A Introduction to Sociology Statistics

A Introduction to Sociology Statistics Sociological research can have three distinct goals: description, explanation, and prediction. The description is always an important part of the research, but most sociologists attempt to explain and predict what they observe. The three research methods most commonly used by sociologists are observational techniques, surveys, and experiments. In each case, measurement is involved that yields a set of numbers, which are the findings, or data, produced by the research study. Sociologists and other scientists summarize data, find relationships between sets of data, and determine whether experimental manipulations have affected some variable of interest. The word statistics has two meanings: The field that applies mathematical techniques to the organizing, summarizing, and interpreting of data. The actual mathematical techniques themselves. Knowledge of statistics has many practical benefits. Even a rudimentary knowledge of statistics will make you better able to evaluate statistical claims made by reporters, weather forecasters, television advertisers, political candidates, government officials, and other persons who may use statistics in the information or arguments they present. Representation of Data Data are often represented in frequency distributions, which indicate the frequency of each score in a set of scores. Sociologists also use graphs to represent data. These include pie graphs, frequency histograms, and line graphs. Line graphs are important in representing the results of experiments because they are used to illustrate the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Descriptive Statistics Descriptive statistics summarize and organize research data. Measures of central tendency represent the typical score in a set of scores. The mode is the most frequently occurring score, the median is the middle score, and the mean is the arithmetic average of the set of scores. Measures of variability represent the degree of dispersion of scores. The range is the difference between the highest and lowest scores. The variance is the average of the squared deviations from the mean of the set of scores, and the standard deviation is the square root of the variance. Many kinds of measurements fall on a normal, or bell-shaped, curve. A certain percentage of scores fall below each point on the abscissa of the normal curve. Percentiles identify the percentage of scores that fall below a particular score. Correlational Statistics Correlational statistics assess the relationship between two or more sets of scores. A correlation may be positive or negative and vary from 0.00 to plus or minus 1.00. The existence of a correlation does not necessarily mean that one of the correlated variables causes changes in the other. Nor does the existence of a correlation preclude that possibility. Correlations are commonly graphed on scatter plots. Perhaps the most common correlational technique is Pearsons product-moment correlation. You square the Pearsons product-moment correlation to get the coefficient of determination, which will indicate the amount of variance in one variable accounted for by another variable. Inferential Statistics Inferential statistics permit social researchers to determine whether their findings can be generalized from their samples to the populations they represent. Consider a simple investigation in which an experimental group that is exposed to a condition is compared with a control group that is not. For the difference between the means of the two groups to be statistically significant, the difference must have a low probability (usually less than 5 percent) of occurring by normal random variation. Sources: McGraw Hill. (2001). Statistics Primer for Sociology. mhhe.com/socscience/sociology/statistics/stat_intro.htm

The Acropolis Essays - Acropolis Of Athens, Parthenon, Erechtheion

The Acropolis Essays - Acropolis Of Athens, Parthenon, Erechtheion The Acropolis Elmer Boyce Architecture 110 Professor Boestler 02 November 2000 The Athenian Acropolis The Acropolis of Athens has stood as a monument of triumph to the people of Athens for centuries past. The temples within its walls were used to worship Greek gods like Athena and Poseidon. Rising over three hundred feet above the city of Athens, it can clearly be seen why it is called the Acropolis, which loosely translated means top of city. It isn't the only acropolis in Greece, but it is revered more than the others because of its almost flawless planning in where each building is placed. It took two hundred years of experimenting to get it right. Each building is placed specifically to be pleasing to the viewer's eye. From the viewer's point of view every building is seen in perspective, and at no point from the entrance is one building seen from only one facade. This is what made the Acropolis at Athens so amazing. What makes the Acropolis even more amazing is the buildings within its walls. There is the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion, the temple of Athena Nike, and more. After ascending nearly three hundred feet up the hill you come to what is called the Propylaia. The Propylaia is the entrance to the Acropolis and was used to prepare worshipers before entering the gates to the temples within. Construction began on the Propylaia in 437 B.C. and was completed in 432 B.C. The architect of the Propylaia was Mnesikles, and the project was anything but easy with the narrowness of space and the irregular terrain. Despite these obstacles he was successful in creating a harmonious entrance. Asymmetrically arranged buildings created the propylaia. The most important of these buildings was the Pinakotheke on the north side with contained the art gallery. The Propylaia has an outer and inner facade, both supported by six Doric columns with five doors between them, the largest door was located in the middle. Further within the Propylaia, there are Ionic columns, which helped support the roof. These columns were used rather than the Doric columns similar to the o uter columns because of space restraints. Also constructed of load bearing walls the Propylaia was entirely constructed out of white marble. These load-bearing walls were the walls of the Pinakotheke and were covered with painted panels or wall paintings. This propylaia wasn't the first on that site. The original entrance gate was smaller and was destroyed in the Persian fire in 480 B.C. After being prepared in the propylaia, you would enter a central courtyard overlooking the immense bronze statue of,the Champion, Athena Promachos. This statue was so large that the sun could be seen glimmering off the tip of its spear from out at sea. To the left you would see the Erechtheion in its white marble glory, whose site lay north of the Parthenon. This building too, like the Propylaia dealt with irregular terrain, but took it in a different perspective. Instead of leveling the land, which was too sacred to touch, they built the Erechtheion in levels to accommodate the steep change in elevation. Built sometime between 421 B.C. and 405 B.C., the Erechtheion housed shrines to several gods, local deities, and heroes. It was also the site of several sacred spots, including the mark of Poseidon's trident spear, the graves of the legendary Erechtheus and Kekrops, but most importantly it housed the temple of Athena Polias, protectress of the city and goddess of the hearth. Each level of the Erechtheion had a specific purpose. To the east, from higher terrain is a six-column Ionic porch that housed the ancient wooden image of Athena. At the north is another Ionic porch that leads to the chamber of Erechtheus. The sacred olive tre e of Athena is located in an open courtyard in the west of the Erechtheion. And finally to the south is the resting place of the legendary King Kekrops. The Porch of the Caryatids covers this gravesite. This porch is what makes the building stand out other than its unusual land layout. The porch is supported by six maiden figures used as columns with the crowns on their heads being the capitals. Also within the frieze of the Erechtheion is to

Statement of Purpose for graduate school ->Taxation Program Essay

Statement of Purpose for graduate school ->Taxation Program - Essay Example I soon realized I was passionate about handling complex financial matters and processing results, which I took to mean that I was not going to be satisfied with routine and directed procedures. My senior colleagues at the CPA office encouraged my ambitions, which only added to my feeling that I was ready for graduate studies. My love for matters finance begun when I was in high school, where we had an enthusiastic and encouraging teacher who would let us listen to budgetary proceedings, and once arranged a visit to the Treasury Department. She also ensured that we carried out as many practical roles as we could, while also encouraging us to read. I especially remember the impact of reading the Wall Street Journal each week and feeling that taxation was the most important aspect of American financial markets. My interests became more focused at undergraduate level, where, although management and accounting, which was my major, were easy to understand for me, I found that taxation was what really held my interest. I was fortunate enough to get an internship at the CPA Office, which turned into some of the best experiences of my life yet. I met a lot of people while working there and feel that I have a good advantage having worked there. It was during my internship that I finally decided that I wanted to be come a tax Consultant in the future. Although I felt that I could hold my own while working as an intern, I was cognizant of the fact that my base knowledge in taxation only consisted of my TAX3300 course. Therefore, I came to the conclusion that I needed to focus my studies in taxation, taking my IRS EA exam that I passed in the individual section. After receiving more encouragement from a CPA friend of mine, I also aim to pass my Representation and Corporation sections this year. My friend also recommended that I apply to Golden

