Environmental Health in the Workplace

Tuberculosis (TB) Essays - Tuberculosis, Mantoux Test, Free Essays

Tuberculosis (TB) Essays - Tuberculosis, Mantoux Test, Free Essays Tuberculosis (TB) Tuberculosis 1. Identification-identification requires finding the organism Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the cause of TB. Respiratory symptoms should prompt an exam of the sputum, first by an acid-fast smear, then by culture and identification of the organism. The smear results should be available in hours. If positive, a diagnosis of TB should be assumed and treatment started. Final confirmation requires isolation of the culture. Radiographs of the chest are helpful in the identification. 2. Agent-TB is caused by an infectious agent known as mycobacterium tuberculosis. 3. Occurrence-The number of TB cases had been declining by an average of 5% per year nationally since 1953. This situation changed in 1985, when the incidence began to climb. In 1990, 25,701 TB cases were reported to the CDC. This represented a 9.4% increase over 1989 and was the largest for a single year since 1953. Reported cases increased 15.89% between 1985 and 1990. Although the AIDS epidemic has caused many of the changes, immigration, homelessness, drug abuse prison overcrowding, acts in public health funding, and drug resistance have also contributed to a situation that is out of control in some parts of the country. And because TB is contagious, the risk extends beyond the groups traditionally considered high risk. TB has changed from a disease of older people to one of young adults and children. It has also evolved from a disease that struck across all racial and ethnic lines to one that is far more common among black and Latino populations than whites. The age distribution of new cases also point to a strong-but not absolute-link with AIDS. The greatest increase has been in people 24-44, the same group most seriously affected by HIV infection. 4. Reservoir-Only people were discussed but also animals. 5. Mode of Transmission-The agent infects the lungs by inhalation of infected droplets formed during coughing, singing or sneezing of an individual with the active form of the disease. 6. Incubation period-about 4-12 weeks 7. Period of communicability-As long as viable tubercle bacilli are being discharged in the sputum. 8. Susceptibility-The most hazardous period for development of clinical disease is the first 6-12 months after infection. But in the case of HIV infection, infection and development of TB symptoms is shorter than that in HIV negative patients with TB. According to some reports, HIV infected patients can develop primary progressive TB within a few weeks of exposure to M. tuberculosis. 9. Resistance-TB has changed bacteriologically. Today in New York, as many as 20% of TB patients are infected with M. tuberculosis that is resistant to isoniazid (INH) and rifampin. TB experts believe that the drug resistance problem is due in part to poor compliance, which is bad among TB patients. In addition, widespread indifference to TB during the last two decades meant that no new specific anti-TB drugs entered the pipeline, monitoring for resistance lagged, and rapid diagnostic tests were not developed. 10. Methods of control-Controlling TB is very difficult. A. Preventive measures-TB specialist overwhelmingly prefer the intradermal Mantoux test for screening. Candidates for screening include HlV-positive patients, close contacts of TB patients, people from countries with high TB rates or medical conditions that predispose to active TB, and residents of long-term-care facilities. Because of the high prevalence of anergy among HlV-infected patients, the CDC recommends administering companion tests for delayed-type hypersensitivity simultaneously with the Mantoux test. Most TB patients are treated with INH and rifampin as outpatients for 6 to 9 months. Much of the responsibility for detection, prevention and treatment lies with our increasingly impacted and understaffed public health clinics throughout the country. The private sector also shares in an increasing demand for treatment of cases. More than 35% of the reported cases reported to the county health department come from sources other than public health facilities. Preventive therapy ordinarily consist of INH 300 mgs. daily for 6 to 12 months. Where the risk of TB is very high, such as in those who are HlV- positive, 12 months is recommended. In all cases it is essential to rule out active TB before giving INH alone. The BCG (Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin) vaccine has been used in many parts of the world to prevent TB. Unless the BCG vaccine has been received within the past year, a positive TB skin test result in any person should be considered as indicating TB infection regardless of the remote history of a BCG vaccination. They should be assessed regarding TB disease. B. Control of patients, contacts and the immediate environment-Of particular concern is the documented increase of disease in children. When TB is under control in a community, children should rarely be infected and essentially

Argument research paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Argument research paper - Essay Example This is harmful for teenagers in many ways as it obscures their vision of reality and social relations as they exist. According to Danielle Dai and Amanda Fry, the average teenager spends around fourteen hours a week playing video games. They argue that this takes away time that could be used for studies and for developing their social skills (n.p.). The time that teenagers spend on video games does in fact, reduce the amount of time that they would be able to devote to their studies at an age which is crucial in deciding which school they would be able to attend. It therefore, influences teenagers for the rest of their lives in very significant ways. This time, even if it is spent playing video games together with friends, would not be able to create social bonds as the game occurs not at the level of reality but at a virtual plane. This would mean that the kind of social bonds that are created during outdoor games are all but lost while teenagers are engaged in such an activity. Such bonds would have the power to influence the teenager in the direction that the rest of his or her life is to take. In other words, teenage years are very crucial in the life of a person and should not be squandered with video games. On the other hand, researchers have also suggested that video games have in certain elements in common with traditional games that would fulfill the functions that traditional games are expected to play. The child would develop, according to these researchers, an ability to communicate and engage with peers at a social level. They have gone on to also argue that video games may not have any effect at all on the cognitive development of a child or teenager (Shapiro n.p.). This, however, makes the argument a tenuous one, at best. The kind of social skills that may develop as far as the teenagers are concerned would aid them only in the virtual world that is created by the video game. This world

