The Effects of Cellular Phones on the Study Habits of...

THE EFFECTS OF CELLULAR PHONES ON THE STUDY HABITS OF STUDENTS OF DIVINE LIGHT ACADEMY-LAS PINAS AS PERCEIVED BY THE 4th YEAR STUDENTS BATCH 2010-2011 A Thesis Presented to the High School Faculty of the Divine Light Academy In Partial Fulfilment Of the Requirements for the Subject Research IV by: Fourth Year Prosperity Group 2 Leader: Jolo Sore Members: Kirsty Ducay Trish Quintana Jamille Tavares Priscilla Chacon Mark Leus CS del Rosario Divine Light Academy Las Pinas City English Department Approval Sheet In fulfillment of the requirements for the subject Research IV, this thesis entitled: The Effects of Cellular Phones on the Study Habits of Students of†¦show more content†¦Some of the reasons why students are addicted in using their cellular phones are because it’s an easy way of communicating and it has cool applications for entertainment. This things can bring negative and positive benefits on students which we will study on. We came up on different ideas because each of us has different understanding of the effects of cellular phones in our daily lives. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank the following people who helped and inspired us in doing this thesis: ï‚ · Ma’am Milette Baygan, for her guidance and for her kindness in helping us in our research and for her patience that helped us finish our thesis. ï‚ · Ma’am Marizel Pinpin - Autor, for being a good and helpful adviser in our thesis. ï‚ · Our parents, for giving and supporting us in our work. ï‚ · Selected Fourth year high school students of Divine Light Academy Las Pinas, for being cooperative and honest in answering our sample questionnaires. ï‚ · God, without Him, we would not be able to finish and pass this thesis and wouldn’t have the knowledge to do it. DEDICATION We would also like to dedicate this thesis to those students who are affected by their addiction on their cellular phones and because of this addiction their studies and lifestyle are affected. And last but not the least; we would like to dedicate thisShow MoreRelatedCell Phone1446 Words   |  6 PagesINTRODUCTION BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY A mobile phone (also called mobile, cellular telephone, or cell phone) is an electronic device used for two-way radio telecommunication over a cellular network of base stations known as cell sites. Mobile phones differ from cordless telephones, which only offer telephone service within limited range through a single base station attached to a fixed land line, for example within a home or an office. Today, cell phones are the most popular tool forRead MoreThe Dangers of Cell Phone Use1095 Words   |  5 PagesEmily Schneider Mr. McBride CP English 11 10 January 2011 Cell Phones Negatively Impacting High School Life Two-forty p.m. is probably the most anticipated time of the day for students during the school year. As soon as the final bell rings, students immediately reach into their pockets, backpacks, or purses and pull out their cell phones. One day, while leaving school, I witnessed a student furiously texting as she walked down the hallway, unaware of the door opening towards her. The doorRead MoreTechnology: The Invention of The Cell Phone Essay1431 Words   |  6 Pagesdevice, the cell phone. A cellular phone is the most common type of technology used by all groups of people including parents, teenagers, and even young children. The number of people who own a cell phone also continues to increase, causing a huge distraction on society. Cell phones seem to own a person as they depend on their phone for almost everything. Though the cell phone was invented for beneficial purposes, people have completely misused this device which has caused negative effects in their livesRead MoreThe Use Of Mobile Devices On The Current Generation From 2014-2016 Essay1757 Words   |  8 Pagesdevices in the current generation from 2014-2016 in Secondary Students have become associated with a health risk, an addiction which affects them physically, and psychologically. Contrary to the beliefs that mobile devices encourage interaction between students and integrate education, many are becoming either addicted or mentally incapable to engage outside of their technology (Vorderer et al., 2016). Research shows that the time spent by students on their devices relates to changes in the activity ofRead MoreEFFECTS OF MOBILE ADDICTION TO STUDENTS2609 Words   |  11 PagesBackground of the Study Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of a teenager and beginner youth derives knowledge through learning. A secondary school student is expected to be preparing for his/her first school leaving certificate and should be ready to pass must relevant subjects with honors. The secondary school students are those students of post-primary studies or as described above. It is at this stage of academics that students lay the foundationRead MoreMobile Phones And Its Impact On The Way1559 Words   |  7 Pagesperson attached to their cell phone texting. This day and age sending a text is the quickest and most efficient form of communication. The Berkman Center for Internet Society at Harvard University found that (78%) of teens now have a cell phone and almost half (47%) of those teens have smartphones. That translates into (37%) of all teens who have cellphones, up from just (23%) in 2011(Madden). Today, people tend to use their pho nes to text more than they do to make phones calls, and this can serveRead MoreCell Phones Harm Students Academically Essay1663 Words   |  7 Pageswhen they have a computer or tablet at their fingertips, students prefer to use a mobile phone for projects, most adults wouldn t undertake without a keyboard and mouse† (Wells D.1). Efforts to incorporate cell phone in the classroom is quickly gaining momentum (Compoy and Harte A.3). In a 2013 poll of 2600 schools, 10 percent of the schools were allowing to use mobile devices this is up from 3 percent in 2010 (Compoy and Harte A.3). Students of today seem more connected to their wireless devicesRead MoreThe Effects of Computer Technology to Students Lifestyle and Study Habits†.1158 Words   |  5 PagesThe Effects of Computer Technology to Student’s Lifestyle and Study Habits†. CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION Background of the Study In the years where computers are not yet invented, students are not yet engaged in activities using technologies. Students rely on books and visit library facilities to study, read their notes and to review their school lessons. During those years, despite the lack of computers and hi-tech gadgets students still achieve high and good grades and the students are stillRead MoreThe Effects of Computer Technology to Students Lifestyle and Study Habits†.1147 Words   |  5 PagesThe Effects of Computer Technology to Student’s Lifestyle and Study Habits†. CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION Background of the Study In the years where computers are not yet invented, students are not yet engaged in activities using technologies. Students rely on books and visit library facilities to study, read their notes and to review their school lessons. During those years, despite the lack of computers and hi-tech gadgets students still achieve high and good grades and the studentsRead MoreCell Phone Use, Physical And Sedentary Activity983 Words   |  4 PagesLepp , J.E barkley, G.J. Sanders, M. Rebold P.Gates. from the College of Education, Health and Human Services, Kent State University. The title of the article is â€Å"The relationship between cell phone use, physical and sedentary activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness in a sample of U.S. college students.† This article was found In the The International Journal Of Behavioral Nutrition And Physical Activity, volume 10 and, was published in 2013. In modern times the act of sedentary behaviors has increased

Team Discussi Free Essays

The Broom model of leadership examines how leaders go about making decisions and the approach of assessing the situation before determining the best leadership style. (Bateman Snell, 2011). The Broom model evaluates seven situational factors for problem analysis that include; decision significance, importance of commitment, leaders expertise, likelihood of commitment, group support for objectives, group expertise and team competence. We will write a custom essay sample on Team Discussi or any similar topic only for you Order Now (Bateman Snell, 2011) Flexibility and the ability to practice situational leadership decision-making is an ideal model for an effective leader, according to the Broom leadership model. In the Broom model of leadership, leaders are able to assess different situations and determine which approach will be most effective in delivering the message to his or her team. The process includes: whether he or she will talk to his or her team individually or as a team to get input from the team; the leader also will determine whether they will facilitate or delegate tasks to elf accomplish the goal or task. Teammate Snell, 2011) Depending how urgent the matter is will determine how decisive leader will have time to consult with others. All circumstances take a situational approach. Fiddlers approach explains how an employee who is task motivated seems to perform better when there is something that needs to be completed. Delegating could be the best approach for people who are motivated in this capacity. A person who is driven by the relationships of heir co workers seems to perform better in areas where there are interpersonal situation that are needed. How to cite Team Discussi, Papers

