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Monday, September 30, 2019

In the Face of Betrayal, Lewis Discovers Loyalty Cosi Essay

The play ‘Cosi’, written by Louis Nowra, is set in 1971 amidst the chaos of the Vietnam War. Australia’s involvement in the war was a topic of great controversy, and being the first televised war, reality was brought crashing into the lounge rooms of Australians. The horrific images displayed in people’s homes sparked anger from those involved in the fight against communism and conscription. The loyalty of Australians was heavily tested during these times, with society divided in their support of anti-communism. Nowra exposes the audience to the harsh treatment of those living in mental institutions during these times; a result of society’s’ predisposition to neglect those labelled ‘insane’ in the 70’s. Through the play he encourages the audience to ignore these perceptions and recognise the mentally ill as equals instead of undermining them. Furthermore, Nowra highlights society’s conflicting attitudes towards love and fidelity. When compared to the barbarism of the war, faithfulness was often viewed as irrelevant. However contending this idea, Nowra expresses the need for loyalty and taking care of one another, even when confronted with seemingly more ‘important’ matters. Through the journey of the protagonist of the play, Lewis, the audience learns that even in the face of deep betrayal, loyalty can be found. Although Lewis initially explains that he is directing the play due to his lack of money, it is evident that Cosi Fan Tutte becomes more than just a quick way to earn cash. In the beginning of Cosi, Lewis expresses his reason for directing the play by stating â€Å"I need the money, Lucy.† He is confronted and uncomfortable when first meeting the patients under such foreign circumstances, overwhelmed by the idea of having to deal with these â€Å"mad† people. Nowra embodies society’s negative attitude towards those with mental illnesses, where anyone classed as ‘insane’ were removed from society and thrust into the confinement of institutions. Instead of dealing with these people in a humane fashion, it was accepted that ECT treatment, drugs and surgery prevented them from creating a hassle. Lewis’s doubt and concerns about working with the patients are encouraged when he can’t convince them to perform ‘The Exception and the Rule.’ Instead, the antagonist of the play Roy, is determined to perform ‘Cosi Fan Tutte’, a Mozart play about fidelity and love. Lewis is not keen on the play and what it represents, his view on love evident when he states â€Å"Love is not so important nowadays.† Through Lewis, Nowra highlights the similar opinions of so many people during these times. In the face of war and politics, with horrific televised images thrust into people’s homes, fidelity was rated an irrelevant concept. This was the view held by Lewis and even more so his girlfriend Lucy, who states â€Å"After bread†¦.comes maybe love.† However the audience soon experiences a change in Lewis’s mindset towards not only the patients, but the importance of love and loyalty. He finds himself relating to the patients more and more, building relationships and accepting their quirks and issues. When Lewis’s close friend Nick confronts over his absence at the moratorium, stating â€Å"You said you were going to help out†, Lewis explains that Cosi Fan Tutte is more important, â€Å"This comes first.† It is clear that Nick does not support Lewis in the play or share his view of the patients â€Å"Only mad people†¦..funny farm.† Again, Nick’s comment only further exposes Lewis’s opinion, when he replies with â€Å"Nick, they’ll hear you.† Lewis’s comments exemplify his unwavering loyalty towards the patients and likewise, Nowra promotes the audience to recognise the importance of loyalty and support. Lewis’s changed perception of love is shown when he contends Lucy, telling her the Cosi Fan Tutte is â€Å"about important things, like love and fidelity.† This proves his changed attitude towards love, which he originally placed little value on. Nowra influences the audience to be open to the idea of fidelity and see the values within it. He contends society’s views in the 70’s and encourages the audience not to neglect and degrade the mentally ill, but see and treat them as equals. In the face of betrayal, Lewis experiences unswerving loyalty from a conservative Henry. Henry, a depressed and quiet man, is seemingly reserved. However it is clear when he learns that Nick gives money to North Vietnam for supplies, that Henry is strongly opinionated and willing to stand for his beliefs, â€Å"My ffffather fought†¦..you are traitors.† Henry’s loyalty to his father, who was a soldier, is deep seated and deeply held. His attack against Nick and Lewis proves that despite being ‘crazy’, he has the ability to stand up for what matters to him. Nowra demonstrates that everyone deserves the right to stand for their values. Henry’s loyalty is again demonstrated when Lewis learns that his girlfriend Lucy is sleeping with Nick. Lucy explains â€Å"I have sex with him and sleep with you,† highlighting her belief in ‘free love.’ On the contrary it is clear that, Lewis wants Lucy to be faithful, â€Å"It’s over. I’m shifting out of the house.† When Lewis confronts Nick over the matter, he repeats Lucy’s explanation â€Å"No, she’s sleeping†¦..having sex.† It is here that Henry shows his support and loyalty to Lewis, offering to beat up Nick, â€Å"Do you want me†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦stand up?† Henry’s display of loyalty highlights the relationship he has formed with Lewis. Nowra exhibits that we should not take advantage of our relationships with others, and value the loyalty and commitment that they offer us. Also, one can hold strong political values whilst also displaying empathy and loyalty. Despite Roy constantly undermining and insulting Lewis, when he suffers from stage fright Lewis provides him with encouragement and reassurance. Roy is extremely passionate about the performance of ‘Cosi Fan Tutte,’ displaying enthusiasm from the beginning when he alerts the cast to his plans, â€Å"I’ve already chosen what we’re doing. ‘Cosi Fan Tutte’.† Despite complaints about his choice and the difficulties it will create, Roy is utterly undeterred by any issue the Italian opera presents. His desire for the play to be performed the way he imagines it results in constant attacks regarding Lewis’s direction, â€Å"Couldn’t direct a nymphomaniac to a stag night.† Despite Roy’s passion, when it comes to the final performance he struggles with stage fright, telling Lewis â€Å"I can’t do it.† Putting aside the abuse and insults from Roy, Lewis only offers him encouragement and support, replying with â€Å"Yes, you can,† and, â€Å"I’ll whisper the lines to you.† Lewis understands how much the play means to Roy, and furthermore, it is clear that Lewis wants Roy to have the opportunity to succeed in his performance, â€Å"I want you to be noticed all the time.† Nowra suggest the idea that not only Roy needs to be noticed, but all those who have been locked away from society. That the mentally ill should no longer be ignored, but seen as equals with the rest of the world. Through evidence of the loyalty Lewis develops towards the patients, Nowra demonstrates that despite whether somebody is classed as ‘insane’ or not, strong relationships and trust can be built. Overall, Cosi demonstrates in numerous situations that whilst facing betrayal, one can also experience true loyalty and friendship. This is evident through Lewis’s support of Roy, and when Henry stands up for Lewis. Furthermore, Nowra highlights the cruel and degrading treatment towards mentally ill people during the 70’s, and promotes the audience to reconsider these views. Through Lewis’s acceptance of the patients and the relationships he builds with them, he influences us to alter our negative perceptions. Additionally, Nowra promotes the idea of fidelity and trust. Despite the reality of the televised war leading people to hold more ‘important’ values, Nowra encourages not to forget the importance of loyalty and love. On the whole, Cosi portrays what Nowra depicts to be important values; loyalty, trust, acceptance and empathy.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

The “math wars”

