Concept of Universal Health Care

Question: Discuss about the Concept of Universal Health Care . Answer: Introduction: The essay deals with the concept of the universal health care also known as universal health or UHC. UHC is the outcome of WHOs response in 1948 that declared Health a fundamental human right. UHC means the health services will be provided equally to all the individuals and the communities without any financial hardships. These services include essential health services from illness prevention to health promotion, treatment, palliative care and rehabilitation (Sen, 2015). Countries will make progress towards different health related targets if they progress towards UHC. Since UHC helps public to access services that can address the cause of ill health and death, it protects them from financial consequences. The public do not need to pay from own pockets therefore; they are free from the risk of falling into poverty (Tan et al., 2014). For example, the Single-payer health care is a system where the government pays for all the health care costs. The essay discusses the concept of UHC i n Singapore and an overview of the healthcare policy over the last ten years. The Singapore governments ministry of health implements universal health care system. The government implements a system of compulsory savings, price control and savings to ensure healthcare affordability within the public system (Haseltine, 2013). Further, the essay discusses how the government health policies are working towards providing an effective health system. Singapore offers multiple layer of protection through its universal coverage. Singapores health care model involves compulsory health care savings, tax-based subsidies, risk pooling via insurance schemes and ultimate safety net for needy (Lin, 2015). It offers heavy government subsidies (80%) that are accessible by all the Singaporeans in acute hospital wards. Further, Singapore implements compulsory individual medical savings account scheme according to which the public is allowed to pay for their share of medical treatment. It thus, minimises financial burden. Singapore has also implemented Medishield, which is a medical insurance scheme. This low cost scheme allows the public to risk pool the financial risks associated with major illnesses. Medishield includes features such as co-payment and deductibles that promotes individuals responsibility for ones healthcare needs. Singaporeans can also subscribe for Eldershield which protects people from financial risk of struggling with sev ere disability. The other medical endowment fund named as Medifund is the governments safety net for public who cannot afford their medical bills despite heavy subsidies such as Medishield and Medisave (Tan et al., 2014). Many people in Singapore also have private health insurances and are not covered by the governments programmes. The country also allows the people to choose the providers within the government and private hospitals. The patients can also access 24-hour Accident Emergency Departments in the government hospitals (Haseltine, 2013). In 2009, Singapore has established the Agency for Integrated Care to improve the community services and that in nursing homes. It integrates the long-term patient focused care (Chin et al., 2016). The country has established Regional Health systems to link the primary care and the rehabilitation centres with the hospitals. These initiatives of the government are supported by Temasek Cares. The country has launched National Electronic Record Programme in 2011 for supporting telemedicine and telehealth. Once fully developed the system of Electronic Health records it will enable patients to contribute to their personal health records (Fong Tambyah, 2013). In order to manage the rising health care cost, Singapore follows the ideology, Prevention is better than cure. Singapore has implemented preventive healthcare programmessuch as subsidised or free health screening programs. These activities promote healthy lifestyle and reduce substantial incurring of medical expenditure (Wouters et al., 2016). This ideology deals with issue of increasing aging population in Singapore. This principle aims to decrease the increasing vulnerability of the people to the health issues which will eventually decrease the health care costs. To keep the costs in check it regulates the supply and the prices of the health care services (Kumar Ning Zhang, 2008). Singapore government however, does not directly regulate the private medical care costs and are largely subjected to the market forces. These costs vary within the private sector depending on the services provided and the available medical speciality. The government spending on the health care increased from $5.8 billion in 2013-14 to $7.1 billion in 2014-2015 (Fong Tambyah, 2013). The effectiveness of the heath system is ensured by the government through benefits offered by the Medifund and Medisave. The first thing to be noted here is that Medisave only benefits the citizens of Singapore and its permanent residents who are prime contributors of the Central Provident Fund or CPF. Medisave not only allows subsidising the healthcare expenditure but also to pay premiums of Medishield, that is covering 80% of the medical costs at B2/C leveland