educate professionals on the zoonotic hazards to human wellness. By hammering ties, participants of these workshops would non merely go better advocators for their patients, but besides for the plans themselves, promoting universities to rush their bringing.The Role of Public Health ProfessionalsPublic wellness professionals have a important function in disease surveillance. Companion animate beings can be considered the proverbial ‘canary in a coal mine ‘ by which wellness boosters can break aim their activities based on current needs appraisals. As pets are in intimate contact with members of a human household, they frequently eat similar nutrients, portion the same beds, and serve as travel comrades ; therefore their disease hazard ends up similar to that of their proprietors. Animals hence may function as incidental lookouts for disease, as their wellness frequently mi rrors that of worlds in the same family. Communication between veterinaries, doctors and public wellness functionaries can ease rapid sensing of disease and execution of disease-control and bar schemes to finally minimise damaging wellness effects in both people and animate beings ( Robinson and Pugh, 2002 ) . Public wellness bureaus could increase their engagement in the decrease of zoonotic disease transmittal to immunocompromised persons by going involved in the development of educational stuffs, by moving as affairs between diverse wellness professionals and degrees of authorities, and by run intoing on a regular basis with the community to discourse concerns sing zoonotic diseases and their bar. Public wellness professionals could be instrumental in developing a secure online method for veterinaries, doctors and public wellness professionals to portion information sing zoonotic diseases within the community and possible methods with which to protect vulnerable groups prior to i nclusion of the media.DecisionsZoonotic diseases are a turning public wellness concern, particularly among vulnerable immunosuppressed populations. As more than 75 % of emerging human infective diseases involve zoonotic pathogens ( Lefebvre et al, 2006 ) , and comrade animate beings remain an of import possible beginning of disease for the increasing figure of immunocompromised persons within the population. However, given the emotional and physical benefits of favored ownership, wellness practicians must better their accomplishments in wellness instruction, protagonism and collaborative communicating in order to guarantee that their patients remain capable of keeping their ain wellness while coexisting with their comrade animate beings.

Accounting For Depreciation In Relation With Fixed Assets - Samples

This reflection essay will be based on my learning experience in relation to the accounting for depreciation in the context of fixed assets. Prior to this assessment, two research proposals have been developed in relation to this topic and with the help of various analyses, it has been evaluated that depreciation is a type of expense for the organization and this should be marked every year in the financial statements. This also helps the company to analyse the current value of the assets along with the rate of depreciation which needs to be imposed (Epstein & McFarlan, 2011). Based on my experience and learning from previous assessments, I learned the significance and the necessity of depreciation in an organization. There are two types of assets current and fixed assets. Current assets are those which can be liquidated within the one year from purchase and fixed assets are those which take more than one year to be liquidated. Amongst the various measures for measuring the value of fixed assets, I have realised that conservative approach will help the organization gain the appropriate results as per the expectations. This approach provides clear and accurate information regarding estimating the value of the fixed assets (Kang & Zhao, 2010). Apart from this, I also learned that these approaches are capable enough to cover all the charges in relation to all types of other expenses which would generate clear outcomes in relation to financial statements. As per my opinion, depreciation is quite a useful thing in estimating the actual life of fixed assets and it leads to increase in the costs of those assets. Fixed assets are long-term tangible properties for organization which helps to generate revenues and to accomplishes the functionalities of organization in an appropriate manner. I realised that the concept of depreciations implemented with the view to increase fixed costs with the view to decrease the profit margin. With the help of depreciation, anticipated fixed costs are increased dramatically and organization could easily determine their profits that will also include the expenses of depreciation (Radu & Marius, 2011). On the basis of topic of the research proposal "accounting for depreciation in relation with fixed assets", I have analysed that various accounting entries need to be made to charge the fixed asset as an expense at the end of its life cycle. With the help of these entries, long time usage of the fixed assets could also be reflected. Depreciation is a charge which is imposed on the fixed asset in order to analyse its expected life. For a period of time, fixed assets could be used along with gradually decreasing its value. Along with this, I also realised that on one side depreciation is being charged to record the expense against fixed asset's cost where, on the other hand, revenues are also recorded which are originated from its utilisation. In my opinion, if whole depreciation has been charged in the first year of purchase of the asset then also revenues would be originated from its usage and those will also be reflected in the financial statements of the organization. As per my lea rning experience, this will create negative impact over the financial performance of the organization because revenues and the expenses will not match for the further time period and it will be against the matching principle. Thus, I have realised that charges of depreciation need to be recorded for all the years in which fixed asset has been used for generating revenues (Christensen & Nikolaev, 2013). While evaluating the previous assessments, I have realised that all these theories and concepts are just theoretical aspects which differs from the actual outcomes. Revenues cannot be generated with one asset irrespective of its nature i.e. current or fixed. Revenues are originated from the production process and this process indulges group of assets. Apart from this, I have also realised that the depreciation is an expense which is being charged against the cost of the asset in relation to the revenues. The same procedure is being followed for several years till the time, value of that particular asset becomes nil. In the absence of depreciation, whole cost of the fixed asset will be charged in the year of its purchase which will lead to decline in the rate of profits for the organization. In the year under which fixed assets have been purchased, profits of the company will be less in comparison to the past years and future years (Giarola, Shah & Bezzo, 2012). Further, in the next y ear, profits will gradually increase which will leads to mismatch concept. For adopting the principle of consistency, it is required to charge the depreciation against the cost of fixed asset in relation to maintaining the appropriate rate of profits and to show growth of the organization. With the help of this theory, organization will be able to attain its desired goals as well as organization will easily be able to attract the public for raising the capital (Kieso, Weygandt & Warfield, 2010). It is necessary to evaluate the factors of depreciation as it plays crucial role in understanding both terms i.e. concept of depreciation and the significance of depreciation.   Along with the factors, measures should also be evaluated which are required for evaluating the rate of depreciation which could provide maximum benefits to the organization. Following factors have been evaluated by me after analysing the above assessments: In my opinion, depreciation is linked to various issues such as it does not relate to the current value of the asset. Depreciation is charged on the past value of the asset in which it has been purchased irrespective of its current value. While making the company’s cash flow and other financial statements, depreciation becomes the major issue. Depreciation cannot be applied to the intangible assets and for amortization is being implemented over these assets with the help of straight-line method (Feng & Figliozzi, 2013). Thus, in my point of view depreciation plays crucial role in terms of maintaining the organizational profitability. Depreciation helps the organization to determine the life of asset and it is charged gradually in respect of its life period. Along with this, depreciation should be charged against the cost of the fixed asset and in the first few years of purchase of the asset, amount of depreciation should be charged more in comparison with the further years (Crosby, Devaney & Nanda, 2016).   Christensen, H.B. and Nikolaev, V.V., 2013. Does fair value accounting for non-financial assets pass the market test?.  Review of Accounting Studies,  18(3), pp.734-775. Crosby, N., Devaney, S. and Nanda, A., 2016. Which factors drive rental depreciation rates for office and industrial properties? Journal of Real Estate Research,  38(3), pp.359-392. Epstein, M.J. and McFarlan, F.W., 2011. Measuring the efficiency and effectiveness of a nonprofit's performance.  Strategic finance,  93(4), pp.27-35. Feng, W. and Figliozzi, M., 2013. An economic and technological analysis of the key factors affecting the competitiveness of electric commercial vehicles: A case study from the USA market.  Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies,  26, pp.135-145. Giarola, S., Shah, N. and Bezzo, F., 2012. A comprehensive approach to the design of ethanol supply chains including carbon trading effects.  Bioresource technology,  107, pp.175-185. Kang, S.H. and Zhao, Y., 2010. Information content and value relevance of depreciation: a cross-industry analysis.  The Accounting Review,  85(1), pp.227-260. Kieso, D.E., Weygandt, J.J. and Warfield, T.D., 2010.  Intermediate accounting: IFRS edition  (Vol. 2). John Wiley & Sons. Radu, D. and Marius, D., 2011. Issues related to the accounting treatment of the tangible and intangible assets depreciation.  Annals of the University of Oradea: Economic Science,  1(2), pp.498-502. Rambaud, A. and Richard, J., 2015. The â€Å"Triple Depreciation Line† instead of the â€Å"Triple Bottom Line†: towards a genuine integrated reporting.  Critical Perspectives on Accounting,  33, pp.92-116. Warren, C.S. and Jones, J., 2018.  Corporate financial accounting. Cengage Learning.