The Movie Nebraska

Questions: 1. Select a movie related to mental health from the list provided on the first day of class.2. Ensure no other classmate chooses the same movie.3. Prepare a 3-5 page paper (not including a reference page and title page) using the following criteria:a. Title pageb. Introduction c. History of clients illness (past present)i. Discuss the current diagnosisii. Any other mental illness/mental health issuesd. Observations ( what have you observed in the movie, i.e. behavior, SS, enablers, cultural considerations)e. What DSM-V criteria support the diagnosis? Why?f. Incorporate a treatment plan.g. What is the expected outcome?h. Conclusion (include your thoughts about the movie)i. Reference page4. Use APA formatting with in-text citations and references. Please refer to your APA manual as a guide for in-text citations and sample reference pages. Answers: Introduction In this assignment, the author will discuss the movie Nebraska and identify the mental illness highlighted in the film. Relating to the movie, the author will explain the mental illness, its current diagnosis and discuss if it supports the DSM-V criteria. The assignment will represent the observations of the movie i.e. behavior, cultural considerations. Further, the author will present a treatment plan and expected the outcome will be discussed. History of clients illness (past present) The movie Nebraska, by Alexander Payne, depicts the struggle of David, son of Woody Grant, a retired mechanic, and veteran in Korean War. This American road-trip-movie reminds every individual about human dignity by portraying Davids struggle in taking care of his aged father, who is on a verge of Dementia. In addition to congenital crabbiness, Woody is also engaged in alcohol abuse. Dementia is the mental disorder characterized by cognitive impairment, depression and difficulty carrying daily activities. It is most commonly diagnosed in elderly Americans. The onset of this disease is mainly found in 65-69 years, and the prevalence rises with age. In U.K. the prevalence of dementia is increasing, with the current figure being 800,000 and may reach up to one million by the year 2021 (Mitchell et al., 2014). Discuss the current diagnosis Diagnosis requires documenting a history of cognitive impairment, loss of memory, occurring progressively (Le Couteur et al., 2013). The other symptoms observed are poor eyesight, improper speech, apathy, movement disorder, anxiety, praxis, and visual hallucinations. The patients are tested for their executive functions. The primary tools for early detection include brain scans (PET, CT), Mini Mental State Examination, the General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG), the Six Item Cognitive Impairment Test (6CIT) and 7 Minute Screen (7MS). Recently, Bio-marker evidence is introduced in diagnostic formulations (Schaller et al., 2016). It is an efficient and reliable way to accurately identify the disease onset. For example, glucose is the biomarker for Diabetes. Observations The movie shows how dementia patients should be taken care. In the movie David agrees to take his father to Nebraska, despite knowing that the journey would be a significant loss. He was just trying to reduce harm by preserving his mental peace and dignity. In the end, he buys a truck for his father to fulfill his wish after disappointment from the marketing agency. The movie depicts the culture of the Midwest and its beautiful landscape in the road trip. The movie showed the behavioral aspects of the dementia patient and that of other people dealing him. What DSM-V criteria support the diagnosis? Why? The two most important criteria supported by DSM-V are a difference in social interaction and communication and repetition of certain behavior and activities. These provide outlines on elements needed by dementia patients (Le Couteur et al., 2013) Treatment plan Conventional medicines prescribed to treat dementia are Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors like galantamine to reduce hallucinations, Memantine hydrochloride together with other medicines. In the case of severe disruptive behavior, antipsychotics are administered for the short period. Antidepressants are prescribed to reduce depression, anxiety or frustration which is the common issue for dementia patients (Kishi et al., 2015). The psychological treatment includes: Cognitive therapy- includes exercises, problem solving activities, and Pleasurable activities like music, reality orientation, activities to decrease memory loss and improve self-esteem. Validation therapy- involves reframing of mind without any allegations or hurting their feelings to change their perception. Behavioral therapy- aims at treating various behavioral problems to address their delusional thinking or aggression (Chang et al., 2015) What is the expected outcome? Most types of dementia are not curable rather worsens gradually with age. Dementia caused by hormonal or vitamin deficiency is treated by supplements and other such as brain tumors are surgically treated. Dementia involving degeneration of brain is mainly treated by targeting the risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure. Most of these medicines have side effects like the rigidity of bones. Some medications induce cancer (Ye et al., 2014). Conclusion The movie creates public awareness about how elderly people with dementia should be valued and treated considering their mental illness. It emphasized on the patient-centered care to be given to such patients and should not be discriminated by caste, race, sex or religion. Their perceptions and interactions should be considered to tailor their management. Most importantly, it gives a message that family members should be supportive and at the forefront in caring their loved ones. It will give the patient enough confidence to fight the illness. The movie teaches us that every human being should be respected of his infinite values irrespective of their physical and mental condition and if they are productive to the society or not. Reference Chang, H., Park, H., Lee, H. S., Cheong, J., Kang, H. (2015). Status of treatment for dementia patients who visited hospital as the first visit.Archives of gerontology and geriatrics,60(3), 453-456. Kishi, T., Matsunaga, S., Oya, K., Ikuta, T., Iwata, N. (2015). Protection against Brain Atrophy by Anti-dementia Medication in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimers Disease: Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials.International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, pyv070. Le Couteur, D., Doust, J. A., Creasey, H., Brayne, C. (2013). Political drive to screen for pre-dementia: not evidence based and ignores the harms of diagnosis.BMJ Online. Mitchell, G., McCormack, B., McCance, T. (2014). Therapeutic use of dolls for people living with dementia: A critical review of the literature.Dementia, 1471301214548522. Schaller, S., Marinova-Schmidt, V., Setzer, M., Kondylakis, H., Griebel, L., Sedlmayr, M., ... Kolominsky-Rabas, P. L. (2016). Usefulness of a Tailored eHealth Service for Informal Caregivers and Professionals in the Dementia Treatment and Care Setting: The eHealthMonitor Dementia Portal.JMIR research protocols,5(2). Ye, B. S., Choi, S. H., Kim, E. J. (2014). DIFFERENTIAL ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CANCER INCIDENCE RISK AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE ACCORDING TO DEMENTIA MEDICATION.Alzheimer's Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association,10(4), P910.

Taste, Work Ethic, and Compensation Expectations in the South

Piece Rate System/ Payment byResults System This is the easiest system of payment. A worker receives payment depending on the amount of items he produces. Management does not have a problem determining the items of production and the number each worker produces. Workers determination and hard work are the determinants of the amount they receive at the end of the day.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Taste, Work Ethic, and Compensation Expectations in the South specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Benefits It is very easy to measure a workers output which makes the system’simplementation quite easy. Secondly, workers are motivated to work harder. This is because the more they work the more they get. Disadvantages Sometimes, workers may compromise quality of work in an attempt to produce more items. The effects of this are spiraling as it leads to direct customer dissatisfaction, which may result in lost business . It also does not recognize the human aspect of employees. Motivation comes from more than just making money. In other terms, it projects money as the only motivator of human beings, whichis not true. Salary Payment System This system rewards employees after a certain period. Normally, it is a month. Workers report to work and leave after a certain period. Benefits The workers get motivated because they do what they love. Their input does not go through rigorous measuring procedures. Hence, performance of an employee stems from other factors, which may or may not include money. Secondly, employees find it fair. This is because there are those workers who are faster than others are and may always end up getting promotions if a company adopts other methods. Thirdly, the company rests assured of quality work. The employee inputs everything possible skill to produce quality work (U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, 2006). Disadvantages An organization may not always measure each worke rs output correctly. This means some employees may take advantage of this policy to laze around at the expense of others for an equal pay. Consequently, management should take careful interest in each worker’s output, though in a subtle way. It is also a permanent expense in the books of the company despite revenue performance. Hourly Payment System Under this system, workers receive payment on hourly basis. This is the most beneficial payment system on the side of employees. Normally, consultants, lawyers and others who offer professional services use and prefer this payment system. This is because they are not permanent employees of a particular company. They are engaged in one-off decisions or solutions.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Advantages The company or organization that engages this services pay for them only once. Therefore, this expense does not feature in the books of accounts permanently. Secondly, since the process of selection happens only once, the company is in a position to pick the best that can offer the service. This guarantees them best services. Another outstanding advantage is the fact that a company can always outsource these services since they do not form a core business function per the definition of the company (U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, 2006). Disadvantages The payment associated with these services isnot standard. Different providers offer different services and charge differently. This means a company can only come up with a certain range of acceptability. Nonetheless, it may lead to overpayment. Because of the nature of the reason for sourcing the professional service, a company may incur huge costs. For example, an unexpected lawsuit or a disaster that requires professional public relations. ComparableWorth This is a new workplace doctrine that attempts to ensure that jobs that require similar prof essional or educational qualification receive equal compensation despite male or female predominance or perceived ‘fit to do the job’ status. Traditionally, as many studies confirm, women dominated professions with similar qualifications as parallel male dominated professions comparatively get lower compensations. These jobs include elementary education, childcare and health care (Ander and Velasquez, 2011). This discrepancy prompts rights activist to propose equality. However, workplace traditions dictate that this is something that exists from a long time ago. Its implementation is a paradox. Employers do not know how to go about this. It is as if socialization precisely gears women towards least paying disciplines. However, as employers argue, it is impossible to adjust such payments to fit into the new social demands placed upon them by the advocates of comparable growth. Should they pay more in salaries and risk going down just to meet social pressure? (Ander and V elasquez, 2011). The legal systems propose that every individual should receive equal treatment at work. The constitution guarantees workers’ rights. Therefore, employers have a responsibility to uphold the same. However, it is almost impossible to compensate different professions by men and women equally. This is because, socially and traditionally, these professions do not generate as equal revenues. Additionally, the risks associated with the women dominated professions are less. The way is narrow for employers to walk as they attempt to bridge this gap without risking legal processes (Ander and Velasquez, 2011).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Taste, Work Ethic, and Compensation Expectations in the South specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More References Ander, C. Velasquez, M. (2011). Comparable Worth. Retrieved from https://www.scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/business-ethics/resources/comparable-worth/ U.S. Me rit Systems Protection Board. (2006). A Report tothe President andtheCongress ofthe United States. Web. This essay on Taste, Work Ethic, and Compensation Expectations in the South was written and submitted by user Darien Y. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

