Chronic Disease Risk Assessment Essay Example for Free

Chronic Disease Risk Assessment Essay When I did the assessment for chronic diseases I chose to do one for Diabetes because I am considered obese with a BMI of 39. 9 so with this certain risk factor of obesity I run the risk of developing diabetes, the assessment states â€Å"Compared to a typical woman my age, my risk of developing diabetes is above average† that is very scary because I know that diabetes can be dangerous and cause many other health problems, also it runs in my family, my father developed diabetes because of his weight, and now he does not have any working kidneys and has to do dialysis 4 days a week and requires a transplant, so my chances are high up there. There are a number of different types of diabetes, you have; Type 2, Type 1, Gestational diabetes, Pre-diabetes, lada, mody, Diabetes Insipidus, out of all these types there are some types of diabetes more prevalent than others, the most common type is Type Two, and this type can causes damage to both large and small arteries. This artery damage can result in medical problems, both common and serious; Heart attack, stroke, amputations, kidney failure, and blindness. Type Two can also cause damage to your nerves, you have a percentage of 60% to 70% of diabetics that develop diabetic nerve damage, with that you can result in the following health problems; Peripheral neuropathy, stomach and bowel problems, dizziness when standing, sexual-function problems, and localized nerve failures. With all of these health problems and potential complications you can significantly shorten the life of a person with type 2 diabetes. They all have the ability to diminish the quality of life. You can avoid these problems and even prevent them through diet and exercise, use of medication, and careful control of your blood sugar levels. With diabetes the best way of avoiding the risk of developing it is to avoid it altogether, you can make sure you talk with your doctor about your risk of getting diabetes and how to avoid it, start screening for early detection, these screening test will help to find diabetes when it is most likely to be treatable. With the screening test it will uncover the pre-diabetic state before your blood sugar rises. If you are considered over weight you should talk with your doctor about doing a screening test so that you catch it on time and are able to take care of it before it may cause any major problems. You can change your life style by getting more exercise and keeping more hysically fit, change your diet by replacing any unhealthy foods with more organic and nutritional foods, with the right amount of proper food and exercise you can take your own personal stand against diabetes, if you take the necessary steps to lose the weight you will lower your chances of developing diabetes, and extend your life expectancy, and you will not have to worry about developing any other health problems that diabetes may cause, diabetes is like a domino effect, once you have diabetes you can develop other health problems and all of them will have a negative effect on your life, making sure you lead a positive, an d healthy life style will lower your chances of developing diabetes or any other chronic disease that may reduce your longevity of life.

An Approach Of Scientific And Non Scientific Knowledge Philosophy Essay

An Approach Of Scientific And Non Scientific Knowledge Philosophy Essay The main Objective of this paper is that the difference between Scientific and Non -Scientific Knowledge and Examine the boundary is there between these two. In order to prove all these things, we need to start from the basic. So we start with definition , The Word Science comes from the latin word scientia known as knowledge .According to Websters New Collegiate Dictionary, the definition of science is knowledge attained through study or practice, or knowledge covering general truths of the operation of general laws, esp. as obtained and tested through scientific method and concerned with the physical world.[1]. Science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge. This system uses observation and experimentation to describe and explain natural phenomena. So, it is very difficult to provide a definite conclusion, to distinguish Science from non Science. Scientific Knowledge:- The Scientific knowledge is process of finding the actual knowledge through experiment and observation. It is logical and rational steps by through which scientists come to conclusion. Scientist use observation, hypotheses, theory, laws and deduction to make these conclusions. First learn the essential element of science by method of analysis. Characteristic of scientific knowledge lies on three factors objective, logical and systematic. It is transformation of deductive logic to hypothesis, then hypothesis to theory and theory to laws. These can achieve by learning from basic concept through assumption, variable, parameters and function forms [2]. Scientific hypotheses and theory are tested and verified by other Scientists, so that I can be accepted by the scientific community. Non Scientific Knowledge:- Non Scientific Knowledge is accessed via senses, intuition, revelation and experience. We know that, moving close to the fire will get hurt and burned. So, he or she gains the knowledge by physical sense seeing, sound, touch, smell and experience .Other gain knowledge by intuition and revelation. Intuition is the strong feeling or hunch and Revelation is supernatural source, such as god, divinity etc. knowledge obtained through experience, intuition, revelations are treated as private knowledge. Objective testing is not conducted on Non scientific methods. Non Scientific knowledge hold, that the world cannot be understood by science, but rather by religious revelations, mystical experience, or literary  deconstructionism [3]. Why we believe scientific knowledge rather than Non Scientific Knowledge? Scientific experiment can be repeated several times to prove the results are correct in all the cases of observation carried out. Scientific method uses method of trial and error. Trial and error is equivalent to scientific methods, Scientist use more details way of understanding of problem .Whereas in case of non scientific method, it is just prediction or forecasting the event with the help of hunch or strong feeling. This wont give the same result all the time. But there is no fundamental difference between two scientific and non Scientific(Barrow,1991) For Example, Car mechanic use his hunch to solve the problem arise in Car, but scientist solve same problem with details examination and causes for the problem. Sometimes Car mechanic can solve the problem so earlier than Scientist. From this, we cant predict scientific knowledge of no use. In order to