Ethnic Identity in Social, Political and Economic Life Coursework

Ethnic Identity in Social, Political and Economic Life - Coursework Example The value of ethnic identity in the context of social, political and economic life is reviewed in this paper. Efforts are made so that the influence of ethnic identity on ethnic affiliations is clearly described. The various assumptions developed in regard to this issue, as identified in the relevant literature, are compared. It is made clear that ethnic identity is a core part of modern social, political and economic life but its power to influence key social, political and economic decisions worldwide is differentiated, a fact probably related to the different perceptions of people in each state in regard to the context of ethnic identity and its requirements, meaning the terms under which ethnic identity can be considered as secured. Also, different levels of freedom exist internationally in regard to the potential limitations of ethnic identity, a fact leading often too severe social, political and economic conflicts, either in the internal and the external environment of modern states.   The representation of ethnic identity in a variety of social, political and economic activities is extensive. Moreover, the literature published in this field leads to the assumption that the forms of ethnic identity in social, political and economic life can vary. Reference can be made for instance to the relationship between identity and language. In accordance with Fishman and Garcia (2010), identity is reflected in a series of identity practices, including specific linguistic choices (Fishman and Garcia 40). These identify practices, if viewed as a unit, constitute ethnicity, as a social phenomenon.

Ella's Family Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ella's Family - Essay Example These include the doctor, the patient and the patient’s family. The situation is even further complicated when the different members of the patient’s family don’t agree with regard to what is the best decision to make. This seems to be the case with Ella’s family where her decision with regard to how her treatment and end of life should be handled differs with her husband. Her family also seems to be in disagreement. With terminal illness comes the choice of death for the patient and sometimes the doctor. This comes with a number of social and cultural issues. Many cultures have not internalized the idea of doctor aided patient death for terminal patients. While the doctor may decide that it is better for the patient to stop her treatment and die with dignity, the patient and the family may ask that the patient continues with treatment until she dies a natural death (Wheatley and Baker, 2007). Even in cases where the patient may decide to have a physician-aided end of life, her family may not agree, especially due to cultural beliefs about death and life. In Ella’s case, this seems to be the case. Her husband of Indian decent does not seem to be very open with the idea of her stopping to take treatment and eventually ending her life. There are various medical issues that arise in cases such as Ellas. First, the doctors must be able to understand that they have to take the wellbeing of the patient in a serious manner. It is necessary for the doctor involved in the situation to make sure that the best medical outcome is achieved. In a case where the patient is in a terminal condition, the doctor has to make sure that the patient is willing to go on with the treatment, it should be the patient’s choice that it most relevant (Garrett, 1993). The doctor has to face the difficult decision of having to tell the paint and those who care about her (family, friends)

Answering economics questions Explain why each of the following Essay

Answering economics questions Explain why each of the following statements is false. For each write the correct statement - Essay Example Thus, competitive profits are only those which are excess profits after the total costs are covered. Q7) Banana computer company has fixed costs of production of $100,000, while each unit costs $600 of labour and $400 of materials and fuel. At the price of $3000, each $10 reduction in price, banana computers increases 1000 units, calculate the marginal cost and marginal revenue for banana computers and determine is monopoly price and quantity. Q9) Explain the error in the following statement: "A firm out to maximize its profit will always charge the highest price that the traffic will bear". State the correct result, and use the concept of marginal revenue to explain the difference between the correct and the erroneous statements. It should be noted that the aim of the monopolist is not to maximize profit and not maximize the price. Monopolists can only do this by identifying the price level which yields the highest profits. This occurs at MC = MR which is not often the highest price that a monopolist can charge. Charging an overly high price reduces the quantity demanded and will increase the marginal cost resulting into a shrink in profit. Q1) Review collusive oligopoly and monopolistic competition, which are two theories of imperfect competition discussed in this chapter. Draw up a table that compares perfect competition, monopoly, and the two theories with respect to the following characteristics: (a) number of firms; (b) extent of collusion; (c) price vs marginal cost; (d) price vs. long run average cost; (e) efficiency. Factors Monopolistic competition Collusive Oligopoly Number of Firms Large number of sellers Few large producers Extent of Collusion No collusion Control over price but mutual interdependence Price vs. Marginal Cost Price increase will lead to a substantial decrease in demand, thus, higher MC Price increase wi

Visual analysis paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Visual analysis paper - Essay Example These religious undertone of the painting was typical of many paintings during the period. It is important to note that the Renaissance period was the time when the strict rules of the visual arts were established. It is the time where academic painting was established where later painters would subscribe until today. During this period, arts flourished as well as science. As earlier mentioned, it was in this period where the strict rules of academic drawing and painting was established where artworks followed a strict method or rules. Unlike the impressionists who did a â€Å"freer† stroke of brush where details are not emphasized but rather the use of light to emphasize figures, renaissance paintings particularly Flemish paintings followed strict rules, probably the strictest, rigorous and laborious rules. In this method, the canvass (or any other medium such as wood) are not merely stained by paints but rather the colors are build. It typically begins with a drawing where the rule of analytic line is followed. Analytic lines are lines that considers geometrical patterns and proportions in relation to other parts of the subject. Then it is transferred to the canvass (or other medium) by several underpaintings. Generally, a brown layer washes the canvass and lays out the figure or subject then subsequent underpaintings are painted over it. Here, the values, light and shadows are emphasized that would later give depth to the color of the final work. The first layer is usually called â€Å"imprimatura† or the first layer where subsequent layers are glazed or painted over it to provide the final body of the painting. Depending on the preference of the artists, the final underpainting can either be in grisalle or verdaccio. Grisalle is a greenish gray which is usually used as an underpainting for flesh

Legal and Ethical Considerations in Marketing, Product Safety, and Research Paper

Legal and Ethical Considerations in Marketing, Product Safety, and Intellectual Property - Research Paper Example 1.2 Non-Compliance with the Social Norms It is obvious for the marketing and advertising firms or agencies to strictly follow and comply with the regulations stated by the local community, state agency or governmental administrations. The regulations are often directed to protect communities from different discrepancies that might led by marketing and advertising activities of an organization (Huddart, 2010). 1.3 Patent Infringement In relation to the present day context, the ethical issues associated with the intellectual property can be considered as a major and widely accepted concern for the organizations. In this regard, the use of brand logo, similar design and features or other attributes that are copyrighted by other organizations can be considered as few of the major ethical issues relating to intellectual property infringement (Ferrell, 2004). ... The concern generally leads to create significant challenges for the organizations (Ferrell, 2004). 2. Argue for or against Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Marketing by Drug Companies The concept of Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) can be considered as one of the widely used marketing and advertising approaches by the pharmaceutical organizations over the previous few decades. The term DTC is often used as Direct-To-Consumer Pharmaceutical Advertising (DTCPA) and is highly considered as a noticeable health communication approach, which tends to attract greater target group of customers (Ventola, 2011). In relation to the concept of advertising product through DTC by the pharmaceutical corporations, it has been identified that the approach tends to promote prescribed products to the clients. In relation to the concept of DTC, it can be considered as an effective and highly beneficial, which significantly communicates and indicates about the safety and efficacy of the products. Moreover, it also tend s to communicate with the customers regarding the name of the drug along with its dosage form and price of the product. It can be argued that although the DTC approach tends to provide adequate information to the clients regarding any disease and/or conditions, it does not provide any information regarding the drug to be used for the disease. Moreover, DTC does not communicate about the usage of the prescribed drugs (Ventola, 2011). Therefore, it can be affirmed that the type of advertisements conducted through the DTC approach is an effective way of marketing and communication strategy, which is beneficial for the clients along with the drug corporations as well. 3. Regulatory Body for the Compounding Pharmacies and Role of Food and Drug Administration (FAD)