-Decisions on life and living Essays

-Decisions on life and living Essays -Decisions on life and living Essay -Decisions on life and living Essay Christians believe that they have a responsibility to care for the world, which God has created and all the people in it. Part of Christian responsibility is to care for everybody and not discriminate against people who are different, for whatever reason. If we look at a disabled person as an outcast how are we to know they arent looking at us in the same way. Christians may not like everybody but are taught to love and care for everyone. Love thy neighbour as you love thyself. This is saying that we should treat people how we would like to be treated, if we treat people with respect and dignity they will do the same to us.Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind. This is saying that if you love God and everything God has done, then you should love this world that he has created and all it has in it including the people. If God has created people all different then we are obviously meant to love everybody and not look at or treat anyone as outcasts. In Genesis it says that we are all made in Gods image so we are all equal and no-one is better than anybody else, also as Christians see God as perfect they must see that he needs nothing and wants people which therefore makes all people important.Christian stewardship is to look after the world for God, however many Christians believe that it isnt just up to them and that everybody should take care of the world as they also live and use its resources. Some Christians may start to think that they shouldnt care because no-body else does, they may think why should they care for the environment when other people are destroying it.Christians believe they are responsible for looking after those who are at the end of their lives and the unborn. This may link to their opposed views to abortion and euthanasia.Christians who care and enjoy the world which God has created are showing their love for him and through their responsibilities as Christian steward looking after the earth they can show their obedience and that they will do what God wants them to.Overall Christians believe it is their responsibility to look after the environment, and care for all people without discriminating. God made all in his own image so were all equal.Abortion and Euthanasia are two of the most controversial issues that Christians are faced with.Opinions on these subjects are so divided because of the different things, which they are told in the bible for example, Exodus 20:1-17 (the Ten Commandments) You shall not kill and also genesis 1:26-7 It is not up to us to take life away. But it is up to us to be caring and responsible. We cant watch others suffering.Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy this is usually before 24 weeks of pregnancy and consists of the foetus been removed. There are many reasons a woman may want an abortion for example if the mother was raped; this is one circumstance when some Christians would regard the termination as acceptable. I f a woman has been raped and becomes pregnant there is a very high chance that abortion will seem like the only way. The mother may believe that when the child is born it will not be given the love it deserves because of the circumstances in which it was created. Also every time the woman saw her baby she would be reminded of her attack, and as well as fearing the baby would grow up like its father the mother may suffer from psychological issues due to the attack. In which case the baby would be a permanent reminder and could lead to its mother never fully recovering.But whilst many Christians believe life begins at conception and thou shalt not kill some still believe that under certain circumstances abortion is the right thing to do. Some women may want an abortion if their child is going to be born with a deformity or hereditary terminal illness but many Christians would still say that the baby deserves the chance to lead a normal fulfilling life. However if a child is born and i s need of constant care, life wouldnt be enjoyable and the parents would also find it hard spending all their time caring for their child. No-body wants to see a child grow up suffering so it would be considered compassionate to go through with an abortion.One other case in which Christians may see an abortion as acceptable is for example if the mother will die through continuing her pregnancy. Christians believe thou shalt not kill from the ten commandments and if a woman was denied the right to have an abortion despite the fact she was going to die that would be going against the beliefs of many. So in retrospect an abortion would be the right thing to do.Although there a lots of Christians who believe abortion can be considered justified and the right thing to do, many still believe that under no circumstance should a woman be granted the permission to have an abortion. This is a confusion issue for some people because there is a lot of debate about when exactly life begins. All Christians have different opinions for example some believe that life begins at conception in which case the termination of a pregnancy would be the murder of a living being. Others believe that full life doesnt begin until the baby is out of the mothers womb and surviving on its own. This means it is part of the mother until birth, so she has the right to decide what to do with her body. Also there are people who believe that life begins when the foetus has a heartbeat or has brainwaves and a central nervous system. Christians believe it is not up to us to take life away.Roman Catholics believe strongly that abortion is murder as life begins at conception, they do not believe in the use of contraception, if you are to have sex it should be because you want to have a baby. They see no exceptions for abortion. While The Church of England also have a strong opposition towards abortion they recognise that there are strictly limited conditions in which abortion may be preferable.Christi ans may be divided on their opinions of this issue because of the bible and what they have been taught to believe. The bible is a contradiction. While the Ten Commandments teach that thou shalt not kill Jesus preached compassion and forgiveness. So abortion seen as murder is obviously wrong but to show compassion for the mother of the child and forgiveness should she go through with an abortion as put many Christians in two minds about what is right or wrong and what they personally believe. Jesus never preached about abortion; he never told anyone it was acceptable nor did he say it was totally out of the question. So what Christians believe is their own opinion it cannot be proved true.However if a woman is considering an abortion she should consider every option she has in great detail, abortion is not a subject that can be taken light heartedly. Other factors to consider in the controversial issue of abortion are for example that women would still have abortions if the procedure were illegal. However it would be dangerous and in some cases life threatening as they would rely on back street clinics were the operation would be performed illegally. Although this is true, there as been research into whether or not a foetus can feel pain as it is about to die, and women may suffer from guilt for years afterwards.If thinking about abortion every option should be considered, all points of view must be taken into account. Which choice would bring more good than bad. Is an abortion really the right thing to do?Euthanasia is another controversial issue in which the opinions of Christians are very divided. Euthanasia means easy painless death. There are different types of Euthanasia, known as passive, positive and voluntary. Voluntary is a patient requesting to die when life is becoming unbearable, passive is allowing someone to die due to the lack of prevention of death. Positive is to deliberately cause the death of somebody for example in the case of Harold Shipma n. Suicide is a sin and assisting someone in dying is also wrong therefore voluntary Euthanasia is wrong under all circumstances right? In the UK the law stands that anyone who helps a person die no matter what the circumstances is an accessory to murder, so yes you would say that it was wrong. Voluntary Euthanasia is known by several names such as; assisted suicide; mercy killing and gentle easy death. Assisted suicide is when a person helps a patient to die, those who believe voluntary euthanasia is acceptable do not believe this to be suicide. Suicide is when one person kills themselves for a reason other than a terminal illness, people who try to commit suicide are often seeking attention and/or trying to escape problems such as failed relationships, abuse and stress caused from exams for example.Many Christians believe that Euthanasia is wrong under all circumstances, although one in which some Christians may see voluntary Euthanasia as acceptable is for example if a patient is in severe pain and are dying. Christians are taught to be compassionate human beings so it would be wrong to watch another person suffering. A patient shouldnt have to wake up everyday thinking well Im alive today. Also a patients family although theyd want to keep their relative alive they wouldnt want to watch them suffering, left to die painfully with each day a miracle that theyre still alive. It isnt natural to be breathing and alive thanks to a machine.Another circumstance, which may be accepted, is if a person couldnt enjoy life because of a permanent and severe disability. Some people would say that the person had the right to choose whether or not they wanted to carry on their life. If they were suffering from a disease such a Parkinsons and were totally dependent on other people they may feel humiliated and life might end up been more of a chore than something to enjoy. It cant be seen as acceptable to watch them suffering.A third circumstance in which some Christians may see voluntary Euthanasia as acceptable is for example if a persons existence is more like a vegetable. If a person is so badly injured from an accident that they are permanently brain damaged or in a coma in which it is unlikely that theyll wake up, it would be an act of compassion to end their lives. So that the suffering of the patient and their family can be taken away. Although some people disagree with this and believe that God has mapped out our lives and that he decides when life is created and he decides when it is taken away. It can not be considered the right thing to do to watch a patient and their family to sit and wait for death to happen. If we are all special to God then surely in these circumstances Voluntary euthanasia must be acceptable.In Genesis 1:26-7 we are told that we are all special to God and that it is not up to us to take life away, even in circumstances such as mentioned above. I disagree with this because it shows no love or compassion however a very r elevant argument against voluntary Euthanasia is that a patient may be in an unfit state to make such an important decision, for example if the patient is heavily medicated. They wouldnt be in the right frame of mind to make the decision whether or not they wanted to die. Also it wouldnt be right to permit Voluntary Euthanasia if a patients family dont agree that it is the right choice.Another really important factor to consider which Christians argue is whether or not peoples moral conscience would change, If Voluntary Euthanasia becomes legal doctors who help patients to die will start to feel less guilty the more times they assist someone in dying. In 1 Corinthians 6: 18-20 (body as a temple) we are told that our body is a temple that should be looked after, and no one else nor ourselves should harm it. As in voluntary euthanasia which is killing our own human body which is the most harm we can actually do. Christians are worried as to where it will lead us if voluntary euthanasi a is acceptable. Babies born with certain conditions. Will they be allowed to die? Another question on the minds of many is If Abortion is legal should Euthanasia also be legal?. If Abortion is seen as compassionate towards the mother, in cases such as the baby been born with a terminal illness in which case it wouldnt enjoy life. Then clearly Voluntary Euthanasia should be seen as an act of compassion towards a patient who has a terminal illness and no longer can enjoy life.But the Roman Catholic view states that Voluntary Euthanasia is wrong. Only God has the right to make decisions over death. Jeremiah 1: 5 says that God has mapped out our lives even before conception, we cannot end life as God may have something special for them to do even if it seems theres nothing left they can do. While The Church Of England believe that people who become ill need special care as they become vulnerable however the C.O.E also states that a person has the right to refuse treatment but under no circumstances do they have the right to choose when they die.I believe that Christians shouldnt try to make others accept their views, what they believe about life is up to them. God created people to be different therefore we all have different opinions. Everybody in the world has a different opinion on everything; even Christians have mixed views about all different controversial issues such as Abortion and Euthanasia. God created us in his own image, and God is seen as perfect and so there should be nothing wrong with Christians having their opinions, people from different religions will also have their opinions. However Christians believe that their opinions are right in all cases. They think that they arent just telling you an opinion and trying to make it your opinion also, they are telling what is right and what should be.Some children are sent to religious school such as catholic schools, they may not be religious children and in some cases may not come from religious famil ies but still are taught about religion, have to follow the rules, say prayers and are very often told what to believe.I think non-religious people make up the majority of the people who believe Christians should keep their views and opinions to themselves. Non religious people still have consciences and no whats morally right when it comes to abortions and euthanasia, however they can see circumstances in which these can be accepted. Whereas most Christians are adamant about their opinions and see no situations that should be solved by Voluntary Euthanasia or the death of innocent baby.Christians and their opinions have a big affect on peoples actions even those who are not religious. For example; Support groups for people unsure about abortion and families and patients considering Euthanasia are often run by Christians, if this is the case advice would be biased as they would want you to make the decision they would if they were in that position. Somebody who is contemplating Abor tion or Euthanasia would need an unbiased opinion and advice from an unbiased person, as they would most likely already be in a vulnerable state of mind. Christians make a person feel like it is wrong for them to make their own decision about abortion and euthanasia but there is no right or wrong decision just a decision that is morally right for a particular person and what feels right for them and their family.