Innovation Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Innovation Systems - Essay Example This phenomenal demand and growth of renewable forms of energy has resulted because of the need for finite fuel prices and petroleum reserves. As such, the revolution for renewable energy increases as wind energy is no longer considered an alternative source of energy, but as sustainable, profitable and cost-effective (Spera, 2009). The French dynamic industry has become host for more than 140 companies involved in the construction, foundry, electronics, electric-engineering, and industrial services necessary for the production, commissioning and operation of wind turbine facilities. Onshore and offshore wind resources The French offshore wind power development programme which was commissioned under the "Grenelle de l'environnement" initiative in May 2007 led to the adoption of two important laws in August 3 2009 and July 12 2010 categorized under "Grenelle I" and "Grenelle II" laws. These laws were fundamental for the implementation of the environmental engagements adopted in the in itiative. Consequently, it was expected that the Directive 2009/28/EC stipulated the national plan aims for renewable energy development to reach 6,000 MW by 2020 from offshore wind farms generations and other marine energies. To the French consumers, this represents approximately 1,200 wind turbines generating 3.5% of the total grid consumed (Sathyajith, 2006). In order to meet the target, the offshore offshore wind power development programme anticipates a 20 billion investment by 2020, to be covered by a 4% increase of the "contribution au service public de l'electricite" (CSPE) between 2015 and 2020. This CSPE will be an additional charge on the electricity bill that end-customers pay. To the industry, however, the tendering of the offshore projects benefits will be taken into consideration including jobs to be created within the projects sites. As a result, some of the companies that have positioned themselves within the offshore wind power market include Compagnie du Vent, EDF Energies Nouvelles, Nexans and EADS Astrium. Other relatively minor companies in the industry have participated through acquisitions, partnerships and mergers to be eligible for the joint offers required in the 2011 round of tendering. The policies also stipulated the duration over which the offshore farms will occupy the maritime public domain. Once established under a concession, the offshore wind farms will be expected operate within 30 years and provide a financial guarantee for the full duration of the project. Throughout the concession period, the guarantee will enable reversibility of any change to the natural environment through restoration of the site and decommissioning of the facilities of the site at the end of the concession term. The estimated restoration and decommissioning costs will determine the computation of the guarantee amount (Macaulay, 1999). In comparison on the basis of production costs of wind power production, offshore wind farms will cost 3.5million eur os per megawatt against 1.5 million euros per megawatt for onshore. The costs are escalated due to the offshore facility installation; masts designed to withstand corrosion, force of currents and waves; as well as the resultant maintenance costs. However, except for the costs, off the coast winds cannot compare to the onshore with the technical characteristics.

How, and in how far does the current United Kingdom constitutional Essay

How, and in how far does the current United Kingdom constitutional system demonstrate the operation of the doctrine of the Separation of Powers - Essay Example With regard to the UK position, the doctrine of the separation of powers has traditionally been limited and criticised for being somewhat unclear in comparison to other democracies3. Nevertheless, it has been commented that the doctrine does in fact influence everyday operations of the executive, legislature and judiciary4 and Barnett argues that â€Å"Separation of powers†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ runs like a thread throughout the constitution of the United Kingdom5.† Nevertheless, in the UK there has not been a clear separation of the branches of the state6, but rather a fusion. For example, the executive clearly carries out legislative functions and a prime example is the Law Commission. Although the Law Commission Act 1965 clearly requires the Commission to be â€Å"independent7† in reviewing law reform, its committee members are appointed by the Lord Chancellor who also grants prior approval to projects that the Law Commission will review. Additionally, the judiciary obtain their power from the Crown and there is a distinct overlap of functions between the powers, which should be separated for the effective application of the separation of powers8. This obfuscation of the theoretical separation of powers has ramifications for the procedure of passing Acts of Parliament. Parliament is essentially the legislative section of the British political system. As such, through the executive Prime Minister and the Cabinet, Parliament sanctions executive sovereignty in a party governmental system. Theoretically Parliament is a policy influencing body, relying on the executive to formulate policy and reacts to it and therefore the party machine reinforces power of the executive to initiate policy. Parliament is not therefore involved in the policy making process and has minor powers of initiation. Whilst government controls Parliament the passing of an Act of Parliament ultimately depends on control, possession of