other shield plans (Choon, 2010). Hence, the subscribers of Medishield can have the most of the outpatient and the inpatient care expenses (deductibles and co-insurance). It thus prevents intake of huge medical assistance and social stressor oh healthcare need. However, it creates a burden on the individual to look after both personal and relatives health care needs in addition to contributing towards CPF (Chen Phua, 2013). It adds to additional burden if the contributor is sole income earner of the family. Hence, it is req uired for Singapore to develop alternate strategy or provide financial subsidies for individuals not contributing towards CPF. This approach will assist Singapore in effectively managing the rising health care costs (Hang et al., 2016). Medifund benefits the needy citizens of Singapore only after meeting a list of requirements such as inability of the patient and the family to pay for the medical expenses inspite of the heavy government subsidies, Medisave and Medishield (Lim, 2010). However, the government though appears to show great concern for the poor and the needy the initiative is still not wholesome. Therefore, the government needs to relook for such patients who are meeting most of the criteria but are refusing to pay the medical bill. Such patients should be eliminated from the benefits of Medifund. On the other hand there may be a family with single income earner who refuses to pay the medical expenses of the dependent households despite being able to. It will increase the health issues of the rest of the households. In 1978, the member countries of WHO have accepted the approach of primary health care with the goal to achieve Health for all which is also known as Alma-Ata Declartion (Choon, 2010). Thus, a decade ago Singapore was not meeting the definition of UHC, which has a prime objective of Equity in access to health services as well as Alma-Ata Declartion. As per this objective every person in need should be able to access the health care services irrespective of who can pay them. These are the areas which are to be revisited by the Singapore government although it has comprehensive and complete health care system (Ng Li, 2011). In order to promote competition and transparency and prevent unwarranted rise in the health care costs, the Singapore ministry of health began to publish the hospital bills to highlight the variation of cost. It was aimed to push hospitals to do more with less, witches later led to some improvements such as the drop in the LASIK prices by more than $1,000 for each eye and is continuing till this day (Hang Thampuran, 2016). It is of great benefits to the consumers. Further, the health outcomes are also published on the websites to encourage further improvement in hospitals which also assists people in making informed choice. There is available statistics that supports the success of the Singapore health system. According to the 2008 reports Singapore spent about $ 10.2 billion on healthcare and expended 2.7 billion on the health services. The drugs in Singapore are kept affordable through Group Purchasing Office that contains the costs of Pharmaceutical related expenditure (Pwee, 200 9). According to Lim (2016), the health care system in Singapore in 2015 was recognised to be the most successful in the world. It has achieved effective results in community health outcomes as well as in financing due to its well-organised health care delivery system. In order to ensure effective health system the government adjusts its policies regularly. Hang et al. (2016) described that the unique features of Singapore are difficult to be replicated in any other country. The medical facilities of Singapore are among the finest in the world. In 2012, the doctor to population ratio was 1:520, the nurses to population ratio were 1:150 and the ratio of dentist to population was 1:3230. Singapore has developed effective health care delivery system. There are 1400 private clinics offering primary care and more than 18 public clinics that provide subsidised care including outpatient, health screening, immunization, pharmacy services and dental care (Lim, 2016). Singapore health care system is strengthening its ties to private general practitioner networks. In 2012, Singapore has introduced the Community Health Assist Scheme which provides subsidies to people from different socioeconomic groups to reduce disparities. The subscribers of this scheme have visits to the participating private clinics that are subsidised for acute conditions, specific dental procedures, chronic illnesses and health screening. There are 460 dental clinics and 720medical clinics participating in this scheme (World Health Organization, 2013). In 2015, Singapore has revised CPF contribution rates to Medisave which encouraged the low- wage workers to save more for their retirement and medical needs (Chen Phua, 2013). Singapore has number of centres that are focusing on the outpatient specialist care such as cancer, skin diseases, cardiovascular diseases, oral care. The National Heart Centre offers full range of treatment to different cardiovascular complications. These centres also conduct research and training program. There are more than 30 clinics offering 24 hours emergency care. Further, public sector has begun renting