Obesity Project Title Obesity - 10262 Words

Obesity Project Title Sydney Goetz, Dariush Shafa, and Olivia Turner Western Kentucky University Abstract The workplace is responsible for a majority of stress and decrease in sleep in the population and is a prime area to take control of obesity with certain requirements and incentives. Certain socioeconomic status groups can be targeted to decrease their risk of obesity and the stress factors that are included in their lifestyles. Certain stressful demographic areas can be assessed to promote less stressful lifestyles to decrease obesity risk and to educate about the importance of good sleeping patterns. The issue of obesity in America has progressed from beyond troublesome to potentially catastrophic. At the very core of this problem is the fact that education and engagement of the populace (as a whole) are largely lacking and this lack of knowledge is a major contributing factor to the growing problem with obesity. The implications of this chronic health problem are too great to ignore, particularly considering the ways in which the health care system is ill-prepared to handle the f allout of vast segments of the population suffering from this problem and the myriad disease processes with which it is closely associated and interrelated. In order to combat obesity the structures of cities must be transformed to make them more walkable. The structure of society must change to make inequality a smaller factor in the United States because it is highly correlated withShow MoreRelatedThesis: Junk Food Consumption by Children During TV Watching921 Words   |  4 PagesResearch Project Title: A teachign program to inhibit junk food consumption by children during TV-watching Submitted by: Dr. John Doe Title: Fast food advertisements should not be shown during TV shows for children Topic: Fast food advertisements should not be shown during TV shows for children Research Classification: Applied Objective: to structure an instructional program that would inform paretns about the hazards of fast food advertisements during TV shows for children and how to controlRead MoreEvaluation of a Peer-Reviewed Article1311 Words   |  5 PagesSections 1-5 Title. Question One: The title of the article in the American Journal of Health Promotion (Moss, et al, 2011) is in fact specific enough to set it apart from other articles about the obesity problem among young people in the United States (190). Question Two: The subtitles throughout the research article are very helpful in providing the reader with a breakdown of the various aspects and particulars of the report (190). Question Three: The main variables are in the title but they areRead MoreCommunity Health Improvement Pl Desoto County1677 Words   |  7 PagesHealth Improvement Plan DeSoto County John J. Merrill State College of Florida Community Health Improvement Plan, DeSoto County The data has shown that there is an ongoing problem with obesity in DeSoto County and many counties in Florida. The State of Obesity, reports that Florida s adult obesity rate is 26.4 percent, up from 20.7 percent in 2004 and from 11.4 percent in 1990(Florida, 2014). In 2011 for DeSoto County, the percentage of obese females was in the worst 25% of all countiesRead MoreHow Does Sushi King Influence the Eating Habits of Consumer by Providing Healthy Eating?859 Words   |  4 PagesTITLE: HOW DOES SUSHI KING INFLUENCE THE EATING HABITS OF CONSUMER BY PROVIDING HEALTHY EATING? BACKGROUND: Sushi Kin Sdn. Bhd. pioneers a new age of Japanese cuisine in Malaysia in 1995 which has quickly gained its popularity among the customers both locally and internationally. To date, there are more than 60 outlets in the nation which happens to be the largest chain of food restaurants using a speedy service concept called ‘revolving sushi’ or ‘kaiten sushi’. Its ultimate goal of businessRead MoreBusiness Proposal From Unite Against Obesity: A Nonprofit Organization for Prevention of Pediatric Obesity1705 Words   |  7 PagesAgainst Obesity: A Nonprofit Organization for Prevention of Pediatric Obesity. A Proposal 2. Letter/Memo of Transmittal MEMORANDUM To: Recipients name and title From: Unite Against Obesity Date: Date you turn in your report Subject: Report name The childhood obesity issue has become so prominent that First Lady Obama has adopted childhood obesity as her pet project and has sworn to end it within a generation (USA Today. (2/9/2010). To that end and to assist her, Unite against Obesity, recognizingRead MoreEffects Of Obesity On The Low Income Population Of Mississippi1708 Words   |  7 PagesFrom: Amna Robadi, RE: Obesity Policy Analysis Date: April 23, 2015 Problem Statement What measures should Governor Bryant take to reduce childhood obesity in the low-income population of Mississippi? Background According to the recent data, Mississippi now has the highest adult obesity rate in the nation. Mississippi s adult obesity rate is 35.1 percent, up from 28.1 percent in 2004 and from 15.0 percent in 1990 (2015 Mississippi Obesity Action Plan). Obesity is also