Facts on Mass Shootings in the US

On Oct. 1, 2017, the Las Vegas Strip became the site of the deadliest mass shooting in American history. A shooter killed 59 people and injured 515, bringing the victim total to 574. Mass shootings in the United States are getting worse, statistics show. Heres a look at the history of mass shootings to explain the historical and contemporary trends. Definition A mass shooting is defined by the FBI as a public attack, distinct from gun crimes that happen within private homes, even when those crimes involve multiple victims, and from drug- or gang-related shootings. Historically, through 2012, a mass shooting was considered a shooting in which four or more people (excluding the shooter or shooters) were shot. In 2013, a new federal law reduced the figure to three or more. Frequency Increasing Every time a mass shooting occurs, a debate is spurred in the media about whether such shootings are happening more often. The debate is fueled by a misunderstanding of what mass shootings are. Some criminologists argue that they are not on the rise because they count them among all gun crime, a relatively stable figure year-over-year. However, considering mass shootings as defined by the FBI, the disturbing truth is that they are rising and have increased sharply since 2011. Analyzing data compiled by the Stanford Geospatial Center, sociologists Tristan Bridges and Tara Leigh Tober found that  mass shootings have progressively become more common since the 1960s. Through the late 1980s, there were no more than five mass shooting per year. Through the 1990s and 2000s, the rate fluctuated and occasionally climbed as high as 10 per year. Since 2011, the rate has skyrocketed, climbing first into the teens then peaking at 473 in 2016, with the year 2018 ending at a total of 323 mass shootings in the United States. Number of Victims Rising Data from the Stanford Geospatial Center, analyzed by Bridges and Tober, shows that the number of victims is rising along with the frequency of mass shootings. The figures for deaths and injuries climbed from below 20 in the early 1980s to spike sporadically through the 1990s to 40 and 50-plus and reach regular shootings of more than 40 victims through the late 2000s and 2010s. Since the late 2000s, there have been 80-plus to 100 deaths and injuries in some mass shootings. Most Weapons Legally Obtained Mother Jones  reports  that of the mass shootings committed since 1982, 75 percent of the weapons used were obtained legally. Among those used,  assault weapons and semi-automatic handguns with high-capacity magazines  were common. Half of the weapons used in these crimes were semi-automatic handguns, while the rest were rifles, revolvers, and shotguns. Data on weapons used, compiled by the FBI, show that if the failed Assault Weapons Ban of 2013 had been passed, the sale of 48 of these guns for civilian purposes would have been illegal. Uniquely American Problem Another debate that crops up following a mass shooting is whether the United States is exceptional for the frequency at which mass shootings occur within its borders. Those who claim that it does not often point to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data which measure mass shootings per capita based on a countrys total population. Looked at this way, the data indicate that the U.S. ranks behind nations including Finland, Norway, and Switzerland. But these data are based on populations so small and events so infrequent that they are statistically invalid. Mathematician Charles Petzold explains on his blog why this is so, from a statistical standpoint, and further explains how the data can be useful. Instead of comparing the United States to other OECD nations, which have much smaller populations and most of which have had just one to three mass shootings in recent history, compare the U.S. to all other OECD nations combined. Doing so equalizes the scale of population and allows for a statistically valid comparison. This comparison indicates that the United States has a mass shooting rate of 0.121 per million people, while all other OECD countries combined have a rate of just 0.025 per million people (with a combined population three times that of the United States.) This means that the rate of mass shootings per capita in the U.S. is nearly five times that in all other OECD nations. This disparity is not surprising given that  Americans own nearly half of all civilian guns in the world. Shooters Nearly Always Men Bridges and Tober found that of the mass shootings that have occurred since 1966, nearly all were committed by men. Just five of those incidents—2.3 percent—involved a lone woman shooter. That means men were the perpetrators in nearly 98 percent of mass shootings. Domestic Violence Connection Between 2009 and 2015, 57 percent of mass shootings overlapped with domestic violence, in that the victims included a spouse, former spouse, or another family member of the perpetrator, according to an analysis of FBI data conducted by Everytown for Gun Safety. Additionally, nearly 20 percent of attackers had been charged with domestic violence.   Assault Weapons Ban The Federal Assault Weapons Ban that was in effect between 1994 and 2004 outlawed the manufacture for civilian use of some semi-automatic firearms and large capacity magazines. It was prompted into action after 34 children and a teacher were shot in a schoolyard in Stockton, California, with a semi-automatic AK-47 rifle in 1989 and by the shooting of 14 people in 1993 in a San Francisco office building, in which the shooter used semi-automatic handguns equipped with a hellfire trigger, which makes a semi-automatic firearm fire at a rate approaching that of a fully automatic firearm. A study by The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence published in 2004 found that in the five years before the bans implementation, assault weapons it outlawed accounted for nearly 5 percent of gun crime. During its period of enactment, that figure fell to 1.6 percent. Data compiled by the Harvard School of Public Health and presented as a timeline of mass shootings show that mass shootings have occurred with much greater frequency since the ban was lifted in 2004, and the victim count has risen sharply. Semi-automatic and high-capacity firearms are the weapons of choice for those who perpetrate mass shootings. As  Mother Jones  reports, more than half of all mass shooters possessed high-capacity magazines, assault weapons, or both. According to this data, a third of the weapons used in mass shootings since 1982 would have been outlawed by the failed Assault Weapons Ban of 2013.

Why The Black Table Still Exists Essay - 543 Words

In â€Å"The â€Å"Black Table† Is Still There† the author wonders why, after so many years there is a table with just only black kids. I think it is clear that we tend to separate ourselves. It is only natural that this still exists amongst society today. Even though we don’t realize it and it’s done unintentionally. There are a few factors why we segregate ourselves. One reason is that without recognizing it we stay with people from our own race and country. This is because we feel we share the same interest and have so much in common. This goes on every day without people knowing it. It happens in our schools and in our neighborhoods. There are some communities that are divided into same ethnicity. We feel that just because we†¦show more content†¦The kids on a sports team or some after school activities tend to stick together. There reason again is quite clear, they all are apart of something, they all share a common interest. Graham also realize that this was not only with just the black kids, but with everyone else too: â€Å"there were at least two tables of athletes, an Italian table, a Jewish girls’ table, a Jewish boys’ table (where I usually sat), a table of kids who wee into heavy metal music and smoking pot, a table of middle-class Irish kids† (367). Many people considered this as very bad thing, and I can see the effects of why it can be. One obvious reason is that we will most likely seclude ourselves to someone who is of different background. This has become apart of society for a long time now, as Graham states: â€Å"The black lunch table, like those other segregated tables, is a comment on the superficial inroads that integration has made in society† (368). Another reason is that most people can not adapt to something new or different very well or fast. If they are not use to something they find it hard to adjust to it they tend to fear it. In Graham stor y he relates to this by saying: â€Å"Maybe it’s the color difference that makes all-black table or all-black groups attract the scrutiny and wrath of so many people. It scares and angers people; it exasperates† (367). People feel out of place and awkward because they are not familiar with certain groups of people. So as youShow MoreRelatedAfrican American Poems : The Poetry Of Langston Hughes934 Words   |  4 Pagesunacceptance and inequality of African Americans. He eats in the kitchen instead of the table is showing segregation because of his darker skin. This shows that they are not accepting him being Black. He does not let it discourages him, so he grows strong by having faith. He knows that one day, America will accept his dark skin and equality will soon be in effect, which he implied by the line, â€Å"Tomorrow, / I’ll be at the table† (Hughes 8-9). 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Many people are not aware of how much racism still exists in our schools, work places, restaurants, parks, almost everywhere. Jorge Garcia says that, one is a racist when one does not care at all or does not care enough about other races or does not care in light way about other races. Garcia is absolutelyRead MoreMartin Luther King Jr. s Letter From Birmingham Jail934 Words   |  4 Pagesexplaining why the clergymen s judgments were wrong. In his letter, king brings very reasonable and valid points that challenge the judgments of the ministers. The main arguments that king makes would be the reason of his existence in Birmingham, white power structure and its racial injustice, and finally why negotiation has brought up impatience and little to no solutions. The overall structure of King’s letter was well organized and the letter delivered valid explanations as to why the clergymenRead MoreModern Racism And The Middle Class Essay1565 Words   |  7 Pagesracism exist within today’s society in various ways, one which happen to be within the economy. For decades the economy has has its downfalls, however, it’s been facing a issue that it has been hiding from the rest of the nation. The gap that everyone has been speaking of is only becoming more of issue, however, what many do not know is that African American’s are the ones who are feeling it the most. Given their history and place in society racial inequality. Modern racism has kept many blacks from