prove this, Gallup Poll conducted survey in March 2001 among Americans, in topic -Creationism and evolution. In that survey nearly 57 % for Creationism, 33% for evolution and 10% are not sure about the problem (Gallup News Service, 2001). This shows the why scientific knowledge is credible? .first Unit covers, Science epistemological value and development of new Science. Best example is Physical Science, show why scientific knowledge is more credible and reliable knowledge than Non scientific knowledge. According to Lakatos, No scientific theories or hypothesis should be accepted without proper verification from other Scientist and Scientist community. Sir Isaac Newton who is the Father of Physics, so people had blind faith on him. Newton published the final version of his theory Opticks in 1704.Everyone accepted it without any reference and practical experiments (example for non Scientific knowledge). Same time, Christiaan Huygens proposed light was made of luminous particles called as ether .This made people to go against him, since his theory is against Newtons theory of Opticks. After Several years, Christiann Huygens theory was proved correct by Mr. Max Plancks Quantum theory and Albert Einsteins Theory of relativity through various experiment and observation [5]. How can we recognize the correct knowledge? By studying the history of the universe, it is possible to understand the natural hierarchical standard of the nature of organization (Bronowski, 1977). These levels are classified by stability, size and in built properties. These levels are made up of quantum, atomic and molecules of the universe (Silk, 2001). This Hierarchy, show the framework and Characteristics for all scientific knowledge. Some of the characteristics are: There is temporal relation between these levels for development of the universe. Steady and Stable process, to built these level from the basic Course of time is required for the development of the level and their hierarchy. Universe follow the natural algorithm of evolution (Dennett, 1995), for achieving these level of stability in all process and hierarchy. Using this knowledge, every concept of non major Science can be covered, by building a logical way of discussing the factor on itself. Best example is Biological evolution and modern synthesis (Darwin and Mendel). According to Kuhn, science is divided into revolutionary science and normal science. Normal Science is the collection of facts and it obeys all scientific rules and characteristics. Whereas, revolutionary science is overthrow the existing theory and make science in better way. In the beginning of 18th century Darwins Origin of Evolution was considered as revolutionary science. It predicts human race originates from Apes. His theory disobeys all the scientific characteristics and rules. So, no one at that time believed and accepted his theory. But now modern science has various proofs that, Darwin theory is right. [4] How can we integrate the knowledge into one? It is very difficult to accumulate and integrate the knowledge from the source of either Scientific or non scientific methods. Both Science and non Science play a vital role in Knowledge management. By bring the subject to real world and make a relation with the fact came from the experiment, observation and proposed laws to make it as whole one. Steps involved in Integration (Mackinson and Nà ¸ttestad 1998). Gather the required information from the both scientific (Hard data) and non Scientific methods (practical Data). Combine these data with the help of proper communication in all level (analysis, design and implementation) 1. Accurate within the domain 2. Increase the existing knowledge 3. Simple objective 4. Respect the difference in opinion 5. Stiff in opinion is always wrong Understand the complete problem as whole one. Relation of Parts and Unity of Knowledge: By gathering all the fundamental requirement, assumptions and laws (scientific knowledge), we can provide explain the conceptual way of any system as the basis of any non scientific terms, methods or knowledge. Epistemology is study of origin, methods and below the human knowledge. Coherence is epistemological term, in which Science has a logical connection between the theoretical and practical way of handling the methods, lead to cause and effect. Dividing Science into different disciplines, as the need for methodology and specialization (Greene, 1997). But this is not happened in real world. In reality, scientific knowledge is only one. This allows the individual to make specialize. Unity of knowledge is known as characteristic of scientific theory, which a gel of various area of study (Wilson, 1998). Example for unity of knowledge is mechanics in physics, classification of creature and their evolution in biology, Historic events etc. Unity of knowledge is a fruit for scientific an alysis and built a more ample environment to form a coherent picture of the world. When Non Scientific become Scientific? Non Scientific Method is analysis of problem with hunch or inductive or past experience. Truth in non scientific method is not examined, because results are not accurate or mere coincidence. Non Scientific method should follow some steps to reach as Scientific Knowledge. They are: Goal: What is to be done? Model: How it is done? Data: What are requirements? Evaluation: what is the output? Revision: how to improve? For Example: Cooking is the best example for Conversion of Non Scientific into Scientific terms. Microwave oven reduces most of our work, but however preparation of dishes begins with list of ingredients, recipe and instruction, mixing and cooking them. Even though all these things are perfect, well talented chef is required, to follow the recipe, modify the taste by adding ingredient according to the output (requirement of taste of the people). Modification are carried still, it meets the chefs approval. Any significant change in the recipe may be taken as permanent change and make it as food type itself in the nearby future. Scientific Method Template for Cooking GOAL To prepare a dish MODEL Recipe -type of food item going to prepare DATA Ingredients , vessels and other stuffs EVALUATION How it taste? REVISION Modification according to the comments or requirement Not a Science:- Day to Day life, people observe many thing, they treat everything as science. There are some of things, are not considered as science. They are:- Religion is not considered as science. Most of the religions followed some specific codes and methods, to make followers should obey to accept. There is no improvement in religion and no ways to measure it. Governments are established for some reason and goal. They are also allow set of rules to reach the goal. It is rarely a formal function for calculating the goal they achieved. Technology