New and Social Media for Public Relations Strategies

New and Social Media for Public Relations Strategies INTRODUCTION The topic of the dissertation deals with the research into the use of progressively emerging technology of new media, as a tool, by the public relation practitioners. The focus is mainly on the adoption of various new media tools, by practitioners, for practicing public relation activities. There’s a huge market for new media and, if used properly, it can be a great tool to maintain effective relations by the organization and in projecting a very positive image of the organization. New media not only allows public relations practitioners to reach out to and engage their publics in conversation, but also provides an avenue to strengthen media relations..New Media is emerging as an important public relations tool and empowers two way symmetrical communications with publics and stakeholders. PR professionals are confronted with the swift rise of social media that forces practitioners to pay due and timely attention. They are not only excited about utilizing these tools together w ith conventional media, but are also excited about speaking directly to their publics and stakeholders without the involvement of any intermediaries. The current study examines the use of new media as a tool for public relation practitioners. With the advent of improved and fast way of accessing information, people have changed their ways to get information. Observing this changing trend, PR professionals have also started using New Media to play their role effectively. It has reduced the need of third party influencer, like media, to communicate with the public. New Media facilitates PR professionals to interact directly with their organization’s public, specifically consumers. The focus of study is to know about the new media tools being used by practitioners and their opinion about its use, whether they blend the new media tools with traditional tools to perform various activities of public relations, the advantages and challenges they are facing using New Media for Public Relations in chandigarh. This is a cross sectional descriptive survey done by interviewing Public Relation practitioners working in chandigarh. PUBLIC RELATIONS: In the early 1900s, Ivy Lee  and  Edward Louis Bernays  came up with the first definition of PR: a management function, which tabulates public attitudes, defines the policies, procedures, and interests of an organization followed by executing a program of action to earn public understanding and acceptance. Dr. Rej F Harlow, a PR scholar and practitioner, undertook the task of compiling published PR definitions. Analyzing 472 definitions ,he put forward a working definition, that says : â€Å"Public Relation is a distinctive management function which helps establish and maintain mutual lines of communication, understanding, acceptance and cooperation between an organization and its publics ; involves the management of problems or issues ; helps management to keep informed on and responsive to public opinion ; defines and emphasizes the responsibility of management to serve the public interest ; helps management keep abreast of effectively utilizing change, serving as an early warning system to help anticipate trends; and uses research and sound and ethical communication as its principal tools.† PUBLIC RELATION ACTIVITIES: Publicity: It involves disseminating information through selected media with the motive of gaining public attention, without paying to the media. Promotion: It attempts to gain the support for a person, product, organization or an idea. It helps consumers know about the product, the price, or the place. Issues/Crisis management: It has a proactive nature of identifying issues that can likely concern to an organization and, thus, involves development of a response mechanism to manage such unanticipated situations. Community relations: By maintaining good relationships with members of the community, more customers can be attracted through word-of-mouth and also generates customer loyalty. Media relations: It involves circulating messages through media and to keep a watch on how the product / organization’s image is being portrayed by the media. Developing good relationships with media persons is an important activity in the PR process. Event management: It involves planning activities or events which will attract media attention to a person, product, organization or an idea. Employee relations: It involves building work culture and team relationships among the employees by sharing information, promoting involvement and inculcating a sense of pride in business achievement. It helps in improving teamwork, staff retention and productivity. Advertising It is a paid form of presentation and communication from an identified sponsor. Businesses use advertising to promote their product, while non-profit organizations use ads to raise awareness or encourage a change in behavior. Lobbying: It involves a professional attempt to bring about a change to a government policy, corporate policy, or public opinion that is favorable towards the organization, cause or group. During political campaigns, in order to affect public opinion, parties may engage PR firms as lobbyists. TRADITIONAL TOOLS USED IN PUBLIC RELATIONS: Publicity Media: Press: A Public relation person acts as the voice of the organization and provides information about the activities of the organization, its policies and programmers to the public through the press. Various ways in which information can be provided to the press are: Press Releases: It is written information of timely nature, about the policies and activities of an organization that is sent to all news media by an organization. Editorials/Articles /Features: A public relations person, have to maintain good relationship with the media and should have effective persuasive skills, in order to provide background material to suggest subjects for editorials. Television: Due to great scope of television as a publicity medium, it is a highly effective tool for Public Relations. Radio: Radio can be effectively used in Public Relation as it covers more than 90% of the Indian population. Films/Videos/Documentaries: It can be used for both the internal or external public to train and motivate employees and educate consumers. Oral Communication: It is majorly use for internal public, such as employees, to provide them training or information about the organization’s policies. Various ways to perform Oral Communication are: Meetings: It is a formally arranged gathering of two or more persons, to serve some purpose. Speeches: Formal speeches are the fastest way of conveying information.The public relations department is involved in research, speech writing and training of speakers. Other ways for oral communication can be telephones calls, public address system, panel discussion, counseling etc. Printed Literature: Publicity literature helps organization to promote its products, services or activities.These can take various forms. House Journal: It is an organization’s publication that caters its internal public and external ‘public’. Its objective is to create an environment for exchange of thoughts on various issues concerning an organization and its employees. Annual Reports: It can serve as prestige publication to attract prospective investors. Brochures: It usually covers information on a specific subject and is used for various purposes such as explaining a new programme, to ask for donations.’Take home or mail-out brochures make consumers cognitively connected to the organization and its products and services. Other forms of Printed Literature can be catalogues, booklets, leaflets. Miscellaneous Communication Tools: Stickers, posters, labels, Racks or bins, window display, Packaging, gifts like calendars, diaries, pens, key chains. Direct mail: (Newsletters.): Regular newsletters providing relevant information about the organization or/and its products/services can fortify relations with customers. Advertorials: Advertisements in the form of news stories allow to associate advertising with the credibility of the newspaper. Press Conferences: It involves calling media representatives together at a place to disseminate newsworthy information regarding the organization. Media Previews: When introducing a new product or organizing new plants and facilities ,the day before the official public showing, the media is given a preview ; company officials welcome media persons and answer their queries. PressTours: It involves transporting a press party a long distance. Press officials are invited individually to witness a landmark achievement, the commissioning of a project or a crisis situation .The Public relation officer briefs them time to time and give background information during press tour. Media-Management Luncheons: Luncheons are arranged in which media representatives have an opportunity to meet management, to hear about new corporate developments and to inspect facilities. Clip Sheets: News stories and illustrations are reproduced in newspaper format to show news editors how stories and pictures will appear in print, are distributed by PR department to editors of daily and weekly newspapers. Press kits: It contains mimeographed news releases, photographs, biographies, and background material that are prepared by PR departments and distributed to the media at special events. Publicity Distribution Services: It provides production and low cost distribution of news and pictures to editors and news writers of business magazines, newspapers and radio and television stations. Exhibitions: It helps to get the instant feedback of the consumers so that their doubts can be clarified and, thus, build customer’s confidence. Special Events: Its aim is to publicize about the organization and its products in such a way that it attracts the attention of media so that it gets the best coverage possible. Outdoor Media: PR professionals use it for disseminating information about their organization’s policies and programmes. Attendance at public events: Presence at Public Events is valuable promotional opportunities. It gives an added advantage over competitors. It gives the opportunity to directly reach the public. NEW MEDIA: The term ‘New Media’ originated in 21stCentury. It accounts for everything related to digital communication technologies, that is, related to computer or any mobile device connected to internet is the necessary requirement for new media. Its key feature is Interactivity. In context of Public Relations, the term ‘new media can be aptly called as Social media as being social is all about building and maintaining relationships. But considering the larger context social media is a subset of new media. Still sometimes these two terms are used interchangeably. In terms of Public Relations, New media tools can help in following ways: Connectpeople with information and services. Collaboratewith internal and external Createnew content, services, and channels of communication that help you deliver information and services. DEFINITIONS OF NEW MEDIA: According to Oxford dictionary: New Media is a means of mass communication using digital technologies such as the Internet. As defined by Webopedia, new media is: A generic term for the many different forms of electronic communication that are made possible through the use of computer technology. The term is in relation to old media forms, such as print newspapers and magazines that are static representations of text and graphics. DIFFERENT FORMS OF NEW MEDIA: Web sites: A location on the World Wide Web that contains a home page and is owned and managed by an individual, company or organization. Online Newsroom: An  online newsroom  (also known as a  press room,  media room,  press center  or  media center) is a website that contains information about a corporation or organization. The online newsroom was initially created for corporate communicators and  public relations  firms to target traditional  media  outlets, fundamentally newspapers, magazines, radio stations and television stations. Electronic mail: Most commonly referred to asemailore-mailsinceca.1993,it is used for exchanging digital messages. Online communities: Group of people with similar goals or interests connect and exchange information using web tools. Virtual Reality Worlds: A three-dimensional environment is simulated on the computers monitor screen. It allows and its users to interact via graphical avatar representations of themselves. Video sharing: Allow you to upload and share online videos Webcasts: Internet-based communication tools used to broadcast live or recorded audio and/or video over the internet so that information could be delivered to a broad audience and, in this case, audiences are also connected with each other. It can be either one-way presentation or an interactive session Webinars: Internet-based typically one way communication tool that can be understood as a specific type of web conference. It involves online polling and question -answer sessions. It can be recorded in order to benefit those who were not able to attend the scheduled time. Web conferences: Internet-based communication tools used to conduct live meetings or presentations over the internet. Widgets: A web widget is a small application that you can embed in a social network site, blog, or website to share content. RSS (Real Simple Syndication) Feeds: To receive updates without browsing sites for the latest information, RSS feeds are used. These can be used to share information from the organization to the readers. It gets the user subscribed to a particular website. Video and computer games: It provides high level involvement to the user. These could be single or multi player games .They may or may not be online. Podcasting: Podcasts are free audio or video files that can be listened to or watched on the computer or mobile device. It can be an easy and inexpensive way to provide information to your target audience(s). Blogs Vlogs: A website with periodical updates (posts) that include text, graphics, videos and hyperlinks. Usually informal in style, blogs allows their readers to leave comments. Wiki: An online resource that covers information on almost all the general topics. Web advertising: Internet advertising, such as banners, pay-per-click ads, pay-per-call ads and pop-ups, provides a way of reaching people who use the internet for shopping or to gather information. Instant Messaging (IM): Due to its simplicity, ease in usage and relatively high level of synchronicity, IM is now widely used internet based communication tool at the workplaces. Chat Rooms: A part of an online service that provides virtual world human interaction in real time. Social Networking: A website that helps in getting connected to one’s family and friends and share information. Cell Phones: These facilitate consumers to get handy with the latest information and provide instant updates in their inboxes when something happens.