Reflection Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Reflection - Coursework Example Undoubtedly, I shall have mastered the art of writing to not just for the sake of communication, but meeting the preset goals and objectives of the writing. This will definitely be useful for future career as an English literature teacher, besides putting me above board, especially in competitive and multicultural working environments. Meeting the workplace goals and objectives usually require dedication, efficiency, and creative thinking hence the relevance of intensive and diverse writing skills coupled with verbal impeccable oral communication skills. Moreover, the situational analysis of various research papers, proposals, journals articles among others would definitely be become part of my achievements in this noble but essential Course. Sincerely speaking, I have always taken â€Å"writing very lightly owing to the perception and misconception of its simplicity† (Murray and Krueger 34). This is because of the preformed mindset that nearly all writings are always done in one language except a few which might as well be forfeited. In addition, writing the proposed reflective paper on the required changes expected of the Arizona University transport system would enhance my analytical skills. I therefore expect that more opportunities on strategic planning, project management endowed with modern technological advancements would eventually be opened my way. The ethical and social skills will undeniably be the underpinning value of the noble reflective witting Course. Prior to taking this reflective Course, I used to be very afraid of undertaking any kind of writing until I was challenged by my instructor. My instructor challenged me to make proposal on the required â€Å"changes that need to be effected to the Arizona University Transport system† (Murray and Krueger 27). The instructor basically expounded on the topic by giving me only the insights of what I was expected to ensure rare addressed in my proposal. However, I