affecting childrenRead MoreScience Case Study Project Research Methods1472 Words   |  6 Pagesportray a patient population. Appendixes and References 1. Time Schedule/Time Line I would like to observe, film, interview, and interact with five different participants. Preparation time (in terms of gathering all the necessary resources for the project) will be about two to three weeks. I also estimate that it will take at least two to three weeks for the participant to get used to having a researcher monitoring them, and to have cameras around much of the time. After that, the estimated time IRead MoreA Scientific Discussion About Diet And Exercise For Health And Weight Loss881 Words   |  4 Pagesagents of the Zimmerman Agency, I would like to introduce myself, I am James Clark. I came across your contact information through your website as an agent that might be able to assist me with getting a completed manuscript published. The working title of this book is A scientific discussion about diet and exercise for health and weight loss. What we know†¦ what we think we know†¦Ã¢â‚¬  This manuscript was previously examined by Pegasus Publishing, unfortunately, it did not move forward following a fullRead MoreShould Sugar Be Regulated?1338 Words   |  6 Pageswhen we eat, we eat sugar. Unfortunately, sugar is now considering a toxic to our bodies. It causes diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart attack and cancer, etc. As sugar threatens the public health, government is considering curb sugar consumption by taxes on sugar; restrictions placed on food production and even age requirements on purchasing sugary foods. For this research project, I decided to pursue the question, Should sugar be regula ted? This question deserves to be examined because we needRead MoreGetting Fit With The Grizzlies : A Community School Home Initiative Fight Childhood Obesity1686 Words   |  7 Pagesintervention, which has been taken for its successes and failures. Having a key understanding of the positives and negatives in this intervention will be beneficial when planning for our own group project. In this specific article, â€Å"Get Fit With the Grizzlies: A Community-School-Home Initiative to Fight Childhood Obesity,† written by Carol C. Irwin, Richard L. Irwin, Maureen E. Miller, Grant W. Somes, and Phyllis A. Richey, put into action a get fit program to motivate children to obtain knowledge of living

Equilibrium Supply and Demand and Price Free Essays

string(133) " has comparative advantage in X \(gives up 1Y for additional 1X †¦ whereas country A needs to give up 2Y for an additional X\)\." Test Version A SEMESTER I EXAMINATIONS Mid-Term Assessment ECON 30110 Microeconomics II Time Allowed: 50 minutes Instructions for Candidates This exam counts for 30% of the Module Grade. All questions carry equal marks. Note there is NO negative marking Correct answer is worth 1 mark. We will write a custom essay sample on Equilibrium: Supply and Demand and Price or any similar topic only for you Order Now No answer or more than one answer, will both receive a 0 mark. Incorrect answer will receive a 0 mark. Attempt all 20 questions. Shade in the box in the appropriate space with a HB pencil on the RESPONSE SHEET. Write the test version at the top of the RESPONSE SHEET You may use the paper provided to make notes or calculations to help you. Instructions for Invigilators Foreign language/English dictionaries are permitted. Non-Programmable Calculators are permitted NO MOBILE PHONES ALLOWED 1. If two people in a pure exchange economy have identical utility functions, then they: a) may want to trade if their marginal rates of substitution are different b) will want to trade if they are on the contract curve c) will not want to trade if their consumption bundles are not Pareto-efficient d) will only want to trade if they are not at their endowment e) may want to trade if the price ratio is not equal to one nswer a If MRSA is not equal to MRSB, the two consumers will be able to arrange a mutually beneficial trade. Mutually beneficial trade will not occur only when the allocation of resources among A and B is already efficient. In the case of our two-consumer economy, MRSA=MRSB indicates an efficient allocation of goods (on contract curve). 2. Suppose in a two-good (X and Y) two-person (Ann and Bob) exchange economy, the MRS for person A is YA/XA and the MRS for B is YB/XB. The total amount of X is 40 and the total amount of Y is 40. Ann has an initial endowment of 10 units of X and 30 of Y, while Bob has the remainder. This implies: a) No trade will take place. b) Ann will give some of Y to Bob in exchange for X. c) Ann will give some of X to Bob in exchange for Y. d) Ann will give some of X and Y to Bob. e) There is no enough information to make any predictions Answer b: MRSA = 30/10 = 3 Ann will give 3Y for 1X (or 1Y for 1/3X) MRSB = 10/30 = 1/3 †¦. Bob will give 1Y for 3X (or 1X for 1/3Y) Ann will trade Y for X (gives 1Y for min 1/3X and Bob accepts †¦.. n exchange for 1 Y will give up to 3X) 3. An Edgeworth Box is shown for