Aside from the requisites of drug manufacturing, a drug company must also have the knowledge on the legal aspect of the pharmaceutical business. A company must be able to know what agencies of the government he has to seek advice from before it undergoes the manufacturing process in order to have a good start.Relative to this, the company needs to know which regulates the safety and efficacy of the drugs to be manufactured and which agency protects the rights of the manufacturer and the consumers against illicit drugs.This paper will discuss the basic responsibilities of the Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Agency including the approval process of manufacturing a generic drug copy. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION AND ITS RESPONSIBILITIES The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is generally responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of all drugs for human and veterinary use.FDA’s 1mission statement specifically states that the administration â€Å"is res ponsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. † This will then give us the idea why FDA need to regulate drugs, and that is to ensure that they are safe and effective. The administration is also held responsible for ensuring that the drugs have information that is honest and accurate for the general public to use.The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) (Drug Enforcement Administration for the United States) is primarily responsible for the enforcement of the Controlled Substances Laws and Regulations. In the United States, DEA is under the wing of the Department of Justice, where it serves as an arm of the justice against the 2those organizations and principal members of organizations, involved in the growing, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances appearing in or destined for illi cit traffic in the United States. The DEA’s drugs of concern include: Cocaine, marijuana, heroin, inhalants, LSD, Ecstasy, Steroids, Oxycontin and Methamphetamine.The following list of specific responsibilities is adopted by this writer from the DEA’s official website: >Investigation and preparation for the prosecution of major violators of controlled substance laws operating at interstate and international levels. >Investigation and preparation for prosecution of criminals and drug gangs who perpetrate violence in our communities and terrorize citizens through fear and intimidation. >Management of a national drug intelligence program in cooperation with federal, state, local, and foreign officials to collect, analyze, and disseminate strategic and operational drug intelligence information.>Seizure and forfeiture of assets derived from, traceable to, or intended to be used for illicit drug trafficking. >Enforcement of the provisions of the Controlled Substances Act as they pertain to the manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of legally produced controlled substances. >Coordination and cooperation with federal, state and local law enforcement officials on mutual drug enforcement efforts and enhancement of such efforts through exploitation of potential interstate and international investigations beyond local or limited federal jurisdictions and resources.>Coordination and cooperation with federal, state, and local agencies, and with foreign governments, in programs designed to reduce the availability of illicit abuse-type drugs on the United States market through nonenforcement methods such as crop eradication, crop substitution, and training of foreign officials. >Responsibility, under the policy guidance of the Secretary of State and U. S. Ambassadors, for all programs associated with drug law enforcement counterparts in foreign countries.>Liaison with the United Nations, Interpol, and other organizations on matters relating to international drug control programs. DEA’S PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS Drug Enforcement Agency also updates its programs and operations according to the demand of technology and the development of new methods of illicit drug operations. Recent report published in the KT4 Online alerted the public on the emergence of illegal websites that are bringing prescription drugs out into the market (KT4 Online, August 24, 2007).The DEA reported that such websites are able to market their products using just credit cards as payment modes. The agency now referred the so-called â€Å"rogue pharmacies† to the congress for the legislation of a more formidable law for such illegal and dangerous activities, which are regulated because such companies do not meet the standards set by the United States. Even medicinal or herbal plants that are not yet studied or regulated under the law is also under the responsibility of the DEA to study and made research relative to its danger in the human health.In Utah, a native plant called salvia divinorium, has been put into attention by the Hill Air Force Base which according to initial findings can cause hallucinations. In the report published in the Salt Lake Tribune, â€Å"magic mint† as its street name, is ingested or inhaled usually by the members of the military and the people inside the base (Salt Lake Tribune, August 20, 2007). The herbal plant is still legal as it is still under research by the DEA. Experts also say that the plant that grows in the wilds of Utah can cause lung irritation when its dried leaves are inhaled.LAWS AND POLICIES GOVERNING GENERIC DRUGS The regulations pertaining to generics drugs are under the responsibility of the Food and Drug Administration. Under the law, pharmaceutical companies or drug manufacturers have all the right to apply for a generic copy of their branded drugs. It can also be that a manufacturer seeks for a license from the brand name company to make a generic copy of the branded product . A generic copy of the drug is called â€Å"authorized generics† because the branded product manufacturer had given the authority to the manufacturer of the generic drug copy.However, these generic copied have to undergo the legal process that is regulated by the FDA. It is the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, commonly referred to as the Waxman-Hatch Act, which is being used as a legal basis for FDA for regulating generic drug copies. â€Å"Since the law was enacted over 23 years ago, the number of generic manufacturers and number of generic drug products on the market have expanded exponentially† (Coster, John M. 2007). The law allows a generic drug that is a generic copy of the pioneer drug to be approved by FDA to be marketed by the same company.This is even without the submission of the usual New Drug Application (NDA) that is submitted in full when a branded product is being applied for marketing. The NDA is usually a time-consuming and expensive clinical trials required to be done by the drug manufacturer in order to comply with the safety and efficacy standards required of them. With the Waxman-Hatch Act, NDA is being replaced with the submission of Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) provided that the generic copy has demonstrated the fact that it is bioequivalent to the pioneer drug (J.Coster, The Pharmacist, Vol. 32, No. 6, 2007). This process allows the generic copy to be approved for marketing the easier and faster way because it does not to prove its safety and effectiveness through trials since the pioneer drug had already proven such. For the ANDA of the generic drug to be approved, its pioneer drug must have the four required certifications: (1) that no patent is listed for the pioneer drug; (2) that the patent has expired; (3) the date on which the patent will expire; or (4) that the patent is invalid or not infringed.Such information is listed in the FDA’s Orange Book, a reference for t he pharmacists in determining the interchangeability of the drugs. Just recently, the Waxman-Hatch Act has been replaced with 3McCain-Schumer Act, after its authors Senators John McCain and Charles E. Schumer. The main feature of the new act is the changing of the 180-day exclusivity term of the first generic drug copy to only the 30-day term. Exclusivity, in the old law is granted for the manufacturer of the generic drug to market the product exclusively within 180 days that is for the manufacturer who first secured the FDA’s approval of the generic copy.With the new law, exclusivity term is shortened for the purpose of further price reduction of the generic drugs as competition is encouraged after the 30-day term. It is estimated, according to Schumer’s study that the new law will enable consumers to save 60% of their usual expense when buying branded drugs and that will give consumers a total of $71 billion savings in 10 years (Bash, Dana, CNN Online, May 01, 2001). Schumer cited Claritin, a prescription allergy drug as example which costs an average of $63. 65 while its generic equivalent will only cost $25. 46.Generally, the new law is of great help for the Americans in terms of their medical expenditures. CONCLUSION By looking into the basic responsibilities and functions of the FDA and DEA, we were able to have an idea of the basic legal aspect of drug manufacturing and marketing. Also by having an overview of the laws governing generic copy manufacturing, we were able to have the basic knowledge of how the approval process rolls. In general we can conclude that the legal process of drug manufacturing and marketing is really a long and expensive process for the companies especially for the branded or patented drugs.However with the Schumer-McCain Act, the process is shortened and had benefited especially the consumers for enabling the cheaper version of their branded medicine to be marketed. REFERENCES 1FDAs Mission Statement. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http://www. fda. gov/opacom/morechoices/mission. html 2DEA Mission Statement. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http://www. usdoj. gov/dea/agency/mission. htm 3Senate Passes Ground-Breaking Schumer-McCain Generic Drug Bill (Press Release). July 31, 2002. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http://schumer. senate. gov/SchumerWebsite/pressroom/press_releases/PR01124.html Bash, Dana. McCain, Schumer introduce generic drug bill. CNN Online. May 01, 2001. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http://archives. cnn. com/2001/ALLPOLITICS/05/01/senate. genericdrugs/index. html Coster, John M. The Waxman-Hatch Generic Drug Law: 23 Years Later. The Pharmacist. June 19, 2007. Vol. 32 No. 6 Griffith, Christopher, et. al. (2002). View from Washington: Senate approves changes in generic-drug approval. Leydig, Voit Mayer, Ltd. Report. October 2002. Volume 3 Issue 4 Colonel bans use of ‘magic mint' herb. Salt Lake Tribune. August 20, 2007. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http ://www.sltrib. com/News/ci_6668009 Federal Authorities Warn Against Online Rogue Pharmacies. KT4 Online. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http://www. ktiv. com/News/index. php? ID=16295 What FDA Regulates. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http://www. fda. gov/comments/regs. html There has always been a debate on whether the mathematics be taught should be the old basics or the standards reformed mathematics. Basic mathematics primarily comprises arithmetic and computation. This is just simple mathematics which involves solving simple equation and memorizing formulas.Basic mathematic also comprises the following list t o f items. There is the accurate counting to 100 or more, mastery of basic facts for all four operations, pencil and paper computation skills with hole numbers, decimals and fractions and solving percent problems. Other aspect includes the knowing and using formulas for area and perimeter of basic shapes. Though the above list is a bit simplified its basic position i s that kids only get to know some basic stuff. Basic mathematics can also be referred to as trivial pursuit mathematics meaning that children are to know the content not the practicability (John, 1999).On the other hand reform mathematics has higher level of difficulty and has set five goals. These are that students should value mathematics, be confident in the ability to do mathematics and become mathematics problem solvers. They should as well be able to communicate well mathematically and learn to reason mathematically. It involves the four basic process standards which are problem solving, communication, reasoning, and connections. It entails gearing the children to develop the ability to think than just memorizing the mathematics concepts.Those who believe in the reform mathematics talk about mathematical power, the ability to reason and solve unique problems (John, 1999). It is important to note that even if the two approaches appear to differ there are some things they share in. Benefits and demerits of basics Basic mathematics requires teacher centered approach which involves teaching the mathematics through drill and practice. However in this way the children can end up not being intrinsically motivated. This prevents them from learning mathematics facts and how to connect to the real world.Furthermore the approach is essentially teacher directed, and structured only for basic skills instructions. This approach comes with advantages and disadvantages as far as basic mathematics teaching is concerned. One of the advantages is that, it is clear that for learning to be effective there must be a knowledge source and this is what the teacher act as. The teachers have attained their unifications and expertise from colleges and universities to become experts in their fields. In this reasoning it’s convenient to involve to someone who is already an expertise in the field to impart that knowledge in the students.For example according to Kelly, if the st udents have a question on atopic raised by the text book, the teacher is present ton as the expert to answer the question (Kelly, 2004). Other benefits include good planning and execution of knowledge passing process and good discipline. The disadvantage of this style is that no one can predict which parts of the information the student has learned will eventually become obsolete or incorrect, what the student will forget, or what new information he will need to know in the future (Howard, 1980).Furthermore according to Howard in some cases the students can obtain a false security if they believe that, once information ins dispensed and a cognitive framework provide the student will incorporate the information, recognize where and when it could and should be applied when time comes. One great disadvantages of this method is that a strong investment in the style can lead to rigid, standardized, and less flexible ways of managing students and their concerns (Howard, 1908). This acts a s huge impediment to development and self discovery within the student.This huge impediment has been seen as the greatest drawback for this style of administering knowledge. The benefits and demerits of reform mathematics style According the student center online answers, the best approach of teaching mathematics should stress active, student centered learning in real life context (student center). This may help in making the concepts more understandable and interesting. This therefore calls for the student knowing the crafts before they can apply them and that is where the basic mathematics comes handy. The reform mathematics takes the student centered approach of learning.This involves instructions where by the students actively create knowledge for themselves. It consists of group learning, inquiry, and humanistic learning activities (student center). This method has additional advantages both to the student and the teacher some which are enlisted below. To begin with the student would develop learning and knowledge that will help them throughout their life. In this method students always discover that learning is fun and interesting. Furthermore, through this method teachers always have less traditional work. This is more prominent in the upper class levels where the students are mature enough.The student gets to be more attentive and willing to participate in the class activities. In this way there is a reduction in the number of complaints about fairness and unequal treatment. When student carry out research and group works they generate a lot of information that the teacher may add to his collection of information. However this method also comes with some disadvantages. It poses a problem when it comes to evaluation in that this has to be individualized. Providing one test for the whole class has to be abandoned. Every student has to be evaluated based on his or her goals.One other big disadvantage of this method is that there some student who do not re late well with it in spite the teachers best efforts. Such scenario is always more prevalent in the lower classes levels even though it can also be found in the upper classes. The other demerit is that the students’ always have to work in groups. There occur complaints about being put in teams. However the complaints get to seize as the student get to understand that it is what the real world is like. Under some circumstances student may find it hard to work in teams since most of them have never had the experience of team work. ConclusionIt is important to note for the reformed mathematics, the fact that it takes the student centered learning method gives it an upper hand as method of teaching mathematics. In fact students do appreciate the real world experience eve when they do not like them that much (daymalyn, 2009). This is therefore more appropriate and practical than the basics math which would d lead to rigidity and less development of the kids as well as new advancem ent in the mathematics fields. References Howard S & Robyn M. (1980), Problem Based Learning: An Approach to Medical Education, Springer Publishing Company, ISBN 0826128416, 9780826128416.Daymalyn (2009), Disadvantages and disadvantages of student center learning, Accessed on August 7, 2010, from http://wwwemmalynombayan-daymalyn. blogspot. com/2009/09/advantages-and- disadvantages-of-student. html John A. (1999), Reform Mathematics Vs. The Basics: Understanding the Conflict and Dealing with It Accessed on August 7, 2010 from http://mathematicallysane. com/analysis/reformvsbasics. asp Kelly K. (2004), the â€Å"Math Wars†, a Short Analysis, Accessed on August 7, 2010 from http://www. newfoundations. com/ConAnalysis/KellyMathWars. html Student center, Accessed on August 7, 2010 from http://www. abacon. com/woolfolk7/faq. html

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Discuss whether private policing can ever ensure public security