Global Warming Essay -- Environmental Global Climate Change

Global Warming The 19th as well as the 20th century have been the most prolific time periods in modern history as concerns science, technology and socio-economic development. Within these two centuries we witnessed the discovery of electricity, the invention of the engine which played a very important role in the maturity of the well-known industrial revolution. Through this revolution people began to live in a more decent and comfortable manner; new commodities were produced and entire new kinds of industry were developed. Although all these inventions, discoveries and scientific breakthroughs improved in an outstanding way our well-being, they also provided us with some troubles that scientists had never foreseen or even imagined. One of the major setbacks of this technological evolution is the change of the World’s climate: the so-called Global Warming. Global warming is a very strange phenomenon which consists in the increase of the World’s average temperature. Scientists after very precise historical observations and measurements have reached the conclusion that the global average temperature has increased by about 0.5 degree centigrade over the past 100 years. The likelihood that this global warming is due primarily to natural variability is low. Scientists believe that this global warming trend is a direct consequence of the enhanced greenhouse effect. The notion of an "enhanced" greenhouse effect refers primarily to the incremental global warming caused by the rising concentrations of human-introduced greenhouse gases over and above the greenhouse effect caused by naturally occurring greenhouse gases. Although there exist large uncertainties, scientists suggest that the emissions of greenhouse gases could, by the end of the next century, lead to an increase in global temperatures of about 1 to 4 degree centigrade. This global warming tendency can cause a significant worldwide climate change. Human society is highly dependent on the Earth's climate. Climate patterns and human adaptations determine the availability of food, fresh water, and other resources for sustaining life. The social and economic characteristics of society have also been shaped largely by adapting to the seasonal and year-to-year patterns of temperature and rainfall. Some potential effects associated with climate change concern, first of all, the water resources. The qu... ...g from December 1 to 11, 1997, more than 160 nations met in Kyoto, Japan, to negotiate binding limitations on greenhouse gases for the developed nations, pursuant to the objectives of the Framework Convention on Climate Change of 1992. The outcome of the meeting was the Kyoto Protocol, in which the developed nations agreed to limit their greenhouse gas emissions, relative to the levels emitted in 1990. The agreement calls on both developed and developing countries to take a number of steps including: formulating and implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation measures; cooperating in development and transfer of environmentally reliable, climate friendly technologies; and cooperating in research and observation of climate science, impacts and response strategies. As a conclusion I would like to say that scientific and industrial advance can be of great help in order to improve and develop our every day life as well as our society but on the other hand can be offensive and even destructive towards our future. I think we should support any effort that is made for enriching our knowledge and expertise without however compromise our future and the future of our children.