Alice in Wonderland

As the Cheshire-Cat appears and sits on a limb of a tree with his grinning face while Alice is walking in the forest he explains to her that everyone in wonderland is mad even Alice, which is why she is there. Alice did not agree with the Cheshire-Cat but continued on her way to see the March Hare anyways. Being mad or crazy does not always make a person bad. In fact the Cheshire-Cat was right, all the people in Wonderland were indeed mad and they were all there for that reason. In every classic story there are good characters versus bad characters. In the book, Alice in Wonderland written by Lewis Carroll, there is no exception. The characters Alice, the White Rabbit, and the Cheshire-Cat are all positive characters in the story and the Queen of Hearts is the villain or the negative character in Wonderland. Positive characters can be identified in the story of Alice in Wonderland by their personalities and how each character interacts with one another. Lewis Carroll only made one distinctive negative character and the rest he made either positive characters or characters that are Just in the middle. Most of the characters in the ook are middle characters that do not have a good or bad sense of personality. Negative characters can be identified by color and personality as well. The Queen of Hearts for instance is represented by the color red with represents fury and anger. That describes the Queen perfectly. Alice is a positive character in the story of Alice in Wonderland. She is the main character of the story. Lewis Carroll does a good Job of portraying Alice as a young curious and well mannered lady. Youth and innocence can describe Alice as a positive character. Throughout the whole story Alice gets onfused quit easily when talking to the other people in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter and the Caterpillar especially. Although she is in an obscure and crazy world, Alice keeps her cool for the most part and tries to keep her senses. In the world of Wonderland, however, being sane is mad, which allows Alice to fit right in with the others (From Alice on Stage). The White Rabbit was made to contrast Alice in every way. He is timid, old, punctual, and often nervous. The White Rabbit can be seen as a positive character because he is white in color, also because he is somewhat helpful. Although he is shy and nervous he does not do anything that would make him be considered a negative character. I would say he is somewhat of a mediator, neither positive nor negative. The White Rabbit is significant in the story of Alice in Wonderland in order to understand Alice more (From Alice on Stage). Most unique of them all is the Cheshire-Cat. When Alice first comes across the Cheshire-Cat he is in the house of the Duchess and is grinning very widely. From the way he is first described I thought that he was going to be a negative character in the story. His grin seemed some what villainous and because he was mysterious led to the conclusion he was a negative character. After the book goes on the Cheshire-Cat is very calm and sensible in the mad world of Wonderland. He helps Alice when she need someone to talk to and when she has questions about Wonderland. The Cheshire-Cat is the most knowledgeable about Wonderland and fits right in when it comes to craziness (Spark Notes from Alice in Wonderland). Queen of Hearts. Some of the other characters have their moments of rudeness or snappy ways but none of them can be identified as complete negative characters esides the Queen of Hearts. When we first meet the Queen she comes into the yard yelling orders at everyone and being very rude. From the beginning you can tell that the Queen has anger and fury within her. Because she is red in color she can be identified as negative. Red usually has a bad connotation and is usually associated with anger and fire or fury. She makes irrational decisions, most of them affecting everyone but herself. Everyone in her court is afraid of her because she is known for prosecuting and beheading anything and anyone who gets in her way (From Alice on Stage). Of all the characters in Alice in Wonderland the Queen of Hearts and Alice are the most significant. I would not say that in this story there is a hero or villain, but Just positive and negative characters. A lot of the characters in the story were middle characters that had no sense of good or bad, they were Just mad. Everyone in Wonderland was mad, including Alice, that is why she ended up in Wonderland. Lewis Carroll defined each character using their personalities. The Queen of Hearts impatient, loud, and obnoxious and Alice is curious, sensible, and has a sense of uperiority.

Future of the Juvenile Justice Center Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Future of the Juvenile Justice Center - Essay Example xpertise that the police themselves lacked, and that these services were typically cheaper than allowing the jurisdictions to handle counseling and community re-integration. On the negative side, respondents commented that the quality of such services must be closely monitored especially when for-profit providers were involved, and that youth are more likely to violate the rules of private sector providers because they are perceived as being outside the juvenile justice system. Two places where private sector assistance is especially key are early intervention and electronic home monitoring (EHM). Community based early intervention programs, working in concert with the juvenile justice system as a whole, address child abuse and neglect, poverty, jobs for youth, and truancy (LWV, 2009; OJJDP, 2001). These early interventions can lead to better outcomes for youth and tap into the private sector to provide services which are out of the skill-set of police departments. Electronic home monitoring is a highly effective way to manage probation and aftercare. For instance, Alaska has found that electronic home monitoring is effective for returning juveniles to the community and their homes (Corrections Today, 2005). The use of EHM helps ensure the safety of the community while at the same time offering some control over the movements of juveniles. EHM is a good alternative to incarceration or detention for many youth, and allows the youth to remain in their communities under supervision (OJJDP, 2001). Home monitoring services are run by for-profit private sector contractors in most states. The juvenile justice system must continue encouraging the involvement of the private sector (through both nonprofit and for-profit contractors). Private sector services for youth relieve budgetary and manpower strains on jurisdictions and in some cases offer better alternatives for youth (OJJDP, 2001; LWV, 2009). Private sector interventions with juveniles provide more economical

REVIEW OF V. BARKER, 2010 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

REVIEW OF V. BARKER, 2010 - Essay Example For instance, the number of homicide cases reported was similar to those of the 1960s. These crimes were found in all regions including the suburbs, exurbs, cities, and rural areas. The people involved came from all races and social backgrounds. No one would accuse any group of people of being criminals (Becker 511). Consequently, there was the establishment of some laws in America. One of the laws that could have helped to reduce crimes in America is legalization of abortion in the 1970s. It was a very controversial law but according to criminal justice specialists. It helped a lot. They argue that the unwanted children are not given proper care and end up being thugs. People started being charged with this cases and were severely punished for them. It would also help in controlling the population in order to make it manageable by the number of police officers. Initially, people know that they would not face a severe punishment that led them to go ahead to commit these crimes. Investigations have also been intensified. Nothing goes uninvestigated until the real culprits are caught. It also made criminals to be aware that no matter the crime they commit they will be caught after an extensive investigation is conducted. These are some of the changes that could have seen the decrement of crimes in America according to Becker. Imprisonment was also prolonged. Initially, people would serve for few years no matter the degree of crime committed. The laws were changed, and criminals would face a very long imprisonment that would serve as a lesson to them once they are out. It also means that by the time they are out of prison, so many things will have changed, and the person will be focused on self-recovery and acceptance by the community (Becker 511). Two researchers Alfred Blumstein and Richard Rosenfeld did an extensive research on crime patterns and their punishment. They agreed that long imprisonment was a solution to combat crime in