Child abuse and neglect Essay Example for Free

Child abuse and neglect Essay INTRODUCTION Child abuse and neglect can produce serious and long-lasting damage. The range of actions classified as child abuse or neglect is constantly changing as a result of social and economic conditions, political ideology, advances in medicine, improvements in communication and melding of cultures. Today, child abuse and neglect is widely recognized as a major social problem and policy issue throughout much of the world. During the last 50 years, the United States and many of the world’s nations have responded to child abuse and neglect with legislative efforts, a variety of programs and interventions, and organizational efforts to identify, respond to and prevent the abuse and neglect of dependent children. Today, there are innumerable local, national and international organizations, professional societies and advocacy groups devoted to preventing and treating child abuse and neglect. Significance of the Study One case related to child abuse and neglect is pedophilia. Pedophilia affects children of a certain sex and within a certain age, usually under the age of 15 or 16 years. Most pedophiles are not violent toward children, instead leading and enticing children to willingly perform sexual acts, although some are violent to the point of rape and murder. In 1974, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment act was passed which provides federal funding at the state level for prevention and response to child abuse. With this act, many states strengthened their response to child abuse and established child statutes in which parents may be prosecuted for abusing their children. Regardless of the legal response on pedophilia, it is clear that much cases never comes to the attention of the criminal justice system and is, unfortunately, never dealt with. This serious and alerting case should be fully characterized and understood for the good of the concerned children, especially the adolescents. What is Phedophilia? As a medical diagnosis, pedophilia is typically defined as a psychiatric disorder in adults or late adolescents characterized by a primary or exclusive sexual interest in prepubescent children (generally age 13 years or younger). In contemporary Western societies, the subject is highly contentious and fraught with strong feelings. The strength of the feelings is readily explained by concern for the welfare of the children and for their healthy, unimpeded development. The child must be at least five years younger in the case of adolescent pedophiles. However, the term pedophile is often used to refer to any adult who is sexually attracted to males or females below the legal age of consent. While there is considerable psychological and sociological literature about pedophilia, philosophers working on the philosophy of sex have given relatively little attention to the subject. As pedophilia is seen as a paradigmatic case of sexual perversion and is generally viewed with strong moral revulsion, it might have been expected to generate more philosophical interest. Experts believe that most pedophiles are males. Some female adults are sexually attracted to boys or girls, but these children are usually at or beyond the age of puberty. Sometimes, however, females sexually abuse children in concert with males, or they will knowingly allow males to abuse their own children or other children. This is more likely to occur if the women are abusing drugs and/or alcohol. Pedophiles may believe that their behavior is normal and that it helps teach children how to become loving and affectionate. Such individuals avoid such words as pedophilia, preferring to use such terms as adult-child sex. They believe that others who do not understand their behavior are unreasonably rigid. Some organizations of pedophiles claim large memberships and actively support the practice of pedophilia. Pedophiles may fail to consider the short- or long-term consequences of their actions; for example, in one case, a pedophile was told by a child whom he had met on the Internet that her mother was a police officer, yet he molested the girl anyway. Most studies of pedophilia are performed on people in jail or prison, and it is also true that many acts of this are never reported. Ephebophilia: Its Opposite Ephebophilia is a variety of male homosexuality. Ephebophiles are attracted to post-pubertal, sexually mature youths. They are sexually attracted to the fully developed, vigorous maleness of adolescence. In the narrow sense, â€Å"pedophilia† refers only to sexual attraction of adults to pre-pubescent and sex with them. When the term is used in this sense, ephebophilia is not included as one of pedophilia’s varieties, but rather distinguished from it, the end of puberty providing the line of demarcation. Characteristics of Pedophiles Pedophiles are age and sex specific. They will normally prefer children of a certain sex and within a certain age. Child molesters fall into several categories. One is the fixated pedophile who never moves beyond the attraction he or she felt for children when he or she was a child. The regressed pedophile often turns to children in response to stressful life events. Although most pedophiles do not physically harm children, the mysoped makes the ritual connection between fatal sexual violence and personal gratification. The sadistic pedophile abducts children for the purpose of torturing and eventually killing them to achieve sexual gratification. Pedophiles come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are well educated, while others are illiterate. Many were not close to their fathers, and many came from homes where alcohol was a problem for at least one parent (usually the father). Pedophiles often have weak verbal skills, and almost 9 out of 10 felt particularly close to their mothers . The short size of the child provides the pedophile with an opportunity to exert power and authority. At the same time, the sex of the child has little to do with the adult sexual orientation of the molester. For example, a male pedophile may be very interested in sex with boys ages 9 or 10 years old, but at the same time be married and consider himself homosexual. Around 80% have been documented as having a history of childhood sexual abuse. The pedophile is known to the child in 90% of cases, 15% or more are relatives of the victim. Homosexual pedophilia does not differ from heterosexual pedophilia. Research on the victim points out that most are female and the molester is usually known. However; when a male is the victim, the molester may be a stranger. The degree of the pedophilia sexual act can vary ranging from simply observing the child, to touching, undressing, exposing of own genitalia, fondling, and sexual intercourse. II. CAUSES OF PEDOPHILIA The causes of pedophilia that have been researched remain unclear. It has been suggested that the pedophilia represents a regression or fixation at an earlier level of sexual development which resulted in an adult repetitive pattern of inappropriate sexual behavior. Therefore, it is suggested that the pedophile returns to a sexual habit that was developed early in life. It is also theorized that the pedophile is expressing revenge regarding a childhood trauma. It is also said that pedophilia is caused by a pleasurable sexual arousal to conditioned objects. The following are identified as possible causes of pedophilia: 1. Parental punishment of a small boy for sustaining an erection 2. Sexual abuse of a young male 3. Fear of sexual performance or intimacy 4. Psychosexual trauma 5. Socio-cultural and/or psychological factors 6. Excessive alcohol intake Previous studies have shown that same-sex child molester is higher than opposite-sex offenders, with offenders against boys being at a higher risk for delinquency, compared to offenders against boys. The number of prior offenses and the intensity of the fixation on children as sexual objects are factors that predict abuse. Another study was done over 111 child molesters. Child molesters included same-sex, opposite-sex, and mixed groups; all responded to stimuli of specific ages and sexes. Findings showed that the degree of sexual reoccupation with children, paraphilia, and number of prior sexual offences were predictors of sexual delinquency. The causes of pedophilia are unknown, but most scientists believe that conditioning in one form or another is involved. The motivation/ learning model can account for the development of pedophilia and can explain its distribution over the life span. A Person to be Declared as Pedophile The diagnosed criteria for a pedophile are as follows: 1. Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors including sexual activity with a prepubescent child or children (generally age 13 years or younger) 2. The person has acted on these sexual urges, or the sexual urges or fantasies cause marked distress or interpersonal difficulty 3. The person is at least 16 years of age and at least 5 years older than the child or children molested III. EFFECTS OF PEDOPHILIA The effects of pedophilia to an individual, especially to those who are at a young age, include initial fear, anxiety, depression, anger, aggression and sexually inappropriate behavior. Boys have the same patterns of distress as girls, with symptoms such as fears, sleep disturbances, and distractedness; however, boys tend to be less symptomatic than girls. Additional long-term consequences include self-destructive behavior, isolation, low self-esteem, trust issues, substance abuse, and sexual problems. People who have a history of childhood sexual abuse have increased rates of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and alcohol and drug abuse. There is often an increase in psychopathology among victims of childhood sexual abuse and this psychopathology is manifested at times in the form of pedophilia or other inappropriate behaviors with young children. Victims of childhood sexual abuse are more likely than nonvictims of that abuse to manifest sexual hyper-arousal and sexually aggre ssive behavior with a tendency to repeat and reenact sexual victimizations as adults. Physical Damage Injury Depending on the age and size of the child, and the degree of force used, pedophilia may cause internal lacerations and bleeding. In severe cases, damage to internal organs may occur, which, in some cases, may cause death. Herman-Giddens found six certain and six probable cases of death due to child sexual abuse in North Carolina between 1985 and 1994. The victims ranged in age from 2 months to 10 years. Causes of death included trauma to the genitalia or rectum and sexual mutilation. Infections Pedophile acts may cause infections and sexually transmitted diseases. Depending on the age of the child, due to a lack of sufficient vaginal fluid, chances of infections are higher. Vaginitis has also been reported. Neurological Damage Research has shown that traumatic stress, including stress caused by sexual abuse, causes notable changes in brain functioning and development. A study was done on women who took SAT and it was found that the self-reported math Scholastic Aptitude Test scores of the sample of women with a history of repeated sexual abuse were significantly lower than the self-reported math SAT scores of the non-abused sample. Because the abused subjects verbal SAT scores were high, it was hypothesized that the low math SAT scores could stem from a defect in hemispheric integration. A strong association between short term memory impairments for all categories tested (verbal, visual, and global) and the duration of the abuse was also found. Psychological Damage Pedophilia