Fayols Management Theories

Corporal Punishment and Children Essay Sample

Corporal Punishment and Children Essay Sample Corporal Punishment in Disciplining the Children Essay Corporal Punishment in Disciplining the Children Essay Everyone, who has to deal with children, knows that as a result of using rewards and a punishment, their children become disciplined and behave reasonably. Today, there are different views on the use of rewards and punishments in parenting among educators and the general public. Some believe that parents should punish their children as often as possible and less encourage. Others advise to use more encouragement and less punishment. Some think children should only be encouraged, and not be punished at all. And there are those who believe that a true education is a general education without any kind whatsoever rewards and punishments. Is Corporal Punishment Needed to Discipline Children? Canadian Pediatric Society states that, disciplining children is one of the most important yet difficult responsibilities of parenting, and there are no shortcuts. The physician must stress that teaching about limits and acceptable behaviour takes time and a great deal of energy. The hurried pace of today’s society can be an obstacle to effective discipline. The goal of effective discipline is to foster acceptable and appropriate behaviour in the child and to raise emotionally mature adults. A disciplined person is able to postpone pleasure, is considerate of the needs of others, is assertive without being aggressive or hostile, and can tolerate discomfort when necessary. (â€Å"Effective discipline for children† 2004) The meaning of rewards and punishment in the system of education is very local. It is not among the educational tools that are needed every day and for every step. It is possible, for example, during the day. Sometimes a whole week could be worked with a class without using rewards and punishments. In the family, where right relationships between parents and children exist, it is possible not to use rewards and punishments much longer. This paper is going to discuss whether a corporal punishment is needed in order to discipline children or not. There is no issue, which is more controversial for parents and professionals than the question of whether corporal punishment, such as slippers, should be a part of an educational process. All recognize that punishment plays an important role, but not all come to an agreement according to such methods. However, this issue has become so prevalent only in the twentieth century. Before that time, a physical punishment was used in all educational systems implicitly. Modern parents consider that birch is outdated and is being a too cruel method of education for children. Thus, a lot of questions arise referring to this issue. Is it humane to use a birch? Doesn’t it affect it the fragile childs psyche negatively? What do modern scientists say about a physical punishment? Recently, child psychologists and educators, as it is clear from the online publications, have reviewed a traditional view concerning the inadmissibility of the physical punishment of children. Sometimes, though not in all cases, the physical punishment can be surprisingly effective. This is what said by researchers. However, it should be used with a caution and wisdom. According to the CNN: Sweden, in 1979, was the first to make it illegal to strike a child as a form of discipline. Since then, many other countries in Europe have also instituted bans, as have New Zealand and some countries in Africa and the Americas. (â€Å"Corporal punishment policies around the world† 2011). The corporal punishment has its advantages and disadvantages. A cruel and neglect treatment of parents towards their children leads to such a phenomenon as children escape from home, increasing the child homelessness, child trafficking, and a commercial sexual exploitation of them. The corporal punishment is a part of child abuse. The use of such a method of education can lead to some conflicts in families, which, in turn, cause the effects described above. It has long been studied that a child plays in the future the pattern of behavior that he or she has known as being a child. Physical abuse then becomes a norm in the life. In addition, some children, who were punished by their parents, according to the observations of practicing psychologists, have low self-esteem, a lack of confidence in them, and an inactive lifestyle. There is another option – such children have the increased levels of aggression, especially towards a weaker person. The corporal punishment can lead to children abuse in a family. The reasons for such a phenomenon are: The personal qualities of parents (aggressiveness and authoritarianism); A lack of a parental positive example of child education; Alcoholism, drug abuse; Physical or mental deficiencies of parents (mental retardation, mental illness, deafness, blindness, and etc.); Inability to raise children; Ignorance of rights and responsibilities; Ignorance of rights and needs of children; Inability to overcome family and life crises; A lack of self-realization. The causes of the parents’ child abuse may be the factors of family education, which lead to the disintegration of the I in a child. It is the lack of the parents’ understanding of personal identity of the child; the rejection of adults in a childs individuality; and discrepancy of needs and expectations of parents and capabilities and some needs of children. It is also related to the illegality of education at different ages; inconsistency in relationships of adults and children; inconsistency of the content, aims and means of education among parents; and the desire of recognition in some areas (professional , economic, and social). Few more causes also include the impossibility to achieve it; the sudden major changes in different spheres of life (job loss, illness, death of his wife, and etc.); the inability to inhibit his or her behavior