Hnc Accounts - Business Law Outcome Essay Example for Free

Hnc Accounts Business Law Outcome Essay There are two institutions in the UK that have the power to make statutory legislation in Scotland. The first of these institutions is Westminster (London) where elected individuals serve in the House of Commons. These members are known as MP’s (Members of Parliament). Parliament is responsible for passing new laws (legislation). In the late nineties the House of Commons allowed the passing of devolved powers to the newly created Scottish Parliament. Only certain powers were transferred to Holyrood and Westminster still control the laws that govern Tax, National Security and many others. Westminster is still regarded as Primary Legislation. This means that any law made by Westminster in reserved matters of policy must be adhered to by the Scottish Parliament. The second of these institutions is Holyrood (Edinburgh) where 129 elected individuals serve in the Scottish Parliament. These members are known as MSP’s (Members of Scottish Parliament). The Scottish Parliament was created on the 11th Sept 1997. The voters in Scotland took part in a referendum where they voted on a Devolved Scottish Parliament. This meant that Westminster would allow this devolved parliament to create laws in certain areas of policy. The Scottish people voted for a devolved parliament and the devolved powers were transferred from Westminster to The Scottish Parliament on the 1st July 1999. Westminster reserved certain powers that still govern many areas of Scotland today but the devolved powers allow Scotland to pass laws and regulate in areas such as Agriculture, Health and Housing to name a few. The process of making primary legislation in the UK follows a very strict procedure of three distinct stages. An MP, Lord or a member of the public can raise a bill to suggest a change of law (legislation). The first stage  of the process involves a parliamentary committee of members. They will review the bill and decide whether it moves to the second stage. The second stage allows amendments to the bill and allows the bill to be scrutinized by the committee and member. If the bill passes this stage then the third stage involves a member vote. If a majority of the members vote for the bill then the bill will be passed and presented to the Queen to receive a Royal Assent. The bill is now law. Common Law has a major role in Scots law today and it draws on four separate elements. Common Law is often referred to as the ‘Unwritten Law’ or ‘Historical Law’. This unwritten law has developed over centuries and draws from different sources. 1. Common law is based on Equity. Equity is the process of allowing judges to apply fairness or justice when there is no legislation to refer to. They must base these decisions on fairness and equality for all. When the judge follows this process of Equity he/she is actually making the law. This is called Precedent and we will talk about this in more detail in point 4. 2. Common law is also based on Institutional Writing. Centuries ago men of a higher class would finish their schooling in the various cities of Europe. These men would learn the laws of other countries and on their return to their estates in the UK would write about these laws and use them to govern their own estates. Institutional Writings no longer hold the authority as days gone by as Government Legislation and Judicial Precedent are supreme and overrule Institutional writings if they are based on similar cases. 3. Common Law is also based on Custom. Custom is when over a long period of time a particular habit is recognized by the people or social grouping. An example of this would be ‘common law husband’ where the couple are not in fact married but have lived as such so therefore the man would be entitled to the same rights as a legal husband. 4. The most important piece of common law in the courts today is Judicial Precedent. Judicial Precedent is where a judge or jury has no other legislation or act of parliament to decide a particular dispute and any decision they make will be followed in the future for any other similar disputes. A precedent can only be superseded by a higher court, government legislation or act of  parliament. Judicial Precedent tries to keep the law stable. Consistency through the court system is vital when trying to uphold the virtues of Fairness and Equality. The four key institutions of the European Union are the Council of Ministers, European Parliament, European Court of Justice and the European Commission. Each of these institutions has a representative from each member nation to allow a voice from each of the member states. The European Commission along with the Council of Ministers can change and amend laws within the European states. The Commission, unlike The Council of Ministers, has the power to change Regulations and issue Directives (these are orders passed by the European Commission or The Council of Ministers to ensure legislation is implemented within all the member states). If a state, company or persons break or do not comply with European law then it is the European Commission who will raise a court action against those who are not complying. The Council of Ministers is the legislative body of the EU. They are head of decision making and law/regulation introduction in the EU. They are the most powerful of all the institutions in Europe. Although the Council has the highest power there are still areas of legislation that the Council cannot pass with the advisory input of the European Parliament. The European Parliament is to advise and make recommendations to the Council of Ministers in various areas of legislation. They will review any piece of legislation or directive and give their opinions on the matter. If the Commission does not implement the recommendations of the Parliament then they must advise why they have not done so. The Parliament cannot change, implement or make European law and are there solely as an advisory Parliament. The European Court of Justice is the highest court within the European states on Community law (laws that have been issued by the Commission or Council of Ministers). If a state, company or persons fail to abide by the regulations  and directives issued by the Commission then it is the Court of Justice responsibility to ensure the law is observed. The Commission will initiate the proceedings and allow the member state an opportunity to defend itself against the complaint. If that process does not result in the breach being rectified the action will then go to the Courts of Justice. There are two main types of European Legislation. They are Directive Regulation. 1. Directive legislation allows the European Commission to give a timescale for a piece to legislation to be introduced. Directives are issued to ensure that law is common throughout the European Countries. They keep the peoples equality to fairness and equality protected throughout the member states. If a country does not adhere to these directives sanctions can be issued. 2. Regulation Legislation is required in an emergency situation or crisis. They must be acted upon immediately by the state that the order is against. An example of this would be the BSE crisis in the 90’s when an immediate ban was put on the importing and exporting of beef from the UK. All member states had to adhere to this regulation to ensure that British beef stocks did not contaminate the other member states beef stock.

