Saturday, August 31, 2019

Police work with juveniles Essay

Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This term paper tackles the issue of police work with juveniles.   For purposes of this paper therefore, juvenile delinquency should be understood to refer to any antisocial or criminal behaviour by children or adolescents (Quint, Andrew Reisig & Mueller, 1996)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On Friday June 1996, a 9 year old and 11 year old boy were charged with the rape of an 8 year old pregnant. In addition, a pregnant girl was shot by another student in St. Louis Miami almost during that time (emergency net news, 1996).   These are just but cases of Juvenile offences that the police have to deal with.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Juvenile policing has its roots in 1899 in cook county Illinois, where the first court was created as a result of ideological changes in the cultural conception and strategies of social control during the 19the century; an event that culminated into a century long process of differentiating youths from adults offenders( Quint et al. 1996)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What then is the police role in juvenile policing?   Just like the adult system of criminal justice, the juvenile justice system also has three basic components, the police, courts and corrections (Larry & Welsh, 2004) More often than not, whether or not a juvenile is processed into this system is dependent upon the outcome of an encounter with the police.   It is therefore true to say that, the police serve the role of the gatekeepers to the juvenile justice system.   They thus begin the criminal justice system. Also, upon the arrest of a juvenile offender, the law provides for the police to release the juvenile to his or her parents or take the offender to a court (Quint et al. 1996) A new view has however emerged within the police themselves. Rather than seeing themselves as crime fighters who track down serious criminals or stop armed robberies in progress, many police departments have adopted the concept that their role be maintaining order and being a visible and accessible component of the society(Larry & Welsh, 2004)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Police research and other related studies indicate that these offender of violent juvenile crimes are likely to turn up to world be junior terrorists who can be of rivaled some of the worst terrorist organizations in the world.(Quint et al 1996)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The arrest procedures for juvenile offender differ from place to place but generally, arrest becomes the primary option of securing the juvenile’s attendance to court.   In addition, a written notice can be issued by police for the offender to appear in court (Larry & Welsh, 2004). This is however mostly given to minor offenders.   The investigating officer then notices the parent or guardian about the arrest of the time, date and place where the offender is to appear.   While doing this, the police are supposed to exercise discretion to enhance the child’s rights and divert the child away from the mainstream criminal justice system(Larry & Welsh, 2004)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Search and seizure is another method of police methods of investigation.   The law governing search and seizure is typically the same for both adults and juveniles (Larry & Welsh, 2004). This procedure involves among others photographing, fingerprinting, lineups and record keeping.   Children however, just like adults are also protected against unreasonable search and seizure under the fourth and fourteenth amendments of the constitution (Larry & Welsh, 2004)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There is also custodial interrogation which requires the offenders   to be questioned often within the presence of their parents or attorney.   This is because any incriminating statement arising from such custodial interrogation can be used at trial (Quint et al. 1996)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Because of the informality that has been built into the system in an attempt to individualize justice, much discretion needs to be exercised.   Daily procedures of juvenile personnel are rarely subject to judicial review except when they violate the youth’s constitutional rights (Larry & Welsh, 2004) and as a result, discretion sometimes deteriorates into discrimination and other abuses on the part of the police.    Too little discretion gives insufficient flexibility to treat juvenile offenders as individuals while too much leads to injustice (Larry & Welsh, 2004).   Police for instance are likely to act formally with African American suspects and use their discretion to benefit whites (Larry & Welsh, 2004). Other factors include environmental factors whereby the police have that in born mentality within them that certain places, or if a child comes form a particular place, then he/she is likely to be an offender.   This stereotypy thus falls under the environmental factors.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Police bias can also be as a result of the situation and conditions under which the child is arrested.   If the child brings complications such as putting up a resistance against the arrest and therefore fights the officer, or merely has a bad or negative attitude, then he is likely to be arrested in such a case discretionary justice is likely to take place (Larry & Welsh, 2004). It should be noted also that discretionary decisions are made without guidelines from the police administration. As noted earlier, there are many factors that influence the decisions made by the police about juvenile offenders. among the ones not mentioned include, the seriousness of the offense, the harm inflicted on the victim and the likelihood that the juvenile will break the law again (Larry & Welsh, 2004).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The police have however taken the lead in delinquency prevention by employing a number of strategic measures some of which rely on their different powers. Others have relied on schools, the community and other juvenile justice agencies (Quint et al, 1996).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One of these strategies of contemporary prevention relies on aggressive patrolling at specific patterns of delinquency.   This is what we refer to as aggressive law enforcement.   The police here target gang areas and arrest members for any violations.   The tactic however has not proved to be effective since in most cases, the results tend to be unsatisfactory (Larry & Welsh, 2004).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In 1996 for example, the Dallas police initiated the strategy, which led to significant reduction in gang activity, targeting truancy and curfew laws but the saturation patrols proved ineffective (Larry & Welsh, 2004).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Police have also worked with schools to improve their safety and prevent delinquency in the community through organizations of various programs (Quint et al. 1996). The problem here however lies in the view that is held by some people over police in schools.   These people assert that this infringement on the personal freedoms of students (Larry & Welsh, 2004)   and that schools   should be left to run sovereignly.   There are also others who call for greater use of police in schools, especially those schools that have experienced violent incidents in the past by students against teachers (Larry & Welsh, 2004).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Community policing may also be employed here.   Community policing models are put in place aimed at improving relationships between the community and the police.   This will be important since many juveniles will then have a high regard for the police. Conclusion The ever-changing nature of juvenile delinquency thus calls for more experimentation and innovation in policing strategies inorder to prevent delinquency (Larry & Welsh, 2004). Among the first steps therefore should be tailoring policing activities to prevailing local conditions and providing for an enlargement in the community and other stakeholders      References Emergency Net News Service, 1996 http://www.emergency.com/juvycrim.htm Larry J. Siegel, Brandon C. Welsh (2004). Juvenile Delinquency. Belmont, Calif: Thomas Wadsworth Quint Thurman, Andrew Giacomazzi, Michael Reisig and David Mueller (1996). Community based Gang Prevention and Intervention: An Evaluation of the Neutral Zone: Crime and Delinquency

Friday, August 30, 2019

Impressionism †Monet and Renoir Essay

Impressionism was the name given to one of the most important movements in art history. It was the first of modern movements. Its aim was to achieve ever greater naturalism by a detailed study of tone and colour and, by an exact rendering of the way light falls on different surfaces. This interest in colour and light was greatly influenced by the scientific discoveries of the French physicist ‘Chevreul’ and by paintings by Delacroix. Instead of painting dark shadows using mainly different tones of grey and black, the Impressionists- like Delacroix – realised that when an object casts a shadow, that shadow will be tinged with the complemntary colour of the object. They did not use firmly drawn outlines but instead applied paint in small brightly coloured dabs, even in shadowy areas of their pictures. This lack of outline and multiplicity of small dabs of pure colour, when combined wih the impressionists interest in fleeting effects of light, give their pictures a c onstant air of movement and life, but also of Impermanence. There was nothing as formal as a manifesto or even an agreed programme among the Impressionists. They were all individual artists working in their own way, developing their own style. They were, however, agreed in a general way on a number of points regarding subject matter. Their work should be modern, observed with detachment, and not historical or emotional. The view being that the subject itself is not of particular interest, but the way in which the light and colour decorate it, as described by Monet, â€Å"for me, it is only the surrounding atmosphere which gives subjects their true value†. The impressionist artists often painted together in small groups, depicting open-air scenes on the banks of the Seine and in the parks and recreation places of the middle classes around Paris. The bathing place and floating restaurant at La Grenouillà ©re provided the location for a number of sketching trips for Monet and Renoir. In the later years of Claude Monet’s life, he devoted himself to creating a beautiful water garden at his home in Giverny, and painted this garden continuously. ‘Water Lily Pond – Harmony in Green’ is one of the many paintings of his garden and truly epitomizes the characteristics of the Impressionist style. The painting depicts a Japanese style bridge(which he designed himself) with a small pond, largely covered in lilies, running underneath it. Monet had a huge collection of Japanese prints, with many of the plants in his garden being ones that he saw in these prints. It is quite possible that this painting was inspired by one of these prints. In the painting, the weeping willows in the background are reflected in the water between the lilies. Although Monet loved plants and flowers and collected rare species, he was not interested in distinguishing them in a painting. It was their reflections in the water which interested him. The surface of the painting is a rich carpet of colour, with brush strokes of yellow, pink and lavender woven in with the shimmering green of the plants. The colours reflect a brilliant sunshine with the flowers indicated by blobs of white tinged with yellow and pink. He painted this view of the bridge from a small boat he kept moored for painting the water. Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), painted ‘Luncheon of the Boating Party’ in 1881 and it marks the end of his Impressionist phase. The painting is one of his last in an Impressionist style and truly captures the concepts and styles native to the movement. Soon after, he and Pissarro would divert from the ideals of Impressionism and change the course of their art. The scene is set in a restaurant at the riverside. This was a favourite spot for boating enthusiasts and their girlfriends. It is the end of the lunch and the remains of the food and drink are on the table. All appear to be enjoying themselves after the boating expedition. The composition of the picture is linked together by the interchange of glances among the members of the group. The girl in the centre leaning on the rail leads the eye to the three on the right. A relationship of some kind seems to be suggested by the artist. Among the group is the actress Ellen Andrà ©e, who posed in ‘Absinthe’ for Degas. The woman on the left-hand side with the dog is Aline Charigot, Renoir’s future wife and favourite model. The figures are posed in a natural manner and the composition is open, so the spectator feels part of the group. Both Monet and Renoir, were two of the leading members of the Impressionist movement, both epitomizing the ideals and characteristics of Impressionism in their art work. With the examples discussed above, the brushwork and colouring styles of the Impressionists are clearly shown in Monet’s ‘Water Lily Pond-Harmony in Green’. Equally significant, the subject matter and content agreed upon by the members of the movement, can be seen in Renoir’s ‘Luncheon of the Boating Party’, the painting being free of emotion, historical reference, it is viewed with detatchment and depicts the modernity of the time. Personally, I believe both Renoir and Monet to be some of the greatest artists of their time, adopting the different styles and establishing Impressionism, they were truly at the forefront of the movement. With all its characterists of the movement evident in their work, they are the perfect representation of the Impressionism.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Tutoring in high school Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Tutoring in high school - Essay Example I assisted Rose times by helping her organize her backpack because her bag had so many worksheets and she could not find her homework easily. Also, I stayed after homework hours and assisted students with many recreational activities. I worked with students in baking cookies, brownies, puppy chow, and cupcakes for their parents’ meeting. I also played Scrabble with them and a variety card games such as Uno, Egyptian Rat Screw, and Speed. One afternoon we had a girls’ time and Rose painted my fingernails blue. I thought about Rose every moment I saw my fingernails. I interacted with students from diverse backgrounds. Most students get bus tokens to take the city bus home, some live in unstable homes with family problems, and some live in unsafe environments. I gained a sense of their hard lives by tutoring and playing sports with them. I truly felt that I was making a difference in their lives and I enjoyed every minute of it. I hope I can expand my desire to help young children in the