School Uniforms Free Essays

â€Å"School uniforms are one step that may help the cycle of violence, truancy and disorder by helping young students understand what really counts is what kind of people they are. † This quote was made by former president Bill Clinton. In the article ‘Should kids wear school uniforms? ’, talks about how school uniforms can benefit students and how some think school uniforms are irrelevant. We will write a custom essay sample on School Uniforms or any similar topic only for you Order Now There are many benefits of wearing school uniforms; they increase students’ self-esteem, improve discipline, and save families time and money. School uniforms can increase a student’s self-esteem, which veers attention upon learning and away from such distractions as fashion competition and gang intimidation. With a student having confidence of what they are wearing improves behavior and increases school attendance. It is also more economical and convenient way to avoid discrimination and teasing within the school for who dress better or worse. A child who is not able to use higher-quality clothing will not feel different or inferior to others. The uniform, as the name says, unifying models and styles and can even encourage self-esteem and help everyone feel equal. Dress affects attitude and behavior. Children generally act the way they are dressed. Children with uniforms come to school to work. School is then seen as a workplace for teaching and learning. It is not seen as a battleground, playground, or fashion stage. On the other hand, some argue and say it violates the right to freedom of expression and does not create diversity. Uniforms restrict learners are that â€Å"without the outlet of expression in their clothes, students may turn to inappropriate hair styles, jewelry, or makeup† (Public School Uniforms). So by restricting students of their clothing choice, they will still find a way to show their personality in their hair, jewelry, and hairstyles. Although a uniform can get boring with the same clothes and same color every day, uniforms have proven to lower hostility in many schools. Uniforms have reduced tardiness, skipped classes, suspensions, and discipline referrals. According to the Public School Review, in the Long Beach school district within one year of launching uniforms, fights and muggings had seriously dwindled by fifty percent. While committed sexual offenses were massively diminished as well by a vast seventy-four percent. Uniforms reduce violence is that if an outsider were to enter a school, the intruder would be spotted immediately, as teachers and police would arrive to dispose of the stranger that might be a harm to the students. One may argue and say school uniforms merely put a Band-Aid on the problem of school violence and fail to address the real issues behind it. Also, it won’t matter what you are wearing, people are still going to be judged and bullied. Most bullies believe they can have power over a weaker, smaller, younger, and less confident person. Bullies will be there regardless of fashion. School uniforms are a bargain. They are becoming far less expensive than many other clothes. Schools argue that school uniforms are economical, especially compared to designer clothing, and parents agree given school uniform durability. Some say school uniforms last longer because they are made for repeated wash and wear. Many schools capitalize on this by starting used school uniform stores or swap meets. Parents can get used school uniforms at discount prices, or just use them as hand-me-downs between siblings. Many will argue with this. Some will say that uniforms can cost more than regular, everyday clothing. Also, uniforms can be uncomfortable to wear outside of school. Meaning, parents have to buy separate clothes for outside of school. By having to buy two different wardrobes costs families more money and time. All in all, while children believe that the school is trying to control their freedom of speech by enforcing uniforms, a school is not a fashion show. It is there to educate children and help them get into a college and a worthwhile future career. How to cite School Uniforms, Essay examples School Uniforms Free Essays Why School Uniforms? School uniforms are widely used in public schools. Despite disagreements among parents, students, and the school districts, school officials cite many reasons for students to wear school uniforms. Those reasons usually include the following: the uniforms are cheaper for parents, students wearing the same clothes decreases school fights, and students can receive a better education in the secure environment uniforms creates. We will write a custom essay sample on School Uniforms or any similar topic only for you Order Now Some students and parents disagree because wearing uniforms is not pleasing to them and does not alleviate traditional school problems.It makes students depressed because they cannot express themselves, they are forced to look like others, and it takes the fun out of school. What really happens when students are all dressed the same? Students’ creativity is hindered, and they are unable to show their individuality. Students should be able to express themselves through their clothes and not be forced to wear uniforms. Clothes are an expression of a student’s personality. By suppressing their opportunity to show their unique personalities, schools are teaching that uniformity is more valuable than individuality. School uniforms send a clear early-life message to students that conformity is important and creativity is not† (youdebate. com). Geeks, for example, might express themselves by wearing thick glasses, suspenders and long socks. On the other hand, outgoing students might wear vibrant colors and outlandish fashion. Then, there are shy children, who might choose to wear long clothing and mostly black. These are just a few examples of students dressing according to certain categories with which they might identify themselves.The possibilities of individually expressing oneself through clothes are infinite. However, uniforms stifle these possibilities; they keep students from expressing their personality. Uniforms also can cause an undo financial burden. Parents have to buy uniforms for when students are in school and street clothes for when they are not. Angelfire. com says uniforms ultimately cost more. Students change into street clothes after school, and they wear them on weekends. During summer months, students will revert to traditional street clothes. Additionally, students will prefer designer street clothes when not in school. Therefore, parents purchase two sets of clothing, and many families cannot afford this. It is cheaper for the parents to buy only regular street clothes. Despite claims uniforms are worth a little extra money to eliminate issues such as bullying and social cliques, putting children in uniforms does not resolve social issues in school. It only treats the symptoms. â€Å"Cliques will still form,† and students will still make judgments on each other based on hair styles, height, weight, and odor (www. angelfire. com).The only true way to resolve such problems is to teach tolerance and appreciation of diversity. Instead of forcing students to wear uniforms, educators should teach students how to respect and accept each other, despite their differences in body type, fashion, hair style, color, or any other thing that might otherwise divide the student body. This would bring an end to many social problems that develop in schools and also make students more productive members of society when they finish school. While schools hail uniforms as making school safer, it could cause a safety problem in the event of a security breech.In an event of an emergency, it will be hard to identify a certain student because they will all be dressed the same. Randy from youdebate. com states the following: â€Å"I am totally against school uniforms! One reason, of many, is safety of the students. For example: During a natural disaster (God Forbid) Earthquake, Tornado, etc,†¦ How would a parent i. d. their child? By the clothes that they are wearing, when they left home. What if a senior decided to attack a 9th or 10th grade student. How would the victim describe the attacker? Let’s see, Khaki Pants- Navy Blue Shirt- Brown Shoes. You get the picture. This was, is and will ALWAYS BE A VERY BAD idea. † No school can prevent 100 percent of security breeches. â€Å"It is impossible to prevent all outside intrusion† (angelfire. com). However, uniforms can make it easier for outsiders to enter a school campus. If an outsider is dressed in the traditional school uniform, teachers and administrators might overlook them as a member of the student body. Uniforms are touted as a solution to security problems when they actually can add to the problem. Schools have no valid reasons to put students in uniforms, and commonly cited reasons for uniforms are invalid.While proponents of uniforms argue they resolve social problems, they can contribute to social problems in that they take away students’ ability to express their individuality through clothing. Encouraging such conformity over individuality during school years is a mistake. Also, parents have to shoulder the financial burden of buying uniforms in addition to street clothes, which they will also have to purchase. School districts may tout uniforms as a safer alternative to students wearing street clothes, but the uniformity can make it easier for outsiders to infiltrate the school and also can cause confusion in the event of an emergency.School districts present an impressive argument for school uniforms, saying they can decrease bullying, save parents money and heighten security. However, when the facts are considered, these arguments do not hold true. Preserving parents’ pocket books and students’ right to self expression by allowing them to wear street clothes to school and teaching tolerance are a much better alternative to the conformity and expense of school uniforms.Works Cited â€Å"School Uniform Debate and Poll. † 7 Sept 2010. www. youdebate. com. WEB. â€Å"Arguments about Uniforms. † 7 Sept 2010. www. angelfire. com . WEB. How to cite School Uniforms, Papers School Uniforms Free Essays Is it better to let things continue in their horrible condition or change them for the better? The issue of school uniforms has been argued for decades with many different ideas and no final conclusion. However, school uniforms would reduce some major problems such as the school district’s budget problem, school bullying, and gang-related violence. The addition of school uniforms would benefit the school of San Jacinto High School. We will write a custom essay sample on School Uniforms or any similar topic only for you Order Now California’s bad economy affects the school district and everyone in it. Hundreds of dollars are wasted, when parents and students buy school clothes, it would be better to buy more affordable school uniform. Many people fall deeply into debt because they overspend on clothes, but if school uniforms were made available, that problem would be eliminated. The uniforms could also be passed down from sibling to sibling if needed. Right now, the school is not even able to give teachers enough paper, it would benefit them to sell school uniforms to make some money. So why not just make school uniforms mandatory and save tons of money? Another problem that school uniforms would eliminate is bullying based on appearance. Every day someone is discriminated due to what clothes they wear. Some people can afford to spend money on nice clothes and some cannot, but people should not be harassed for it. Everyone wearing the same clothes would promote equality, something that schools desperately need at the moment. With fashion out of the way students could better concentrate on their studies. While school uniforms may reduce individuality, in the long run it would benefit those on the receiving end of bullying. Perhaps the best outcomes school uniforms would create is that of gang violence. Gangs usually identify themselves and other gangs by what they wear. However, if everyone happened to be wearing the same thing, it would be harder for gang fights to take place. In 1994, California’s Long Beach Unified School District started requiring the use of school uniforms. In the following decade, gang violence and school crime in that area had dramatically reduced by 76%. To cap it all school attendance had even reached its highest point. More schools should follow their example and end school crime. The school district is now one step away from greatly improving school life for everyone. All in all school uniforms would greatly benefit the school district and everyone in it. Saving money, stopping bullying, and getting rid of gang violence and inappropriate clothing are definitely things the school needs right now. So don’t just stand there, make your voices heard and support school uniforms! How to cite School Uniforms, Papers