individuals A and B, along with the contract curve. Which of the allocations b through i can be reached through free trade from â€Å"a†, and once they have been reached no further mutually beneficial trade is possible? a) Allocations b, e and f only b) Allocations c, i and f only c) Allocations d, c, i, g and h only d) Allocations c and i only e) None of these Answer: d Given endowment a, only points within the lens shaped area are mutually beneficial, or pareto superior (so points c, i and f). That is to say, any point outside of this lens would result in at least one of the individuals being worse off compared with point a. However, at only the points on the contract curve illustrate outcomes that are pareto efficient – where the indifference curves are just tangent (MRS of A and B are equal). That is to say, pareto efficiency means that no one can be made better off without someone else being made worse off. So all the gains from trade are exhausted and no further mutually beneficial trade is possible. Point f is not on the contract curve, represents a case where MRS of A and B are different, and hence a case where further mutually beneficial trade is possible. ) 4. An Edgeworth Box is shown for individuals A and B. The endowment point E represents the initial allocation of the goods X and Y. A price line is shown passing through points E, A and B, representing a given price ratio of –PX/PY. At this given price ratio, which of the following statements is Tr ue? a) We are at a competitive equilibrium ) To achieve a competitive equilibrium, the price of good Y will rise and/or the price of good X must fall c) To achieve a competitive equilibrium, the price of good X will rise and/or the price of good Y must fall d) To achieve a competitive equilibrium the price of both goods must rise e) We cannot achieve a competitive equilibrium given the initial endowment Answer b At the given price ratio, there is excess demand for Y and excess supply of X. This means that the price of good Y will rise and/or the price of good X must fall. Process continues until all excess demand and supply are eliminated, and IC tangent to each other (on the Contract curve) and to the price line (which will now be flatter. So in the competitive equilibrium all markets clear, MRSA = MRSB = PX/PY. (see lecture overheads) 5. Suppose the production possibilities for two countries, A and B, producing two goods, X and Y, are as follows: | A| B| X| 2| 7| Y| 4| 7| They can each produce any linear combination as well. Measuring X on the horizontal axis, the joint production possibility frontier: a) will kink away from the origin at 7 units of X. ) will kink toward the origin at 7 units of X. c) will kink away from the origin at 2 units of X d) will kink toward the origin at 2 units of X e) will not have a kink answer: a jointly the countries can produce either a total of 9X or 11Y. MRT of A is – 4/ 2= -2 MRT of B is – 7/7 = -1 Country B has comparative advantage in X (gives up 1Y for additional 1X †¦ whereas country A needs to give up 2Y for an additional X). You read "Equilibrium: Supply and Demand and Price" in category "Essay examples" Country A has a comparative advantage in production of Y (gives up 1/2 X for additional 1Y †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ whereas B must give up 1X for additional Y) Jointly then can produce 9 X and 0 Y †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ or 11Y and 0 X. These define the intercepts of the joint PPF. Kink arises where both countries specialise in good in which have a comparative advantage: so B produces only X (i. e. 7X) and A produces only Y (i. e. 4Y) If jointly produce more than 7X then B produces only X, and A both X and Y (with MRT of -2). If jointly produce more than 4Y then A produces 4Y and B both X and Y (with MRT of -1). Hence answer a 6. Competition results in the efficient product mix because: a) the slope of the production possibility frontier will equal the slope of the contract curve. b) the distribution of the final output is Pareto efficient. ) producers are setting MRT equal to minus the price ratio while consumers are setting MRS equal to minus the price ratio ensuring that MRT will equal MRS. d) consumers are on the contract curve e) none of these answer c ( see self assessment sheet 2, Q1, part iv. 7. One test of whether a firm is a profit-maximizing monopoly is to check whether the firm is operating in the elasti c portion of its demand curve. Why is this a relevant test and what would the elasticity be if the firm were maximizing revenue? a) If a firm were operating in the inelastic portion of the demand curve, it could raise its price and increase profit. Revenue is maximized when elasticity equals – 1. b) If a firm were operating in the inelastic portion of the demand curve, it could raise its price and increase profit. Revenue is maximized when elasticity equals 0. c) If a firm were operating in the elastic portion of the demand curve, it could raise its price and increase profit. Revenue is maximized when elasticity equals – 1. d) If