Drug Abuse Essay Example for Free

Drug Abuse Essay The first edition of the report on ‘drug abuse’ has been made by our group to give an idea of the calamitous cause of using drugs in improper way. The report is intended to serve the purpose of providing the knowledge about drug abuse and to suggest ways to help limit drug abuse. An effort has been made on our part to include certain symptoms which indicate drug abuse. Also throughout the report, repetitive use of the drug abuse’ has been made to instate into the minds of the reader the cause of using drug abuse in an illicit manner The selection of the topic ‘Drug Abuse’ has been made in order to remind us of the menace of drug abuse. We live in a world where speed is the name of the game. A world where we cannot halt even for second or someone else will zip fast us to take our place. People say that it is a beautiful world if only we take time to look around. But a world has turn into a place where humanity cannot survive, only steel can. In this fast paced, ruthless, aggressive environment, there are easy ways out. Alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, are some of the most popular substances abused by people in order to include a false sense of peace, to provide a short but powerful release from the worries and troubles of their daily lives to provide a means of escape from the harsh realities of life. This report is intended to be a reminder to such folk who have let their life be washed away by drugs. In the following report, we discuss the various aspects of drug abuse. Ranging from its impact on the younger generation to the way if affects the fields of competitive sports, we presents a comprehensive survey on the topic of drug abuse. Also discussed are the physical effects caused by excessive use of drugs. Drugs like â€Å"charas† and its derivatives â€Å"bhang† have a long history of use in Indian mythology and tradition. Popular television shows, pop culture, music’s, video represents the medium through which children are influenced today. Abuse of narcotic and psychoactive stimulants  forms the core of most popular music videos. Parties in metropolitan cities today are not concluded without the customary party drugs. Available easily on the street, at rates not affected by inflation, drugs are among the most harmful items on any individual’s shopping list. In the following report, an attempt has been made to discuss the causes cure for drug abuse. This report is intended for all audiences. Acknowledgment We would like to express our gratitude to our guide and mentor Prof.Santosh Bhagat , PCT in charge , who over the past semester has guided, corrected and provided us with necessary direction whenever the need arose. But for his invaluable guidance, illuminating discussion and constant encouragement, our report would have been a distant dream. We would also like to thank Mrs. Kalyani, for her unique way of teaching us and arousing our interest towards the finer points of communication skills and report writing. Also we would like to thank all those who co-operated with us and gave their invaluable inputs, advice and suggestion to the making of this report Summary Drug abuse is the use of illegal drugs, or the misuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs. In the sense of consuming illicit drugs like cocaine or overdose of soft drug in the medicine like crocin. Drug abuse also includes the administration of drugs by athletes to enhance their ability in the respective sport. Drug abuse can not only endanger the physical balance of the body, but also it disturbs the stability of the society. Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences to the  individual who is addicted and to those around them. Drug addiction is a brain disease because the abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain. Although it is true that for most people the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary, over time the changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person’s self control and ability to make sound decisions, and at the same time send intense impulses to take drugs. It is because of these changes in the brain that it is so challenging for a person who is addicted to stop abusing drugs. Fortunately, there are treatments that help people to counteract addiction’s powerful disruptive effects and regain control. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medications, if available, with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients. Treatment approaches that are tailored to each patient’s drug abuse patterns and any co-occurring medical, psychiatric, and social problems can lead to sustained recovery and a life without drug abuse. Similar to other chronic, relapsing diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, drug addiction can be managed successfully. And, as with other chronic diseases, it is not uncommon for a person to relapse and begin abusing drugs again. Relapse, however, does not signal failure—rather, it indicates that treatment should be reinstated, adjusted, or that alternate treatment is needed to help the individual regain control and recover. However, the main motive of the text is to minimize drug abuse. The message maintained throughout the text is to be confident in oneself and not to resort to drugs through ones phase of glum. The key is to beat drug abuse is not vigilance. It is will power, confidence and the strength of human spirit. Introduction â€Å"I’m so happy because today I’ve found my friends; They’re in my head, I’m so ugly, but that’s okay, cause so are you; We’ve broken our mirrors, Sunday morning is every day for all I care; And I’m not scared, Light my candles; In a daze, cause I’ve found GOD† -Kurt cobain, Nirvana These lyrics made into wonderful song by the band nirvana express the feelings of a person who has just administered cocaine, a drug that capsizes the human ability to think. This person is very happy with his life. All his problems seem like daze to him. He is rid of all mortal aspects of life. Then isn’t this is a wonderful experience? Well this experience caused due to administration of certain illicit drugs is called is high. This ‘high† enables the person to reach mental level of peace and calm. However, as sir Newton said â€Å"what goes up must come down .and the higher it goes the hardest it falls.â€Å" The person who administered the drug experiences a feeling known as the crash, wherein he enters into gloomy state of depression. This state of depression doesn’t leave the person till he administers the drug back again. This in turn makes the person addicted towards the drug and thus makes the person abuse drug furthermore. When an individual begins to abuse drugs, the whole family is affected. Depending on the severity of the addiction, they may begin to steal or borrow money from the family, act strange and spend days living on the street. The only thing that is important is how they will get their next high. There may be conflicts in the family about how to treat this individual. Some may continue to support him while others adopt a tough love strategy. It is difficult to know what to do, and heartbreaking to see an  individual become a slave to a drug. The recent incidents of drunken driving causing severe facilities on Indian roads are considered by many as concrete evidence of drug abuse among minor, and also as a case of severe indifference and neglect among their parents. Now, drug abuse is turning into a menace that has engulfed the world. Let’s fight collectively against this menace. Let’s learn about drug abuse. What is really means and how one can conquer it. What is drug abuse? Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, refers to a maladaptive pattern of use of a substance that is not considered dependent. The term drug abuse does not exclude dependency, but is otherwise used in a similar manner in non medical contexts. The terms have a huge range of definitions related to taking a psychoactive drug or performance enhancing drug for a non-therapeutic or non-medical effect. All of these definitions imply a negative judgment of the drug use in question (compare with the term responsible drug use for alternative views). Some of the drugs most often associated with this term include alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methaqualone, and opioids. Use of these drugs may lead to criminal penalty in addition to possible physical, social, and psychological harm, both strongly depending on local jurisdiction. Other definitions of drug abuse fall into four main categories: public health definitions, mass communication and vernacular usage, medical definitions, and political and criminal justice definitions. Drug addiction is when you become dependent on a drug, and it forms a central part of your life. Misusing drugs can lead to physical dependency, or psychological dependency. Physical dependency means that your body has become so used to a drug that you get physical withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it. This means that you have to keep taking the drug to stop yourself feeling ill. Psychological dependency means that you take the drug because it has formed a large part of your life, and you take it to make yourself feel good. You may feel that you cannot stop taking the drug, even though you are  not physically dependant. Some drugs can make you both physically and psychologically dependent. As you take more of a drug, your body becomes tolerant to it so it does not have such a strong effect. This means that you need to take larger amounts to get the same effect as when you started taking it. Drug misuse is when you take illegal drugs, or when you take medicines in a way not recommended by your doctor or the manufacturer. Taking medicines in very large quantities that are dangerous to your health is also an example of drug misuse. Examples of drugs that are commonly misused include: Illegal drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, Prescribed medicines including painkillers, sleeping tablets, and cold remedies, khat (a leaf that is chewed over several hours), and Glues, aerosols, gases and solvents. What happens to your brain when you take drugs? Drugs are chemicals that tap into the brains communication system and disrupt the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information. There are at least two ways that drugs are able to do this: (1) by imitating the brains natural chemical messengers, and/or (2) by over stimulating the reward circuit of the brain. Some drugs, such as marijuana and heroin, have a similar structure to chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, which are naturally produced by the brain. Because of this similarity, these drugs are able to fool the brains receptors and activate nerve cells to send abnormal messages. Other drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, can cause the nerve cells to release abnormally large amounts of natural neurotransmitters, or prevent the normal recycling of these brain chemicals, which is needed to shut off the signal between neurons. This disruption produces a greatly amplified message that ultimately disrupts normal communication patterns. Nearly all drugs, directly or indirectly, target the brains reward system by flooding the circuit with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter present in regions of the brain that control movement, emotion, motivation, and feelings of pleasure. The over stimulation of this system, which normally responds to natural behaviors that are linked to survival (eating, spending time with loved ones, etc), produces euphoric effects in response to the drugs. This reaction sets in motion a pattern that teaches people to repeat the behavior of abusing drugs. As a person continues to abuse drugs, the brain adapts to the overwhelming surges in dopamine by producing less dopamine or by reducing the number of dopamine receptors in the reward circuit. As a result, dopamines impact on the reward circuit is lessened, reducing the abusers ability to enjoy the drugs and the things that previously brought pleasure. This decrease compels those addicted to drugs to keep abusing drugs in order to attempt to bring their dopamine function back to normal. And, they may now require larger amounts of the drug than they first did to achieve the dopamine high an effect known as tolerance. Long-term abuse causes changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits as well. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that influences the reward circuit and the ability to learn. When the optimal concentration of glutamate is altered by drug abuse, the brain attempts to compensate, which can impair cognitive function. Drugs of abuse facilitate no conscious  (conditioned) learning, which leads the user to experience uncontrollable cravings when they see a place or person they associate with the drug experience, even when the drug itself is not available. Brain imaging studies of drug-addicted individuals show changes in areas of the brain that are critical to judgment, decision making, learning and memory, and behavior control. Together, these changes can drive an abuser to seek out and take drugs compulsively despite adverse consequences in other words, to become addicted to drugs. Why do some people become addicted, while others do not? No single factor can predict whether or not a person will become addicted to drugs. Risk for addiction is influenced by a persons biology, social environment, and age or stage of development. The more risk factors an individual has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction. For example: Biology: The genes that people are born with in combination with environmental influences account for about half of their addiction vulnerability. Additionally, gender, ethnicity, and the presence of other mental disorders may influence risk for drug abuse and addiction. Environment:. A persons environment includes many different influences from family and friends to socioeconomic status and quality of life in general. Factors such as peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, stress, and parental involvement can greatly influence the course of drug abuse and addiction in a persons life. Development: Genetic and environmental factors interact with critical developmental stages in a persons life to affect addiction vulnerability, and adolescents experience a double challenge. Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, the earlier that drug use begins, the more likely it is to progress to more serious abuse. And because adolescents brains are still developing in the areas that govern decision making, judgment, and self-control, they are especially prone to risk-taking  behaviors, including trying drugs of abuse. Spiritual usage of cannabis (charas) in Indian history and tradition Cannabis was used in Hindu culture as early as 1500 BCE, and its ancient use is confirmed within the Vedas (Sama Veda, Rig Veda, and Atharva Veda). There are three types of cannabis used in India. The first, Bhang, consists of the leaves and plant tops of the marijuana plant. It is usually consumed as an infusion in beverage form, and varies in strength according to how much Cannabis is used in the preparation. The second, Ganja, consisting of the leaves and the plant tops, is smoked. The third, called Charas or Hashish, consists of the resinous buds and/or extracted resin from the leaves of the marijuana plant. Typically, Bhang is the most commonly used form of cannabis in religious festivals. Connection of ganja with the worship of shiva Cannabis or ganja is associated with worship of the Hindu deity Shiva, who is popularly believed to like the hemp plant. Bhang is offered to Shiva images, especially on Shivratri festival. This practice is particularly witnessed at temples of Benares, Baidynath and Tarakeswar. Bhang is not only offered to the deity, but also consumed by Shaivite (sect of Shiva) yogis. Charas is smoked by some Shaivite devotees and cannabis itself is seen as a gift (prasad, or offering) to Shiva to aid in sadhana. Some of the wandering ascetics in India known as sadhus smoke charas out of a clay chillum. During the Hindu festival of Holi, people consume a drink called bhang which contains cannabis flowers.