frequently; an example of their parents, a mental illness; and some gender stereotypes of the society, i.e. the representations of gender in the society. There are as well such causes as socio-cultural perceptions of gender that dictates a certain behavior, cultural norms, a fashion, and the psychological qualities: ability, activities of the profession. Thus, it is encouraged those behavior that matches a gender role. It is depressed those that does not meet a gender role. In most situations, the person who uses the corporal punishment is not aware of bad consequences of such behavior, believing that his or her actions are caused with positive intentions, are legitimate and justified. However, the effects of the use of the physical punishment on children can be negative and prolonged. A child, who has suffered abuse, receives a traumatic experience, accompanied by traumatic experiences, reproduced in the form of the inappropriate behavioral responses. All this leads to a disorganized behavior and its development. Trust to parents and the sense of security in the family are important for a child. These components are lost in the application of violence. The use of alternative methods of parenting depends on the pedagogical culture of parents, teachers, a social and micro environment, culture, moral values, and so on. Thus, an antithesis of violence and child abuse is tolerance, which is essential for communication, a partnership, and joint activities. It is a basis for the culture of peace in a family, a community, and a society. The main features of the tolerant person are: a commitment to others, patience, charity, and the sense of humor, compassion, trust, altruism, self-mastery, kindness, a non-judgmental attitude, and humanity. They also involve such as an ability to listen to the interlocutor, curiosity, and capacity for empathy. Rather, each adult will find the drawbacks, or say that he is not always tolerant. The basis of tolerance is to take a human as he or she is. When one asks parents what they want to see their child, they say: intelligent, honest, healthy, and successful. However, if a child is sick or less intelligent, then this does not mean that his or her parents will not love him or her. The child must be happy in the family. The family should be a cradle of democracy rather than a cradle of violence. Regarding to the education in the family on a democratic basis, this means building a relationship with: An establishment of a subject object relationship in the interaction of parents and children, i.e. a dialogue; A rejection of direct coercion; Taking into account the individual characteristics of the child, the needs, interests and characteristics of the child; An acceptance of each other as they are: recognition of the right to difference and dissimilarity; A focus on self-actualization and self-realization, the development of each family member and the family, as a whole; Respect for the individual family members, recognition of the priority of their rights, appeal to the responsibility and duty; Punishing a child under the hot hand, parents demonstrate a worse possession with themselves than the child is required. Doing this is for not correcting the child, but in order to defuse tension. It is necessary to remember that parents cannot give the children more than they have. Corporal punishment requires less intelligence and abilities than any educational activities. The childs behavior will be unpredictable. The child will not understand and comprehend morality. Slap can only affirm, but not change the behavior of the kid. The aim of a disciplinary technique is the desire to change the child, not just his or her behavior. The punishment has forced the child to fear of losing parental love. He or she feels outcast and starts to get a jealous brother or sister. Frequent punishments encourage child to be infantile. The punished child may have hostile feelings towards parents. As a result, a personal conflict occurs. The physical punishment is a measure not only of the weakness, confusion, but the lack of culture and teaching as well. It is necessary to talk with the child so that there will not any doubt that parents follow the care and concern for him or her, and not dismiss the desire to offend. According to â€Å"Position Statement on Physical/Corporal Punishment†: One of the most useful ways to achieve healthy child development is to promote using words instead of actions. Increasing the childs capacity to put words to feelings and actions results in increased tension regulation (awareness of feelings and ability to tolerate them without having to act), self-awareness, and thoughtful decision-making.† (American Psychoanalytic Association n. d.) Parents should not forget to share with their children their achievements and failures. Then, they will open their secrets and wait for advice and support. If possible, it is advisable to replace the corporal punishment with: Patience (this is the highest virtue which can be in parents); Explanation (parents should explain the child why his or her behavior is wrong); Distraction (parents should try to offer their child something more attractive than what he or she wants); Encouragement (it is more effective than the punishment). Corporal punishment has its positive sides as well. Parents should use the punishment as a method of education with a caution and wisdom. According to Phil for Humanity: â€Å"Corporal punishment is both quick and saves time, therefore allowing both parties to return to their tasks (such as a child returning to the classroom to resume learning)† (Phil, n. d.). The Bible adds that parents should educate children with great love. According to the Bible, love is a main cause of physical punishment. â€Å"Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them† (Proverbs 13:24). One might wonder: how love can be combined with violence? It turns out that there is an explanation for it. Children, especially little ones, do not have yet