private clinics to treat subsidised patient due to more number of beds available here. The National Mental Health Blueprint of 2007 guides the agencies involved in mental health care. It laid a groundwork for integrated community living. The voluntary welfare organisations provides a long term care and social support for the elderly population. It has consequently increased the effectiveness of care and has reduced the cost (Chia Chan, 2008). The key drivers promoting UHC in Singapore are organisation and planning, public consultation and regulations (Lin, 2015). The ministry of Health in Singapore undertakes responsibility of needs assessments, manpower planning, cost control, system governance and financing, services planning with the goal of ensuring quality care and responsiveness to citizens needs. The ministry of health has developed core regulatory functions, which are regular conducting of inspections and audits. It licenses health care institutions under the private hospitals and Medical Clinics Act. It safeguards public against false claims by marketing the licensed facilities. The Health Sciences Authority regulates the manufacture, supply, presentation and import of healthcare products and ensures that it meets the internationally benchmarked safety standards. The government of Singapore takes the public and stakeholders views through various sessions and survey. Based on the opinion, the government implemente d various preventive and treatment services such as colonoscopies, mammograms and palliative care. The government also uses performance measurement and scorecard system to improve the performance of health care providers (Lim, 2016). In conclusion, there is a significant improvement in Singapores health care system in the last ten years. It meets the principle of UHC and the Alma-Ata Declaration to a great extent. However, it still needs to address the socio-economic health issues. Singapore government should not manage the rising health care cost issue superficially by addressing its direct influence. Rather, it must prepare its citizens to accept the change and manage the rising health care costs. Hence, recommended approach for Singapore to manage the health care costs by implementing effective strategies is to implement differential healthcare financing schemes to assist people from various socioeconomic group. Further, the current strategies cannot tackle the health care cost due to inflation. Singapore, must review its salary compensation strategy and its employment assistance programs. It can initiate programs to help the unemployed group of people to seek employment in short span of time. Further, it can accord the salary compensation for particular profession or occupation based on the abilities, skills, experience, performance and inflation. References Chen, L. C., Phua, K. H. (2013). Transferring lessons from Singapore: an art or a science?.The Lancet,382(9896), 930. Chia, N. C., Chan, A. (2008).Feminization of ageing and long term care financing in Singapore. East Asian Bureau of Economic Research. Chin, C. W. W., Phua, K. H. (2016). Long-term care policy: Singapores experience.Journal of aging social policy,28(2), 113-129. Choon, C. N. (2010). Social protection in Singapore: Targeted welfare and asset-based social security.Social Protection in East Asia-Current State and Challenges, 90. Fong, J. M. N., Tambyah, P. A. (2013). Singapore's health-care financing.The Lancet,382(9907), 1779-1780. Hang, C. C., Low, T. S., Thampuran, R. (Eds.). (2016).The Singapore Research Story. World Scientific. Haseltine, W. A. (2013).Affordable excellence: the Singapore healthcare story. Brookings Institution Press. Kumar, A., Ozdamar, L., Ning Zhang, C. (2008). Supply chain redesign in the healthcare industry of Singapore.Supply Chain Management: An International Journal,13(2), 95-103. Lim, J. (2016). Positivity and Overcoming Under Happiness in Singapore Healthcare. InEnabling Positive Attitudes and Experiences in Singapore(pp. 83-88). Lim, M. K. (2010). Health Care Reforms in Singapore.Six countries, six reform models: the healthcare reform: experience of Israel, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland and Taiwan: healthcare reforms" under the radar screen, 111-136. Lin, L. W. (2015). Paying for healthcare.'Singapore''s Health Care System': What 50 Years Have Achieved, 75. Ng, A. T. S., Sy, C., Li, J. (2011, December). A system dynamics model of Singapore healthcare affordability. InSimulation Conference (WSC), Proceedings of the 2011 Winter(pp. 1-13). IEEE. Pwee, K. H. (2009). Health technology assessment in Singapore.International journal of technology assessment in health care,25(S1), 234-240. Sen, A. (2015). Universal Healthcare: the affordable dream.The Guardian,6(01), 2015. Tan, K. B., Tan, W. S., Bilger, M., Ho, C. W. (2014). Monitoring and evaluating progress towards universal health coverage in Singapore.PLoS Med,11(9), e1001695. World Health Organization. (2013). World Health Statistics 2013: Part III: Global Health Indicators (Geneva: World Health Organization). Wouters, O. J., Cylus, J., Yang, W., Thomson, S., McKee, M. (2016). Medical savings accounts: assessing their impact on efficiency, equity and financial protection in health care.Health Economics, Policy and Law,11(03), 321-335.