Determination of Heat of Solution Essay Example for Free

Determination of Heat of Solution Essay ABSTRACT Thermodynamic values can be determined using the Vant Hoff isochore method. This method entails the use of equilibrium systems to determine the change in enthalpy of the solution, which can b related to the change in internal energy of the solution. The vant Hoff isochore relates the equilibrium constant of a chemical reaction at one temperature to the equilibrium constant of the same reaction at a different temperature, allowing it to be worked out for all temperatures if it is known for one. The experiment used the solution of toluene and naphthalene to determine the change in enthalpy. The mole fractions and the tempterature of recrylstallizations were graphed and the slope was determined. From the slope the change in enthalpy was determined to be 3.45J. This implies that energy is absorbed by the system. INTRODUCTION Solutions are very common in nature and in the chemistry lab. They provide the environment in which many chemical reactions occur. Thus, in the chemistry classroom and lab, we are immensely interested in solutions, especially liquid solutions. Solutions are defined as homogeneous mixtures of pure substances in which no precipitation or settling occurs. We often think of solutions as liquids, but we can have solutions of solids (alloys), gases (air is a solution of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and a number of other gases), and a combination of states such as liquid and solid metals (amalgams) and liquids and gases (nitrogen in the blood, carbonated beverages). The ease of dissolution is dependent on two factors: (1) the change in disorder or randomness (entropy) of the system and (2) the change in the energy of the process (heat of solution). The process is generally favored when the degree of randomness increases and the energy of the system decreases (exothermic). When dissolut ion occur the entropy of the system increases. For example, the ions in crystals are highly ordered. Once dissolved, these same ions in solution are relatively disordered. When a polymer is dissolved in a solvent, the heat measured is a sum of a polymer-solvent interaction term and a term related to the structure that existed in the solid polymer relative to its amorphous liquid state. This latter contribution, termed the â€Å"residual† heat, can have an endothermic contribution due to the fusion of crystalline regions and an exothermic contribution due to the disruption of structure in noncrystalline amorphous regions. Toluene, formerly known as toluol, is a clear, water-insoluble liquid with the typical smell of paint thinners. Chemically it is a mono-substituted benzene derivative, i.e. one in which a single hydrogen atom from the benzene molecule has been replaced by a univalent group, in this case CH3. It is an aromatic hydrocarbon that is widely used as an industrial feedstock and as a solvent. Like other solvents, toluene is sometimes also used as an inhalant drug for its intoxicating properties; however, this can potentially cause sever e neurological harm. Figure 1: Structure of Toluene Naphthalene, also known as naphthalin, bicyclo[4.4.0]deca-1,3,5,7,9-pentene or antimite is a crystalline, aromatic, white, solid hydrocarbon with formula C10H8 and the structure of two fused benzene rings. It is best known as the traditional, primary ingredient of mothballs. It is volatile, forming a flammable vapor, and readily sublimes at room temperature, producing a characteristic odor that is detectable at concentrations as low as 0.08 ppm by mass. Figure 2: Structure of Naphthalene EXPERIMENTAL A. Compounds tested Naphthalene, Toluene B. Procedures An accurate quantity of 15 g of naphthalene was weighed and placed into a test tube. An accurately measured volume of 5mL of toluene was also added. The stopper, thermometer, and stirrer were fitted in the set-up. The test tube was warmed in a water bath until all the solute was dissolved. The solution was allowed to cool in air, and was stirred continuously until an appearance of a solid was observed. The temperature at which the solid was observed was also recorded. Warming the mixture until the entire solid was re-dissolved and allowing the solution to be cooled in air also did a second determination. Another 1mL of toluene was added and steps 3 to 5 were repeated. Another four more 1mL portions of toluene were also added. The mole fractions were determined and graphed with the temperature of recrystallization. From the graph, the slope was determined and from the value of the slope, the enthalpy change of the solution. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS The mole fraction of the naphthalene to the toluene was determined and the temperature at which is recrystallized is tabulated below: Table 1: Mole Fraction and temperature of recrystallization Mole fraction| Temp.| 0.45| 67| 0.41| 60| 0.37| 59| 0.34| 56| 0.31| 56| 0.29| 54| Besides calorimetric method of analysis, using the equilibrium system may also be utilized to determine thermodynamic values. This is dependent to the enthalpy change. The mole fraction also interferes with the equilibrium system. Changes in the mole fraction will cause the equilibrium system to shift from one form to another. The process is in isochore, denoting no change in volume. The volume of the naphthalene is not diminished in the process of the experiment. The change in enthalpy is determined by determining the slope of the graph between the inverse of the emperature and the mole fraction. Figure3: Graph of Mole fraction versus the inverse of the recrystallization temperature From the grpah above, there is an inverse relationship between the recrystallization temperature and the mole fraction of naphthalene. As the mole fraction of the naphthalene is decreased, the inverse of the temperature of crystallization is increased. From the slope of the graph, we are able to determine the enthalpy change of the solution. Using the formula: Figure 4: Equation for enthalpy change From the equation above the determined enthalpy change is 3.45 J. Since the enthalpy change is a positive value the transfer of energy is towards the system. REFERENCES [1] Rossotti and H. Rossotti, The Determination of Stability Constants, McGraw-Hill, 1961 [2] Atkins, Peter; De Paula, Julio (2006-03-10). Physical Chemistry (8th ed.). W.H. Freeman and Company. p. 212. [3] NonLinear vant hoff solubility. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL_udi=B6T7W-479CM6F-3M_user=10_coverDate=01%2F31%2F1984_rdoc=1_fmt=high_orig=search_origin=search_sort=d_docanchor=view=c_searchStrId=1474224563_rerunOrigin=google_acct=C000050221_version=1_urlVersion=0_userid=10md5=bc9cac9220a53d018a21b381170d2732searchtype=a. taken September 28, 2010 [4] Vant Hoff Isochore. http://www.scenta.co.uk/tcaep/nonxml/science/equations/details/vant%20Hoff%20isochore.htm taken September 28, 2010.

Identity Changes in The Count of Monte Cristo :: The Count of Monte Cristo

Identity Changes in The Count of Monte Cristo The Count of Monte Cristo is a very sourceful book with characters creating different and new identities. Fernand changes to Count de Morcerf during the time of Dantes' imprisonment, Mercedes changes to Countess de Morcerf after her marriage to Fernand, Cadderouse changes to M. Pilletin, Benedetto changes to Andrea Cavalcanti to disguise and murders Cadderouse, and last but certaintly not least Edmund Dantes with the various identity changes. Even though these characters names are just being changed or in Dantes' case, changing their names, this still means creating various identities. In every identity change, there is a different name or "alias" as some people call it, and with every name comes a different identity. Dantes had to create a different personality to go with each new character to keep himself disguised. Just like anyone else who may be popular, people feel the need to change their identities for many different reasons, some more commonly used than others. People who ch ange their identities may feel the need to change their identity, because it lets you be someone different, it's unique, it defines who you really are or who you want to be, it allows you to hide or get away from yourself and others, and many other reasons. For these reasons or at least some of them, I feel that Dantes, the main character of this book creates a new identity so many times. The main reason I believe that he changed his identity so many times was to hide himself Edmund Dantes from the people he confronted. As I stated before, Edmund Dantes created these different identities to hide from the other characters that he confronted in the book. He confronted many people whom he had confronted in the past. Appearing as Dantes would have probably caused more conflict between him and those characters. For example: I believe the first identity change came after he escaped from prison and found the treasure. Dantes had disguised himself into the priest Abbe Busconi. He had an encounter with Fernand earlier in the book (p. 88-89) and did not want him to recognize that he was Edmund Dantes, the man who was once engaged to Mercedes. Therefore, I feel that he was hiding himself from Fernand as disguising himself as a priest at this time and could have believed that Fernand would confess to him about being involved with the conspiracy of getting Dantes locked up. Identity Changes in The Count of Monte Cristo :: The Count of Monte Cristo Identity Changes in The Count of Monte Cristo The Count of Monte Cristo is a very sourceful book with characters creating different and new identities. Fernand changes to Count de Morcerf during the time of Dantes' imprisonment, Mercedes changes to Countess de Morcerf after her marriage to Fernand, Cadderouse changes to M. Pilletin, Benedetto changes to Andrea Cavalcanti to disguise and murders Cadderouse, and last but certaintly not least Edmund Dantes with the various identity changes. Even though these characters names are just being changed or in Dantes' case, changing their names, this still means creating various identities. In every identity change, there is a different name or "alias" as some people call it, and with every name comes a different identity. Dantes had to create a different personality to go with each new character to keep himself disguised. Just like anyone else who may be popular, people feel the need to change their identities for many different reasons, some more commonly used than others. People who ch ange their identities may feel the need to change their identity, because it lets you be someone different, it's unique, it defines who you really are or who you want to be, it allows you to hide or get away from yourself and others, and many other reasons. For these reasons or at least some of them, I feel that Dantes, the main character of this book creates a new identity so many times. The main reason I believe that he changed his identity so many times was to hide himself Edmund Dantes from the people he confronted. As I stated before, Edmund Dantes created these different identities to hide from the other characters that he confronted in the book. He confronted many people whom he had confronted in the past. Appearing as Dantes would have probably caused more conflict between him and those characters. For example: I believe the first identity change came after he escaped from prison and found the treasure. Dantes had disguised himself into the priest Abbe Busconi. He had an encounter with Fernand earlier in the book (p. 88-89) and did not want him to recognize that he was Edmund Dantes, the man who was once engaged to Mercedes. Therefore, I feel that he was hiding himself from Fernand as disguising himself as a priest at this time and could have believed that Fernand would confess to him about being involved with the conspiracy of getting Dantes locked up.

