National Security essays

National Security essays Clausewitz defines a center of gravity as the hub of all power and movement, on which everything depends... What are the U.S. centers of Gravity for Homeland Defense and Homeland Security? According to Colonel John Osgood, the Army Field Manual 100-5 quotes Clausewitzs definition of center of gravity as the hub of all power and movement upon which everything depends in a war(Osgood, 1998). Clausewitzs discussion of the issue suggests that at the operational level the center of gravity is always found where the mass is concentrated most densely (Osgood, 1998). Clausewitz believed that at the operational level a commander must understand the dynamics of space, mass, and time. Space was the theater of operations, mass was the army and time was the campaign (Osgood, 1998). But the concept of the Department of Homeland Defense and Homeland Security would seen to thwart Clausewitzs concept of the center of gravity, as its theater of operations is the entire United States, the mass rather than the army are all individuals involved in policing the borders, which means all law enforcement agencies on every level of government, and even ordinary civilians who are counseled to keep their eyes open for possible terror threats are included in the mass. The time of the campaign never ends, as even if the leaders of terrorist organizations that spawned the demand for the department were apprehended, terrorism as a threat to United States citizens within the borders of the U.S. would not come to an end. Even in the words of the president, quoted on the departments homepage, the center of gravity is diffuse. This vital department is actively engaged in the war on terror. We are still a nation at risk. Part of our strategy, of course, is to stay on the offense agai nst terrorists who would do us harm. In other words, it is important to defeat them overseas so we never have to face th...

Using the ToString Method in Visual Basic .NET

Using the ToString Method in Visual Basic .NET The ToString method is one of the fundamental methods in the root of the entire .NET Framework. That makes it available in every other object. But, since its overridden in most objects, the implementation is often very different in different objects. And that makes a number of tricks with ToString possible. Displaying the Bits in a Number If you have a series of bits in, for example, a Char variable, this tip shows you how to display them as 1s and 0s (the binary equivalent). Suppose you have ... Dim MyChar As Char a character selected at random just to get a series of eight bits MyChar $ The easiest way I know of is to use the ToString method of the Convert class. For example: Console.WriteLine(Convert.ToString(Convert.ToInt16(MyChar), 2)) This gives you ... 100100 ... in the Output window. There are 36 overridden methods of the ToString method in the Convert class alone. Click Here to display the illustrationClick the Back button on your browser to return In this case, the ToString method does a radix conversion based on the value of the second parameter which can be 2 (binary), 8 (octal), 10 (decimal) or 16 (hexadecimal). Formatting Strings With the ToString Method Heres how to use ToString to format a date: Dim theDate As Date #12/25/2005# TextBox1.Text theDate.ToString(MMMM d, yyyy) And adding culture information is easy! Suppose you want to display the date from a structure in, say, Spain. Just add a CultureInfo object. Dim MyCulture As _   Ã‚  Ã‚  New System.Globalization.CultureInfo(es-ES) CultureDateEcho.Text _   Ã‚  Ã‚  theDate.ToString(MMMM d, yyyy, MyCulture) The result is: diciembre 25, 2005 The culture code is a property of the MyCulture object. The CultureInfo object is an example of a provider. The constant es-ES isnt being passed as a parameter; an instance of the CultureInfo object is. Search the VB.NET Help system for CultureInfo to see the list of supported cultures.

Teaching Self-Care for counselors through Mindfulness Practices Essay

Teaching Self-Care for counselors through Mindfulness Practices - Essay Example The aim of the research is to analyze and evaluate most popular mindfulness practices and their application in teaching self-care. The practical significance is that counseling work calls for a primary focus on reality external to oneself, and mindfulness practices allow individuals to relief stress and emotional burden. The theoretical significant is a deep analysis of the current methods and practices used in teaching self-care for counselors. The study consists of three parts. The main questions addressed in the study are: What is the importance of mindfulness practices for counselors" what methods can be used in self-care practices What are the benefits of mindfulness practices approach The study is based on analytical assessment tools. Work is a natural part of living, and the issues it raises are important parts of a character. Work emphasizes the here-and-now and those aspects of oneself that have real-world utility. One is employed by a work organization because of one's ability or presumed ability to accomplish some productive goals. Work therefore emphasizes the rational aspects of people and problem solving, even though the affective side may arise from time to time (more so in some occupations than in others) in the attempt to meet those goals. Anxiety, stress, burnout and depression are the main disorders typical for counselors. Counselors who, through poor selection or unanticipated work dysfunctions, become marginal to the major or primary purposes of the organization, are removed, assisted to change, or kept on, although unproductive, in recognition of past accomplishments and contributions or in fulfillment of an actual or psychological contract that promises continuous employment. Critics (Lewis et al 2003) underline that teaching self-care for counselors should be based on mindfulness practices which help to overcome anxiety, stress and prevent emotional and psychological disorders. Anxiety, according to Snyder and Lopez 2002), has been experienced persistently throughout history, reflecting "an inevitable part of the human condition" (p. 134). As with its occurrence in other contexts, anxiety concerning one's work can be transient and situational (e.g., the type encountered in a job interview), or it can be almost incapacitating, preventing one from getting to the workplace or completing a workday without major disruptions (Brown, 1996). The dread may be so great that the client avoids work altogether. In between are multiple variations. A commonly shared theme, however, is the experience of dysphoric affect and the general tendency to avoid situations engendering the anxious feelings. he "stressful events" approach to anxiety, although productive, has incre asingly been questioned for its failure to identify differential responses to the same stressor. Concerning its effect on performance situations, however, anxiety, whether of a state or trait nature, generally serves to lessen the quality of the performance (Brown, 1996). Perceived psychological stress appears to lower satisfaction with work. Apparently, men and women do not differ per se in the experience of occupational stress, although the conditions that are more likely