Issues in Revenue Recognition Accounting Principles

Question: Discuss about theIssues in Revenue Recognition for Accounting Principles. Answer: Introduction This paper aims at providing exhaustive analysis on the current issues affecting revenue recognition. It looks at the factors relevant for policy selection and the importance of following accounting principles in accounting policy selection. Factors influencing accounting policy selection in connection with Slater and Gordons decision to have early adoption of new revenue standards To select accounting policy, firms must consider accounting standards and principles defined by various bodies in line with Accounting. According to Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards (APES), an entity is required to follow the defined standards of accounting practices to identify a right accounting policy. Apart from the standards and principles, a firm should have guidance on how to implement a selected policy. The factors and principles for consideration are; The consistency of the policy. A firm should verify on the police selected whether it withstand the test of consistency in application over similar transactions. In case the policy fails to portray similarity of operation in a similar transaction, it is termed not appropriate for implementation (APES 110). A good accounting policy should not change its reaction on similar transactions in a firm. However, in the case of change, there should be an elaborative reason of the need for the change. Ability to recognize revenue collected. A policy should follow the revenue recognition procedure defined by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) which requires a firm to record a revenue after it has been earned. A Firm should not involve in practices of recording revenues before being earned. Or recording can also happen when there is a high probability of earning revenue. Ability to recognize gain and loss. A policy should recognize gains and losses realized by a firm at the end of the operation. Gains are recorded after they have been realized while losses are recorded once identified. A good policy should comply with the principle. This helps to avoid confusions arising on records that are not well organized on the gains and losses encountered in an entity. Cost principle. This is applicable where there is a transaction between or among parties. While selecting a policy, cost concept should be considered to comply with the set expectations of accounting bodies. The principle of matching. The principle defines the need to record expenditure once realized in operation. It entails recording on time the costs incurred to help in revenue calculation. Good policy does provide appropriateness of applying the matching principle to facilitate firms ability to accrue revenue. Disclosure principle. Accounting policy should entail a disclosure policy defining an effectiveness of disclosing entity status regarding liabilities, assets and other particulars important to users of financial statement (EY 2015). It too should provide a stable guidance on how changes to be done on a policy implemented by an entity. Strong and convincing disclosure needs are to be catered for in the policy. While selecting a policy, a disclosure policy should follow the trends dictated by IFRS and AASB. Disclosure policy has to accommodate clarity of materiality needs, appropriate guidance on the use of the accounting policies and flexible ways to present orders by an entity. Based on this principle, a firm should provide an elaborative explanation behind the change of a policy if the need arises to change policy. Having an insight concern on Slater and Gordons case on the revenue recognition, it looks appropriate for them to record revenue as cases progressed. They had challenges in recording revenues due to challenges in a time of payment, a situation that could not go tally with the disclosure policy. The disclosure principle and revenue recognition principle demanded the firm only to record revenue after it has been realized thus there existed need to change the policy (EY 2015). To be competitive and adaptive in the market regarding the accounting operation requirements, the firm sort for work in progress method to record its revenue. This allowed them to project their income collection before payment is realized (Savage et al. 2013). However, the method had different computation compared to a method of recording that considers only realized and revenues with high probability to accrue. In the process of trying to deal with revenue recognition criteria like other firms, they came in compliance with the new revenue standards of IFRS 15 though of a slightly different condition (EY 2015). The cause of sharp drop in the firms revenue in 2015 in connection with new revenue standards IFRS 15 Before 2015, the firm has been in growth over revenue collection per year. This is overestimated due to the following reasons; The inclusion of unpaid revenue. The firm considered all revenues to be paid in the books of account as revenues are collected. This inflated the revenue collection regardless of the payments that were not met after their periods of promise. Double counting problem. Among the cases solve by this law firm were to get paid in the span between 18 months to 2 years. However, the books of accounts are always prepared at the end of a year (Elliot and Elliot 2007). Therefore, due to unreliable dates of payment, though already recorded as revenue collected, they end up re-recording some revenue collections with no notice. This is a behavior that contributed to a large percentage of the drastic changes in the rate of revenue collection noted in 2015. Overestimation of figures. The firms interest in having control over market shares and control of small law firms motivated the need to overestimate the work in progress value. The firms included revenue not yet collected in their final books of accounts and went further to illustrate a higher sum of revenue collected with no clear accounting concepts (Wagenhofer 2014). Therefore, following appropriate accounting guidelines on the records done within the period operation, the research group realized a lot of gaps in the firms accounting techniques. Blocking the gaps necessitude this drastic drop. Implementation of a new revenue recognition policy (IFRS 15). A new revenue standards by IFRS contributed largely to the sharp drop in firms revenue collection levels. This is true as per the definition of a new revenue recognition policy which required a firm only to record revenues already collected or those with a higher possibility of being collected. Comparing the scenario with the latter, a sharp reduction was appropriately registered (Savage, Douglas and Barra 2013). Before IFRS 15, the firm could record all expectations on revenue regardless of outcomes. The unpaid revenue was captured in books of accounts as collected. The firm depended on possibilities than on the real revenue collection scenarios (Peach 2016). This policy blocked possibilities of giving unreliable and hiked information to the users of the accounting statements. Therefore, implemented work in progress policy eliminated the likelihood concept of recording revenue estimates. Breaches of the Fundamental Principles of Accounting Ethics in the Firms Accounting Practices The practices demonstrated by the firm has breaches on fundamental principles of accounting ethics. Overestimating figures, recording unpaid revenue, and double counting are among the behaviors breaching accounting principles and ethics. These are the breached principles and ethics; Integrity. Integrity requires an entity to remain honest and trustworthy on to professional roles defined by accounting practices (APES 110). It confines both an entity and its employees to remain upright on facts in the business. Members are expected to provide a report, returns or other relevant information with no mislead or false statement (CPA Australia 2012). The information should not be contradictory to ethics and carelessly placed. Also, members are not to create omissions or unclear communication with intended mind (Deegan and Unerman 2007). However, the company and its employees have violated the integrity concept by providing misleading information in the market; an intention meant to lure investors and wore other small law firms (Fyfe 2016). Their information has misled and carelessly omit a lot of relevant true information decisive to investors and other users. Objectivity of the firm. The principle of objectivity defines that an entity should ensure professionalism on its operations without allowing biases or personal interest to jeopardize its operation (APES 110). This firms objective has not followed the objectivity concept thereby it end up operating for self-interest gains instead of professional operations (Fyfe 2016). Professional level of competency and care. Employees of an entity should portray a high level of competence and care to their clients through their services (APES 110). They are to show diligent behavior when providing services as well as attain and maintain professionalism incompetence. In Slater and Gordons firm, employees mind not of clients. Thus their behaviors contradict professional competence. Instead, they, offer clients with disastrous information on the growth rate of their revenue, an act that only subjected users to market uncertainty (Fyfe 2016). Regarding accounting principles and ethics, Slater and Gordon have breached the defined standards by both the IFRS and APES. The firm went contrary to demonstrate its self-vested needs on the preparation of its financial statements. It aimed not in providing truthful and straightforward information but to capture the perception of the best performing law firm in the market (Collins and McKeith 2010). Even though it enjoyed a lead for some years, the policy on revenue recognition and disclosure policy helped to sort the problem out by filling the gaps it used to manipulate while preparing financial statements. References APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants. Retrieved from: https://www.apesb.org.au/uploads/standards/apesb_standards/standard1.pdf Australia Accounting Standard Board. 2016. Application of Materiality to Financial Statement. Collins, B. and McKeith, J., 2010. Financial Accounting and Reporting. McGraw Hill. CPA Australia. 2012. Accounting Concepts and Principles. Publisher: BPP Learning Media Ltd. Deegan, C. and Unerman, J. 2007. Financial Accounting Theory. European edition, McGraw Hill Elliot, B. and Elliot, J, 2007. Financial Accounting and Reporting. FT Prentice Hall, 12th Ed. 2015. The new revenue standard affects more than just revenue. Retrieved from:Financial Accounting. Fyfe, M., 2016.The Undoing of Slater and Gordon, the Age, 24 June IAS 18 Revenue and IFRS 15. Retrieved from: www.ifrs.org (alternatively, AASB118 Revenue and AASB 15 Revenue from contracts with customers, available for download atwww.aasb.gov.au) IASB Framework. Retrieved from: www.ifrs.org Peach, K., 2016. Australia Accounting Standards Board. Savage, A., Douglas, C., and Barra, R., 2013. Accounting for the Public Interest: A Revenue Recognition Dilemma. Issues in Accounting Education, Vol. 28, No. 3, pp. 691-703. Slater and Gordon annual reports. Retrieved from: https://www.slatergordon.com.au/investors/reports-and-presentations Wagenhofer, A., 2014. The role of revenue recognition in performance reporting. Accounting and Business Research, 44(4), pp.349-379.

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Literature Research Worksheet Essay Example