Budget Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Budget Analysis - Essay Example Budget analysis Determination of Goals and objectives of the City It is very important to determine and consider the goals and objectives of the City Council of the Ypsilanti in the initial stage of preparing the council’s budget. Knowing the goals and objectives will help me as the budget officer understand and draw appropriate boundaries that reflect mission and annual goals of the organization1. Goals and objectives of the council will work as benchmark that guide me in staying within the limits of the council’s expectations of growth and development. Determination of Expenditure As the budget officer of the City of Ypsilanti, I will make thorough and critical consideration of the current expenditures incurred to help me in structuring and estimating the scope of expenditure likely to be incurred during the next financial year. As the budget officer of Ypsilanti City I will determine the contemporary expenditure records of the city council on various areas of its ope ration. This will help me draw a budget forecast of the next financial year.2 I will basically make consultations with the accountant and financial officers in the council. This move will assist me in collecting all receipts and or any other testimonials that disclose any kind of expenditure incurred by the council. As in the case of this city that witnesses daily entrance and exit of 20, 000 university students, I will need to determine the average daily costs incurred by the City Council of Ypsilanti to host such visitors. In addition, I will need to determine the total expenditure incurred by the council in caring and managing the 35000 potential residents of the city. The outcome will be added to the previous expenditure on visitors to determine the total cost on human operations. These expenditures together with other operational costs shall be calculated with high level of diligence and accuracy. With forecasts on the possible changes in future, I will be able to draw a realis tic budget for the city council3. Determination of Income For the budget administrator to draw a convincing and propelling budget that will attract the attention and recognition of the council legislators, he/she should indicate the possible incomes expected and their possible sources. I recognize that determination of income and their sources is a crucial stage that requires utmost diligence to convince the legislature to pass the budget. 4Indicating sources of income will make the budget of the City Council of Ypsilanti appear realistic and convenient. This will likely attract good participation and speculation of the legislators. As the budget manager in this city, I have decided that the city authority raise the gas tax to 51% and also raise vehicles registration fees to 57% in order to avail funds for repairing the road systems in this city. Other sources of required funds for the roads maintenance will also be gathered from 33% tax increase in the mileage travelled by vehicles operating within the city. Ensuring balance The next and probably sensitive point in preparing the budget of the city council is achieving a balance between the expenditure and the expected income. I understand that council legislatures will not approve any budget viewed to cause big deficit above the financing

President Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

President - Personal Statement Example Since children are considered to be an asset for every nation and they can change they entire fate of a nation. Proper upbringing and suitable education for children can transform their lives and they are children who become scientists, soldiers, doctors etc in their future lives. Therefore, I would develop strategies that would help the children of all ages. People are doing many things for the betterment of children like offering scholarships, giving grants, arranging competitions etc. These things are important but many of them aren't realistic and desired results can't be achieved. If I am elected as a president of America then I would love to introduce a program for the children which would develop entrepreneurial skills in them. They can evaluate themselves that whether we can take risks or not and is it possible for us to enter into to the field of entrepreneurship (Drucker). Through this plan children would learn that how they can start their own business and how they can be successful businessmen. They have to choose a career and a mentor would guide them that what studies they might chose and how they can contribute towards the betterment of their nation. Business gurus and entrepreneurial kings would be contracted to teach children certain