Health Promotion in Nursing Care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Health Promotion in Nursing Care - Essay Example The first article by Ellenbecker, C., Bryne, K., O’Brien, E. & Rogosta (2001), tackled health promotion used to prevent diseases in the elderly. The sample population for this study is composed of elderly individuals who reside in a subsidized senior housing in Massachusetts (Ellenbecker, C. Bryne, K., O' Brien, E. & Rogosta, C., 2001, p. 9). On-site student nursing clinic were developed for the elderly to achieve improved health outcomes by making available health promotion and disease prevention services. The clinic’s activities involved outreach programs, screenings, influenza clinics and health education. Since the residents of this housing have a tendency to be isolated and are not aware of the nursing clinic’s healthcare services, the students decided to conduct outreach programs. Students go door-to-door and conduct home visits. Students may help the residents with their activities of daily living like bathing, cleaning, grooming, etc (Ellenbecker, C. Bryn e, K., O' Brien, E. & Rogosta, C., 2001, p. 12). Screenings were developed to identify potential health problems. Students base the screening on the residents needs. They screen for high blood pressure, depression, tuberculosis, elevated blood glucose levels and hearing and vision problems. This provides continued monitoring and follow ups which benefit the isolated elders immensely. The influenza clinic plays a major role in the immunization of the elderly in the housing. Students provide education, supplies, paperwork and final reports. This activity has health not only the residents but also the city health department in their goal of immunizing at risk populations. Students provide a variety of educational presentation based on what the residents are interested in. this include smoking cessation, prostate cancer, STDs, diabetes, alcohol and substance use, diet and nutrition and medication use. Individual health education is also done during clinic visits. Health education promot es self-care and supplemental support that the elderly needs. A variety of positive results can be seen from the in-site clinic (Ellenbecker, C. Bryne, K., O' Brien, E. & Rogosta, C., 2001, pp. 12-14). Some of which are the following: residents were able to give the name of their healthcare provider and report regular visit to the clinic, they receive flu and pneumonia vaccines, resident’s blood pressures were maintained within normal limits, residents post their medication list and emergency record in their apartment, blood sugar levels were recorded by the residents, etc. In the second article by Riley, M., Locke, A. & Skye, E. (2011), the sample population consisted of school-aged children, specifically from kindergarten to early adolescence. Health promotion is important is crucial at this age because children are just starting to establish patterns of behaviour. This is the vital time that the parents and the school work together to provide a conducive environment for le arning. Both parents and school management should be educated on what is important for their children. A major factor for a child to learn is healthy lifestyle (Riley, M., Locke, A. & Skye, E., 2011, p. 691). This can be achieved through dietary counselling, adequate physical activity, appropriate screen time or TV time, sufficient rest and sleep, proper dental care and safety. Also, high-risk behaviours to avoid are tobacco, alcohol and drug use, and sexual activity. Armed with