formed moral beliefs. Therefore, an instruction and reproaches will not help them. And the only tangible evidence in the form of slap on a soft seat can be remembered in the memory for a l ong time, together with the moral implications. Oddly enough, the same principle of the conditioned reflex, as among Pavlovs dogs is based on the punishment. A child, standing before the temptation of losses, must remember how the same had ended before. And, if the memories are pretty nasty, the child will most likely change his or her mind to do harm. Now, let’s go back to the caution of modern psychologists and educators about the wise use of physical effects on the child. Indeed, such methods are very powerful. That is why, their misuse can harm more than help. Here are the rules of scientists for loving parents who have decided to punish their child with birch or strap: Parents should handle the birch or strap without anger, but only with love for the child: to change him or her. It is necessary to punish the child physically immediately after the transgression (and even better during the transgression). Parents should not delay the procedure and, moreover, they should not punish the child for some transgressions together. It necessary to explain to the child for what his or her punishment is. After the punishment, parents should hug the child and tell how they love him or her and why they had to punish. Parents cannot remember and have to reprove the child for repaid transgression. It is also necessary to think before the application of the physical punishment. Maybe, verbal notations, and even stern look will be sufficient for some children. Parents should not abuse with the physical punishment. Many teachers of the past and modern scientists, who were engaged in the problem of rewards and punishments in the education of children, consider that the use of rewards and punishments shows the imperfection of the parents’ art of education. It is better if the educator or parents believe that rewards and punishments will be useless. This research paper has discussed in details the causes of this view. It is clear that the time decides this dispute in a long run. One thing is certain. Today, education is impossible without these tools. The problem lies in the fact that the use of punishment has to be at least elementary literacy in a pedagogical sense. Mastering the art of using punishments’ demands from teachers and parents is the hard work. The punishment is a very difficult thing. It requires tact and a huge caregiver care. Thus, the punishment is still needed, but in certain cases. Such ones have been mentioned above and should be applied with love, caution, and wisdom. One can assume that, to some extent, the improvement of the educational process, the growth of a pedagogical training of teachers, their skills at school, fewer cases of the use of rewards and punishments will be which are pointless, sometimes contradictory elementary standards of ethics and law. On the contrary, more and more people will use rewards and punishments as a pedagogical correction, exactly subtly designed and implemented by the teachers’ influence and a public opinion group. However, this does not happen by itself.

CORRECTIONS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

CORRECTIONS - Essay Example In a further development to their work, Rossi et al. suggested that transitional aid for ex-offenders could only work if it is coupled with an incentive to find a job. This incentive to find a job can only come on the heels of professional training while the ex-offenders still have the status of inmates. In view of the above, policy makers have identified the advantages of providing professional and vocational training to inmates in correctional centers. To implement such training, correctional centers often contract with private industries wherein these inmates can work to develop their skills. Among other issues, one can safely argue that training these inmates would prepare them to easily find jobs in a chosen field because of the hands-on experience they gained in a prison program. This is particularly true given that correctional centers seek to reform the mentality of inmates so that they can easily fit into the society after their release. According to Maguire et al (1988) they can only fit well into the society when they have a vocation from which they can earn income to reestablish their lives. Even during the training they undergo with private firms, the inmates can earn money while in the correctional centers.

Introduction to Microeconomics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Introduction to Microeconomics - Essay Example One of the vital factors that have caused such a situation to happen is the lower level of harvest in Mexico. Mexico has been one of the major exporters of coffee beans to Brazil. Thus, fall in the amount of harvest of coffee in Mexico resulted in a shortage of supply of coffee for the domestic consumption in Brazil. Another important factor behind the shortage of coffee supply was the sudden call out for a strike by the truck drivers of Columbia. This strike lasted for about two weeks thus affecting the supply, in consequence, the export of coffee to a large extent. Increased amount of exports of coffee beans abroad is another factor behind the shortage of domestic supply. There have been huge sales of coffee at abroad in this month of February; while on the other hand, the level of demand of coffee domestically is expected to increase further, and thus, will aggravate the problem of rising prices further. As the economy experiences a boom in the market, Brazil has toped to break al l records as the export of coffee amounts to 2.7 millions of bags, equivalent to which, the consumption level of coffee rates to more than one millions of bags. The consumption of green and soluble coffee in Brazil is set to reach a limit of 6% in comparison to a record of 20.27 millions bags weighing sixty kilograms each.