Not only is policing conveyed by an escalating array of public bodies organized at a diversity of geographical levels, but the private and municipal parts are themselves becoming more perceptible in this arena. It is far from clear, though to what degree the growth of policing services delivered by agencies other than the state police symbolizes the filling of a gap left by the incapability or disinclination of the state police to give services the public wants.It may represent changes in the nature of modern life and institutions in which the growth of these services lies along, is complementary to, the steady growth in spending on the state police and other public policing services like Environmental Health Officers or the Post Office Investigation Department.Nor is it obvious that there has been the immense growth in non-police ‘policing' which is often claimed. surely there has been a huge increase in the employment of uniformed private security personnel. owever if ‘ policing' in its broadest sense is construed to include those people who, like wardens, caretakers, park-keepers, and gamekeepers, have always been employed to guard, protect, and manage both public and private property and locations, then much of this growth may simply imitate changes in the way the task is done. What is clear is that, for a diversity of reasons, the respective roles of the police and private security organizations now increasingly be related. The boundaries between them are becoming less well defined.This is the consequence, in part at least, of a process referred to as the ‘decreasing equivalence between private property and private space'. The subsequent half of the twentieth century has seen a rapid growth in property which is privately owned but to which the public typically has access. This property includes shopping centers, built-up estates, educational institutions, parks, offices, and leisure centers. More and more public life is being performed on private property.Thus the protection of private property, a fundamental aim of private security-has increasingly come to take in the maintenance of public order as while, for example, there are demonstrations against new road construction. Private security services have intruded more and more on what used to be considered the restricted domain of the state police. The boundaries between public and private policing have further were indistinct because of the operations of an escalating number of agencies whose formal status and functional activities are hard to classify.These have most usually been referred to as ‘hybrid' or ‘grey' policing bodies. They take in, for example, the surveillance, investigative, and dogmatic sections attached to central and local government departments. The place of some of these bodies has been made even more ‘grey' by the privatization programme the government has practiced. For example the British Transport Police will persist to poli ce our railway network: they will, for the foreseeable future, give a contract service that the new railway companies have been given no option but to accept.Johsnton (1999) asserts that private policing consists of two components. ‘Commercial’ policing involves the purchase and sale of security commodities in the market place. ‘Civil’ policing consists of those voluntary policing activities undertaken by individuals and groups in civil society. The history of commercial policing in Britain is a long one, McMullan’s (1987) account of crime control in sixteenth and seventeenth century London pointing to the systematic recruitment of paid informers and thief-takers by a state unable to control unregulated areas.This is an early example of what South (1984) has referred to as ‘the commercial compromise of the state’, an invariable feature of all systems in which the commercial sector has a policing role, though one whose precise character v aries with circumstances. The private security industry is a large, lucrative, and growing part of the UK economy. Different estimates of the annual turnover of the industry are obtainable.A 1979 Home Office Green Paper suggested an annual turnover in 1976 of ?135 million and, according to the marketing consultancy Jordan and Sons, total annual sales during the early 1980s were in excess of 400 million. Jordan's 1989 and 1993 reports suggest respectively that the yearly turnover of the industry increased from ?476. 4 million in 1983 to ?807. 6 million in 1987 and ?1, 225. 6 million in 1990. One recent estimate by one of the regulatory bodies in the private security industry has put the turnover for 1994 at ?2, 827 million (Daily Telegraph, 15 August 1996).Because private security firms take up a position of trust for those who utilize them to protect their persons and property, as the evidence suggests that individuals and groups put off to people who wear uniforms intended to conju re the authority of the police, and as those who provide security services are in a position to abuse that reverence and trust, we do not think it is any longer defensible to allow the private security industry to continue unregulated. There is proof of abuse.There are undoubted cowboys on the loose and there is nothing at present to prevent disreputable and criminally-minded operators from proffering any security service they wish. Indeed, even a Government ideologically committed to reducing the amount of directive has recently come round to the view that some type of control of the private security industry is now essential. In August 1996, the Home Office announced that a statutory body to vet people wanting to work in private security was to be recognized, and that new criminal offences of utilizing an unlicensed guard and working as an unlicensed guard would be introduced.Given that these plans are both indistinct and not accompanied by any schedule for implementation. There i s currently no constitutional licensing or regulative system of any kind for the private security industry in Britain. This distinction with almost all other European countries. Britain stands practically alone in not having admission requirements for firms offering security services and, together with Germany, not setting performance rations for private security operatives. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands.Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland all have some form of governmental control over their private security industries (de Waard J. 1993). Estimates of the size of the industry in Britain have been notoriously inaccurate. However, recent research by Jones & Newburn (1998), based on data drawn from the Yellow Pages Business Classification and the Labour Force Survey, has produced far more reliable figures. Total employment in the British contract security industry now exceeds one third of a million (333,631), with emplo yment in the ‘services and equipment sector’ (which includes guarding) standing at 182,596.This latter figure, alone, is equivalent to the total number of police and civilians employed in the 43 constabularies in England and Wales. As is the case in other countries, the most rapid area of expansion is in electronic security. Indeed, out of the total of 6,899 security companies identified in the research, no fewer than 2,547 are in the electronics sector, the remainder being in services and equipment (2,281), the provision of locks and safes (864), detective services (767) and bailiff services (440).In the case of Britain, for example, the estimation of private security employees (70,000) appears to include only those working for member companies of the British Security Industry Association, the main trade body. On the basis of these figures, Britain ranks sixth in terms of private security employees (123 per 100,000 inhabitants) and has a private security to public poli ce ratio of 0. 39:1. By using Jones & Newburn’s (1998) data, however, these estimates are transformed dramatically.This happens whether one bases calculation on guard numbers alone, or upon the total number of personnel employed in the security industry. In the first case, the figure of 182,596 guards identified in the research generates 321 security personnel per 100,000 inhabitants and a private security to public police ratio of 1:1. In the second case, 333,631 security employees generates a private security to public police ratio of 1. 85:1, a figure far in excess of the estimate for Germany, the highest ranked country in the sample.In effect, two conclusions can be drawn from Jones & Newburn’s (1998) research: that Britain has roughly one private security guard for every public police officer, a figure comparable to that found in the USA during the early 1980s (Cunningham & Taylor 1985:106); and that Britain has almost two private security employees for each polic e officer. Although there are diverse estimates of the number of organizations trading in the private security sector, and the numbers of people working, few of them emerge to be reliable.The best accessible figures suggest that, in broad terms, the number of private security employees, including those persons concerned in the manufacture and installation of security devices, is as a minimum the equivalent of the total complement of the forty-three constabularies in England and Wales; data from the government's Labour Force Survey propose that there are almost surely over 162,000 people working in the private security industry, but the actual total can be at least half as many again (Jones T. , and Newburn T. 1995).This rapid growth in private security gives a vivid image that policing involves much more than the police and what the police do. The point is made all the more obvious if one thinks that most symbolic of all police tasks, mobile patrol. It is momentarily worth consideri ng two instances where a ‘police patrol' presence is provided by personnel other than police constables. First is the Sedgefield Community Force. For several years local councils have employed in-house security operations to keep council property and employees.The Sedgefield Community Force, a local authority police force in County Durham, became operational in January 1994. The force provides a 24-hour patrolling service within the geographical confines of the District an area of 85 square miles and a population of 90,000 people. The ten patrol officers wear uniforms similar to those worn by police officers. They travel mostly in cars, though they are encouraged to leave them to patrol on foot. They received 1,284 calls from the public in their first year.Johsnton (1999) asserts that Private policing resolves the tension within that relationship: maximizing consumption by restricting access to those who might undermine the commercial imperative—drunks, beggars and the like. In most western societies—though particularly in North America—there is an increased tendency for residential space to adopt the form of mass private property, people living in private apartment blocks and gated communities, rather than in traditional streets.Though this is undoubtedly a global tendency, however, there may be variations in the speed and scope of its development. Jones & Newburn (1998) note that, in Britain, locations which would be archetypal forms of mass private property in North America (such as educational institutions, leisure complexes and hospital sites) have either been owned and run by the state or by non-market ‘hybrid’ organizations (Johnston 1992). For that reason, they suggest, ‘mass hybrid property’, rather than mass private property, may be of greater relevance to the future development of commercial policing in Britain.Though the Sedgefield Community Force provides a noticeable patrol it was set up as a n on-confrontational force and has a strategy of ‘observing and reporting' based on a presupposition of not using officers' citizen's powers of arrest. A small-scale piece of research on the Sedgefield Community Force carried out concerning six months after it was set up found that just under two-thirds of local residents said without any prompting that they had heard of the Force (I'Anson J. , and Wiles P. 1995).This part of respondents increased to three-quarters after the force was portrayed to them. There is some indication from the survey that the public feels safer as the Force was introduced, and a considerable proportion of those questioned felt that the Community Force would act to put off criminal activity. There was obvious evidence that local residents saw the Force as setting off what the local constabulary was doing.Generally respondents said they would not be happy to have the members of the Force as the sole deferrers of crime. owever when asked who they would be contented to have patrolling their streets: 91 per cent said police specials or a new rank of police patroller; 83 per cent said a council-employed community force; 43 per cent said common citizens; and 33 per cent said private security guards. A further survey of residents who had asked for help from the Sedgefield Force discovered that the immense majority of calls concerned vandalism, anti-social behavior, and nuisance — incivilities concerning which all the research evidence shows the public is usually concerned though a large minority, about a fifth, concerned straight-forward crime (Wiles P. 996).Moreover those persons calling for help were extremely appreciative of the service they received. Though direct comparisons cannot simply be made, the residents who call the Sedgefield Community Force are as a minimum as appreciative of the service they receive, conceivably more so, than are people who call the police (Bucke, 1996). The second example is the Wands worth Parks Constabulary. Under the Public Health (Amendment) Act 1907, all local authorities in England and Wales can affirm in park employees as special constables though there are few instances of any doing so.Legislation, bearing upon London only, has though been used by several boroughs in the capital to set up Parks Constabularies. in the Ministry of Housing and Local Government Provisional Order Confirmation (Greater London Parks and Open Spaces) Act 1967, Wands worth recognized its Parks Constabulary in 1985. There are thirty full-time uniformed officers and twenty-five part-timers (effectively ‘specials') in the Wands worth Parks Constabulary.They patrol the parks and open spaces in the borough — about 850 acres in all — and give security services in council premises, particularly the branch libraries, leisure centers, and youth and recreation facilities. The constables aim to act mainly as a restriction rather than an enforcement body. The problems with which they deal emerge to be similar to those dealt with in Sedgefield. They comprise incivilities linked with drunkenness, the control of dogs, the use of bicycles, and the like. however they also deal with crime.In 1994 and 1995 the Wands worth Parks Police made 105 and 134 arrests correspondingly: these included supposed offences of dishonesty (including burglary, theft, and robbery), criminal damage, gross coarseness, and drugs offences. They took their arrestees to Metropolitan Police stations where there appears to have been little complexity in getting the majority of their charges accepted. Certainly the research proof is that the relationship between the Parks Police and the Metropolitan Police is an optimistic and close one (Jones T. , and Newburn T. 998).In addition the constables monitor the CCTV cameras that are positioned in Wandsworth's parks, act as key holders in relation to a large number of local power buildings, provide a cash-in transit service for some local authority fun ctions, and accompany some local authority employees. Similar, although generally less wide-ranging, parks police also operate in Kensington and Chelsea, Barking and Dagenham and in Greenwich. The public is ever more engaged in activities in areas where policing is undertaken by private organizations.Progressively households, neighborhoods, and institutions (both public and private) are becoming dependent on commercially provided surveillance technology and patrols for their sense of security. As, demands on the police have prolonged, so the police have become reliant on skills available in, and services provided by, the private sector. This is mainly to be welcomed, and positive collaboration between the public and private sectors needs to be encouraged.There are several benefits to be gained from constructive partnership. But it is fundamental that this partnership be based on integrity. The public, pass up the police, must have confidence that the very highest standards are being uphold in any agency with which the police are affianced in partnership. For these reasons we conclude that the time has come to bring in a system of official or statutory directive of the private security industry.There is no case for granting private security personnel powers not accessible to the ordinary citizen and, as far as it is been competent to discover, there is no demand from either within or without the industry that such powers must be granted, except in very particular situation. One such circumstance is given by the contracted-out management of prisons. The Criminal Justice Act gives that the prisoner custody officers employed by the security companies now running five prisons are authorized to search prisoners and their visitors and to use such force as is essential to avert prisoners from escaping.But this kind of exception apart we can see no motive why citizens' powers are insufficient for dealing with the type of situations with which private security personnel are expected to be confronted while guarding or on patrol. Indeed, quite opposing. The fact that security personnel have no powers beyond those accessible to the ordinary citizen itself gives a desirable check on their activities and evidently demarcates, both in law and in the eyes of the public in general, what is otherwise becoming an increasingly fuzzy border between the police and private ‘policing' enterprises.The realism of private security is that their personnel are not like usual citizens. They may not have extra powers, but they have precise responsibilities, they are organized, they are usually recruited as of their physical suitability, they are dressed in a way to emphasize their capacity to coerce, they might be trained in self-defense or have experience in how to ‘handle themselves' in circumstances thought to rationalize reasonable force, they are more expected to employ force, and so on.All these influencing conditions suggest, given the extensive conc erns ‘about the de facto power exerted by private security personnel whose reliability is uncertain, whose public liability is non-existent, and whose allegiance is by definition to whomsoever pays the piper, that there is a very well-built case for ensuring that in law they exercise no more right to use force than the rest of us. We conclude that no transform in citizens' powers of arrest is reasonable.The key area, is where private security staff are concerned in the policing of space which is public -streets, housing estates, and so on — or which the public thinks to be public, although it is actually private, that is places like shopping malls, football grounds, hospitals, and so on. We believe any new form of regulation must certainly cover the work of private security guards, together with contract and in-house guards. The Home Affairs Select Committee excluded in-house staff from its commendations for regulation.However, though the evidence signifies that there a re fewer complaints concerning in house security services, the fact that there is considerable mobility between the contract and the in-house sectors leads us to believe that any new system of licensing must cover both. Moreover, given their role concerning either private property or private space to which the public have access, equally nightclub door staff and installers of electronic surveillance and security equipment ought, in our finding, also to come within a new system of directive.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Electric Vehicles and Zero-Emission Cars Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Electric Vehicles and Zero-Emission Cars - Essay Example Introduction The 21st century has ushered in a new host of problems. To a large extent one recognizes that the increasing move towards globalization has created many of these challenges. One of the most predominant difficulties is energy consumption. Energy consumption is a notable concern both for the difficulties associated with attaining overseas petroleum, as well as environmental concerns over gas emissions. While petroleum use, most scientists agree, threatens the environment, society still has maintained a strong reliance on this energy source. In recent years, however, electric vehicles and zero-emission cars have emerged that have posed a slight challenge to the petroleum hegemony. This essay considers various elements related to these vehicles and cars. Electric Vehicles and Zero-Emission Cars While most people are aware of electric and hybrid vehicles, few understand their history or cursory issues. The electric vehicle is a vehicle that implements an electric motor for it s primary power source. Within this context of recognition there are a number of different types of vehicles that implement electric power. One sort of electric vehicle uses energy that is located at an outside power source. Another form of electric vehicle operates from electric energy that was originally produced by an outside power source; one recognizes that hybrid vehicles would fall within this category as they gain their energy from an external electrical supply. The final type of electric vehicle is one that produces electric energy from an internal source (Mitchell 2010, p. 7). While most people associate electric vehicles with cars, in actuality electricity has been used to power a wide range of transportation devices. In these regards, everything from boats to planes to trains has been powered using electric energy. Electric vehicles have a long history. Indeed, one considers that by the early 18th century engineers and scientists had been experimenting with electric prop ulsion. Still, it wasn’t until the 20th century that electric vehicles were popularized within the United States. While electric vehicles were among the first types of cars produced, to a large extent electric propulsion remained marginalized to petroleum devices throughout the 20th century. Towards the end of the 20th century electric cars gained a slight resurgence. In 1990 the California Air Resources Board mandated that major automobile manufacturers produce electric vehicles for sale. Through the decade then automobile manufacturers increased production of these vehicles. Towards the end of the 1990s, however, consumers increasingly began to move towards sports utility vehicles. One of the main recognitions in these regards is that the lower-gas prices that were experienced during this period and the robust economy created a situation where electric vehicles were increasingly untenable. Still, with the on-set of the 21st century the hybrid car emerged as a trend. The 200 1 the Toyota Prius became the first mass-produced hybrid electric car. A number of other hybrid vehicles would follow. Hybrid vehicles held a number of benefits over vehicles that entirely relied on electric power.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