How to Format Graphs Effectively in GRE Topics Essay

How to Format Graphs Effectively in GRE Topics EssayAn argument essay in GRE is usually composed by using graphs and diagrams that can add value to the essay. However, doing so is not only possible but also quite easy. Some of the ways on how you can format graphs effectively are as follows:o Using an abbr or icon for a graphing element. For example, if you want to have an ABBR for a graph, you should make use of an icon. Moreover, you can also use a color bar which will be very helpful in giving a particular image for a graph. For instance, you can use orange to depict a negative graph whereas blue denotes positive data.o Include a group of numbers and letters that are defined in a linear way. Furthermore, you should make use of a symbol that will represent the same group of numbers and letters. For example, if you want to do so, you can use a circle or square.o You can even insert a central dot. That is, the central dot is going to indicate the quantitative portion of the graph to the background of the graph can be represented with a straight line.o The area under the curve is also an interesting option that you can make use of while writing your GRE topics argument essay. For instance, if you want to make a trend on trends, you can create a line that represents the trends. Alternatively, you can make use of different colors that will represent the trends on the line.o You can also use a series of circles to portray the raw data while writing your GRE topics argument essay. On the other hand, if you want to show something complex, you can add a bunch of dots that represent the number of subjects and topics in the essay. With the help of the dots, you can highlight the relevant data and these dots can be used to emphasize a certain portion of the text.o If you want to highlight the subject matter, you can use the same curve while designing a graph. Furthermore, it is also going to be very easy for you to understand the basic meaning of a graph without having b ackground knowledge about the subject. It is also easy for you to change the size of the lines, dots, bars, circles, and what not when designing a graph.On the other hand, if you want to improve your grades, you should choose the topics that are most applicable to your class. In addition, you should remember that GRE is a test that primarily assesses your reasoning skills while analyzing the subject matter. Thus, it is very important that you understand the concepts that are presented in your assignment.

Matsuo Basho - Father Of Haiku Essays - Japanese Poetry,

Matsuo Basho - Father Of Haiku Matsuo Basho Matsuo Basho radically redefined the three-line, 17-syllable haiku poetic form from an entertaining pastime in 16th-century Japan to a major literary genre in the 17th century. An early Basho haiku provides an example of his meticulous and sensitive approach in selecting and arranging words and images to produce highly evocative allusions: On a leafless bough In the gathering autumn dusk: A solitary crow! Haiku emanates from the 31 syllable, five-line tanka (short poem) which was originally arranged in two parts, an opening triplet (hokku) and a couplet. The Haiku form was popularized during the Heian period (794-1185). At that time, it was customary for the educated elite of Japan to engage in writing, singing, and reciting poetry as forms of cultural entertainment. In addition, social customs of the day demanded that the aristocracy of the refined court society display both a sensitivity to nature in their poetic expression and an ability to discuss the poetic classics of Japanese and Chinese literature. Tanka, then, could express a wealth of meaning in five elegant lines expressing a single idea, emotion, or observation. By the 16th century, tanka had found expression in playful and less refined experimental forms and began to attract the participation of the merchant classes as well. But it was not until Basho came along with an artistic sensibility, reflective calm, and keen originality, coupled with his formal training in Japanese and Chinese classics and poetry, that new power was infused into the haiku. Basho's greatest contribution to the genre was to take the opening triplet of the tanka (hokku) and make it an independent, autonomous form. The term haiku was formed from the first three letters of the word haikai (a 17-syllable comical verse) and the last two letters of the word hokku. The following, well-known Basho haiku serves as an example of the beauty of nature, the fleeting image of time, and a compression of language: Falling upon earth, Pure water spills from the cup of the camellia. At first glance, Falling Upon Earth offers a meditative reflection on the wonders of nature. The poem invites contemplation on the beauty of the camellia blossom and implicitly situates the tropical Asiatic evergreen tree in a calm, rural setting in Japan among the hidden forces of nature. Yet the power of Basho's haiku clearly emanates from his meticulous selection of words, his fleeting yet evocative imagery, and the ambiguity resulting from words having multiple meanings. The power word of the first line is falling. The ambiguity of who or what is falling immediately challenges meaning and entices the reader's active participation in the poem. In Japanese literature, the camellia blossom is often used as a symbolic representation of the samurai, a professional soldier of the feudal military aristocracy of Japan, whose life, like that of the camellia, was often brilliant but brief. The falling of the flower takes on an allegorical dimension since Basho once trained in the service o f a young samurai master who died unexpectedly. Basho grieved deeply and renounced his own samurai status. Thus, the implication of the camellia blossom moving abruptly from a state of natural beauty and vigor to one of quiet, somber death invites speculation on life's brevity, as well as the need to recognize and appreciate the rich, evocative images in nature. Likewise, while the word earth overtly suggests an objective description of nature, in fact, Basho might have selected ground or soil, with the apparent implication of a hard, flat, non-receptive surface. However, he skillfully positions the word earth to evoke connotations of the earth mother as receiver or absorber of the pure water that spills from the camellia, an image that immediately softens the ominous tone in lines one and two. Earth becomes the immediate vessel and eventual transmitter of the pure water of the camellia that will cycle the life force of the blossom and restore vital nutrients to the earth to replenish, regenerate, and revitalize the earth's bounty for new growth. Thus, the opening tone of a death that has spilled unexpectedly is balanced by the theme of rejuvenation as a poetic commentary on the cyclical nature of the universe and the ultimate need for humankind