can result in both short-term and long-term harm, including psychopathology in later life. Psychological, emotional, physical, and social effects include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, eating disorders, poor self-esteem, dissociative and anxiety disorders; general psychological distress and disorders such as somatization, neurosis, chronic pain, sexualized behavior, school/learning problems; and behavior problems including substance abuse, self-destructive behavior, animal cruelty, crime in adulthood and the worst, suicide. Long term negative effects on development leading to repeated or additional victimization in adulthood are also associated with child sexual abuse. There are two contrasting adaptive styles in sexual abuse victims. One adaption strategy seeks mastery through active repetition of the trauma, while the other adaption copes by avoiding sexual stimuli. Victims of childhood sexual abuse may exhibit mood disorders including chronic anxiety, depression, delayed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety attacks, and hysterical symptoms. Victims of sexual abuse may also experience difficulties in intimate relationships and express a sense of alienation, isolation, stigmatization, and a negative self-image. There is a wide variety of psychological conditions that have been documented in sexually abused children, with a higher-than-average tendency toward repetition of either being victimized at the hands of an adult or victimization of children. Arguments that Aroused about Pedophilia In our type of society, pedophile sex is considered both a moral offense and a crime that deserves a truly, serious punishment. There are two further arguments against pedophilia behind both its moral disapprobation and legal prohibition. First, sex with minors is wrong because it is non-consensual; second, it is harmful to those who are concerned. Both of these arguments have been questioned throughout time. Now, let’s look on the way a pedophile is conceived by the public. The pedophile is often visualized as â€Å"a dirty old man†, a stranger to his victims, who forces himself on children and has a matured sexual intercourse, thus putting them through a frightening and painful experience and inflicting serious and long-term damages on them. The drastic effects of the cases explain why pedophiles are usually called child molesters, and why pedophilia seems to be â€Å"the most hated of all the sexual variations†. What is true is that most pedophiles are men but the majority is young or middle-aged. More often than not, they are not strangers; they are likely to be a family, neighbor, or other adults that are known to the victim. The harmful effects of pedophilia on a child’s sexual, emotional and personality development are still a matter of researches and debates; rather than an authorized fact. IV. EXAMPLES OF CASES CONCERNING PEDOPHILIA * A 65-year-old youth minister of the First Baptist Church from Sinton, Texas who admitted to molesting a 6-year-old girl shocked a congregation of followers. The story saw this pedophilic Baptist minister through his 37-year jail sentence. I then hooked my thumbs in her waist, the minister said, and put my hands over her groin area, on the outside of her clothing. The first couple of times, she did not say anything, the minister continued. She was more interested in driving. But the second time, when I told her we needed to go home, and she slid over to the passenger seat, the look on her face killed my soul. I felt great remorse for having taken advantage of this child. * A glam-rocker Gary Glitter was convicted of possessing child pornography, but actual child abuse allegations against him were dismissed because his accuser had sold her story in a newspaper. Glitter seems to be a prime example of the predatory pedophile, continually unrepentant, even after going 27 months of imprisonment in Vietnam for offences against two girls he claimed he was teaching English, after already being permanently barred from Cambodia in 2002 for sex allegations. This case had led for actions to remove passports from sex offenders. * February 11, 2011 Laval police handled one of the biggest cyber pedophile cases. Sandro Tasillo, 26, is linked to internet sex crimes involving 30 young girls. Police say Tasillo would roam for underage victims on Facebook. He would offer girls money to take off their clothes in front of a webcam. But the money was never delivered, and the photos of the girls were often sold to other pedophiles. Tasillo was formally charged at the Laval courthouse. He faces a total of 40 sex charges. Police believe the 30 victims who have come forward are just the tip of the iceberg. Police are asking other potential victims to contact them as soon as possible. The investigation is still ongoing. V. TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF PEDOPHILIA Treatment for pedophilia emerged as a means to prevent child molestation or as a way to reduce sexual deterioration. That is, pedophilia is treated either when a person wants to remedy his pedophile tendencies, or when a person has committed a sexual offense against a child and his pedophilic interests addressed to reduce sexual deterioration. This combines preference-based treatment with programs designed to manage other criminogenic needs. Treatment would change factors known to be related to sex offending. Improvement of these factors would correlate highly and negatively with recidivism. Progress in treatment technology would be reflected in greater reductions in sexual deterioration over time. Treatment outcome studies using random assignment would show greater effect, and better-implemented programs would be more successful. In the earliest stages of behavior modification therapy, pedophiles may be narrowly viewed as being attracted to inappropriate persons. Such aversive stimuli as electric shocks have been administered to persons undergoing therapy for pedophilia. This approach has not been very successful. Another common form of treatment for pedophilia is psychotherapy, often of many years duration. It does not have a high rate of success in inducing pedophiles to change their behavior. Pedophilia may also be treated with medications. The three classes of medications most often used to treat pedophilia are: female hormones, particularly medroxyprogesterone acetate, or MPA; luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists, which include such drugs as triptorelin, leuprolide acetate, and goserelin acetate; and anti-androgens, which block the uptake and metabolism of testosterone as well as reducing blood levels of this hormone. Most clinical studies of these drugs have been done in Germany, where the legal system has allowed their use in treating repeat sexual offenders since the 1970s. The anti-androgens in particular have been shown to be effective in reducing the rate of recidivism. Making the molester impotent is sometimes offered as a treatment to pedophiles who are repeat offenders or who have pleaded guilty to violent rape. Increasingly, pedophiles are being prosecuted under criminal statutes and being sentenced to prison terms. Imprisonment removes them from society for a period of time but does not usually remove their pedophilic tendencies. Many countries have begun to publish the names of persons being released from prison after serving time for pedophilia. Legal challenges to this practice are pending in various authorities. Some recommendations for the treatment of pedophilia are the following: 1. Risk assessment using a well-supported measure 2. Education of the client, his spouse or partner, family members and close friends 3. Behavioral treatments targeting pedophilic sexual arousal 4. Monitoring of pedophilic clients in terms of access to child pornography, unsupervised contacts with children, and potential disinhibitors such as alcohol or drug use 5. Drug treatments targeting sex drive for higher-risk individuals 6. Cognitive-behavioral and behavioral treatments targeting general risk factors for criminal behavior such as antisocial attitudes and beliefs, association with antisocial peers, and substance abuse Prevention The main method for preventing pedophilia is avoiding situations that may promote pedophilic acts. Children should never be allowed to engage in one-on-one situations with any adult other than their parents or trustworthy family members. Having another youth or adult as an observer provides some security for those who are concerned. Conferences and other activities can be conducted to provide privacy while still within sight of others. Children should be taught to yell or run if they are faced with an uncomfortable situation. They should also be taught that it is acceptable to scream or call for help in such situations. Another basis of preventing pedophilia is education. Children must be taught to avoid situations that make them defenseless to pedophiles. Adults who work with youth must be taught to avoid situations that may promote pedophilia. Many states have adopted legislation that requires background investigations of any adult who works with children. These persons may be paid, such as teachers, or they may be volunteers in a youth-serving organization. VI. CONCLUSION It is very evident that pedophilia is a serious problem of many countries. The alarming rate of pedophile cases must serve as an eye opener to our government, for them to take a serious look and enforce laws that give legal punishment to those who are proven guilty of this crime. Our justice system must be on its track to convict the culprit. Everyone should be responsible in handling this horrible crime. Laws against child abuse and neglect should be strengthened and each one of us should be informed about the terrible effects that this crime would cause. But, let us not only put the pressure to the government in solving this problem. We, in our own families, should be the first to take extra care to our own selves. Our family should be strong and open communication should be observed for the better. Help each other to protect our youth, because; as the saying goes, â€Å"The youth is the hope of our Fatherland.† B I B L I O G R A P H Y American Psychiatric Association. â€Å"Profile of a Pedophile†. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Arlington, USA: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc., 2006. Clark, Robin. et al. The Encyclopedia of Child Abuse. New York: Infobase Publishing, 1998. Flisk, Dr. Reverend Louden-Hans. â€Å"Sexual Abuse†. Father, Deliver Us from Evil. USA: By the Author, 2004. Gabbard, Glen. â€Å"Summary and Recommendations on Psychological Treatments†. Gabbard’s Treatments of Psychiatric Disorders. USA: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc., 2007. Greenberg, Jerrold. et al. â€Å"The Pedophiliac†. Exploring the Dimensions of Human Sexuality. Canada: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2011. Laws, D. Richard and O’Donohue, William. â€Å"Pedophilia: Treatment†. Sexual Deviance: Theory, Assessment, and Treatment. USA: The Guilford Press, 2008. Murray, David. â€Å"The Homosexualization of Pedophilia†. Homophobias: Lust and Loathing across Time and Space. USA: Duke University Press, 2009. Primoratz, Igor. â€Å"What’s wrong with Pedophilia?†. Ethics and Sex. London: Routledge, 1999. Soble, Alan. â€Å"Pedophilia†. Sex from Plato to Paglia: A Philosophical Encyclopedia. USA: Greenwood Press, 2006. Vito, Gennaro. et al. â€Å"The Criminal Justice Response†. Criminology: Theory, Research and Policy. Canada: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc., 2007. Internet Sources en.wikipedia.org www.medicinenet.com www.minddisorders.com