Literature Research Worksheet Essay Example Literature Research Worksheet Essay Literature Research Worksheet Essay Nursing Research and Practice June 18, 2012 Jacquelyn Zirbes University of Phoenix Material Literature Search Worksheet * Select a literature search topic relevant to your practice. The topic must be sufficiently delineated in scope without being trivial. You will revisit this article in the Week Five presentation. Possible topics include but are not limited to: * * Non-pharmacological pain relief with childbirth * Effects of shift work and fatigue on medication errors Best practices for pin site care * Nurse satisfaction in magnet hospitals * Accurate temperature assessment methods in neonates * Pain assessment in the cognitively impaired * Childhood type II diabetes and obesity * Complementary and alternative therapies for control of menopausal symptoms * Best practices in nurse-led smoking cessation classes * Thermoregulation in the operating room * Best practices for pain assessment and management in specified area of practice * * Complete the table below: * * Which topic did you choose? * Best practices for pain assessment and management in specified area of practice * , for relevant research on this subject. What key words did you use in the Search Strategy fields? Include all attempts and limitations used to refine your search. * 1. I used the key words: Pain assessment and management; Pain management orthopedic surgery; NSAIDs use in orthopedic surgery; 2. I limited my search to peer reviewed journals only. 3. I also refined my search by using full text journals that were published between 2001-2012. * | * * Report the number of citations identified from each database in the number of articles found field. * * 1. EBSCOhost: 9 * 2. ProQuest: 9064 * 3. PUBMED: 2154 * | * Select one article from a peer-reviewed nursing journal published within the last three years- or a germinal article which may contain an earlier publication date- and provide the citation in APA format. * Leach, D. , amp; Bonfe, M. (2009). The effectiveness of Femoral/Sciatic nerve blocks on postoperative pain management in total knee arthroplasty. Orthopaedic Nursing,  28(5), 257-62. http://search. proquest. com/docview/195964994? accountid=35812 * | * Answer the following questions using your selected research article: * 1. Is this qualitative or quantitative? What is the study design? What criteria did you use to determine the study design? * * My article is a quan titative research. The researchers used an experimental research design which includes a total of 130 patients who had total knee replacements. The controlled group of 65 patients received general or spinal anesthesia with conventional narcotic management postoperatively, while the intervention group of 65 patients received general or spinal anesthesia with femoral/sciatic nerve block post-operatively. * The criteria I used to determine the study design is looking at what kind of study the research is. In descriptive and correlational studies, there are no treatments involved (Burns amp; Grove, 2011). Since this study has treatments involve and the researchers have control over the treatments, it is experimental. Experimental study also uses a smaller sample size like the sample size in the article. It also involves 3 characteristics namely: (1) controlled manipulation of at least one treatment variable (independent variable); (2) exposure of some of the subjects to the treatment (experimental group), and no exposure of the remaining subjects (control group); and (3) random assignment of subjects to either the control or experimental group (Hopkins, 2008). 2. How did you confirm that the journal you selected was peer-reviewed or germinal? * * According to Burns amp; Groves, there are clues to know if an article is peer-reviewed. Some of the clues are finding out where the article originated, the number of references they used in the study and if the journal goes through a review process through their editorial board (2011, p. 191). I confirmed that the journal I selected was peer- reviewed based on the where my article originated. I found this article using ProQuest which gave me an option in searching only peer-reviewed articles. Aside from this, the article has 15 references which are from journals, nationally accredited organizations and textbooks. The article is from Orthopaedic Nursing Journal which is an international journal providing continuing education for orthopaedic nurses and focuses on a wide variety of clinical settings. It also provides departmental sections on current events, organizational activities, research, product and drug information, and literature findings. Articles reflect a commitment to professional development and the nursing profession as well as clinical, administrative, academic, and research areas of the orthopaedic specialty (NAON, 2011). The Orthopaedic Nursing Journal also has an editorial committee that reviews their articles before publishing them. 3. Does this research article generate support for evidence-based practice? If not, state why it does not. * * Using the critical appraisal guide, I believe that my research article generates support for evidence-based practice. The purpose of their study was clearly stated: To evaluate the effectiveness of femoral/sciatic nerve blocks on post-operative knee replacements. The inclusions and exclusions criteria were also reported. Patients were excluded if they had a history of chronic pain, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis or drug/alcohol dependence. In addition, patient who had received antiemetic prior to surgery, those with documented evidence of pre-operative cognitive impairment, or those who required admission to a critical care unit during their postoperative course were also excluded (Leach amp; Bonfe, 2009). The conclusion of the study was supported by the data from their research. The femoral/sciatic group members experienced less pain and increased functional range of motion. Their findings also support the research done by Cook et al. (2003) – that the use of femoral/sciatic blockade produces less pain and use of adjunct narcotics. Our facility uses evidence-based practice in our treatment plans. Finding this article validates why our orthopedic surgeons uses femoral/sciatic blocks on our total knee replacement post-operatively. It is interesting to find out literature that supports our practice.

In Praise of Blame by George Sher Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

In Praise of Blame by George Sher - Essay Example He has a few theories about it and sets about to debating over them one of them being blame’s relation to character. Sher starts off arguing against the Humean idea about how blaming someone depends on the person’s character. Someone who has a bad character is the one who can be blamed about things and not otherwise. He has different point of views regarding this and debates over them. The Humean claim is that we can only blame people if their bad side emerges because of the negative qualities – or a particular negative quality - they may have. Basically, if someone is generally a very bad person, he may be mean or selfish or rude, etc. then only he may automatically have terrible qualities and we can judge him depending on those. We may actually end up holding them responsible for whatever issue has taken place. On the other hand, if the person is actually very nice and due to certain circumstances he has not been acting well mannered and has been showing the al most nonexistent bad qualities, then we should not blame them for whatever mistakes they may make. Since they are just that – a mistake – which surely would never be made again. It is, of course, human nature to make blunders. Nobody is perfect though there are some people who are striving to be so even if they are not fully reaching the top line. People are well mannered and have good morals but they cannot always keep up with their expectations of themselves. They will slip up some day or the other. It may be because of some problems they are facing. A person may be very sweet tempered but due to some personal inconveniences he is going through, he may not be acting like his usual self. He may lose his patience quickly and start shouting without much reason. It is a general assumption that the person is nice and should not be blamed about his few mistakes. This may happen quite rarely so it is only fair to forgive these people. After all, no harm was done on purpose and a life time of being a good human being should not be ignored just because of a raised voice or something equally unimportant in the long run. So he should not be blamed to whatever may occur due to an impulsive reaction. Someone who is short tempered or just not well mannered may generally have a whole list of undesirable qualities in him. It is his way of life so one may easily charge him with fault if he - yet again - does something disagreeable. One may blame him easily as he is in the habit of doing such things daily; that one knows is not rare mistake. That he knows what he did is not right and yet he continues to do it, that he does not try to redeem himself. Now this point is understandable, of course, but Sher does not seem to be agreeing with the idea. One may basically understand him to believe that blaming people with generally good characters is okay. Just because they make an error in judgement or something, it does not mean that the problem never arose because of them. It was their fault and they should be blamed for it despite the fact that they do not make a habit of it. It was a mistake, no matter how huge or small, and what is done is done. There are side effects of everything – be it good or bad – so it is only practical that the person be blamed for it. Just because they did not do it purposely or were ignorant to its results does not mean that it was not their fault. Similarly, he also says that just because a person has chock full of negative attributes in him, it does not mean that if he makes a mistake, we should put all the blame on him immediately. He believes that even though the person may have his own set of issues which may lead to him having a

Lillian Wald Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Lillian Wald - Research Paper Example She began her nursing practice at the New York Juvenile Asylum. The children, who stayed there belonged to poor families and Wald began teaching their parents home nursing. She was the author of â€Å"public health nurse† term. She made an emphasis on the necessity to integrate nursing help in the public community. She took care of poor people, immigrants, their children, ethnic minorities and many other underprivileged members of the society. Wald’s contribution to nursing and humanity The results of her work can be found in the book â€Å"The House on Henry Street† (1911) and â€Å"Windows on Henry Street† (1934). Lillian Wald initiated visiting nursing and it is one of her greatest contributions to nursing and community health. Wald and nurses, who followed her managed to provide their services to 450 patients in the Henry Street. Therefore, the modern nurses should learn patience, tolerance, a great care and sympathy shown to their patients. Moreover, a need to improve public health and improve relations in the families of the community would benefit for the public health improvement for sure. Lillian Wald initiated visiting nursing and by 1933 her staff had grown to 265 nurses who made 550,000 home visits and they provided their services to 100,000 patients. In 40s there was a division of Wald’s organization and a freestanding agency of nursing services. Wald’s visiting nursing was directed on help and aid to the underprivileged families.   Her initiative to organize personal visiting resulted in the New York City.   The main goal of visiting nursing was in underlying the important role of a visiting nurse in the community was in dealing with the social problems that accompany illness. Definitely, public health of the community depends on correlation between social and health issues. Moreover, Lillian Wald was not indifferent to women’s housekeeping practices. Recreational activities for families were al so her main concerns. She was the founder of the Women's Trade Union League in 1903. Starting from 1930 she travelled in Russia, China, Japan and Hawaii in order to get better concerned about humanitarian issues. From 1915 this woman expanded her caring about the American society, public health and community activities. She was the President Roosevelt’s assistant protecting children against labor, providing them with the right to attend school, improving education of mentally handicapped people. Civil rights protection was also one of the crucial aspects of Wald’s interests. Protection of African-American rights, protection of women’s rights resulted in development of specified programs and campaigns and establishment of the Foreign Policy Organization and the American Civil Liberties Union (Daniels, 1995). Lillian Wald contributed much into public welfare and was an active citizen, a caring woman and she has shown that nursing is a way she wanted to share her c are with the community. Moreover, a visiting nurse and Wald’s living near her patients, when they had severe health conditions means that this woman was a sensitive and caring person. She struggled for human rights protection, family well-being, women and children health and felt a great sympathy for them. In the field of nursing, Wald’s contribution can be considered as the most humane attitude reflected in public health caring. Wald claimed that

How to improve the employees' work efficiency Thesis

How to improve the employees' work efficiency - Thesis Example This research will begin with the statement that over a long period, time management has continued to be a contentiously debated and researched area. Inadvertently, work efficiency directly relates to time management. In this research carried out at SDPW, time management is a critical issue that has elicited numerous responses that have shed more light and given a new perspective on work efficiency. Repeatedly, successful companies and organizations, like SDPW, strive to put up measures to reduce time wasting, while employees on their part try to evaluate how to manage their time at work. All these are the parameters for checking time management that would, in turn, bring about work efficiency. While it is known that time is a preciously limited resource, managing it is equally indispensable. As Chinese proverb goes, gold cannot get anyone time that has been lost. It is, therefore, clear-cut: time management is hazardous when improperly utilized. When properly managed, a company can reap many benefits of effectively managing time; work efficiency ultimately influences the outcome of services provided by the company. In everyday life, the amount of work needed to be done inevitably piles up more and more. In the work place, there are many deadlines to beat, assignments to hand in and schedules that need to be kept. In this regard, work efficiency will not be achieved if the time factor is thrown into the backburner. The time always seems to be limited, no matter what we do. (Groves et al., 2004). Time management in essence is the key to overcoming all the bottlenecks associated with work efficiency. It all comes down to how employees manage their time at the work place, which, in turn, determines the amount of work done and the levels of achievements reached. Time management is ultimately the key to doing everything within limited amounts of time given and still being efficiently productive in the end. The research study carried out at SDPW was an involving proj ect. True to its effect, the activities of data collection undertaken between the months of February and March 2012 reflect and capture the views and experiences on employees of SDPW. Work efficiency as acknowledged is a critical area of study that its findings go a long way in shaping up working environments in many companies. There is a growing need for efficiency at the workplace as presented by the study carried out. The specifics and range of research methodologies was particularly put in place to ensure maximum results were achieved. The quantitative method of research, focus group and the absolute structured interview of parameters of time wasting ensured that the researchers put into consideration the different angles of work efficiency. This ensured that the managers, the engineers, officers and employees were specifically sampled. The sampling included those with considerable levels of experience at the company and those who were particularly less familiar with the company . Conclusion The research findings from SDPW revealed that efficiency at work comes down to how many employees maximize their use of the limited time resource. In particular, the essence of an employee working efficiently by adequately using time is a factor that shapes the growth of a company (Jill and