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Philosophical foundations of education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Philosophical foundations of education - Essay Example However, there are some general strategies that work effectively. The essential thing to keep in mind about managing the learning environment is that it needs an on-going process in which the teacher must be a keen observer, facilitator, conversationalist, and manager. Different strategies are being used by teachers, and key school personnel to promote learning and to create a positive learning environment. Manning observations stated that "there is a growing consensus that a positive and safe learning environment is one that emphasizes cooperation, collaboration, and peaceful existence, and is one that is free from threats of psychological or physical harm-- that is, an environment that reflects caring and concern for all students" (2000). Establish the type of environment and the desired behaviour for the students - It requires set of goals, general and specific objectives, and the necessary skills needed to be developed, in order to decide what behavioural goals the facilitator is trying to attempt to achieve with the students. Behaviour development is necessary for students' growth and learning. This strategy can promote a positive learning environment when initially done within the learning process. ... uld be geared so students can achieve the essential skills to carry on the desired behaviours, once students understand the set behavioural goals and objectives. "The surroundings in which children learn can greatly influence their academic performance and well-being in school. The architecture, layout, decor and facilities of the [their] school all play a vital role in shaping the learning environment" as cited in World Wide Web (Teachernet.gov.uk). Generally, student behaviour is dependent on teachers' behaviours. If a teacher is attentive on the effect of his or her behaviour towards the students, he/she can change it to direct them toward the desired behavioural goals. According to McFarland, a teacher influences his or her students by both content and contact and can leave a long-lasting impression (2005). As a role-model of the students, the behaviour of the teacher could help create positive impact to students in achieving the projected behavioural goals and objectives, leading to a positive learning environment. Promote respect when dealing with students - Ralph Emerson said, "The "secret of Education lies in respecting the pupil." It is not for the teacher to choose what the pupil will know and do, but for the pupil to discover "his own secret." The teacher therefore must "wait and see the new product of Nature" (1888, pp.125-59). The teacher must have confidence that his/her students also desire to do the right thing. Students' positive expectations will become self-gratifying and transmission of these expectations to students happens in a number of ways. One of the most understandable and prevailing way is through personal relationships in which teachers and other school personnel converse to students, 'This work is important; I know you can do it; I

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Technology Changes Healthcare Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Technology Changes Healthcare - Case Study Example The networked hospital TV’s apart from providing entertainment to patients also present health-related videos approved by the nurses. Moreover, patients can give the complaints and ideas through the TV interactive system. The healthcare organizations are unable to obtain the return on technology investment. The vital role played by Technology plays in healthcare organizations can go unnoticed by the management as suggested by Ogallaga (n.d). Technology in healthcare centers seems to operate a seamless supply chain despite the industry being inundated by errors that make the process slow, increasing costs, providing incorrect products to the wrong people. Technology has led to deterioration of management confidence in their healthcare organization’s capacity to support the anticipated benefit from its technological investments. This is due to inadequate IT running and communication. The healthcare organizations should adopt the execution of an enterprise wide Information Technology preparation and management strategy according to Ogallaga (n.d). This is to achieve a return on technology investment. Healthcare organizations must invest in technology that provide a return on investment and are managed by users with less cost. Additionally, healthcare institutions should support the administration by providing decision support systems that give incredible return on investment can be used without constant IT support. Similarly, in the education industry significant success brought about by technology, for instance, learners have access to wide range of information. There are also highly technological laboratory equipments used by science students. Technology has played a significant role in healthcare. This is depicted in most hospitals where use of technology has enabled networking of physicians, easy access to

Monday, August 26, 2019

Costa coffee Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Costa coffee - Essay Example Costa coffee Since coffee retailers in the UK largely depend on coffee producing economies therefore, governments of coffee producing economies also influence the operations of coffee shops in UK. For example, Venezuela was the largest coffee exports however, because of government price controls; growers consider growing coffee as not an economically viable option (BBC, 2010). UK government with the support of members of coffee associations is struggling to support the producers of coffee such as through farm certifications, direct-buying initiatives and quality improvement which supports the farmers to improve their position and long term sustainability (British Coffee Association). Economic Population of UK has grown over 60 million people and in 2006, the total population was 60.6 million as compared to 55.9 million in 1971. Moreover, it has been estimated that people above 65 years old will be more in number as compared to individuals below 16 by 2021. Poverty reduction has become an importan t target for UK and government has been able to lift 2.4 million people out of poverty including 800,000 children and government aims to halve child poverty by 2010 and eliminate poverty by 2020. Economic problems faced by coffee producing economies influence the coffee companies in UK because most of the companies are acquiring coffee from these economies. For example, Uganda farmers are facing increasing level of pests and diseases and extremely harsh weather conditions (Butler, 2011). Around 70 percent of the world’s coffee is grown on area less than 10 hectares and most of the famers, out of 25 million in 50 developing economies that produce coffee, sell coffee in small quantities to local traders, manufacturers or exporters. The manufacturers of Coffee in UK are buying green beans from international trading houses or exporters. However, Government of UK is encouraging the companies to buy coffee direct from the famers to access best quality coffee in the long term (Briti sh Coffee Association). Social Consumers are asking for fair deals from suppliers at coffee shops and according to a Concerned Consumer Index Survey, 54 percent of the participants have showed that coffee shops should consider social issues ahead of environmental issues such as treating workers in plantation fairly (Gibbons, 2010). UK Fair trade market has grown from ?493 million in 2007 to ?712.6 million in 2008 and according to survey 72 percent of people are aware that they can buy coffee through fair trade certification. In the period of six months, 36 percent of the people have bought coffee through fair trade and the trend of buying coffee through fair trader is further boosting (Mortimer, 2010). More than 60 million cups of coffee are consumed on average in the UK in one day (British Coffee Association, 2011). The coffee culture is continuously increasing in UK however, because of the economic downturn; consumers in the UK were giving preference to drink coffee at homes rathe r than at coffee shops (Euromonitor, 2011). Consumers in UK are more focusing on taste and quality of coffee and the increasing consumption of coffee at homes is evident from increasing household penetration of coffee pod machines (Euromonitor, 2011). Technological Between 2002 and 2005, the UK internet sales to households have increased by

Sunday, August 25, 2019

No need for topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

No need for topic - Essay Example It is important to note that moral reasoning is critical to personal and organizational welfare. This makes it necessary to assess moral reasoning stages and how they inform managers’ execution of this practice. James Weber’s article â€Å"Adapting Kohlberg to Enhance the Assessment of Managers’ Moral Reasoning† is critically linked to key organizational practices. In any given organization, moral and ethical issues emerge from time to time. To address such emerging issues, leaders and managers rely on frameworks that are functional and relevant to organizational operations. The primary focus of the article, therefore, relates to morals and ethics and how they influence organizational culture. This article review will be undertaken on the basis of how well moral reasoning concepts can be employed in assessing managers’ behaviors and decisions. The article â€Å"Adapting Kohlberg to Enhance the Assessment of Managers’ Moral Reasoning† by James Weber is text that primarily focuses on moral reasoning within the organizational context. To present his arguments, James Weber adopts Lawrence Kohlberg’s concepts related to this matter. Specifically, Lawrence Kohlberg’s moral judgment and standard issue scoring method are considered (Weber 296-303). This adaptation is subsequently linked to managers’ practice of resolving moral/ethical-based conflicts. The two concepts adopted by Weber are spread across different organizational aspects. These differentiated aspects help in the assessment of managers’ practice of moral reasoning. The idea is to understand why managers handle moral and ethical issues the way they do. On the same note, the article focuses on what informs managers’ rationality in addressing the said issues within an organization. The specific aspects presented by Weber with regard to moral judgment interview and standard issue scoring