Mental Illness among Homeless in London Borough of Tower Hamlet

Abstract: The aim of the essay plan at hand was to outline the mental health issues that are being faced by the homeless population in the UK, with specific references to the borough of Tower Hamlets. The plan covered the main contextual factors and determinants of the urban health issue, the main implications and public consequences of the issue in both the City of London in general and the UK, and offered an outline for the critique of current interventions to combat the issue. The plan concluded with speculated recommendations and conclusions for the extended essay. 1 Introduction London, United Kingdom is host to over 10,000 homeless members of society with common afflictions including mental illness, drug and alcohol issues and health concerns (Story et al, 2007). This number of specific homeless far exceeds other national indigent populations making it unique throughout the UK. Alongside the establishment of pervasive symptoms among the population rests the requirement of continuous evaluation of caregivers in order to maintain proper public support structures. The borough of Tower Hamlets has been identified as an area of historic and on-going homelessness as it is a highly deprived area of East London. Deprivation and severe poverty has been identified as one of the most significant determinants of physical and mental health (NHS Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group, 2013). Combined with a lack of public or private methods of remedy, many homeless have no feasible alternative to living in the streets. In accord, Tower Hamlets has a soaring prevalenc e of these determining factors, which encourage the development of mental health problems among the afflicted population. Further, poor living conditions have the potential to add to the stress experienced by some individuals, which in turn leads to a form of sickness (NHS Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group, 2013). As a result of this evaluation, homelessness has been identified as a significant aspect of poor mental health in this borough (NHS Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group, 2013). It has been suggested that mental health issues may actually be a leading factor in the onset of homelessness, where the stresses of homelessness further exacerbate existing psychological issues. At every level of assessment surrounding the mental health of the indigent population of Tower Hamlets, there is a continuous need to re-evaluate and adjust policy in order to address the rising concerns. 2 Rationales Epidemiological data shows that common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression have been found to be over twice as high, and psychosis has been found to be fifty to one hundred times more prevalent in the homeless (Bassuk et al, 1986). This illustrates the clear need to identify the factors that drive these persons to these stages. Further, with such a high number needing sustained medical attention in order to move away from the homeless issue, there is the perception of public burden, which adds to the need to find an effective method of addressing the issue (Wright, 2014). The lack of adequate research in this area of mental stability and determinants reveals the shallow depths of current knowledge, requiring the undertaking of modern reviews in order to accurately assess the next step. Another key rationale is the need to address common social issues including drug and alcohol abuse in the homeless (Dunne et al, 2013). Whether as a result of being homeless or the co nsequence of abuse, drugs and alcohol dependency are established factors that are common throughout the indigent population (Wright, 2014). This commonality has been wrongly cited as the prevalent determinant in the homeless condition, with many persons not finding the drugs or alcohol until after experiencing the loss of becoming homeless (Wright, 2014). Yet, the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse has been found to be widespread within the homeless community (Fazel et al, 2008) thus the essay will aim to shed light upon this aspect of substance abuse as among the largest contributing factors to homelessness. This focus on elements that are considered determinant in the creation of the homeless population will enable a relevant series of recommendations that are aimed at reducing the phenomenon. Further, this essay also aims to provide further insight to how the statistics were found to be markedly higher in the borough of Tower Hamlets than the proportion across other London boro ughs all together than the proportion across other London boroughs all together (NHS Tower Hamlets, 2011). With a defined rise in the factors impacting the homeless in this area, it becomes essential to identify the primary components. Alongside the benefit that the local population will derive from this exercise will be the potential for this experience to translate into other social areas that will assist in developing long term solutions to pressing issues. In order to fully explore the goals of this essay; gender, ethnicity and the age aspect of homelessness will be discussed, as there are marked differences between genders and races in regard to the issues faced in homelessness (Wright, 2014). As with each outside element including financial standing and health, the disparity between the sexes in the homeless population requires investigation. For example, single men between the ages of 25-44 have been identified as the most common demographic group associated with homelessness (Hwang, 2001), yet children have also been found at a high risk of facing homelessness, accompanied by a high risk of developing mental health issues (Tischler et al, 2002). While the presence of the homeless conditions in these two demographics may withstand scrutiny, the question of how this condition arose creates the opportunity to avoid it. Further, with a sustained outreach to those in peril of becoming homeless before the fact, there is opportunity for developing past the hardship, making this study crucial (Buckman et al, 2013). In order to properly assess the societal position and expectations of the homeless, this essay will assess what is considered among the highest concerns among members of this population (Iversen et al, 2011). Despite the contention that specific determinants play a role in the indigent condition, others argue that it is the perception of adverse social conditions on the part of the person that serve to keep the person in the homeless state. With correlations among the indigent and common belief such as the desire for work and affordable housing, there are foundations for building a path to a more sustainable form of living for many currently in the homeless condition (Fitzpatrick et al, 2013). This is an indication of the importance of considering not only the external conditions associated with the homeless, mental health and drug abuse, but there must be a corresponding effort to address the internal perceptions held by these individuals. The situation for those living rough is int ensified when substance misuse is co-morbidly present with existing mental health problems (Rees, 2009). This combination of conditions is credited with sustaining the homeless condition, making the opportunity to rise above the stage complex and unlikely (Dunne et al, 2012). It is the perception of lack prospects and potential that is credited with keeping many individuals in the indigent state. Among the homeless male versus the general public, there is a higher association with illnesses including schizophrenia by a 50% v 34%, personality disorders 37% v. 11%, substance dependence issues 74%5 v. 19% further increasing the need to study and identify the specific factors surrounding this ratio (Dunne et al, 2012). These statistics indicate the much of the mental disorders are amplified in conjunction with the homeless population which raises another area of concern; where the individuals afflicted as result of becoming homeless or did they become homeless as a result of becoming il lThis critical consideration will add to the assessment of determinants and the manner in which they work to keep the indigent population on the rise (Wright, 2014). In accord, the essay aims to discuss how the borough of Tower Hamlets has been identified as having the highest mental health needs in the UK, with over 45% of the population of the borough claiming incapacity benefit due to their ill mental health. This very high rate indicates the presence of a set of conditions that are expected to be identifiable, adding to the appeal of this study. As the literature confirms that mental illness is a significant urban health issue accompanied by crucial repercussions such as homelessness, the essay will aim to highlight the ways in which this issue relates to the London borough of Tower Hamlets. As the results are directly relevant to those in the Tower Hamlets, many other indigent populations exhibit similar conditions, which this study will assist to illuminate. 3 Urban Context and Determinants The literature surrounding homelessness and mental health indicates that factors in the urban context play a major role in the development of this urban health issue (Fitzpatrick et al, 2012). This is an indication that this area of research is not only necessary but vital to the effort to sustain and improve the state of the homeless population. Determinants such as poverty, exclusion, attainment and wellbeing all hold significant implications for homelessness (Frankish, Hwang & Quantz, 2005). Elements that are cited to aid in the determination homeless population causation include the lack of general or low strata employment opportunities (Fitzpatricket al, 2013). This perception of no means to find work is compounded by ill health and the absence of health care. As those in the poorer classes fall sick, there is a trend to allow this sickness to become overriding, thereby adding to the detrimental factors surrounding a persons living situation (Dawson et al, 2013). Outside social factors can have distinct impact on the determinants surrounding the homeless populations. With natural disasters and war placing many of these individuals in the homeless situations due to associated factors, there is a need to quantify each new social influence in order to minimize the harmful impact. Feeding directly into the homeless epidemic and the mentally unstable is the common lack of disability services that will have the resources to aid them (Wright, 2014). This scenario of inadequate infrastructure only adds support to the contention that each new determinant in the homeless cycle increases the likelihood that the person will not be able to escape the condition. With evidence supporting the position that it becomes harder to function in day to day society the longer a person remains indigent, there is a clear and present time factor that must be added to the determinants of the homeless (Wright, 2014). Additional factors such as difficulties in maintaining secure and good quality accommodation due to mental illness will also be discussed in the essay as contributors to homelessness (Breaky, 1992). Determinants to the homeless condition have been attributed to the high rate of substance abuse and addiction among the indigent population (Wright, 2014). This is an indicati on that there is truth to the argument that many people choose their addictions over a place to live comfortably. Further, this very aspect is magnified by the lack of affordable, quality housing in many areas (Buckman et al, 2013). With no avenue to find a roof, the drive to work towards making their life better has a trend of stalling as these determinant continue to hold the person back. This essay endeavours to shed light on recent changes to government policy, such as reforms in welfare support and social housing, the recession, and government cuts to public services in the UK had impacted those who were most vulnerable to homelessness. Each shift in public policy and perception has the potential to add or detract from the living situation of the indigent population (Wright, 2014). Yet, in many cases, available opportunities are overlooked due to the fact that the persons in question have no means to become acquainted with the policies. Individuals with mental health problems h ave faced considerable difficulties due to these changes such as understanding when they need to claim the benefits, how the new benefits work, and uncertainty about how the changes will affect their circumstances (Wright, 2014). Many times, the very complex nature of the policy or regulation diminishes the effectiveness of the intent by reducing access. As a further example of this issue raising modern concern, in some cases, individuals may also face difficulty getting access to, and using a computer to claim their benefits online (Dawson et al, 2013). These common issues that highlight the high risk of the mentally ill facing homelessness due to financial hardship and provide a possible explanation as to why there is such a high degree of mental illness among the homeless. Due to the fact that registration to a GP generally requires proof of a home address, homeless people are more likely to access healthcare through emergency services (Crisis & MORI, 2002). This creates many iss ues including access, payment, sustained care and exacerbated social expense. Further, this poses problems on both the individual and the general population as the individual may not receive the health advice and respect that they deserve for reasons such as the emergency department only being intended for emergency health conditions, and due to social stigma around homelessness; such as the homeless may be associated with mental ill health, substance abuse and lack of hygiene (Riley, Harding, Underwood & Carter, 2003). It is a common trend among the homeless to face a lack of insurance and the unwillingness to visit the doctor aside from the direst of circumstance. These factors have been cited as contributors of poor physical and psychological wellbeing which the homeless individual faces when trying to access public health care, which only serve to compound the homeless condition (Wright, 2014). In many cases social pressure to avoid using the medical services, serves to drive th e homeless even further from finding quality care, only serve to further add to the issue. A final determinant to be discussed in this essay is the cost of this urban health issue faced by the National health services, which in turn is passed on to the larger national population (Dunne et al, 2012). In many cases the variance of social support has changed alongside the political views of the ruling establishment. This condition causes many fits and starts to any existing system, which in turn serve to slow down both effective outreach and long-term strategy. Cost has the potential to become an overbearing feature of any policy creation effort (Dunne et al, 2012). In some cases the zeal to reduce the public budget for these issues is weighed against the need to devote time and resources to this part of the population (Fitzpatrick et al, 2013). With a common lack of representation among the law makers, the lower classes have often suffered the lack of finance and social support that is required to implement any effective strategy. Modern evidence shows that mental illness fo r the NHS is costly as it is the largest cause of disability in the UK. Social and informal care for the mentally ill is costing ?22.5 billion, where 13.8% of the national budget is spent on mental health (National Mental Health, 2012). This is a defining motivation for lawmakers on any side of the aisle to find a method of addressing the issue. Statistics also show that ?77 billion a year was being spent on welfare benefits for mental illnesses in 2009 (National Mental Health, 2012). This is a trend of rising cost that will only be reversed through study and relevant and considered implement of infrastructure. The lack of a coordinated strategy to reduce the homeless issue only creates a potential for the issue to become intractable and even harder to combat (Wright, 2014). The impact of these costs on the national economy was damaging, increasing national debts thus affecting the general population through increases in tax, public services, and as previously mentioned, cuts to nat ional healthcare (National Mental Health, 2012). This issue touches each person in society in a direct manner, meaning that with the easing of homeless condition there will be a corresponding easing of social pressure of the whole of society. Therefore it is necessary for these determinants to be discussed as contributing factors to the urban health issue. 