[33][35] According to one description, when the elixir of life was produced from the churning of the ocean by the devas and the asuras, Shiva created cannabis from his own body to purify the elixir (whence, for cannabis, the epithet angaja or body-born). Another account suggests that the cannabis plant sprang when a drop of the elixir dropped on the ground. Thus, cannabis is used by sages due to association with elixir and Shiva. Wise drinking of bhang, according to religious rites, is believed to cleanse sins, unite one with Shiva and  avoid the miseries of hell in the after-life. In contrast, foolish drinking of bhang without rites is considered a sin. Regarding Buddhism, the fifth precept is to abstain from wines, liquors and intoxicants that cause heedessness. Most interpretations of the fifth precept would therfore include all forms of cannabis amongst the intoxicants that a Buddhist should abstain from consuming. However, the Buddhist precepts are guidelines whose purpose is to encourage a moral lifestyle rather than being strict religious commandments, and some lay practitioners of Buddhism may choose to consume cannabis and other mild intoxicants occasionally. Cannabis and some other psychoactive plants are specifically prescribed in the MahÄ kÄ la Tantra for medicinal purposes. However, Tantra is an esoteric teaching of Buddhism not generally accepted by most other forms of Buddhism. Drug Abuse Effects Drug abuse effects include damage to the physical, emotional, and psychological parts of the body. In addition, they compromise the social aspects of regular family, friends and job-related relationships. Drug abuse effects involve the physical body extensively and according to the kind of drugs that are used. Drug abuse effects injure the brain in a variety of ways, including: Hallucinations Mood swings Chemical imbalances Over-stimulation of dopamine (the pleasure center) Disruption of regular sleep/wake patterns Anxiety and nervous system stimulation These injuries impede regular brain processing mechanisms. They block the pathways and make the process of decision-making harder. Drug abuse effects cause lapses in memory and exaggerate reactions to events. Effects also include failing to respond to consequences and events in the environment. When someone is preoccupied with the effects of the drug or is focused on the pleasure center of the brain, they fail to notice anything else. Drug Abuse Effects and Stress Management Coping well with stressors is based on the ability to find options to obstacles. This requires observation, patience and reasoning ability. All of these coping mechanisms are compromised due to drug abuse effects. Specifically, they make stress management difficult because they: Encourage a lack of impulse control Alter the perception of events Block the ability to make sound judgments Promote oblivion; the tendency to focus on the sensations of the high to the extreme Trigger knee-jerk reactions Stimulate frustration and anger responses Other drug abuse effects encompass an array of unexpected and serious symptoms: Users of cocaine and crack experience a crash in mood elevation after the effects of the drug wear off. The crash is described as feelings of depression, craving for more of the drug, emptiness and irritability. These drug abuse effects are the prerequisite conditions to the addiction. More of  the drug is used to get rid of the negative feelings produced by the crash. Some drug abuse effects spur flashbacks. These episodes are spontaneous recurring instances similar to the high produced by the drug except that they occur at a time when the drug was not in use. Most drug abuse effects are the symptoms of withdrawal. These include poor physical coordination, nausea, anxiety, paranoia, muscle spasms and abdominal cramping. More severe drug abuse effects can be caused by the transfer of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases from person to person by sharing needles and syringes. The most devastating drug abuse effects are overdoses. Overdoses occur when people do not know how much of the drug the body can accept at one time and when increased amounts of the drug are injected or ingested in order to produce the same intensity of drug abuse effects. Effects of Drug Addiction It is often difficult with drug and alcohol addiction to decide is something a CAUSE or an EFFECT. Did the depression CAUSE the addiction or did the alcoholism cause the depression? Did the alcoholism CAUSE the family problems or where the family problems an EFFECT of the addiction. Often no one knows for sure. Q: What are the major effects of drug addiction? It is everybody’s problem. An addict might say: â€Å"I’m not hurting anybody. I’m only hurting myself.† However, we can quickly see that the statement is false, because there is no such thing as an addict who is only hurting him/herself. The problem is found everywhere, from the rich and privileged, to the lost members of society. For over 30 years the United States government has had its â€Å"War on Drugs,† but in that time frame we have seen in increase in crime, increase in health care costs and an alarming increase in the use of dangerous drugs such as cocaine, heroin, crack and methamphetamine. The â€Å"War on Drugs† has also brought on new research, a greater number of treatment facilities, new and sometimes controversial theories on treatment, advances in drug addiction medications, but are we winning? The effects of drug addiction are far reaching and can be seen in the home, on the job, in churches and in schools. Q:What are the effects of drug addiction on health? If left unchecked, the drug is going to win. Drug abuse is a disease of the brain, and the drugs change brain chemistry, which results in a change in behavior. Aside from the obvious behavioral consequences of addiction, the negative effects on a person’s health are potentially devastating. While addicts use drugs to â€Å"feel better,† the unintended consequences include but are not limited to overdose, HIV/AIDS, stroke, cardiovascular disease and a host of related maladies. To understand this better you may want to read Get Sick to Feel Better a story of the negative effects of drug addiction Darcis story of the effects of drug addiction on her life! Suicide is also a common effect of drug addiction. Depression is also an effect of addiction. Q:What are the effects of drug addiction on the family? One of the saddest aspects of the insidious nature of drug addiction is that by the time an addict realizes he/she has a problem, that problem has already taken a heavy toll on the family. Parents in treatment centers tell counselors and therapists that they want to â€Å"get their kids back,† as drug addiction has taken over to the point where the courts have been forced to remove the children from the home. Husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, and sadly children are all impacted. Families can be sources of strength and support, or they can passively enable the addiction to advance. Families can share in the victory over drug addiction, or they can be the victims of it. Q:What are the effects of drug addiction on the economy? Beyond the personal health issues, beyond the devastating effect on families, beyond community crime statistics, drug addiction has a major impact on the American economy. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that some $67 billion per year is the impact that drug addiction has on this country. This total includes the cost of law enforcement, incarceration, treatments, traffic injuries, lost time in the workplace, etc. Drug addiction causes impaired reasoning, and therefore the crime rate is dramatically impacted by drug use. Addicts have a much higher likelihood of committing crimes than others. Q: What are the effects of drug addiction on our society? The National Library of Medicine estimates that some 20% of all people in the  United States have used prescription medication for non-medical purposes. We’re not talking about cocaine, heroin or methamphetamine use, but doctor-prescribed medication. You can easily see that if you group the two together, illegal drug use and prescription drug misuse, we have a huge problem. Q: What are the effects of drug addiction on the Law? The news media reports daily struggles with theft, drive-by shootings, drug busts, illegal trafficking and manufacturing of drugs, and arrests for crimes ranging from child neglect to murder. Look closer and chances are great that you will uncover a drug addiction component to any of these stories. Drug Use Drug Use in the General Population According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, 15.9 million Americans ages 12 and older (7.1%) reported using an illicit drug in the month before the survey was conducted. More than 12% reported illicit drug use during the past year and 41.7% reported some use of an illicit drug at least once during their lifetimes.