a firm were operating in the elastic portion of the demand curve, it could raise its price and increase profit. Revenue is maximized when elasticity equals 0. e) None of these. Answer a see lecture and also self assessment sheet 3, question 1 part (v) for related question) 8. Consider a firm that is the sole producer of a homogeneous product. It faces a market demand function of Q =100 – P , where P is the price of the good, and Q is the quantity of the good demanded. The firm’s costs of production are given by 40Q. The profit maximising price is then given by: a) P = 100 b) P = 60 c) P = 30 d) P = 70 e) None of these solution d: Monopoly. Profits ? = TR-TC Profit max where MR = MC Q = 100 – P and hence P = 100 – Q So TR = 100Q – Q2 So MR = 100 – 2Q TC = 40Q so MC = 40 MR = MC implies 100 – 2Q = 40 Thus Q = 30 Therefore P = 100 – 30 = 70 9. Consider a firm that is the sole producer of a homogeneous product. It faces a market demand function of Q =100 – P , where P is the price of the good, and Q is the quantity of the good demanded. The firm’s costs of production are given by 40Q. Then the firm’s Lerner index is equal to: a) 1/2 b) 3/4 c) 11/7 d) 1 e) None of these Answer e: none of these From previous question, optimal P = 70 Lerner index = (p-c)/p = (70 – 40)/70 = 30 / 70 = 3/7 10. This figure shows the demand and cost curves facing a monopoly. 80 60 40 20 800 600 400 200 0 The deadweight loss of the monopoly is: a) 48000 ) 4000 c) 2000 d) 32000 e) None of these Answer c: Draw in MR curve – cuts horizontal axis at ? Q of demand function, and has same intercept at the D on the vertical axis. MR cuts horizontal axis at Q = 40 Setting MR = MC allows monopolist to charge P = 600 (and output of Q = 20) (note: alternatively, from picture ca n see that expression for demand function is P = 800 – 10Q †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. when Q = 0 then P = 800 †¦.. and slope given by – 800 / 80 = – 10 Hence, TR = 800Q – 10 Q2 and so MR = 800 – 20Q. Set MR = MC we get Q = 20 and substituting into inverse demand we get P = 600) Competitive output occurs where P = MC = 400 and so Q = 40 DWL = area of shaded triangle = ? (600 – 400) * (40 – 20) = 100*20 = 2000 11. Suppose a monopolists price elasticity of demand is –5, and the marginal cost of production equals â‚ ¬80. The monopolist’s profit maximising price is then equal to: a) 75 b) 400 c) 16 d) 100 e) Cannot be computed with the information given Answer d Lerner index = (p-c)/p = 1/e So (p – 80)/p = 1/5 Hence solving for p gives p = 100 12. If the government regulates a natural monopoly by forcing it to set a price equal to Marginal Cost then a) the natural monopoly will still make high profits. b) the natural monopoly will shut down ) the natural monopoly’s marginal cost curve will shift down. d) the natural monopoly’s marginal cost curve will shift up. e) the natural monopoly will earn zero profits answer b. Natural monopoly has MC below AC. So p = MC would mean loss – which would mean exit 13. perfect price discriminating monopolist: a) generates a dea dweight loss to society. b) Provides quantity discounts to customers buying larger quantities c) charges each buyer her reservation price. d) charges different prices to each customer based upon different costs of delivery. e) reduces, but does not eliminate, consumer surplus nswer c see lecture. With perfect price discrimination each consumer charged reservation price, which allows monopolist to fully extract consumer surplus (so CS is zero) and maximises total social welfare (so no deadweight loss) 14. A monopoly sells to two countries, and resales between the countries are impossible. The demand functions of the two countries are given as P1 = 100 – Q1 P2 = 120 – 2Q2 The monopolists marginal cost is â‚ ¬30. The profit maximising monopolist will set prices as follows: a) P1 = 65 and P2 = 75 b) P1 = 35 and P2 = 22. 5 c) P1 = 68. 33 = P2 d) P1 = 100 and P2 = 60 ) None of these Solution a: Profit max monop will choose p1 to max profit in country 1, and choose p2 to m ax profit in country 2. We have two separate demand functions. Hence, this implies MR1 = MC and set MR2 = MC TC = 30Q TR1 = 100Q1 – Q12 MR1 = 100 – 2Q1 = 30 MC Solving: Q1 = 35 And hence P1 = 100 – Q1 = 65 TR2 = 120Q2 – 2Q22 MR2 = 120 – 4Q2 = 30 MC Solving: Q2 = 45/2 = 22 ? And hence P2 = 120 – 2Q2 = 120 – 45 = 75 15. Two firms, A and B, selling identical products face an inverse market demand function given by P = 100 – Q, and each have a constant marginal cost of 40. The firms simultaneously choose quantities to maximise profit. Firm A’s reaction function can then be written as: f) qA = 30 – qB g) qA = 30 + ? qB h) qA = 60 – qB i) qA = 30 – ? qB j) None of these Answer d: DEMAND : P = 100 – Q Two firms in the industry, so Q = qA + qB Hence we can write P =100 – qA – qB Profit function for firm A: = TR – TC = P qA – C Thus, ? A = 100qA – qA2 – qAqB – 40qA Firm A will choose qA to maximise profit, given the qB set by its rival B †¦.. First order condition for profit maximisation then is A / ? qA = 100 –2 qA – qB – 40 = 0 Rearranging, we find qA = (60 – qB) / 2 = 30 – ? qB †¦.. this is firm A’s reaction function †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ in order to maximise it’s profit, firm A will choose and output qA that is a best response to qB †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Identical firms, so similarly qB = 30 – ? qA †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. this is firm B’s reaction function †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ in order to maximise it’s profit, firm B will choose and output qB that is a best response to qA†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 16. Two firms, A and B, selling identical products face an inverse market demand function given by P = 100 – Q, and each have a constant marginal cost of 40. The firms simultaneously choose quantities to maximise profit. The equilibrium outcomes are: k) P = 40 and qA = 30 = qB l) P = 60 and qA = 20 = qB m) P = 70 and qA = 15 = qB n) P = 100 and qA = 20 = qB o) None of these Answer b Solving reaction functions: 1) qA = 30 – ? qB 2) qB = 30 – ? qA Substituting equation (2) into equation (1) we can then solve for the optimal qA that A should choose to maximise profits†¦. qA = 30 – ? (30 – ? qA) qA = 20 Since we have identical firms, we know that similarly we can solve for qB = 20 Market quantity Q = qA+ qA = 40 And we can solve for the market price. Since P = 100 – Q this implies that P = 60 17. In a Bertrand model with differentiated products p) price is independent of marginal cost. q) firms set price at marginal cost. r) firms set price independently of one another. s) firms can set price above marginal cost. t) price may be either equal to or above marginal cost answer d 18. In a homogeneous good Bertrand model, the equilibrium price u) declines with the number of firms in the market v) is independent of the number of firms in the market w) is independent of marginal cost x) is above marginal cost . ) is the same as the monopoly price answer b (note n = 1 implies a monopoly and not an Oligopoly). for n = 2, p = mc †¦.. and for all n;2 price = mc so price does depend upon mc, is equal to mc, and is independent of the number of firms in the market 19. In the long run in a monopolistic competitive market, a) Firms will set P ; MC and produce where P = AC b) Firms will set P ; MC and produce where P ; AC c) Firms set P = MC and produce where P = AC d) Firms set P = MC and produce where P ; AC e) Total Social Welfare is maximised Answer a Have market power: set P ; MC †¦. ut no entry barriers, so in long run all profits are eroded and so P = AC and profits are zero 20. The payoff matrix for two firms, A and B, that must choose between setting a High or Low price strategy is shown as follows: | Firm B| Firm A| | Low| High| | Low| (10 , 10)| (25 , 5)| | High| (5 , 25)| (20,20)| A Nash equilibrium in this game is: a) Both firms set a High price b) Both firms set a Low price c) Firm A sets a Low price and firm B sets a High price d) Firm A sets a High price and firm B sets a Low price e) There is no nash equilibrium in this game Answer b How to cite Equilibrium: Supply and Demand and Price, Essay examples

Tikopia of Melanesia free essay sample

Tikopia of Melanesia Krishawn Smith Ant 101: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Instructor Shaun Sullivan July 8, 2011 Tikopia of Melanesia is an island of people set in the Polynesia Island chain called the Solomon Islands. The Tikopian Island is at the eastern most point of the chain of islands that sets in the South Pacific, and is set high as most Polynesian Islands, because it set in the remnants of an inactive volcano. The climate is one that is tropical and the island experiences two distinct weather seasons, one characterized by hot and humid days October through March, and the other April through September displays cooler, overcast, and rainy days With a population of approximately 1,200 on the island; there are also people of Tikopia that inhibit other islands in the chain. Although Tikopia is set in Melanesia, it is linguistically and culturally a Polynesian island.As a horticultural society the Tikopian people produce their own foods by cultivating crops and generally fishing, because there are little to no animals on the island. We will write a custom essay sample on Tikopia of Melanesia or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Food in this tropical climate yielded lots of vegetation such as: yams, taro, coconut, vegetables and fruit which were yielded in great quantities. The surrounding sea is a good source of food as well; with its abundance of shellfish and fish. Fowl and pigs were raised as well.According to anthropological studies conducted by Raymond Firth, and other anthropologist during the 19th and 20th centuries the social organization, kinship, and cultural and religious beliefs are as important to the distinction of the Tikopian people as the distinction of the several islands that make up Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia and the Solomon Islands