and Science are correlated. Science is used to develop the technology and technology is tool or application, developed from the knowledge of science. Astrology predictions are virtual. There is goal and model s, but criteria like evaluation, Data and revision are absent. Structure of Scientific Knowledge:- So Far, we have argued about the belief of scientific knowledge as a final conclusion, for coherent theories to growth and development. Scientific Knowledge is divided into Internal and External resource, which is implicit and explicit, explanation and concept of environment. The complexity of the problem, help us to deal with knowledge not based on the algorithm, but through set of rules to explain the importance and practices. These types of issues can view as first order module view. According to Scott Atran and Dan Sperber, classify knowledge module as a genetically specified computational device in the mind/brain that works pretty much on its own on inputs pertaining to some specific cognitive domain and provided by other parts of the nervous system (e.g. sensory receptors or other modules) (Sperber 1996, p. 120) The main motto of his postulate is, knowledge modules are providing the access to proper information in correct domain. The Structure is not standardizing, explicitly understanding of the fundamental principles for sensing or reasoning in the particular domain (Carey 1995, p. 274). According to Susan Carey, These knowledge modules are considered as empirical and conceptual problem. The empirical problems related on the data related to different catholicity. So, these data wont provide evidence for making clear decision. But these data help us to understand the fundamental and basic reasoning for characterize (Carey 1985).example for first order module view is classification of the flora and fauna. They are not domain specific. However the knowledge module is considered as the core domain knowledge. Scientific development through abstract knowledge:- According to Carey and Spelke put forward:- Processes for combining the representations from domain-specific systems of knowledge provide one potential mechanism of theory development and conceptual changeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ studies of young children provide a promising means to study these processes (Carey and Spelke 1996, p. 528) Abstract knowledge can be obtained from conceptual change. But scientific knowledge is termed as Theoretical knowledge. Results of the observation are converted into theories, which are assumed as right (true). If terms of false result, scientific knowledge is assert the new one, by adding additional valid information in old theories. The change in theories is always good for the growth of the knowledge module in Scientific methods. But now days, sociologist claims, Science is elaborated field, in order to gain the scientific knowledge it is necessary to take cultural and social events as consideration (Biagoli 1993, Shapin and Schaffer 1985). Boundary between Scientific and Non Scientific knowledge:- Whether there is boundary between scientific and non scientific knowledge? In order to examine this, there are several factors and importance we need to notice, some of them are: Accepting the wrong conclusion, so that research is made to find the actual truth (knowledge). Boundary between Scientific and non Scientific is not imaginary, all research either lies on Scientific or non scientific Knowledge is based on the Science, naturally boundary will exist. Boundary is best indicator to explain the characteristic of any research work or fields. Factors involved along with scientific and non Scientific method, explain the characteristic of the research. To define the classical logic and standards, boundary is required. Mistake in applying Scientific methods: Scientist used the hypothesis to explain the phenomenon of any events or research, without finding or conducting experimental tests. We cannot prove the hypothesis, by conducting single experiment. If result obtained from the original hypothesis is differing from final result of the experiment, hypothesis wont change due to result difference. These factors relates on variable control, time, measurement, etc. Removing of unwanted data from the hypothesis is always a great mistake. Scientist always has strong belief, that their hypothesis is right. So it is human tendency, to change the data if results are against the hypothesis. Calculation of estimating the type, priority, number and classification of errors also lead to one mistake in knowledge gathering in scientific methods. Communication plays a vital role in development and sharing of Knowledge. Miscommunication, community override , personal or group bias are avoided , since experiments , test and research are carried out by different people from different culture , language, thoughts ,opinion etc. so there is always possibility for conflict and other human errors and mistake ( Wilson,1952). Summary:- If only theory and practice worked on the same lines, everything I read in the books wouldve been true!!! The scientific methods are closely related with science, which solve the human queries that penetrate the all level of knowledge management. Method are simpler and logic way of understanding the problem. In introduction, we distinguish science and its methods from all other forms of non scientific methods. Scientific method is examine through various step like observation ,prediction , hypothesis and experimentation , with all view of the philosopher like cloud, Spelke, Wilson ,Kuhn etc in each phase . In Terms of Non scientific methods, we discuss about the how it differs from traditional way (scientific methods)? , when Non scientific act become scientific one? . In later portion, boundary and difference between scientific and non scientific methods and knowledge, mistake committed by the scientist while during the hypothesis and other phase of analysis and experiment are discussed. For further details of this topic and other aspect may be found in reference listed below. Conclusion: All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree Albert Einstein [23] We have discussed about the growth of scientific knowledge, with all traditional practices, concepts, evolution of theories and other knowledge resource. The Scientific method view is play vital role in developing the standard and concept. Same way Non scientific methods and knowledge also lead to enrich our idea, since this only converted into scientific knowledge, by adding some favor like goal, evaluation, data etc. Both type of knowledge help us in conversion and development of conceptual system. Conceptual system is rich in cognitive knowledge development. This only required by the people or scholar to enrich society, community or individual.