OPEC CARTEL Essay

â€Å"OPEC As a CARTEL† There are two kinds of extreme market structure and they are perfect competition and imperfect competition. In a perfectly competitive market there are many numbers of sellers and many numbers of buyers selling and buying homogeneous products, therefore there is very little impact of a single buyer or seller changing the price of his/her product. In an imperfect competitive market there are few sellers and these sellers have some control over the prices and output of the product. Here, in this kind of market the whole market is affected by an individual changing his/her product price. In USA most of the industries fall between these two extreme market structures. But in this essay we’ll talk about oligopoly. It is imperfect competitive market state therefore here there are few no. of sellers. Oligopoly covers many kinds of industrial behaviours and structures because of its broad nature. Oligopoly is a market condition where few numbers of sellers (oligopolists) come together and form a market or an industry. An oligopoly may have 2 firms or 20 firms, selling and producing differentiated or undifferentiated products and services. There are few participants in this market structure therefore each participant is aware about the activities of other participants. The decisions are influenced by one another. As this market is operated by few firms, the price of the product and the quantity of production is fixed by the firms itself keeping in mind their self-interest and self-respect. Sellers (oligopolists) are acting and cooperating like a monopolist – producing a small amount of quantity of goods and selling these goods at a price higher than the marginal cost. These are some of the powerful incentives at work which hinder a group of firms from maintaining the monopoly outcome. An oligopoly is operated under imperfect competition; they follow a kinked  demand curve which shows that inelasticity below the market price and elasticity above the market price, offering differentiated services and products they have strong barriers to entry. Kinked demand curve is downward sloping curve. There is a discontinuity at the bend – the â€Å"kink†. Due to this there is a discontinuity in the marginal revenue curve. The demand above the kink is relatively elastic, therefore all other firms’ prices remains unchanged and demand curve after the kink the demand will be inelastic, therefore all the firms will have similar price cut, eventually leading to a price war. The best way to overcome this problem is to produce at the point E that is the equilibrium point and, coincidently the kink point. There are many industries in oligopoly conditions are automobile, cigarette, malt beverages (beer), small arms ammunition, oil and petroleum, etc. There are many kinds of oligopolies, a number of different oligopoly models have been structured. But we are going to further discuss about the structure of CARTEL. But before that if u examine all oligopoly models have a similar thing i.e. ‘The behaviour of any given oligopolistic firm depends on the behaviour of other firms in the industry comprising oligopoly’. According to the traditional economic theory the producer who is at the stage of profit maximizing and also has some market power (either due to oligopoly or monopolistic competition) would have set marginal cost equal to marginal revenue i.e. MC=MR. A cartel is an organisation of independent firms coming together, to control and limit the production and increase and decrease of price and profit. Cartels can be formed in an informal or formal manner with the agreement of every member. Cartels usually occur in an oligopolistic industry. The main aim of cartel is to increase individual profits by reducing competition. There are two kinds of cartels: Private cartels and Public cartels. In a public cartel there is involvement of government and such cartels are legally formed. Private cartels are formed by few industries and are subject to legal liability under antitrust laws now found in every country of the world. Private cartels have to often face competition laws. Private cartels are recognized and fragmented by the competition policy by most of the countries in the world. But finding out cartels and further proving them is very difficult because firms are not so careless to put such agreements on papers. Antitrust authorities have found that in last 200 years price increase achieved by cartels is almost 25%. There was a 28% price hike in private international cartels (cartels formed by one or more nations). Domestic cartels where at 18%, less than 10% domestic cartels failed to raise the market price. This study was possible after several economic studies and legal decisions. There are some differences in public and private cartels. It is said that public cartels are less harmful than private cartels because they are operated in the presence of government private cartels are more effective and, hence, possibly harmful, though there is no proof to prove this right. Government has all the authorities to establish and enforce the rules relating to prices, output and other such matters; this is in the case of public cartels. Examples of public cartels are export cartels and shipping conferences. There are also depression cartels permitted in some countries this type of cartel helps in stabilising the required price and production. For example, in Japan such type of cartel is allowed in steel, aluminium smelting, ship building and various chemical industries. In United States during the time of great depression of 1930, in industries such as coal mining and oil production public cartels were allowed by United States and they also remained after the World War-II. Germany’s economy was also affected by these cartels during the inter–war period. There were international cartels formed between governments of some nations by signing an agreement it was called as international commodity agreement which covered products such as coffee, sugar, tin, and oil (OPEC). Private Cartels are having huge different than public cartels, an agreement is signed on terms and conditions that provide mutual advantages, these terms and conditions should not be detected by outside parties. Private cartels are responsible for violating the antitrust Laws. Game theory means studying the oligopolistic behaviour of a series of strategic actions of a firm and reaction of the rival firm. According to this theory cartels are unstable, due to the behaviour of members of a cartel is like the behaviour of a player who has a dominant strategy in a game. If a member does not abide by the rules in the agreement that member will make more profit than by following the agreement. The situation would be worse if all the partners break the agreement. Cartels do not sustain for a long run because members have cheating incentives. A Cartel can exist for only 5 to 10 years this was found by deep study of cartel. If the members intend to cheat on the agreement in order to earn short term profit so that they could cover the long term losses this depends on the situation if they have short term profits through break down of cartel than they’ll possibly break it down. How difficult it would be for a firm to, find out that other firms are following the agreement or not. If the other firms are not following than they are cheating and therefore the cartel becomes unstable. There are few ways to keep watch on a cartel: 1) Number of firms in the industry, 2) Characteristics of the products sold by the firms, 3) Production cost of each member, 4) Behaviour of demand, and 5) frequency of sales and their characteristics. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was initially created with efforts of 5 countries and then later on joined by 9 other countries. It is an intergovernmental organization which was formed by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, on September 10 – 14, 1960, in Baghdad. These five founding members were later on joined by nine other members: Qatar (1961), Indonesia (1962-2009), Libya (1962), United Arab Emirate (1967), Algeria (1969), Nigeria (1971), Ecuador (1973), Angola (2007), Gabon (1975-1994). Ecuador suspended its membership from December 1992 – October 2007. Initially headquarter of OPEC was in Geneva, Switzerland, and after 5 years it was moved to Vienna, Austria, on September 1, 1965. OPEC was found with some objectives. The objective of OPEC is to manage and unify petroleum polices among member countries and thereby secure the stability in the prices for petroleum producers. It was necessary that flow  is maintained in supplying petroleum at an economical rate, to the consuming countries, provided that the members investing in this industry get a fair return of capital. They also have a unique strategy that is allotting the production quota to a member country. This system helps in maintaining and stabilizing the price to a certain level. Developing its collective vision with some objectives and creating its secretariat, in Geneva and then in 1965, in Vienna, OPEC adopted a ‘Declaratory Statement of Petroleum Policy in Member countries’ in 1968. This policy stated that it is absolute right of the member nations to have a permanent rule over their natural resources and use them in order to increase the rate of national development. During 1970s OPEC became an international importance in the world market of petroleum and crude oil, it had a full control over the pricing. During this period there was a steep price rise in petroleum products. In 1980s the prices began to fall down as people started shifting from petroleum products. OPEC’s market share fell heavily to the third of the early rise. At this time member countries had to bare a heavy loss, but soon they regained their position with a little price hike almost half the early rise. OPEC started recovering its market share slowly. During the period of 1990s OPEC had a fall in prices same as it had in 1980s, but it had a solid recovery this time. During this period the prices were stable at some extent than in 1970s and 1980s. One of the member nation left OPEC and one suspended its membership. In 21st century OPEC had an innovative plan which helped in stabilising the prices of petroleum products in early years. The prices began to rise from 2004 and still it’s rising. During this decade one member activated its membership and another member suspended it. OPEC has not proved to be a successful cartel because it was unable to control the prices of petroleum products. Though OPEC had few members and that helped in reducing the conflicts. It was easy for the members to monitor one another’s activities and thereby adhering to the agreement. It was also easy to coordinate the price policy and the output policy according the agreement. It is simpler to form a cartel with few members. OPEC as a cartel is working effectively because 3/4th of its oil reserve is regulated by four countries they are: Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iran. There is only one threat to OPEC as a cartel, and that is increased production by  non-members. In the short run the price elasticity of demand for oil is quite low, according to this statement if enough production restrictions are implied than it will give a price hike this is a favourable environment for a cartel. Following this in 1973 OPEC contributed to two third of the total oil production of the world. Today if we compare the prices of crude oil than they are much higher than the early stages. To survive for such long period of 50 years OPEC had to face many challenges to fulfil its objective. The first challenge in front of OPEC is how to overcome the problem of supply of crude oil in all the countries keeping in mind the interest of the member countries of OPEC. Initially OPEC used to supply its crude oil to all type of countries like developing countries, under developed countries and developed countries but later on it was not able to fulfil the demand as it kept on increasing. Therefore, OPEC decided to first fulfil the demand of those countries with greater need and who provided with a fair deal and then look forward to those countries that had less demand for crude oil and offered a cheap deal. This decision was taken keeping in mind its own profit. The second challenge for OPEC is the NON-OPEC countries i.e. countries which are not members of OPEC. If these countries started production at high rate then these countries would take the major market share of OPEC and that was not good for member countries. NON-OPEC countries had no restrictions in production and pricing of crude oil. These NON-OPEC countries would take the short run profits because they can vary their prices. The third problem faced by OPEC is that United Nations (UN) was constantly pressuring OPEC in order to stop the wastage of gas which is emitted in high amount due to the usage of old technology. Technological issue is the fourth challenge for OPEC because they used old technology and to install new one it would take time and the market demand would not be fulfilled. Updating the technology was a big issue. The fifth issue was about maintaining large reserves of crude oil in order to sustain the sudden shift in demand. The sixth that is the last challenge is in the form of question that how OPEC can overcome the financial problems occurring during the production of oil because producing oil needs heavy capital investment? There is a big risk taking and uncertainties involved in this process and these uncertainties can be overcome with the help of proper  planning. If OPEC is unable to fulfil the challenge than there, is a fear of losing the whole market share against the NON-OPEC countries. Analysis of OPEC’s behaviour can be done through certain aspects. First, relying on a structural model is better than relying on the estimation approach. According to the analysis done in first step, in last 25 years all the theoretical models constructed for OPEC should be taken and then they should be properly tested. After this we compare and contrast it with equilibrium model of dynamic oligopoly. In the second step we consider organization as a whole and not considering the supply functions of individual countries. By doing this we would be able to estimate the collusiveness of OPEC. This helps us in identifying the switching periods between collusive and non-cooperative behaviour. OPEC has its own collusive behaviour and in many cases there was break down and price war between member countries. Price of crude oil depends on the demand and supply of it. There can be different variations maybe low or high, in price of crude oil, due to the imbalance in demand and supply – maybe little demand and more supply or more demand and little supply. The price of crude oil will be high if demand is more and supply is less and price will be low if supply is more and demand is less. Sometimes the prices fall down due to the non-cooperative act of members of OPEC or due to going against the agreement and cheating. Sometimes the reason for high price of crude oil may be other factors like taxation, governments of the countries of the world, natural disasters, etc. Factors like transportation, climate, capital, machinery, cost of production, etc. affect the prices of crude oil. As other cartels, OPEC also tries to raise the prices of crude oil by reducing the quantity of production of crude oil. When the price raises each member of cartel wants to increase the production by going against the agreement, so that they can get large amount of profit. OPEC member countries frequently agree to the reduction of production but then they cheat on the agreement. During the period of 1973-1985 OPEC was successful in maintaining the high-prices of crude oil, with the help of cooperation of  member countries. The price of crude oil per barrel rose steeply from $3 per barrel in 1972 to $11 per barrel in 1974 and then to $35 in 1981. After that there was absence in maintaining cooperation between member countries due to the argument on the topic of increasing production. Due to this the prices of barrel fell down by $13 per barrel in 1986. In this case OPEC has failed to work effectively because it was lacking in coordination and cooperation between member countries and this resulted in the instability of price of crude oil. According to the study there are approximately 1.5 trillion barrels of oil reserve in world. Out of which 81.33% i.e. 1193 billion barrels, is with the member countries of OPEC. In 2010, OPEC member countries produced 29.2 million barrels per day of crude oil that is about 41.8% of the world total output; this has increased to 69.7 million barrels per day. According to OPEC they have sufficient crude oil reserves that can last for 112 years. According to OPEC’s World Energy Model (OWEM) the demand for crude oil in 2006 was 84.7 million barrels per day. Due to the continuous growth in world’s economy the demand for crude oil in 2015 will rise to 96.1 million barrels per day, 102.2 million barrels per day in 2020 and 113.3 million barrels per day in 2030. OPEC as a cartel was unsuccessful to a certain extent and successful to a certain extent. There was high variation observed in prices of crude oil due to the instability of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Lack of cooperation and coordination amongst the members of OPEC was seen because each individual member was tempted to earn high amount of profits and therefore he/she would cheat with the agreement. There was one thing observed that, when the price of crude oil rise than the members of OPEC intend to go against the agreement and they try to increase their production in order to earn short-run high profits. During any crisis in the world OPEC was not able to keep itself steady. There were some technological related issues with the members of OPEC. They used the old machinery to produce the crude oil and to overcome that they started updating their machineries, but during this period they were unable to handle the market demand for crude oil and therefore t hey failed to provide it to other  countries which resulted in price hike. If innovation is carried out properly than the cost of production will reduce to certain point and this will react in high rise in demand in international market, which will directly affect the profits of members of OPEC. In conclusion I would like to say that OPEC is a best form of oligopoly and both suit to each other because of the continuous development of OPEC as a cartel. In past 50 years OPEC has faced many heavy tasks; it failed to fulfil some tasks but still tried to recover the losses. OPEC has the largest oil reserve in the world. Amongst the NON-OPEC countries main competitor of OPEC is U.S.A because it has one of the largest reserves of crude oil. If we see in today’s market than OPEC as a cartel has a higher market share and it is the longest and largest living oil producing organization. OPEC is one of the longest survived cartels in the world. REFRENCE 1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartel 2) http://www.opec.org/opec_web/en/about_us/24.htm 3) http://www.scribd.com/doc/55875469/Oligopoly-OPEC 4) http://www.opec.org/opec_web/en/press_room/179.htm 5) Principles of Microeconomics (Indian edition) 4th edition, by N. Gregory Mankiw, published by Cengage learning India Pvt. Ltd., 356-357 6) Principles of Economics 8th edition, by Karl E. Case and Ray C. Fair, published by Dorling Kindersley India Pvt. Ltd., 310-311