The life style of common man

The life style of common man Introduction: We are living in the age of 21st century where scientific inventions have change the life style of a common man completely. We developed a lot of new technology without considering that these developments can harm us in many ways. Changing lifestyles, the increasing use of disposable materials and excessive packaging are all contributing to an increase in the amount of waste being created. Waste management is now a global concern. Inadequate collection and disposal of waste poses a serious health risk to the population and is an obvious cause of environmental degradation in most cities of the developing world. Mixed municipal solid waste is dumped either indiscriminately in the neighborhood or, if collected by a waste collection service, disposed of in uncontrolled dumpsites. Problems associated with Solid waste management are complex because of the quantity and diversity of the nature of waste and financial limitations on public services in large cities. The problem is not only conf ined to land, it includes air and water as well. Before discuss the waste management system of Pakistan and its impact on environment, there are few essential things which should be discuss. What is Waste management system? And why it is important? Definition: Waste management is the collection, transport, processing, recycling or disposal, and monitoring of waste materials. The term usually relates to materials produced by human activity, and is generally undertaken to reduce their effect on health and the environment. Importance: Waste management is very important because waste that is not properly managed can create serious health or social problems in a community. It is very important to keep human waste out of water supplies. Human waste contains diseases that make people sick. All the waste material of every kind is damaging the environment badly. PAKISTAN: Due to ineffective development planning, large cities are confronting a number of complex urban problems. It is estimated, that the urban areas of Pakistan generate about 54,850 tons of solid waste daily or about 20 million tons per annum. Presently only a part of solid waste is collected, transported and dumped. The means are inefficient and in most cases inadequate to cope with the present day challenges i.e. bulk and composition of municipal waste. Presently there is not a single city with properly planned and efficient system of SWM reaching the acceptable standard of environmental protection. Proper method of dumping the wastes is not employed. Hazardous hospital and industrial wastes are simply treated as ordinary waste. In most of the areas solid waste especially plastic bags get into open drains and sewers choking the system. In addition, bio-non-degradable solid wastes including toxic hospital and industrial wastes are found lying in heaps. Open burning of waste and bio-non-degradable component of wastes like plastic bags are adding to the pollution problems. Owing to the low levels of development and economic levels, it is not possible to make use of latest techniques, technologies and equipment being used in developed world. For this reason many parts of the large urban areas and in some cases entire cities have turned into environmental black spots. Our present system on solid waste management is in dire need of its over hauling on comprehensive basis. The respective municipalities despite spending their 20 to 40% budget have not been able to achieve the desirable standards of environmental quality. In view of this, it would be appropriate to involve private sector in solid waste management (SWM) on the whole or partial basis for any part or whole of the city. The involvement of private sector will enable the respective municipality to achieve the desirable standards of solid waste management with the reduced cost due to their efficiency and management. Solid Waste Generation Estimates: According to NCS Pakistan generates 47,290 tones of solid waste per day with the growth rate of2.4% per year. That means present estimate is 54,888 tones/ day. The Rate of generation of waste average from all type of municipal controlled areas varies from 0.283 kg/capita/day to 0.613 kg/capita/day. There is no weighing facility at disposal sites, no tradition of waste sampling and analysis. There is a big difference exists in solid waste generated and amount reaching final disposal site. Sources of Solid Waste: There are many sources of waste generation, the table below gives the source of the waste generation and the wastage comes out from these sources. In addition to these sources the other important source is necessary to mention there and that is hospital wastes. Hospital wastes are categorized according to their weight, density and constituents. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified medical waste into different categories. These are: Infectious: material-containing pathogens in sufficient concentrations or quantities that, if exposed, can cause diseases. This includes waste from surgery and autopsies on patients with infectious diseases; Sharps: disposable needles, syringes, saws, blades, broken glasses, nails or any other item that could cause a cut; Pathological: tissues, organs, body parts, human flesh, fetuses, blood and body fluids; Pharmaceuticals: drugs and chemicals that are returned from wards, spilled, outdated, contaminated, or are no longer required; Radioactive: solids, liquids and gaseous waste contaminated with radioactive substances used in diagnosis and treatment of diseases like toxic goiter; and Collection of Waste: Municipal solid waste (MSW) is collected in roadside bins and Municipal Corporation collects it infrequently. Solid waste generation ranges between 0.6 to 0.8 Kg/capita/day and the waste generation growth rate is 2.4% per year. Fairly around 40% of the generated waste remains either at collection points or in streets [2]. It is a common practice to burn this waste in open. Residential waste is usually collected and transported directly to a landfill site. However, these landfills are not designed properly causing problems like incomplete decomposition of MSW, methane production and leach ate contamination of groundwater. At the collection points, different types of waste are not collected separately, and there is no proper waste collection system either. Waste is dumped un-segregated and collected by three methods: 1) hauled container system, 2) stationary container system and 3) bull carts. In Pakistan, the containers are mostly transported from one place to another with help of a truck or tractor, which is overflowing and not covered properly. The waste spills out of the container and a lot of it falls in the streets before reaching the landfill site. Similarly, in certain areas bull and donkey carts are used to collect the MSW. The cart goes from street to street picking up the waste and is again not a proper system for waste collection. Disposing Techniques: The solid waste disposal process in Pakistan is one which is least developed. 