The definition of community is changing with the rise of technology Research Paper

The definition of community is changing with the rise of technology and generation Y - Research Paper Example The technology has created a platform for the irreplaceable characters to replace real and mortal people. Research indicates that there are real actions by the virtual community. This research paper investigates the change and emergence of virtual communities and societal norms as a consequence of technological growth. The thesis of the paper is; as technology becomes undeniably prominent in everyday life, it has altered the way people conduct themselves, and has resulted to changing the definition of what a community truly is. Most of the online interactions are influenced by a lack of corporeality. The communications are propagated in the absence of body. This has made cyberspaces to be susceptible to human foibles. A telling example is the energy creatures. The energy creature is defined as an online stereotype with certain pathological behaviors. These behaviors tend to infect newsgroups and chat rooms (CeCe and Wendy, 37). Most of these characters look for negative attention. Th e online communities are full of people willing to stir up emotions of thousands within the online community. The emerging community rarely spends time appreciating others. The virtual communities have a social system with includes diversity (Feenberg and Barney, 51). The cyber communities have redefined morality and ethics. Philosophy has attempted to redefine moral realism in the context of the generation Y and emerging virtual communities. The realism and speech act theory suggests that virtual characters can have real actions. However, admitting the intentions in the online communications has introduced particular difficulties for online communications. The virtual communities are seldom interested in merely passing the information (Feenberg and Barney, 51). The circumstances of the virtuality tend to mitigate the moral concerns. The authentic social practices means that some characters tend to bully others. Therefore, cyber space must have defined through the emerging norms (Ce Ce and Wendy, 37). The moral theory introduces a notion of wrongness in a new light. A combination of realism and the moral theory is increasingly becoming important the in the philosophical perceptions of the virtual communities. The causal principle of reality states that real causes have real effects. This principal has a metaphysical commitment to the virtual communities (Putnam, 39). There are no imaginary causes to the real effects. Therefore, the online community must be perceived substantively and objectively. The virtual communities are perceived to be exposing ideals which otherwise lacked a platform for exposure and analysis (Feenberg and Barney, 51). Therefore, the changing morals are not a new phenomenon. The online characters are known to act in a performative way which means that they can cajole, promise or flirt with other characters. These characters intentions are achieved in a real way. Therefore, the online atmosphere is a place where characters cause substantive impact on the physical world. The virtual communities must be perceived to be actual players in the actual or physical communities (Putnam, 49). The other instant is online hate or bullying which causes teenagers to commit suicide. The virtual characters in a screen subscribe to unscripted cultural norms among the digital communities. These emerging norms keep evolving with time (CeCe and Wendy, 39). The

Reading response of the reading women's Sexuality Essay

Reading response of the reading women's Sexuality - Essay Example The societal forces vary from distorting the possible options to the significant physical enslavement. Lesbian existence cannot be exclusively blamed on the mothering role of women. The forces tend to dispute the fact that compulsory heterosexuality is just but a phenomenon. The societal forces gain their ground from the male-identified society. Male power in the modern society enforces heterosexuality and result to sexual inequality. The power of men in the society has the ability to; Male power is able to manifest itself through the societal forces to restrain a significant counter-force. Lesbianism would sprout from women’s innate reproductive orientation towards their young. Male power is able to counter acts of lesbianism; to ensure that men are viewed as the appropriate partners. The dominance of male power provides the foundation towards morals of sexuality. Young boys and girls are taught to honour their roles in the society. There is a clear demarcation between their roles as future elders. They should respect their innate orientations. High school students are mature enough to recognize their reproductive functions. They ought to respect that a family consists of a father, mother and children. Two people of the same sex cannot bring forth a child. In as much as there are calls for gender equality in the contemporary world, societal forces should never be distorted to allow for sexual