The Town And Country Planning Environmental Sciences Essay

The Town And Country Planning Environmental Sciences Essay This paper is based on secondary research in to the justifications provided by the coalition government to support the introduction of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This research involved an analysis of the impact that the NPPF could have on major areas of debate such as: sustainable development, economic and social costs of the current system, business activity, and housing, benefits of Brownfield development, approval rates and non-planning consents. The old planning system was extremely complex and cumbersome, the system has become overloaded with central policy and guidance, with vast amounts of paperwork making it too cumbersome and unclear for councils, developers and local people to use effectively. The proposed new National Planning Policy Framework will consolidate over 1,000 pages of planning policy statements spread across some 40 documents into a single document of 50-60 pages around 5 per cent of the current volume of policy. To support the new Framework, there will also be a fundamental review of all the supporting documentation (which comprise a further 6,000 pages across a further 160 documents). The literature review looks at secondary sources and focuses on several topics that I felt would affect most people, namely: Sustainable development, is or was planning a barrier to growth, business activity, Impact of planning on housing and the economy, benefits and costs of Brownfield development and approval rates. The research findings demonstrated that the old system was in need of reform and that the National Planning Policy Framework theoretically will help the economy to grow out of recession by removing obstacles that ultimately cost money both for developers and local councils. The research also shows that the old planning system was a barrier to growth and resulted in unnecessary costs due to delays and uncertainty. Introduction Background Planning systems set rules and guidelines that influence the level, location and pattern of activity. The ultimate goal is planning to promote a balance of environmental, social and economic welfare that meets the needs of current and future generations. Doing so inevitably involves trade-offs, so any planning system has both benefits and costs. An important issue for policymakers and the public is whether the current system imposes costs which reforms could avoid. The new Government has made supporting sustainable growth and enterprise, balanced across all regions and industries, one of its top priorities. This means creating the right conditions for private enterprise and business investment. A well-functioning planning and wider consents regime is an essential component of the overall attractiveness of the business environment in the UK and the Government proposes to reform the planning system, creating a presumption in favour of sustainable development and providing more opportunities for local communities to determine the shape of the places in which they live. Reform of the planning system and of specific elements within it has been underway for some time, with the aim both of making it more efficient and effective and of ensuring that it is not acting as a barrier to investment and sustainable development Penfold Review of Non-Planning Consents 2010. The old System: The Town and Country Planning Act 1947 established a comprehensive and universal system of land-use control. The system served the key function of balancing public and private interests and was based upon a fundamental principle which still applies today, notably that private interests would need to be sacrificed for the public good as far as land-use issues were concerned. The old system that existed was a plan-led system where English local authorities determined land use plans in consultation with stakeholders with the resulting plans becoming the basis for determining planning applications. Development required permission, and development applications were considered with reference to the plan unless material considerations (determined by law) indicate otherwise. The old framework of local plans and binding national targets evolved over more than sixty years, and was subjected to considerable scrutiny and legislative change over the last two decades (The history of the English planning system in this paragraph was provided by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE)). National government dictated the overall structure and direction of the system by enacting legislation that outlined just exactly what needed consent and how local policy shall be produced as well as producing national policy guidance to set out more detail on acceptable forms of development. Thus, the national government enjoyed a detailed level of intervention to setting the system up which ultimately allowed the government to influence its outcomes. The Town and Country Planning Act 1968 introduced a significant reform to the system of plan preparation, with the introduction of structure plans and local plans. These documents set out both strategic and longer-term planning objectives, such as major housing allocations or green belt identification and short term allocations for development on individual sites. This system was further consolidated in the Town and Country Planning Act 1971, in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and in the Planning and Compensation Act 1991. The only other significant statutory reforms introduced between 1971 and 2000 dealt with the delivery of the planning function in the reform of the local government restructure the evolution of the old system can be seen in table 1. Unnecessary detail has resulted in a system which often contradicts itself and where important national policy is obscured by duplication. This has acted as a brake on growth, hindering rather than helping local communities to shape development in their neighbourhoods. This impact on the processing of planning applications causing confusion and delay within the system, and in some cases may discourage submission of planning applications (as a result of the direct costs of complexity that must be borne by developers and the indirect cost i.e. uncertainty associated with planning delay). Contradictions in policy often occur between policy documents and guidance. For example, Planning Policy Statement 5 (Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment) asks local councils to not validate planning applications where the impact of the proposed development on any heritage asset cannot adequately be understood from the information supporting the application. However, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) guidance on validation advises that inadequate supporting information is not grounds for invalidating applications (See Planning Policy Statement 5 paragraph HE6.3 and Guidance on information requirements and validation, paragraph 34). Duplication results in the same policy being unnecessarily repeated in a number of separate documents. One example of this comes from four different national policy documents (Planning Policy Statement 1: Planning for Sustainable Development, Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing, Planning Policy Statement 4: Planning for Sustainable Economic Growth and Planning Policy Guidance Note 13: Transport) which all contain similar policies which ask local councils to identify land which is accessible and well connected to a means of transport including walking, cycling, public transport and by car. This mass of guidance forms part of a system of top-down targets, which has grown up in recent years. Enforcement of these imposed rules or targets can be costly and/or