3 primary ways of disposing waste are in practice landfill, size reduction and screening. Residential wastes are usually collected and transported directly to a landfill site. When new landfills are being planned, the most important issue is to find a location that is acceptable to the public and to local regulatory agencies. In the management of existing landfills, the major concern is to ensure that proper operational procedures are followed carefully and routinely. In the past, the term sanitary landfill was used to describe landfill where the waste was covered at the end of each days operation. Today, sanitary landfill refers to an engineered facility, designed and operated to minimize public health and environmental impacts. Problems with landfills are subject to biological and physical factors in the environment. As a result, they change over time and may cause the several problems including leach at e contamination of groundwater; methane production; incomplete decomposition and separation. The separation of solid waste components is one of the most positive and effective ways to recover and reuse materials. Size reduction is a process in which collected waste materials are mechanically reduced in size. In practice, the terms shredding, grinding, and milling are used interchangeably to describe mechanical size reduction. The objective of size reduction is to obtain a final product that is reasonably uniform and considerably reduced in size in comparison with its original form. In addition, screening is used to separate mixtures of materials of different sizes into two or more sizes by using screening surfaces. Many new technologies have been developed to solve MSW problems, but unfortunately, these technologies are either too sophisticated or expensive for use in developing countries like Pakistan. Formal Sector Involved in SWM: Planning Development Division at Federal and PD Departments at provincial level are responsible for preparation of development plans and allocation of resources The Ministry of Environment is responsible at federal level for policies and programmers. PEPA (Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency) and Provincial EPAs are main regulatory bodies for implementation of Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 Town, Tehsil Municipal Administration(TMAs) are responsible for solid waste collection, transportation and disposal TMAs due to lack of funds, rules, standards, expertise, equipment and vehicles are unable to handle the continuously increasing volumes of municipal waste. In-Formal Sector Involved in SWM There are independent operators dealing in waste collection, purchase, separation, restoration, resale and recycling, with the scale of operations ranging from itinerant manual workers to large recycling factories. Kabaris are large-scale waste dealers who operate from shops and warehouses. There are approximately 1,000 in Karachi and most specialize in just one type of waste which they buy at auctions or from middle dealers and resell to recycling plants, or recycle themselves. The Safai Kamai Bank operates every Tuesday from a bazaar in Karachi and uses the slogan â€Å"Garbage is Gold†. People can bring their dry garbage for sale on a per kilogram basis the price paid depends on the item. Items purchased include newspapers, other paper waste, plastic bags, metal, glass and plastic bottles. Waste Busters collect rubbish from households and charge about US$2 a month, which includes the delivery of about 30 rubbish bags. The refuse is taken to the transfer station where it is sorted out and loaded onto trucks for recycling. Pakistan Environment Welfare and Recycling Program (PEWARP) has established a small production unit manufacturing three organic products from waste purchased from itinerant buyers at Karachis huge vegetable market. The vegetable waste is crushed and the liquid extract collected which results in liquid concentrate sold as a pesticide, dilute liquid sold as fertilizer and solid residue. Shehri, a Karachi based NGO, also known as ‘Citizens for a Better environment is primarily concerned with the protection and conservation of the natural and built environment. It has produced recommendations for improved bin designs and promotes awareness on solid waste management. Recycling waste materials The separation practices are well established and, as a result, quantities of certain waste components, such as bottles, newspapers, plastic, food waste and aluminum cans etc. are considerably reduced in the waste stream. Once re-saleable waste components have been separated from waste they are considered to be raw materials: Impact: Increases in population and migration into cities have created serious environmental problems including inadequate solid and liquid waste management, lack of safe water and minimal pollution control. Many southern cities are characterized by overcrowded housing, contaminated water supplies and lack of proper sewage disposal, drainage or waste collection, all of which contribute to an unhealthy urban environment. Communities living near dump sites also suffer the nuisance of smoke and smells, and such sites as well as uncollected waste in general attract rodents and flies which provide a transmission route for disease. At present very little awareness exists among the stakeholders in Karachi about composting, the product compost, and its characteristics. Alternative nutrient supply to crops is currently practiced through the application of raw sewerage (on vegetables resulting in high health risks regarding to human consumption) and animal manure. The consumption of soil nutrients or similar products is also growing. Thus there is a possibility that if compost were introduced, it may be well received by the increasing potential users. Improper disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) has serious results for the environment and human health. Problems can spread over a wide area. For example disposal of wastes into nallahs, canals and rivers can pollute the water supply along the whole length of the watercourse. Infections and diseases can spread from dump sites into the general population. Serious health hazards directly associated with improper solid waste management include skin and eye infections are common; dust in the air at dumpsites can cause breathing problems in children and adults; flies breed on uncovered piles of rotting garbage and spread diseases like diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis, and cholera. Mosquitoes transmit many types of diseases like malaria and yellow fever similarly, dogs, cats and rats living around refuse carry a variety of diseases including plague and flea born fever. In addition, intestinal, parasitic and skin diseases are found in workers engaged in collecting refuse. Solid waste also contributes heavily to ground and water as well as air pollution levels. The most serious problem is groundwater contamination. As water filters through any material, chemicals in the material may dissolve in the water, a process called leaching. The resulting mixture is called leach ate. As water percolates through MSW, it makes a leach ate that consists of decomposing organic matter combined with iron, mercury, lead, zinc, and other metals from rusting cans, discarded batteries and appliances. It may also contain paints, pesticides, cleaning fluids, newspaper inks, and other chemicals. Contaminated water can have a serious impact on all living creatures, including humans, in an ecosystem. When waste is burnt heavy metals like lead, toxic gases and smoke spreads over residential areas. The wind also carries waste, dust and gases caused by decomposition. Putrefaction of waste in sunlight during daytime results in bad smells and reduced visibility. Response: Pakistan has responded to its environmental problems by developing laws, establishing government agencies and accepting technical assistance from donors. Despite this, the response remains fragmented and environmental institutions, laws, and