Essay --

Bryanna Lay Mrs. Standlea CW 115, per. 3 17 december 2013 Comparison of Careers Trauma nurses serve as specialty care providers for anyone who comes into the ER with illnesses that go beyond the natural sickness. Also patients that have been in severe car accidents with brutal injuries, or that need intensive care immediately. They treat and tend to patients with a broad range of health issues and prescribe any medication that is needed. They are registered nurses who have increased training and see patients for an array of complications, as well as general check-ups, performing x-rays, ordering medical histories and working alongside a doctor. There are multiple types of Social workers, such as Clinical social workers. This type of social worker provides counseling in either a one on one form or a group in which they keep detailed records of the conversations for school or court purposes. They assist people with problems such as depression, drug dependency, and stress. Likewise, with teens and their misbehavior in the classroom, the amount of absences or pregnancy. Often talking to the parents or teachers, the Social Worker finds an explanation for the cause of the problem. In addition to the counseling, Social Workers provide homes and help any of them adjust to their lives by monitoring the clients progress in solving the problem. Another example of a Social Worker is a Child social worker. By ensuring that pregnant mothers/teens and underprivileged children are fed and clothed well, they work to assure the health and security of the children; often placing young kids in foster care or adoptive services. The last group of social workers is Medical and psychiatric social workers. Medical and psychiatric ... ...l amount of years as possible, they would have to attend extra classes, have a double major or have previous credit hours. A Master’s of Science (MSN), could take up to five or six years. The steps that need to be taken to become a Social Worker are quite simple but take up a great deal of time. Most Social Workers are obligated to get a bachelor’s degree in social work, however a Clinical Social Worker needs to have a Master’s Degree and a two year experience in a clinical setting where they can be supervised. They’re also required to have a license in the state of which they plan on practicing. A few of the necessary subjects/classes a Social worker will have to take are as followed: Therapy and counseling, Psychology, customer and personal service, Social Anthropology, English language, Law and government, educational training, and Philosophy and Theology.

Psycho-Social Theory and Nursing Care Essay -- Nursing Healthcare

Owing to significant research into the relationship between physical, mental and social conditions, an awareness and understanding of psycho-social aspects in health care is vital (Walker et al, 2007). Those aspects are particularly important in nursing care, where an individual should be considered as the entire person with a need for physical, psychological, social, emotional, intellectual and even spiritual wellbeing (Holland et al, 2008). This essay will address psycho-social theory of health beliefs and attitudes in relation to nursing care. The essay will begin by considering how health beliefs lead to health behaviours. It will then discuss how theoretical models contribute to nursing care and their usefulness and importance in applying the theory to nurse patients. As the largest force in health care, nursing profession is considered to be in a unique position to facilitate health promotion and disease prevention. Nurses spend considerably more time with patients in comparison to other healthcare professionals and as such, they assist patients in managing their own health. The fundamental requirement in providing this care is to ensure that individuals remain as independent as possible through encouragement and empowerment. There are number of factors to be considered in delivering this care effectively. In view of cultural, socio-economic and educational diversity amongst us, it is difficult to define â€Å"health† or indeed â€Å"illness†. As our perceptions differ, so do our interpretations and possible meanings of those words. The World Health Organisation (WHO), 1948, states that â€Å"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity†. Although posit ive, the def... ...arlow. Shaw, C., Brittain, K., Tansey, R. & Williams K. (2008) How people decide to seek health care: A qualitative study. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 45 (10), 1516-1524. Sully, P., & Dallas, J. (2005) Essential Communication Skills for Nursing. Edinburgh: Elsevier Mosby. Walker, J., Payne, S., Smith, P., Jarrett, N. (2007) Psychology for Nursing and the Caring Professions. 3rd. ed. Glasgow: McGraw Hill. World Health Organisation (1948) â€Å"WHO Definition of Health - Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization as adopted by the International Health Conference, New York, 19-22 June, 1946; signed on 22 July 1946 by the representatives of 61 States (Official Records of the World Health Organization, no. 2, p. 100) and entered into force on 7 April 1948† at http://www.who.int/about/definition/en/print.html. (accessed 02 December 2010).