ineffective. For example, the system of housing targets had to be policed by the Planning Inspectorate at a cost of approximately  £1m per year. The Planning Inspectorate had the power to impose housing numbers on local councils, who can face lengthy and costly appeals if their plans were judged to be inconsistent with national policy. The complexity and prescriptive nature of national policy has also led to local people becoming disengaged from the system. According to Ipsos MORI, only 15 per cent of people consider themselves to be involved in decision-making at a local level. Of those 15 per cent, the majority (9 per cent) consider themselves unable to influence decisions (Ipsos MORI (2010). Do the public really want to join the government of Britain?). Other research has shown that national targets decrease the attention decision-makers give to community groups (Murdoch, J. and Abram, S.). Studies also show that they were often presented with limited options, giving the impression that decisions have already been taken, or were consulted on abstract strategies (such as Regional Spatial Strategies) rather than plans for their local area (Baker, M., Hincks, S. and Sherriff, G.) Table 1: The English planning system since 1991: main reports, inquiries and legislation Report or Act Contribution Planning and Compensation Act 1991 Embedded the plan led system by making the plan the primary consideration in development control Driving Productivity Growth in the UK, McKinsey (1988) report Argued that the planning system was an important constraint on UK productivity Housing White Paper (1995) Introduced a 50 percent target for the proportion of new homes built on Brownfield land Planning Policy Guidance 6 (1996) Introduced the town centre first policy Urban White paper (2000) Focussed on urban renaissance and provided stronger foundations for Brownfield first approach to housing Planning Green Paper (2001) Argued that the planning system was too complex, slow and disempowering for participants; proposed simplifying the hierarchy of plans, shortening local plans and closer public engagement in plan making House of Commons ODPM Select Committee report on planning competiveness and productivity (2003) Concluded that planning was not a significant determinant of productivity and that outcome could be improved through further resourcing and better implementation of the current rules Barker Review of Housing Supply (2004) Recommendations include transferring benefits of development from landowners to affected communities and using market signals as a trigger for the release of additional land allocated for housing Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 Introduced statutory Regional Spatial Strategies and a sustainable development purpose to planning Barker review of Land Use Planning (2006) Numerous wide-ranging recommendations to improve the responsiveness and efficiency of the planning system and the efficiency of the planning system and the efficiency of land use Planning Act 2008 Created the Infrastructure Planning Commission Localism Act 2011 Abolished the Infrastructure Planning Commission and Regional Spatial Strategies; introduced Neighbourhood Plans and a new duty for local authorities to cooperate The government is seeking to reform Englands planning rules which currently involve: A hierarchy of planning policies national planning policy statements, until recently regional strategies and local development frameworks. Development control as the main mechanism for regulating local development. Section 106 (S106) as the main means of local value capture, complemented in 2010 by the Community Infrastructure Levy. Some national restrictions (e.g. Town centre first, Green belts, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)). Figure 1: From Urban Planning Real Estate Development 3rd Edition by John Ratcliffe et Al The new system The National Planning Policy Framework was published with the main aim of replacing the previous system that had in some form or another been in place since the introduction of the Town and Country Planning Act 1947 whilst streamlining the actual planning process. This has been achieved through a number of methods such as: the removal of duplication from policy, the simplification of over 1,000 pages of planning policy statements spread across 40 documents in to a single document of 50-60 pages, the removal of unnecessary information that led to system that at times contradicted itself. The planning reforms brought about through the Localism Act and changes in national planning policy will reduce the level of central control, simplify the level of guidance and hand back more power to local communities. As an example, in the Localism Act, the Government has taken powers to scrap Regional Spatial Strategies and their housing targets and introduced a bottom up approach that enables local communities to decide the level of housing that is required in their area and share in the benefits of development. This is a fundamentally different approach based on councils being best placed to make local decisions, holding the knowledge and expertise of their area. Supporting and building on these changes, the Framework removes a large amount of central prescription, being clear about what is Government policy and giving councils greater discretion in those areas which national policy no longer covers. This will enable them to find innovative solutions and respond to the needs of their different communities. At the same time, local people will be encouraged to reengage in the planning process through improvements in collaborative democracy and new policy vehicles such as neighbourhood plans (NPPF Impact Assessment DCLG). The main elements of the Governments National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and associated reforms are: Significantly simplified national planning guidance (National planning policy is currently set out in over 1,000 pages of policy guidance and statements, with more than 6,000 pages of supporting documentation, contained within a total of more than 200 documents.) Devolved decision making, with local authorities drawing up local plans via community consultation, subject to the NPPF and fiscal incentives to encourage development. A presumption in favour of Sustainable Development, where this accords with local plans. If no up-to-date plans exist, then the default answer to sustainable development should be yes. Maintain all existing protected status that is Green Belt, SSSIs, AONBs and also retail town centre first restriction for retail development. In parallel with the NPPF, the government is also introducing: A reformed Community Infrastructure Levy as the main means of value capture, while limiting use of S106. Financial incentives for new housing through the New Homes Bonus, and for commercial development via the Business Increase Bonus. A Localism Bill and wider proposals for reforming the local Government finance. Aim This research seeks to analyse the validity of the justifications provided by the Coalition Government to support the introduction of the National Planning Policy Framework. Furthermore, this research seeks to investigate whether the claims made by the government that the old system was a barrier to growth and whether the National Planning Policy Framework will help the economy to grow and if so how. Objectives To carry out an extensive review of available literature sources with a view to critically assessing the articles. To investigate the claims made by the Coalition Government that Planning is a barrier to Growth. To arrive at a conclusion, as to whether the claims and the introduction of the National Planning Policy Framework were justified. To provide recommendations for further research that may be