UK Investment in Properties

UK Investment in Properties Introduction The term investment has been the topic of discussion among most ‘enlightened’ people throughout the globe. As a result the current globalization rate has made people to venture into various business and finance options in a bid to earn more income. People as well as business enterprises have opted to embark on investment as the better choice of acquiring quick and reliable income.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on UK Investment in Properties specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Investments can be of various types such as capital markets which include shares and bonds, banking and property investment just to mention but a few. All the aforementioned investment options have their own types of risks with the common ones being valuation risks, force of sale risks and the business risks (Ball and Grilli, 1997, p.280). Despite the risks accompanying the investment options, people and corporations still strive to venture into investment business because in most cases if well managed investing is very profitable. A common way of investing is through the investment property which entails purchasing a commercial property or real estate with the aim of gaining returns within a given period of time or even eternity. In most cases the owner of the investment property rarely makes use or occupies the property. In instances where the owner occupies it, they will use only a portion of it and let out the rest. After certain duration of time, the property is completely paid off and the purchaser continues to enjoy the income generated from the property (Ball and Grilli, 1997, p.280). Investment property is a type of investment option that is practiced throughout the globe. This paper is a discussion of how the UK-investment properties have been characterized by booms and crashes and if they go against the efficient market hypothesis as well as advising an investor about investing in propertie s. The Cycles of booms and crashes in the UK investment properties The United Kingdom has been categorized as one of the most developed nations of the world. For a long time UK has been among the stable locations for the investment property market (McGough and Tsolacos, 1995. p.47). However, in the recent past the investment property sector has been characterised by periods of high returns and those of negative returns hence making the sector unstable and unpredictable. This on the other hand has lowered the investor confidence in UK making most investors opt for other locations to invest. The property investment market of UK has been known to boom then suddenly crashes before it booms again. Due to the reason that the property investment market is closely related to the country’s economy, whenever it crashes, the government does all it can to get things back to normal thus it booms. The issue of booms and crashes in the UK property investment market was of concern even in ea rlier years before the globalisation era (McGough and Tsolacos, 1995. p.47). For example, UK is characterised by two major crashes of 1974 and 1990 which had significant impacts on the economic system of the nation.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More While the 1974 crash caused severe crisis in the banking sector of UK, the 1990 crash led to a reduction in the value of corporate assets. This in turn affected the economy of the nation making it drop down from being among the best world’s economies. Other than the two crashes mentioned, UK has been suffering incidents of crashes due to various reasons which some of them could be the following; Property development restrictions- There could be reasons that could be hindering investors in investing in properties. These could be laid down by the state or municipality officials hence barring potential investors from choosing to invest in real estate property (McGough and Tsolacos, 1995. p.47). Taxation- The tax imposed in materials and services used in the development of properties could be so high making the cost of investing in real estate high. This will again cause a reduction in the number of people investing in properties which in turn negatively affect the market of investment properties thus a crash. Other causes of crashes in the investment property sector could include economic and political instability among other reasons. However, the duration of the crash or rather the amplitude depends on the period of government intervention or self-recovery from the crash (McGough and Tsolacos, 1995. p.48). The famous booms of investment property in the UK occurred in 1989 and 1992. The 1989 boom made the economy of UK to double up thus raising it to the top. Booms occur as a result of favourable conditions in the investment market which would make investors comfortable to develop real estate properties (McGough and Tsolacos, 1995. p.47). These conditions could include fair taxation, favourable political and economical conditions, and high demand in real estate property among other factors. When a boom occurs the investment market generates