4 Conclusions and Recommendations The aim of this paper is to critique strategies such as the Tower Hamlets Homelessness Statement 2013 to 2017, the Homelessness Act and other interventions that tackle homelessness and mental illness as separate entities (Crisis, 2009). This review of material will create the opportunity to identify strengths and weaknesses in the approaches that could in turn be amended. Further, this review will provide a basis for long term strategy based on the continuous need to refine public policy in order to reduce the burden on society as a whole (Wright, 2014). Yet, in every case the solution must be both ethical and motivated by the desire to enhance the homeless population’s potential to achieve stability. The recommendations that will evolve as a result of this study will involve coordinated treatment programs (Coldwell & Bender, 2007) such as Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), which aim to serve psychiatric outpatients whose mental illness causes serious functioning difficulties in aspects of life including work, social relationships, residential independence, money management, and physical health and wellness, all of which can have an impact on housing status (Dixon, 2000). Other possible avenues designed to create options including community housing initiatives, political action through policy reform, enhancing current infrastructure such as Habitat for Humanity and the National Coalition for the Homeless. This consideration of a wide range of evidence creates a variety of opportunities to explore and address the issues facing the modern homeless population (Iversen et al, 2011). It is expected that this study will conclude that the ACT is an effective measure in combating the co re issues which lead to and maintain homelessness, and aim to recommend that government funding should be utilised to promote programs such as ACT which will make lasting changes in the homeless community. Further, there is an expectation that there will be a combination of past and prior factors that have contributed to the homeless population and that it will require a well-rounded intervention method in order to provide better prospects. In the end, the base goal of this essay is to provide potential paths for further research which will in turn work to alleviate the dismal conditions associated with the indigent condition. 4 References Bassuk, E.L., Rubin, L. & Lauriat. A.S. (1986). Characteristics of sheltered homeless families. American Journal of Public Health. 76(9). 1097-1101. Breaky, W.R. (1992). Mental Health Services for Homeless People. pp101-107. Cited in: Homelessness: A National Perspective. Eds. Robertson, M.J. & Greenblatt, M. (1992). Buckman, J., Forbes, H., Clayton, T., Jones, M., Jones, N., Greenberg, N., Sundin, J., Hull, L., Wessely, S. and Fear, N. (2013). Early Service leavers: a study of the factors associated with premature separation from the UK Armed Forces and the mental health of those that leave early. The European Journal of Public Health, 23(3), pp.410–415.Coldwell, C.M. & Bender, W.S. (2007). The Effectiveness of Assertive Community Treatment for Homeless Populations With Severe Mental Illness: A Meta-Analysis. Am J Psychiatry. 164(3). 393-399.Communities and Local Government. (2009). Rough Sleeping England – Total Street Count. Retrieved from: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/roughsleeping2009 Accessed: 17th February 2014 Crisis & MORI. (2002). Critical condition: Homeless people’s access to GPs. London. Dawson, A., Jackson, D. and Cleary, M. (2013). Mothering on the margins: Homeless women with an SUD and complex mental health co-morbidities. Issues in mental health nursing, 34(4), pp.288–293. Dixon, L. (2000). Assertive community treatment: Twenty-five years of cold. Psychiatric Services, 51, 759-765. Dunne, E., Duggan, M. and O’Mahony, J. (2012). Mental health services for homeless: patient profile and factors associated with suicide and homicide. Mental health. Fazel, S; Khosla, V; Doll, H; Geddes, J (2008). â€Å"The Prevalence of Mental Disorders among the Homeless in Western Countries: Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis†. PLoS Med 5 (12). doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.0050225 Fitzpatrick, S., Bramley, G. and Johnsen, S. (2013). Pathways into multiple exclusion homelessness in seven UK cities. Urban Studies, 50(1), pp.148–168. Frankish, C.J., Hwang, S.W. & Quantz, D. (2005). Homelessness and Health in Canada. Canadian Journal of Public Health. 2(96). 23-29. Hwang, S.W. (2001). Homelessness and health. CMAJ. 164(2). 229–233. Iversen, A., van Staden, L., Hughes, J., Greenberg, N., Hotopf, M., Rona, R., Thornicroft, G., National Mental Health. (2012). Development Unit. Factfile 3. The costs of mental ill health. Retrieved from: http://www.nmhdu.org.uk/silo/files/nmhdu-factfile-3.pdf Accessed: 16th February 2014 NHS Tower Hamlets. (2011). Homelessness: Factsheet. Tower Hamlets Joint Strategic Needs Assessment 2010 ­2011 . Retrieved from: http://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/idoc.ashx?docid=f8390127-f61d-491b-8323-cea75d92a228&version=1. Accessed: 16th February 2014 Riley, A.J., Harding, G., Underwood, M.R., Carter, Y.H. (2003). Homelessness: a problem for primary careBritish Journal of General Practice. 473-479. Tischler, V., Vostanis, P., Bellerby, T. & Cumella, S. (2002). Evaluation of a mental health outreach service for homeless families. Arch Dis Child. 86. 158–163. Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group. (August 2013). Mental Health Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for Tower Hamlets. Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board. Tower Hamlets Homelessness Statement. (2013). 2013 to 2017 Consultation Draft. Retrieved from: http://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgsl/851900/868_housing_strategy_and_polic/homelessness_strategy.aspx Accessed: 17th February 2014 Rees, S. (2009). Mental Ill Health in the Adult Single Homeless Population: A review of the literature. Crisis, PHRU. Retrieved from: http://www.crisis.org.uk/data/files/publications/Mental%20health%20literature%20review.pdf. Accessed: 16th February 2014 Story, A., Murad, S., Roberts, W., Verheyen, M. & Hayward, A.C. (2007). Tuberculosis in London: the importance of homelessness, problem drug use and prison. Thorax. 62(8). 667-671. Wessely, S. and Fear, N. (2011). The stigma of mental health problems and other barriers to care in the UK Armed Forces. BMC health services research, 11(1), p.31. Wright, J. (2014). Health needs of the homeless. InnovAiT: Education and inspiration for general practice, 7(2), pp.91–98. Mental Illness Among Homeless In London Borough Of Tower Hamlet Abstract: The aim of the essay plan at hand was to outline the mental health issues that are being faced by the homeless population in the UK, with specific references to the borough of Tower Hamlets. The plan covered the main contextual factors and determinants of the urban health issue, the main implications and public consequences of the issue in both the City of London in general and the UK, and offered an outline for the critique of current interventions to combat the issue. The plan concluded with speculated recommendations and conclusions for the extended essay. Introduction: Where 10,000 of the UK’s homeless population can be found in London (Story, Murad, Roberts, Verheyen & Hayward, 2007), mental health issues have been established as prevalent among the homeless in specific urban areas in the city of London. The borough of Tower Hamlets has been identified as an area of historic and ongoing homelessness as it is a highly deprived area of East London. Deprivation and severe poverty has been identified as one of the most significant determinants of physical and mental health (NHS Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group, 2013). In accord, Tower Hamlets has a soaring prevalence of these determining factors, which encourage the development of mental health problems. Thus, homelessness has been identified as a significant aspect of poor mental health in this borough (NHS Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group, 2013). It has been suggested that mental health issues may actually be a leading factor in the onset of homelessness, where the stresse s of homelessness further exacerbate existing psychological issues. Rationale: Epidemiological data shows that common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression have been found to be over twice as high, and psychosis has been found to be fifty to one hundred times more prevalent in the homeless (Bassuk, Rubin & Lauriat, 1986). A local audit in East London has shown that serious mental illness is more prevalent in the black rather than the white population (NHS Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group, 2013). The prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse has been found to be widespread within the homeless community (Fazel, Khosla, Doll, Geddes, 2008) thus the essay will aim to shed light upon this aspect of substance abuse as the largest contributing factor to homelessness. The essay will also aim to provide further insight to how the statistics were found to be markedly higher in the borough of Tower Hamlets than the proportion across other London boroughs all together (alcohol 26%, drugs 36%) (NHS Tower Hamlets, 2011). Furthermore, the gender, ethnicit y and age aspect of homelessness will be discussed, as there are marked differences between genders and races in regard to the issues faced in homelessness. For example, single men between the ages of 25-44 have been identified as the most common demographic group associated with homelessness (Hwang, 2001), yet children have also been found at a high risk of facing homelessness, accompanied by a high risk of developing mental health issues (Tischler, Vostanis, Bellerby & Cumella, 2002). The situation for those living rough is intensified when substance misuse is co-morbidly present with existing mental health problems (Rees, 2009). In accord, the essay aims to discuss how the borough of Tower Hamlets has been identified as having the highest mental health needs in the UK, with over 45% of the population of the borough claiming incapacity benefit due to their ill mental health. Furthermore, certain groups such as rough sleepers, domestic violence victims, sex workers and ex offenders are at a higher risk of homelessness and 70% of these individuals will be likely to have a mental health condition (Tower Hamlets Homelessness Statement, 2013). As the literature confirms that mental illness is a significant urban health issue among the population of Tower Hamlet accompanied by crucial repercussions such as homelessness, the essay will aim to highlight the ways in which this issue relates to the London borough of Tower Hamlets. Urban Context and Determinants: The literature surrounding homelessness and mental health indicates that factors in the urban context play a major role in the development of this urban health issue. The essay will endeavour to discuss determinants such as poverty, exclusion, attainment and wellbeing, which all hold significant implications for homelessness (Frankish, Hwang & Quantz, 2005). Long term unemployment and overcrowded households have played a major role in the development of mental illnesses, and have even lead to homelessness (NHS Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group, 2013). Additional factors such as difficulties in maintaining secure and good quality accommodation due to mental illness will also be discussed in the essay as contributors to homelessness (Breaky, 1992). Moreover, light will also be shed on recent changes to government policy, such as reforms in welfare support and social housing, the recession, and government cuts to public services in the UK, and their impact on those who were mos t vulnerable to homelessness. Individuals with mental health problems have inevitably faced considerable difficulties due to these changes such as understanding when they need to claim the benefits, how the new benefits work, and uncertainty about how the changes will affect their circumstances. In some cases, individuals may also face difficulty getting access to, and using a computer to claim their benefits online (Crisis & MORI, 2002). These issues highlight the high risk of the mentally ill facing homelessness due to financial hardship, and provide an explanation to why there is mental illness among the homeless. Due to the fact that registration to a GP generally requires proof of a home address, homeless people are more likely to access healthcare through emergency services (Crisis & MORI, 2002). This poses problems on both the individual and the general population as the individual may not receive the health advice and respect that they deserve for reasons such as the emergen cy department only being intended for emergency health conditions, and due to social stigma around homelessness; such as the homeless may be associated with mental ill health, substance abuse and lack of hygiene (Riley, Harding, Underwood & Carter, 2003). These factors will be discussed as contributors of poor physical and psychological wellbeing which the homeless individual faces when trying to access public health care. Moreover, the waiting time in emergency departments will affect both the individual and the general public as the individual may not want to seek medical help due to long waiting hours and discrimination, and the general public may have to wait longer to be seen for an emergency due to homeless individuals being seen for general health concerns. Another factor that is aimed to be discussed in the essay is the cost of this urban health issue faced by the National health services. Evidence shows that mental illness for the NHS is costly as it is the largest cause of disability in the UK. Social and informal care for the mentally ill is costing ?22.5 billion, where 13.8% of the national budget is spent on mental health (National Mental Health, 2012). Statistics also show that ?77 billion a year was being spent on welfare benefits for mental illnesses in 2009. The impact of these costs on the national economy was damaging, increasing national debts thus affecting the general population through increases in tax, public services, and as previously mentioned, cuts to national healthcare. Therefore these determinants will also be discussed as contributing factors to the urban health issue. Strategies & Interventions for Critique; Speculated Recommendations & Conclusions: The aim of the paper will be to critique strategies such as the Tower Hamlets Homelessness Statement 2013 to 2017, the Homelessness Act and other interventions that tackle homelessness and mental illness as separate entities (Crisis, 2009). The recommendations I will make will involve coordinated treatment programs (Coldwell & Bender, 2007) such as Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), which aim to serve psychiatric outpatients whose mental illness causes serious functioning difficulties in aspects of life including work, social relationships, residential independence, money management, and physical health and wellness, all of which can have an impact on housing status (Dixon, 2000). I expect to conclude that ACT is an effective measure in combating the core issues which lead to and maintain homelessness, and aim to recommend that government funding should be utilised to promote programs such as ACT which will make lasting changes in the homeless community. References Bassuk, E.L., Rubin, L. & Lauriat. A.S. (1986). Characteristics of sheltered homeless families. American Journal of Public Health. 76(9). 1097-1101. Breaky, W.R. (1992). Mental Health Services for Homeless People. pp101-107. Cited in: Homelessness: A National Perspective. Eds. Robertson, M.J. & Greenblatt, M. (1992). Coldwell, C.M. & Bender, W.S. (2007). The Effectiveness of Assertive Community Treatment for Homeless Populations With Severe Mental Illness: A Meta-Analysis. Am J Psychiatry. 164(3). 393-399. Communities and Local Government. (2009). Rough Sleeping England – Total Street Count. Retrieved from: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120919132719/http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/roughsleeping2009 Accessed: 17th February 2014 Crisis & MORI. (2002). Critical condition: Homeless people’s access to GPs. London. Dixon, L. (2000). Assertive community treatment: Twenty-five years of cold. Psychiatric Services, 51, 759-765. Fazel, S; Khosla, V; Doll, H; Geddes, J (2008). â€Å"The Prevalence of Mental Disorders among the Homeless in Western Countries: Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis†. PLoS Med 5 (12). doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.0050225 Frankish, C.J., Hwang, S.W. & Quantz, D. (2005). Homelessness and Health in Canada. Canadian Journal of Public Health. 2(96). 23-29. Hwang, S.W. (2001). Homelessness and health. CMAJ. 164(2). 229–233. National Mental Health. (2012). Development Unit. Factfile 3. The costs of mental ill health. Retrieved from: http://www.nmhdu.org.uk/silo/files/nmhdu-factfile-3.pdf Accessed: 16th February 2014 NHS Tower Hamlets. (2011). Homelessness: Factsheet. Tower Hamlets Joint Strategic Needs Assessment 2010 ­2011 . Retrieved from: http://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/idoc.ashx?docid=f8390127-f61d-491b-8323-cea75d92a228&version=1. Accessed: 16th February 2014 Riley, A.J., Harding, G., Underwood, M.R., Carter, Y.H. (2003). Homelessness: a problem for primary careBritish Journal of General Practice. 473-479. Tischler, V., Vostanis, P., Bellerby, T. & Cumella, S. (2002). Evaluation of a mental health outreach service for homeless families. Arch Dis Child. 86. 158–163. Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group. (August 2013). Mental Health Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for Tower Hamlets. Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board. Retrieved from: http://www.towerhamletsccg.nhs.uk/Get_Involved/Tower%20Hamlets%20Mental%20Health%20Joint%20Strategic%20Needs%20Assessment%20Part%20One%20-%20Population%20Needs.pdf Accessed: 17th February 2014 Tower Hamlets Homelessness Statement. (2013). 2013 to 2017 Consultation Draft. Retrieved from: http://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgsl/851900/868_housing_strategy_and_polic/homelessness_strategy.aspx Accessed: 17th February 2014 Rees, S. (2009). Mental Ill Health in the Adult Single Homeless Population: A review of the literature. Crisis, PHRU. Retrieved from: http://www.crisis.org.uk/data/files/publications/Mental%20health%20literature%20review.pdf. Accessed: 16th February 2014 Story, A., Murad, S., Roberts, W., Verheyen, M. & Hayward, A.C. (2007). Tuberculosis in London: the importance of homelessness, problem drug use and prison. Thorax. 62(8). 667-671.