Saturday, August 24, 2019

AIS-1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

AIS-1 - Essay Example eeping in view the requirements of the business operations the treasure evaluates need for procurement of funds and investment of surplus in profitable ventures. He/she drafts policies and procedures for account collections and offering credit to customer and signs notes of indebtedness as approved by higher management. Finally he/she prepares financial reports for management and advises them on investments and loans (Kerr & King, 1984). The controller’s functions include accounting, reporting and control. The accounting function involves preparation and maintenance of accounting records related to each business transaction. Controller directs and coordinates financial planning and budget management functions based on each forecasts submitted by each department’s manager. He/she identifies any variations in operating results against budget by carrying out analytical review of company’s procedures and outcomes and manages the preparation of annual and interim reports of the company. The controller is primarily involved in planning and policy making committees and work as legislative liaison to handle company’s financial issues. The company’s tax issues, payroll and internal audit activities are also governed. Other activities may include preparation of budgets and financial statements. Finally he/she overseas financial management of the company’s foreign operations and assist them to improve (Bragg, 2002). Transaction processing cycle begins with a transaction. A transaction is an agreement between buyer and seller to exchanges goods or services for payment. Transaction processing cycle therefore relates to repetitive flow of the activities of an ongoing enterprise. There are three major transaction cycles which include (1) Revenue Cycle which relates to sales, shipping, receivables, and collections arising from company’s activities (2) Buying Cycle which relates to purchases, payables, and payments of company’s activities and (3) Production

Analysis on the Importance of HR Practices in Managing Organisations Essay

Analysis on the Importance of HR Practices in Managing Organisations - Essay Example Analysis on the Importance of HR Practices in Managing Organisations The literature suggests of the importance of managing human resources for the benefit of the company, but this practice is apparent to the large organizations. HR practice in SME has been the center of research because of the issues raised. The study found out that the size of the company is congruent to the choice of implementing HR policies because of resource constraints. This paper analyses the significance of HR practices such as training and development in managing organisations. Resourcing an Organisation SME has captured the attention of researchers due to its rapid growth which contributes to the national economy. Thousands of small businesses are established, which increase the employment of individuals; hence, failure of small businesses to remain in their business operation hurt the economy. Europe and UK narrate that two-third of its job are employed in SME, but the enterprises lose a huge number of jobs due to business failure. The business failure of SMEs is caused by the poor management of resource and informal practices of HRM. Beaver and Hutchings support that SME rejects the value of HR as the source of gaining competitive advantage. Due to their lack of knowledge in the managerial aspect, the growth of the company is sacrificed. Furthermore, majority of small and medium enterprises believe that HR practices are hindrances to the generation of profits because training and development require budget. ... commitment, adaptability, and consideration of employee.† To emphasize commitment, SME should adapt HR policies to strengthen the loyalty of employees and motivate them to render their maximum potential. Thus, it is inappropriate for SME to think that HR policies will lead to unproductive. â€Å"The management of people is strategic to success† (Harney & Dundon, 2006, p.48). This statement accentuates the role of HRM in aiding companies to achieve their mission statement. The knowledge on HRM is critical in ensuring that right employees are recruited and trained at the right time. Zheng, et al. (2009, p.177) confirm that â€Å"consistent and effective manner† of human resources management through recruiting and maintaining competitive staff who are talented will add to the companies’ competitive advantage and â€Å"sustain superior performance in the longer term.† Therefore, the failure of most companies is rooted to their inability to support HR pra ctices. In UK, the government encourages SMEs to implement HR best practices because of its positive outcome to the organisational performance. Studies have shown that companies employing HRM have attained excellent performance compared to those who are neglecting HR (Bacon & Hoque, 2005, p.1977). According to Pfeffer (1994 cited in Reid, et al., 2002, p.249), successful organisations have common HR practices such as â€Å"employment security, self-managed teams, extensive training, high compensation contingent on organisational performance, recruitment, sharing of information, and reduction of status differences.† The HR practices of organisations motivate employees to be competitive and productive in their job design and role designation. Job design and role specifications are crucial in matching the talents of the

Friday, August 23, 2019

Marijuana Should Be Illegalized Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Marijuana Should Be Illegalized - Essay Example Marijuana also has many other names such as ganja, pot, weed, and grass among others, as many people refer to it differently. Marijuana is derived from the leaves or stems of the plant Cannabis sativa that contains 400 other chemicals some of which are unique to the plant only. The main chemical composition in the drug and one that has the most diverse effects is the chemical delta-9-tetrahydro-cannabinol or THC. This chemical is rapidly absorbed in the blood stream and enters the brain cells in a matter of minutes. The use of marijuana and the effects vary from user to user depending on the method of intake, but the most common mode of intake by most users who use it is through smoking of the dried leaves, stems or the seeds. It may also be ground and taken with other food substances such as tea or sprinkled with other food additives. The THC once absorbed in the blood has some short term and long-term effects to the user depending on the number of joints smoked. The chemical can st ay in the blood streams and brain for time ranging from 10 minutes to 8-10 hours, and affect users differently also as they differ in levels of drug handling capabilities. Small amounts of the plant enhance the user’s perception of the world and heighten the appreciation of music, foods and increases brain functions. Long terms effects reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the blood and increases the levels of carbon monoxide in the brain cells that leads to alteration of the brain functions of the users. This reduced oxygen reduces the thinking ability of the user, causes drowsiness and restlessness. The user may also suffer from hallucinations and the extended sense that he/she owns the world or they are beyond the others. The THC in the blood enters the heart vessels and reduces the amount of oxygen that enters the heart to be pumped to other parts of the body. This in the long run over works the heart as it tries to pump more blood throughout the body to meet the oxyg en deficit. The heart increases the heartbeats to pump more blood making heart muscles to weaken, thus, the user may die of heart failure or heart attack as he/she continues to use marijuana in their blood stream. Since the user gets a heightened sense of surroundings, he/she becomes what is termed as ‘high’ and may become a nuisance to the others in the community. Cannabis may also make the user to be irritated by others in society and may turn aggressive as they try to assert their position. Addicted users if denied marijuana become moody, stressed, restless and angry at everything and everyone and may turn violent to others in the society. There is the increased need for society to assist in campaigns against drug abuse and to curb the use of marijuana by other members of society. First, there is the need for community involvement in nationwide campaigns and awareness programmes against the use of these drug. The community can carry out education awareness to mostly the youth and adolescents who are mainly influenced by peer pressure to use drugs. Community organizations can carry out programmes and developmental schemes to keep young adults and children busy when at home during holidays and when unemployed. Community youth recreation centers could be developed in most states across the country where the youth can receive education on drugs, also have fun, and constructively

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Bentham and Mills on Utilitarianism Essay Example for Free