Management of Shoulder Dystocia: A Reflective Essay

Management of Shoulder Dystocia: A Reflective Essay Title: A reflective essay on how you would manage a shoulder dystocia as an obstetric emergency in a stand alone midwife led unit.   Undergraduate Degree Level Essay 1,000 Words Essay The condition of shoulder dystocia is diagnosed when the delivery of the foetal head is prevented by the impaction of one of the foetal shoulders within the mother’s pelvis. Simple head traction or episiotomy alone will not resolve the condition Shoulder dystocia is a complication of labour which is notoriously difficult to manage. It has a high complication rate and an increased rate of mortality. A number of studies have highlighted the fact that management is not always optimal. (Crofts, et al. 2006). Two UK studies produced similar findings that avoidable factors were identifiable in 66% of the perinatal deaths associated with shoulder dystocia. The definition of â€Å"avoidable factors† being a different management would have produced a better outcome. This malpresentation occurs in about 2% of vaginal deliveries and common associated morbidities include permanent brachial plexus injury, fracture of the clavicle, foetal haematoma and hypoxic brain injury. (Draycott, et al. 2008). Because the majority of cases of shoulder dystocia occur in the absence of predictable risk factors, all healthcare professionals in charge of a delivery should have an optimal plan to resolve shoulder dystocia in the safest way possible in any given circumstance. Management The management of shoulder dystocia is a subject that has acquired a large literature in its own right. It is therefore not appropriate to discuss it in great detail. Many of the studies done on the subject have identified a number of â€Å"critical tasks† in the delivery process. These include recognizing shoulder dystocia, asking for additional help, calling for paediatricians to be attend the delivery, applying gentle downward traction on the fetal head, placing the patient in McRoberts position, and applying appropriate suprapubic pressure. (Deering, et al. 2005) A number of mechanisms have been advised in the literature and these include rotational manoeuvre (Rubins or Woodscrew), episiotomy, delivery of the posterior arm, fracture of clavicle, symphysiotomy, all-fours manoeuvre, a cephalic replacement (Zavenelli) manoeuvre if other manoeuvres were not successful. (Crofts et al. 2008) Predisposing factors. Shoulder dystocia appears to occur in cases where there are no discernable predisposing factors however, there are some conditions that appear to make it more likely. The strongest single predictor appears to be foetal macrosomia. A number of authorities have suggested that maternal obesity is an association of the condition, but the meticulous study by Robinson showed conclusively that it was only obesity in diabetic mothers (that was associated with macrosomia) that had a high incidence of shoulder dystocia. Other causes of obesity did not have this association. (Robinson, et al. 2003) Gonen was able to report that a critical weight appeared to be 4,500 g with 33% of infants over this weight having shoulder dystocia and only 2% who were under it. (Gonen, et al. 1996) Birth position There appears to be considerable controversy regarding the ideal birth position. The McRoberts position (with maternal hips in flexion), combined with suprapubic pressure, has been reported as resolving 50% of identified cases of shoulder dystocia (German, et al. 1997). It is thought to achieve its effect through a rotation of the symphysis pubis and flattening of the sacrum. This, together with fundal pressure, is believed to reduce the possibility of the anterior shoulder being impacted under the symphysis pubis. There are some reports of the possibility of increased maternal morbidity (Heath, et al. 1999) and lack of effect (Beall, et al. 2003) Reflection. On a personal note, I have reflected on my own practice in dealing with cases of shoulder dystocia. As a result of researching this essay I have resolved to further explore the evidence base for dealing with the situation, because critical analysis of some of the papers read have challenged some of the ideas that I had previously believed to be true. In particular, I note papers which have analysed the behaviour of the responsible clinician in cases of shoulder dystocia and have been concerned about the frequent lack of paediatric back up. This has been identified as a failure on the part of the lead clinician, who is often so engrossed in the management of the condition that back up is simply overlooked. I have personally experienced cases where this has occurred and believe that a high degree of assertiveness is required if I see that it has been overlooked in the future. References Beall M H, Spong C Y, Ross M G (2003) A Randomized Controlled Trial of Prophylactic Maneuvers to Reduce Head-to-Body Delivery Time in Patients at Risk for Shoulder Dystocia. Obstetrics Gynecology 2003; 102: 31 35 Crofts J F, Bartlett C, Ellis D, Hunt L P, Fox R, Draycott T J (2006) Training for Shoulder Dystocia : A Trial of Simulation Using Low-Fidelity and High-Fidelity Mannequins : Obstetrics Gynecology 2006; 108 : 1477 1485 Crofts J F, Bartlett C, Ellis D, Winter C, Donald F, Hunt L P, Draycott T J (2008) Patient-actor perception of care: a comparison of obstetric emergency training using manikins and patient-actors. Qual. Saf. Health Care, February 1, 2008; 17 (1): 20 24. Deering S, Satin A J (2005) Evaluation of Residents Delivery Notes After a Simulated Shoulder Dystocia. Obstet. Gynecol., February 1, 2005; 105 (2): 448 449. Draycott T J, Crofts J F, Ash J P, Wilson L V, Yard E, Sibanda T, Whitelaw A. (2008) Improving Neonatal Outcome Through Practical Shoulder Dystocia Training. Obstet. Gynecol., July 1, 2008; 112 (1): 14 20. German R B, Goodwin T M, Souter I, Neumann K, Ouzounian J G, Paul R H. The McRoberts’ maneuver for the alleviation of shoulder dystocia: How successful is it? Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997; 176 : 656 – 61. Gonen R, Spiegel D, Abend M. Is macrosomia predictable and are shoulder dystocia and birth trauma preventable? Obstet Gynecol 1996; 88 : 526 – 9. Heath L T, Gherman R B. Symphyseal separation, sacroiliac joint dislocation and transient lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy associated with McRoberts’ maneuver. J Reprod Med 1999; 44 : 902 – 4 Robinson H, Tkatch S, Mayes D C, Bott N, Okun N. (2003) Is Maternal Obesity a Predictor of Shoulder Dystocia? Obstetrics Gynecology 2003; 101 : 24 27 ############################################################### 12.8.08 Word count 1,060 PDG Different Medicinal Plants: Use Of Different Medicinal Plants: Use Of MEDICINAL PLANTS This section consist a list of sub-groups that gives information about Introduction, Importance, Systems of medicine, Utilization of medicinal plants. Introduction to Medicinal plants: About 250,000 higher plant species on earth, more than 80,000 species are reported to have at least some medicinal value and around 5000 species have specific therapeutic value. Herbs are staging a comeback and herbal renaissance is happening all over the globe. The herbal products today symbolize safety in compare to the synthetics that are considered as unsafe to human and environment. Even though herbs had been priced for their medicinal, flavoring and aromatic qualities for centuries, the synthetic products of the modern age surpassed their importance, for a while. However, the blind dependence on synthetics is over and people are returning to the herbals with hope of safety and security. Over three-quarters of the world population relies mainly on plants and plant extracts for health care. More than 30% of the entire plant species were used for medicinal purposes. (Joy, P.P., 2001) Herbals in world market: It is estimated that world market for plant derived drugs may account for about Rs.2, 00,000 crores. Presently, Indian contribution is less than Rs.2000 crores. The annual production of medicinal and aromatic plants raw material is worth about Rs.200 crores. This is likely to reach US $5 trillion by 2050. It has been estimated that in developed countries such as United States, plant drugs constitute as much as 25% of the total drugs, while in fast developing countries such as China and India, the contribution is as much as 80%. Thus, the economic importance of medicinal plants is much more to countries such as India than to rest of the world. (Joy, P.P., 2001) Biodiversity of herbals in India: India is one of the worlds 12 biodiversity centers with the presence of over 45000 different plant species. Indias diversity is UN compared due to the presence of 16 different agro-climatic zones, 10 vegetation zones, 25 biotic provinces and 426 biomes (habitats of specific species). Among these, about 15000-20000 plants have good medicinal value. However, only 7000-7500 species are used for their medicinal values by traditional communities. In India, drugs of plant origin have been used in traditional systems of medicines such as Unani and Ayurveda since ancient times. The Ayurveda system of medicine uses about 700 species, Unani 700, Siddha 600, Amchi 600 and modern medicine around 30 species. About 8,000 herbal remedies have been included in Ayurveda. The Rig-Veda (5000 BC) has recorded 67 medicinal plants, Yajurveda 81 species, Atharvaveda (4500-2500 BC) 290 species, Charak Samhita (700 BC) and Sushrut Samhita (200 BC) had described properties and uses of 1100 and 1270 species respectively, in compounding of drugs and these are still used in the classical formulations, in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. (Joy, P.P., 2001) Sources of medicinal drugs: The drugs are derived either from the whole plant or from different organs, like leaves, stem, bark, root, flower, seed, etc. Some drugs are prepared from excretory plant product such as gum, resins and latex. Plants, especially used in Ayurveda can provide biologically active molecules and lead structures for the development of modified derivatives with enhanced activity and /or reduced toxicity. Some important chemical intermediates needed for manufacturing the modern drugs are also obtained from plants (Eg. ÃŽÂ ²-ionone).The forest in India is the principal(diosgenin, solasodine) repository of large number of medicinal and aromatic plants, which are largely collected as raw materials for manufacture of drugs and perfumery products. The small fraction of flowering plants that have so far been investigated have yielded about 120 therapeutic agents of known structure from about 90 species of plants. Some of the useful plant drugs include vinblastine, vincristine, taxol, podophyllo toxin, camptothecin, digitoxigenin, gitoxigenin, digoxigenin, tubocurarine, morphine, codeine, aspirin, atropine, pilocarpine, capscicine, allicin, curcumin, artemisinin and ephedrine among others. (Joy, P.P., 2001) History of herbal medicine: Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Folk (tribal) medicines are the major systems of indigenous medicines. Among these systems, Ayurveda is most developed and widely practiced in India. Ayurveda dating back to 1500-800 BC has been an integral part of Indian culture. The term comes from the Sanskrit root Au (life) and Veda (knowledge). As the name implies it is not only the science of treatment of the ill but covers the whole gamut of happy human life involving the physical, metaphysical and the spiritual aspects. Ayurveda is gaining prominence as the natural system of health care all over the world. Today this system of medicine is being practiced in countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan, while the traditional system of medicine in the other countries like Tibet, Mongolia and Thailand appear to be derived from Ayurveda. Phytomedicines are also being used increasingly in Western Europe. Recently the US Government has established the Office of Alternative Medicine at the National Institute of Health at Bethesda and its support to alternative medicine includes basic and applied research in traditional systems of medicines such as Chinese, Ayurvedic. (Joy, P.P., 2001) Disadvantages: A major lacuna in Ayurveda is the lack of drug standardization, information and quality control. Most of the Ayurvedic medicines are in the form of crude extracts which are a mixture of several ingredients and the active principles when isolated individually fail to give desired activity. This implies that the activity of the extract is the synergistic effect of its various components. About 121 (45 tropical and 76 subtropical) major plant drugs have been identified for which no synthetic one is currently available. The scientific study of traditional medicines, derivation of drugs through bio prospecting and systematic conservation of the concerned medicinal plants is of great importance. Unfortunately, much of the ancient knowledge and many valuable plants are being lost at an alarming rate. Red Data Book of India has 427 entries of endangered species of which 28 are considered extinct, 124 endangered, 81 vulnerable, 100 rare and 34 insufficiently known species (Thomas, 1997).There are basically two scientific techniques of conservation of genetic diversity of these plants. They are the in situ and ex situ method of conservation. (Joy, P.P., 2001) In Situ conservation of medicinal plants: It is only in nature that plant diversity at the genetic, species and eco-system level can be conserved on long-term basis. (www.ggssc.net) It is necessary to conserve in distinct, representative bio geographic zones inter and intra specific genetic variation. Ex situ conservation of medicinal plants: A. Ethno-medicinal plant gardens: Creation of a network of regional and sub-regional ethno-medicinal plant gardens which should contain accessions of all the medicinal plants known to the various ethnic communities in different regions of India. This chain of gardens will act as regional repositories of our cultural and ethno medicinal history and embody the living traditions of our societys knowledge of medicinal plants. (www.ggssc.net) Current status: There are estimated to be around 50 such gardens in the country ranging from acre to 40 acres some of them were set up by an All India Health Network (AHN). More recently a network of 15 such gardens has been set up in 3 states of South India with the initiative of FRLHT. One of the gardens is located in TBGRI, (Tropical botanical garden research institute) Palode at Thiruvananthapuram. B. Gene banks: In India there is a large number of medicinal plant species are under various degrees of threat. The precautionary principles would suggest that an immediate and country-wide exercise be taken up to deposit seeds of wild medicinal plants with a first priority to known Red listed species and endemic species. Current status: The department of bio-technology, Government of India has recently taken the initiative to establish 3 gene banks in the country. One is with ICAR at the NBPGR (National Bureau of plant genetic Resources) Campus, the second is with CIMAPs, (Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic plants) Luck now and the third with TBFRI in Thiruvananthapuram. C. Nursery network: The most urgent and primary task in order to ensure immediate availability of plants and planting materials to various user groups is to promote a nationwide network of medicinal plant nurseries, which will multiply all the regional specific plants that are used in the current practice of traditional medicine. These nurseries should become the primary sources of supply of plants and seed material that can be subsequently multiplied by the various users. Current status: Planting material for 40 odd species of medicinal and aromatic plants is reportedly available in the ICAR and CSIR (CIMAP) network. In South India FRLHT (Foundation for Rural Revitalization of Local Health Tradition) has recently set up a network of 55 supply nurseries. D. Cultivation of medicinal plants: Figures projecting demand and trade in medicinal plant species globally indicate a step upward trend in the near future. One estimate puts the figure of world trade in medicinal plants and related products at US $ 5 trillion by A.D. 2050 (world bank report , 1996).The demand so far has been met mainly from wild sources. This cant go on for much longer; policy intervention is urgently needed to encourage and facilitate investments into commercial cultivation of medicinal plants. (Joy, P.P., 2001) Cultivation of medicinal plants is inversely linked to prevalence of easy and cheap collection from the wild, lack of regulation in trade, cornering of the profits from wild collection by a vast network of traders and middlemen and absence of industrys interest in providing buy-back guarantees to growers. Current status: In the Govt. sector agro-technology of 40 odd species has been developed by ICAR Agricultural University System and CSIR (CIMAOs RRL, Jammu and Jorhat). In recent years industries like Dabur, Zandu, Indian Herbs, Arya Vaidya Shala, and Arya Vaidya Pharmacy and others have made some symbolic efforts to initiate cultivation. Since1984 NABARD (National Bank of Agricultural and Rural Development) has formulated schemes for financing cultivation and processing of medicinal plants. E. Community based enterprises: The income generated by the traditional medicine industry benefits small section of the society. A strong case exists for promotion of community level enterprises for value addition to medicinal plants through simple, on site techniques like drying, cleaning, crushing, powdering, grading, packaging etc. This will also increase the stake of rural communities in conservation and change the skewed nature of income distribution of the industry. Current status: Three community based enterprises are known in south India, one in Gandhi gram Trust, (Dindigul), Premade development Society (Peer made) Kerala and the third by VGKK in B.R.Hills, Mysore. Importance of Herbal Medicines: Herbal medicines are prepared from a variety of plant material such as leaves, stems, roots, bark, etc. They usually contain many biologically active ingredients and are used primarily for treating mild or chronic ailments. (www.ggssc.net) Herbal remedies can also be purchased in the form of pills, capsules or powders, or in more concentrated liquid forms called extracts and tinctures. They can apply topically in creams or ointments, soaked into cloths and used as compresses, or applied directly to the skin as poultices. A combination therapy integrating ayurveda and allopathy whereby the side effects and undesirable reactions could be controlled can be thought of. Studies can show that the toxic effects of radiations and chemotherapy in cancer treatment could be reduced by Ayurvedic medications and similarly surgical wound healing could be accelerated by Ayurvedic medicines. Modern science and technology have an essential role to play in the process. Systems of Medicine: There are mainly 3 systems of medicine practiced in the world today. They are, Modern System of medicine or Allopathy: This system was developed in the Western countries. In this system drugs (tablets, capsules, injections, tonics etc.) are manufactured using synthetic chemicals and / or chemicals derived from natural products like plants, animals, minerals etc. This system also uses modern equipment for diagnosis, analysis, surgery etc. Medicines or drugs of this system is often criticized for its treatment of the symptoms rather than the cause of the disease, harmful side effects of certain drugs and for being out of reach of common / poor people due to the high cost of drugs and treatment. This system is used in all the countries of the world today. (www.ggssc.net) Alternative Medicine or Traditional System: Different countries of the world developed independently their own traditional systems of medicine using locally available materials like minerals and products of plants and animals. (www.ggssc.net) The World Health Organization (WHO) is giving importance to these alternate medicine systems to provide Primary Health Care to millions of people in the developing countries. Development of herbal medicine: China developed the Chinese system of medicine, which is practiced in China, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan and other countries. In India, Ayurveda (developed in North India), Siddha (developed in Tamil Nadu) and Nagarjuna (developed in Andhra Pradesh) systems of medicine were developed. Ayurveda is practiced in Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh also. Herbo-mineral is another traditional system used in India and other neighbouring countries. Drugs (balms, oils, pills, tonics, paste etc) are manufactured and marketed in these systems. (Joy, P.P., 2001) Advantages of traditional medicine: Traditional systems of medicine continue to be widely practiced on many accounts. Population rise, inadequate supply of drugs, prohibitive cost of treatments, side effects of several allopathic drugs and development of resistance to currently used drugs for infectious diseases have led to increased emphasis on the use of plant materials as a source of medicines for a wide variety of human ailments. Folk Medicine or tribal medicine: The medicinal systems followed by various tribals of different countries are popularly known as folk or tribal medicine. In the system, the medicine man or the doctor of the tribe who has the knowledge of treating diseases, keeps this knowledge as a closely guarded secret and passes it to the next generation by word of mouth. No written texts on these systems are available and different tribes follow different time tested methods. The treatment is often associated with lengthy and mystic rituals, in addition to prescription of drugs (decoctions, pastes, powders, oils, ashed materials etc.). Generally speaking, folk medicine can also be regarded as a traditional system of medicine. The basic aim of all the above systems of medicine is to alleviate the sufferings of human beings and their domesticated animals. (www.ggssc.net) Other Systems of medicine: Yoga, Acupressure, Acupuncture, Reiki, Magneto therapy, Pyramid therapy, Flower therapy, Homeopathy, Nature Cure or Naturopathy etc. are some of the other systems of medicine practiced in different parts of the world today. Utilization of Herbal Plants: The utility of medicinal plants has four major segments they are, Medicinal plants utilized in indigenous or traditional systems of medicines (ISM) Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy systems of medicines , OTC (over the country, non-prescription) items / products involving plant parts, extracts galenicals etc. , Essential oils , Phyto pharmaceuticals or plants used in modern systems of medicine. (www.ggssc.net) Medicinal plants used in Traditional Systems of Medicine: As its name implies, it is the part of tradition of each country which employs practices that have been handed down from generation to generation. An important feature of traditional therapy is the preference of practitioner for compound prescriptions over single substance/drug as it is being held that some constituents are effective only in the presence of others. This renders assessment of efficacy and eventually identification of active principles as required in international standards much difficult than for simple preparation. In India, earlier the medicines used in indigenous systems of medicines were generally prepared by the practicing physicians by themselves, but now this practice has been largely replaced by the establishment of organized indigenous drug industries. It is estimated that at present there are more than 1, 00,000 licensed registered practitioners of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani medicine or Homeopathy. In fact reliable data on availability in different regions of country as well as supply and demand of medicinal plants used in production of indigenous medicines are not available. (www.ggssc.net) Plants-parts, extracts and galenicals of medicinal herbs: The direct utilization of plant material is not only a feature of ISM in the developing world but also in developed countries like USA, UK, Germany etc., the various herbal formulations are sold on health food shops. Preparation of decoctions, tinctures, galenicals and total extracts of plants also form a part of many pharmacopoeias of the world. The current trend of medicinal plants based drug industry is to procedure standard extracts of plants as raw material. (www.ggssc.net) Essential Oils from herbal plants: The essential oil industry was traditionally a cottage industry in India. Since 1947, a number of industrial companies have been established for large scale production of essential oils, oleoresins and perfumes. The essential oil from plants includes Ajowan oil, Eucalyptus oil, Geranium oil, Lavender oil, Palmarosa oil, Patchouli oil, Rose oil, Sandalwood oil, Turpentine oil and Vetiver oil. Phyto-pharmaceuticals of medicinal plants: During the past decades, bulk production of plant based drugs has become an important segment of Indian pharmaceutical industry. Some of the Phyto-pharmaceuticals which are produced in India at present include Morphine, codeine, papaverine (Papaver somniferum), quinine, quinidine, cinchonine and cinchonidine (Cinchona sp., C.calisaya, C. Hyoscine, hyoscyamine (Hyocyamus Niger and H. muticus), colchicine (Gloriosa superbad, Colchicum luteum and Iphigenia stellata), cephaeline and emetin (Cephalis ipacacuanha), sennosides A B (Cassia angustifolia and C. acutifolia), reserpine, rescinnamine, ajmalicine and ajmaline (Rauvolfia serpentina); vinblastine and vincristine, ajmalicine (raubacine) (Catharanthus roseus); guggul lipid (Commiphora wightii); taxol (Taxus baccata); artemisinin (Artemisai annua) etc. (www.ggssc.net) CLASSIFICATION OF HERBAL PLANTS: They are classified according to the part used, habit, habitat, therapeutic value etc, besides the usual botanical classification.Based on Therapeutic value they are classified as follows. Anti malarial : Cinchona officinalis, Artemisia annua ,Anticancer : Catharanthus roseus, Taxus baccata ,Antiulcer : Azadirachta indica, Glycyrrhiza glabra , Antidiabetic : Catharanthus roseus, Momordica charantia , Anticholesterol : Allium sativum Anti inflammatory : Curcuma domestica, Desmodium gangeticum , Antiviral : Acacia catechu Antibacterial : Plumbago indica , Antifungal : Allium sativum , Antiprotozoal : Ailanthus sp., Cephaelis ipacacuanha , Antidiarrhoeal : Psidium guava, Curcuma domestica , Hypotensive : Coleus forskohlii, Alium sativum , Tranquilizing : Rauvolfia serpentina , Anaesthetic : Erythroxylum coca , Spasmolytic : Atropa belladona, Hyoscyamus niger , Diuretic : Phyllanthus niruri, Centella asiatica , Astringent : Piper betel, Abrus precatorius Anthelmentic : Quisqualis indica, Punica granatum , Cardio tonic : Digitalis sp., Thevetia sp. Antiallergic : Nandina domestica, Scutellaria baicalensis ,Hepatoprotective : Silybum marianum, Andrographis paniculata. (Joy, P.P., 2001) Safety of medicinal plants: The safety and effectiveness of alternative medicines have not be been scientifically proven and remains largely unknown. A number of herbs are thought to be likely to cause adverse effects. Furthermore, adulteration, inappropriate formulation, or lack of understanding of plant and drug interactions have led to adverse reactions that are sometimes life threatening or lethal. Proper double-blind clinical trials are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of each plant before they can be recommended for medical use. Although many consumers believe that herbal medicines are safe because they are natural, herbal medicines may interact with synthetic drugs causing toxicity to the patient, may have contamination that is a safety consideration, and herbal medicines, without proven efficacy, may be used to replace medicines that have a proven efficacy. (Joy, P.P., 2001) Eg: Ephedra has been known to have numerous side effects, including severe skin reactions, irritability, nervousness, dizziness, trembling, headache, insomnia, profuse perspiration, dehydration, itchy scalp and skin, vomiting, hyperthermia, irregular heartbeat, seizures, heart attack, stroke, or death. Poisonous plants which have limited medicinal effects are often not sold in material doses in the United States or are available only to trained practitioners, these include: Aconite, Arnica, Belladonna, Bryonia, Datura, Gelsemium, Henbane, Male Fern Phytolacca, Podophyllum andVeratrum. Furthermore, herbs such as Lobelia, Ephedra and Eonymus that cause nausea, sweating, and vomiting, have been traditionally prized for this action. Plants such as Comfrey and Petasites have specific toxicity due to hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid content. There are other plant medicines which require caution or can interact with other medications, including St. Johns wort and grapefruit. (Phytotherapy , www.wikipedia.com) INTRODUCTION TO DIABETES MELLITUS In recent years, developed nations have witnessed an explosive increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) predominantly related to lifestyle changes and the resulting surge in obesity. The metabolic consequences of prolonged hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, including accelerated atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, and blindness, pose an enormous burden on patients with diabetes mellitus and on the public health system. (Goodman Gilmans, 2006) In 1869, a German medical student, Paul Langerhans, noted that the pancreas contains two distinct groups of cells the acinar cells, which secrete digestive enzymes, and cells that are clustered in islands, or islets, which he suggested, served a second function. Direct evidence for this function came in 1889, when Minkowski and von Mering showed that pancreatectomized dogs exhibit a syndrome similar to diabetes mellitus in humans (Goodman Gilmans,2006) In the early 1900s, Gurg Zuelzer, an internist in Berlin, attempted to treat a dying diabetic patient with extracts of pancreas. Although the patient improved temporarily, he sank back into a coma and died when the supply of extract was exhausted. E.L. Scott, a student at the University of Chicago, made another early attempt to isolate an active principle in 1911. Using alcoholic extracts of the pancreas Scott treated several diabetic dogs with encouraging results; however, he lacked clear measures of control of blood glucose concentrations, Between 1916 and 1920, the Romanian physiologist Nicolas Paulesco found that injections of pancreatic extracts reduced urinary sugar and ketones in diabetic dogs. Although he published the results of his experiments, their significance was fully appreciated only years later. (Goodman Gilmans, 2006) Banting assumed that the islets secreted insulin but that the hormone was destroyed by proteolytic digestion prior to or during extraction. Together with Charles Best, he attempted to overcome the problem by ligating the pancreatic ducts. The acinar tissue degenerated, leaving the islets undisturbed; the remaining tissue then was extracted with ethanol and acid. Banting and Best thus obtained a pancreatic extract that decreased the concentration of blood glucose in diabetic dogs. (Goodman Gilmans, 2006) Insulin was purified and crystallized by Abel within a few years of its discovery. Sanger established the amino acid sequence of insulin in 1960, the protein was synthesized in 1963, and Hodgkin and coworkers elucidated insulins three-dimensional structure in 1972. Insulin was the hormone for which Yalow and Berson first developed the radioimmunoassay (Goodman Gilmans, 2006) Insulin regulation is achieved by the coordinated interplay of various nutrients, gastrointestinal hormones, pancreatic hormones, and autonomic neurotransmitters. Glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, and ketone bodies promote the secretion of insulin. The islets of Langerhans are richly innervated by both adrenergic and cholinergic nerves. Stimulation of a2 adrenergic receptors inhibits insulin secretion, whereas b2 adrenergic receptor agonists and vagal nerve stimulation enhance release. In general, any condition that activates the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system (such as hypoxia, hypoglycemia, exercise, hypothermia, surgery, or severe burns) suppresses the secretion of insulin by stimulation of ÃŽÂ ±2-adrenergic receptors. Predictably, ÃŽÂ ±2 adrenergic receptor antagonists increase basal concentrations of insulin in plasma, and ÃŽÂ ²2 adrenergic receptor antagonists decrease them. The sugar is more effective in provoking insulin secretion when taken orall y than when administered intravenously because the ingestion of glucose (or food) induces the release of gastrointestinal hormones and stimulates vagal activity. Several gastrointestinal hormones promote the secretion of insulin. The most potent of these are gastrointestinal inhibitory peptide (GIP) and glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Insulin release also is stimulated by gastrin, secretin, Cholecystokinin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, gastrin-releasing peptide, and Enteroglucagon. (Goodman Gilmans, 2006) Distribution: Insulin circulates in blood as the free monomer, and its volume of distribution approximates the volume of extracellular fluid. Under fasting conditions, the pancreas secretes about 40 mg (1 unit) of insulin per hour into the portal vein to achieve a concentration of insulin in portal blood of 2 to 4 ng/ml (50 to 100 minutes/ml) and in the peripheral circulation of 0.5 ng/ml (12 minutes/ml) or about 0.1 nM. After ingestion of a meal, there is a rapid rise in the concentration of insulin in portal blood, followed by a parallel but smaller rise in the peripheral circulation. (Goodman Gilmans, 2006) Half Life: The half-life of insulin in plasma is about 5 to 6 minutes in normal subjects and patients with uncomplicated diabetes. This value may be increased in diabetics who develop anti-insulin antibodies. (Goodman Gilmans, 2006) Metabolism: Degradation of insulin occurs primarily in liver, kidney, and muscle. About 50% of the insulin that reaches the liver via the portal vein is destroyed and never reaches the general circulation. Insulin is filtered by the renal glomeruli and is reabsorbed by the tubules, which also degrade it. Severe impairment of renal function appears to affect the rate of disappearance of circulating insulin to a greater extent than does hepatic disease. Peripheral tissues such as fat also inactivate insulin, but this is of less significance quantitatively. The important target tissues for regulation of glucose homeostasis by insulin are liver, muscle, and fat, but insulin exerts potent regulatory effects on other cell types as well. Insulin is the primary hormone responsible for controlling the uptake, use, and storage of cellular nutrients. (Goodman Gilmans, 2006) DIABETES MELLITUS: Diabetes mellitus (DM) consists of a group of syndromes characterized by hyperglycemia; altered metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins; and an increased risk of complications from vascular disease. Most patients can be classified clinically as having either type 1 or type 2 DM. Criteria for the diagnosis of DM have been proposed by several medical organizations. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria include symptoms of DM (e.g., polyuria, polydipsia, and unexplained weight loss) and a random plasma glucose concentration of greater than 200 mg/dl (11.1 mM), a fasting plasma glucose concentration of greater than 126 ml/dl (7 mM), or a plasma glucose concentration of greater than 200 mg/dl (11 mM) 2 hours after the ingestion of an oral glucose load In the United States, about 5% to 10% of all diabetic patients have type 1 DM, with an incidence of 18 per 100,000 inhabitants per year. A similar incidence is found in the United Kingdom. The incidence of type 1 DM in Europe varies with latitude. The highest rates occur in northern Europe (Finland, 43 per 100,000) and the lowest in the south (France and Italy, 8 per 100,000). The one exception to this rule is the small island of Sardinia, close to Italy, which has an incidence of 30 per 100,000. However, even the relatively low incidence rates of type 1 DM in southern Europe are far higher than the rates in Japan (1 per 100,000 inhabitants). There are more than 125 million persons with diabetes in the world today, and by 2010, this number is expected to approach 220 million. (Goodman Gilmans, 2006) Both type 1 and type 2 DM are increasing in frequency. The reason for the increase of type 1 DM is not known. The genetic basis for type 2 DM cannot change in such a short time; thus other contributing factors, including increasing age, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and low birth weight, must account for this dramatic increase. In addition, type 2 DM is being diagnosed with remarkable frequency in preadolescents and adolescents. Up to 45% of newly diagnosed children and adolescents have type 2 DM. There are genetic and environmental components that affect the risk of developing either type 1 or type 2 DM Types: Diabetes can be divided into two groups based on their requirements for insulin includes, (Pharmainfo.net) Type I: Insulin- dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM] Type II: Non- insulin dependent diabetes [NIDDM] Type I: Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus: A burst of insulin secretion normally occurs after ingestion of a meal in response to transient increase in the levels of circulating glucose and amino acids. In the post operative period, low, basal levels of circulating insulin are maintained through beta cell secretion. However type one diabetic has virtually no functional beta cells. Treatment: Type I diabetic must rely on exogenous (injected) insulin in order to control hyperglycemia, maintain acceptable levels of Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and avoid ketoacidosis. The goal in administering insulin to type I diabetic is to maintain blood glucose concentrations as close to normal as possible and

Cold War - The Changing Relationship of the Superpowers :: American America History

Cold War - The Changing Relationship of the Superpowers The United States and Soviet Union, the single most important rivalry of the twentieth century, started as a partnership. This irony was caused by the fact that the Germans were taking over Europe, which forced them in this relationship. Once Hitler was eliminated and Berlin destroyed, the tensions began rising. These two nations had completely opposite ideologies from the economic system to the political system. The changing relationship has evolved from a forced partnership, a possible world war and now finally a steadying friendship. The entire world was watching as the Cold War went from moments of dà ©tente, to hours at the brink of world war three. The Germans and the Russian had an alliance at the beginning of the war but Hitler turned on the Soviets. This caused the Soviets to join the British and American side and led the advance on Germany from two fronts. The German war machine kept this alliance at bay only for so long before the two nations destroyed Berlin. The Soviets were already keeping control of all that was east of Germany, and this was causing the United States great anxiety due to the fact that communism was spreading. A great sense of relief came to the United States as the Nuclear Age began with the Manhattan Project and the Bombing of Japan. Stalin was now afraid that the United States would one-day force capitalist ideas upon Mother Russia, until the most intriguing aspect of the cold war came along, spies. A great change came when in the early 1950's the Soviets started testing their own nuclear weapon. The United States could not understand how they had their own nuclear weapon so quickly; the answer today is so simple the plans were stolen. All aspects of life for the United States and the Soviets were to beat each other. Tensions stayed high in the Olympics, the space race, ICBM's, the Korean and Vietnam wars. The highest point of tension during the entire Cold War was the Cuban Missile Crisis. Up until this point the Soviet sphere of influence did not reach into the Western Hemisphere except for the spies. Castro had now changed this paradigm, allowing Soviet missiles to be set-up in Cuba. This is the point at which most people believed we were closest to a total Nuclear War. The real protection from this possible total war was known as MAD.

Effects of Globalisation on Indian Society Essay

Indian Society is among the oldest in the world and varied and complex in its heritage. But about 200 years of colonial rule changed its socio-cultural process. India was turned into an appendage of the British empire. British colonial policy transformed its economy, society and polity. The British colonial authority was responsible for the introduction of the modern state in India. They surveyed the land, settled land revenues, created a modern bureaucracy, army, police, instituted law courts and helped in the codification of laws. The colonial administration developed communications, the railways, the postal system, telegraph, roads and the canal system. It introduced English language and took steps for the establishment of universities. The above changes set in motion a number of forces which had long-term and often adverse consequences for the Indian economy and society. These changes were not oriented towards causing balanced development and progress of the Indian society. They only served the imperial interests of the colonial authority. India which had a glorious past, had become one of the poorest countries when it freed itself from colonial bondage. In 1948-49 India’s national income was 86. 5 thousand million rupees. Which meant a per capita income of only 264 (rupees). This was one of the lowest in the world. India had a predominant agrarian economy. 72 percent of its total workforce was dependant upon agriculture. Organised industries accounted for two percent of the workforce. The colonial authority pursued policies which led to pouperisation of the peasants, who had reduced to the position of share-croppers, marginal tenants and landless agricultural labourers. At the dawn of independence India was economically dependant upon advanced countries. Its exports consisted of primary products while its imports consisted of manufactures from industrialised countries. It also showed a marked deficit in the balance of trade. The economy was characterised by a pronounced economic dualism. The economic structure was also intricately related to a society having features which seriously affected the growth and operation of new institutions. The country was typically characterised by a class structure in which power was highly concentrated in a small elite. This included, on the one hand, classes whose power was associated with the traditional sector and, on the other, newer classes whose power was associated with the growth of the modern sector. Their combined membership was very small in comparison to the mass of small cultivators, landless agricultural labourers, unskilled workers and unemployed or underemployed. Between the elite at the top and the masses at the bottom, there was a very small middle class consisting of pet businessmen, semi-skilled blue-collar workers and small property owners. These peculiarities had a bearing upon a new nation resharing itself in a post-colonial world. Further, social interactions in India were based on considerations of race, religion caste, community, language and region. After independence India experienced a politics of scarcity on account of the above factors. Political independence raised expectations of the masses. The nationalist elite, who had played in a key role in the freedom struggle, became the new power-elite They and their socio-cultural background set the goals of the new dispensation. Apart from economic development and social transformation achieving economic and political self-reliance was a new goal of the independent Indian state. The goal of integration of the country was also important to the ruling elite. Independent India adopted the Westminister model for sharing its political institutions. The parliamentary form of government with a federal state structure was the only alternative before the constitution-making forum. The modern elite wanted to reconstruct the social structure on modern foundations of law, individual merit and secular education. They therefore, favoured a transition from traditional rural economy to one based on scientifically planned industry and agriculture. To achieve this objective Community Development project and Five-year Plans were introduced. India thus became a welfare state. The objective of the Indian State being to correct the distorted nature of the economy and society, which had been its colonial inhavitance, the newly goals were : self-sustained growth, high rate of growth, equality, equity and justice and state and nation-building.