Business Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 10

Business Ethics - Essay Example Marine Stewardship Council is a nonprofit organization that has dedicated its operations to ensure sustainable fishing (MSC, 1998). Their mission states, that they are focused, contribute towards the health of the oceans and bring about environmental and economic benefit. This paper seeks to discuss the Corporate Social Responsibility undertaken by Walmart and explain the theories by Levy and Kaplans on the same. In addition, the paper will discuss how the initiative has offered opportunities for civil regulation in reference to the Levy and Kaplans framework. MSC was set up in London in 1997. Since MSC was inception, it has experienced rapid growth and focused on its role in promoting sustainable fisheries. The organization is able to counter this through the establishment of concrete criteria and principles for fisheries assessment. To ensure credibility, MSC follows the UNFAO guidelines that govern eco labeling of fish and any products related from the marine capture fisheries. MSC takes the role of an accreditor and facilitator through provision of a framework and guidelines regarding sustainable fishery. Most at times, the organization does not involve itself in the whole physical process of certifying fisheries; they focus on endorsing the list of ASI (Accreditation Services International) for the companies that show capability of engaging in the process. In 2006, Walmart announced the availability of MSC product in their stores. Walmart is one of the largest American multinational retail corporations whose main significance is to help people save money and live better lives within the global context. It came into operation in the early 1960s having been founded by  Douglas McMillon, operates a chain of stores, and warehouses whose main headquarters are in Arkansas. Walmart operates in close to thirty countries all over the world and has various business units  that seek to make a difference in the community.  Moreover, Walmart observes the

Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease - Essay Example This brain and neuron disorder seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities. This condition, called Dementia, which initially affects the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language, is taken to be a route map of the progression of Alzheimer's. From a medical perspective, the first signs of Alzheimer's disease are detectable from the lifestyle of affected individuals. However, the simplicity of these symptoms often result in them being ignored or dismissed as natural signs of old age. One of the earliest, yet most unnoticed symptoms of Alzheimer's disease is short-term memory loss. Very often, the patient appears to have skipped memories pertaining to a generation, or a similar time span, which essentially involves the present. Very recent incidents may be forgotten, while those which happened a relatively long time ago are vividly remembered, and oft quoted. Also, individuals and recent acquaintances may be completely forgotten, and may even be mistaken to be some individual the patient had acquaintance with, in the past. One hypothetical, yet practically very common, instance worth referring to is a case where a patient has no memory of his grandson's existence. On seeing the grandson, he may be mistaken to be the patient's son, and the patient may even make attempts to communicate with him in that context. Further symptoms may include problems with writing and speaking. The patient may forget simple words and make statements that don't make any sense. Familiar and routine tasks may prove difficult as time progresses. Common instruments used in daily life such as pens, towels, etc may appear meaningless to the patient. The patient may begin to dress inappropriately, completely forget to keep appointments and may even forget regularly used phone numbers. This is said to be a loss of the power of "Abstract Thinking" (Guide to Long Term Care.com). Also, repeated and unexplained mood swings and behavioural changes, quite contrary to the normal character are observed in such patients. As the disease progresses in the individual there may be a marked deterioration of control over his motor neurons, resulting in loss of mobility to considerable extents. The patient may be unable to feed himself, and incontinence may set in. 'Once identified, the average lifespan of patients living with Alzheimer's disease is approximately 7-10 years, although cases are known where reaching the final stage occurs within 4-5 years or at the other extreme they may survive up to 21 years'(Wikipedia, 2007a). Diagnosis and Clinical Perspectives Granted that the primary indications of a possibility of Alzheimer's disease in an individual are based on observations of the daily activities of the individual, the fact remains that it is primarily a clinical condition requiring diagnosis by qualified medical practitioners. Such a study shall be based on characteristic neuropsychological features and it must be ensured that no deferential diagnosis shall exist, considering the gravity of the possible result. Such a determination of the neurological feature shall consider the patient's medical history and clinical observation, while any neuropsychological evaluation will include testing and assessment of intellectual functioning over a series of weeks or

Why Death Penalty Should Be Abandoned Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Why Death Penalty Should Be Abandoned - Essay Example First, the death penalty puts innocent lives at risk. The above is so due to inadequate legal presentation in court. As a result even though not guiltily, some end up in death penalty thus losing their lives for mistakes not done. In the US, since 1976, about 138 innocent people have been saved from death row. Also, one the most frequent causes of reversals in capital punishment cases is ineffective assistance of counsel. For instance, a study at Columbia University showed that 68% of death penalty cases were reversed on appeal, due to inadequate defense. Accordingly, to execute an innocent person is morally reprehensible thus a risk that should not be taken. Also despite the fact that the U.S. Supreme Court has said that people with mental retardation should not be persecuted, research has shown that one percent of those executed in the US since 1977 are mentally ill. Many mentally ill defendants are unable to take part in their trials in an efficient way and appear un-engaged, cold , and unfeeling before the jury. Some are even forcefully medicated to make them competent to for execution (Haines,1999). Second, Racism and social class inequality also plays a role in the provision of the death penalty. Research has indicated that injustice is practiced on race and social class, as far as the death sentence provision is concerned.