Bentham and Mills on Utilitarianism Essay Im Researching Saved Recents Uploads My Answers Account Products Home Essays Drive Answers Texty About Company Legal Site Map Contact Us Advertise  ©2016 Bentham and Mills on Utilitarianism Utilitarianism, Ethics, John Stuart Mill Mar 28, 2006 1882Words 355Views PAGE 5 OF 5 As an American society statues and laws are placed before us to set a standard of morality and justice. But what truly determines whether an action is moral or immoral? As I analyze the works of Jeremy Bentham, in his Principle of Utility, Alongside John Stuart Mill, on Utilitarianism, we will better understand what the foundations of morality are in accordance to their writings. Furthermore, through their standards of utility I will analyze the situation proposed as to whether cheating on your income taxes can be justified as morally right or wrong in the eyes of the utilitarian. In his Work, Jeremy Bentham states Utilitarianism as that principle which approves or disproves of every action whatsoever, according to the tendency which it appears to have augmented or diminished the happiness of the party whose interest is in question. Plainly stated, Bentham defines utilitarianism as the ethical rightness or wrongness of an action directly related to the utility of that action. Utility is more specifically defined as a measure of the goodness or badness of the consequences of an action. J. S Mill later expands Benthams definition of the term by saying utility holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to promote the reverse of happiness. Mill defines happiness as the absence of pain. Mill further states that there are different levels of pleasures. He states that some pleasures are of higher quality than others and thus more desirable. Mill states that, if all pleasures are equal and the only difference is in their quantities then human beings and lesser beings (such as a pig ) would receive gratification from the same sources of pleasure. Whereas Benthams utilitarianism makes no distinction between different beings and assigns the same pleasure to all members of the community, Mill separates human beings and lesser beings, which have pleasure that is of different category and worth. Mill gives an example by saying, It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied. In comparing the two, one can see that Bentham and Mill agree that utility is measured by the result of happiness (or absence of pain) of an action. The next firm foundation of utility, according to Bentham, is the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people who are affected by the performance of an action. He states, The interest of the community (the sum of the interest of several members who compose it) is one of the most general expressions that can occur in the phraseology of morals. He supposed that social policies are properly assessed in light of their effect on the general well-being of the majority of the population that is involved. In a utilitarian philosophy the effects of an action is to be meticulously calculated for the greater good of the masses. Mill later describes the perfection of utilitarian morality with the golden rule of Jesus of Nazareth. In this rule he alludes to the section in the Bible where Jesus claims that we should do as you would be done by, and to love your neighbor as yourself. In saying this he states that laws and social arrangements should place their happiness of every individual as nearly as possible in harmony with the interest of the whole. It can be said that maximum utility results when the following process is undertaken: 1) analyzing the majority (level of happiness experienced by people) after each action made. 2) Summate the levels of happiness experienced in each case. 3) And lastly, compare the results. The one that can be said to lead to the greater amount of total pleasure or happiness is the superior alternative. Perhaps the difference between the two can be that Bentham believes in a precise calculation of the utility of each possible action in a given situation. This precise calculation is achieved through different criteria which are as follows: 1)Pleasure minus pain 2)Intensity 3)Duration 4)Fruitfulness 5)Likelihood The first criteria, of pleasure minus pain, refers to whether the pain produced by the decision is worth the happiness produced. The second, being intensity, refers to the resulting strength. Duration, as the third criteria, relates to the length of time the experience lasts. The fourth factor of fruitfulness refers to the long-term results of the pleasure. And finally, likelihood determines whether it is likely the choice will result in the presumed effect. Through careful calculation of these factors, Bentham believes it is possible to come to select the greatest choice, thus bringing pleasure to the most amount of people. Mill, on the other hand, does not oppose the very nature of calculating utility, but merely the effort and time it would take to calculate the decision made. Mill believes that decisions are superiorly made through the application of rules that have been calculated ahead of time. He states, We shall examine presently of what nature are these considerations; in what manner they apply to the case, and what rational grounds, therefore, can be given for accepting or rejecting the utilitarian formula. With the afore mentioned foundations of Utility, can the following given circumstance be said to be morally right in the eyes of the Utilitarian: Suppose you have a dear friend who needs $1000 for her mothers medical bill and, if not treated, her mother will die and the pain of her family will be enormous. Suppose further that the only way to help your friend is to cheat on your income taxes that will never be audited. You believe that the money will not affect the IRS greatly because the government wastes billions of dollars anyways. You do not tell your friend how you got the money so that her and her family can experience enormous happiness. In deciding whether or not to cheat on your income taxes, a utilitarian must evaluate both sides of the overall welfare of the people affected by this action and the consequences of the action taken. In this case, the people affected would be (on one side) your friend, her mother, her family, and yourself, also (on the other side) the US government. The next step taken by Utilitarians would be to measure the pleasure and pain which would be caused by cheating on your income taxes. The consequences that can relatively be calculated, on the side of your friend, if the action is not taken can be: 1)the mother will have pain and die 2)your friend and her family will suffer enormous pain 3)you will suffer alongside your friend. And the pleasure would be the opposite. On the other hand, the consequences for the government, in your eyes, will be minimal since you will not be audited: 1) they will be oblivious to the fact that they should have received $1000 more 2) the government usually wastes billions of dollars. However, the true consequences of cheating on your taxes can be said to: 1) break the law of paying your taxes in their entirety 2) bring you pain if you are caught 3)effect the budget of a certain program that your money would have gone to. In this case, from the eyes of the person cheating on the income taxes, the greater pain would be to deprive their friend of the money at the present time. However, according to Mill, utilitarianism must be qualitatively weighed. This requires for one to consider, not only, the amount of pain and pleasure, but also the quality of each pain and pleasure. Mill states, According to the Greatest Happiness Principle, the ultimate end, is an existence exempt as far as possible from pain, and as rich as possible in enjoyments, both in point of quality and quantity. A flaw in utilitarianism, is that nothing is really said to be absolute. Every circumstance is relative to each person. What one person may consider to be morally right and just and of good quality, may not be the same for another. Mill suggests that to distinguish between different pains and pleasures a person who has experienced both sides of pleasure and pain should be able to measure and choose which result concludes in more happiness. In this particular case, many things can result from cheating on your taxes. For example, the $1000 that you withheld from the government could have gone to help a school in a poor community, therefore causing pain to the teaching staff that will not receive the money they deserve, or the students who will not receive appropriate supplies. Another result can be that one less item can be bought to support the nation in a fruitless war, which will bring happiness to those who oppose war. In such a case, there really is no way to be able to determine the direct result of what ones income taxes will benefit, so it is very arduous to weigh the quality of pain and pleasure in each side of the circumstance. With the previously given examples it is no wonder why Mill states, It is often affirmed that utilitarianism renders men cold and unsympathising; that it chills their moral feelings towards individuals due to the fact that an individual can not calculate the measured unhappiness of each action. Therefore because we do not have the time to calculate accurately in every instance, Mills supposed, we properly allow our actions to be guided by moral rules most of the time, which in this case would be the laws set forth by the government. As Mill stated we should be able to rely absolutely on ones feelings and conduct, and to oneself of being able to rely on ones own, that the will to do right ought to be cultivated into this habitual independence. Plainly stated, if one feels that it is morally wrong to cheat on your taxes, because it is a direct violation of the laws given by the government, then we must rely on those feelings to make the morally right decision to not cheat on the taxes. Therefore it can be concluded that the action of cheating on your income taxes to help a friend in need can not be accepted as morally right. Though the intentions may be noble, and may be meant to bring quantitative and qualitative happiness, the action still remains morally wrong and can bring about even more quantitative and qualitative unhappiness. In such a case, the conclusion will always be met with some sort of pain. Mill stated that neither pains nor pleasures are homogeneous, and pain is always heterogeneous to pleasure. So alongside the pain caused by an action to cheat or not cheat on your taxes will always bring alongside a pleasure. In conclusion, the utilitarian foundations as stated by Jeremy Bentham and J. S. Mill altruistically put the happiness of others or of the majority ahead of the individual. As stated by Mill, in the long run, the best proof of a good character is good actions and such actions place the masses over the mutually exclusive. So through the works of Bentham and Mill, a greater perception has been given of what the foundations of utilitarianism truly are.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