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

The Essential Husserl Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Essential Husserl - Essay Example Husserl in his work refers to the theory of species as being weak in one way or the other. The raised objections over the theory is concerned more about the context of the system that is very sensitive. Therefore, an indexical experience that relies on the content has to serve minor role of a secondary propositional duty. Thus, it may end up determining the object, which may be referred to earlier. According to Husserl, for two experiences that are indexical, they have to have one object in mind because the moments of issue for such a case can lead to the same matter that is ideal. Husserl differentiates between the words and their general meanings while on the other hand the respective meaning of that word (Welton 163). This theory does not actually help to differentiate between the two types of meanings. That is, if perfect matters are intentional contents and remains constant, then, propositional content will differ. He further feels that indexical experiences are at times singula r because they are involved in representing one object at a time or it may be a group of objects. For instance, a subject experienced at any given moment as in the real world as being special in all represented worlds that are possible. Thus, the potential or actual experiences can be attributed or subjected to the experiencing subjects. This is what Husserl refers to as intentional horizon that has an anticipated content. According to Husserl, all experiences that are encompassed in horizon have a common bond of identity in time course. He refers to this as label X and it applies to objects with similar subjects. The determinable X is an indexical experience that seeks to find out the earlier reference for the mentioned experience. This should not be the species ideal meaning alone. In order to come up with the dynamic theory, then we have to find out the intentional acts that are components of cognitive structures. In this state, the same object is represented through changing tim e. In his research, he refers to mental files as individual notions, which are open. We can therefore refer to Husserl as an early theorist and non-naive on intentional content (Welton 166). He further discusses the ‘epoche’ phenomenon. His theory on the content seems to coincide with the phenomenon of epoche. The theory of epoche was developed to radicalize constrains that are present in logical investigation. This has to carry out from the first person’s point of view. This is to have the experiences that the subject is exposed to and the intended results. The advantage of doing the experiment in the first person context is that no difference arises between non-veridical and veridical cases. Therefore, one cannot be a victim and at the same time become be in a position to detect any error that is perceived in his or her actions. Thus, it is from this point that Husserl derived phenomenological ideas that explains detailed existence of objects in the universe. I n summary, epoche demands that we focus on the represented objects. Husserl comes up with two different types of epoch; the universal and local (Welton 167). Husserl focused on local epoche using perceptual experiences as the foundation of one’s experience. In order to describe an experience in details, one has to be a participant in the experiment. That is performing an experiment from the first person point of view. In perceptual experi

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Westpac Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Westpac - Essay Example Not only the net income of the bank has been improving but the total assets of the bank have increased to $670,228 million in the year 2011 from a figure of $618,277 million in 2010. Therefore the bank has been prospering and improving its profitability with the passage of time. This report analyzes the performance of the first Australian Bank, Westpac and the environment in which the bank has been operating. The report first analyzes the conditions and pressures that would impact the performance of the bank and then the report examines the effectiveness of the response and progress of the company towards the sustainability strategies. Moreover, the report analyzes the competitive positioning and then highlights the unique internal capabilities that the bank has which have helped in making the bank successful over the years. Financial indicators have been examined of the bank that have helped in analyzing how profitability the company has been from its past years. After the financial crisis, the banking industry has observed several changes. Banks throughout the world including in Australia did not observe good time period after the financial crisis. Several banks became more cautious and implemented different strategies to minimize their risk and to improve their profitability. With the passage of time, several banks have been able to recover from the impacts of recession; however there are still some banks that have still been struggling to find their footstep back on the right track after being hit by the financial crisis. Westpac can be considered as one of the banks that have been able to achieve profitability after being hit by the great financial crisis and therefore the strategies adapted by the bank need to be examined and discussed. Different banks have adapted different kinds of strategies to improve their profitability. One of the strategies that have been successful to a certain extent has been to merge or acquire

Monday, September 23, 2019

Examination the present strategic position of the multibillion British Essay

Examination the present strategic position of the multibillion British Petroleum (BP) plc Oil Company - Essay Example Introduction Business ethics refers to the moral guidelines that govern business practices at the workplace, and these are the universally accepted principles that are expected of each business. In the contemporary business world, the concept of business ethics has gradually been popularised and it is now a buzzword all over the world. Many firms around the world today are not only concerned with making profits and meeting fiduciary responsibilities to shareholders and consumers, but also showing corporate responsibility (Dirks 2001). There is a proven parallelism between profits and Social Corporate Responsibility, with studies showing that CSR improves profits (Robins 2011). In today’s highly competitive global capital, labour and financial markets, companies in the system cannot afford to be totally unresponsive to ethical issues and concerns. In such a system, that is highly conscious corporate responsiveness, businesses have no choice but to advertently demonstrate their commitment to ethical issues in society. This paper aims at examining the business ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the multibillion British Petroleum (B.P) Company that is involved in oil and alternative energy. This analysis will endeavour to determine among other things, the ethical practices of the company, and its corporate responsiveness; in other words, is B.P an ethical firm? A vast company of global influence such as BP is obliged to cautiously apply strategic managerial approaches in promotion of global business ethics in industrial sectors. This analysis is important because it will it will raise an awareness about BP’s business ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility, and more importantly, it will establish a relevant knowledge base for future direction to all the stakeholders involved in the oil business around the world. The paper will first outline BP’s business ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility strategies, and thereafter, a detailed analysis of these approaches will be carried out in the next section using PESTLE and Carroll's (1991) CSR pyramid models. This analysis will determine how sustainable the company with respect to the 3Ps (People, Planet, Profit) or Elkington’s (1998) Triple Bottom Line (socio- and environmental goals as well as the profit bottom line). Ultimately, after the report has been concluded, what shall follow will be a set of recommendations for the company with regards to its future business ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility strategies. BP’s Strategic Management BP is one of the world’s leading oil companies that majors in exploration, production, refining and marketing of petroleum oil products, including natural gas (Warren 2012). This makes BP Oil company one of the world’s companies that are hugely involved with the use of fossil fuels responsible for major global environmental challenges in the 21st century (Mallenbaker 2012). This has f orced the company to restructure its operations while stating its obligations and commitment to the creation of a stable and sustainable society. In this

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Advantages and Disadvantages of Television Essay Example for Free

Advantages and Disadvantages of Television Essay In today modern world television is the most popular and recognized from of media and most homes in the western and developed worlds own one. That small (in some cases rather large) box sitting in your lounge is your connection to the outside world. It is an indispensable item and many of us cannot imagine life without it. As with everything there are advantages and disadvantages with the television. The main advantage is televisions ability to bring you news as it happens. A second advantage is the fact we are using more than one sense when viewing. The final advantage in this essay is the vast amount of information and documentaries available for viewing. However the first disadvantage is the amount of time spent watching television is often considered a waste of time. The second disadvantage is the fact that families may be in the same room but with the television on may not even acknowledge each other. The final disadvantage illustrated in this essay is that young children are often being exposed to sex scenes and scenes of violence. Read more: Television advantages and disadvantages essay Firstly, for many of us the television is our first or only source of news and current events. Most channels have news updates up to four times a day and current affairs programmes which take a deeper look at the news that has affected the world that day or week. Theses programmes are often family friendly and are sometimes the only form of media available or easy to understand for children or non-speakers of English. These news shows keep people up to date on the outside world it is possible to know everything that happened in a day without even going outside. However these news shows can try and monopolize peoples opinions and be a bias to one political party or one side of a war. Secondly, what many of us do not realise is that we use at least two senses to enjoy television. We use our eyes to watch the television screen and the visual on the screen. We also use our ears or hearing to listen to the dialogue and noises on the screen. Compared to other forms of media which usually involve only one sense e.g. the radio only requires the hearing sense and a book only requires sight. Even though the television lets us see and hear things it can cause eyesight problems and many people turn there televisions up which can cause hearing problems. The final advantage is the vast amount of educational programming available for viewing particularly on channels like the discovery channel and national geographic which can educate and stimulate people and wet every audience members appetite. It is also the fastest way to improve your knowledge and help you learn something completely new. Where else can you learn about Marylyn Monroe and Winston Churchill in the same afternoon? Many people who cannot afford university or night courses or simply just want a basic knowledge of one particular subject or event. Use documentaries to quench their thirst for learning. The first disadvantage is that many people do not realise how much time they spend watching television if you spend one hour a day watching television. That is 365 hours a year and 3607 hours in ten years. You can only imagine what you could do with that time, it is possible to learn a language or do a university course. Many value their television shows over exercise or physical activity which can lead to obesity and couch potato. Many people also feel the desire to watch a favourite television show every day or every week and neglect social commitments and therefore becoming anti-social. A second disadvantage is that many people neglect their families so they can watch television. A family may be in the same room but would not say a word to each other or acknowledge each other. Many families now also eat dinner in front of the television which means normal dinner table conversation is lost. Most large families also have multiple televisions so that each member can watch the programme they would like to watch this means that some families may spend less than an hour in each others company before going to bed. A final disadvantage of watching television is the violence and sex scenes that young children are often exposed too. Many of us find shows with crime or violence entertaining but these are not suitable for children of young ages. These scenes are practically common on crime dramas. Children may not intentionally be being exposed but by simply being in or near the same room as an older child or adult watching the programme. With children being exposed to these scenes it can corrupt there innocent minds leading them in some extreme cases become violent to other children. It can also lead to more permanent problems such as violence or evil thoughts well into adulthood. Fortunately this can be easily avoided or reversed by not allowing young children to view these programmes by placing them in a different room from the television or sending them to bed. In conclusion television is perhaps the worlds greatest invention though it is possible it will one day be replaced by something resembling a computer it is still indispensable devise that takes up our time to exercise or our family time it can also have scenes that corrupt young minds. As Winston Churchill once said the best things are either immoral or bad for you television is best in moderation. So next time youre bored dont turn on the television go out and play some sport. in todays modern world. Television however has advantages and disadvantages as illustrated in this essay. It can be an educational, multi-sensory communication

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Reflective Practice And Risk Analysis Social Work Essay