The Rubber Processing Industry in Ghana

Chapter ONE1.0 Introduction1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDYNatural gum elastic is an elastomer ( an elastic hydrocarbon polymer ) that was originally derived from latex, a milky colloid produced by some workss. ( Wiley,2002 ) . Wiley farther provinces that natural gum elastic is used extensively in many applications andproducts, as is man-made gum elastic. Recent research has found that the economic impact of the industrial processing of gum elastic had at the clip of find is, besides an industry that provides occupations and returns on nest eggs, and besides contributed a batch to economic development ( Oluwalana et al 2007 ) . Ghana has non merely achieved sustainable growing and important poorness decrease in the recent old ages, province and establishment edifice has made rapid advancement in the same period. Ghana has become a stable democratic province as demonstrated in a peaceable passage of power in two back-to-back free and just elections in 2000 and 2008. Administration indexs have been steadily bettering over the past old ages and in 2007, Ghana ranked in front of regional norms of Asia, Latin America and Africa in most of import administration indexs, including authorities effectivity, regulative quality and control of corruptness ( Kaufmann et al. 2008 ) . The state is ranked among the top 10 African states in footings of freedom of the imperativeness and academic freedom ( Freedom House, 2008 ) . Industrial development has been recognized as one of the surest agencies of guaranting higher and sustained growing rates. Hence African states including Ghana pursued import permutation industrialization in the sixtiess and 1970s. The principle was to travel African economic systems from its agricultural province to modern industrialised economic systems as has been the instance of the East and south-east Asiatic economic systems. Consequently, policies to advance import permutation industrialization were pursued and this led to the constitution of light ind ustries to bring forth goods locally and run behind duty barriers. Like many African states, Ghana’s industrial scheme was meant to cut down economic dependance ; hence, fabricating industries were established to bring forth points that were antecedently imported. Ghana became a success narrative in Africa in the recent old ages. The growing and poorness decrease scheme volume 2 provinces that, after more than 20 old ages of steady economic growing and important poorness decrease, Ghana is taking to go a in-between income state in following 10 old ages. Result of transmutation in many Asiatic states is frequently characterized by a declined portion of agribusiness in GDP and progressively of import function of fabrication in taking growing in the transmutation procedure ( GPRS,2009 ) . Industrialization has enjoyed important good will and virtues of history as the impeling force in the planetary economic sciences of national development. Technology underlines industrializatio n and the appropriate blend of the two provides the technology substructure for growing and development. Ghana has made important efforts at industrialization, particularly in the immediate post-independence epoch through definite programs. The nucleus scheme of the GPRS is to prosecute industrial development through the private sector as the footing of wealth creative activity, growing and poorness decrease ( GPRS, 2009 ) .1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENTGhana’s economic system has displayed less transmutation than might be expected for a state that has late achieved middle-income position harmonizing to National Development Planning Commission ( NDPC, 2010 ) . The function that transmutation dramas in the class of development is good understood by both development economic experts and policymakers in the underdeveloped universe. NDPC ( 2010 ) argues further that, transmutation which is a procedure in which labour moves from traditional activities in agribusiness and other primary sect ors to modern industry and besides a procedure in which population moves to urban Numberss, making chances for the development of industrial activities and improved public assistance. In Ghana, a important per centum of the working population is employed by the informal sector, The Ministry of Trade and industry ( MTI ) ( 2000 ) cited that, little houses can more propel growing in the economic system than big one time due to their figure and niches they occupy in the national economic system. In the rural economic development, little graduated table industries and endeavors play a cardinal function in bring forthing income for running of households and financing most activities in the rural countries of the state ( MTI, 2002 ) . With this great impact and part to the economic development of the state, these little graduated table industries are weighed down with a batch of jobs ( Ankomah, 2012 ) . Ankomah in his research further stated that, most of these industries barely grow in t he rural economic system to go medium and big graduated table. They still faces challenges such as hapless working status, low engineering, low substructure installations, unequal web, hapless distribution system, low quality merchandise and hapless regulative systems ( MTI, 2002 ) . They face difficult competition from big graduated table industries in the formal sector in marketing their merchandise. Ghana’s Medium Term Development Policy Framework provinces in NDPC ( 2010 ) that, the midterm development program in Ghana is to â€Å"lay the foundation for the structural transmutation of the economic system within the decennary stoping 2020, through industrialisation, particularly fabricating, based on modernised agribusiness, industries and sustainable development of Ghana’s natural resources, peculiarly minerals, oil and gas† ( NDPC 2010 ) . It is against this background that the research seeks to supply adaptable agencies to advance the gum elastic industry for economic development through architectural inventions and progress substructure installations.1.3 AimThe research objectives seek to ; 1. Measure the gum elastic processing industry in Ghana and place the design considerations in puting up a modern gum elastic processing industry in Apemanyim. 2. Propose a gum elastic processing industry in the territory capital to act upon the socio-economic development and to make employment in the territory capital.1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONSThe undermentioned research inquiries were used to accomplish the aims of the survey. These include ;What is the current province of the gum elastic industry?What architectural design intercessions can be disposed of in response to the demands of the gum elastic industry in Ghana?1.5 ScopeThe range of this research is geared towards the processing of natural gum elastic, and how the industry can be advanced in production engineering and substructure to farther procedure the gum elastic into concluding merchandises and besides to act upon the socio-economic development in the territory capital. It besides focuses on the design principles to setup a reputable gum elastic processing industry. This survey will look out for the needed infinites, machines or equipment and criterions for the constitution of a g um elastic processing industry. A item certification and analysis for locating a gum elastic mill will besides be amalgamated into this thesis as an experimental or presentation undertaking being a foreshadow of how executable the country’s programs of work outing her economic jobs will be best addressed.1.6 JustificationThere is an addition in the government’s attempt to accomplish economic growing and poorness decrease in rural and urban countries. Harmonizing to Ghana statistical service ( GSS ) , ( 2000 ) , In their life criterion study, it indicate that approximately 69 % of the Ghanese population is employed in the micro and little endeavor sector with a important figure of them located in the rural countries. The Ministry of trade and industry ( MTI ) ( 2002 ) cited in the ( ADTF ) diary that, the authorities of Ghana has policies for micro and little endeavor. The end of this policy is to make a contributing environment to turn and ease the development of a vib rant, productive and competitory micro and little endeavors sector in the state. The authorities seeks to advance dynamic enterprise civilization for invention, promote employment growing within the informal sector and develop micro and little endeavor to function as a agency to set up linkages between the formal and informal sectors of the economic system. Besides the policy province to better the engineering based merchandise quality and productiveness of the micro and little endeavor sector and upgrade the application of autochthonal engineerings. Rubber processing is concentrated at Apemanyim as a consequence of the presence of natural stuffs. The GREL processing works is the chief industry into the processing of natural gum elastic in the territory capital. An interview conducted at GREL identified that, 120 people are employed with a production capacity of five metric tons per hr. With deficiency of substructure development and engineering, this gum elastic industry is unable to farther procedure the gum elastic into finish goods therefore its inability to make more employment for the young person and more over to contend the urban market with their merchandise. The part of GREL in the economic systems of the Western, Central and parts of Ashanti parts is tremendous as it presently provides employment for over 6,000 husbandmans through its Rubber Out-grower Scheme. There would be more value added to the gum elastic if it is farther processed into tyres before it is exported to assorted states.1.7 RestrictionThe major restriction encountered was the trouble of acquiring some critical information with regard to the inaccessibility of bing mills to be used as local instance surveies and equipment as proficient surveies which are in conformity with gum elastic industry installations. The lone mill available within the state is the gum elastic mill located at Apemanim. However, this mill does non farther procedure the gum elastic into finished goods.1.8 ORGAN ISATION OF THE STUDYThe survey has been organised under five chief chapters. Chapter One focuses on the general debut to the survey and defines the research job, aims, range and justification. The 2nd chapter reviews literature on the construct and economic sciences of gum elastic production. Chapter Three covers the profile of the survey Region and Districts every bit good as the methodological analysis that has been employed to transport out the survey. The 4th chapter nowadayss an in-depth analysis and presentation of informations. The fifth and concluding chapter covers the major findings and policy deductions of the survey, recommendations and decision. 1.9 Summary The chapter has presented an overview of the whole survey with general issues facing the gum elastic industry. The following chapters will hence, present a critical reappraisal of the organic structure of literature related to the processing of gum elastic.