Bulgaria: High Internet penetration potential for e-commerce

Bulgaria: High Internet penetration potential for e-commerce Coursework in Management Futures Executive Summary The aim of this report is to evaluate the opportunity for development of e-commerce in Bulgaria. The report will examine if there is demand for e-commerce in Bulgaria, if e-commerce might be restricted in some way and if it will be profitable for businesses. This will be achieved by examining the Internet penetration in Bulgaria, its future growth and other corresponding data and statistics. Advantages and Disadvantages as well as a SWOT analysis of e-commerce in will be discussed to evaluate the potential of it in the Bulgarian market. A brief description of the issue investigated The Internet is a global network connecting millions of computers. More than 100 countries are linked into exchanges of data, news and opinions. It exists since 1957 and was found by the Advanced Research Projects Agency of the US department of defense. In Bulgaria, Internet usage has grown significantly especially for the last seven or eight years, but it exists since 1989. It is mostly put into practice for communication and for searching of information. It has become a very useful tool, which is part of peoples daily lives not only in Bulgaria but also all over the world. Due to the ability of the Internet to reach a large number of people in all corners of the world, it has become a mean for electronic trading, also known as e-commerce. E-commerce is the trade of products and services by means of the Internet or other computer networks. E-commerce is very popular in developed countries. It exists since 1991 and since then has grown considerably. It has become a very convenient way to purchase goods and services online in the free time without wasting time to travel to difference stores and having 24-hour access. E-commerce exists in Bulgaria too, but it is still on a very low level even though the Internet has one of the greatest user growths in the European Union. In the period between 2000 and 2007 the Internet in Bulgaria has grown with 412 %. The fast user growth in Bulgaria and the large percentage of active users online is a great opportunity for Bulgarian businesses to reach a vast amount of customer online where they can start offering their products and services. This way they would not only reach more potential customers locally, but will also have the opportunity to expand abroad if demand spreads. Relevant Statistics for Bulgaria The Internet has become a retractable part of most households in Bulgaria. Surveillances show that the number of people who use Internet actively has increased by 100% for the last three years. Today, around 2Â  600Â  000 people, more that 33% of the population uses Internet at home and work. However, statistics also show that almost 80% of the population can have Internet access when needed. The main purpose it is used for is for communication, e.g. e-mail, chat and Internet calls and for searching of information, e.g. job search, current news. Despite the rapid growth of the quality of the Internet provided and the increase in Internet users, Bulgaria still is one of the countries with lowest positions for e-commerce. According to the National Statistical Institute, from 50% of the Internet users searching for goods and services online, only 7.6% have made a purchase. Thus every second Internet user has searched for goods online but did not find what they were looking for. Thirty thousand people have taken part in a survey done by Nielsen Online about the optimizing of online products. The research shows that 60% of the Internet users are aged between 18 and 35 and 22% of the participants have stated that they have income higher than 1000 levs. This is a relatively high salary for this country. The age range, which is predominant consisting of young people who tend to be high consumers. Young people who are still students, are very good at tormenting their parents for receiving what they want, on the other hand the ones who have graduated and have started working tend to spend their wages for satisfying their wants. Statistics also show that 2/3 of the Internet users are employed and the rest are mostly students. The main problem with online shopping for most Internet users is the threat of information theft, especially financial information. In computing it is known as phishing. Phising is an attempt to criminally and fraudulently acquire sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords and credit card details, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Most like targets are online banks and e-commerce businesses that allow online payments like Paypal and E-Pay for Bulgaria. However statistics for E-Pay show that in 2008 transactions per month done through e-pay are on average between 10 and 11 million levs. This is a relatively high transaction rate for the country, but most of these transactions are done for paying bills other than for purchasing of goods. An advantage for online shopping in Bulgaria is that goods can be paid at the time of delivery, which is a way that people who are afraid to pay online would prefer. Products that are most often offered online in Bulgaria are books, office stationary and electronic devices (phones, cameras), which is a very limited offering of products. However, Bulgarian e-commerce should have a very promising future if it develops. For now in Bulgaria, most online shoppers rely on the e-commerce from abroad. Businesses in Bulgaria are missing on a great deal of potential customers due to the lapse of offering their products online. According to statistics of Visa International, during 2005 the volume of e-payments of Bulgarians with Visa in the Internet had increased with almost 100%. The total value of the online transactions made to virtual traders outside the country is 14.3 million US dollars. E-trade has a very good opportunity to grow in Bulgaria since the online users are constantly increasing and have the desire to explore new prospects that the internet might offer to them. Consumerism in Bulgaria is likely to increase rapidly too, due to the economical growth in the country, since its entrance in the EU. However Euro Stat has registered high inflation of 13.4% at the moment, which might slow down the economical growth. According to the European committee even slow the economic growth will continue in Bulgaria. An outline of the analysis undertaken According to the data show above the development of e-commerce in Bulgaria seems promising due to the combination of the following trends: Bulgaria has a high sample of potential of online customers, as 30% of its population use Internet actively and 80% can have Internet access when needed. People can have access at home, work and in public Internet cafes. 50% of the Internet users are interested in buying goods online. For 2005 Bulgarians have spend more than $14 million online, buying product from other countries. Most Internet users in Bulgaria are educated people with relatively high income. The economic state in Bulgaria is going to ameliorate in the future, which is a good base for the growth of consumerism. According to the SWOT analysis-undertaken e-commerce has a lot of strengths for both customers and business, which should be considered. E-trade is convenient for both because: It is fast as there is no need to go outside, travel, visit different shops and compare prices. Easy as the shopping can be done in the comfort of your own home with a few clicks. Cheap as the online offering of product can be less costly for businesses, which gives them the chance to offer more competitive prices for consumers. Consumers can choose from millions of products, which are all displayed on their computer. Businesses can online only sell their products by displaying them online, but also advertise them further, as consumers can easily find them. One disturbing weakness that has arisen in the Bulgarian e-trade was the legislation included in the Law for Protection of Consumer, which stated that the person who delivers the product doesnt have the right to receive payment in advance before the period of 7 days. This caused major difficulties for both buyers and sellers. Therefore a correction in the law followed, it stated that the person who delivers could take this payment with the consumers agreement. Maybe this law should be investigated further but for now existing e-commerce organisations do not have a problem doing their business online. More trends can be useful to examine the potential demand for e-commerce businesses. A research on what products Internet user would prefer to buy online, can help specific businesses balance their advantages and disadvantages for undertaking the step to sell online. Also some of the trends found might not be very realistic due to the small number of sample marketed. However over all if the economy in Bulgaria grows and people have more disposable income, e-commerce will be a success, as it will safe people time and money, and give profit to business. A discussion of the main findings From the findings above I can derive that e-commerce business has the potential to grow fast like it has grown in more developed countries all over the world. E-trade can offer companies the advantage of reaching their customers 24-7 and globally. Businesses can also diminish costs by advertising online for less and eliminating the need for large warehouse buildings for storing and displaying their stock. Another great advantage is the opportunity Internet gives for gaining a large number of contacts, which can lead to positive business developments and ventures. Word count: 1913 Reference: Dave Site (no date) History of Internet. Retrieved on 15 May 2008 from: http://www.davesite.com/webstation/net-history.shtml Dir.bg (2008) One third of the Internet users are in Sofia. Retrieved on 16 May 2008 from: http://sofia.dir.bg/2008/05/13/news2987502.html E-commerce land (no date) History of e-commerce. Retrieved on 15 May 2008 from: http://www.ecommerce-land.com/history_ecommerce.html Econ (2008) Economic growth in our country will remain one of the highest in Europe. Retrieved on 16 May 2008 from: http://www.econ.bg/news/article140523.html E-pay (2008) Statistics for payment in E-pay. Retrieved on 16 May 2008 from: https://www.epay.bg/?page=frontHYPERLINK https://www.epay.bg/?page=frontp=front_wikiwpage=statsHYPERLINK https://www.epay.bg/?page=frontp=front_wikiwpage=statsp=front_wikiHYPERLINK https://www.epay.bg/?page=frontp=front_wikiwpage=statsHYPERLINK https://www.epay.bg/?page=frontp=front_wikiwpage=statswpage=stats E-shop BG (2003) E-trade in Bulgaria. Retrieved on 15 May 2008 from: www.abcbg.com/download/eshop-13nov2003.ppt EuroStat (2008) Newsletter. Retrieved on 16 May 2008 from: hHYPERLINK http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page?_pageid=1073,46587259_dad=portal_schema=PORTALp_product_code=LN-042008ttp://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page?_pageid=1073,46587259HYPERLINK http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page?_pageid=1073,46587259_dad=portal_schema=PORTALp_product_code=LN-042008HYPERLINK http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page?