Reflective Practice And Risk Analysis Social Work Essay The objective of this essay is to critically evaluate the following statement with reference to personal practice experience when assessing and managing risk. As my practice experience was based in a Children and Families Area Team, this essay will therefore explore the statement from this perspective. A good risk decision requires both good risk assessment and good risk management. (Carson Bain, 2008, p.156) This essay will, initially, explore and demonstrate a critical understanding of the key concepts of risk assessment and risk management. It will then provide an analysis of the political, cultural and social contexts that shape practice in relation to risk management. Following this, a critical appreciation of the concept of risk decision making will be considered. Finally a reflective discussion of a case study drawn from my practice will be evaluated in relation to risk. This reflective discussion will be set within a theoretical framework of reflection. In order to critically understand the concept of risk assessment, the question of what risk is ought to be defined. According to Alaszewski Manthorpe (1991) risk may be defined as the probability that a course of action will not achieve the desired result but instead some unacceptable circumstance or event would prevail. McCarthy et al (2004) furthers this point as they also suggest that the term risk implies the possibility of undesirable or negative outcomes. Furthermore, McCarthy also indicates that within the concept of risk it is also implied that these outcomes can be avoided. (McCarthy et al, 2004). It is additionally pointed out that risk has both an objective and subjective dimension. For example, when viewing risk objectively it is possible to identify that any surroundings or environment will be hazardous and associated with danger. Defining risk from a subjective perspective means that the possibility of danger or an unacceptable event taking place will vary from individual to individual as well as social groups. (Aleszewski Manthorpe, 1991). Nevertheless, Houston and Griffiths (2000) question the validity of the objectivist paradigm that they identify as the basis of risk assessment and point to its failure to provide valid and reliable measures of risk. (Houston Griffiths, p.1) They argue for a move toward a subjectivist paradigm, and a return to the concept of relationship as the rationale of social work intervention. On the other hand, there can be value in taking risks. Indeed, risk taking can be seen to have beneficial as well as harmful outcomes to the life of an individual. (Titterton, 2005; Carson Bain, 2008). As Titterton points out Risk taking is a course of purposeful action based on informed decisions concerning the possibility of positive and negative outcomesand levels of risk appropriate in certain situations. (Titterton, 2005, p.25) Consequently, the concept of risk assessment is a core activity within social work and further to this minimising risk has become a central element. Indeed, Calder (2002) describes risk assessment as a systematic collection of information in order to identify if risks are involved and identify the likelihood of their future occurrence. It is further suggested that risk assessment should be understood as collecting information and assessing any information gained regarding risk elements. These two elements, which are central to risk assessment, are consequences (or outcomes) and likelihood (also known as chance or exposure). (Carson Bain, 2008). As most of the situations social workers deal with contain considerable uncertainty about the meaning of events, the reasons for referrals, the accuracy of assessment, and the consequences of taking one course of action instead of another, it is reasonable to assume that assessment of risk is not an exact science. Further to this, the possible outcomes or consequences could be infinite and consequently impossible to predict with absolute certainty. Therefore, the element of uncertainty must be acknowledged as a core feature of professional judgement. Certainly, it is suggested that when considering the possible outcomes (including beneficial outcomes), a risk assessment should only require that reasonably predicted outcomes are met and that a lawful, moral and professional objectivity is upheld at all times. (Titterton, 2005; Carson Bain, 2008; Macdonald Macdonald, 2010). As Webb (2006) points out social workers have an ethical disposition to do the best for clients and insofar as they have the resources to do so (Webb, 2006, p. 203) Within risk assessment literature, Titterton (2005) also argues that the emphasis remains on assessing for the risk of harmful or adverse outcomes but how this is completed can depend on which assessment framework is used. For example, within Criminal Justice Teams a more actuarial assessment is utilised. An actuarial assessment is based on statistical calculations of risk and, for example, uses scales to assess recidivism. Within a Children and Families Area Team the assessment framework used could be described as a holistic and inclusive assessment which is child-centred and addresses three domains: developmental needs, parental capacity and environmental factors. The GIRFEC practice model therefore aims for early identification of risk in all three domains as well as analysis of evidence, decision-making and planning. (Scottish Government 2008) Furthermore, it allows the practioner to utilise a developmental-ecological approach which is grounded in theories of child development an d emphasises interaction between child and environment as well as taking a resilience approach which weights strengths as well as vulnerabilities. (Local Authority Risk Assessment Training Handout, 2009). However, what all risk assessment tools have in common is that all information gathered is analysed to allow an understanding to be developed which then allows a professional judgement to be formed. Further to this risk assessment should take into account risk factors and protective factors that can anticipate and justify strategies of risk prevention as well as risk management. (Kemshall, 2003; Parton 2006). This should enable the social worker to utilise all appropriate interventions and/or decisions. Analysis of information, therefore, is an important factor when considering outcomes, likelihood and suitable action and accordingly, social workers require a good grasp of probability and statistical reason to interpret research and assessment information, organise their thinking and be able to draw sound provisional conclusions which are open to change in the light of new information. (Helm, 2009; Macdonald Macdonald, 2010). Risk management, in its simplest sense, describes the development of strategies to reduce the severity and frequency of identified risks and adverse outcomes. This involves discovering and controlling the dimensions of a proposed risk into a plan which involves implementing, monitoring, controlling and reviewing the risk decision. Further to this, at an organisational level, risk management requires a service that is adequately staffed with personnel who are fully trained and sufficiently knowledgeable and skilled in identifying problems or opportunities and to make appropriate interventions. (Vincent, 1995; Kapur, 2000; Carson Bain, 2008). The Scottish Government (2008) further suggests that risk management should be understood as risk reduction and that collectively professionals should have confidence, through defensible decision making, that measures implemented will reduce risk sufficiently. Taking these definitions into account, risk management suggest ways in which a decision may best be put into practice. What also should be included within a risk management strategy is the embracing of opportunities which could arise from any potential risk decisions. Another point which is important is that in order to make and manage a risk decision the quantity and quality of knowledge available to the social worker should meet the requirements needed to make a sound decision. Accordingly, before making a decision, consideration should be given to what is already known and its worth as well as reflection and contemplation of what is not known and any implications arising from this. Included in this should also be the consideration of any opportunities which may arise which may have the prospect of potential benefits. (Carson Bain, 2008). Littlechild Blakeney (1996) further suggest that the management of risk should be adaptable. This refers to the notion that families and their lives do not stay stable and changes can take place in their ability to cope therefore the risks can change too. Monitoring, for these reasons are important as is communication with the family and other agencies who are involved. Littlechild Blakeney go on to state that this is where the professional expertise of the social worker should be focused and not in an ineffective attempt to anticipate every potential risk. Consequently, the principles for risk management should be the need to ensure that the ongoing shared plan manages the risk, records decisions that shows how and why decisions were reached and ensures that decisions made have actions with named persons, clear timescales and review dates and also ensure that any agreed timescales may be reduced if new risks/needs become more apparent. Beck (1992) suggests we are living in a risk society in which he believes that late modernity, as a reflexive social order, manufactures new risks and uncertainties. Furedi (1997) also determines that we live in a populace obsessed with risk and that safety has become the fundamental value of our times. (Furedi, 1997, p.1). Furedi (1997) further suggests that the risk aversion culture we live in today is based on the way that risk and its negative effects are represented in the media and by politicians. Barry (2007) extends this claim by arguing that child protection work has become more reactive since the death of Maria Coldwell in 1973 which has resulted in a preoccupation with culpability, blame and retribution. This, has allowed social work practice to become very defensive, overly proceduralised and narrowly concerned with assessing, managing and insuring against risk. (Parton OByrne, 2000, p.1) Green (2007) upholds this notion by suggesting that governments, and the excessive number of regulatory agencies, are anxious to control the identification and deployment of risks, particularly within the context of high-profile media stories such as reports of child abuse cases and deaths of children previously known to social work departments. In retrospect, this socially acceptable requirement to minimise risk if not avoid taking risks altogether, has led to a social work profession that has become increasingly risk averse. (Scottish Executive, 2006). This approach to risk assessment and risk management has led to the introduction of more and more formal procedures to guide practice which could be argued is denying the freedom of the social worker to work in an empowering capacity. Working in an empowering capacity allows the professional practioner to focus on prevention and more centrally tackle issues of poverty and social inequality. What is also needed is a culture which is open for professional practioners to enable them to voice concerns and being able to discuss errors and therefore learn from mistakes. (Stalker, 2003; Barry, 2006; Ritchie Woodward, 2009). However, the Changing Lives Report (2006) has signified that one of the key areas identified was the need to develop a new organisational culture and approach to risk management and risk assessment which would promote excellence. Within risk decision making Macdonald Macdonald (2010) argue that a focus on high-profile cases of low-probability events distorts decision making and this makes for a larger number of children taken into care after such cases. They advocate that decisions about childrens lives should be based on professional judgement rather than media vilification and political pressure. When social workers make a professional judgement within risk decision making, the starting point must be the collection of information through professional observations and enquiries as well as from past information and information held by other professionals. It is that judgement that is carried forward into the decision making field. (Hollows 2003). However, the expression error of judgment is offered as an explanation for most of the high-profile child cases as well as in other professional activities. It is for this reason that judgement making should be viewed as a serious task. Hammond (1996) advocates that there are different kinds of judgements, made under different conditions. These different conditions are the time available, the kind of knowledge available and the judgement task itself. Hammond went on to develop a cognitive continuum of judgement making. This recognises that there are different approaches to judgement making. Examples of these are: on the spot processing of information and knowledge, known as intuition; peer-aided judgements where two or more people will share their knowledge and discuss outcomes and likelihoods. Finally, there are system-aided judgements that are supervisor or manager aided. Accordingly, application of the Cognitive Continuum allows the practioner to utilise the highest knowledge available and further enables the practioner to ensure that the acknowledged goals of efficacy, accuracy and consistency can be promoted. (Hollows, 2003; Carson Bain 2008). However, risk decision making is also subject to personal values and subjective perceptions of risk and dilemmas which continue to challenge social workers. Low-probability events such as child abuse or extreme violence can make prediction difficult. In these circumstances social workers can be challenged by risks that are high profile but typically infrequent and therefore, have a tendency to either overestimate risks because of anxiety or to underestimate risks which they are unaccustomed to. (Kemshall, 2002). From this perspective it is crucial that reflection, continuous review and the opportunity for regular supervision is supported particularly when research by Janus Mann (1977) found that stress generated a limited capacity to make a judgement as well as, and more crucially, an inability to make a decision. BL was referred to the Children and Families Area Team by his school. This was after a meeting with his primary carers regarding BLs increasingly emotional and angry outbursts and lack of attendance at school. The referral was made with agreement from his primary carers. BL is 12 years old and lives with his maternal grandmother, step-grandfather and his maternal aunt and has done since he was 18 months old. His step-grandfather is paraplegic as a result of an accident when BL was 3 years old. BLs maternal aunt has Prader-Willi Syndrome, she is 40 years old. BL has to share a bedroom with his aunt as the house only has two bedrooms and is privately owned. BL maintains contact with his mother and her long-term partner on a fortnightly basis and also goes on holiday with her but he has no wish to live full-time with his mother as she lives approximately 50 miles away. BL stated both to his grandmother and to me that his home is with Gran and Gramps. Mrs. L independently confirmed that BL had no wish to move to the city as did Ms. L (Bens mother). Ms. L has no other children. In order to understand Bens emotional frustration, I undertook some research on Prader-Willi Syndrome. I discovered that disordered night-time sleep patterns as well as emotional outbursts of rage were part of the symptoms. Coupled with this obsessive and/or compulsive behaviour including argumentative or oppositional behaviour were also predominant. (Clarke et al 1996). I also spoke with Mrs. L at length about her other caring commitments and discovered that she also drives to England on a monthly basis to visit her father, who is 90 years old, to make sure that his financial commitments are paid as well as making sure his carers are supporting him. Contact was also made with the social worker assigned to BLs aunt whereby I was informed that his aunt was in the process of being allocated a home of her own. This would take at least three months as adaptations had to be made to the house and suitable care arrangements had to be put into place. The social worker realised that these cir cumstances were affecting BL and we arranged to contact each other on a weekly basis regarding exchange of information. This was agreed with the L family. I placed my assessment and intervention practice within a developmental/ecological approach which has links with a strengths based approach. This allowed me to consider BLs protective factors as well as risk factors. BL has a secure base and has close bonds with his grandparents. He also had two very close friends from primary school and who continue to good friends. BL admitted that he was frustrated he had to share a bedroom. This meant no privacy in his home and he found it difficult to complete his homework or even relax as carers for his aunt came in at different times to get her ready for bed. This meant that he had to go to bed when his aunts carers were getting her ready for bed. BL also admitted that he felt that he sometimes had to compete for his grandparents attention. His absences from school appeared to coincide with the times his grandmother returned from her visit to England. After analysis of potential risk factors to BL such as possible self-harm, withdrawal from his family and friends, I made a referral to the local young carers group. This would allow him to spend time away from the family home with other young people who lived in similar circumstances as well as broaden his social network. This organisation would also be able to support him on a one-to-one and group work basis. Support was also made available to his primary carers, particularly his grandmother. Through the use of a personal diary I supported BL to talk to his grandparents about the frustration and emotional anger he felt which was relatively successful in the short term. In conclusion, Kolbs Reflective Cycle (1984) and Hammonds Cognitive Continuum (1996) allowed me to take into consideration BLs whole situation and promote protective factors and minimise risk. With reflection and supervisory discussion I believe I used my analytical skills and utilised my professional judgement to the best of my ability. However, as has been pointed out uncertainty is an important element in any risk assessment and/or decision and has to be taken into account when managing risk. Taking all these concepts regarding risk and reflective practice into consideration when I start to practice should enable me to better support service users in the future. 2,995 words