Premarital Sexual Intercourse Among Adolescents in Malaysia Essay Example

Premarital Sexual Intercourse Among Adolescents in Malaysia Essay Example Premarital Sexual Intercourse Among Adolescents in Malaysia Essay Premarital Sexual Intercourse Among Adolescents in Malaysia Essay Essay Topic: Girl in Translation The Second Sex Original Article Singapore Med J 2006; 47(6) : 476 Premarital sexual intercourse among adolescents in Malaysia: a crosssectional Malaysian school survey Lee L K, Chen P C Y, Lee K K, Kaur J ABSTRACT Introduction: Sexual intercourse among Malaysian adolescents is a major concern, especially with the worry of HIV/AIDS. This study was done to determine the prevalence of sexual intercourse among secondary school students aged 12 to 19 years in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional school survey conducted on 4,500 adolescent students based on a structured questionnaire. Data were collected using the selfadministered questionnaire (translated version of the Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance in Bahasa Malaysia). Results: The study showed that 5. 4 percent of the total sample were reported to have had sexual intercourse. The proportion among male students who had had sex was higher (8. 3 percent) compared with female students (2. 9 percent). The mean age at ? rst sexual intercourse was 15 years. One percent of students reported that they had been pregnant or had made someone else pregnant. Adolescent sexual intercourse was signi? cantly associated with (1) sociodemographical factors (age, gender); (2) environmental factors (staying with parents); and (3) substance use (alcohol use, cigarette smoking, drug use), even after adjustment for demographical factors. The survey showed that 20. 8 percent of respondents had taken alcohol, 14. 0 percent had smoked cigarettes, 2. 5 percent had tried marijuana, 1. 2 percent had tried ecstasy pills, 2. percent had tried glue snif? ng, 0. 7 percent had tried heroin, and 0. 7 percent had intravenous drugs. Conclusion: Prevalence of sexual intercourse among Malaysian adolescents was relatively low compared to developed countries. However, certain groups of adolescents tend to be at higher risk of engaging in sexual intercourse. This problem should be addressed early by targeting these groups of high-risk adolescents. Keywords: behaviour, abu se adolescents, premarital sex sexual intercourse, substance Singapore Med J 2006; 47(6):476-481 Department of Community Medicine International Medical University Plaza Komanwel Bukit Jalil Kuala Lumpur 57000 Malaysia Lee L K, MD, MPH Senior Lecturer Chen P C Y, MD, MPH Professor Clinical Sciences Section Kaur J, MSc Senior Lecturer Seremban Specialist Hospital Seremban 70200 Malaysia Lee K K, MD, MRCOG Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecdogist Correspondence to: Dr Lee Lai Kah Tel: (60) 3 8656 7228 Fax: (60) 3 8656 7229 Email: [emailprotected] imu. edu. my INTRODUCTION The topic on sexuality has largely remained a taboo subject in Malaysia. Despite this, there are increasing numbers of sexual activities reported among Malaysian youth(1-3). Due to sensitivity of this issue, adolescents receive inadequate education, guidance and services on reproductive health(4). With their limited knowledge about their bodies and their sexuality, adolescents find themselves vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases and infections, including HIV/AIDS, unplanned early childbearing and unsafe abortions. In the USA, sexual behaviour differed by ethnicity, age, and urban/rural location(5). In Thailand and the Philippines, family structure was associated with premarital sex: youths living with one parent have higher rate of sexual activity than those living with both parents(6). For many adolescents, experimenting with tobacco, alcohol, sex, and drugs are rites of passage. Associations between sexual activity and substance use have been a consistent research finding. In Kenya, the single most important predictor of sexual activity among adolescent women was the use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco(7). Studies from the USA also reported similar findings(8,9). The purpose of this study is to describe the prevalence of premarital sexual intercourse and the determinants of sexual intercourse among Malaysian secondary school students. Data on premarital sex in Malaysia with its multi-ethnic background and rapid modernisation is interesting because data from Western countries may not be applicable to this country. This study hopes to provide updated information on premarital sex Singapore Med J 2006; 47(6) : 477 among the adolescents in Malaysia, and specifically in Negeri Sembilan. METHODS This is a cross-sectional descriptive study that was carried out from June 2001 to August 2001. The study was conducted in seven districts (Seremban, Port Dickson, Kuala Pilah, Jempol, Jelebu, Tampin and Rembau) in Negeri Sembilan (purposeful sampling of one of the states in Malaysia). Sampling of schools was done using strati? ed random sampling. Schools were divided, based on their districts and locality, into either urban or rural. Six schools were chosen randomly from the urban areas and eight schools from the rural areas. Urban areas were de? ned as gazetted areas with their adjoining built-up areas that had a combined population of 10,000 or more at the time of the year 2000 census. Other areas with populations less than 10,000 people were considered rural areas. The study population consisted of students (aged 12-19 years) in form 1 to form 6 (form here refers to the grades of schools according to the age of the students). Two classes were randomly chosen from each form to be the study sample, resulting in a sample of 4,500 secondary school students. Response rate was calculated based on the number of questionnaires distributed and the number of questionnaires collected back at the end of the session. Data were collected using the supervised selfadministered questionnaire. The questionnaire was established with reference to the Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance conducted in the USA(10). It had been translated into Bahasa Malaysia and retranslated back to English to ensure accuracy of translation into Bahasa Malaysia. The questionnaires were pretested in one of the schools in Negeri Sembilan, before they were used in the ? eld, to ensure clarity of questions. Ambiguous questions were revised before the questionnaire was ? nalised and printed. Consent was sought from the State Education Department, school management and all study participants. To ensure maximal response, students were assured that the information gathered would be treated con? dentially by strongly emphasising the anonymity of questionnaire responses. To maximise con? dentiality of answers, teachers were not present during the survey and no discussions were permitted throughout the survey. Background information about the respondents includes age, gender, education level, ethnic group and religion. Questions related to sexual behaviour include (a) â€Å"Have you ever had sexual intercourse? †, (b) â€Å"How old were you when you had sexual intercourse for the ? rst time? † and (c) â€Å"Have you ever been pregnant or ever made a girl pregnant? † Questions related to smoking and alcohol include â€Å"During the past 30 days, on how many days did you smoke cigarettes? †, â€Å"During the past 30 days, on how many days have you had at least one drink of alcohol? † and â€Å"During the past 30 days, on how many days did you have ? ve or more drinks of alcohol in a row and within a few hours? †. Substance use was based on responses to the questions on each substance: â€Å"During your life, how many times have you used marijuana, used ecstasy pills, sniffed glue, used heroin, or used a needle to inject an illegal drug? † Analysis was done on factors that were possibly related to the adolescents? sexual behaviour. Statistical signi? cance of differences between 2 groups was tested using ? test. Factors related to the adolescents? sexual activity were analysed using multiple logistic regression. The statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 11. (Chicago, IL, USA). However, owing to some missing answers to certain survey questions, the denominator used in percentage computation varies according to the responses obtained for the survey question. RESULTS Response rate was 100% as all the 4,500 questionnaires distributed were collected back. Levels on non-response to questions on sexual intercourse were quite low  œ less than 1% (n=35). Of the total sample (4,500 adolescents), 53. 6% of the respondents were female, 46. 4% were male (Table I). The mean age was 15. 3 years of age (median 15). In terms of ethnic group distribution, there were 51. % Malay, 29. 2% Chinese, 17. 1% Indian and 1. 8% from other ethnic groups (mainly indigenous people) (Table I), which re? ect the ethnic breakdown of the population in Malaysia. More of the adolescents (51. 7%) were from the urban areas as compared to rural areas (48. 3%) (Table I), which is in proportion to the urban/rural population in Negeri Sembilan. 5. 4% of the total sample were reported to have had sexual intercourse (Table I). The proportion among males who had had sex was 8. 3% compared with 2. 9% of females, and the difference was statistically signi? cant (p