high income that in turn makes the economy of the nation go up due to the high value of the pound in the global market. Efficient market hypothesis The concept of efficient market hypothesis is very important in the investment sector and especially the property investment market. It entails provision of all the information about the market value being reflected in the prices (Malkiel, 2003, p.1). Efficient market hypothesis is related to the notion of ‘random walk’ which states that a change in price in investments represents a slight move from the previous price of the investment or market share. The coordination of the two implies that a change in price is independent of the previous one and will be immediately reflecte d in the market, thus the disclosure of the information (Malkiel, 2003, p.1). The efficient market hypothesis was used much in the vast ages where most economists and statisticians had the belief that it was difficult predicting the market prices. However, the situation has in the recent past changed given the research of some economists. The economists have argued the fact that it is possible to predict the future market prices. Efficient market hypothesis go further to claim that an investor is only in a position to earn high profits after undertaking high risks. Thus, the term efficiency is controversial with the recent economists arguing that efficiency means having less risks in the market (Scott and Judge, 2000, p.1).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on UK Investment in Properties specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In the context of the booms and crashes of the UK investment property market, it does not fully repres ent the efficient market hypothesis. This is because a market cannot be fully efficient so that one is able to perfectly predict the future outcome. As mentioned above, efficient market hypothesis indicates that changes in prices of the market will be immediately reflected in the property prices (Malkiel, 2003, p.1). This is not the case in the property investment of UK because; this unlike other investment types is long-term with slow reflection of the market prices. In addition to this, efficient market hypothesis argues that it is not able to predict future market prices, while in property investment market given the cycles of booms and crashes it is able to predict the market prices of the investment properties. This is because, from the trend, property investors would expect that a crash would lead to a boom in the next cycles hence able to predict the price thus the choice of cause of action. Advice to investors on investing in properties Property investment is among the top l ucrative businesses in the United Kingdom and the whole world at large. Because of this, investors have to acquire the best advice from financial advisors lest they make the wrong choice. Since all the investors of the property investment venture in the market with the aim of gaining profit, it is important that they achieve their goal (Hebner, 2007, p. 243). Among the advice given is to ensure that the investor has adequate information concerning the property, the market situation, prices among other factors. This would enable one to make a sound decision based on the information they have got. Choosing the UK market as an investment location is a good idea because of the following reasons; There are available sources of funds from money lending institutions for willing investors who may not have all the required funds. The economy of the United Kingdom has been favourable for property investment despite the little havocs that have affected it (Hebner, 2007, p. 243). The United Ki ngdom has an ideal market of property which investors would be looking forward to investing in. In addition to the stable economy of UK, the nation has a stable and favourable political environment. These are just some of the few reasons as to why one would be advised to invest in the UK property investment market. Nevertheless, given the concerns of booms and crashes, it is important that an investor predicts the market price of property investment before making the decision of investing (Hebner, 2007, p. 265). This is to avoid losses that could occur as a result of negative returns.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Conclusion From the above discussion it can be concluded that the fact that the UK investment properties is characterised by periods of high and negative returns is an indication of riskiness in this business. This evidence goes against the efficient market hypothesis because of the reason that the economists have argued that prices of the real investments are partly predictable (Shiller, 1999, p.103). This therefore is an indication that given the right advice, an investor in real estate would be in a position to avoid the risks involved in the venture. Despite the fact that the UK property investment has been characterized by the booms and crashes, it is still a good location for investing because of the opportunity and benefits that come in hand with investing in the UK market (Shiller, 1999, p.103). Last but not least is the fact that, the knowledge of the cycle that is being aware of when a boom or crash is expected would equip one with the instruments of avoiding risks and mak ing profits. Reference List Ball, M. and Grilli, M. (1997) UK commercial property investment: time-series characteristics and modelling strategies, Journal of Property Research, 14, 279Â ± 96. Hebner, T. (2007). Index Funds: The 12-Step Program for Active Investors, IFA Publishing. McGough, T. and Tsolacos, S. (1995) Property cycles in the UK: an empirical investigation of the stylized facts, Journal of Property Finance, 6(4), 45Â ± 62. Malkiel, B. (2003). The Efficient Market Hypothesis and Its Critics. Web. Scott, P. Judge, G. (2000). Cycles and steps in British commercial property values. Web. Shiller, R. (1999). Human Behaviour and the Efficiency of the Financial System Handbook of Macroeconomics.