Grapes Of Wrath - Characterization :: John Steinbeck and Robert Demott

Evidence/ Quotations from the Text: "Winfield was breathless in his telling. 'So then they fit, an' that big girl hit Ruthie a good one, an' Ruthie said her brother'd kill that big girl's brother. An' then- an' then, Ruthie said our brother already kil't two fellas. An'- an' that big girl said, 'Oh yeah! You're jus' a litlle smarty liar.' An' Ruthie said, 'Oh yeah? Well, our brother's a- hiding right now from killin' a fella, an' he can kill that big girl's brother too" (456). "Muley continued, 'Well, sir, it's a funny thing. Somepin went an' happened to me when they tol' me I had to get off the place. .. Then all my folks all went away out west. An' I got wanderin' aroun'. Jus' walkin' aroun'. Never went far. Slep' where I was... I'd tell myself, 'I'm lookin' after things so when all the folks come back it'll be all right.' But I knowed that wan't true. There ain't nothin' to look after. The folks ain't never comin' back. I'm jus' wanderin' aroun' like a damn ol' graveyard ghos" (54). Analysis/ Commentary: At the camp, Ruthie becomes engaged in an argument that leads to serious consequences. In an effort to preserve her Cracker Jacks, she threatens to call upon her brother, who has killed two men and is now in hiding. Ruthie's revelation endangers Tom and forces him to abandon both his hideout and family. Ma, whose primary goal has been to keep the family together, must bid another painful farewell. Through his speech, Muley reveals that he is stubborn and refuses to accept the fact that things have changed. His home has been seized, and his family migrated to California, but he refuses to leave the land. Muley roams the countryside alone, sleeping and eating like a wild animal. Evidence/ Quotations from the Text "John shook his head. "No. Go on. Ain't goin'. Gonna res' here. No good goin' back. No good to nobody-jus' a draggin' my sins like dirty drawers 'mongst nice folks. No. Ain't goin'....Go ri' 'long. I ain't no good. I ain't no good. Jus' a-draggin' my sins, a-dirtyin' ever'body." (305). "For a minute Rose of Sharon sat still in the whispering barn. Then she hoisted her tired body up and drew the comfort about her. She moved slowly to the corner and stood looking down at the wasted face, into the wide, frightened eyes. Then slowly she lay down beside him. Grapes Of Wrath - Characterization :: John Steinbeck and Robert Demott Evidence/ Quotations from the Text: "Winfield was breathless in his telling. 'So then they fit, an' that big girl hit Ruthie a good one, an' Ruthie said her brother'd kill that big girl's brother. An' then- an' then, Ruthie said our brother already kil't two fellas. An'- an' that big girl said, 'Oh yeah! You're jus' a litlle smarty liar.' An' Ruthie said, 'Oh yeah? Well, our brother's a- hiding right now from killin' a fella, an' he can kill that big girl's brother too" (456). "Muley continued, 'Well, sir, it's a funny thing. Somepin went an' happened to me when they tol' me I had to get off the place. .. Then all my folks all went away out west. An' I got wanderin' aroun'. Jus' walkin' aroun'. Never went far. Slep' where I was... I'd tell myself, 'I'm lookin' after things so when all the folks come back it'll be all right.' But I knowed that wan't true. There ain't nothin' to look after. The folks ain't never comin' back. I'm jus' wanderin' aroun' like a damn ol' graveyard ghos" (54). Analysis/ Commentary: At the camp, Ruthie becomes engaged in an argument that leads to serious consequences. In an effort to preserve her Cracker Jacks, she threatens to call upon her brother, who has killed two men and is now in hiding. Ruthie's revelation endangers Tom and forces him to abandon both his hideout and family. Ma, whose primary goal has been to keep the family together, must bid another painful farewell. Through his speech, Muley reveals that he is stubborn and refuses to accept the fact that things have changed. His home has been seized, and his family migrated to California, but he refuses to leave the land. Muley roams the countryside alone, sleeping and eating like a wild animal. Evidence/ Quotations from the Text "John shook his head. "No. Go on. Ain't goin'. Gonna res' here. No good goin' back. No good to nobody-jus' a draggin' my sins like dirty drawers 'mongst nice folks. No. Ain't goin'....Go ri' 'long. I ain't no good. I ain't no good. Jus' a-draggin' my sins, a-dirtyin' ever'body." (305). "For a minute Rose of Sharon sat still in the whispering barn. Then she hoisted her tired body up and drew the comfort about her. She moved slowly to the corner and stood looking down at the wasted face, into the wide, frightened eyes. Then slowly she lay down beside him.