Medical biotechnology and leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Medical biotechnology and leadership - Essay Example Prior to the commencement of any project, one must consider the external environmental factors that may affect its outcomes. In this case, the paper will be looking at the carcinogenic effects of heavy metals. Certain political players may have liaised with industrial leaders in their election processes. They may frown upon researches that link these businesses to a health problem. Conversely, those who are interested in protecting their constituents’ rights may use results from this study to make laws that protect the citizenry (Morrison, forthcoming). Certain economic factors will also be relevant to this study. The project will rely on moderate external funding. This will come from the church around the study area. Such financial support will only be forthcoming if the economic environment in the country is favourable. Additionally, the sociological element in this study revolves around the problems faced by people who deal with heavy metal pollution. Persons in developing countries are exposed to heavy metals in fish, water, food and their occupations. Therefore, the ability to obtain such samples will be dependent on getting cooperation from locals (Grundy, 2006). The technological factors in the study project refer to the availability and ability to use scientific equipments needed. Knowledge of microscopy and immunofluorescence is critical in achieving this. Furthermore, the university already has these machines, so gaining access to them will be vital. There could be more advanced methods of studying DNA repair, so the researchers ought to familiarise themselves with these methods. Legal factors include the regulatory policies and laws that govern the disposal and exposure of the public to these heavy metals. If handlers of the materials are flouting laws, then this could be a legal problem (Turner, 2002). Finally, the study has an

What It Means To Be A Great Power Politics Essay

What It Means To Be A Great Power Politics Essay Great Powers are the most powerful members in the international system. The idea of Great Power plays a significant role in the theory of international relations as any changes in the Great Powers strategies or emergence of new Great Powers normally alter the status quo. This essay began by examining the different criteria used by scholars to define Great Powers, following by my own definition of Great Powers to further discuss and illustrate my understanding of this concept. Today, China plays a new role in the international system, garnering increasing attention around the globe. Chinas economic strength and political clout are already influencing places beyond the Asia Pacific region. Africa, as a place in which Chinese engagement is expanding rapidly, can be used as a region to assess whether China is a Great Power or not. The second part of the essay analyses Chinas foreign policy towards Africa since the 1990s with attention to Chinas objectives there as well as the reactions of the African. Various aspects will be discussed, including Chinas political, economic, military presences and soft power to assess whether China is a Great power in Africa or not. II. Definition of Great Powers in the International System Scholarly definitions The traditional definition of great power can be found in the distinction made at the Paris Peace Conference, which suggested that great power is a state with a global scope of interests in the international arena  [1]  Throughout the years, the concept of great power has been conceptualized by a number of theoretical schools of international relations, for example, realism, liberal internationalism and constructivism. According to a prominent British historian Arnold Toynbee, great power can be defined as a political force exerting an effect coextensive with the widest range of the society in which it operates  [2]  , while one of the leading scholars of the international relations in 20th century, Martin Wight regards, great powers as powers with general interests, i.e. those whose interests are as wide as the state systems itself, which today means worldwide.  [3]  And for Professor Hedley Bull from the University of Oxford, great power contributes to international system by managing their relations with one another; and by exploiting their preponderance in such way as to import a degree of central direction to the affairs of international society as a whole.  [4]  I agree with these viewpoints that the ability to project influence and power beyond its region is a decisive factor for defining greatness. The concept of great power is a pivot in many realists international relations models, including the theory of hegemony, balance of power and the polarity in international system. According to a prominent Neo-realist scholar, Waltz Kenneth stated in his remarkably influential book, Theory of International Politics, the great powers extraordinary positions in the international system enable them to undertake tasks that other states have neither the incentive nor the ability to perform.  [5]   Some realist scholars argued that there is asymmetry of power within the international system. According to Krasner, when power asymmetries are high, the frequency of intervention increase.  [6]  He put forward the argument that a great power intervene the weaker states internal affairs by various norms, values and principles to justify and legitimize their actions. They sometimes violate those values and principles, but themselves stay free from external interference.  [7]   Another realist scholar, Leurdijk also suggested that the international system is in hierarchical relations- relations of dominance and subordination.  [8]  That means, the great powers are those who dominant over the subordinated countries. Therefore, from this perspective, a great power is a state which has more state sovereignty and autonomy it can claim, and it is subject to less external intervention.  [9]  Also, a great power is able to enforce the rule of international law. Meanwhile, contemporary international law incorporates broader ideas more than the rule of non-intervention. According to Khachikian from Stanford University, it now embraces ideas of permissible intervention, such as enforcing international peace, protecting one nationals, preventing a spillover across state borders, stopping mass human suffering and others  [10]   Generally speaking, the traditional definitions of great power emphasize on the powers wide global interests in the international system, while some scholars consider great power as a state which possess the capacity to exercise influence within the international system. From this perspective, great powers are able to intervene their targets of intervention and not being a target of intervention by other actors in the international system. To conclude, we may say that the former viewpoint stress on goal and interests while the latter on put emphasis on capability and influence. Both of the concepts are able to provide us a general view. And it is true that a great power should be a state playing active role in the international system and possess the ability to influence on the region it interested in. Nevertheless, I am of the opinion that the definition of Great Power should also be something more specific and concrete. There need to be a standard unit of account for measuring political power. In this essay, I will assess a countrys power through various defining elements, for example, its geographic base, economic resources, educational and technical level, military potential etc. Great Power in a more tangible sense To be a great power in international system, the nation has to possess not only economic prosperity and military might, but also strong soft power and identity as a leader. In this essay, economic strength refers to the level of development. For soft power, strong cultural ties with other countries, moral strength and technological level should be considered. Identity as a leader refers to the bargaining power in international arena and the ability to take action independently and at the same time, plays an active and co-operative role in the international system. Economic strength Economic strength cannot merely assessed by the size of the economy, but also to what extent, the economy is developed. From my perspective, a great power must be economically developed. Economic development used here includes several meanings: First, the growth of national income (measured by the Gross National Product) or the output of goods and services per head of population. Second, the increase in ability of a society to produce goods and services and to satisfy wants. However, If we consider development as a process of expanding the real freedoms that people enjoy,  [11]  as what Professor Amartya Sen put forward, then one can argue that economic development as a process of expanding the economic freedoms that people enjoy. Apart from monetary value, economic security, living standards, life expectancy, and social welfare like education and health services should also be considered. Therefore, internally within a Great power, people should enjoy the rights to sell and purchase the goods at equilibrium prices provided by a competitive environment which the movement of labor and capital is fr ee. Also, it should be structurally strong in the industrial, financial and technological sectors. Economic growth is often the greatest source of global influence. Nevertheless, high-level of economically developed is just a criterion for being a Great Power. For a Great Power in International System, the country should accept and adapt to the rules of games in the international system. Economically, the country has to cooperate with other leading economies in overcoming obstacles to world trade, being an active part of the international market. Military strength Military strength is a significant factor of a countrys power projection capacity. Military strength of a certain country is usually measured by military expenditure, defense spending, number of military personnel and aircraft carrier, size of navy, etc. However, we should not neglect the level of military technology in assessing a countries power. The arm force of a Great Power should be a modernized one. Furthermore, to be a Great power in international system, the state has to maintain frequent high-level dialogue regarding strategic matters with other actors within the international system. Soft power and identity as a leader The concept of Soft Power is invented by Harvard University political scientist Joseph Nye, he stated that soft power rests on the ability to shape the preferences of others.  [12]  From my point of view, this idea embraces cultural factors, educational level, reputation of the state, etc. The higher the level of soft power, the higher the countrys ability to achieve their objectives in their targeted region, therefore, it is a crucial criteria for being a great power. National image is something intangible but important for a nation to portray itself as a great power. Stability of political and social systems, cultural interactions with other countries, active participation and contributions to world peace are all related to how the country is seen by the outside world. Having respect and prestige, it does not only help the state to overcome its internal problems, but also convince the targeted region that their actions are legitimized. A great power must be able to influence on the region you interested in, at the same time, that region welcome your influence and engagement. As soft power is a key factor for achieving international objectives and legitimizing actions, we should take it into account when assessing a countrys greatness. Furthermore, the state identity as a leader is also a decisive factor. A great power is a state which has bargaining power in international arena and the ability to take action independently. Independent does not mean refusal to bring itself in line with the international system, but referring to not being the target of intervention by other powers. And the identity as a leader also refers to active and co-operative role in the international system. My definition for