carried out that will provide a better assessment of how the National Planning Policy Framework has impacted the country and whether or not it can be deemed successful. Dissertation Structure The dissertation is structured in the following manner; Chapter 2- Research Methodology This chapter outlines and explores the methods utilised to conduct the research required to complete this dissertation. It explains the rationale behind the methodology of the research in detail. Chapter 3 Literature Review This chapter explores the claims made by the government and where possible puts forward evidence that contradicts and supports the views expressed by the government. Chapter 4 Summary and Conclusion This chapter provides a summary of the findings produced by this dissertation and also draws conclusions from the literature review, meeting the aims and objectives of the study as previously outlined. Additionally, the limitations of the research and data are explored. Chapter 5 Recommendation for further work This chapter outlines further research that could be carried out in order to further understand how the National Planning Policy Framework has impacted the economy, and whether it has been successful in achieving the coalitions targets. Research Methodology Research Strategy Academic literature has prescribed research a vast number of definitions, descriptions and concepts (Punch, 2000). However, throughout these definitions there is a general theme and academic consensus, that research is a process of enquiry and investigation, which through a systematic and methodical approach increases knowledge (Amaratunga et al., 2002). Furthermore, Hair Jr et al (2007), suggests that the definition of research can be further summarised as the discerning pursuit of the truth. In regards to the above, pursuit of the truth, the research methodology usually entails a three stage process to provide a robust and accurate analysis. Stage one, involves an initial in-depth literature review of the publications, (e.g. Estates Gazette and Property Week) published journals and academic text books, to interrogate and integrate ideas, whilst linking together concepts to provide an enhanced and informed base in which to comprehensively approach the aim of the dissertation (Naoum, 2007). The remaining stages of the research used a combination of both quantitative and qualitative approaches, with the aim of providing conclusions based on numerical findings which are based upon a natural and realistic environment. (Amaratunga et al. 2002). Yin (1994), states that a research strategy should be chosen as a function of the research situation. As such the research objectives had a material bearing that strongly influenced the methodology used. Adopting a predominantly quantitative approach to the methodology, provides a platform of scientific respectability, due to the way in which findings can be presented (Denscombe. 2000) and thus interpreted (Saunders et al, 2003). Quantitative research is objective in nature and can be defined as an inquiry in to a social or human problem, based on testing a hypothesis or a theory composed of variables, measured with numbers, and analysed with statistical procedures in order to determine whether the hypothesis or theory hold true (Creswell, 1994). Quantitative data is therefore not abstract, it is hard and reliable; it is the measurement of tangible, countable and sensate features of the world (Bouma and Atkinson, 1995). To this end it must be noted that a purely quantitative approch to data collection would be used when: you want to find facts about a concept, question or an attribute OR when you want to collect factual evidence and study the relationship between these facts in order to test a particular theory or hypothesis. In quantitative studies, the hypotheses, research questions and aims should be presented within a theoretical framework. A theory can be introduced as: A seried of hypotheses/sub-hypothesis in the form of ifthen logic statements OR a hunch (Naoum 2007). It is argued that to a certain degree quantitative research, fails to understand the deeper underlying factors of the subject matters and inadequately transposes its findings by way of explanation, despite its level of accuracy and validity (Denscombe, 2000). Qualitative research on the other hand is subjective in nature. It emphasises meanings, experiences that are often verbally described through structured or unstructured interviews and so on. The information gathered in qualitative research can be classified under two categories of research, namely exploratory and attitudinal. Exploratory research is usually employed when you have a limited amount of knowledge about your research topic. The techniques utilised for the process of data collection are usually either structured or non-structured interviews. The purpose of exploratory is usually threefold: firstly, to diagnose a situation; secondly, to screen for alternatives and thirdly, to discover new ideas (Zikmund, 1997, cited in Naoum 2007). Creswell (1994) writes: one typically finds research questions (not hypotheses) written in exploratory research. These research questions assume two levels (1) one or two grand tour questions followed by (2) no more than five to seven sun-questions. Attitudinal research on the other hand is used subjectively to evaluate the opinion, view or the perception of a person towards a particular object (either an attribute, variable, factor or question). Through obtaining the attitudes of individuals towards an object of choice, a process of interpretation can begin, enabling the findings to become data (Denscombe, M, 2000). As mentioned previously qualitative research doesnt tend to have clear rules on the use or placement of theory. Any hypotheses or theories that may emerge during the data collection and analysis phase of the research tend to be placed at the end of the study which require more quantitative testing. It should be noted that the research methodology is not without limitations. Data collection is split into two fields, primary and secondary, the latter of which involves the analysis of information that has already been collected within another study and is often referred to as desk study, it is aptly named secondary because it is concerned with analysing data for the second time (Sarantakos, 2005). Unlike secondary which is predetermined and dated, primary data compilation, also known as Fieldwork entails the collection of current up-to-date information directly from the source, first hand, which can be of a very specific nature. Research design Although various assessments of the planning system (both the NPPF and the old system) have been undertaken previously, there is limited research into the validity of the arguments presented by the Coalition government that demonstrates that the benefits of the NPPF will outweigh the costs of introducing a new system. To this end, the methodologies used within the previous studies were considered as appropriate templates, however, two research design methods were considered from which one was chosen: The first method considered was the analysis of data from local planning authorites, this method was deemed to be impractical as it was anticipated that obtaining actual data pertaining to major developments that could be used for case studies to assess the impact of the NPPF from local planning authorites first hand would be extremely difficult. Additionally in order to carry out the assessment thoroughly, the development would have to be assessed using both planning systems, only then would the benfits of the new system (if any) become apparent. The second method that was considered was the analysis of secondary data sources, in meeting the research objectives, the analysis