The Social Determinants Of Childhood Obesity Health Essay

The Social Determinants Of Childhood Obesity Health Essay Childhood obesity is an international problem in the 21st century. In Hong Kong, it is easy for us to find the increasing trend of child obesity rate from the media. Why does the problem happen in Hong Kong? Are there any solutions to reduce the childhood obesity? In this paper, I will firstly to talk about the seriousness of childhood obesity in Hong Kong. Then, I will explore the childhood obesity from the social determinants. Then, I will talk about the solutions of this health problem by using health promotion strategies. The current situation of childhood obesity in Hong Kong Childhood obesity as an international health problem Childhood obesity is now becoming a worldwide problem nowadays. Obesity means a people who accumulates too much body fat and he or she will face on health problems in the future (Haslam James, 2005). According to World Health Organization (2012a), obesity is one of the serious health problems in the 21st century and now there are 170 million overweight children who are under 18 years old. Also, more than 40 million children in the world under the age of five were overweight in 2010 (World Health Organization, 2012b).In every year, there are at least 2.6 million people die because of overweight or obese (World health organization, 2012c). The negative effects from childhood obesity Childhood obesity causes different problems in childrens development and health. LeBow (1986) had come out three potential dangers of not treating the fat child, including persistent obesity, barriers in the life and potential health threats. He thinks that obese children are stigmatized from peers, parents and society in the childrens development. This will leads them to enter into vicious circle that they have low self-esteem and become fatter and fatter. Many obese children think that they will still obese and it continues after they grow (Peckham et al., 1985; Stunkard Burt, 1967). Yung (2009) has illustrated what diseases may lead by childhood obesity (See Figure 1). He also mentioned that if government fails to curb childhood obesity, there will be a lot of youngsters suffering from the diseases in the future. Figure 1: Classification of medical and psychosocial consequences of childhood obesity (Yung, 2009). The numbers and phenomenon of childhood obesity in Hong Kong In Hong Kong, there is an increasing trend on the overall childhood obesity rate. Appendix 1 shows the latest data on childhood obesity in Hong Kong. According to the [emailprotected] Campaign (2012a), the overall obesity rate increases from 16.4% to 20.9% in the past 15 years. The numbers also show out that boys are easily to become obese than girls with around 5-10% of disparity on the obesity in different gender. Besides the data from the government, more information reflects that the potential crisis on suffering from other diseases related to childhood obesity. A cross-sectional study from CUHK shows out that about 13% of boys and 11% of girls were obese in examining around 2 600 children aged 6-13 (Sung, 2007). It also mentioned that about 10% and 3% of the children were detected on having three or more and four or more of the six cardiovascular risk factors respectively, including high systolic blood pressure or diastolic blood pressure, high blood triglyceride, low blood high-density lipoprotein, high blood low-density lipoprotein, high blood glucose and high blood insulin (Sung, 2007). Also, patients are getting younger and younger to suffer from diabetes or cardiovascular diseases because of childhood obesity (Wan jiu xue tong, 2007). Therefore, childhood obesity has become a major health care issue in Hong Kong from the facts in both statistics and news reports. In the next part, I will talk about the social determinants of childhood obesity. The social determinants of the childhood obesity The framework of social determinants in analyzing the childhood obesity According to World Health Organization (2012d), social determinants of health include life, development and health system afforded by the distribution of power and resource. It also shows out the phenomenon as health inequity which affects peoples health status. World Health Organization Western Pacific South-East Asia (2008) had set up some index to evaluate the public health in Asia Pacific. In this time, I will borrow the framework to analysis childhood obesity in Hong Kong with adjusting the index and adding related factors (See Figure 2). The reason of adopting this framework is to show out how our social settings make childhood obesity instead of attributing to self-responsibility from individual. I also add the item main stakeholders because they are the main media to lead the things happening in society. Factors Main stakeholders Original meanings Adjusted meanings Income and poverty Family Overall economic situation Overall economic situation Economic status of the grassroots Lifestyle Family Eating habits Physical activities Eating habits Physical activities Personal growth Education School Literacy rate School setting Culture and knowledge Society Not including Traditions, views and knowledge of food Figure 2: The framework to analysis the childhood obesity in Hong Kong Family Family is one important sector in enforcing the childhood obesity because they have the most responsibility to take care their children. From our born to independence, it is not only fulfill childrens basic life but also learning the foundation of knowledge and skills. Therefore, they have an important responsibility in forming the childhood obesity. Income and poverty Economic status affects peoples health in their life. World Health Organization Western Pacific South-East Asia (2008) mentioned that poor people are hard to maintain their health because they lack of resource to access health service and take actions to prevent diseases. It also mentioned that Hong Kong is regarded as a high-income country from the World Bank in 2008. It also has a better medical system comparing to other developed countries. At the same time, there is a big disparity between the rich and the poor with high gini index around 53.3% (Central Intelligence Agency, 2007). So, the overall economic situation and economic status of the grassroots should be attended on analyzing the health problem in different class. Meals with more meat and less vegetables are common after the improvement of economy. Every Hong Kong people consume 150KG meats in 2011 which is more than the US (Gang ren shi rou, 2012). Many parents regard children should eat more meat in their meals because of their physical development. Some parents even do not limit the amount of meat to their children because they think they should provide the best to their children if they can. In hence, children may bring up an unbalance diet. Parents will become more difficult to improve children into correct diet. When the children eat too much meat unconsciously, it will cause child obesity if the children lacks of enough exercise at the same time. To the grassroots, fast-food is easily to lead childhood obesity. It is because poor children in Hong Kong usually follow their mothers, who are usually the new immigrants, to the fast food shops. According to Chan, Deave and Greenhalgh (2010), fast-food shops are good places for them to meet other parents and friends. They also think it is a more safety places than playgrounds. Additionally, Hong Kong style fast food is unhealthy. For example, 2 pieces of Western Toast (à ¨Ã‚ ¥Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ ¥Ã‚ ¤Ã… ¡Ãƒ ¥Ã‚ £Ã‚ «) have 356 kcal, 19g fat, 116mg cholesterol, 513mg sodium and 8g saturated fat (Xiao xue sheng san, 2004). It is easy for children to overtake nutrition and harmful substances as Trans fats. Except the grassroots, having too much fast food is also common for normal families. According to Chan, Deave and Greenhalgh (2010), long-hours culture is always happened on adults. To save time, some parents may buy fast-food or pre-prepared food as dinner to their children. Some children may provide holding meal in the evening and it always leads them not to eat dinner very late at night. Children eat too much fast food chronically and it will easily to become child obesity. Lifestyle Lifestyle is the way a person lives. From the World Health Organization Western Pacific South-East Asia (2008), diet and physical activity are the ways to promote and maintain good health in a country. Obesity means the unbalance state in high diet and low physical activities. Family should make sure their children to have enough nutrition but not overdose. Unhealthy meals are one of the main factors to cause childhood obesity. Except having fast food or meals with more meat and less vegetables, another source of unhealthy meal is from bad cooking habits both from Chinese and Western. One of the examples is that Chinese prefer to use more oil and animal fat to cook the meal so the children have higher Cholesterol levels than foreign children (Fu mu tai qian, 1999). Another example is that Western meals may have high calories but low fiber as Baked Pork Chop with Rice containing over 1,200 calories (Yuan li zhu pai fan, 2003). If parents do not count nutrition intake, children will eat too much and it will become obese very easily. Another factor for childhood obesity is lacking exercise. Doing exercise is a way to consume extra nutrition and maintain personal health. According to the Community Sports Committee of the Sports Commission (2012), about 80% tested children thinks that they have enough exercise but only 9% fulfill the US standard of physical fitness. Lacking exercise of Hong Kong children has lasted over 10 years. There are few reasons to explain the phenomenon. The first reason is the school setting and I will explain later. The two one is the sense from parents. If parents are active in doing exercise, their children will also have more sense to do the exercise. Unfortunately, there are around 35% of parents with no participation in sports and more than 60% of families cannot arrange family sports time during each weekend (Community Sports Committee of the Sports Commission, 2012). The third one is the children spend too much time on different electronic screen. According to the Community Sports Committee of the Sports Commission (2012), about 40% of Hong Kong children aged 7-12 spend more than 5 hours on sedentary activities like studying and recreation. If children spend more time on the screen, they will have less time to do the exercise. School Schools are another important stakeholder in solving the childhood obesity. It is because children spend 1/3 of the whole day in schools for learning. If a school can convey enough health information through lessons and activities to the students, they can sustain their health on their lifetime and produce less health problems when they grow up. Education Public concerns on education are largely on formal education issues in a school setting. World Health Organization Western Pacific South-East Asia. (2008) evaluates the public health in different countries by assessing the literacy rate and enrollment rate. In Hong Kong, compulsory education is provided to the children for leading high literacy rate and enrollment rate, which are 94% and 74% respectively (World Health Organization Western Pacific South-East Asia, 2008). So, it seems the childhood obesity may not relate to insufficient knowledge. According to the Community Sports Committee of the Sports Commission (2012), the tested children reflect that too much school work is the barriers for doing exercise. Therefore, school setting may be a good way to observe childhood obesity. Unhealthy food provided by the tuck shops and lunch supplies lead childhood obesity. Although Education Bureau and Department of Health create different guidelines to encourage schools for providing healthy food, there are still a lot of schools providing unhealthy food through tuck shops and meals. According to Chen (2008), 90% of primary schools still sell unhealthy snacks in their tuck shops. Maintaining revenue and student tastes are the reasons for the tuck shops continuing to provide unhealthy food. Also, guidelines cannot limit the schools to provide unhealthy food. Over 40% of primary schools still provide unqualified meals without enough vegetables and fruits (Si cheng xiao xue, 2009). 