The Doryphoros

Can you hear it, the mumbles of children everywhere at the just the mention of year around school, while the parents of these kids start to jump for joy. Would a year round school year help not only our nation but Oklahoma’s concerns about school performance? It is this simple question that starts the debate and battle of the school year. Should we or should we not have longer school days or just go for the gold to say and make school a year round institution. There are many who argue for year round school. They believe that more is always better. United States President Barack Obama is among them. The challenges of the new century demands more time in the classroom. † he stated. I for one think that more hours would not only help American but Oklahoma schools as well. We have all been there, coming in from a long summer break when out of the blue a teacher ask the dreaded question, do you remember how to work this problem? I can still see my blank stare at the chalk boa rd wondering who is going to save me. Shorter summer breaks means students are less likely to incur learning loss, and it may decrease the number of students being sent to remedial classes or to tutoring for help.Oklahoma’s kids are falling below average in science and math. We say that some kids just don’t test well, but it is not the case. The long summer breaks mean less time in the class room to keep their heads in the game. Without a long summer break that leaves less young minds in summer school and more time in the classroom and where the action is. School systems that are already year round have an advantage over the other states that are not. This would provide Oklahoma children with the ability to have a more global educational experience.Countries like Japan, China, and Korea already have this system in effect. Their children test higher, have a more developed level of learning, and they graduate College at a higher rate. The average test scores for U. S 4th grader in math was (539), whereas China’s average was well into the (800). They test better due to them retaining the knowledge learned during the year and years before. Students who test lower cost not only time but money to be spent on the longer educational process. We should not look at it as if it should happen but as in when to start.Before you think man is this person crazy, what about all the vacation plans we made during the summer. With the year round school program it will be easier to schedule family vacations and it will give students opportunity to rest their brain more frequently. It will also help cut down the need for these bright minds of our future to need the re-teaching of skills already learned. Allowing teachers to use classroom time more efficiently not only benefits the teachers but the kids as well. They will be learning more and keeping up with the rest of the world.We fail to realize our children are crying out for help. When we have seniors leavi ng high school with only the reading skill of a 5th grader can we say that as citizens of Oklahoma we did our best to help them achieve their best? I for one believe it is time for us to stand up and say no our children need and deserve more. A family with both mother and father working, that leaves who to care for the kids. Child care is expensive costing more during the summer break. Parents who are just making end meat to supply the house hold with enough to just get by would have more room to breathe.Families would be able to save as much as $750 per month. Families struggle pay the bills, put food on the table, and supply kids with clothing, why add another expense on the already tight budget. With all that being said there are some who believe that year round school would be more of a burdened than a source of help. The budget for food and other bills also raise a question with them. They even go to state that budgets and staffing issues simply may not allow for extended schoo l programs to happen. They say that school maintenance, day to day upkeep and the utilities do not justify the means.You may even hear that students who have difficulty with attention, due to disability are not ready to attend longer periods of time and that it will create some disorder in the classroom. Many budgets and staffing issues have been brought forward as well. How are we to pay qualified teachers the competitive way and it is hard to keep them as well. With all this information being said I for still believe that the pros out way the cons. We need to build a better foundation and it all starts in the classroom. Without the proper education our kids will not secede in the world.We as Oklahoma’s should care more about the education we are sending these children out with than the dollar amount. So as we sit down to listen to the children as they are against this we need to ask do they really know what is good for them. As adults and Oklahomans it is our job to ensure the children grow up with the knowledge need to advance in life. Without the proper education we are saying that we as parents, educators, and adults do not care about the education of our next president, teachers, doctors etc. It is time to take a stand and say yes our education system in Oklahoma needs a change and to place it into action. Before you decide look at the statics of all the other countries that go all year round. There are fewer drop outs, more college graduates and higher achievement in life. We all just want our children to be the best they can be and that starts in the classroom. Works Cited CNN. â€Å"Obama wants to overhaul education from ‘cradle to career' – CNN. com. † CNN. com – Breaking News, U. S. , World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News.Kristi Keck, 10 Mar. 2009. Web. 20 Nov. 2012. . â€Å"Fast Facts. † National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Home Page, a part of the U. S. Department of Education. The National Center for Education Statistics, n. d. Web. 20 Nov. 2012. . Oklahoma. Oklahoma City: Oklahoma State Dept. of Education, 198. Print. Williams, Mary E.. Education: opposing viewpoints. San Diego, Calif. : Greenhaven Press, 2000. Print.

Mananaging finance