Friday, September 20, 2019

Design of Vehicle Security and Passenger Protection System

Design of Vehicle Security and Passenger Protection System Understand vehicle security, environmental control and passenger protection systems   Introduction I will learn that there are many advantages in the modern central door locking system. I will be learning the electrical wiring of a typical modern car, and adding illustrations to explain the various components. I will be explaining the operating principles and identifying the main parts of the environmental control system such as the EGR principles for a Hitachi vehicle mentioning how it works according with the Control Valves and later examining the service and repair procedures for a defective valve. I will include the oxidization process in a catalytic converter with equations showing the addition of oxygen to hydrocarbon when passed over a platinum palladium catalyst. The exhaust produces harmful emissions gases damaging to the atmosphere when released into air. The catalytic converter includes a core of ceramics containing many pores which measure less than 1mm. Most catalytic converters have a good life expectancy but should be checked periodically for internal and external d amage. Assessment Criteria 3.1 The central locking system of a motor car must give access to the driver, it is the means from which the vehicle doors and boot lid are locked and unlocked and the engine is started. The central locking system in a vehicle must give access only to the driver or an authorised person. In past years, only mechanical systems could be operated from the outside with a key or from the inside with a knob. The central locking systems used originally brought about significant improvements in comfort and convenience. The electric locking systems are very common today in most vehicles, they work with an infrared or wireless remote control. They can be triggered remotely, for example without contact between key and vehicle. The latest systems use entirely keyless vehicle access. The driver only needs to have a transmitter in their pockets, the doors are then unlocked when the driver touches a door handle which has a built-in contact point. The central locking system provides locking/unlocking of the entire vehicle from one central exterior point. It is the means in which the vehicle doors and boot lid are locked and unlocked and the engine is started. The locking system is operated with a key or remote control. These systems feature a built-in vacuum reservoir which triggers the locks on all doors when the key is turned in a lock. The central locking system has the following components: Door handle/Handle strip, the door handle is the traditional means by which a vehicle is opened and closed from inside or outside. The outside door strip usually houses the door lock. Door strips are frequently used as design elements in modern cars. They can be chrome-plated or paint-finished in the same colour as the vehicle. Door lock/Actuator, the latching mechanism in a vehicle is installed directly inside the doors. It contains both a latch and an electric motor (actuator) which controls the central locking system. The latch opens or closes the doors, while on the other hand the door lock, locks or unlocks the vehicle. Today, all doors latches are powered by electric drives. Fuel filler cap, the fuel filler cap will safely seal the fuel tank. Some fuel filler caps have locks, others do not. Fuel filler caps with locks are usually found on vehicle which have either a fuel filler flap which does not lock or no fuel filler flap at all. Fuel filler caps without locks are found on vehicles whose fuel filler flap is locked automatically via the central locking system. Transponder, the transponder is usually integrated inside the key bow. It is the means by which the electronic immobiliser identifies the correct key is being used. The transponders code is read out as the key nears the ignition lock. If the code is correct, the electronic immobiliser will send a start signal enabling the engine. Remote control, the remote controls are being used with increasing frequency in small cars, substituting the functions of a conventional key to all intents and purposes. A signal transmitter sends a signal or a coded order instruction to a receiver inside the vehicle, which usually controls a number of functions. Infrared remote controls have a range of up to 15 m. They depend upon the direct visual contact between transmitter and receiver. Today the infrared remote controls are only used rarely as they have been overtaken by other technologies. Wireless remote controls transmit on radio frequencies and have a range of up to approximately 100 m. Keys, are the basic function and remote control of the locking and unlocking of doors, luggage compartments, fuel filler cap, etc. they are also used to control the interior lighting and electronic immobiliser, the alarm system and the window lifters. The keys are made up of of two units: the milled, toothed key blade and the key bow. The latter is home to an increasing number of electronic functions such as the remote control for the central locking system or the boot lid. Start/stop system, traditionally a vehicle key was needed to unlock the steering lock and to start the engine. Therefore, the vehicle key was enhanced with the addition of a transponder-based release mechanism for the electronic immobiliser. Today, keyless systems are increasingly being used to start engines. In a keyless system, a transmitter, which usually also houses the controller for the central locking is fitted into a reader in the vehicle and the engine is then started by pressing a button. Steering lock, the steering locks have been a compulsory requirement set by insurance companies since 1969.They provide protection against stealing. They are the means from which the steering column is unlocked sand the engine is started, either electrically or by conventional mechanical means. My-cardictionary.com (2016) Diagram 1, An Electrical Wiring Diagram for the Central Locking System of an E36 Coupe vehicle: Justanswer.com (2016) Diagram 2, showing a Single Lock, Phase 1, mechanical lock at door and lock signal generation for a BMW vehicle: Unofficialbmw.com (2016) The lock button and key mechanically rotate the lock lever which decouples the exterior door handle from the latch. When this is rotated the lock lever moves an internal switch ramp to the left closing the lock micro-switch. This provides the lock signal to the GM. When the GM receives the lock signal it activates an internal relay number 1, providing power through the closed single lock contact to the actuator motor. Ground is provided through the modules closed contact of relay number 3. The vehicles actuator motor become energised until the single lock circuit is opened by the gear driven slider. All actuators stop at the single locked position. From this point the external door handles are decoupled from the latch mechanism stopping entry from outside of the vehicle. Assessment Criteria 3.2 Emission control system in vehicles depend on the reduction and discharge of harmful gases from the internal-combustion engine and other components. There are three main sources of gases released from the engine exhaust, the crankcase, and the fuel tank and carburettor. The exhaust pipe sets free burned and unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and sulphur, there are traces of various acids, alcohols and phenols. In environmental control systems the vehicle emissions focusses on types of emissions: Hydrocarbons, a class of burned or partially burned fuel, hydrocarbons are a major contributor to smog, causing problems in urban areas. Carbon monoxide, is a product of partial combustion, carbon monoxide reduces the bloods ability to carry oxygen, carbon monoxide poisoning is dangerous and fatal. Nitrogen oxide, is produced when nitrogen in the air reacts with oxygen at a high temperature and pressure inside the engine. NOx is a precursor to smog and acid rain. NOx is a mixture of NO, N20, and NO2. NOx production is increased when an engine runs at its most efficient part of the cycle. Sulphur oxide, is a term for oxides of sulphur, it is emitted from motor vehicles burning fuel containing sulphur. The reduction of sulphur reduces the level of Sulphur oxide emissions from the tailpipe. Rjdaviesmotor.com (2016) One environmental control system is the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) exhaust gas recirculation. This is an efficient way to reduce the NOx emissions from the engine. It works by recirculating a quantity of exhaust gas back to the engine cylinders. A valve is used to restrain the flow of gas it may be closed completely if required. The EGR intermixes the recirculated gas with the incoming air reducing the amount of O2 for combustion, lowering the peak temperature of combustion. In other words, the substitution of burnt gas for oxygen rich air reduces the proportion of the cylinder contents available for combustion, causing a lower heat release and peak cylinder temperature reducing the formation of NOx. A presence of an inert gas in the cylinder further limits the peak temperature. The gas is recirculated is usually achieved by piping a route from the exhaust manifold to the intake manifold. The gas recirculated is passed through the EGR cooler reducing the temperature of the gas, reducing the cylinder charge temperature when the EGR is used, the EGR system has two benefits firstly the reduction of charge temperature resulting in lower peak temperature, and secondly the greater density of cooled EGR gas allows for a higher proportion of EGR to be used. On a diesel engine, the recirculated fraction may be as high as 50% under some operating conditions. The control valve within the circuit regulates and times the gas flow. There are disadvantages and difficulties of an EGR system, especially in diesel engines where the trade-off between NOx and particulates is higher. The EGR reduces the available oxygen in the cylinder, the production of particulates fuel which is only partly combusted is increased when the EGR is applied. The reduction of the oxygen available in the cylinder will reduce the peak power available from the engine. The EGR is usually shut off when full power is required so the EGR approach to controlling NOx fails in this situation. The EGR system cannot respond instantly to changes in demand and the exhaust gas takes time to flow around the EGR circuit. Making the calibration of the EGR behaviour more complex. A faulty EGR system may result in one cylinder receiving too much high particulate emissions while another cylinder receives too little, resulting in high NOx emissions from that cylinders. Cambustion.com (2016) Diagram3, Cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System for Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery: Tatahitachi.co.in (2016) Diagram 4, An EGR Working illustration: Slideshare.com (2016) Another environmental control system is a catalytic converter. The catalyst converter changes the harmful pollutants in the exhaust gases into harmless gases. It is located, in the exhaust system and all exhaust gas must move along through it. The catalyst is a material normally platinum palladium in the catalytic converter that causes a chemical change without being a part of the chemical response. The result is the exhaust gas leaving the catalytic converter with less harmful HC, CO, NOx. The catalytic converter converts the pollutants by catalysing a redox reaction (oxidation or reduction). Catalytic converters are used with internal combustion engines fuelled by either petrol or diesel. There are two types of converters: 1. The oxidization catalytic converter the oxidation catalyst is the second stage of catalyst converter. It reduces the unburned hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide by burning (oxidising) them over a platinum palladium catalyst. Diagram 5, An illustration showing the oxidization catalytic converter and the various gases emitted from the exhaust: Quickhonda.net (2016) 2. The reduction catalytic converter The reduction catalyst is the first stage of the catalytic converter, it uses platinum and