_pageid=1073,46587259_dad=portal_schema=PORTALp_product_code=LN-042008_dad=portalHYPERLINK http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page?_pageid=1073,46587259_dad=portal_schema=PORTALp_product_code=LN-042008HYPERLINK http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page?_pageid=1073,46587259_dad=portal_schema=PORTALp_product_code=LN-042008_schema=PORTALHYPERLINK http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page?_pageid=1073,46587259_dad=portal_schema=PORTALp_product_code=LN-042008HYPERLINK http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page?_pageid=1073,46587259_dad=portal_schema=POR TALp_product_code=LN-042008p_product_code=LN-042008 Internet Reklama (2006) E-trade increases twice. Retrieved on 16 May 2008 from: http://internetreklama.com/bulgaria/ecommerce-bg-x2/ Internet reklama (2007) 2.6 million internet users in Bulgaria. Retrieved on 15 May 2008 from: http://internetreklama.com/internet/2600000/ Internet reklama (2008) National Statistics Institute for Internet in Bulgaria. Retrieved on 15 May 2008 from: http://internetreklama.com/bulgaria/nsi-2008/ Internet reklama (2008) National Statistics Institute for Internet in Bulgaria. Retrieved on 15 May 2008 from: http://internetreklama.com/bulgaria/nsi-2008/ Internet reklama2 (2007) They resolved the advanced payments. Retrieved on 16 May 2008 from: http://internetreklama.com/internet/e-trade/e-computerworld/ Internet world stats (2008) European Union internet users. Retrieved on 15 May 2008 from: http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats9.htm Sega (2008) One third of the Internet users are in Sofia. Retrieved on 16 May 2008 from: http://www.segabg.com/online/article.asp?issueid=2971HYPERLINK http://www.segabg.com/online/article.asp?issueid=2971sectionid=24id=0001403HYPERLINK http://www.segabg.com/online/article.asp?issueid=2971sectionid=24id=0001403sectionid=24HYPERLINK http://www.segabg.com/online/article.asp?issueid=2971sectionid=24id=0001403HYPERLINK http://www.segabg.com/online/article.asp?issueid=2971sectionid=24id=0001403id=0001403 Timeline (no date) Internet history. Retrieved on 15 May 2008 from: http://timeline.hit.bg/ Webopedia (no date) Internet. Retrieved on 15 May 2008 from: http://webopedia.internet.com/TERM/I/Internet.html Wikipedia (no date) Phising. Retrieved on 16 May 2008 from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phishing Zoom-Online (no date) What is e-commerce: advantages and draw backs. Retrieved on 15 May 2008 from: http://www.zoom-online.co.uk/e-commerce/what_is_ecommerce_advantages_and_drawbacks.html Appendices Appendix 1 InternetUsageintheEuropeanUnion EUROPEANHYPERLINK http://www.internetworldstats.com/europa.htmUNION Population (2007Est.) InternetUsers, LatestData Penetration (%Population) Usage %inEU UserGrowth (2000-2007) Austria 8,199,783 4,650,000 56.7% 1.7% 121.4% Belgium 10,392,226 5,100,000 49.1% 1.9% 155.0% Bulgaria 7,322,858 2,200,000 30.0% 0.8% 411.6% Cyprus 788,457 356,000 45.2% 0.1% 197.2% CzechHYPERLINK http://www.internetworldstats.com/europa.htm#czRepublic 10,228,744 5,100,000 49.9% 1.9% 410.0% Denmark 5,468,120 3,762,500 68.8% 1.4% 92.9% Estonia 1,315,912 760,000 57.8% 0.3% 107.3% Finland 5,238,460 3,286,000 62.7% 1.2% 70.5% France 63,718,187 34,851,835 54.7% 12.8% 310.0% Germany 82,400,996 53,240,115 64.6% 19.5% 121.8% Greece 10,706,290 3,800,000 35.5% 1.4% 280.0% Hungary 9,956,108 3,500,000 35.2% 1.3% 389.5% Ireland 4,109,086 2,060,000 50.1% 0.8% 162.8% Italy 58,147,733 33,143,152 57.0% 12.1% 151.1% Latvia 2,259,810 1,070,800 47.4% 0.4% 613.9% Lithuania 3,575,439 1,221,700 34.2% 0.4% 443.0% Luxembourg 480,222 339,000 70.6% 0.1% 239.0% Malta 401,880 127,200 31.7% 0.0% 218.0% Netherlands 16,570,613 14,544,400 87.8% 5.3% 272.9% Poland 38,518,241 11,400,000 29.6% 4.2% 307.1% Portugal 10,642,836 7,782,760 73.1% 2.8% 211.3% Romania 22,276,056 7,000,000 31.4% 2.6% 775.0% Slovakia 5,447,502 2,500,000 45.9% 0.9% 284.6% Slovenia 2,009,245 1,250,000 62.2% 0.5% 316.9% Spain 40,448,191 22,843,915 56.5% 8.4% 324.0% Sweden 9,031,088 6,981,200 77.3% 2.6% 72.5% UnitedHYPERLINK http://www.internetworldstats.com/europa.htm#ukKingdom 60,776,238 40,362,842 66.4% 14.8% 162.1% EuropeanUnion 490,430,321 273,234,619 55.7% 100.0% 189.5% Source: Internet world stats (2008) Malaysia S Transportation Sector: SWOT Analysis Malaysia S Transportation Sector: SWOT Analysis A scan of the internal and external environment is a main part of the strategic planning. Environmental factors internal to the firm generally can be classified as strength (S) or weakness (W) and those external to the firm can be classified as opportunities (O) or threats (T). Such an analysis of the strategic environment is referred to as SWOT analysis. STRENGTHS Malaysia is Multi-Racial Malaysia is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic society and opens to each one. The 3 main cultures, Malay, Chinese and Indian create an interesting Malaysian society yet still leave it open for other cultures to join and thrive. In Malaysia, you will experience the Malay, Chinese and Indian festivals, food, literature, clothing, religion and culture. Affordable Healthcare Healthcare in Malaysia is world-class and more affordable compared to the United States. Doctors and hospitals have the same standard or superior to American doctors and hospitals and care is world-renowned. Healthcare is good in Malaysia. It is one of the top destinations for medical tourism. In Malaysia, you can only visualize how good your healthcare options will be. Education Malaysias education system is mainly based on the British system and it is better than some other countries in the region such as Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Compulsory subjects include English and Malay, so any children has to grow up fluent in both languages. Ease of Language English is the language spoken by most people in Malaysia. When a person moves to Malaysia, he does not have to suffer by the local language to get things done and the life becomes easier for them. Buying a house, a car, set up utilities, furniture and household items, everything is easier due to being able to deal with things in English. Good Infrastructure Malaysia has a world-class infrastructure and the Roads are excellent. The water supply, drain systems and power grids are stable and telecommunication including phones and internet are phenomenal. Living and Working in Malaysia for western expatriate is made even easier due to its western-standard infrastructure. OPPORTUNITIES Malaysias strong emerging economy is a preferred destination for foreign companies and a fertile ground for local businesses to flourish. In this thriving, business environment job opportunities are created to attract both local as well as foreign talents. There are huge opportunities here and it is often only a matter of getting the right working permit. For Non-Malaysians it is required to convince your potential employer that they help you to get the essential paper work completed in the case of applicable working permit, expatriates a full, a commitment that an employer may be reluctant to make until they are confident that the appointment is going to work out. In Malaysia there is a strong demand here for quality candidates with good qualifications and experience. Managerial positions in development, energy, business and engineering corporations are often the typical option for the relocated worker in Malaysia. The private education sector is excellent in Malaysia, with a number of reputed international institutions, diversified and extensive courses offering and high quality, internationally recognized standards, and featuring the British, German and French curricula as common options. When coming to the food industry of Malaysia, internationally aware individuals have been able to run fashionable, niche and successful activities combining gourmet cuisine, design, care for the details, and providing customers with an overall experiential moment. Malaysians inexhaustible passion for food and adventure have made food industry a vibrant sector. Hospitality, Tourism and management is also enjoying a renaissance in Malaysia by offering five-star stays while providing boutique and heritage experiences like nowhere else on Earth. National Chambers of Commerce in Malaysia give opportunity to connect with companies interested in hiring people with international expertise and experience. WEAKNESSES Lack of Medical Tourism: Strict guidelines implemented for medical advertisement. In Malaysia doctors are only allowed to put up ads with the following information- name, address, qualifications, and telephone numbers. The Medicines Advertisement Board in Malaysia must approve even websites of medical institutions. Thus the medical tourism industry of Malaysia lacks in impressive promotional activities and impressive websites. Inconvenient social visit pass process: The procedures for extension of the social visit pass in Malaysia are very inconvenience and can be very difficult. It is required to complete an application form and the applicant must submit it along with his/her passport and confirmed flight ticket to the home country personally. Obviously such requirements make it impossible to be fulfilled by a person admitted in a hospital, such as in the case of a medical tourist. Lack of coordination: Lack of a coordinated effort between airline operators, hotels and hospitals to promote the industry and lack of uniform pricing policies and standards across hospitals in Malaysia. Weak policy: Malaysian policy states that an individual entity is not permitted to transport an excess of 1,000 Ringgits outside of the country without government approval. While this act has not hindered trade, it has certainly weakened the credibility of the Negara Malaysia Bank (the countries national bank) as an international financier. Limited Profits to retailers: The low estimated cost of living is sustained by the Malaysian government through subsides on essential items, such as gasoline, bread, rice, etc. Prices on these items are kept well under market value which although good for the consumer hinders any further competitive pricing by retailers, thus limiting profit. Lacking in multimedia research development hub: Despite the creation of a world-class infrastructure, the government of Malaysia has not been successful in realizing its original aim of creating a cutting-edge multimedia research and development hub. Rising costs: For creating such a successful service industry around the world, Malaysia had to sacrifice other industries along the way. Malaysia is number three in the service industry. The increase in criminal activities related to this industry is causing a rise in the cost to prevent such crime. Favoritism for Malays: Roughly 65% of the population of Malaysia consists of Malays. Government perks favor Malays and other indigenous races to the determent of minorities, who provide a better level of economic activity. These factors have a long-term impact on the economy, by alienating minorities who contribute to economic growth. Those minorities are more likely to move to more favorable countries that value their expertise and economic contributions. Discriminatory Policies in Economy: The discrimination issues the government maintains in Malaysia over non-Malays, is an economic concern. Despite some improvement