This report will concentrate on the performance of the two aviation companies, Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Ltd. and Singapore-based Singapore Airlines. The report will try to help the potential investor in the Asian airline industry to assess the prospects of both companies and their riskiness in regard to each other and the industry as a whole as well as the returns both companies have to offer to compensate for the risk of their financial position. 1. Profitability, growth, return on investment Profitability of the company is indicated by the return on equity ratio that shows the dollar return on each dollar of investment: Return on equity (ROE) = net income/ stockholders’ equity Cathay has a ROE of 1,604/ 31,052 = 5.16% Singapore Airlines’ ROE is 849.3/ 11,455.1 = 7.4% SA provides a better return on equity than Cathay, although the decrease in the annual income at Singapore Airlines in 2003 from 2002 represents a threat to its future earnings and return on equity while Cathay’s results demonstrate improved performance. Return on assets demonstrates how many dollars of income were generated by each dollar of investment and is calculated in the following way: Return on assets = net income/ total assets For Cathay Pacific Ltd. this figure is 1,604/ (54,686 + 20,351) = 1,604 / 75,037 = 2.14% For Singapore Airlines, return on assets is at 849.3/ 16,558.4 = 5.13% Thus Singapore Airlines is more efficient in using its assets and offers a better return on the funds tied up in assets. Another profitability measure is the operating margin that expresses operating profit as a percentage of the revenue. For Singapore Airlines, the operating margin is 680.4/ 9,761.9 = 6.97% For Cathay Pacific Ltd., this ratio is 285/ 2,393=11.9% As for growth, SIA’s revenue dropped in the 2003-2004 fiscal year to $9,761.9 million from $10,515.0 million, which represents a 7.7% decrease in revenue. The company executives explain this plunge with the effects of the SARS outbreak in the Asian region that had a devastating impact in the airline industry. Cathay’ revenue has as well shown a 11.9% decrease in revenue to $3,792 million from $4,242 million. The drop in revenue was reflected in the net income. At Cathay Pacific Ltd., net income was $167 million as opposed to $511 the year before which is a drop of 67.3%. The income dropped as the company was unable to drastically reduce its operating expenses or finance charges in the light of lower revenue. At Singapore Airlines, net income was down 20.2 % at   $849.3 million as compared to $1,064.8 million for 2002-2003 fiscal year. 2. Current financial position, liquidity, both long and short term, sources of finance The liquidity of the company is most often assessed in terms of the current ratio: Current ratio = current assets / current liabilities For Cathay Pacific Ltd. current ratio = 20,351/ 14,520 = 1.4 For Singapore Airlines, current ratio = 3,121.9/ 3,401.6 = 0.92 Usually companies are expected to have a current ratio that is no higher than 2.0, otherwise the company is believed to be in financial trouble. However, due to advances in information technology has enabled a lot of companies to minimize the need to hold cash, inventories and other liquid assets. As a result, a lot of successful companies are content to keep their current ratios lower than 1.0. This allows us to conclude that although Cathay seems to be in a better position in terms of short-term liquidity, SIA’a lower ratio does necessarily signify trouble. Another useful measure is the quick ratio that indicates how well a firm can satisfy existing short-term obligations with assets that can be converted into cash without difficulty and is computed as follows: Quick ratio = (cash + securities + receivables) / current liabilities Cathay Pacific Ltd. has a quick ratio of (15,200 + 4,573)/ 14,520 = 1.36 SA’ s quick ratio equals (0.4 + 130.2 + 1,518.5)/ 3,401.6 = 0.48 Again, based on current ratio, Cathay is much more liquid than Singapore Airlines as it has more assets that can be readily turned into cash. Long-term liquidity of the firm is evaluated using the debt ratio that specifies the overall ability of the company to repay its debts: Debt ratio = Total liabilities/ total assets According to the general rule of thumb, this ratio should not exceed 50%. For Cathay, the debt ratio is (29,361 + 14,520) /   (54,686 + 20,351) = 58.9% For Singapore Airlines, the debt ratio amounts to (446.7 + 2,175.3 + 2,207.2)/ 16,558.4 = 29.16% These calculations make it apparent that although Singapore Airlines is less liquid than Cathay Pacific Ltd., the Singaporean company has less long-term obligations and thus is less risky for the investor. Thus, Cathay relies primarily on debt to finance its operations, while Singapore Airlines is predominantly equity-financed. 3) Changes to the organizations and their effect At Singapore Airlines, a more streamlined organizational structure was introduced at the beginning of the financial year. Under the new structure, sixe senior executives including those heading Services and Operations, Marketing, Corporate Services, Finance, Human Resources and Planning will report directly to the CEO of the company. Hopefully, this simplified structure will make possible a speedier implementation of decisions. Cathay Pacific Ltd. basically retained the same corporate structure in the fiscal year analyzed. 4) The status of the companies in the financial markets and relative to their industry sector. In the aviation industry where both companies belong, the average market cap, according to Yahoo! Finance, is $895.52 million. Both Cathay with about $5.96 billion and SIA with $7.86 significantly exceed this number. On the other hand, revenue growth in the industry has been 12.8% on the average of late as opposed to the drop in the revenue of both airlines. As for profitability, the average operating margin for the airline industry is 6.81% compared to 6.97% at SIA. Cathay with 11.9% is well ahead of the market. The average return on equity in the aviation sector is 8.3% as compared to Cathay 5.16%, Singapore Airlines 7.4%. 5) Past performance and projected future trends Cathay Pacific Ltd. Cathay Pacific Ltd. is Hong Kong’s largest air carrier accounting for a third of all passenger flights through Hong Kong. Cathay owns a minority stake in its competitor Dragonair that holds another tenth of the market. Recently Cathay entered a contract with Air China that it will buy a 9.9% stake in the Air China’s initial public offering. The partnership will allow joint marketing and sales activities, cooperation in engineering, ground handling, purchasing, security as well as better coordination of the two companies’ schedules. This arrangement will allow Cathay to optimize its cost structure. The cooperation with Air China offers a strategic advantage as it provides improved access to Beijing Capital international Airport, a major hub in inland China. China is one of the world’s fastest growing regional aviation markets and the one coveted by many carriers. Competition was until recently restricted by the limitations on the number of flights performed by foreign carriers imposed by the Chinese government. Cathay and Hong Kong have pressured Chinese authorities to allow more flights between Hong Kong and mainland China. Cathay management has been trying to