The Life and Work of Countess Markievicz Research Paper

The Life and Work of Countess Markievicz - Research Paper Example Her family was evidently well-connected in the country; in 1887 she was presented at the court of Queen Victoria, where she was called â€Å"the new Irish beauty.† In her teenage years, Constance enjoyed her place among the Anglo-Irish aristocracy and was regarded as a fine horsewoman and an excellent shot (Riordan). She was extremely passionate about art and studied at the Slade School in London, and later at the Julian School in Paris. It was here where she met and fell in love with her soon-to-be husband, the Polish Count Casimir Dunin-Markievicz. He too was from a wealthy family who owned extensive estates in Ukraine. Her career as an artist developed and in 1903 she moved to Dublin and set up as a landscape artist. At this time, Dublin was a thriving city and home to many artists, actors, and writers. Four years later, she helped to set up the United Arts Club, which sought to bring together all artists in the city (Riordan). There are two important factors which propelled Constance into political action. Firstly, the influence of the Irish poet William Butler, who, on his many visits to her parents home Lissadell, told Constance tales of Irish mythology, folklore, and his political ideas. Historians have recognized his influence on the Countess. Secondly, in her rented cottage at Dublin, whilst working as an artist, Constance found copies of the Peasant and Sinn Fein, revolutionary publications which enlightened her in the Republican cause. She felt â€Å"stirred to action† and instantly became devoted to the cause (Riordan). In 1907, Constance joined the group Inghinidhe na hÉireann, the Daughters of Ireland. This group had been formed in 1900 by a small group of women in Dublin. The group was a response to women's exclusion from other militant Nationalist organizations and at its heart was the commitment to free Ireland from British rule.  

Ethical dilemma Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Ethical dilemma - Essay Example This is an ethical problem because the patient comes from an Orthodox Jewish family. This family’s denial of a pig’s xenograft is well understood since Orthodox Jews consider pigs unclean. It is impossible to solicit the patient’s wish is untenable since he is one year shy of the legal age, on the one hand. On the other hand, to listen to the parents’ adamant stand may prove to be catastrophic to the patient due to absence of synthetic ileums and the essence of time. The ileum of the pig is the only available option and transferring the patient to another state for treatment is prolonging the patient’s predicament and endangering his health. This is especially because the gangrene may spread to the rest of the patient’s digestive system. This is not necessarily an ethical dilemma. The patient’s parents can be called to the hospital and sat down for consultation and persuasion. In the event that the parents adamantly stick to their religious compunctions, the hospital will easily release the patient out of its custody, so that his parents can seek for a better alternative in another hospital. It is not up to the hospital to decide for the patient or the patient’s family on what is good for him after all. Again, carrying out surgical intervention on the client will not necessarily be going against the power of attorney’s decision. According to Karadag and Hakan, the principles of modern bioethics are non-maleficence, beneficence, justice and respect to autonomy. However, there are situations when upholding these principles becomes subject to ethical dilemma. A case in point herein is a treatable mentally unsound patient, Mark who has had a bout of testicular torsion. Doctors have unsuccessfully tried to manually rotate the testis back to its position, thereby prompting the need for surgical intervention (Karadag & Hakan, 8-9). In the case above, there is an ethical dilemma since respect to autonomy

Thy Womb and Missing the Target Essay Example for Free