80% of kindergartens provide unqualified meals with over intake of fat, salt and health food products (Du Cai, 2011). If children eat too much unhealthy food without enough exercise, it is not difficult for them to become obese. Indifference on Physical Education and play areas is another reason to lead childhood obesity. Normally, students in primary schools have 2-3 Physical Education lessons with 35 minutes per lesson in each week. Only 22 minutes are doing exercise and even 4 minutes for moderate to vigorous exercise can be done in each Physical Education lesson (Chen, 2006). For kindergarten students, there are only 20 minutes for physical activities (Chan, Deave and Greenhalgh, 2010). Many schools also do not allow students to run during the recess because of not enough space and safety to everyone. It is a backward concept criticized by Dr. Patrick Lau who is a professor of the Department of Physical Education at Hong Kong Baptist University (Jia Xiao jin pao, 2005). Students can only conduct static activities which leads them have no chances to do the exercises. This will let students cannot release the extra nutrition which will cause obesity. Over-emphasizing on academic subjects is also the problem for childhood obesity. Starting from Primary 4, students are forced to put more efforts on academic subjects because of a good path for a better secondary school and university. Sometimes, Physical Education lessons are sacrificed for academic subject lessons or classroom guidance. Also, tutorial classes after school is very common in Hong Kong.. Whether primary school or secondary school students, they will always spend some time after school to attend those lessons. This will reduce the students chance to do enough exercise to prevent child obesity in their leisure time. Society Society is the third stakeholder in solving the childhood obesity. It is because society has a force to integrate and coordinate different people and organizations for solving the problem. Also, it has the most influence on promoting healthy lifestyle. Culture and knowledge Culture is the values, beliefs, behavior and material objects that together form a peoples way of life (Macionis, 2006). Knowledge is someone who familiarizes somebody or something on facts, information, descriptions, or skills from experience or education. Culture and knowledge are directly affecting peoples mind and behavior. Some Chinese tradition proverbs do not encourage children to do the exercise in their daily life. One is called Fat equals to blessing (à ¨Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¥Ãƒ ¦Ã‹Å" ¯Ãƒ §Ã‚ ¦Ã‚ Ãƒ ¦Ã‚ °Ã‚ £). It means if a person is fatter, it also equals to a stable life. This is more popular to old generation because they have lower education level comparing to the young couples. Another one is called diligent makes contribution and games are no use (à ¥Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ã‚ ¤Ãƒ ¦Ã…“†°Ãƒ ¥Ã…  Ã… ¸Ã‚ ¼Ã…’à ¦Ã‹â€ Ã‚ ²Ãƒ §Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¡Ãƒ §Ã¢â‚¬ ºÃ…  ). These concepts are widely in our society so that exercise is not preferred. For example, some grandparents may think that English is important than games because of low walkability and limited opportunities (Chan, Deave and Greenhalgh, 2010). Fast food culture is also common in Hong Kong. It is not difficult for us to find a fast food shop in urban areas. They always promote their food or promotion on different media as TV or websites. The culture is very fit in Hong Kong because fast food strengths on efficiency which matches long working hours. On the other side, children loves to eat fast food too because it fits their taste. The information of nutrition is not very clear to Hong Kong people. Although Hong Kong has nutrition labels since 2010, there are still around 40% people not or seldom attending the labels (Janice, Mingo Sharon, 2011). Public are always late to know some of the products which is not as health as they imagine. According to Huang and Xin (2006), the content of sugar, salt and fat are over the normal standard in many corn chips. Because of the social determinants in childhood obesity, the obesity rate for overall primary school students raises from around 16 % to around 21% in the past 10 decade. In the next part, I will introduce the health promotion strategies to reduce the problems of child obesity. The health promotion strategies to tackle the childhood obesity Health promotion means a process to lead people for improving their health with increasing the sense and applying the behavior. The responsibility of health promotion is not only at the health sector, but also to reach healthy lifestyles (World Health Organization, 1986). To solve the childhood obesity, I regard five approaches to health promotion by Naidoo and Wills (2000) and social marketing should be used to solve childhood obesity in Hong Kong. It is because it can easily to assess what strategies Hong Kong has done and anything should be improved during the promotion. In the next part, I will talk about what stakeholders would be needed to conduct the health promotion. Then I will focus on the five approaches with related measures to solve the problem, introducing current measures and new measures. Stakeholders for health promotion In the social promotion, there will be two stakeholders to conduct the health promotion. One is the government and another one is the Non-Government Organizations. Government Government is very important in the health promotion. It will have different cooperation between hospitals, clinics, District Council, sport facilities, schools and families. Non-Government Organizations. Non-Government Organizations are always the forerunner to sense the problems in society. They are also strength on the flexibility when they promote in small organizations. It is because there are so many plans conducting to reduce childhood obesity, I can only use some famous examples to talk about how the strategies apply in our daily life. First, figure 3 shows the effects of the six approaches to health promotion in child obese. The medical approach Prevention and treatment Behavior change Encouraging somebody to adopt health behaviors The educational approach Providing knowledge and skills for personal choice in applying health behavior Empowerment Powering up somebody to concern and help in the issue Social change Creating choices with suitable cost, availability or accessibility Social marketing and media Increasing public awareness on particular concepts or behavior and stimulate publics mind for the response Figure 3: The effects of the six approaches to health promotion in child obese Source: Naidoo and Wills (2000) Promotions from government Medical system in stopping childhood obesity This system will focus on the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity in the media way. This is using the medical approach because of prevention and treatment in childhood obesity. Nowadays, Hong Kong had created the family health service and student health service for the children to check their health status from their born to 18 years old. It also connects with Specialist for the referral to treat the obese children. Maternal and Child Health Centres and Student Health Service Centre are distributed in different areas for children to do body check. Different Student Health Service Centre has the connection with hospitals in the same network. For example, the centre in South Kwai Chung can refer the children to Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at Princess Margaret Hospital. The government can use the centres for scanning out the obese children from the checking on BMI, blood pressure and urine. Overweight or obese children will refer to assessment centres or Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine in hospitals. They will do more body checking as exsanguinate to confirm their body status and give suitable treatment to them as Nutritionist for health meal suggestions. This approach is to find out the obese children and reduce the deterioration of them. Social marketing Social marketing and media is common used by local government. The promotion is using a simple and clear way to focus on single concept or behavior, The usage is to raise public awareness on particular concepts or behavior and stimulate publics mind for the response. For example, the government had promoted the concept of Two Plus three Every Day through the TV advertisements. The aim of this advertisement is to explain the importance of enough amounts of vegetables and fruits in daily life. It also presents the examples on how do we count on eating enough vegetables and fruits. Campaign cooperating with schools [emailprotected] is one of the campaigns to promote healthy lifestyle in eating. It uses educational approaches to do the promotion because the plan provides teaching materials for school to spread the knowledge to parents and students for choosing health meals in daily life. Except teaching, the scheme wants schools to provide more healthy food to the students by giving them some guidelines. For example, there are over 20 documents to help schools for choosing suitable food supplies for tuck shop and lunch ([emailprotected] Campaign, 2012b). Through this approach, government prefers schools and students can choose the more healthy meals by themselves. Promotions from Non-government Organizations Smart Kids Fitness project This project was created by Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. There is cooperation between the professionals, schools and parents. This plan includes teacher training and support, needs assessment and progress monitoring, parent training and supports, tailor-made weight-management plan for individual students, 12-week weight management intervention programme and school-based health promotion programme (Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion, 2008). Figure 4 shows the concepts of the project. Figure 4: A Health Promoting Schools Approach in Addressing the Problem of Childhood Obesity (Source: Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion, 2008) It contains different approaches for its promotion. Firstly, Education approach is used to teachers, parents and students with related knowledge. The project strengths at using behavioral approach and empowerment approach. Through the tailor-made weight-management plan and 12-week weight management intervention programme, students had created the sense to supervise their own health and try to improve their health with changing their habits with their parents. This can also power up their confidence to manage their health. Last but not least, the organization thinks that it is success because they can create sustainability on the participators (Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion, 2008). Recommendations for reducing childhood obesity To me, different strategies applied by the government and non-government organizations are needed in reducing childhood obesity. From my observation, I regard many strategies focus on creating health lifestyle but little on food choices and easy exercise which can do it everything. So I will suggest two directions for increasing the approach of behavior change and social change. Firstly, the government can cooperate to Green Monday, which is a non-government organization for promoting vegetarian food on each Monday for health and environment. For example, Cafe De Coral is one of the restaurants to join Green Monday. It will provide 2 dishes of vegetarian food on the Green Monday. The government can encourage food suppliers to join by adding the conditions in the tenders of tuck shop and lunch suppliers. Specific details need to be discussed but I may suggest some conditions to explain the idea. For example, tuck shops and lunch suppliers need to provide at least 50% of healthy food and drinks on Green Monday. If the bidders can meet the conditions, he or she will have the advantages in bidding the contracts or having subsides in operating the business. The reasons of promoting the day are to respond some of the tuck shops or lunch suppliers still providing too much unhealthy food to the students for many years and create a sense to students that they can cho ose for eating healthier meals. Secondly, the government can promote easy exercises for urban people. One of the social determinants is parents and children have no sense to do the exercise. Climbing stairs activities and fitness walking are two examples for the promotion. Both exercise are easy to learn and do it in the surrounding areas as park or blocks. They are also suitable to whole family members. These exercises may increase the incentives to people for doing exercise. Conclusion To conclude, Hong Kong is an international city who also has childhood obesity as other countries in the 21st century. Everyone knows that obesity is harmful to adults and child but it is different to change personal lifestyle because society contains different elements which are not benefit to our health. Although our government and non-government organizations try their best to change the situation, there are still a lot of children who are living in unhealthy life. But I think we should have confidence to face on the childhood obesity because social atmosphere of healthy lifestyle will be informed gradually if we insist for healthy lifestyle.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Influence Of Gambling Activities In College Students Psychology Essay