compromise of 1850 essays

compromise of 1850 essays Compromise Measures of 1850 also known as the Compromise of 1850.This act was a series of five legislative enactment's passed by United States Congress. Many territories from the west were now asking for admittance into the United States as an official state. This brought many questions to the table. Today at a meeting many other states followed California as they applied to enter into the union. This will be a problem for the north and south. Before now there were 15 free states and 15 slave states. Another problem was that the runaway slaves were protected. The south grew very angry and wanted something to be done about it there were no laws to catch the runaway slaves. For many of the slave owners they could not remember whom they looked like. So they came up with ID numbers for their wrist. Former leader of the war hawks Henry Clay, now Senator of Kentucky purposed a compromise. Personally this is a good act for the free states and the slave states. His proposal was in o ur favor that California be a free state and that the slave trade be abolished with Washington D.C. It kept a balance between the slave states and also the free states. For the little babies in the South was that New Mexico be divided into two territories. These territories are New Mexico and Utah. That and these two territories would be by popular sovereignty. Which for the southerner were giving the right to choose for their selves whether they wanted to be slave or free. Clay also, proposed that they would be enforcing the strict new fugitive slave law giving that anytime a runaway slave escapes to the north you must help the slave owners. Congress excepted Henry Clay's plan, but had no effect on the question of slavery. The northerner's called the fugitive slave laws "a hateful statue of kidnappers". Our fellow abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote a book called Uncle Tom's Cabin, betraying the cruelty for slave life in the south. The boo ...