of secondary data sources was deemed to be the most appropriate method of conducting the research required for this dissertation. The methodology ensured that the main points raised by the governemnt that supported the NPPF were discussed and critically analysed and also allowed any information that opposed or contradicted the governments views to be presented. Literature Review Sustainable Development National planning policy issued by central government sets out guidance to councils, applicants for planning permission and other users of the planning system, about the delivery of sustainable development through the planning system. Planning should help to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development, securing net gains against the economic, environmental and social elements of sustainable development. The NPPF must set a clear framework for what development plans should contain and to this end the Localism Bill should be amended to ensure that sustainable development is at the heart of the planning system. Given the importance of the definition of sustainable development, we believe that the way in which it is expressed should be the subject of Parliamentary scrutiny, which would give the resulting definition greater weight than a policy requirement. We attach a draft amendment to the Localism Bill that would achieve this. (NPPF Impact Assessment) If this type of definition is not in statute then the NPPF will have to provide a clear focus for those involved in planning, drawing a distinction between how the term sustainable should be interpreted and evidenced in the development plan process and how it should apply when making determinations on applications. This is necessary due to the fact that development involves significant fixed costs that must be paid upfront and therefore it would extremely beneficial if the planning system could help to reduce or limit this level of uncertainty. Furthermore, planning decisions can generate large sums of money for those gaining planning permission to build. For both these reasons it is imperative that decision making is transparent and governed by a clear and concise set of rules. The previous system was so complex that it did not meet these criteria. The NPPF achieves this by vastly simplifying the rules and by introducing a presumption in favour of sustainable development. Local bureaucrats and politicians will no longer get to say yes or no to development on a case-by-case basis. Instead the presumption means that they have to say yes to things that are consistent with their local plan, however, it must be noted that the presumption does not apply where the adverse impacts of development would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits. Many other countries successfully run systems that are (at least) this permissive, but it is less clear that this principle can be brought in immediately, given that many local ar eas do not have up-to-date local plans. The NPPF will need to make the balancing exercise clear because there will be some cases where there is an unavoidable trade-off between local and national interests, for example, the government wishes to increase housing supply in England and improve the strategic infrastructure within the UK, these are both national priorities that affect specific local communities. Another reason why the NPPF will need to make the balancing exercise clear is because all too often, the limb of sustainable development that relates to the meeting of basic human needs (and in some case human rights) is sacrificed because of environmental concerns. By setting out a presumption in favour of sustainable development as a central feature in the NPPF, it places more requirements on the council to be proactive in identifying and addressing the need for sustainable development. Of course there will be costs associated with reform, however, the precise impacts of the policies will vary by location and are dependent on how local communities respond to the changes outlined in the NPPF. Further, given the inherent uncertainty in the housing market, capital markets and wider economy, it is difficult to isolate the impact of the changes proposed here from those wider macro-economic factors. Some of the benefits that will come from this presumption are reduced delays and uncertainty because where applications accord with the framework, there is likely to be some kind of impact on the speed with which decisions are made. As a result with more up to date plans adopted, the speed of obtaining planning permission (and therefore completing sustainable development) should be reduced. Even where up-to-date plans have not been adopted, the Framework provides a clear policy framework for investors and development control decisions, so that the benefits of reducing delays and uncertainty may to some extent be realised even before up-to-date, compliant plans are adopted by local authorities. However, even modest improvements in scheme delivery times as a result of the certainty provided by up-to-date plans could produce significant effects in terms of the efficiency by which those plans are delivered and substantial benefits to society as a result of development taking place sooner. There are other benefits associated with reduced holding costs land and other assets through the development management process; and land banks required by the uncertainty of development control and for sites that were rejected. For example, Ball (2010) notes that there are substantial holding costs associated with land banks required by the uncertainty of development control and for sites that were rejected. This could push financing costs from  £1bn to over  £2bn. Social impacts of Old System This section will aim to present a framework for thinking about the costs and benefits of the land use planning system. It will seek to outline how planning affects the wellbeing whilst summarising the evidence on the existence and relative importance. To some extent, the planning system exists primarily to improve the wellbeing of humans and is achieved through the development and implementation of policies that influence land use. As with many markets, the existence of market failures departures from ideal market conditions which include perfect competition and fully informed participants), and concerns over the distributional effects of unregulated land markets, provide the rationale for the planning system, or to put the argument another way, create the opportunity for government or collective action to improve outcomes in terms of wellbeing. The main policy instrument used by the English planning system to achieve this goal is regulation of the supply of land available for different uses. Broadly speaking, this regulation gives the planning system the ability to control where development can occur, how much of it there can be and what kinds of development there are although the powers of the system are asymmetric in the sense that planning can prevent but NOT ensure development. Another way in which planning can impact upon wellbeing is through economical means. Economists tend to think of wellbeing as depending on the consumption of goods, where the definition of goods extends well beyond things which can be purchased from retailers. A good is anything that contributes, positively or negatively, to human wellbeing, ranging from simple goods like an apple to the feeling of pleasure derived from knowing about the existence of a national park one may never visit. Planning can influence the availability and price of many types of goods, including through reducing the amount of some things which lower wellbeing. (Inexpensive Progress) Goods can be classified to their characteristics: externalities which can be positive (a pleasan