Influence Of Gambling Activities In College Students Psychology Essay My previous experience and lively interest in this subject motivated me to select Essence of gambling and influence of gambling activities in college students as a topic for my literature review. I had been problematic gambler for two years (gaming peers promoted tendencies to gamble) at first I started it as a means of recreation, but as a result it became major activity for me. I was spending great deal of time and money on it, without taking care of family budget or private life and it initiated real financial crisis and nervousness for me. But today, I am not gaming at all; I broke a deadlock, after loosing big sum of money, so I would like to scientifically realize the process of starting and terminating gambling by me. On the other hand, in Georgia sports betting (bookmakers) and Casino games are primary gambling activities, not only adults, but teenagers also are frequent users of these venues and I consider gambling as a large national problem. Increasing number of gambling v enues (for instance: my native city Batumi looks like a big casino) and promotion of gaming directed at students makes problem even more severe and large-scale. There had been hot debates around this topic, should gambling be declared illegal? Should it be removed from urban centers? Or simply prioritized as a profitable industry which is one of the main sources of taxation revenue? I want to assess where we are, acknowledge positive and negative sides of gambling, make judgments and as a voter support conventional wisdom. Why researchers even bother to tackle this topic? Because current developments in the world and mainly in USA makes lots of things around gambling challenging to investigate, analyze and conclude. On one hand there is profitable industry, which contributes a lot to taxation revenue, economic growth and development of services in urban centers, on the other hand negative consequences it yields to society, like emotional distress, personal bankruptcy, psychological trauma, so it is interest for researchers weather benefits cover those disadvantages or not. And why college students? Because studies of other risk behaviors have reinforced the opinion, that college students are at high risk for gambling ( LaBrie A. Richard; Shaffer J. Howard; LaPlante A. Debi; Wechsler Henry (2001) Correlates of college student gambling in the United States). Researchers examine different stages of gambling, when it becomes harmful, what are motives And which individuals are more inclined to gamble to deathà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦On the whole, the increase in the prevalence of gambling has stimulated a considerable body of research. (Platz Laurie and Murray Millar (1998) Gambling in the context of other recreation activity: A quantitative comparison of casual and pathological student gamblers.) As a prospective economist first I reviewed article by Koo Jun et al Rolling the dice? Casinos, Tax revenues and the social cost of gaming, (Journal of urban affairs. Volume 29, number 4.) Do the benefits from increased taxes and job opportunities associated with gambling outweigh those personal and social costs resulted from increased number of addicted gamblers? So three main issue worked out in this research are: 1)tax revenues and economic growth supported by these funds, 2) jobs at the casinos and improved public service, 3)possible social consequences. Wagering tax rates varies between 8.5 and 45.5% in US (Nevada, New Jerseyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Illinois) and as a percent of tax revenue it is between 3.4 and 27.8% (Illinoisà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Nevada), in Detroit casinos are sixth largest employer (Source: Indiana Gaming Commission, 2006) rigid evidence to agree that this industry is special for states economic stability. Research also focused on social costs: do casinos induce higher leve ls of social problems? Is there a link between casinos and socially destructive behaviors like unemployment, bankruptcy fillings and crime rate? Direction of causality must be checked. Article tried to answer these questions by analyzing changes in Michigan, Virginia, Indiana and Ohio; in Ohio casino-style gaming is forbidden while in others not, so researchers compared outcomes relative to social problems. Quasi experiment was carried out, unemployment rates of casino and non-casino countries in Michigan between 1991 and 2003 were compared and result was that although there was a slight decrease in the unemployment rate gap, the opening of casinos did not significantly change overall levels. Similar patterns are observed in terms of bankruptcy rates and crime levels, presence of casinos had no observable incremental effect, macro factors seem to play much significant role (Koo Jun et al, 2007). This research also used regression models, designed to control differences in initial conditions between casino and non-casino counties and separate the effects of casinos on the social cost variables: crime rate, personal bankruptcy rate and unemployment, results showed that there might be some casino effects but they are unimportant (Koo Jun et al, 2007). We can conclude this research that gambling does not have significant and catastrophic effects on socially destructive behavior, even recognizing direct connection between them is difficult, so there is no reason to declare it unlawful and sacrifice financial benefits of it. Now the essence of gambling must be studied. Gambling: normal adolescent activity or pathologic addiction? abstract by Selekman Janice 2008, explains essence of gaming. Gambling sometimes referred as Gaming, is defined as the practice of playing games of chance or betting in the hope of winning money or something of value, it involves risk and uncertainty (Verbeke and Kittrick-Nathan,2007) Most adolescent gamblers are considered as recreational, who gamble for the purposes of entertainment, but of the 80% gamblers 10-15% are at risk of development of a gambling problem and 3-8% are considered to be problem or pathological gamblers (Derevensky and Gupta, 2007) in adult population only 1.5% are problematic gamblers (Labrie and Shaffer). The median age for starting gambling is 11-13 years, when small amounts of money are readily accessible, when local environment accepts such behavior and rules of the game are understandable to a child and he/she plays to win money, gain status and resp ect among friends, escape stress, relieve boredom. While gambling they feel more control of the situation, more independence and self reliability (Jacobs, 2004) But at some phase recreational gambling becomes problematic, impulse-control disorders take place and can be characterized by following criteria suggested by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual: Preoccupied with gambling. Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money. Has repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, stop gambling. Is restless or irritable. Gambles as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dystrophic mood. Chases ones loses. Lies to conceal the extent of involvement in gambling in gambling Has committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theftà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job or career opportunity because of gambling. Relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation.(American Psychiatric Association, 2000) Pathological gamblers are at increased risk for use of alcohol and drugs, they have symptoms of anxiety and depression, sudden change in mood and school performance, they sell expensive possessions and are unable to count for money (Griffiths and Wood, 2005). It is worthwhile now to scrutinize problem gambling and prediction of gambling behavior in more details. Abstract The prediction of gambling behavior and problem gambling from attitudes and perceived norms by Susan M, Moore is useful in this sense. In the study by Moore the aim was to test the Theory of Reasoned Action, central hypotheses were that attitudes and subjective norms would predict intentions and intention-behavior. Survey designed to measure gambling attitudes, subjective norms, gambling intention, gambling behavior and problem gambling was completed by 215 participants (mean age 22). Results showed that: Most respondents approved of moderate gambling and hold that some gambling should be legal, but they were against too much gambling and endorsed to set limits on gambling opportunities. Realizing figure 2 we find out that family and friends have a great impact on gamblers, and gamblers are often surrounded by gaming friends and family members, and disapproval of their behavior comes from family members not from friends (Moore M. Susan; Ohtsuka Keis 1999) As frequency of gambling behavior in the sample shows very few of the sample regularly engaged in any type of gambling, but at a low level there has been widespread engagement in gambling. Survey also showed that not all gamblers, that game more frequently than they intend, are problematic, so correlation between gambling frequency and problem gambling was, moderately high but not corresponding: (Moore M. Susan; Ohtsuka Keis) And finally with table five, there is expressed gambling intention, frequency and problem as independent variables and potential predictors are sex, age, attitudes to gambling, subjective norms, intention to gamble. Regression analyses showed intention to gamble was significantly predicted by attitudes and subjective norms: more positive attitudes greater intention to gamble. Also males, people with strong intentions and positive subjective norms are more likely to engage in this activity. (Moore M. Susan; Ohtsuka Keis, Social behavior and personality, 1999) Gambling behavior and problem gambling is partly predicted and influenced by independent factors, but is it stable or characterized by progression? It was helpful for me to answer these questions by contemplating longitudinal studies reviewed by Debi A. Laplant et al in the abstract named: Stability and progression of disordered gambling: lessons from longitudinal studies. Stability tendency for individuals to stay at one diagnostic level opposed to moving to another improved or worsened level (Laplante A Debi et al 2008). this review found out that in contrary to conventional wisdom individuals can recover from disordered gambling (contrary to persistence assumption), like the other one that holds that individuals who have gambling problems are not more likely to worsen than individuals without gambling problems (contrary to progression assumption), so this review demonstrates that disordered gambling is unstable and not persistent, that means that professional and conventional wis dom about problem gambling have no empirical support. This review by Laplante A Debi was based on 5 peer reviewed articles (Abbott et al, Defuentes-Merillas et al, Shaffeer and Hall, Slutske et al, and Winters et al) which used various time points, populations and measures of problem gambling: In the above figure level 0-1 represents no gambling or gambling without problems, level 2 subclinical gambling problems, level 3 gambling problems. Then were developed cross tabs classification of gambling courses: improving decreased number of gambling problems; worsening increased number of gambling problems; stable consistent gambling problems across all time points (there were different time points and large time span) and variable fluctuation of gambling problems without consistent direction. As this figure shows Level 3 or problem gamblers who reduced their level of severity exceeded the studies corresponding margin of error, in each study proportion of level 3 gamblers improving was greater than zero. Results are similar for Level 2 gamblers, who reduced level of severity and their number exceeded corresponding margin of error. Improving was greater than zero. (Table2, Debi A. Laplante et al) it confirms that gambling behavior is not persistent, as problem gamblers reveal tendencies of improving in each study. We can conclude that these longitudinal studies with short-term and long-term periods indicate that while healthy gambling behavior appears to be stable, individuals with gambling problems experience movement from different levels of severity of gambling disorder to other more or less severe levels. Now as we have covered main issues, structure and characteristics of gambling we should pay more attention to segment of population which is frequently involved in gambling and pathological gambling yields disastrous consequences for them. As a bottom line we can use article by Emily M. Verbeke and Karin Dittrick-Nathan-Student gambling. Gambling is an addictive behavior that is often hidden but erodes students quality of life; it has increased significantly among adolescents, who have grown up in a society where it is legal and widely accepted.(Emily M. Verbeke) As article points out problem or compulsive gambling is characterized by: increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability, increasing bets to make up previous losses and loss of control over gambling activity. Result of problem gambling can be low grades absenteeism, poor concentrationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Emily M. Verbeke) (Then we will discuss this in more details). Although regulations forbid anyone under 18 to play, illegal gambling takes place out of controlled areas. There are several reasons why adolescents gamble: for recreation, to socialize, to win money, to experience thrill, to relieve depression or simply to escape from problems at home or university. Youths who have certain personality characteristics, such as extreme impulsivity, extroversion, sensation-seeking behaviors or low self-esteem may be at higher risk of developing a gambling problem and they have higher rates of depression and suicide attempts. Prevention and intervention activities must me carried out by teachers, mental health professionals, coaches, parents to communicate to students about negative effects of gambling and change a positive attitude towards gaming as a harmless behavior (Emily M. Verbeke). College students gambling behavior: when does it become harmful? by Jeremiah Weinstock et al is another useful abstract which gives us beneficial information about student gambling. 159 college students were interviewed, who also completed demographic questionnaire. Patterns of gambling behavior associated with pathological gambling gambling more than 1.2 times per month, gambling more than 2.1 hours per month, intending to wager more than 6.1% of monthly income and wagering more than 10.5% of monthly income. Pathological gambling was also associated with the combination of psychological distress, gambling frequency and a history of parental gambling problems (Jeremiah Weinstock). Pathological student gamblers report poorer academic performance and greater risk taking, like alcohol consumption, nicotine use, illicit drug use and unprotected sex, than recreational or non-gamblers (Weinstock et al). Also Weinstock et al found that 50% of students who gambled at least once a month expe rienced problems related to their gambling. In this study 160 students were participating, 18 years or older, the sample was diverse in both demographic characteristics and gambling behavior. Study showed that the most common gambling activities were cards (58.3%), slots (48.1%), sports betting (33.1%) and games of skill (26.3%). Questionnaire filled in by participants asked for GPA, monthly income, ethnicity, sex, marital status and age, also whether their parents gambled or not. Questionnaire also included other behavioral variables like Gambling frequency, duration, Gambling Plan Adherence index and episodes when amount risked exceeded amount intended to risk. On the basis of diagnostic interview participants were classified as pathological or non-pathological gamblers. As shown in table 1, pathological gamblers are significantly more likely to report a parent with a gambling problem history, a lower GPA, greater psychological distress than were non-pathological gamblers. This numbers identify several strong behavioral indicators, highlighting a behavior associated with pathological gambling: risking more than 10% of monthly income, gambling more than once a month and gambling more than 2 hours per month were related to pathological gambling status in college students. As study showed demographic variables play small role in pathological gambling status, behavioral and psychological variables are more influential and such behavioral indicators can be utilized to assess, prevent and intervene in problematic gambling behavior in college students. Pathological gambling among students is further analyzed by Randy Stinchfield in the article Problem and pathological gambling among college students. Article is divided into four sections, overview of problem and pathological gambling, risk and protective factors associated with student gambling, problem gambling screening and assessment instruments, prevention and intervention approaches. Problem gambling individuals life is disrupted by gambling, gambling takes precedence over other activities and individual experiences adverse consequences. Pathological gambling is a psychiatric diagnosis (Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders-American psychiatric association). Three cardinal signs of pathological gambling are: preoccupation with gambling and obtaining money with which to gamble, loss of control of ones gambling and continuation of gambling despite negative consequences such as losing large sums of money. Experimenting with gambling, regular gambling, excessive g ambling are types of student gambling. Many college student gambles, but only small percentage becomes problem gamblers (Winters, Bengston, Dorr 1998). Rates of gambling and problem gambling remained stable over time, but there was a shift from illegal games to legalized games (Winters 1995). How many college students are problem gamblers? 9.3% of men and 2.4% of women(Shaffer, Hall 1997 SOGS),other study 4.9%men 1%women(Winters, Bengston, Dorr 1998) another study 8.5%men, 1.9% women (Engwall, Hunter, Steinberg 2004). What about risk and protective factors associated with gambling? Out of all possible risks, most salient is substance use, abuse, dependence. The link between alcohol, illicit drug, and tobacco use and gambling and problem gambling are strong (Clark, 2003; Engwall 2004). Heavy alcohol use was highly predictive of problem gambling, particularly size of bets made while gambling, unanticipated withdrawal of extra money at the casino and loss of more money than could be afforded (Giacopassi 1998). In terms of gender, males are more involved in gambling that women (Kveitel and Allen, 1998) males also have higher rate of problem gambling than females (Ladoucer 1994). Ethnicity, like gender is another salient risk factor, studies have shown that African-Americans and Asian-Americans tend to gamble more then European-Americans. Other important risk factors can also be listed: students overall level of gambling activity, general gambling veracity, tendency to minimize losses, general academic performance, typical leisure or extracurricular activities and parental or guardian history of gamblingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦(Randy Stinchfield 2006). Now briefly discuss about pathological gambling assessment instruments. Most commonly is used the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), the content of SOGS includes items that inquire about spending more time or money on gambling than intended, hiding evidence of ones gambling, arguing with family members about ones gambling borrowing money. The twenty item SOGS is scored by summing the number of items endorsed, a cut score of 5 or more indicates PPG. Second item is the Gambling Behavior Interview (GBI) 76 item instrument designed to measure signs and symptoms of problem gambling. GBI is made up of eight content domains: Gambling attitudes, Gambling frequency of different games, Time and money spent gambling, gambling frequency at different venues, SOGS, DSM diagnostic criteria, Research diagnostic items and demographics.(National Collegiate Association, 2004). At the end of this article are recommendations for practitioners at colleges and universities: Monitor student gambling behavior, extent of gambling, illegal gambling and problem gambling. Develop student policies for gambling that emphasize rehabilitation not punishment. Conduct research into the cause, development, maintenance and cessation of problem gambling, with an emphasis on risk and protective factors. Develop and evaluate prevention programs and messages designed for students. Provide treatment services for students who have already developed a gambling problem. (Randy Stinfield, William Hanson, Douglas Olson, 2006). Correlates of college student gambling are worthwhile to analyze. Article named Correlates of college student gambling in the United States by Richard A. LAbrie et al gives some profitable information about it. Primary research questions which were answered: Will a nationally representative survey of gambling among college students confirm the concept that college students are at high risk for gambling problems? And will the problem behaviors and the risk factors conform to those of alcohol abuse and thereby support the persistence of a problem behavior syndrome (Richard A Labrie). Research used 2001 CAS self-administered questionnaire, which repeated standard questions used in 1993, 1997, 1999 surveys. The survey questionnaire asked, during the past school year, how often did you bet or spend money on each of the following gambling activities: Betting on professional sports, Betting on college sports, Betting on horse or dog racing, Casino gambling, Betting on the lottery or the num bers, Internet betting or gambling, Betting with a bookie, Playing cards, dice, or other games of chance. The 2001 CAS collected data from 120 colleges, 10765 students, to improve the representativeness of the sample; data were weighted to the gender, age and race/ethnicity distribution at the schools. Approximately 52% of men and 33% of women reported that they gambled, the most popular type of gambling was playing the lottery (25%), 30% reported casino gambling, 13% gambling with playing cards and dice. Gambling venues for men: lottery, playing cards, betting on sports, skill games and casino gambling, women preferred lottery, casinos, slot machines, bingo, and playing cards. Men are about 4 times more likely than women to have bet on sports and played games of skill for money, 3 times more likely to have bet on animals and twice as likely to have gambled in the stock market and played dice games (Douglas Engwall 2000). Of the students who gambled, 45% participated in only 1 type of gambling activity, the majority of student gamblers restricted their gambling to 1or 2 types (Richard A Labrie 2001). Students also answered questions about time spent on various activities in the past 30 days, these questions provided with an opportunity to evaluate the demographic and other factors that distinguished students who gambled from those who did not. Results showed that three demographic variables significantly predicted college student gambling for the total sample. Being male was the strongest demographic predictor of being a gambler, followed by being older than 20 years, and finally by having parents who had not completed the 4 year college. For men but not women, being white was a significant predictor of being a gambler, for women but not men having never been married was also significant predictor (Richard A Labrie 2001). Other covariates: those students whose families did not disapprove of drinking were more likely to gamble. Students who gamble intensely consider parties to be very important and religion and art less important. Male gamblers consider athletics to be very important. Men who lived in fraternity houses were more likely to be gamblers; having a grade average less than a B+ was more common among gamblers and also having 5 or more close friends was one of the predictors. Alcohol related behavior were the strongest risk correlates of gambling. Use of marijuana and illicit drugs also predicted gambling. Students of both sexes were more likely to be gamblers if they watched a great deal of television, spent time on a computer for non-academic reasons, studied less than 3 hours a day (Richard A Labrie 2001) The results of this nationally representative survey of gambling among college students do not indicate that students are at high risk for gambling problems, fewer college students in the 2001 CAS gambled in the last school year than adults in the last year. The CAS also found that 2.6% of students gambled frequently. Although findings reported in this article do not indicate a large national gambling problem among students, promotion of gambling could change a current situation. As we noted several times, intensive alcohol usage is most significant predictor of gambling behavior, so decision of choosing article The co-occurrence of alcohol use and gambling activities in first-year college students by Matthew P. Martens. Study written in this article was participated by 908 first-year college students, who were surveyed in 2005; research showed that alcohol use and alcohol-related risks were related to gambling frequency and peak gambling loss. National studies have indicated that approximately 40% of US students engaged in heavy episodic drinking, with men consuming more alcohol than women. In this study Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used as a measure of alcohol use. AUDIT is a 10-item measure designed to assess alcohol consumption, dependence symptoms and alcohol related risks and problems. To assess gambling behaviors, participants completed a 7-item inventory, these items were taken from the South Oaks Gambling Screen, six items as sessed gambling activities: playing cards for money, betting on horses or sports betting, playing slot machines, playing casino games, playing the lottery and playing a game of skill. The mean AUDIT score among participants was 8.61, men reported higher total scores than women (Matthew P. Martens 2005), results also showed that most played gambling activity was lottery games(55%) followed by playing cards for money(44%) and games of skill(26%), men reported gambling more frequently and having a greater peak gambling loss than did women. Goal of this study was to examine the co-occurrence of alcohol use and gambling. Table 2 shows the correlation between AUDIT scores and gambling variables, correlation between AUDIT and gambling frequency was 0.29 indicating the co-occurrence. By assessing differences in gambling behaviors between high-risk drinkers, low risk drinkers and abstainers, analysis of results indicated that high-risk drinkers gambled significantly more often than did others and had higher peak gambling loss. The finding of this study was that alcohol-related variables (use, dependence and alcohol related risks) and gambling frequency and peak gambling loss co-occurred in a group of students: Consuming large amounts of alcohol may make it more likely that a student chooses to gamble or it could negatively affect a students gambling-related decision. Similarly students may drink more heavily when they are engaged in gambling activity. (Matthew P. Martens et al, journal of American college health 2005). As we noticed lotteries are most common form of gambling and they are readily available to students, so next article is Predictors of lottery gambling among American college students by Beverly A. Browne and Daniel J. Brown. In this study gambling behavior of 288 American college students was examined and it was found that student lottery gambling was related to having parents and friends who were lottery gamblers. Students who were frequent lottery gamblers were more likely to participate in other forms of gambling. Discriminator analyses using parental gambling, peer gambling, games played, sex and locus of control could predict frequency of lottery playing for 72% of gamblers and non-gamblers. A small body of research that addressed the relationships between gambling and personality (Reviewed by Kusyszyn, 1984) indicated that college students who gambled on lotteries were similar to non-gamblers in characteristics such as intelligence, psychoneurotic tendencies and extroversion, m ale college students who gambled were found to be more secure, masculine and happy but less socially responsible. People who believe in luck may be more likely to gamble. The personality trait of locus of control has been linked to believing in chance rather than individual control over ones destiny (Rotter, 1966; Rotter, 1972). The sample of this research consisted of 288 students, as attitudes toward gambling might vary with nationality the sample was restricted to persons from the USA. The respondents completed a self-administered questionnaire that asked about gambling practices and the gambling of parents and friends. Results showed that almost 80% of the sample had purchased lottery tickets at one time or another; only 2% reported that they were frequent lottery players and 63% as occasional players. The average age of subjects when they bought their first ticket was 17.7 years, 31% of students reported that they had played lottery illegally before the age of 18. Responses als o showed that 61% of college students played the same frequency as they did before they came to college, so college environment is not motivator of gambling. Study used discriminator analyses to determine how well a combination of variables would predict lottery playing behavior. The analyses indicated that the combination of other gambling, parental gambling, peer gambling, sex, and locus of control could predict gambling status. Most predictive variables were engaging in other gambling, parental gambling, and peer gambling. Gaming peers may promote tendencies to gamble; nevertheless other influences (time, money, knowledge) may constrain those tendencies. Review gave me a great deal of information around gambling to make conclusions, researches indicated legal gambling is not directly connected to unemployment growth, crime rate or personal bankruptcy, it is not significant influencer, so if we consider those benefits expressed in huge taxation revenues, developed services, and employment in casinos, we can find legal gambling acceptable and sometimes necessary too. Those funds received from taxation will stimulate economic growth and result in greater GDP. On the other hand, it is persons legal right to gamble, if he is above 18 years and has desire, so it would be less than democratic to abolish gaming as a purpose of evading excessive or pathological gambling. I perfectly realize negative effects and bad sides of gambling, mainly influencing adolescents and problem gamblers, as excessive gambling frequently results in disruption of private life, psychological distress, big debts, failures at jobs, universities and in relationships with relativesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ so population must be informed about it timely, and then people will make informed choice to gamble or not. Restrictions in age must be controlled strictly; juveniles under 18 years must not be allowed to gamble at all, not only in casinos but anywhere. It means that illegal gambling must be eliminated, also in schools and universities have to be conducted monitoring of student gambling behavior, prevention programs must be developed and policies should emphasize not punishment of those who became problem gamblers but rehabilitation. By looking at predictors of gambling behavior profile of prospective problem gambler can be created, people who fit this profile noticed and eliminate threat until it becomes dangerous. In some dimensions gambling has negative effects on society as a whole(social distress) so there is one view and I agree with it that gambling ventures can be removed