rhodium to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. Diagram 6, The chemical process in the reduction catalytic converter: Sine.ni.com (2016) Assessment Criteria 3.3 All vehicles are designed to protect the drivers and passengers in a collision, some cars are better at this than others. In a well-designed vehicle, all the different safety systems work together in keeping the driver and passengers safe in many different crash situations. Working together the safety systems make up the occupant protection system. The vehicle must have a strong structure to absorb the crash force while keeping the driver and passenger compartments intact. Passenger safety systems comprise of the following: Crumple zones, in the frontal, rear and offset (those occurring at an angle) crashes, modern vehicles protect occupants by absorbing crash energy and reducing the forces in which the driver is exposed. This is because the front and rear sections crumple in a controlled and progressive manner, allowing the driver and passenger compartment to decelerate more slowly. The deceleration signifies less force passing onto the driver and passenger so the injuries are less likely. Safety Belts, they are necessary safety fixtures in a vehicle, most modern safety belts have pretensioners. They tighten the safety belt in case of a collision. They have included load limiters which help to control the movements in a collision. Airbags, help to stop the driver and passengers from hitting hard parts of the vehicle in moderate to severe crashes. There are many different types of airbags available. Most vehicles manufactured in the last 15 years have driver and passenger frontal airbags. Todays newer cars have side torso-protecting airbags and side curtain airbags. The side curtain airbags protect a persons head in a side impact crash. Side airbags with head protection, they are a very important safety item which can stop serious injury in a pole-side impact. ISOFix child restraint anchorages, there are specified lower anchorage points for the installation of child restraints.   These make it easier to install the child restraints correctly. Inflatable rear safety belts, the inflatable sections of these safety belts may be shoulder only or lap and shoulder. This system supports the head during a collision, it also provides side impact protection. Inflatable safety belts have tubular inflatable bladders kept within an outer cover. When a collision occurs, the bladder inflates with a gas to increase the area of the restraint which touches the passenger. During a collision at the same time the inflatable rear safety belt shortens in length, tightening the belt around the passenger and improving protection. Pre-crash systems, this is a system which discover an immediate collision and automatically puts into action safety devices like safety belt pretensioners. Rollover occupant protection systems, detect a rollover situation and deploys occupant protection systems like inflatable curtains. Rollover-enabled air bags are intended to stay inflated after a crash for about five seconds. This give greater protection from the head curtain air bags which deploy in a side-impact collision. Active head restraint, a seat is designed to respond to rearward collisions by moving the head restraint forward. It performs other actions to lower the risk of whiplash type injuries. Head restraint for all seats, they are designed with specific geometry to protect an adult in a road collision from the rear. Automatic emergency call (eCall), is a system which alerts the emergency services if a severe collision occurs. Rightcar.govt.nz (2011) Assessment Criteria 3.4 For instance, the expert checking of the brake and repair procedures and security system for a Porsche Macan model car could detect a defective central locking system which sometimes requires the changing of the small battery inside the key housing by using a small screwdriver. When there is a defective battery the central locking system and car alarm will not work accordingly. There are several steps to take when this happens. Normally, the drivers door will lock all functioning locking elements of the central locking system, so the emergency locking procedure should be carried out. A qualified Porsche specialist workshop technician should carry out the necessary diagnostics and repair. To Changing the Drivers Key (Remote Control Battery) the steps are as follows: N.B Please observe the regulations for disposing of batteries If the battery in the remote control becomes too weak, the message Replace Ignition key battery will appear on the multi-function display on the instrument panel. The battery should be changed in this case. To Changing the battery CR 2032, 3 V, you should carry out the following procedures: Remove the emergency key. Lever off the cover on the back of the key housing using a small screwdriver. Change the battery (the polarity should be checked) Refit the cover and press together firmly. Insert the emergency key. By using a push and release mechanism the emergency key within the drivers key is uncovered by using the button to the side. The emergency key can be pulled out and used to unlock the front door of the vehicle. The central locking system controls the doors, tailgate and filter flap. The central locking system is always activated when unlocking and locking the vehicle. On the multi-function display on the instrument panel there are different variants for locking and unlocking the doors and tailgate. The Alarm System: The alarm system monitors the following alarm contacts: Alarm contacts in doors, tailgate, engine compartments lid and headlights. Interior surveillance, movement in the interior when the vehicle is locked, e.g. attempted theft after breaking a window. Inclination sensor: Tilting of the vehicle e.g. attempt to tow the vehicle. Trailer hitch socket, e.g. unauthorised unhitching of the trailer. If one of these alarm contacts is interrupted the alarm horn will sound for approximately 30 seconds and the hazard warning lights flash. After a 5 second pause the alarm is triggered again. The cycle is repeated up to ten times. The alarm system is activated when the vehicle is locked, is deactivated when the vehicle is unlocked. When there are faults in the central locking system, the indicator light comes on for 10 seconds, then it flashes at double speed for 20 seconds and then flashes normally. Although the helpful car alarm is necessary for the security of the car, it can go off unpredictably and even refuse to turn itself off. The safety of the vehicle is very important there are a few methods of troubleshooting the car alarm. m.wikihow.com (2016) Disabling a Car Alarm: Disabling the car alarm can be a temporary arranged before getting professional auto assistance. Understanding the basics of an alarm system is very important, there are a few components that an alarm system uses: Control unit, this part is often referred to the brain as it functions as the command centre for the system. Alarm transmitter, this comes in two forms, key remote or key. Sensors, alarms vary and can get complex with very many sensors like pressure, door or window sensors. Siren, alarms need some type of warning signal, a few systems have their own siren component while others are wired to the car stereo. Wires connect the siren to the control unit, fuses, and the control unit to the sensors. Disconnect the battery, to do it open the hood and locate the battery, using a socket wrench unscrew the negative terminal (-) of the battery and pull it off. This is a safety measure to prevent accidents because working with the vehicles electronics can be dangerous. Find the alarm system, it can usually be found under the hood near the steering wheel. Disconnect the wires, some alarm control units have labels for each wires, by taking off the wires attached to the control unit and removing the wires attached to the siren, are two ways to disable and silence the alarm. Pull the wire of the siren, this will silence the alarm. Reconnect the battery and test the car, put the plug of the battery back in, to make sure the alarm is not going off again. Turn on the car and give the engine an increase of speed. This will make sure that the car can still function. M.wikihow.com (2016) Assessment Criteria 3.5 The reduction of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) engines have been equipped with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valves. The EGR valves opens at speeds above idle on a warm engine. When the valve is open, it allows a small portion of the exhaust gas to enter the intake manifold. The exhaust gas is recirculated and takes the place of some the intake mixture. The recirculated exhaust gas is without power and does not enter the combustion process. Diagnosing a defective EGR valve is very straight forward. If the EGR valve is not working or the flow of the exhaust gas is within limits, then the following symptoms will happen: A spark-knock is created when there is an increase of speed during normal driving Excessive oxides of nitrogen (NOx), exhaust emissions. If the EGR valve is stuck open, then these symptoms will show: Rough idle or loss of speed Poor performance/low power The first step in diagnosing the fault is to perform a thorough visual inspection. Checking the proper operation of a vacuum operated EGR valve. To check the operation of the Vacuum-Operated EGR valve, we have to: Check the vacuum diaphragm to see if it can hold the vacuum. N.B. Because some EGR valves require exhaust back pressure to work correctly, the engine should be running at the correct RPM. Apply vacuum from a hand operated vacuum pump and check for right operation. The valve should move when the vacuum is applied and the engine operation should be moving. The EGR valve must be able to hold the vacuum that was applied. If the vacuum drops off, then the valve is likely to be defective. Pearsoned.ca (2016) Conclusion It is useful to know that the central locking system unlocks all doors of a car and it is controlled by a key with a unique code which synchronizes with the cars alarm system. Once the key is used for locking the car the engine immobilizer will go off. Then the vehicles computer system will work with the same code from the car key, therefore opening the engine immobilizer. Consequently, when the engine immobilizer is on, the car will not start. With the evolution of time the central locking system has advanced in their working and is now operated remotely from a distance. In question 3.2 I have understood that emissions of many air pollutants have shown a variety of negative effects on public health and the environment. Emissions such as hydrocarbons a class of burned or partially burned fuel are very toxic. Smog is a major contributor to pollution, and prolonged exposure to hydrocarbons contribute to asthma, liver disease, lung disease and cancer. Carbon monoxide is a product of incomplete combustion which reduces the bloods ability to carry oxygen. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a killer in high concentrations. However, the Exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) was firstly used in the USA and Canada in the 1970s and later developed by major car manufacturers to lower the harmful gases released into the atmosphere. Dr Donald H. Stedman of the University of Denver invented technology using infra-red to detect the exhaust gases used in urban areas. It is a way of testing the various gases released into the environment. Finally, I can say that with the advancement of time technology has improved the design and security of the car to ensure the safety of the vehicle. 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Davies Motor Repairs, [online] Available at: http://rjdaviesmotor.com/services/emission-problems/ [Accessed: 28th March 2017] Sine.ni.com (2016) Using Compact RIO and Lab VIEW to Reduce NOx Emissions from Ship Engines [online] Available at: http://sine.ni.com/cs/app/doc/p/id/cs-12978/lang/en/pdf/yes/pdf [Accessed: 28th March 2017] Unofficialbmw.com (2016), Central Locking, Purpose of the System [online] Available at: http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/lock.pdf [Accessed: 28th March 2017]