Great Power is a combination of tangible and intangible elements. To conclude, a great power is an active player in the international arena with strong economic, military strength and soft power, while having interests and capacity to project its influence to places beyond its region. At the same time, the targeted place welcomes its influence. III. Is China a Great Power in Africa? Chinas rapidly increasing engagement in Africa is virtually rooted in her remarkable rise as a global power. With greater involvement into African market in the form of development assistance, trade and investment, together with some level of military cooperation, peacekeeping and employment of soft power, China has emerged as a key-player in Africa. The expansiveness of her activities has gone beyond the Western engagement that came before her in the region and her engagement became one of the most significant developments for Africa in recent years. Through playing an active and positive role in Africa, China has built up her benign image and Great Power status in the world. This part of the paper analyses Chinas foreign policy towards Africa since the early 1990s to discuss whether China is a Great power in Africa or not. As mentioned in the first part of this research paper, one of the criteria to be a Great power is the ability to influence on the region you interested, at the same time, your influence and intervention are welcomed by the region. Therefore, the second part of this paper examines the objectives underlying Chinese foreign policy towards Africa and discusses whether China is successful in achieving those objectives. Chinas involvement on the African continent will be reviewed from various levels, including economic engagement, political presence, military ties and the projection of soft power. It argues that the impressive scale and scope of Chinas engagement together with the positive reactions from African countries to Chinas expanding presence proved China to be a Great Power in Africa. Chinas Objectives in Africa Chinas rapidly expanding engagement in Africa is actually part of its transformation of the foreign policy to a more active one. Chinese objectives in Africa basically include, access to natural resources, export markets,  [13]  projecting her influence beyond the Asia-Pacific region and thus strengthening Chinas status as a Great Power. Facing fierce criticism from the West after the Tiananmen Incident in 1989, China started to establish closer ties with non-Western countries.  [14]  Since African states constitute a massive voting clout as they occupied over one-fourth of the seats in United Nations General Assembly, China can be benefited from developing cordial relations with them. In the 1990s, China greatly increased her assistance to developing countries, especially to African countries.  [15]   China helped African states overcome their tremendous poverty, boosting the African economic through comprehensive investment and development in the region. Beside economic sphere, Chinas contribution in United Nation peacekeeping and continued training and educational assistance reflects Chinas significant role in Africa that it can be conceived as a Great Power in the region. Chinas Political presence in Africa The beginning of the relations between China and Africa can be dated back to the voyages of Zheng He (1372-1433) in the Ming dynasty, while some scholars regarded the Bandung Conference of 1955 marked the real start of Africa-China relations.  [16]  The momentum of closer ties greatly accelerated throughout the last 10 years. Their closer relationships signalized by frequent high-level diplomatic trips by Chinese leaders to African capitals and frequent high-level diplomatic trips by African leaders to Beijing.  [17]  In 2006 there were 48 African states heads gathered in Beijing for the Forums on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which marked the largest gathering of African top political leaders outside of the United Nations (UN).  [18]   Besides, there are rapid establishment of African and Chinese migrant communities in both China and Africa. In addition to governmental level interactions, continuing increase in interactions between ordinary Africans and Chinese can also be seen within their relationship.  [19]   The first part of this paper has mentioned that we may assess a country is a Great Power or not from a geographical perspective. Through this perspective, Chinas engagement in Africa is broad enough as a Great Power because it maintains official diplomatic relations with 48 African countries out of the total number of 53.  [20]  Several events reflected African support to China, for example, they supported Beijing to be the host city for 2008 Olympic Games during the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decision-making process. Also, Africa supported Chinas One-China policy and helped prevent Taiwan from getting a seat in United Nations many times.  [21]   Moreover, China is actively participating in the affairs of the African Union (AU). China promised $100-$150 million for constructing permanent headquarters and attended African Union summits in 2006 and 2007.  [22]  Chinas governments assistance has been appreciated by Africa. Jean Ping, the chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, commended China in January 2009 for her contributions to Africa and identified China as Africas key strategic partner.  [23]  He also expressed that the African Union would like to boost consultation and cooperation with China on the regional and international affairs.  [24]   Different from the European great powers in the 19th century, China did not send her troops to Africa to fight wars and depriving the African aborigine. Rather, China has demonstrated effort for keeping peace without appearing military threat. According to Xinhua News Agency in 2007, a total of 1,400 Chinese troops are taking part in separate UN peacekeeping operations in seven African countries, including Sudan, where 415 Chinese peacekeepers are deployed in the south.  [25]  The number of military personnel deployed by China in peacekeeping operations in Africa exceeds those of other permanent members of the UN Security Council, making China the largest contributor of all. Furthermore, China provides financial support to the African Union regarding the peacekeeping in Somalia and Darfur.  [26]   Politically, China has a strong presence and influence in Africa. China also plays an active and constructive role in peacekeeping activities in Africa. At the same time, Chinas role has been highly recognized by the African countries. For example, the top official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia commended that, never in modern history has a nation successfully made such a determined and massive effort as China has in achieving progress within such a short span of time. Ethiopia has been following this remarkable achievement with great interest and admiration.  [27]  As mentioned above, a Great Power able to influence the region at the same the region welcomes your influence. From this perspective, China is qualified as a Great Power in Africa. Chinas Military Presence in Africa For arm sales to Africa, China ranked the third from 2003 to 2006.  [28]  Although Chinas military ties with Africa are not as strong as political and economic ties, to some African states, military cooperation with China is extremely crucial. Especially for those countries under civil wars but that came under military embargo from the west, for example, Sudan and Zimbabwe. China has established some small arm factories in Sudan and Uganda, producing light weaponry for the region. Besides, in 2005 and 2006, Nigeria purchased missiles and fighter jets from China and in turns, awarded oil contracts to China.  [29]   In fact, China maintains security and military relations with all African countries except those four countries diplomatically recognize Taiwan. In this sense, China maintains a great military presence in the region. Also, its armament sales and peacekeeping activities have the capacity to alter the political situation in Africa. Chinas major objectives in Africa are getting natural resources and maintaining economic interests. And she is able to achieve her goals through providing the military resources to persuade African countries to help her. To counter the American presence in Africa, China will continue to expand its military ties with African countries, at the same time, making contributions to the United States peacekeeping in the region. Chinas steps will further enhance her Great Power status in Africa. Chinas Economic Presence in Africa The volume of China-Africa trade in recent years increased dramatically, from $8.92 billion in 2001 to $40 billion dollars in 2005, $73 billion in 2007, and reached $106.8 billion in 2008. China is now, overtaking Britain and France, became Africas second largest trading partner after the United States.  [30]  31 China has extended scope of duty-free imports from Africa from 190 to 440 items and is discussing with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) for proposing a free-trade agreement between them.  [32]  African countries greatly appreciated Chinas removal of tariffs on goods as they have been benefited from Chinas action.  [33]   In 2001, Hu Jintao called for Chinese enterprises to go global. Key State Owned Enterprises have begun to set up joint ventures in extractive industries in Africa.  [34]  In 2005, China had already established over 800 enterprises in Africa region.  [35]  In 2009, Chinese investments by both the government and private enterprise in Africa almost tripled in value compared to the figures in 2000.  [36]   Between 2000 and 2003, China provided $1.3billion in debt relief to 27 African countries and an additional $1.2 billion in debt cancellation for 33 African countries in 2006.  [37]  In addition, China has provided considerable amount of development aid, in the form of low-interest loans, to African countries. China provided $13 billion to Angola, $9 billion to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and $2.5 billion to Ethiopia as well.  [38]   Additionally, China is the members of African Development Bank Group (AfDB), African Development Fund (ADF) and West African Development Bank (WADB). China contributed to the Banks institutional activities, and technical assistance operations to promote economic and social development in Africa. China hosted the 42nd Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the AfDB and the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the ADF in Shanghai in May 2007.  [39]  Besides, China is engaging actively into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the South African Development Community (SADC).  [40]  All these reflected Chinas pivotal role in Africa. With ongoing economic and trade cooperation and exchange, we can see that China presence in Africa keeps rapidly growing and China has capability to influence events in the region. As African countries are yearning for an alternative to the West that they have relied on over a long period of time, they are in need of Chinese investment and assistance to help develop their economies. Unlike the Western donors who tend to impose Western values like democratic ideas on Africa, China invest and provide aid without much preconditions and interference in their internal affairs, therefore, it is not unimaginable that China is regarded by Africa as a more cooperative and valuable partner to the West. Besides providing loans, China also invest in infrastructure development and many high-visibility projects, that the African leaders generally in favor. Physical infrastructure constructions have been long neglected if not avoided by Western donors.  [41]  Also, Chinese investors are highly reputed by the African of their rapid completion of infrastructures with acceptable qualities.  [42]  Moreover, the General populace in Africa prefers physical infrastructure to monetary aid as the aid money would eventually be manipulated by corrupt leaders. Through providing more practical help, Chinas influence and presence in Africa are further strengthened. Nevertheless, some argue that there are also many complications for China to expand her presence in Africa. The biggest obstacle is the anti-Chinese sentiment resulting from the flooding of cheaper Chinese manufactured goods in African markets. The Chinese firms underbid many local firms in Africa, causing close down of factories and unemployment. However, we should not neglect that import of cheaper goods from China means that the African can buy many goods that they could not afford to purchase before. And the Chinese investment projects at least created some new job opportunities for the Africans. All these actually have improved the living standards of many general Africans. Nowadays, China has already constituted a pivotal part in the African economy. Although the Africans may consider Chinese engagement as a challenge as they worry about Chinas growing global power may turn her role in African to become as stifling as they have experienced with the west  [43]  , generally, they need Chinas participation and the African leaders today consider Chinese embrace as not only a source of investment, but also a chance as well as a counterbalance to the West. Soft power To access a country is a Great power or not, we do not only consider its influence over their targeted regions through economic and military power, but also the influence through soft power. When examining Chinas power in Africa, its projection of soft power should not be neglected. As mentioned in the first part of this paper, soft power rests on the ability to shape the preferences of others  [44]  In this paper, Chinas soft power policy refers to the use of cultural, educational means to boost her image and thus to influence public opinion and persuade nations abroad in Chinas favour. The establishment of Confucius Institutes and the recruitment of international students are prominent forms of Chinese projection of soft power. China has already set up more than 20 Confucius Institutes throughout Africa, teaching African people Mandarin, Chinese history and culture.  [45]   China has educational relationships with 50 African countries and keeps increasing her assistance on training and education to African countries. In 2005, China also hosted the Sino-African Education Minister Forum.  [46]  In 2007, there are around 5,900 students from Africa studying in China, with most of them receiving scholarships provided by the Chinese government.  [47]  The Chinese government also promised to double the number of such scholarships by 2011,  [48]  and establish 10 agricultural technology centers in Africa.  [49]  Every year, China trained large number of African professionals in fields of agriculture, education, medical science, etc. Besides, Chinas state-run Xinhua news agency also trains African journalists in both Africa and China.  [50]   Chinas use of education, technical training and cultural exchange as a channel of employing soft power is successful in boosting Chinas image in Africa and thus expanding its global influence. The projection of soft power can essentially gain the support from the general public in Africa. With closer and closer educational relationships, the future generations and educated elites in Africa will certainly have better understanding about China. Having support from governments, and non-governmental actors, including both educated elites and general populace, China gained legitimacy as a Great Power. IV. Conclusion My definition of great power as mentioned in the first part of the essay, is an active player in the international arena with strong econ

Induced Molting of Layer Birds Essay -- Animals Papers

Induced Molting of Layer Birds Induced molting of layer birds is a practice done for economical benefits. These birds are put under great stress, which should not be allowed. Further studies of humane induced molting techniques should be done to replace those that are currently used and inhumane. In nature birds undergo natural molting. During a year birds will replace all of their feather to maintain a good plumage, this usually occurs at the beginning of winter when birds do not have chicks. They can concentrate their energies to stay warm and to grow new feathers. (Animal Protection Institute, 1998) However, there also is induced molting, which is done by human influence. The later is practiced by 60% - 70% of the layer industry, so that a second cycle of laying flocks is achieved. (Macri et al., 1998) Induced molting occurs when the bird’s organism is stressed by some source that alters their environment. The most common are: lack of food and water, decrease of light, and change in diet. Food withdrawal can be up to 10 days and of water up to 2 days. The change in diet usually is a low calcium, or low sodium and also feeding a diet high in dietary zinc. All of these methods can be done separately or in any combination with each other. (Alodan and Mashaly, 1998). At the end of every laying cycle, egg quality and production are decreased. This is when induced molting is imposed to give a â€Å"rest† to the birds. After the â€Å"rest† period egg quality and production are increased when compared to the pre-molting period. There are several improvements to the egg at the post-molt period; there is a "better egg size, shell quality, internal egg quality and rate of egg production." (Alodan and Mashaly, 1998) ... ...on Caused by Salmonella Enteritidis.† Tektran, United States Department of Agriculture, Agrucultural Research Service (12/18/1998). Last visited on 09/09/2001 at http://www.nal.usda.gov/ttic/tektran/data/000007/07/0000070701.html Poultry.org, a Farm Sanctuary Campaign. â€Å"Forced Molting of Laying Birds† Last visited on 09/09/2001 at http://www.poultry.org/molting.htm Ruszler, Paul L. â€Å"The Keys to Successful Induced Molting of Leghorn-type Hens† Extension Poultry Scientist, Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Virginia State Univerty. Publication Number 408-026, January 1997. Last visited on 09/09/2001 at http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/poultry/408-026/408-026.html#TOC Summer/Fall 1998 Poultry Press â€Å"Balancing Economics and Evil† Induced Molting. Last visited on 09/22/2001 at http://www.upc-online.org/summer98/molting_econ_and_evil.html#top