in the economic power of Malay people, the Malaysian government maintains a policy of discrimination favoring ethnic Malays over other races-including preferential treatment in education, employment, business, scholarships, access to cheaper housing and assisted savings. This special kind of treatment has sparked envy and resentment between Malays and Non- Malays. Discrimination issues tend to provoke conflict between the groups involved in the discriminatory practices. Commerce between the two groups may decrease, which may cause a decrease in overall economic activity. Discrimination also limits human capital when available to do certain jobs. Limitations in general lead to less efficient uses of natural or human resources in an economy. Critical level of Corruption: Corruption in Malaysia has reached a critical level as the country falls in international rankings, a graft watchdog announced warning the government to act or lose its competitiveness. The UNs Asia-Pacific Human Development Report highlighted an International Country Risk Guide finding which saw Malaysia decline from a score of 4.00 in year 1996 to 2.38 in year 2006, with a lower score showing greater corruption. Corrupt political systems tend to weaken economic growth, because they indirectly charge additional taxes on the economy. Every payment to a corrupt officer to obtain a service is considered a tax. The more taxes on a economic system, the lower economic growth, because resources are shifted away from highly efficient parts of the economy to less efficient and corrupt parts of the economy. Threats Malaysia, being a trading nation that highly dependent on international trade, the economic performance is very vulnerable to the performance of the major international trading partners. For decades, the economic growth has been overly reliant on international trade, external sector developments and foreign direct investment (FDI). In view of the challenges that arise from the globalization effects, it is important for the Malaysian Government to sustain growth and strengthen the macro-economic fundamentals within the country. This can be done by focusing on domestic business and industrial activities and increasing the purchasing power of our population. The governments corporate reforms and fiscal policies have to be continued to create a condition suitable for a speedy recovery and sustainable growth. It is also important to ensure that the restructured loans remain performing. Importance must be placed on continuing improvements on transparency, corporate governance and strict enforcement of powers by the market regulators. The country also needs to maintain its peaceful environment and security to secure the investors confidence. Currently, most of exports of Malaysia are for the United States. Thus, the successful recovery of the US economy is pivotal to Malaysias continuing recovery. Due to current stagnation in the US economy, the electronic chip industry is a damper on economic recovery in Malaysia where electronics related exports make up more than 30% of the gross domestic product. River pollution: Pollution is one the largest threats to the rivers. The reduction in river water quality is a clear indicator of the decline in the environmental health of a river basin. Palm Oil Production Destroys Forest: Environmental group protests are making it difficult to expand production of palm oil plantations, so firms have to slow their growth and discover a new, more sustainable, method to increase Palm Oil. Threats and boycotts will lead to less demand for products containing palm oil, which will hurt the price of palm oil as a commodity. Swine Flu Virus: Swine flu (the H1N1 virus) is added to the list of potential threats. Malaysia have downgraded their forecast for tourist arrivals accordingly. Malaysia reported its first fatal case of swine flu with the death of an Indonesian student, officials. The 30-year-old man, who was diagnosed with the H1N1 virus, died from cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation. TRANSPORTATION SECTOR In Malaysia transport was started developing during British colonial rule, and its transport network is now developed and diverse. Malaysias road system begun during British colonization and it covers about 63,445 km. The main highway that reaches the Thai border from Singapore covers a distance of over 800 km. Within the city, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) is available to help meet Malaysias need for mobility that is reliable, safe, comfortable and predictable. Peninsular Malaysia have high quality network of roads, while the East Malaysian road system is not as well developed. In Peninsular Malaysia the main modes of transport are trains, buses, cars and to an extent airplanes. Malaysias small railway system is less significant than its roads and is confined primarily to the peninsula, where it runs from the southern tip (where it is connected to Singapore) northward to the border with Thailand. Malaysias first light-rail transport was started in Kuala Lumpur in 1996. After that, several monorail and express lines have opened in the Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area. In East Malaysia and especially in Sarawak river transport is of great importance. In addition, Malaysias accessible and long coastlines have fostered maritime trade for more than a millennium. Several ports, notably Penang on the Strait of Malacca and Port Kelang (the principal port) have become major container-handling facilities. Air transport has grown very rapidly as the passenger traffic has increased especially on the peninsula. Almost all Malaysian states are connected with an internal air network. Airports in Kota Kinabalu, Penang and Kuching have limited international service. LAND TRANSPORT Roads Malaysias road network covers 98,721 kilometers , of which 80,280 kilometers is paved, and 1,821 kilometers is expressways. The longest highway the North-South Expressway of the country extends over 800 kilometers between the Singapore and Thai border. Trains The inter city, countrywide, traditional KTMB rail network and the inner city, light rail transit network are the two types of train network in Malaysia. The KTMB service serves the entire country of Malaysia by travelling between major cities and also up into Thailand. Railways The railway system covers a total of 1,849 kilometers (1,149 mi). 1,792 kilometers (1,113 mi) of it is narrow gauge, while 57 kilometers (35 mi) is standard gauge. 150 kilometers (93 mi) of narrow gauge tracks and all the standard gauge tracks are electrified. Elevated Light Rail Transit systems are used in some cities such as Kuala Lumpur which are relatively inexpensive. MY Rapid is a company that runs the main public transportation system in KL. They provide Monorail, Putra and Star LRT and RapidKL buses. Buses: For travel between Singapore, Penang and KL, the services of coach in Malaysia are difficult to beat. Fares are well priced at roughly RM 50 RM 60 for KL-Penang and just under RM 100 for luxury coaches from KL-Singapore. The best services also provide drink, food and entertainment for the journey. Buying tickets in Malaysia works out much cheaper than buying them in Singapore. Therefore, if it needs travelling from KL to Singapore and back again, surely purchase a return ticket from the Malaysian side. The buses offer pre-recorded commentary in eight different languages and stop at 22 designated stops around the city. Taxis Drivers very well know very well the city geography and are able to find shortcuts when the inevitable traffic builds up. It is compulsory for taxi drivers to use their built-in meter to calculate the fare. Flag-off fare is RM3 with an additional 10 cents for every 115 meters thereafter. The taxis caught in a traffic jam charge the fare RM3 for the first three minutes and 10 cents for every subsequent 21 seconds. Penang Rickshaw, Penang: In Penang, locals called their rickshaw as Beca in Malay language. Most locals are taking buses and taxi in the island. Due to modern infrastructure the number of rickshaws in the city is reducing. All of these rickshaws have special permit from the government. Currently, Penang has less than 200 rickshaws on its streets mainly to ride tourists to nearby attractions within the city. WATER TRANSPORT Waterways Malaysia has 7,200 kilometers (4,474 mi) of waterways, most of them rivers. Of this, 3,200 kilometers (1,988 mi) are in Peninsular Malaysia, 2500 kilometers (1553 mi) are in Sarawak and 1,500 kilometers (932 mi) are in Sabah. Information on Sea Transportation Many popular island destinations like Pangkor, Langkawi, Tioman and Redang are linked to the mainland by ferry services and other smaller islands are accessible by fishing boats, which may be chartered. Ferry services are also available from Belungkor, Tanjung, Desaru, Kukup, Johor Bahru Duty Free Zone and Sebana Cove (all in Johor) to the neighboring islands in the south and from Butterworth to Penang. There are a number of cruise liners which call on Malaysian ports. One of which, Star Cruises is Malaysian-owned and operated. Ports and harbors This is a list of Malaysian ports and harbors: Bintulu Kota Kinabalu Kuantan Kemaman Kuching Kudat Labuan Lahad Datu Lumut Miri Pasir Gudang George Town, Penang Port Dickson Port Klang Sandakan Sibu Tanjung Berhala Tanjung Kidurong Tawau Tanjung Pelepas Ferry: The ferries carry light vehicles on bottom deck and pedestrian on top level. The bottom is shared by 4 wheelers and two wheelers. The cars onboard the ferry occupy the front part followed by the motorcycles. The ferry has 2 toilets for male and female and one mini counter selling snacks and drinks on the upper level. Pipelines: Malaysia has 3 kilometers (2 mi) of condensate pipeline, 1,965 kilometers (1,221 mi) of gas pipeline, 31 kilometers (19 mi) of oil pipeline, and 114 kilometers (71 mi) of refined products pipelines. AIR TRANSPORT In Malaysia, airlines are separated into two 1) Passenger airlines 2) Cargo airlines. The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is well known in the region and is known as one of the more modern airports in the world. With other international airports in Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Penang, domestic airports are also available in Malaysia. Also a Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) is designed specifically for low cost carriers by KLIA and it is located 20km from the main terminal. Air Asia is the most popular budget airline in Asia and is based in Malaysia. Air Asia flies to many locations regionally and also domestically. Air transport is crucial for the distribution of high value to weight products. Air freight may only account for 0.5% of the tons of global trade with the rest of the world, but it makes up around 34.6% of the total in terms of value. Shippers pay airlines MYR 8.0 billion annually to carry 805,000 tons of freight to, from and within Malaysia. The benefit to the shippers is estimated as MYR 3.3 billion in excess of this expenditure. Based on these share of exports Malaysian shippers receive over half of this benefit (MYR 1.9 billion). Malaysia Airlines currently flies to many places worldwide and provides access to other states within both East Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysia.