A Knowledge Management Framework for Expert Decision Making Essay

A Knowledge Management Framework for Expert Decision Making - Essay Example tructured analytics provides a repository of structured data in the form of presentable reports and charts which facilitates easy decision making .Off late organizations use variety of tools and methods to perform analysis on structured data as per their requirements in various fields like finance , supply chain management , forecasting etc Data is available for an organization from various unstructured sources like emails, web sites, news articles, government notices, pre existing company records etc. Though data available from these sources are useful they are haphazardly organized and hence it becomes very difficult for various stake holders to understand and take a well informed decision. In order to organize the available unorganized data organizations make use of Information Technology for data structuring which can be defined as ‘As a specialized format for organizing and storing data. General data structure types include the array, the file, the record, the table, the tree, and so on. Any data structure is designed to organize data to suit a specific purpose so that it can be accessed and worked with in appropriate ways. In computer programming, a data structure may be selected or designed to store data for the purpose of working on it with various algorithms’. Data once structured are used for creating reports and charts through IT applications / tools which mine the available structured data as per user’s requirement. These IT applications / tools are very user friendly and customizable. In modern day’s business, structured analytics is utilized in building domain specific tools which applies domain specific formulas and calculations over voluminous data which is either pre existing or acquired over runtime. Some of the prominent and generic analytics tools used are stock trend charts, web site hit ratio analytics, foreign exchange charts etc. These tools provide customized looks ups, charts, statistical forecasts, etc. The core development of

VHS is dead, long live DVD Essay Example for Free

VHS is dead, long live DVD Essay This statement can be looked at in two ways, either true or false. People that would say that this statement is false would mostly be for nostalgic reasons. I myself feel that this is true because technology is evolving minute by minute, and the future is key to technology. Although I think that its good to have new technology, it also means that more and more people will be taken advantage of. This will not just be the consumer, as prices are very high, but the poor exploited Asian communities that will be paid less than a dollar a day. Apart from this I do think that the digital versatile disc is the way forward for our viewing needs. The acronym DVD stands for Digital Versatile Disc. Each word is key in showing how VHS is dead and that the DVD is the future. The Disk is the future because unlike a video, it is not at all bulky and is only 120mm wide, where as a video is 187.5mm. This obviously means that the way we view films, music etc is getting smaller and also means that it will continue to decrease in size. Even though a video is larger than a disc it does not mean that it holds more memory, in fact a disc holds seven times more memory than a video, which is the main reason the DVD has taken on. The word Digital has great benefit over the VHS because videos are predominantly analogue and all DVDs are digital. This is a great advantage for the consumer because people would rather watch something digitally, than something analogue. The word Versatile is the solution to how we interact with our TV. They way it is versatile is by holding so much more information and the ease with which the consumer can range through what is on offer. The DVD has the versatility to view special feature for example commentary and deleted scenes, and it also has the versatility to select the scene you want with the easy touch of a button. The new step of the DVD is the format of DVD-RW otherwise known as recordable DVDs. This is much like VHS videos because it uses blank disks and you can record what you want onto them. The film industry is not for the DVD-RW format because a DVD has copyright on it, which makes it illegal to copy. As it stands, anyone can log onto a powerful computer and by using the right software can gain the file of codes of which a film comprises of, and by using another piece of software known as DivX can reproduce the film. All videos have one thing in common which is their downfall to DVD, it is that cassettes use a magnetic tape. Every time a tape is played it becomes worn, and the tape gets stretched ever so slightly. This wear damages the tape so much its eventually made un-useable. Also due to the size of the tape there is a smaller amount of data that a tape can hold, this is not to be confused with the length of tape, but the added features, in particular, sound. With sound the videocassette can only reproduce Nicam stereo through the lines which make up your TV screen. Nicam stereo is not true stereo but an effect which falls you into thinking its stereo. If you were to hook your TV up to a stereo system you would be able to hear that its not true stereo. Cassettes are bulky, take up more space and brake. The VHS player/recorder is also unreliable with the main part being the clutch-cam the main failure and the reasons for chewed tapes. DVDs are far more flexible with ease of use and added featured data can be stored on the disc, together with the video, text, language, sound types, and information. The most notable extra feature for the ordinary person is the sound options from Nicam to Dolby stereo to Surround Sound 5.1. 5.1 allow the makers of the DVD to produce cinema quality sound, and better with five strategically placed speakers and a base box, providing sound quality from the comfort of your own home. A big bonus for the DVD maker is one DVD for a region, you dont have to make a German, an Italian and any other number of languages as this is all on one DVD. With DVDs there are several regions due to various reasons. The two main reasons are region 1 North America and Japan (NTC) and region 2 Europe (PAL). There are other regions and they have nothing to do with the TV system used. Region 1 normally receives the DVD first due to actual release dates of the film. Region 2 is the next region for film release, which is why the format is changed from Region 1. That is you would be able to buy a Region 1 DVD before film release in Region 2, and therefore you would not visit the cinema. As the DVD is a digital format it is easier to break the region code. This can be done via hardware or software, these are known as multi-regional DVD players. You can buy multi-regional DVD players although they are not advertised, but the only way you can watch a Region 1 DVD on your TV by having a digital TV, this looks at the digital content and not the format (NTC/PAL) of the signal. Another advantage is the use of the pause/slow motion functions. They produce perfect pictures on the TV because they are a digital signal and therefore are decoded in the DVD players digit by digit. There is no tape being streched on the pause button, only a pause on the digital coding.

Gated DIBH for Left Sided Breast Cancer Patients

Gated DIBH for Left Sided Breast Cancer Patients Chapter III: Methodology 3.1 Research Objectives The research project examines left-sided breast cancer patients receiving therapy with gated DIBH technique using the commercially available RPM system. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate whether left-sided breast cancer patients will benefit from gated DIBH. The interest in performing this research arises from having many left-sided breast cancer patients that have large volume of heart in the treatment field, and hence are at risk for cardiac toxicities in the future. The secondary objectives of this research is to look at patient’s comfort and understanding, and radiation therapist’s workload. This chapter will discuss the sample selection, ethical issues, instrumentation, data collection procedures, data analysis, limitations, expected results, budget and timeline. 3.2 Sample selection and description The expected sample size was calculated using the formula (Chan, 2003) for paired samples as seen below, Total sample size = where c is 10.5 for 90% power, ÃŽ ´ is the standardised effect size, given by the formula (Chan, 2003): where ÃŽ ¼1 and ÃŽ ¼2 are the means of the two treatment groups, and ÏÆ' is the common standard deviation. The 90% power represents the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is false (Chan, 2003). It is postulated that a good treatment difference () between the 2 groups is 0.2 units with an SD (ÏÆ') of 0.5 units (Chan, 2003). With these values, the expected sample size is 68. Sixty-eight left-sided breast cancer patients will be selected for this research using a simple random sampling method. The patient population will be chosen at random to create a diverse group of patients with variable breast and heart volumes. The criteria for this sample would be female patients with left-sided breast cancer below the age of 70. In addition, the patients must be able to hold their breath. These patients will be recruited after being screened by the oncologists. The oncologists will do a simple breath-hold test with patients to determine if they are able to hold their breath for at least 20 seconds. This is because patients will be required to hold their breath during the CT scan for a duration of 18 seconds. This research will require 2 sets of computed-tomography (CT) scans from each patient of which one is at free breathing and the other at DIBH. Both sets will have identical patient setup. Patients will be lying supine with both arms above head on a posirest, having the visual goggles on (see Appendix M, image A) with a 6-reflective markers block on patient’s anterior abdominal surface (see Appendix H). With the goggles, they are able to view the screen, as seen in image B in Appendix M, in order to see their breathing patterns. For each patient, 2 treatment plans will be generated: one using the CT images at free breathing with photon electron match technique and the other using the CT images at DIBH with gated DIBH technique using RPM with 3-mm intervals. 3.3 Ethical Issues and Informed consent Any research involving human subjects conducted in the hospital would require adherence to ethical standards. The procedure requires the collation of a list of investigators in the department that intends to conduct clinical trials (see Appendix N), and to apply and attend the Singapore Guideline for Good Clinical Practice (SGGCP) course. This Course ensures that the conduct of clinical trials follows internationally acceptable ethical and scientific standards (see Appendix O). The ethics review will be carried out by the National Healthcare Group domain specific review board which is an independent committee constituted of medical, scientific and non-scientific members, whose responsibility is to ensure the protection of the rights, safety and well-being of human subjects involved in a research study by reviewing, approving and providing continuing review of research studies, and of the methods and materials to be used in obtaining and documenting informed consent of the research su bjects (National University Health System, 2010). When a principal investigator submits an application via the research online administration and management system, it is automatically routed to the department representative for endorsement, and subsequently the institution representative for endorsement, before it is delivered to the domain specific review board secretariat (National University Health System, 2010). All research studies submitted will be classified under one of the following review categories: exempt review, expedited review, full Board review (see Appendix P) (National University Health System, 2010). Based on the definitions in Appendix P, this study is classified as an expedited review. Ethics approval for research is required for several reasons. Firstly, ethical norms promote the aims of research, such as knowledge, truth, and avoidance of error (Resnik, 2011). Secondly, ethical standards promote the values that are essential to collaborative work, such as trust, accountability, mutual respect, and fairness (Resnik, 2011). For example, guidelines for authorship, copyright and patenting policies, data sharing policies, and confidentiality rules in peer review, are designed to protect intellectual property interests while encouraging collaboration (Poortmans, 2013). Ethical norms in research also help to build public support for research as people are more likely to fund research project if they can trust the quality and integrity of research (Resnik, 2011). Finally, many of the norms of research promote a variety of other important moral and social values, such as social responsibility, human rights, compliance with the law, and health and safety. This also protect the rights and welfare of participants and minimise the risk of physical and mental discomfort and harm from research procedures (Canterbury Christ Church University, 2006). Ethical lapses in research can significantly harm human subjects especially if the researcher fails to abide by the regulations and guidelines relating to radiation or biological safety (Resnik, 2011). Informed consent is the process by which the patient voluntarily confirms her willingness to participate in this research, after being informed of all the aspects of the research that are relevant to her decision-making (National Healthcare Group, 2013). The informed consent is documented by means of written signatures, date informed consent form and the language used during the explanation to the patient by the oncologist. In the consent, there should be 3 signatures: the patient’s, the doctor’s and the witness’ signature. For patients who cannot read and speak English, a qualified translator will be around during the signing of the consent. 3.4 Research design and instrumentation This research is a mixture of qualitative and quantitative research methods (see Appendix Q). Quantitative research corresponds to a deductive scientific method of research which uses data in the form of numbers and statistics to test hypotheses, using a large and randomly selected sample that is a representative of the population (Pearce, et al. 2013; Johnson Christensen 2010). This is in contrast to the qualitative approach which corresponds to an inductive method of research which uses words, pictures or objects to examine a phenomenon, requiring only a small and non-randomly selected sample (Pearce, et al. 2013; Johnson Christensen 2010). Patients will be scanned using Toshiba Aquilion Large Bore CT-simulator (Toshiba, 2014). The treatment plans will be generated using Varian Medical Eclipseâ„ ¢ Treatment Planning System and patients will be treated with DIBH technique using RPM from Varian Trilogy linear accelerator (Varian Medical System, 1999-2014). 3.5 Data collection procedures The same radiation oncologist will perform all the delineation of the clinical target volume, the heart and LADCA for consistency purposes (see Appendix R). The delineation will be done according to radiation therapy oncology group (RTOG) breast contouring recommendations (Goksel, et al., 2013). Patient’s CT images at breath hold will be used to plan for DIBH technique while the one at free breathing will be planned for photon electron match technique. The treatments will be planned such that the clinical target volume’s coverage of the dose distribution is kept between 90% and 110% of the prescribed dose. For each plan, heart and LADCA volumes were calculated in cm3. Dose volumes to the heart and LADCA will be normalized by dividing with the total organ volume. Heart and LADCA volumes receiving 5Gy to 50Gy (V5-V50) will be generated for comparison of treatment techniques. Dose distributions can be presented as DVHs and representing the statistical dose distribution in a volume of interest. These statistical data will be recorded and presented in tables. Patient education is a very important component in DIBH technique using RPM to reduce anxiety and increase their confidence about receiving radiation therapy (Halkett Kristjanson, 2007). Patient education tools can be in many forms such as video or pamphlet (Halkett Kristjanson, 2007). For this research, a pamphlet have been created to educate patients on DIBH technique using RPM (see Appendix S). A qualitative research method such as face-to-face interview is chosen to assess patient’s comfort and understanding at the middle of the treatment and on the last day of treatment as this only require the patients to speak the same language in which the questions are asked, and to have basic verbal and listening skills (Bowling, 2009). The primary objective of this standardised and open-ended interview (Valenzuela Shrivastava, n.d.) is to determine the degree of understanding as well as patient’s comfort. The questions (see Appendix T) will be asked by the oncologist durin g the middle of the treatment and on the last day of treatment. The advantages of face-to-face interviews are that reading and writing skills are not required, interviewers are able to probe fully for responses and clarify any ambiguities, they can ask more complicated and detailed questions, and patients are able to clarify if they do not understand the questions (Bowling, 2009). This would be a better technique than self-administered questionnaires because pre-coded response choices may not be sufficiently comprehensive and patients may be ‘forced’ to choose inappropriate pre-coded answers that might not fully represent their views (Bowling, 2009). This causes the data to be bias as the patient’s replies are influenced by the design of the pre-coded response choices. Self-administered questionnaires also assumed that the questions are worded in a way that is understood by the patients (Bowling, 2009). Patients may misinterpret the questions and reply based on their own interpretation and questionnaires may be a problem for p atients who are unable to read or write (Bowling, 2009). Most importantly, one-to-one interviews with standardised questions appeared to have the highest reliability (University of Leicester, n.d.). The radiation therapist’s workload will be measured in terms of training hours, and the comparison of treatment duration and manpower required for gated DIBH using RPM and photon electron match technique (see Appendix U) will be recorded and presented in charts. 3.6 Data analysis Paired samples t-test will be used to determine whether there is a significant difference between the average dose to the heart and LADCA values made under photon electron match plan and gated DIBH using RPM plan (Norman Streiner, 2008). This is used because the data are measured at the scale level and the data are related (Hawkins, 2009). The amount of radiation received by the heart can be recorded by comparing the DVHs of the photon electron match with gated DIBH using RPM. The statistical figures can be analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (Yavas, et al., 2012). Paired samples t-test will be used to determine whether there is a significant difference between the average dose to the heart and LADCA values made under photon electron match plan and gated DIBH using RPM plan (Easton McColl, 2014). A p-value of Patient’s understanding and comfort The questions (see Appendix T) from the standardised and open-ended interview were developed by a team of 2 radiation oncologists, a nurse and 2 radiation therapists. The areas of discussion were based on the group’s clinical experience with left-sided breast cancer patients and their extensive knowledge on DIBH using RPM. The interview aims to determine the patient’s level of comfort and understanding of the gated DIBH using RPM. The design of the questionnaire will determine the reliability and validity of the opened-ended interview to measure patient’s level of comfort and understanding. Reliability is defined as the extent to which questionnaire will produce the same results on repeated trials (Miller, n.d.), and is measured by its equivalence and stability. Equivalence reliability assesses the consistency of the judgement of the patient’s answer by the interview (Miller, n.d.). It is improved by pre-empting a range of responses that might be given by the patients and give a pre-determined rating to each response so that the interviewers will have the same level of ‘judgement’ (Miller, n.d.). For example, _____________- Stability reliability is correlated to the repeatability of the patient’s response under the same conditions after a period of time (Miller, n.d.). For this interview, the patients will be interviewed twice, once during mid-treatment and the other on the last day of their treatment. Their responses from both sessions will be compared to determine if there are any deviance. This assumes that the characteristics that is measured doesn’t change with time, and that the time period is long enough that the memories from the 1st interview will not influence the responses of the 2nd interview (Miller, n.d.). The validity of the interview is the extent to which the interview questions measures what it purport to measure, and it generally takes the form of content validity (Miller, n.d.). Content validity is the degree to which the questions fully assess or measure the intention of the interview (Miller, n.d.). This was determined by letting the team review the individual questions for readability, clarity and comprehensiveness and come to some level of agreement as to which items should be included in the final interview questions. The interview questions (see Appendix T) were reviewed and accepted by the team prior to the conduct of the interview. The treatment duration will be recorded as seen in Appendix U and a paired samples t-test similar to appendix V will be used to determine whether there is a significant difference, where the null hypothesis (H0) is there is no difference between the treatment time with photon electron match technique and DIBH using RPM technique. The radiation therapist workload will be analysed based on the minimum number of manpower required for gated DIBH using RPM as compared to photon electron match technique and in terms of training hours. This will be discussed among the radiation therapists and presented in charts. 3.7 Limitation This research can only sample from a small size due to constraint of resources where there is only 1 treatment unit that has the RPM equipment required for DIBH technique. The expected sample size calculated is only an estimate as the treatment difference and standard deviation are never known in advance (Norman Streiner, 2008). As such, the actual sample size may be slightly smaller than 68. 3.8 Expected Results The results from this research are expected to show optimal radiation exposure volumes and doses for the heart and LADCA when treated with gated DIBH using RPM compared to photon electron match technique at free breathing. These results are expected to be compatible with findings from previous studies (Pedersen, et al., 2004; Korreman, et al., 2005; Shim, et al., 2012; Mast, et al., 2013). As such, showing that patients with left sided breast cancer will benefit from gated DIBH using RPM. Treatment time duration for gated DIBH using RPM is expected to have a significant difference and be faster than photon electron match technique. As gated DIBH using RPM is new to the radiation therapists, the workload is expected to be heavier in the beginning. 3.9 Budget There will be no additional cost for this research as the RPM equipment is already available together with the linear accelerator from Varian (Varian Medical System, 1999-2014). There will be no cost for training on the usage for RPM by Varian as it was included in the package when the linear accelerators were bought in 2013. Patients recruited for this research will be charged the same cost as photon electron match treatment technique. 3.10 Expected Timeline This research aims to commence from January 2015 till December 2015. The work plan for both the principal investigator and research assistants can be seen in Appendix W. Chapter IV: Conclusion This research aims to review gated DIBH using RPM as a treatment technique for left-sided breast cancer patients as compared to photon electron match in terms of the radiation dose received by the heart and LADCA. Paired t-test is chosen to measure the significant difference between the dose received by the heart in photon electron match technique and DIBH using RPM technique. Based on literatures that were review, the results are expected to be in favour of gated DIBH using RPM. Interviews will be conducted to assess patient’s comfort and understanding about gated DIBH using RPM. And data collection will be done gauge the workload of the radiation therapist. The results from interview and data collection will allow us to gauge further if it is really practical to implement gated DIBH using RPM in our department. If the results are clinically significant and positive, gated DIBH using RPM will be implemented into our department. 4.1 Recommendation For future recommendation to try contrast-enhanced CT scan in left-sided breast patients so that the LADCA can be seen clearly in the scan and able to be delineated by the doctor effectively (Yu, et al., 2013). This is to increase the accuracy of the delineation of LADCA as well as the accurate amount of radiation dose received by it. After this research, another study can be done in the future on the reproducibility of patient’s breath holding level for every fraction using a cine acquisition mode (CAM) of a linear accelerator during treatment (Goksel, et al., 2013).

The Shipping News Essay -- Shipping News Essays

The Shipping News Just as Newfoundlanders have to confront the sea, survive it, so people have to face life’s traumas and find the will to go on. To what extent is Proulx saying people must ‘weather the storms’ of life and reconcile the past with the future? To face life’s storms is not to reconcile the past with the future, meaning to be happy with it, but to confront the past, conquer it, and then accept it. Acceptance in this instance, meaning to acknowledge the past, and acknowledge that it cannot be changed. It does not need to be understood, simply recognised as something that has happened. In acceptance, feelings of anger, regret and guilt are dissipated. These are the steps that are to be taken in order to cope, â€Å"weather the storms† of life and move forward. All of the characters in the novel have to cope with their lives, some of which are more difficult than others. Quoyle had many traumatic events in his life, and until he went to Newfoundland he was not coping with them. It was through help from others that he could confront, conquer and accept his past to start truly coping with life. Other characters, including Wavey and Agnis also have to confront, conquer and accept their pasts to cope and get on with life. Although it is not a matter of life and death as to whether the characters cope with life, they will have to face it eventually. Newfoundlanders undertake this idea, and learn how to confront, conquer and accept what happens in their lives. Wavey has her own past to confront and accept. Throughout the novel and her development of the relationship with Quoyle, she has to learn to trust again after her husband’s treatment of her, and accept his death. She did this through her relationship with Quoyle, by learning to develop a mutually open and trusting relationship. Their trust was developed but a sharing of common painful experiences with their spouses, in a safe and comfortable environment. Wavey was able to share her secrets with Quoyle, because he was able to share his with her first. â€Å"The way Quoyle talked of his love, but never the woman? Could pull out one from her own skein of secrets.† (Pg 307) Wavey’s trust enables her to accept her husband’s behaviour towards her and his death, so she can move forward in her life. Another example of a trusting relationship that is formed is one with Agnis and the new Quoyle fam... ...t them. Nutbeem shows his ability to do this after his boat has been destroyed at his farewell party â€Å"’At least you can smile about it.’ Dennis, half smiling to himself. ‘If I didn’t I’d go round the twist, wouldn’t I? No, I’ve decided to smile, forget and fly to Brazil.’† (Pg 268.) Instead of getting upset and trying hopelessly to fix the boat, Nutbeem accepts what has happened, and finds another way around it. Jack displays his acceptance of his life, is shown in the way he goes out on his boat and fishes everyday, even though his grandfather, father and eldest son all died at sea. To reconcile with the past is to forgive, and be contented with it. To accept the past is acknowledge its existence, and the inability to change its facts. Quoyle, through developing new relationships in Newfoundland and discovering his family history, is able to move forward by confronting, conquering and accepting his own past. This is also been reflected in Wavey’s life. Through her relationship with Quoyle she has developed the ability to trust and love again. Going back to Newfoundland enabled Agnis to confront her familial demons, and so to accept her past and move forward into the future.

International tourism Essay

Every year, hundreds of millions of people move around to see a different part of the world. It is natural to assume that tourists who have seen other countries have a better knowledge of the people. That assumption also leads to the conclusion that international tourism promotes understanding between nations. How true is this? Let us examine what tourists do in a different country. First, before going abroad, tourists are often told by their travel agents of the possible hazards which sometimes include local people. They are given example of extreme cases where victims are always the travelers. Then, when they arrive, they are immediately taken to their hotels in big coaches. They flood places where local people don’t go. Their shopping, meals, entertainment all take place in secluded areas. They wear a bubble all the way. Apart from speaking to the guide and a few shop assistants, tourists rarely talk to the local people. To make it even worse, they meet pickpockets, they are ripped off by dishonest traders. Furthermore, very few local people bother to talk to them out of a genuine interest in the guests’ country, people and culture. Therefore, when asked how much they know about the local people, their answer is â€Å"very little†. If someone really wants to understand a different culture, he has to learn its language, stay there for at least a few month without wearing a bubble, learn how to curse and swear, bargain with a vegetable vendor and then he can say that he understands the people.

A Profile of Byzantine Emperor Alexios Komnenos

A Profile of Byzantine Emperor Alexios Komnenos Alexius Comnenus, also known as  Alexios Komnenos, is perhaps best known for seizing the throne from Nicephorus III and founding the Comnenus dynasty. As emperor, Alexius stabilized the government of the empire. He was also Emperor during the First Crusade. Alexius is the subject of a biography by his learned daughter, Anna Comnena. Occupations: EmperorCrusade WitnessMilitary Leader Places of Residence and Influence: Byzantium (Eastern Rome) Important Dates: Born: 1048Crowned: April 4, 1081Died: Aug. 15, 1118 About Alexius Comnenus Alexius was the third son of John Comnenus and a nephew of Emperor Isaac I. From 1068 to 1081, during the reigns of Romanus IV, Michael VII, and Nicephorus III, he served in the military; then, with the help of his brother Isaac, his mother Anna Dalassena, and his powerful in-laws the Ducas family, he seized the throne from Nicephorus III. For more than half a century the empire had suffered from ineffective or short-lived leaders. Alexius was able to drive the Italian Normans from western Greece, defeat Turkic nomads whod been invading the Balkans, and halt the encroachment of the Seljuq Turks. He also negotiated agreements with Sulayman ibn Qutalmà ¯sh of Konya and other Muslim leaders on the empires eastern border. At home he strengthened the central authority and built up military and naval forces, thus increasing imperial strength in portions of Anatolia (Turkey) and the Mediterranean. These actions helped stabilize Byzantium, but other policies would cause difficulties for his reign. Alexius made concessions to powerful landed magnates which would serve to weaken the authority of himself and future emperors. Although he maintained the traditional imperial role of protecting the Eastern Orthodox Church and repressed heresy, he also seized funds from the Church when necessary, and would be called to account for these actions by the ecclesiastical authorities. Alexius is well known for appealing to Pope Urban II for help in driving the Turks from Byzantine territory. The resulting influx of Crusaders would plague him for years to come.

Plastic Pollution Innovated Into Homes Professor Ramos Blog

Plastic Pollution Innovated Into Homes Ever wonder what the state of the worlds ocean would be in 2100? It doesnt help that the inhabitants of Earth produce 300 million tons of plastic each year (Arnold 1). 8 million tons of plastic being dumped into the ocean annually. Once it enters the environment it never actually goes away because once in the ocean for a certain period of time. The Plastic shrinks down to five millimeters in length never being detected again (Baker 1). It is estimated that seventy percent of animals in the oceans are ingesting 8 kilograms of plastic each year (Baker 3). These vertebrae are vital because they feed on these microorganisms. Without marine life, most of the coral reefs will begin to deteriorate along with a vast amount of food. Biodiversity plays a key role in this because without our oceans wouldnt be healthy and without a healthy ecosystem and biodiversity niche, the water from this ocean could become hazardous (Derraik 2). One solution that would help the plastic pollution on land would be to have a controlled area were the Wax Worm Larvae would feed on plastic. One of the only insects to feed and thrive on plastic (Arnold 3). In reality, this is how marine life feels like with all the plastic pollution entering their habitat. Once spoken about by Charles Moore In 1998 in the United States alone, 30 million tons of plastic were produced annually (2). Plastics are lightweight, strong, cheap, and durable making it perfect for manufacturers to a product from a wide range. These exact reasons are making plastics a serious hazard to the environment. The threat of plastics to the marine environment has been ignored for a long time, and its seriousness has been only recently recognized (Stefatos et al.). The amount of plastic dumped into the ocean each day is fourteen billion thats 1.5 million pounds per hour (Moore 5). The threat that marine life has to deal with when encountering plastic debris is the primary mechanical described by Laist meaning the see somethi ng floating in the water their first instinct is to eat it. Due to ingestion of plastic debris and entanglement in packaging bands, synthetic ropes, and lines or drift nets. These are all the horrible and unnecessary objects the marine life has to overcome and adapt in order to survive in the 21st century. It is not only marine life that is being harmed by plastic debris sea birds are being in the same critical harming position as well, but it is also believed that seven hundred species could go extinct due to plastic debris. Current estimates two hundred and sixty-seven species worldwide have been affected, including eighty-four percent of sea turtle species! Really sea turtles one of the most majestic creatures in the sea. Have you ever swum with a Green Sea Turtle, Chelonia Myda? I have once when I was sixteen years old in Hawaii ABSOLUTELY one of the craziest and most memorable times of my life. Now eighty-four percent of them are becoming endangered forty-four percent of sea birds and forty-three percent of all marine mammals species who have been harmed and put on the endangered species list. (Smith 1) Plastic bottles are very much killing our oceans. What can we do to stop this? I am purposing that we use all the plastic we throw away and implement it into our architectural cultural throughout society. In a small town of a very tiny island in Panama, residents are described by Baker are transforming plastic bottles into eco-friendly and stylish buildings. The person leading this project is Canadian Rober Bezue, he has developed this project because he has become fed up with cleaning bottles for years off beaches. Bezues solution was to construct an entire village of plastic called, the Plastic Bottle Village (Baker 5). Bezue stated unless developed countries organize, unite, and educate the developing countries, and give them an incentive to pick-up and reuse the plastic bottles already discarded, we all lose. I want the world to realize that we can reuse plastic bottles in many other applications. Why? Why plastic material for almost every product we use. Because it is cheap, affordable, and easy to manufacture. According to OurPlasticNetWorth.org in 2010. 192 countries bordering the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and the Black Sea produced 2.5 billion metric tons of solid waste was produced (Baker 3). An estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean that same year in 2010. 2 billion people within 30 miles of the coast create 100 million metric tons of coastal plastic waste. How much is created around the world? 2.5 billion metric tons of solid waste is produced all around the world. Within that 275 million metrics ton is a plastic waste (Baker 3). Thats 9.0909 pounds of plastic per person on the planet. To give you an example of what 1 metric ton is equivalent too is about 2204.62 pounds. So whats the outcome if we dont stop abusing plastic waste and throwing it into our oceans. The outcome? These plastic bottle h ouses keep houses thirty-five degrees cooler in Panama jungle. Panama is far more humid and hotter than the United States because Panama is closer to the equator meaning more heat rises on their continent (Baker 6). Twenty-thousand bottles would need to produce one house while being stuffed between wire mesh and the final step would be to cover the walls with concrete to keep it steady. An average person will consume fourteen to eighteen-thousand bottles in their lifetime (Baker 6). If you make a plastic bottle house made of twenty-thousand bottles youve become plastic bottle neutral, meaning it was like youve never thrown a plastic bottle away every in your lifetime. Prices would start out at $19,000 for an 800 per square meter lot according to their website PlasticBottleVillage.com. This is the future if we cant get rid of the problem make a solution to the problem. What can we do? First, reduce plastic waste in waste streams. Second, improve solid waste management. Third, and la stly is to increase the capture and reuse of plastic items. Its up to us to protect our oceans! Annotated Bibliography Garrard, Samantha, et al. Biological Impacts of Ocean Acidification: A Postgraduate Perspective on Research Priorities. Marine Biology, vol. 160, no. 8, Aug. 2013, pp. 1789–1805. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1007/s00227-012-2033-3.http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=eihAN=89600216site=ehost-live.This research paper is studying the effects of pollution on marine life acidification (OA). Over the past decade, studies have revealed high levels of intra- and interspecific organism changes within the same time as water pollution has increased here in the United States. This source will help able to use the data they have found to show the effects of ocean pollution over the last decade. This is very well a credible source having been peer reviews by scientist and also postgraduate students. Talvitie, Julia, et al. Solutions to Microplastic Pollution – Removal of Microplastics from Wastewater Effluent with Advanced Wastewater Treatment Technologies. Water Research, Pergamon, 2 July 2017,www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0043135417305687.The Research paper by four scientists in Finland is suggesting a solution to the removal of microplastic from wastewater with the help of advanced wastewater treatment technologies. We drink microplastic waste in the water we drink and not only is it being consumed by humans it is being consumed by billions of marine life as well. This will help my proposal find a healthy yet eco-friendly solution for eliminating ocean pollution. Department of Built Environment, Aalto University, and Finland Sib Labs have published this under an Environment Institute making this a reliable source. Derraik, Jose G. Marine Pollution Bulletin. Vol. 44, Pergamon Press, 2003. The bookMarine Pollution Bulletin addresses the plastic debris harming and killing millions of marine wildlife. Not tending too this issue will mean a result of which we do not have these majestic creatures anymore roaming in our oceans all because of plastic litter. I will be showing the effects the plastic debris has one other larger marine wildlife versus the microplastics in the world’s ocean. The book was written by Dr. Jose G.B Derraik from the Ecology and Health Research Centre, Department of Public Health in Otago New Zealand. Arnold, Carrie. This Bug Can Eat Plastic. But Can It Clean Up Our Mess? National Geographic. April 24, 2017. Accessed June 25, 2019.https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/04/wax-worms-eat-plastic-polyethylene-trash-pollution-cleanup/. In this article they experiment with an insect called the Wax Worm Larvae which feeds on plastic. Trying to implement this on a nation or even global scale would be very hard and tricky so that is why I am putting it in my introduction as a possible solution but not a probable one. It will help me grab my readers and wanting them to know if this method of cleaning plastic pollution is actually possible. Baker, Maverick, and Maverick Baker. How to Eliminate Plastic Waste and Plastic Pollution with Science and Engineering. Interesting Engineering. September 24, 2018. Accessed June 25, 2019.https://interestingengineering.com/how-to-eliminate-plastic-waste-and-plastic-pollution-with-science-and-engineering. This entire journal is amazing this one really opened my eyes to all the possible outcomes of plastic solutions. I believe this will be the journal that I will use to help determine my solution. Being credible on a number of reason but the one that stood out to me is that they are partnered with the nature conservation natural center for all things green and wildlife. Merchant, Brian. â€Å"By 2100, Earth Will Have an Entirely Different Ocean.† Vice, VICE, 13 Aug. 2015,www.vice.com/en_us/article/bmjqvz/by-2100-everything-you-know-about-the-ocean-will-be-wrong. This article has some interesting and yet compelling arguments about plastic pollution and what the oceans will be like in the future to come. The evidence is very much credible by Mr. Merchant who’s been investigating this issue and studying the issue for quiet some time. I will be using this article in my essay to help give my elevator pitch in my introduction. https://vimeo.com/182464603this is the video of Rober Bezue and his plastic bottle village. If youd life to help protect our oceans visit this website to learn more. Its up to us to PROTECT our OCEANS! ourplasticnetworth.org Plastic Bottle Home Finished Plastic Bottle Home Under Construction What Marine Life Feel Because of Plastic Pollution

Understanding the Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

Understanding the Triarchic Theory of Intelligence The triarchic theory of intelligence proposes that there are three distinct types of intelligence: practical, distinct, and analytical. It was formulated by Robert J. Sternberg, a well-known psychologist whose research often focuses on human intelligence and creativity. The triarchic theory is comprised of three subtheories, each of which relates to a specific kind of intelligence: the contextual subtheory, which corresponds to practical intelligence, or the ability to successfully function in one’s environment; the experiential subtheory, which corresponds to creative intelligence, or the ability to deal with novel situations or issues; and the componential subtheory, which corresponds to analytical intelligence, or the ability to solve problems. Triarchic Theory of Intelligence Key Takeaways The triarchic theory of intelligence originated as an alternative to the concept of general intelligence factor, or g.  The theory, proposed by psychologist Robert J. Sternberg, contends that there are three types of intelligence: practical (the ability to get along in different contexts), creative (the ability go come up with new ideas), and analytical (the ability to evaluate information and solve problems).The theory is comprised of three subtheories: contextual, experiential, and componential. Each subtheory corresponds to one of the three proposed types of intelligence. Origins Sternberg  proposed his theory in 1985 as an alternative to the idea of the general intelligence factor. The general intelligence factor,  also known as  g, is what intelligence tests typically measure. It  refers only to â€Å"academic intelligence.† Sternberg argued that practical intelligence- a person’s ability to react and adapt to the world around them- as well as creativity are equally important when measuring an individuals overall intelligence.  He also argued that  intelligence isn’t fixed, but rather  comprises a set of abilities that can be developed.  Sternbergs assertions led to the creation of his theory.   Subtheories Sternberg broke his theory down into  the following  three subtheories: Contextual subtheory: The contextual subtheory says that intelligence is intertwined with the individual’s environment. Thus, intelligence is based on the way one functions in their everyday circumstances, including one’s ability to a) adapt to one’s environment, b) select the best environment for oneself, or c) shape the environment to better fit one’s needs and desires.Experiential subtheory: The experiential subtheory proposes that there is a continuum of experience from novel to automation to which intelligence can be applied. It’s at the extremes of this continuum that intelligence is best demonstrated. At the novel end of the spectrum, an individual is confronted with an unfamiliar task or situation and must come up with a way to deal with it. At the automation end of the spectrum, one has become familiar with a given task or situation and can now handle it with minimal thought.  Ã‚  Componential subtheory: The componential theory outlines t he various mechanisms that result in intelligence. According to Sternberg, this subtheory is comprised of three kinds of mental processes or components:Metacomponents enable us to monitor, control, and evaluate our mental processing, so that we can make decisions, solve problems, and create plans.Performance components are what enable us to take action on the plans and decisions arrived at by the metacomponents.Knowledge-acquisition components enable us to learn new information that will help us carry out our plans. Kinds of Intelligence Each subtheory reflects a particular kind of intelligence or ability: Practical intelligence:  Sternberg called one’s ability to successfully interact with the everyday world  practical intelligence. Practical intelligence is related to the contextual subtheory. Practically intelligent people are especially adept at behaving in successful ways  in their external environment.Creative intelligence:  The experiential subtheory is related to creative intelligence, which is one’s ability to use  existing knowledge to create new ways to handle new problems or cope in new situations.Analytical intelligence:  The componential subtheory is related to analytical intelligence, which is essentially academic  intelligence. Analytical intelligence is used to solve problems and is the kind of intelligence that is measured  by a standard IQ test Sternberg observed that all three kinds of intelligence are necessary for successful intelligence, which refers to  the ability to be successful in life based on one’s abilities, personal desires, and environment. Critiques There have been a number of critiques and challenges to Sternberg’s triarchic theory of intelligence over the years. For example,  educational psychologist  Linda  Gottfredson says  the theory  lacks a solid empirical basis, and observes that the data used to back up the theory is meager. In addition, some scholars argue that practical intelligence is redundant with the concept of job knowledge, a concept that is more robust and has been better researched. Finally, Sternberg’s own definitions and explanations of his terms and concepts have at times been imprecise. Sources Gottfredson, Linda S. â€Å"Dissecting practical intelligence theory: Its claims and evidence† Intelligence, vol. 31, no. 4, 2003, pp.343-397, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0160-2896(02)00085-5Meunier, John. â€Å"Practical Intelligence.† Human Intelligence, 2003. intelltheory.com/practicalintelligence.shtmlSchmidt, Frank L., and John E. Hunter. â€Å"Tacit Knowledge, Practical Intelligence, General Mental Ability, and Job Knowledge† Current Directions in Psychological Science, vol. 2, no. 1, 1993, pp. 8-9,  https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8721.ep10770456Sternberg, Robert J. Beyond IQ: A Triarchic Theory of Human Intelligence. Cambridge University Press, 1985.Sternberg, Robert J. â€Å"The Theory of Successful Intelligence† Review of General Psychology, vol. 3, no. 4, 1999, 292-316, http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.3.4.292â€Å"Triarchic Theory of Intelligence.† Psychestudy, https://www.psychestudy.com/cognitive/intelligence/triarchic

Gilgamesh Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Gilgamesh - Assignment Example The basic epic is primitive or oral, such as Gilgamesh’s epic. The secondary epics include literary or written ones, such as The Aeneid. The Epic of Gilgamesh dates back to 2150-2000 BC and before that there were only two huge Indian epics called the Ramayana and Mahabharata, which date back to 1000-800 BC. There were also two epics of Greeks titled as ‘The Odyssey’ and ‘The Iliad’ as of 900-700 BC, which are older than epic of Gilgamesh (Campbell, 1949). The epic of Gilgamesh dwells on the difference between an animal, a man, and a god. Gilgamesh is both a god and a man. Enkidu is also a man and a god and this is the tale of these two becoming humans as they travel together. Utnapishtim is also called Noah as per the Hebraic myth. He is considered the immortal. Gilgamesh is indeed the hero of the epic. Enkidu is not only an advisor to Gilgamesh but also his friend and also referred to as Hercules in the greek legendary past. The huge massive monster is Humbaba. The story is about the cycle of a hero’s life based on initiation, departure, and return. It is based on Joseph Campbell’s idea of four functions of the heroic cycle. The traits that make a person a hero are to fight against one’s fear, quest for eternal life, facing death, and a lot of suffering dealt with wisdom (Campbell, 1949). Gilgamesh in the epic itself is one-third man and two-thirds god. Gilgamesh is a hero in the epic who is a brave person, beautiful as well and also horrifying as compared to most of us people. Hid attributes, achievements, and desires symbolize our own ambitions and feelings. But, he is mortal too and also must see and experience death like us. The philosophy is that this legend of Gilgamesh is 1/3rds mortal and 2/3rds divine. His huge emotional intelligence and power is great but tyrannize the people of his time. People of that time used to call the gods, the leading god called sky-god Anu is the god of the city. The wild man is known as Enkidu with adequate power to match that of Gilgamesh. Ultimately, the fight between two people makes any of them never succeed. The animosity turned into mutual respect in the end and long-lasting relationship (Campbell, 1949). Now the two newly met friends set on an adventure with each other but finally, the gods were able to murder Enkidu. Gilgamesh seriously weeps for the loss of his friend and a realization struck him that he will soon die too. Therefore, he came to know about Utnapishtim- the immortal. The only global food survivor is called Utnapishtim. Subsequently, Gilgamesh goes all across sea to go for his friend Utnapishtim, who talks about his extraordinary life adventures. The Flood of Gilgamesh is also called Utnapishtim’s flood. When the council of gods came up with the idea to devastate the mankind, the god who created man called ‘Ea’ warned against Shuruppak to Utnapishtim. Shuruppak was a town near Euphrates bank and instructed about the huge boat (Campbell, 1949). This Epic of Gilgamesh is the tale of the King Gilgamesh in Uruk who dominates the people of his town. As a sentence, the god gives him a friend known as Enkidu who became a good friend and a shadow of King Gilgamesh. When they both sets on an adventure together, Enkidu and Gilgamesh challenge the gods by murdering the huge Humbaba, also cutting the blessed forest of cedar which he protected, and killed the Bull of Heaven. The frightening dreams of tyrants’ destiny were seen by Enkidu and then these tyrants became slaves of House of Death. Finally, Enkidu dies because of sickness of gods. Devastated by the death of Enkidu and also perspective of his own death, a quest for the power of immortality was undertaken by Gilgamesh which brought

Multi-Self Model and the Dual-Self Model Approaches to Self-Control Essay

Multi-Self Model and the Dual-Self Model Approaches to Self-Control Problems - Essay Example According to the research findings, it can, therefore, be said that the multi-self model is a complex topic in behavioral economics. Authors like Ambrus and Rozen have described it as a broader conception in the form of an array of self-control concepts or theories. As such, the concept of aggregator appears at the center of this approach. The aggregator can be understood as a behavioral and psychometric mechanism that organizes the available choices before the individual. The aggregator factors cumulate a suitable prioritized list of choices, and the individual’s sense of rational behavior ultimately leads him or her to select the most appropriate one for oneself. However, in the deep trenches of mind and thought processes, this one self is actually consisting of many selves. Hence, according to Ambrus and Rozen, one of the most important characteristics of a given set of aggregators is that the aggregation can be dependent on the consumer’s economic utilities and obje ctives. Therefore, if an individual is considered as a coherence of more than one economic self, then preferences of oneself may differ from that of another. Consequently, several contemporary models of â€Å"multi-self decision-making† utilize pieces of cardinal information that are embedded in the utility functions of an individual’s diverse economic selves. Aggregators being considered as the fundamentals of utility functions can also be defined as the intensity of preferences, which are capable of molding the dynamics of intra-personal economic decisions. However, this paradigm can be extended to inter-personal economic decisions too.

History and Background of Outsourcing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

History and Background of Outsourcing - Essay Example . Even though America and European countries are highly developed regions compared to the countries in the other parts of the world, these regions are facing immense manpower shortage in critical employment sectors. For example, in construction industry and healthcare industry, majority of the people working in these regions are from Asian countries. In other words, opportunities are more compared to the number of available manpower resources in developing countries. Thus, manpower cost is highly expensive in developed countries whereas in developing or underdeveloped countries manpower resources are more and hence the labor cost is cheap. For example, heavily populated countries such as India and China have surplus manpower resources whereas employment opportunities are less in these countries. Out sourcing helps developed countries to exploit the abundant cheap manpower resources in heavily populated countries so that they can reduce the prices of their commodities and compete effe ctively in international market. This paper analyses the history and background of outsourcing. History and background of outsourcing The evolution of Outsourcing can be attributed to globalization and liberalization. ... Keeping these points in mind, these countries developed and introduced the globalization policies. Even though countries like China watched these polices with suspicion, they also realised the opportunities quickly and embraced globalization. As industries grown, organizations started to look for opportunities in international market. Domestic markets were insufficient for some of the major organizations to sell their products during the second half of the twentieth century. Such organizations started to explore opportunities outside the domestic market and as a result of that competition started to increase in international market. Along with opportunities, these organizations faced lot of challenges also in international market. Some organizations were able to reduce the prices of their products considerably of the availability of cheap labour in their home country. For example, Chinese products are still causing major worries to international companies because of its cheaper price s. This is because of the fact that China has plenty of manpower resources and their labour cost is comparatively low. In the 1990s, as organizations began to focus more on cost-saving measures, they started to outsource those functions necessary to run a company but not related specifically to the core business. Managers contracted with emerging service companies to deliver accounting, human resources, data processing, internal mail distribution, security, plant maintenance, and the like as a matter of â€Å"good housekeeping†. Outsourcing components to affect cost savings in key functions is yet another stage as managers seek to improve their finances (Handfield, Ph.D, 2006) Even though the business process

Courtroom and the Jurisdiction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Courtroom and the Jurisdiction - Essay Example Federal courts have limited jurisdiction. They can only hear cases falling within the area or scope defined by the Constitution of the United States or the federal statutes. The writer has chosen the bombing case at Boston Marathon where Dzhokhar Tsarnaev murdered three people and injured over 250 people after detonating a bomb during the Boston Marathon in 2013. Concerning jurisdiction and seriousness of the crime, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was charged in a federal court rather than state courts of Massachusetts. Dzhokhar was charged with thirty counts including maliciously damaging and destroying property with an explosive device, and conspiring to use a mass destruction weapon. The federal government can prosecute cases that fall within the federal jurisdiction. United States attorneys may decide to prosecute their cases concurrently with state crimes prosecution, or they may choose to prosecute from the state courts (Index to Criminal Justice and Behavior, 2008). In the case of Tsarnaev, federal prosecutors give importance to death sentencing. This may have been the only reason that the feds took over the state’s authority and why Dzhokhar underwent trial in the federal court rather than state court. A death penalty is prohibited in some states in the U.S. Several high profile cases recently have shown that innocent defendants sometimes plead guilty. More shocking is that in most of these cases, the defendant is known to be innocent or that people suspect his innocence at the time of entering the plea. On 19 August 2011, Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley and Jason Baldwin were released from prison almost 18 years after they were arrested in relation to murders of three 8-year-old boys in West Memphis. Their freedom came at a cost of pleading guilty to crimes they did not commit. The plea bargain secured their freedom, but the three men will be considered as convicted murderers (Hemmens, 2009).  

Lean Production Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Lean Production - Term Paper Example minimal defects and variety of output with least input. The important aspect is ‘half ‘that symbolizes reduction by human power, investment, manufacturing and engineering hours (Black, pp. 6-15). It forms the systematic approach on cost reduction, quality, time management, delivery aspects, safety, and morale. It also models the ongoing customer pull and continuous flow of improvement. Gallus group also justified the lean production by eliminating 50% inefficiencies in their processes and saving on millions of Euros per year by a limited outlay. An important aspect of the lean philosophy is ‘Elimination of Waste’. It works on the excellent epitome of Zero’s i.e. zero waste. It features zeros in â€Å"defects, over production, waiting or lead-time, inventory, inappropriate processing, transportation movement† (Creative Class, pp. 25-29). The re –engineering not only implies in business process but also to people’s attitude, efficien cy, and input. The JIT (Just in Time) will eliminate the inventory holding cost by pull production of ‘zero’ strategy. The Toyota City is the best example of the just in time system that not only caters the main production but also its suppliers. The Japanese strategy of lean transplant was to bring an innovative approach to work practices such as work force, apparent skills and knowledge, quality management etc.

Canada national Park Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Canada national Park - Research Paper Example It was established in the year 1987 and governed by Parks Canada. The most important geographical features include the rocks, cliffs, and Grottos (caves). The dolomite rocks that can be seen in the park are important because it consist of the fossils of plants and animals. So, one can easily identify that Bruce Peninsula National Park is archeologically and ecologically important. Within Bruce Peninsula National Park, steep cliffs in Bruce Trail and the sea shore in Georgian Bay are some of the important geographical features. Koenig (2005), states that â€Å"The peninsula can be characterized as an out-of-the-way place in a cultural as well as an ecological sense† (p.11). Some of the important plant and tree species include Yellow Lady's Slipper, Maidenhair Spleenwort and Eastern White Cedar (tree). The wildlife includes wild animals like bear, birds, plants and reptiles. Besides, the most important quality of the Bruce Peninsula National Park is its closeness to Niagara Esca rpment area. So, the main features/ characteristics of Bruce Peninsula National Park qualify the same as an important national park which preserves flora and fauna without human encroachment and exploitation. B. Natural and cultural attractions at Bruce Peninsula National Park The natural attractions at Bruce Peninsula National Park are interconnected with its landscape (beaches, limestone cliffs, and forests). On the other side, the cultural attractions include the remaining of Paleozoic Era and the status as a World Biosphere Reserve within Niagara Escarpment. Besides, the facilities, natural and cultural identity, accommodation facilities and operation (proper functioning) act the role of a strong foundation to the natural and cultural attractions at Bruce Peninsula National Park. To be specific, some of the world renowned National Parks does not prove successful in attracting visitors and preserving nature. But Bruce Peninsula National Park is entirely different from other natio nal parks. I. Facilities Most of the facilities that are considered as an integral part of tourism are available at Bruce Peninsula National Park. For instance, tourists who are interested in adventure can enjoy hiking, canoeing and kayaking. The tourists who are interested in sight seeing can enjoy the flora and fauna of Bruce Peninsula National Park. Goodwin (1995), makes clear that â€Å"The Bruce’s reputation as a haven for some of the province’s rarest and most attractive plants has drawn naturalists north to the peninsula, and it is now recognized for an outstanding array of breeding birds as well† (p.77). The tourists who are interested in learning more about the national park can participate in the educational programs conducted by the park authorities. As the park is open year round, tourists can conduct different types of camps according to their interest. For instance, Front Country Camping (say, 242 campsites) is an important attraction at Bruce Peni nsula National Park. Other facilities provided by the park authorities include parking (parking lots), special care and attention for persons with disabilities and local community services (stores, groceries etc). From a different angle of view, the facilities provided by the park authorities are helpful for the tourists to choose facilities according to their needs. II. Natural and cultural identity Some of the most important places in Bruce Peninsula N

Courtroom and the Jurisdiction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Courtroom and the Jurisdiction - Essay Example Federal courts have limited jurisdiction. They can only hear cases falling within the area or scope defined by the Constitution of the United States or the federal statutes. The writer has chosen the bombing case at Boston Marathon where Dzhokhar Tsarnaev murdered three people and injured over 250 people after detonating a bomb during the Boston Marathon in 2013. Concerning jurisdiction and seriousness of the crime, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was charged in a federal court rather than state courts of Massachusetts. Dzhokhar was charged with thirty counts including maliciously damaging and destroying property with an explosive device, and conspiring to use a mass destruction weapon. The federal government can prosecute cases that fall within the federal jurisdiction. United States attorneys may decide to prosecute their cases concurrently with state crimes prosecution, or they may choose to prosecute from the state courts (Index to Criminal Justice and Behavior, 2008). In the case of Tsarnaev, federal prosecutors give importance to death sentencing. This may have been the only reason that the feds took over the state’s authority and why Dzhokhar underwent trial in the federal court rather than state court. A death penalty is prohibited in some states in the U.S. Several high profile cases recently have shown that innocent defendants sometimes plead guilty. More shocking is that in most of these cases, the defendant is known to be innocent or that people suspect his innocence at the time of entering the plea. On 19 August 2011, Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley and Jason Baldwin were released from prison almost 18 years after they were arrested in relation to murders of three 8-year-old boys in West Memphis. Their freedom came at a cost of pleading guilty to crimes they did not commit. The plea bargain secured their freedom, but the three men will be considered as convicted murderers (Hemmens, 2009).  

Canada national Park Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Canada national Park - Research Paper Example It was established in the year 1987 and governed by Parks Canada. The most important geographical features include the rocks, cliffs, and Grottos (caves). The dolomite rocks that can be seen in the park are important because it consist of the fossils of plants and animals. So, one can easily identify that Bruce Peninsula National Park is archeologically and ecologically important. Within Bruce Peninsula National Park, steep cliffs in Bruce Trail and the sea shore in Georgian Bay are some of the important geographical features. Koenig (2005), states that â€Å"The peninsula can be characterized as an out-of-the-way place in a cultural as well as an ecological sense† (p.11). Some of the important plant and tree species include Yellow Lady's Slipper, Maidenhair Spleenwort and Eastern White Cedar (tree). The wildlife includes wild animals like bear, birds, plants and reptiles. Besides, the most important quality of the Bruce Peninsula National Park is its closeness to Niagara Esca rpment area. So, the main features/ characteristics of Bruce Peninsula National Park qualify the same as an important national park which preserves flora and fauna without human encroachment and exploitation. B. Natural and cultural attractions at Bruce Peninsula National Park The natural attractions at Bruce Peninsula National Park are interconnected with its landscape (beaches, limestone cliffs, and forests). On the other side, the cultural attractions include the remaining of Paleozoic Era and the status as a World Biosphere Reserve within Niagara Escarpment. Besides, the facilities, natural and cultural identity, accommodation facilities and operation (proper functioning) act the role of a strong foundation to the natural and cultural attractions at Bruce Peninsula National Park. To be specific, some of the world renowned National Parks does not prove successful in attracting visitors and preserving nature. But Bruce Peninsula National Park is entirely different from other natio nal parks. I. Facilities Most of the facilities that are considered as an integral part of tourism are available at Bruce Peninsula National Park. For instance, tourists who are interested in adventure can enjoy hiking, canoeing and kayaking. The tourists who are interested in sight seeing can enjoy the flora and fauna of Bruce Peninsula National Park. Goodwin (1995), makes clear that â€Å"The Bruce’s reputation as a haven for some of the province’s rarest and most attractive plants has drawn naturalists north to the peninsula, and it is now recognized for an outstanding array of breeding birds as well† (p.77). The tourists who are interested in learning more about the national park can participate in the educational programs conducted by the park authorities. As the park is open year round, tourists can conduct different types of camps according to their interest. For instance, Front Country Camping (say, 242 campsites) is an important attraction at Bruce Peni nsula National Park. Other facilities provided by the park authorities include parking (parking lots), special care and attention for persons with disabilities and local community services (stores, groceries etc). From a different angle of view, the facilities provided by the park authorities are helpful for the tourists to choose facilities according to their needs. II. Natural and cultural identity Some of the most important places in Bruce Peninsula N

Proofs for God’s Existence Essay Example for Free

Proofs for God’s Existence Essay God’s existence can be proven in a multitude of ways. However, several introductory caveats are in order. First, by â€Å"God,† we mean the traditional Christian concept of an all-powerful and wise creator. Second, the project of â€Å"proving† anything is logic or science is nearly impossible. Even the best laid logical plans and the most iron clad arguments can be torn to pieces by a skilled logician. Such a state does not invalidate the proofs in question, just merely that the language of the discipline is such that any logical design can be manipulated and refuted by one who ardently desires it be refuted. What is being dealt with here is that faith in the God of the Christians is not an irrational, â€Å"blind faith,† but one that is eminently reasonable and defensible on metaphysical, logical and scientific grounds. 1. The proof of Aristotle, used by Thomas Aquinas later, is the â€Å"hylomorphic† proof and is very important to medieval thoughts about God and the nature of his existence. The theory centers around the distinction between first, form and matter which, second, corresponds to action and passion, or act and potency. The form of an object is it in act, or developing towards its natural telos, or end. The matter is passive, that which has non being, that which still needs to be developed. But the nature of reality is such that as one rises in knowledge, the form dominates over the matter. Mathematics, for example, is almost purely form, with only a minuscule amount of material stuff. But what is the origin of such things? Only the world of pure form, and hence, pure act, that is, God. God is pure act, pure perfection with no more need for development. It is the form of Forms that renders unchanging knowledge possible. The matter within its formal shell is not nly passive, but accidental, in that it is only the generator of sensations, colors, etc. But such things cannot exist without a substratum (there is no red, without it being a red something), and hence, form is the object of knowledge, not the matter, or the â€Å"accident† of the object. But knowledge only sees form, never matter. Matter might present form in the guise of a sensate object, but logical and mathematics does not work this way, these are separated from matter. Hence, the more universal the knowledge, the less matter. Hence, the ultimately form of knowledge is Pure form, hence God (Owens, 1980: 20-25). 2. Similarly, the proof of St. Augustine from the point of view of unchanging truth. Any such unchanging truth must have a cause. The truths of mathematics or logic never change regardless of time or place, and hence, there must be an entity in existence who could have brought such a world into being. Such an entity must never change or alter its being in any way, and hence, must be perfect (the only need for change is to improve, if no need for change, then there is no need for improvement). Therefore, God exists (Augustine, 1996: 19). 3. In terms of scientific proof, there is the entire question of natural law. The world is held together by a series of laws that never seem to change. They are regular and can be seen throughout nature, from its macro to its micro level. The â€Å"sensate† part of nature, logically, is anterior to the laws that allow it to exist. Hence, the laws of nature had to have come first, and are the form within which the sensate part of nature functions. Hence, an entity must exist that is capable of creating natural laws within which all created being can function in a regular and logical manner. Only God can be the cause of such things (Copleston, . 2006, 518). 4. The Russian philosopher Vladimir Solovyev uses the critique of nominalism to prove the existence of God in his Lectures on Godmanhood. First, the idea of empiricism is faulty since no real individuals exist (only God has this quality, but this is putting the cart before the horse). The objects seen in daily experience are themselves not particulars, but universals, ultimately reducible to pulses of energy. Force is the ultimate reality of being in terms of metaphysics. Hence, the empirical approach to the world is arbitrary, since the particulars we take for granted are in fact huge and complex collections of force and energy that appear to the senses as colors, sounds, textures, etc. Hence, energy is the source of being, and hence, retain the ontological status as universals. But this can not be sufficient, since the universal nature of forces must be accounted for. And this accounting can only be an entity powerful enough to have first created these forces that ultimately would register in human senses as objects, seemingly solid and singular, but in truth, complex and made up of universals (and in fact, representing universals in themselves). But this ultimately spiritual reality must have an equally spiritual cause, that is God. In other words, as the empirical qualities of objects exist only in the mind, the ultimate reality of the world is to be found in universals, and hence, the world of spirit. But all spiritual objects must have a cause that is equally creative and powerful (Solovyev, 1948: 60-63). 5. Spinoza’s concept of God is slightly different from the Christian view, but not entirely dissimilar. Spinoza argues for a single entity, Substance, that is the ultimate basis for all sensate objects. Substance is God, the ultimate basis (avoiding the word â€Å"cause† here) for all change and movement. Logically, there is only one ultimate Substance since there is no real reason for positing and more than one entity that, itself, can survive all change, but is not available to the senses. Spinoza’s Substance is not something that can be apprehended by senses, but only by the mind, and hence, is a spiritual being. While many writers have broken their backs trying to hold that nature is God for Spinoza, there is no reason to hold this: God is what is behind nature and is the ultimate basis for all being. Spinoza is not a pantheist, as nearly all commentators hold. Spinoza held that all change needs a basis, something that does not change. That which we see as changing is the modes of existence, the sensate objects in space and time (or mind and body). All of these sensate things can be reduced to that which is extended and that which is mental, ultimately one thing seen from two different points of view. But these two are merely two available modes for human comprehension of an infinite object that never changes, but is at the root of change, its basis, and that is Substance, or God, an infinite being who lies at the root of all change and the laws that govern change. It itself, does not change, but contains infinite attributes that only appear incompletely to human beings under two attributes only. Spinoza does not hold that there needs to be a cause of all things, but he does hold that there needs to be a basis of all things, that this is God (Della Rocca, 2008, 42-48) 6. The last proof or vision of God is to be found in Apostolos Makrakis, the little known 19th century Greek metaphysician. He was a Christian rationalist who held that Descartes butchered his own method. Makrakis holds that one can begin with Descartes ontological doubt. But the conclusion to this doubt, cogito ergo sum, is an arbitrary end point. When I engage in methodological doubt, I come up with several conclusions: first, the doubter exists, second, that the doubter is not the cause of his own existence, and third, that God exists necessarily. All of this derives from the single act of cognition: it is the true unpacking of the cogito. Since if the cogito is true, than the other propositions are equally true at the same time, known intuitively. Since the cogito is not self-created, then the outside world and God must exist necessarily in the same act of cognition as the original cogito. If one must strip away the outside world in order to reach the cogito, than the outside world is real, since in removing it, one reaches the truth of existence. The outside world cannot be a phantom then, if the doubter is not self-created. Something needed to have created and sustained the doubter, and this is as certain as the cogito itself. But since that outside world itself is not self-created (in other words, that the outside world does not know itself through itself, but through another), than God necessarily exists, and again, as true as the cogito itself. Hence, the cogito really says: I exist, the outside world exists, God exists, all at the same time all in the same act of cognition since the cogito itself implies it (Makrakis, 1956, 42-43). Again, none of these proofs are final, but the same can be said for all logic and science. But these do who that reason assents to the existence of God as infinite and all powerful. Spinoza’s approach is the most interesting, since it is compatible with mechanistic science, but holds that such science necessarily needs a basis for action, and this is Substance. The argument #3 above is also very difficult to refute, since one cannot hold to an ordered universe without holding to natural law, and if that, than the cause of natural law itself. If that is denied, then one is in the unenviable position of trying to argue that the material objects of nature can and did exist without a law to govern their actions. Hence, evolution is impossible. Natural laws (and a lawgiver) had to be before the actual sensate part of creation. But this, in an odd way, is very similar to the argument of Spinoza. It seems that science itself cannot function without recognizing natural law and it’s a priori existence with respect to the objects of science themselves. Bibliography: Owens, Joseph (1980) Thomas Aquinas on the Existence of God. SUNY Press Augustine (1996) â€Å"On The Free Choice of the Will† Readings in Medieval Philosophy. Ed. Andrew Schoedinger. Oxford. 3-24 Copleston, Frederick (2006) History of Philosophy: Medieval Philosophy. Continuum International. Solovyev, Vladimir (1948) Lectures on Godmanhood. Lindisfarne Press (this is sometimes called Lectures on Divine Humanity) Della Rocca, Michael (2008) Spinoza. Taylor and Francis Makrakis, Apostolos (1956) â€Å"The Tree of Life. † in Foundations of Philosophy. Chicago, OCES. 1-104

Divorce Reform Act

Divorce Reform Act In 1963 the law still denied divorce except to those who could provide evidence sufficient to convince a court of a partners adultery or other matrimonial offence. In that year, a determined attempt was made to change the law to allow divorce where a couple had lived apart for at least seven years. The attempt failed. But less than a decade later the Divorce Reform Act 1969 allowed divorceif the parties had lived apart for two years (and both consented) or five years (if one did not consent). How did such a dramatic change come about in what, in this context, seems a remarkably short time? (Castles, 1994) One answer no doubt lies in what could be called the spirit of the age. 1963 was, after all, the year in which (according to Philip Larkin) sexual intercourse began. It was also the year of the so-called Profumo affair in which a Minister of the Crown admitted lying to Parliament about his relationship with a woman; and unprecedented press publicity was given to the surrounding events and rumours. (For example, another Minister was said to indulge in weird sexual practices involving his appearing nakedsave for a maskat parties.) Lord Dennings exhaustive investigation into these matters (concluding that although there had indeed been orgies where guests indulged in sexual activities of a vile and revolting nature and that it was true dinner had been served by a naked masked man yet there was not a shred of evidence that the man in question was a Minister) did little to calm the fevered atmosphere. In the circumstances, it became increasingly difficult to believe that civilisation woul d be endangered by allowing the thousands of (often elderly and usually eminently respectable) couples living together in what came to be called stable illicit unions to crush the empty legal shell of an earlier marriage so that they could become in law what they had long been in fact (Castles and Flood, 1991). Increase in divorce The massive increase in divorce associated with the two twentieth-century World Wars had been a source of grave anxiety to conventional opinion, which saw in the insidious growth in the divorce rate a tendency to take the duties and responsibilities of marriage less seriously than formerly and a threat to the whole stability of marriage as the basis of a secure and stable family life. At a somewhat less lofty level, those concerned with the administration of the family justice system became preoccupied with avoiding its collapse under the apparently relentless pressure of dirvorce petitions. 1But even amongst those who firmly believed the ideal of marriagein particular as a way of providing children the settled and harmonious life on which so much of their future happiness depends to be the traditional union for better for worse, for richer for poorer . . . till death us do part there was concern about the lot of the hundred thousand or more people living apart from their legal spous es in stable unions to which the law denied recognition. The impossibility of legalising such relationships against the will of an innocent legal spouse denied many men and women (and in particular the children they bore) adequate social and financial protection (Ceschini, 1995). In 1951 in an attempt to meet this concern, Mrs Eirene White had introduced a Private Members Bill into the House of Commons, avowedly intended to deal with marriages in which the spouses have lived separately for seven years, but in which no hitherto recognised ground for divorce exists or in which one partner, having grounds for action, declines to take it and keeps the other partner tied against his or her will, generally for life. The Bill did this by invoking a new principle, in that it looks to the breakdown of the marriage as the ground for divorce (whilst not prejudicing the right of an injured party to seek divorce under the existing matrimonial offence provisions). This was to be achieved by adding seven years separation to the existing grounds for divorce; but divroce was only to be granted on the separation ground if the court was satisfied, first, that there was no reasonable prospect of cohabitation being resumed; and secondly, that a petitioning husband had made adequa te provision for his familys maintenance (Chesnais, 1996). Everyone who spoke on the Bill conceded that the existing law, particularly by denying the freedom to remarry to those whose marriages were long functionally dead, was capable of causing considerable hardship and unhappiness. But opponents of change claimed that in relieving this unhappiness the Bill would weaken the institution of marriage and thereby produce much more unhappiness in the future (Smith, 2002). The Labour Government The Labour Government accepted that the problem of the stable illicit union was a real one. But the Attorney-General suggested that there were many other problems with the marriage laws, that it would be wrong to select one of them and deal with it in isolation, and that the right course would be to set up a Royal Commission to make a comprehensive study of the marriage laws. Although the House of Commons gave a second reading to the White Bill by 131 votes to 60, Mrs White eventually acceded to Government pressure and withdrew her Bill on terms that the Government would set up the Royal Commission it had proposed. In reality, as Lord Chancellor Jowitt told Archbishop Fisher, he had agreed to the Royal Commission in the hope of avoiding (the White Bill] which had given rise to it (Clark, 1999). The Royal Commission, established as one of the last acts of the Attlee Labour Government in September 1951 under the chairmanship of Lord Morton of Henryton was thus a temporising measure of a once traditional kind; and its Reportthe fruit of four years deliberation certainly did not satisfy the hopes of those who had seen a Royal Commission as the only chance of getting a real reform of the divorce laws, much less the expressed wish of Archbishop Fisher that a full inquiry would lead to a settlement lasting fifty years (Chester, 1977). On the main issue of the ground for divorce, the Commission was hopelessly divided. On only one proposition was there any broad agreement. All save one of the Commissioners agreed that the existing (and much criticised) law based on the doctrine of the matrimonial offence should be retained. Nine of the nineteen signatories went further and took an even more conservative view: they rejected the introduction of the doctrine of breakdown of marriage in any form. For this group such a doctrine would inevitably entail recognition of divorce by consenta change disastrous to the nation encouraging people to abandon their marriages on the flimsiest provocation–whilst divorce simply on the basis of a period of separation would have even more damaging consequences for the institution of marriage . . . it would mean that either spouse would be free to terminate the marriage at pleasure . . . [and] people would enter marriage knowing that no matter what they did or how their partners fel t, they could always get free. For these nine members, the proper function of the law was to give relief where a wrong had been done, not to provide a dignified and honourable means of release from a broken marriage. The matrimonial offence doctrine might indeed be artificial in its application to some cases, but it none the less provided a clear and intelligible principle; and the external buttress of a system of law specifying the circumstances in which individuals had the right to seek the dissolution of marriage helped them to strengthen their good impulses and weaken the bad (Smith,1992). Commissioners Another nine Commissioners did take a more positive view of reform. This group did not accept that divorce should only be available on proof of a matrimonial offence; and recommended making divorce available when a marriage had broken down irretrievably as demonstrated by the fact that the spouses had lived apart for seven years or more. But five of this group would have refused divorce for separation if either party objected; and even the four prepared to accept separation divorce against the will of one spouse would have insisted on an applicant in such a case demonstrating that the separation was attributable to unreasonable conduct of the other spouse. Only one member of the Commission, the Scottish judge Lord Walker, was prepared to take his stand on the ground of principle that the law should favour the dissolution of marriages which had indeed broken down, irrespective of the guilt or innocence of the petitioner; and that divorce should be available to a spouse who had lived a part from the other for at least three years and could establish that the facts and circumstances were such as to make it improbable that an ordinary husband and wife would ever resume cohabitation (Castles, 1994). Although the (Conservative) Government was sensitive to charges that Royal Commissions were a recognised and timely method of shelving inconvenient questions no one, in the light of the divergent views put forward in the Morton Report, could possibly expect any government to introduce legislation permitting divorce (even by consent) after a separation of seven years and any kind of official support for legislation permitting a man who had gone off leaving a guiltless wife for seven years [to] come back and divorce her against her will seemed even less likely (Smith, 1997). Not surprisingly, this setback was a bitter disappointment; and the criticisms made of the Morton Report by Professor O. R. McGregor have been influential in creating an enduring and strongly unfavourable perception of the Morton Commission. In McGregors view, the Morton Report contributed nothing to our knowledge; and had proved to be a device for obfuscating a socially urgent but politically inconvenient issue. It was ( McGregor conceded) a matter of opinion whether the Morton Commission was intellectually the worst Royal Commission of the twentieth century (although since he thought there could be no dispute that [it] is the most unreadable and confused it would seem the competition for the wooden spoon was, in McGregors view, not severe) (Simotta, 1995). This is not the place for a detailed examination of McGregors polemic; but subsequent events suggest that at least one of McGregors criticisms had touched a sensitive nerve. McGregor claimed that Lord Morton and his colleagues were hostile to the social sciences, that as a result of their ignorance of evidence which social scientists could have providedextending, apparently, to actual knowledge of the types of divorce law most likely to promote marital and familial stability the Commission was unable to penetrate to the heart of the problems set before them. The view that the assistance of social scientists was essential to inquiries became part of the conventional orthodoxy; and, as we shall see, considerable efforts were made to secure a social science input for the group established seven years later by the Archbishop of Canterbury (Peters, 1992). McGregor also seems to have regarded as a weakness the fact that the Morton Committeein contrast to the 1912 Gorrell Commission (whose chairman was known to have strong views in favour of divorce law reform, but whose membership also included some known to take a strongly conservative view)did not include either a representative of the Church on the one hand or any active proponent of reform on the other. It is certainly true that the Government devoted considerable effort to achieving a balanced and impartial membership; but if this was an error it was one which was not repeated. As we shall see, there was no nonsense about impartiality as a criterion in choosing sources of advice in the years leading up to the 1969 reforms (Meisaari-Polsa, 1997). Whatever may be thought about McGregors triumphalist beliefs in the potential of social science research for policy making, in one respect he can be shown to have been plainly wrong. He asserted that it was a safe prediction that divorce reform will take a long, long time; but in fact, little more than a decade later, the Divorce Reform Act swept the concept of the indissoluble marriage into history. Six years after the Morton Report divorce reform was given another chance. A Bill providing for divorce on the ground of seven years separation was brought forward by Mr Leo Abse Mp. The House of Commons gave the Bill a second reading and it passed through its Committee stage. But opponents of separation divorce let it be known that any Bill containing such a provision would be talked out; and, faced with this formidable opposition, Abse withdrew the clause adding separation to the grounds for divorce in exchange for an agreement that the other provisions in the Bill (designed to remove obstacles to reconciliation attempts ) would reach the statute book. An attempt in the House of Lords to reinstate the separation divorce provisions also failed (Kooy, 1977). A significant factor in this apparent further reverse for the cause of reform was thenow much more sophisticatedopposition of the Church, organised behind the scenes with great efficiency by the first holder of the post of Lay Secretary to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Beloe. Beloea distinguished educationalist and in that capacity a member of the Morton Commission had special responsibility for organising episcopal representation in the House of Lords and moved easily and confidently between Lambeth Palace, the Palace of Westminster and Whitehall. It is true that the contents of the Abse Bill at first took Beloe by surprise; but intelligenceon such matters as the religious affiliations and marital status of Cabinet Ministers was rapidly gathered and put efficiently to use. During the passage of the Abse Bill through the Commons, Beloe took an active part in the efforts to organise MPs opposed to separation divorce. He scrutinised the list of MPs nominated to serve on the Stan ding Committee considering the Bill (and he appears to have been successful in getting one change made). Finally, he masterminded the publication of a firm statement of the Churches opposition to separation divorce (Haskey, 1992). But Beloe really came into his element when the Abse Bill got to the House of Lords and Lord Silkin and others made a determined attempt to reinstate the clause permitting separation divorce. Beloes briefing paper for the Archbishop was prophetically headed How to secure rejection of Mr Abses clause; and to that end he skillfully organised opposition. Ramsey made a speech in the debate uncompromisingly rejecting the proposed addition of seven years separation to the existing grounds for divorce, and the Lords defeated the proposal on a division. Beloe appreciated that this could not be the end of the matter. He had been warned by the Permanent Under-Secretary at the Home Office that a Bill providing for separation divorce was almost certain to be introduced by a private member the following session; and he was concerned that the Conservative Party faced with the need to modernise its image in the run-up to a General Election might see divorce reform as one means of doing so (Smith, 1 997). Divorce provision Everyone agreed to be an unsatisfactory law and of not being prepared to face reality in its approach to social questions, while the way in which Abse had been forced to drop the separation divorce provision had given rise to a great deal of anti-clerical feeling. Against this background, the Church clearly needed to take some action; and the links and understandings established by Beloe during the progress of the Abse Bill became of crucial importance in apparently restoring the Church to its position of influence over policy (Simotta, 1995). The Churchs Board for Social Responsibility had in fact already initiated conversations about the possibility of some alternative basis for divorce, but progress had been slow. This led Beloe to float, at a meeting with senior officials from the Home Office and Lord Chancellors Department, the notion that the Archbishop might set on foot a somewhat more formal investigation into marriage and its dissolution; and the suggestion that the Archbishops mediation might be aimed at the possibility of substituting for all other grounds the ground that a marriage had come to an end emerged. Evidently this was favourably received; and in June the Archbishop announcedalbeit in a somewhat low key way that he had asked some fellow churchmen to seek to find a principle at law of breakdown of marriage . . . free from any trace of the idea of consent, which conserved the point that offences and not only wishes are the basis of breakdown, and which was protected by a far more thorough insistence on r econciliation procedure first (Peters, 1992). It is difficult to believe that this announcement brought much cheer to the supporters of divorce reform faced as they were with yet another failure to carry legislation through Parliament, or indeed whether the civil servants who had become involved had any real expectation that the Archbishops initiative would bear fruit; but in the event it proved to be of decisive importance in preparing the ground for the 1969 Reforms. The composition of what came to be called the Archbishops Group (chaired by Robert Mortimer, Bishop of Exeter was somewhat different from the group of churchmen originally envisaged by Ramsey, in part because both the Home Secretary and the Lord Chancellor took an active part in suggesting who should (and who should not) be asked to serve. It is true that membership was confined to those thought to be Christians, but no requirement of religious observance was imposed; and the selection process came to resemble that traditionally conducted in Whitehall trawls of th e great and the good, with slots being allocated to particular professions (for example, child psychiatry) and interests (for example, marriage guidance). There was one particular problem: criticism about the lack of social science expertise in the Morton Commission made it seem imperative that a sociologist be a member of the Archbishops Group; but considerable difficulty was experienced in identifying a sociologist who could be described as a Christian, even in the broadest interpretation of the word. Eventually Professor Donald MacRae accepted an invitation to join the group (Meisaari-Polsa, 1997). Invitations to join the group were ultimately sent out in January 1964; and the members held their first meeting at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies on 26 May 1964. It had been decided (after some discussion) to make public the existence and remit of the Group. Ramseys letter of invitation to join the Group had made clear the dilemma the Church faced. He and other church leaders were opposed to seven years separation as a ground for divorce since if it did not also require consent this would cause great injustice whilst if it did it would undermine the nature of the marriage contract as a life-long intention. For those reasons it had been right to reject the Abse proposal. But the law remained unsatisfactory not least because there is often recourse to a fictitious planning of matrimonial offences in order to obtain a divorce (Kooy , 1977). How was the Group to resolve the dilemma? At the outset, Mortimer made it clear that the ultimate objective was to try to put forward proposals which would be acceptable to humanists and Christians alike. The numerous letters he had received touched on (1) the desire of one party to a marriage to be free to legitimise a new union and its issue and the reluctance of the other party to permit this; (2) the general ignorance of and impatience with legal procedures, particularly those which submit an undefending spouse to hearing unexpectedly the material facts alleged against him without opportunity to reply; (3) the difficulty of obtaining payment of maintenance without burdensome and costly visits to court; (4) the fear that divorce for separation might endanger general acceptance of marriage as a life long contract (Haskey, 1992). The Group met on eighteen occasions between May 1964 and March 1966, and considered an impressive body of evidence from some distinguished and expert witnesses. It did not take long for it to reach a consensus. The law as it stood was universally agreed to be unsatisfactory; and there was a strong prima-facie case for the substitution of irretrievable breakdown as the sole ground for divorce, replacing the matrimonial offence. The court would have power to dissolve marriage if having regard to the interests of society as well as of those immediately affected by its decision, it judged it wrong to maintain the legal existence of a relationship that was beyond all probability of existing again in fact.This would involve the court giving a judgment on the state of the marriage; and its decree would no longer be against the respondent but rather against further legal recognition of the marriage (Haller, 1977). The Group remained adamantly opposed to divorce by consent: which (as Bishop Mortimer was to say ) was open to the grave, indeed overwhelming objection that it would reduce marriage to a purely private contract and would ignore the interest of the community. Hence, it was to be for the court, representing the community, to decide whether the marriage had indeed irretrievably broken down; and, although the agreement of the parties in wanting a divorce would not be a bar (and might even count in favour of a decree) in no case would such an agreement of itself suffice to effect divorce. It was, for the Archbishops Group, essential that the court should always examine the issue of breakdown according to the evidence; and it made it clear that its recommendation for amendment of the substantive law was conditional upon procedural changes to enable the court to conduct the inquest it believed to be necessary into the alleged fact and causes of the death of the marriage relationship and to get to grips with the realities of the matrimonial relationship instead of havingas it thought was the case under the offence based lawto concentrate on superficialities (Gray, 1998). The Group refused to accept that any of the well-rehearsed objections to the breakdown principle outweighed its advantages. No doubt (the Group accepted) critics would point to the economic deprivation caused by divorce; but the solution to that lay primarily in reforms of the law of property, pensions (a topic much discussed) and insurance. The Group was correct in its prophesyindeed, the problem of pensions after divorce remains a source of difficulty more than thirty years laterbut it did not see it as part of its remit to prescribe detailed remedies for these problems (Graham-Siegenthaler, 1989). What of the objection that breakdown divorce would allow the guilty to take advantage of their own wrong? The Group thought that the courts judgment could and should be seen as the recognition of a state of affairs and a consequent redefinition of status (rather than as a verdict of guilty after a law suit), and for that reason the maxim would have no general application. But even so, the Group accepted the need for a safeguardin the form of an absolute bar on divorcein cases in which to grant a divorce would be outweighed by other considerations of fundamental importance such as the public interest in justice and in protecting the institution of marriage (Goode, 1993). On one matter in particular the Group was adamant: the doctrine of breakdown was an alternative to divorce founded on the matrimonial offencethe lesser of two evils. On no account should breakdown be introduced into the existing law in the form of an additional ground for divorce. Indeed, the Group thought that rather than to inject into [the offence based law]a small but virulent dose of incompatible principle it would be better to keep the law based firmly on the matrimonial offence and to consider how the administration of the law could be improved (Glendon, 1989). The Established Church had traditionally opposed any further erosion of the great principle proclaimed by Christ holding marriage to be a life-long obligation terminable only by death with all the sacrifice which such an obligation imposed; but as long ago as 1937 the Church had come to accept that it was no longer possible to impose the full Christian standard by law on a largely non-Christian population. On that basis, Putting Asunder at the outset drew a distinction to which it attached great importance. How the doctrine of Christ concerning marriage should be interpreted and applied within the Christian Church is one question: what the Church ought to say and do about secular laws of marriage and divorce is another question altogether . . . Our own terms of reference make it abundantly clear that our business is with the second question only. Hence (as the Observer newspaper put it) the Report was not in any sense another theological tract written by theologians for the Churchs c ommunicants. (Glendon, 1987) The Commission accordingly produced a Paper, which was discussed at a meeting with Representatives of the Archbishops Group on 17 February 1966. Mortimer insisted that any presumption of breakdown arising from the various fact situations enumerated by the Commission should be capable of being rebutted in order to avoid any suggestion that the matrimonial offence was to be preserved under another name; and he repeatedly emphasised the need to ensure the effectiveness of the various safeguards proposed by the Group. However, the two sides agreed that there appeared to be no difference in principle between the Group and the Commission; and the Commission redrafted its paper to reflect those discussions (Fisher, 1992). In the meantime, opinion was being prepared for a breakthrough. The Lord Chancellor announced that the gap between the two bodies was being narrowed; and the Church Assembly on 16 February 1967after an important debate in the course of which Professor J. N. D. Anderson warned of the mounting and increasingly broadly based demand for reform which he thought it would be disastrous for the Church to ignore resolved to welcome Putting Asunder (Federkeil, 1997). Eventually on 2 June 1967the terms of the agreement between the Archbishops Group and the Law Commission were finalised and in due course published: irretrievable breakdown was to be the sole ground for divorce, but there should be no detailed inquest. Rather, breakdown was to be inferred, either from one of several specified facts askin to the traditional matrimonial offences or from the fact that the parties had lived apart for two years if the respondent consented to divorce or for five years if there were no consent. Mortimer had insisted on one alteration to what had been intended as the final draftnamely that the power to refuse a Decree where the Court thinks that in the circumstances it would be wrong to do so, shall be mandatory and not permissive. This amendment was duly made (whereas various other requests by the Group were not accepted by the Commission) (Friedberg, 1998). But all this was too late to influence events. On 12 October the Cabinet accepted Gardiners advice that a Bill to give effect to the concordat should be drafted by Parliamentary Counsel in the Law Commission and handed to a private member. The Government was to remain neutral on the merits of the Bill but would consider making government time available for the Bill in the light of the degree of support shown for it on Second Reading. The Law Commission settled Instructions to Parliamentary Counsel, and on 29 November the House of Commons ordered the Divorce Reform Bill presented by Mr William Wilson MP to be printed. Although there was inadequate parliamentary time for the Wilson Bill to get onto the statute book the Bill was taken over by another private member, Mr Alec Jones, and received the Royal Assent on 22 October 1969 (Ermisch, 1993). As has long been recognised, the publication of Putting Asunder played an important part in facilitating the reform of the divorce law effected by the Divorce Reform Act 1969not least influencing what has been described as the quite remarkable consensus on the broad lines of reformand Putting Asunder certainly had a decisive influence on the form which the legislation took. But how far did that Act truly give effect to the principles upon which the Archbishops Group founded their support for reform? (Council of Europe, 1998). First, the Group was adamant that irretrievable breakdown should be the only ground for divorce; and it is true that the Divorce Reform Act 1969 provided that the sole ground upon which a petition could be based was that the marriage had broken down irretrievably. But it soon became clear that this ringing assertion was little more than verbiage. However clear it might be that the marriage had broken down, the court could not dissolve it unless the petitioner could establish adultery, behaviour, desertion, or a period of living apart; and if any of those facts could be established the court was bound to dissolve the marriage unless the respondent could discharge the almost impossible task of satisfying the court that the marriage had not broken down. There is no reported instance of a respondent succeeding in so doing; and Mortimers assumption that the evidence of breakdown would be rebuttable rather than conclusive has been demonstrably falsified. The reality is that the effective g round for divorce under the 1969 Act was not breakdown at all but rather the three matrimonial offences referred to above and separation for the prescribed period: Andersons gloomy prophesy turned out to have been well founded. The remarkable consensus was obtained by concealing the truth (Commaille, J., et al, 1983). Moreover, experience soon showed that the divorcing population wanted the speedy divorce which could be obtained on the basis of an allegation of adultery or behaviour, and more than three-quarters of all divorces were granted in that way. This tendency was reinforced in 1977 when court hearings of divorce petitions were effectively abandoned. Far from burying the matrimonial offence, the reforming legislation ensured that it not only survived but flourished (Clark, 1999). Secondly, the Group was adamant that there should be no divorce by consent. The parties might indeed consent to the dissolution of their marriage but this was only to be brought about by court order after appropriate inquiry. Divorce was not only to remain the act of the court, rather than that of the parties; but it was central to the Groups thinking that the Court should first satisfy itself by inquiry that the marriage had truly broken down and (as Mortimer put it in the final debate) the courts must take seriously their duty to enquire into all the facts alleged and to be quite sure that they are satisfied that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. But in fact the court hearings under the Divorce Reform Act were rarely more than a perfunctory formality; and even the formality was effectively abolished in 1977. Yet again, the legislation failed to give effect to the policy on which Putting Asunder had been founded. Those responsible for formulating the concordat must have kn own that there would in practice rarely if ever be any inquiry into breakdown; but, unsurprisingly, they chose not to disabuse Mortimer and his colleagues of their belief that the court would carry out an inquest, at least in cases of doubt (Coase, 1960). Finally, the Group consistently insisted on the need for safeguardsboth of the interests of vulnerable members of the family and of the public interest in upholding the institution of marriage. So far as economic saf