Thy Womb and Missing the Target Essay Mendoza’s Thy Womb certainly was not lacking in the areas of cinematography and sound quality. Unlike regular masa films that repel higher class moviegoers with their slightly pixelated picture and muffled dubbing, Thy Womb boasts a crisp picture with a fitting scoring. Only complementing that is the breathtaking grandeur of the surroundings which includes a stroke of luck for the director with the appearance of two Whale Sharks. However, eye-candy is not enough to capture the hearts of the audience. A pretty picture is only just a picture when the message being conveyed is not seen by the viewers. That is my concern with Thy Womb. The plot was very slow-paced. Although the conflict was introduced very early in the film, the resolution to this dragged on really long in what Hollywood films would compress into ten minutes or so. For a viewer like me who is used to fast progressing story lines, the sluggish development was quite a turn-off. That is a big issue since the audience today is used to things like instant coffee and fast loading times for web videos. It is possible for the viewers to be focused on how the plot is so dragging that they miss the point of the film. That could be the reason for the film’s poor performance in cinemas. A critical eye however, would find a certain elegance in how the film slowly develops its community and characters. After further analysis, I was able to discern a possible point being driven at by the film. The film seems to dilly-dally with scenes and events that have nothing to do with the actual conflict, the search for a second wife for Bangas-An. These scenes however, have a theme when put together. They feature how the community values tradition and religion. Several festivals, rituals, and practices were featured in the film. Some were performed at the expense of the safety of involved parties. Especially focused on is the tradition of putting the husband’s wishes over the wife and how women are treated as objects in such a patriarchal community. From these it can be said that Thy Womb features a Badjao community in Tawi-Tawi that values tradition above all else. It is this regard for custom that drives each character as the film progresses. The community as a whole is very much immersed in their tradition. One scene shows the village participating in a festival in the sea, racing boats. Then more of their custom is showcased with a wedding ceremony as well as the meeting of wife prospects for Bangas-An. It is evident that so much value is placed on their traditions that it overshadows their concern for their relationships and safety. While fishing, Bangas-An was shot by thieves. Shaleha nursed him to health and they went back to fishing again despite this danger. This shows that their custom and livelihood of fishing there is what they have grown accustomed to and they would rather go through that again than have to change. Another scene that shows such an attitude is the wedding ceremony mentioned previously. While the couple is doing their dance, gunfire is heard and the crowd panics but the couple is told to continue dancing. Their patriarchal mindset is also demonstrated by various scenes. At the beginning, Shaleha expresses her desire to adopt. However, Bangas-An preferred to have his own kids and just remarry. Then women are treated like objects in stores as their hand in marriage would have to be bought using dowries. Bangas-An chose his wife based on the price and beauty, not romantic attachment. This value for custom in a patriarchal environment allows the audience to understand the driving force of the couple’s actions. Bangas-An and Shaleha obviously have a healthy marriage. One scene shows Bangas-An giving Shaleha expensive clothing for no apparent reason. Then the couple make love despite its fruitlessness. But then, Bangas-An’s desire to have a child of his own blood overshadows their marriage and forces them to separate. His new wife tells him that after the first child she bears him, he would have to leave Shaleha. Only reinforcing the point that the community values tradition above all else, he does make the deal and cuts ties with Shaleha after his first child is born. Shaleha does not go against this because of the patriarchy. Throughout the movie, she herself deals with Bangas-An’s remarriage even if she was not comfortable with the whole thing. She  cooperated with all the rituals and negotiations. But then only putting emphasis on the actual place of women in that community, in the end she was put aside by the very man she helped. In the end, the slow pace of the movie actually had purpose. Every part that featured custom showed how the community was very involved and hands-on in tradition and religion. Each scene with the couple only showed how much they loved each other. This only fortified the reasoning for Bangas-An’s decision to take his new wife over Shaleha. With this, the movie actually presents conflicting emotions and sentiment every character feels. It was not a montage of dilly-dallying after all, but a subtle manner of sending a message.