How Conservatives Would Reform Education

How Conservatives Would Reform Education The biggest obstacle to education reform is the existence of teachers unions. Unions act to protect the interests of teachers at any cost, even at the expense of students. Unions often work to minimize teacher accountability, protect low-quality teachers, and support the unsustainable expansion of retirement and health benefits. Labor unions once played a crucial role in ensuring fairness in the workplace. Unions were initially formed to protect workers against brutal employers who abused laborers, refused adequate breaks and time off, and did not ensure safe working conditions. Labor unions were never really intended for government workers or employees. For the most part, private labor union membership continues to fall as right-to-work reforms grow in strength in many states. When it comes to public sector unions, and specifically teachers unions, conservatives favor putting students needs first once again and ending the union-dominated culture that has prevented educational reforms in public education. As American students continue to lag in key areas and drop-out rates in major cities remain at unacceptable levels, it’s clear that the policies of the past have failed. Teachers have long enjoyed being portrayed as overworked and underpaid public servants who only go into the teaching field â€Å"for the children.† While that may have once been very true, union dominance has changed the this and, perhaps, the chief motivation for entering the profession. Unions have little to do with helping children. When teacher’s strike, it usually hurts the children they claim to have entered the profession for. Teachers arent in education for the money, they will tell us. In reality, unionized teachers typically strike for pay, preventing accountability, and enhancing already generous (and publicly paid) benefits. Support Merit Pay and Promote Standards Conservatives support ending the union-dominated contracts that oppose merit pay and advancement and places longevity of teaching over the quality of teaching. Conservatives support a merit-based system for public school teachers, and holding teachers accountable has been one of the most difficult things to do. Unions oppose most measures to determine whether teachers are effective and work to make it impossible to get rid of those who are not. Education is one of the few fields where a lack of results has no consequences, and length of teaching is of greater importance than the quality of teaching. In general, conservatives would support a bottom-up approach, and these standards would be local and statewide based. Applying the concepts of  federalism should apply to education, just as it should for most government-related agencies. Local school districts should have the greatest power to determine effective and acceptable standards without interference from the heavy hand of either a large bureaucratic federal government or unions. Common Core is designed to be a national standards program but is disguised as a voluntary program. Support School Choice Not surprisingly, the biggest obstacle in enacting favorable school-choice legislation has been the opposition of well-funded labor unions. Polls have consistently shown that parents and communities overwhelmingly support school choice. Parents should have the ability to select the school that is the best fit for their child. Unfortunately, protecting the jobs and salaries of government teachers - no matter how ineffective they may be - is the main goal of unions. Unions rightly fear that an open and competitive atmosphere would deplete the ranks of people who would voluntarily send their children to public schools, thus reducing the need for public teachers, and the need for unions themselves. Recent History: The 2012 Chicago Teachers Union Strike In 2012, the Chicago Teachers Union went on strike over pay and accountability. As they forced the cancellation of classes for hundreds of thousands of students – leaving families in a bind – they took to the streets carrying signs about how the strike was for the sake of the kids. While this was untrue, continuing the myth of the abused, underpaid public school teacher is of utmost importance. Hiding behind children is an unique advantage teachers have over other â€Å"public servants† like DMV processors or meter maids. (Imagine the amount of sympathy the drivers license clerk would get over a strike about increasing pay and benefits).​ With an average salary of $76,000, the typical Chicago teacher makes more money than roughly 3/4 of the country. Citing such teacher benefits as weekends off, nights off, long summers, and extended holidays are usually met with cries of â€Å"burnout.† Most jobs have a pretty big degree of burnout and teachers aren’t the only ones who get tired of their jobs and leave for something else. But teachers are special. They work with children. This supposedly makes teachers free from criticism. The major problem with the unions is that it becomes hard to find out who teaches for the children and who is there for the high-end government benefits. Unions have ensured teachers are among the most well-compensated, vacationed, and job-protected workforces in the country, all without true concern for what best helps students.

A close textual analysis of Aristotle BOOK 2 chapter 3 Essay

A close textual analysis of Aristotle BOOK 2 chapter 3 - Essay Example The formal cause is â€Å"the account of what the being would be†, its genera and its parts, e.g. number and ration of two to one are causes of an octave. The efficient cause, â€Å"the primary source of the change or staying unchanged†, is â€Å"that which makes something of that which is made† and â€Å"changes something of that which is changed†, e.g. the sculptor, parents, etc. At last the final cause is the end of a thing, i.e. â€Å"what something is for†, e.g. health is the final cause of walking and purging, drugs and surgical instruments (pp.28-29; 194 b 20 – 35). Here it is necessary to dwell upon the nature of causes. Aristotle himself notes that â€Å"many different things are called† and â€Å"can be causes† of the same thing, as well as the same thing can be a cause for many phenomena. First of all, as we try to understand the notion of â€Å"cause† in terms of cause-and-effect position, it becomes wholly unclear how bronze may cause a statue, or whether a table can be caused by wood it is made of. Then as we remember that we read Aristotle in translation from Greek, you realize that the word could perhaps be interpreted by the means of other words. Indeed, the Greek aition has transformed into the present Italian aita (assistant), aiutare (to assist). Thus we understand the cause as something assisting, making another thing. In this case we may say that material assists the emergence of a form, i.e. a form is made out of the material and is impossible without it. The form assists things in fulfilling their functions. It would be difficult to use a shaky table with a vertical top. A carpenter assists the emergence of the table. Due to carpenter’s knowledge and skills of how to make tables this emergence is possible. Finally, it is the functions or purpose of the table which assist in the emergence of this piece of furniture being produced of definite firm materials and of definite form. Such a

Applying Educational Thinking to Classroom Essay

Applying Educational Thinking to Classroom - Essay Example Critical thinking in relation to education has vast significance even at this generation. Many educators would admit the importance of applying educational thinking in the classroom which could be achieved if the teacher understands well her/his students' cognitive processes, as well as methodologies to carefully and effectively utilize those cognitive processes in learning. Thinking is important in learning; and learning usually takes place inside the classroom; therefore, a teacher must know how to manipulate classroom activities by means of applying procedural tools to help make learning experience more meaningful and enjoyable. Before the post-modern period, teachers used a traditional method which was rote-learning and memorization in which , students were not allowed to do scientific analysis; and information were simply introduced to students to memorize. Whereas, during the nineteenth century until the twentieth century, because of the modern way of learning, many innovations have come, technology was later became a significant phenomena of the modern generation. This is attributed to the discovery of critical thinking in the classroom. ... Among other factors in achieving learning, the pupil which is the center of the learning process has to be analyzed so that learning will be effective. The learners being the center of the teaching-learning process must be dealt with utmost enthusiasm and interest because as humans they have strength and weakness, they have brain that functions according to learning types; and most importantly, they have emotions. Learning has "some deficiencies" according to the authors; these deficiencies are "biological, psychological, social and emotional" (Stoll, Fink, and Earl). Other people would consider these as factors to learning that can affect the mental process of a student while inside the classroom. Learning therefore varies depending on the conditions provided, that is why, no same student acquires same degree of learning; and this is what teachers should realize in order to reach out to her students and meet their learning needs. Teacher for this reason should prepare her lessons well applying techniques and experiences to make it meaningful; and at the same time, teacher should make the classroom ambience suitable and conducive to learning. Learning can be enhanced by utilizing the senses of the students; in many cases especially children, about 90% of the lesson is retained in the mind if the students make use of senses in their learning experience. This success in the teaching-learning process can be achieved through involving these students in the learning process using a lesson a well-prepared lesson with materials and tools that can enhance their experience. After each session, the teacher must evaluate the outcome of the learning; and if possible,