other initiatives do not solve the whole problem. Environmental legislation is still not well developed in Pakistan, especially in comparison to the developed world. For example, there are no national quality standards for MSW. Currently, individuals dispose off wastes by throwing away plastic bags, wrappers, fruit peels, cigarette butts, etc. in public places. Littering spreads pollution and ends up clogging drains and causing sanitation problems. This can be controlled by making roadside dustbins or proper disposal of waste at home. If proper waste management is practiced, this waste could be converted into useful products. Raising public awareness through media campaigns has been a welcomed step from the governments regularly authorities. However, the culture of reduce, reuse and recycle is still a long way from setting in as a trait of more conscientious society. Solid waste management is also one of the core areas identified in the National Environmental Action plan as SWM planning in Pakistan is developing into a complex task because of increasing population. The primary focus of the program is to strengthen institutional capacities and policy processes for solid waste management. Currently the collection capacity of the concerned departments is less than desirable levels and only about 60% of the solid municipal waste is collected while remaining goes unattended. Case Study:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To understand the basic problems of Waste management System of Pakistan, We chose Karachi as a case study and meet some officials of KMC of different town. To contact these people is very difficult; the officials do not come on time and sometime not present on their seats during their duty times. After a long effort we finally got some people who gave some time and explained the system. Due to security reasons we did not allow to take pictures. The main officials are Mr. Fahad (ATO, Gulshan Town), Mr. Nafees (KMC officer). Mr. Talha (KMC officer, Saddar Town). We worked with UNAP (United Nation Association of Pakistan) and CDGK on their MISSION GREEN Project last year, therefore we have already enough information about the current system. Extraction of all interviews:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Karachi is the largest city of Pakistan, a home to over 10 million people. Responsibilities for the collection, transport and disposal of household, commercial, and institutional waste as well as street sweepings, lie with the municipal authorities. Sanitary workers are employed by Town Municipal Administration to sweep streets and are often hired by residents to provide a primary waste collection service. Recently some private entrepreneurs, mostly refugees from Afghanistan have entered into the field of waste collection. Till 2001, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) was the responsible agency for solid waste management. Since August 2001, the administrative structure has been changed and the city is governed by the City District Government of Karachi which has replaced KMC and various other local authorities. The city of Karachi is now divided into 18 towns. The solid waste management remains the responsibility of city government and town municipal admin istration. According to estimates provided by Karachi Metropolitan Cooperation (KMC), approximately 100 tons/day originates from the Vegetable Market and some 70 tones/day from the Empress Market. Most of the waste generated at these markets are biodegradable and should thus constitute an excellent raw material for composting. Food wastes and garden waste are dominant in high-income localities as much of the remaining and half eaten food was disposed off in the refuse while the fresh food material was given to the servants. Here garden waste constitutes nearly 22 percent of the refuse compare to low-income settlements where dry leaves and other garden waste were found to be much less than 9%. Conclusion:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pakistan has all the abilities to cover up these problems. But the political instability and other economics and social issues causes hindrance to achieve our goal. Our government is working hard to cope up with this issue and many projects already started so we are in a process of change and we will find a feasible way to dispose our waste or reuse them for our benefits. REFERNCES: http://www.dawn.com/2007/07/19/local12.htm http://www.shehri.org/subpages/wastemanagement.htm http://www.dawn.com/2006/02/16/local1.htm http://www.nazariapak.info/environment http://www.nazariapak.info/environment/#FSAir http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waste_management http://www.wwfpak.org/factsheets_hwf.php http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006%5C03%5C02%5Cstory_2-3-2006_pg7_21 INTERVIEWS BY THE KMC OFFICIALS

Women and Gender Studies :: essays research papers

Women and gender studies contribute greatly to our understanding of the social and cultural world we inhabit. Studying the complex issues of this field has instituted many key insights. Two major insights that positively affected our society are the awareness through learning and through this awareness activism that can ensue.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This course of women and gender studies, as would all courses, have produced awareness by coherently explaining the situations women are facing in the world today. One may not know of theses situations until taught. By learning of these occurrences, one can properly act upon them. Many women and men have taken the opportunity to attend classes on women’s and gender studies and have since then made strides to make a difference in the unjust society that must be faced.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Knowledge is power. An example of awareness producing activism can be seen in the war against Iraq. When one learns of an unjust war being carried out they, now knowing the circumstances, will act as they will to stop the injustices occurring. The same can be seen in women’s activism. When people become educated on the topic of women’s rights, they come to understand the circumstances and can act accordingly to help stop the problems from carrying on. Anne-Marie O’Connor’s article about the maquiladora women in Mexico and their terrible working conditions brought awareness about, as well as Sam Dylan’s article on the mistreatment of these women.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A growing population of women’s activists can be attributed to the growing number of courses being offered and information available. Only a few decades ago this would not have been heard of. It is due to the increasing amount of awareness on the topic of women’s status as second class citizens that activism has increased. Through various media, we have learned of topics such as the â€Å"glass ceiling†, the working conditions of women in Third World countries, the current injustices against women being carried out in the First World, reproductive rights, as written about by Angle Davis, and other limitations imposed on women.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Awareness springs activism. When one properly learns of a situation that must be alleviated they can now act to reduce the problem. Courses and organizations on women’s and gender issues are most helpful in spreading awareness throughout the land. As more people become educated on the subject, there is a good chance that a percentage of those people will take action.