Cloudstreet by Tim Winton :: essays research papers

In Cloudstreet, the mysterious figure of the Blackfella appears at key points, mostly to Quick. In each occurrence he appears to represent a different meaning or purpose, but there is an overall symbolic representation, and that is of spirituality. Although he appears to be in physical presence, as in where he talks to Quick, the Blackfella has an overwhelming spiritual presence. This is not represented just through aboriginal symbolism – there are also many biblical references when the Blackfella appears. On page 61 the Blackfella flees from Cloudstreet once he reaches the centre of the house. This portrays a sense of spirituality in the air due to the ancestral deaths that had occurred there. In an imaginary scene on page 178, Fish sees a lack man flying around and over him. This image represents somewhat an impression of the spiritualistic freedom the Blackfella has. On page 208, Quick picks up the Blackfella who has take the role of a hitchhiker. He leads Quick back home to Cloudstreet, but Quick refuses to go back. During the drive to Cloudstreet, a biblical reference is made to the Blackfella. From his bag, he pulls out bread and a wine-like drink, much like the bible story, and this supply appears not to deplete. Quick suspects nothing at all. By page 217, Quick begins to think about who this black man is. Quick had been pulling in hundreds of fish in an almost incomprehensible situation, where he would be catching strings of fish attached to each other. As he is rowing he sees a black figure that appears to be walking on water. As he moves closer he recognises the black figure as the familiar Blackfella. This, again, can be perceived as a biblical reference. Page 326 has a short appearance of the Blackfella to Fish, who sees him across the street from Cloudstreet. As a truck goes by, the Blackfella disappears â€Å"in the dust as it leaves†. This simply gives a supernatural feel to the Blackfella’s presence. Earlier when Quick had given the Blackfella a lift to Cloudstreet, it had appeared that the Blackfella was attempting to guide Quick home. This subtle message was later presented much stronger on page 362 where the Blackfella tells Quick straight up to â€Å"Go home †¦ This is not your home†. Again on page 368 the Blackfella sends Quick home. When Quick turns to face him again, instead of one, there are hundreds of Blackfellas.

Satire: High School Students

Satire How to Succeed in School Being a high school student with a fair amount of experience and observation in the field of achieving good grades with minimal effort, I should like to bestow upon current and future high school students some advice that may lead to their success. Before doing so, I would like to make clear that I do not necessarily endorse these methods. It is just observed that the application of these methods is shown to have worked with some of the most highly ranked high school students, the â€Å"elite,† and here’s how they do it, and how you can too.Always wait until the last minute. This may seem counterintuitive, as teachers and parents are always telling students to not procrastinate. However, procrastination is what drives a student to success. Procrastination gives a student the drive to finish that assignment or project that was assigned weeks ago and is due tomorrow. As time boils down, a student’s senses become sharper, allowing the m to focus on the task at hand.How can one not enjoy the excitement of completing a project in the nick of time, or the pride felt when they have bested their friends in a competition of who can survive with the least amount of sleep? This brings me to my second piece of advice: sleep in school. High school life is extremely busy. Students must balance schoolwork, homework, recreation, sleep, and a social life. Since, logically, recreation can only be done outside of school, homework must be done at home, and a social life must include elements outside of school, schoolwork and sleep should be done in school.Students already spend a good eight hours in school. Then afterwards, they must complete hours of homework at home. Therefore, it is only logical that students use some school time to catch up on sleep, as they must be rejuvenated in order to deal with the massive amount of homework awaiting them after school. Study at the last minute as well. Teachers say that students should s tudy a little every day. However, that does not help. By the time of the test, one will already have forgotten what they have learned in the beginning of the unit.Instead, if a student were to study everything last minute, they would remember it all for the test because they have just looked at it. You should study the day before, and preferably, on the day of the test to obtain maximum scores. Pay attention in class. That means, get ready for the teacher to call on you at any minute. It is important to always know what is going on to avoid looking like a fool and getting yelled at. When the teacher is not paying attention to the class, feel free to doze off. You must learn to multitask.Multitasking will help you get a lot more done and make your life easier. A skilled high schooler can do homework, listen to their iPod, watch T. V, eat, and talk on the phone all at the same time. This maximizes productivity and efficiency, giving you time to do other, more important things, like ha nging out or playing video games. Lastly, you must remember that play is greater than work. Play first, and work later. Why, you ask? Well, the fun you have now will release anxiety and stress over the work that you have to do in the future.After all the fun and games, your mind will enter the â€Å"oh crap, I have to finish that project† state. This state of mind will help you keep focus as the deadline looms closer, and maximizes productivity and efficiency as well because you are working your hardest to finish. So there it is. I present to you six pieces of wisdom coming straight from my personal observation of those at the top. Follow my advice, and you will soon find out how much effort is required of those who aspire to be the best.