get access to passenger flights between Hong Kong and Shanghai sooner than the agreed date of October 2006 when a second Hong Kong airline will be allowed to start serving Shanghai with passenger flights. Liberalization of these restrictions could boost Cathay’s revenue dramatically since this route is very lucrative because of heavy business travel. In 2003 Cathay resumed air services in mainland China after a 1-year absence from the market. Here it faces competition from its former partner Dragonair. Now it plans to make its three-time -a-week flights to Beijing daily in December, add even more Beijing flights next year and launch passenger services to Xiamen and cargo services to Shanghai. Regular air companies like Cathay and Dragonair now face tougher competition from budget carriers Air Asia from Malaysia and Virgin Blue of Australia forcing the veterans of the market to cut their costs. Earlier Cathay representatives admitted that the prices are somewhat higher in this market than in others but attributed this to the difference in exchange rates and other long-term factors. The tendency towards more open skies pursued by Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia will draw more passengers through their airports but can damage the market share and financial performance of Hong Kong airlines including Cathay. Asian governments are slowly dismantling obstacles on the way of foreign air carriers and can be expected to continue with this policy. This could improve Cathay’s prospects in mainland China but sharpen competition in Hong Kong itself. However, the epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome has attracted the public’s attention to the benefit of having a local air carrier since Cathay kept flying at the time when foreign airlines suspended their operations. Overall, since Cathay is in the business of air cargo travel, it can be reasonably assumed to profit from the world’s economic recovery projected to lead to above-average growth in the global airfreight market, according to a Lufthansa report (2004). Lufthansa experts base their assessment of tonnage increase of 5.9% in international air cargo market in 2004 on expectations of the boom in the Asian market and gradual recovery in North America. Singapore Airlines Singapore Airlines is also in the business of air transportation, engineering, airport terminal and pilot training. Its operations cover Asia, Europe, North and South America, South West Pacific and Africa. Due to this global focus, the company is also expected to benefit from the boom in the Asian market. Unlike Cathay, the diversity of the routes makes it easier for Singapore Airlines to balance its risks that can occur because of an economic downturn in one of the markets. Singapore Airlines is primarily focused in its business on the Asian business as it is the largest carrier in terms of market capitalization with $7.86 billion in market cap as compared with Cathay Pacific Ltd. with $5.96 billion. Singapore Airlines has posted strong second quarter results that beat analysts’ expectations. The reason behind strong growth is increase in travel demand. Singapore Airlines is listed on the first London Stock Exchange office in Asia, and on the first New York Stock Exchange office in Hong Kong along with 15 other Chinese companies. This development can contribute to greater transparency of their accounting procedures and lend credibility to their financial information, which in turn can help them bring down their cost of borrowing and attract more investors’ money. There are a lot of European investment funds waiting to be put into the thriving Chinese economy. Investors are attracted by the huge potential of the Chinese outbound market that has already surpassed Japan as the top location in the Asia Pacific outbound ranking. After surviving an epidemic of SARS, the market is forecast by many analysts to return to very strong growth in 2004-2005. China outbound trip volume has increased about five times in the past decade. In 2002 the annual volume was 16.6 million outbound departures as compared to 3.7 in 1993. The market is predicted to show double-digit annual increases if only the outbreak of SARS is not repeated. Singapore Airlines is fully positioned to take advantage of this trend as it is one of the leading carriers in the Asian-Pacific region, so a dramatic rise in revenue can be expected. According to the corporate news, the company is making efforts at slashing its costs. On November 23, it announced the plan to outsource jobs in uplift flight coupon processing and some aspects of interline billings, making 66 jobs in the Finance Division. This effort could help raise the company’s efficiency and improve the bottom line in the long run. The most important challenge for the airline industry is the rising fuel costs. Singapore Airlines admitted that higher fuel costs hold their halfyear net profit to $616 million. A lot for the airlines will depend on the evolution of the world oil prices. Further uncertainties surrounding the operation of the pipeline in Iraq or disruptions in Russia caused by the Yukos legal proceedings could drive up the oil price further up, negatively affecting Singapore Airlines’ net income. According to the company’s calculations, that a one-dollar-per-barrel increase in the oil price amounts to the additional $ 14 million fuel spending for Singapore Airlines. Another worry for the management of the airline is the advent of low-cost carriers that puts increasing pressure on the company’s cost structure. All Asian carriers should hope that an epidemic of SARS will not be repeated as it had a devastating effect on the revenue of Singapore Airlines and other companies. Works cited Beveridge, Dick (October 20, 2004), Cathay Pacific Buys into Air China, goldsea.com/Asiagate/410/21cathay.html Bradsher, Keith (October 22, 2004), A Struggle over Air Routes in East Asia, http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/22/business/worldbusiness/22aviation.html?ex=1184817600&en=477bd65aaf1258d7&ei=5035&partner=MARKETWATCH Hong Kong, China Strike New Aviation Deal (Associated Press, September 8, 2004) Lufthansa Cargo forecasts swift recovery of the global airfreight market, http://www.lufthansa-cargo.de/content.jsp?path=0,1,14871,15152,15452,16898 Niem, Andrea (2004), London Stock Exchange Aims to Lure Chinese, Companies, http://www.axcessnews.com/business_110304b.shtml World Travel Trends, 2003-2004, WTMGlobal Travel Report Annual reports: Cathay 2003 Annual Report http://www.cathaypacific.com/intl/aboutus/investor/0,,31343,00.html Singapore 2003/2004 Annual Report http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/app/saa?hidHeaderAction=onHeaderMenuClick&hidTopicArea=AnnualReport ¤tSite=global