The Etiology of Addiction Disease Model Essay examples -- Addiction Dr

Addiction is like all behaviours â€Å"the business of the brain†. Addictions are compulsive physical and psychological needs from habit-forming sustenances like nicotine, alcohol, and drugs. Being occupied with or involved in such activities, leads a person who uses them again and again to become tolerant and dependent eventually experiencing withdrawal. (Molintas, 2006). Addictive drugs cause dopamine neurons to release dopamine, the pleasure hormone. The narcotics disable the neurons that would usually keep the dopamine neurons in check; becoming over stimulated. Endorphins are produced and released within the brain, creating a high and reinforcing the individual’s positive associations with the activity. Hence â€Å"the rush† (Molintas, 2006) Considering alcohol, alcoholic beverages have been a part of this nation`s past since the Pilgrims landed (David Capuzzi, 2008, p. 4). Early colonists had a high regard for alcoholic beverages because alcohol was believed to be a healthy substance with preventative and curative capabilities rather than as an intoxicant. (David Capuzzi, 2008, p. 4) Alcohol was the â€Å"centerpiece† in taverns throughout the colonies. The production and consumption of alcohol caused enough concern to precipitate several versions of the `temperance ‘movement, which was developed to encourage people to refrain from the use of distilled spirits. Their goal was the replacement of excessive drinking with more moderate and socially approved levels of drinking (David Capuzzi, 2008, p. 4). In the early 1800`s, clergy took the position that alcohol could corrupt both the mind and body (David Capuzzi, 2008, p. 4). Throughout history, humans have used drugs to achieve desired changes of experiences. Even ancient warriors â€Å"... ...rator, can deny responsibility by claiming a lack of control caused by drugs or alcohol. It remains valid that drug and alcohol abuse are common characteristics of all forms of violence (Wallace, 2008, p. 19). Works Cited David Capuzzi, M. D. (2008). Foundations of Addictions Counselling. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc. Molintas, D. (2006, November 26). Addictions. Retrieved from Anatomy of Addictions: www.pcij.org/i-report/2006/addictions.html Stanton Peele. (1988). Major Contemporay Perspectives on Addiction and Alcoholism. New York, NY: Macmillian, Inc. UnKnown. (2011, January 7). Is Alcoholism a Disease? Retrieved January 7, 2011, from Alcohol and Drug Guide.com: www.alcohol-and-drug-guide.com/alcoholism-disease-model.html Wallace, H. (2008). Family Violence Legal, Medical, and Social Perspectives - Fifth Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

William Timothy O’Briens Novels :: William Timothy OBrien Essays

William Timothy O’Brien's Novels William Timothy O’Brien has written many stories during his lifetime. The first of which he wrote when he was nine years old. "Timmy of the Little League" was an autobiography of a youngster involved in sports (Myers, 143). As Tim was growing up, he took a break from writing. He began again while serving in the Vietnam war. When he began writing again, he quickly readapted to an autobiographical style of writing. These wartime stories are what has made O’Brien one of the leading writers today. His style is often compared to other factfiction writers; such as Hemmingway, Fitzgerald and Faulkner (Myers, 144). It is said by critics that O’Brien uses a lot of the same plot ideas as used by these other famous wartime authors. Even though similar plots are used, O’Brien uses his own experiences to make the stories realistic and inspirational. The same basic themes runs throughout all of O’Brien’s stories. According to Thomas Myers, all of O’Brien’s work contains these basic principles: "the continual interplay of fact and imagination in fiction and in life; the compulsive, absurd, noble quest for human truth; the difficulty in defining and obtaining the elusive quality of courage; and ongoing human need for fragile, made up, explanatory device we call story." With all of these elements together Tim is trying to write stories that fill his description that "War stories aren’t about war-they are about the human heart at war." While serving in the South China Sea, O’Brien wrote poetry and short vignettes about what he was experiencing. After returning from his Vietnam tour-of-duty, O’Brien wrote If I Die in a Combat Zone, Box Me Up and Ship Me Home. This autobiography is an account of a soldier facing death and searching for courage. O’Brien "offers a particular version of himself who is both a participant telling one man’s story and a symbolic emissary of his culture who exchanges traditional and pop culture myth for hard-earned knowledge of personal transgression and historical experience."(Oates, 438) O’Brien wrote about searching for personal courage while fighting a war he did not believe in. He also touches on the fear he faced as he grew from a naive young boy into a war-torn man. Some of the poetry and vignettes O’Brien wrote during the war show up in If I Die in a Combat Zone." O’Brien wrote this novel to help tell the public about the real horrors and fears that go along with war. This and the rest of O’Brien’s novels are used to show Americans the falsehood of the idea that war is glamorous. The same themes shows up in O’Brien’s second book.

James Fowler’s “Stages of Faith” Essay

In response to James Fowler’s â€Å"Stages of Faith†, I have to agree with a majority of these stages. With assumption that there are no social, physical or mental deficiencies, his stages are appropriate with life development. As I read his stages of life, I found myself giving him credit for a â€Å"rule of thumb† or â€Å"generally speaking† type of tone. Stage 0 is a predictable stage of life. â€Å"Primal or Undifferentiated† their faith is characterized by an early learning of the safety of their environment consisting of warmth, safety and secure vs. hurt, neglect and abuse. In all cultures and communities this is very common. As I read onto stage 1, this is where I started to not disagree, however extend the stages beyond his age interpretations. Stage 1 is a stage that does not just symbolize ages three to seven. Rather, their whole life in some say. Stage 1, â€Å"Intuitive-Projective†, can be developed into late adulthood until an image is created. Stage 2 seems to be the most fun we come across as parents. The name should really be called the â€Å"Imagination† stage. They imagine wild stories of consequences, illogical reality and really a misinterpreted way of life. However, their faith is fun and completely interesting to listen to how they filter messages. Stage 3 of â€Å"Synthetic-Conventional† I could not agree with more. At my stage in life, I find myself sitting pretty in Stage 4; â€Å"Individuative-Reflective† faith. This stage of faith is based off of experiences in life and how to best adapt and relate to each item. Unfortunately this stage is also distracted with the responsibilities of life. In stage 4 we are raising kids, starting careers, buying houses, and finding a harsh reality of life. While it very fun and exciting, faith can take a back seat and not a priority. Stage 5, the mid-life crisis is occurring more and more often. My father in law, after 33 years packed up and left this past thanksgiving for selfish reasons he admits to. There comes a point in life that after stage 4 is complete and your job, whether raising kids, paying off houses, cars or raising kids comes to an end, you can become confused on the controllables and uncontrollables life. This takes us to the final stages of life. Stage 6, or the