pirates of penzance essays

pirates of penzance essays The Act starts with the Pirates of Penzance celebrating the promotion of Frederic, a Pirate apprentice, to full pirate status. Unfortunately he was never supposed to become a Pirate, and feels duty-bound to return to a crimeless life at the end of his indentures. He vows to hunt down the pirates, as is his duty, but he is also obliged to inform the pirates where they are going wrong before he leaves the band. The main problem is that the Pirates are all orphans, and as such they always pity other orphans and let them go unmolested. They also never attack weaker, or smaller groups than them, this tends to mean that they are either driven off or the captive declares themselves orphans and is thus released. Despite Frederic's vow to hunt down his formerly beloved companions, the Pirate King is unrepentant declaring that it is "...better far to live and die, under the brave black flag I fly, than play a sanctimonious part...". The Pirates leave and Frederic is left with his childhood companion, Ruth. It is upon the arrival of the daughters of Major-General Stanley that he finds out that Ruth has been false and is not beautiful. He asks if any of the maidens will marry him and thus help him onto the straight and narrow; and one maiden named Mabel will. The Pirates return and capture the maidens. They intend to marry them all, but they are thwarted by the arrival of the Major General who lies and says he is an Orphan. This touches the hearts of the Pirates who release the maidens, and declare them all honorary Pirates. Frederic and Mabel are to be wed, the Pirates have released the daughters and everyone is relatively happy - except poor Ruth, who is spurned by Frederic for her deceit. In the chapel housing the tombs of his ancestors, General Stanley is seeking pardon for lying about the vitality of his parents. His daughters are trying to console him with little success, even Frederic's plan to march on the pirates that very n...

Mettre les pieds dans le plat - French Expression

Mettre les pieds dans le plat - French Expression Expression: Mettre les pieds dans le plat Pronunciation: [ meh treu lay pyay da(n) leu pla] Meaning: To mess up, to speak with excessive candor, to discuss something inappropriate Literal translation: To put ones feet in the dish Register: Informal Notes You cant help but notice the similarity between the French expression mettre les pieds dans le plat and the English to put ones foot in ones mouth, but they dont mean quite the same thing. The French expression means to bring up a delicate subject without any delicacy at all, or to discuss a topic that everyone else is avoiding. This is probably not embarrassing to the speaker, who just wants to talk about that subject (even if that means unintentionally embarrassing everyone else in the room). The English expression, however, definitely implies embarrassment on the part of the speaker, since it means that youve just committed a social blunder by saying just about anything you shouldnt have, possibly about something that is- was- a secret (such as the person youre talking to getting fired, or you knowing about someones extra-marital affair). This would probably be translated by something generic like faire une gaffe. Examples   Ã‚  Ã‚  Je parle trà ¨s franchement- je mets souvent les pieds dans le plat.   Ã‚  Ã‚  I speak very frankly- often too frankly.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Oh l l, tu as bien mis les pieds dans le plat, l  !   Ã‚  Ã‚  Oh dear, you messed up there!

Weekly summary Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Weekly summary - Assignment Example Dysfunctional conflicts, however, inhibit performance as they suppress employees’ abilities. Therefore, organizations should change their view that conflict is always bad, and embrace functional conflicts that promote organizational performance. Given that most organizations operate through teams, many team dynamics arise as employees work together. This process brings many people together, who possess different views on similar issues. Consequently, conflicts dominate teams on a daily basis. However, the leadership of these teams contributes significantly to shaping the outcomes of the conflicts. The team that the U.S government hired, for example, displayed conflict. Some members shed light on the possibility of Osama not being in the target area, while others were optimistic that he could be found there. This conflict made the team to invent creative ways of dealing with the mission. They planned the operation in a manner that considered the two possibilities, leading to an effective venture (Robbins & Judge 2013). As a manager, this incidence provides me with invaluable insight. I appreciate the involvement of teams in solving organizational problems. I realize that many hands can be better than one, and taking into account the opinions of other employees’ yields great results. More to these, I believe that functional conflicts play a productive role in the work place as long as the leaders handle them

The Revolutions of 1848 and those taking place in the Middle East in Essay

The Revolutions of 1848 and those taking place in the Middle East in 2011 - Essay Example The revolutions of 1848 were caused due to the widespread discontent with the ruling establishments in Europe. The same reasons caused unrest in the Middle East. However, the European revolutions were fueled by a starving peasantry and the working urban poor; whereas in the middle east today, in addition to complaints about poverty and unemployment, is a strong desire to end corruption in high places and accountability from their rulers. â€Å"If you're a minister, you are a civil servant, you are an employee of the government. With all due respect, my taxes pay for your salary." is the people’s message to their rulers. The revolutions in Europe aimed to overthrow monarchies, those in the middle east want to overthrow the rule of powerful dictators who are ignorant or insensitive to the aspirations of their subjects. It is a truism in political science that successful revolutions are born in the streets. This is true of both the uprisings in Europe as well as those we are see ing today in the Middle East. When people gathered in large numbers in the streets or protested before the symbols of power,they were put down by brute force by those at the helm.