respective. Tikopias unique culture and ability to be a unadulterated culture in which no western influence was able to penetrate until well after the World War I, and was able to contain its pure influence that is contained in itself.The following is a brief overview of the structure of the Tikopian culture and the general way of life. â€Å"The Tikopians are distributed into 21 villages located along the coastline. No particular settlement pattern characterizes these villages, nor are there any village headmen. Village households are most frequently composed of a single nuclear family, but households comprising extended families or nuclear families plus other kin are also common. The village is an important unit in cooperative economic activities.The 21 villages are divided into two major social-geographical districts, named Ravenga, and Faea. Relations between villages of the same district are characterized by mutual interest and cooperation for the most part. In contrast, relations between villages of different districts are marked by rivalry and hostility. Village and district distinctions are cross-cut by a system of four principal kin groups, which Firth (1936, 1959) calls patrilineal clans. The clans are further segmented into patrilineages. Clans are not localized; each has members in both districts and in many or most of the villages. But nearly every village has a preponderance of households of one clan, which is the politically and ritually dominant group in that village. Integrated with this system of kin and local groups is a strongly developed status system, which, when expressed in a political form, constitutes a rank structure with chiefs at its apex. Patrilineages are headed by chiefs (maru), who are usually the most senior men in the direct lines of descent from the lineage ancestors.Lineage heads have important political, ritual, and economic functions, but more important are the clan chiefs (ariki). Succession to these offices is determined by primogeniture and direct descent from the common clan ancestor. Clan chiefs are the traditional political and ritual leaders of the clan; they theoretically own all the land, are key figures in production and distribution, and major agents of social control. Each chief has two sets of advisors, one for each ritual and secular affairs.As a result of missionary activities, the Tikopians have become Christianized, and ritual advisors are no longer important. Although the clans are hierarchically ranked, the chief of the highest ranked clan should be considered as first among equals, rather than as a true paramount chief. Tikopian marriages are prohibited among relatives of the first degree of relationship according to their classificatory kin reckoning. Neither lineages nor clans function as exogamous units.People are divided into two classes, the chiefly class and the commoner class, according to lines of descent. Until recently, there was a preference for intra-class marriages, although this was not rigorously enforced. Polygyny is practiced, but monogamy is the prevalent form of marriage. Despite occasional separations of married couples, the Tikopians have no formal mechanisms for divorce. Delayed age of marriage for males, infanticide, and abortion are among the Tikopian practices that have traditionally functioned to control their population. The aboriginal Tikopian religious system was oriented around rituals for various ancestors and gods, with the aim of obtaining such ends as favorable weather, crop productivity, success in fishing, and the curing of illness. The most important mediators between the Tikopians and the supernaturals were the clan chiefs, or ariki. An ariki was thought to derive his religious powers (manu) from the gods, and he served as a priest in important rituals involving joint participation of the Tikopian clans as well as the ritual for his own clan. In addition, each lineage in a clan had a ritual elder (matapure or pure matua), appointed by the ariki, who dealt with lineage ritual (Firth 1970). Because of its remote and isolated location, Tikopia had few contacts with outside groups until well into the twentieth century. Tikopians occasionally visited other islands, but these trips were limited by the large distances and great hazards involved in canoe ocean voyages. Contacts by Westerners bega n sporadically around the beginning of the nineteenth century, but in 1927, when Firth did his initial fieldwork in Tikopia, the indigenous culture was largely intact. The major contact agents were, first, missionaries and, later, labor recruiters. By the 1950s, all the Tikopians had become Christianized, and most of the native ritual practices had ceased. Much of the Tikopian life style has remained intact, but the forces of Westernization have been making inroads throughout the twentieth century. Raymond Firth is the major authority on Tikopian ethnography, having spent 12 months in 1928-29, ca. 5 months in 1952 and a short time in 1966 on the island.The only study of Tikopia previous to Firths was made in 1910 by the Reverend W. J. Durrad, based on a stay of 2 months. † Tikopias natural ability to be a self contained, self governed island culture that has been able to avoid the homogenization of Western influence until recent time shows that the subsistence in agriculture and the ability to control population , and patrilineal kinship lineages are cultural tradition that allow them to be one of the oldest civilization known to existence. References:

Free Essays on Stress A Fine Line

Stress: A very fine line We are all familiar with the word â€Å"stress†, but there are many myths about it. Some people believe it means an individual is weak and unable to handle things properly. Others think it is an illness. Moreover, stress is an adaptive response. It is the body’s reaction to an event that is perceived as emotionally disturbing, disquieting, or threatening. When we perceive such an event, we experience what a stress researcher has called â€Å"fight or flight† response (Farrintong). To prepare for fighting or fleeing, the body increases its heart rate and blood pressure; more blood is pumped out to your heart and muscles and your respiration rate increases. Prolonged stress can cause many disorders, from minor to life threatening. Therefore, stress is divided in to two categories: acute and chronic. Acute stress generally is not very harmful, as long as it does not happen too often and your body has a chance to return to normal. However, it can trigger an abnormal heartbeat and even a heart attack in those with heart disease. Researchers have found that stress activates the body’s hormone system, provoking headaches, sleep deprivation and weight loss. Tension may be the first recognizable symptom of stress and is an early sign that the body might not be recovering from acute stress. Muscles are tense, tight and feel "hard" to the touch. A tense mind makes you feel jumpy, irritable, and unable to concentrate. This could be a signal to do something about s tress, both for immediate comfort and to prevent the long-term effects of stress. Furthermore, chronic stress can be the result of many instances of acute stress. In people with higher levels of chronic stress, the stress response is longer, contributing to their physical stress. Over time, chronic stress affects the nervous system and the immune system. The body becomes more vulnerable to many illnesses, from colds and minor infections to major diseases such ... Free Essays on Stress A Fine Line Free Essays on Stress A Fine Line Stress: A very fine line We are all familiar with the word â€Å"stress†, but there are many myths about it. Some people believe it means an individual is weak and unable to handle things properly. Others think it is an illness. Moreover, stress is an adaptive response. It is the body’s reaction to an event that is perceived as emotionally disturbing, disquieting, or threatening. When we perceive such an event, we experience what a stress researcher has called â€Å"fight or flight† response (Farrintong). To prepare for fighting or fleeing, the body increases its heart rate and blood pressure; more blood is pumped out to your heart and muscles and your respiration rate increases. Prolonged stress can cause many disorders, from minor to life threatening. Therefore, stress is divided in to two categories: acute and chronic. Acute stress generally is not very harmful, as long as it does not happen too often and your body has a chance to return to normal. However, it can trigger an abnormal heartbeat and even a heart attack in those with heart disease. Researchers have found that stress activates the body’s hormone system, provoking headaches, sleep deprivation and weight loss. Tension may be the first recognizable symptom of stress and is an early sign that the body might not be recovering from acute stress. Muscles are tense, tight and feel "hard" to the touch. A tense mind makes you feel jumpy, irritable, and unable to concentrate. This could be a signal to do something about s tress, both for immediate comfort and to prevent the long-term effects of stress. Furthermore, chronic stress can be the result of many instances of acute stress. In people with higher levels of chronic stress, the stress response is longer, contributing to their physical stress. Over time, chronic stress affects the nervous system and the immune system. The body becomes more vulnerable to many illnesses, from colds and minor infections to major diseases such ...

Indian Castes and Feudal Japanese Classes (Comparison)

Indian Castes and Feudal Japanese Classes (Comparison) Although they arose from very different sources, the Indian caste system and the feudal Japanese class system have many features in common. Yet the two social systems are dissimilar in important ways, as well. Are they more alike, or more different? The Essentials Both the Indian caste system and the Japanese feudal class system have four main categories of people, with others falling below the system entirely. In the Indian system, the four primary castes are: Brahmins:  Hindu priestsKshatriyas:  the kings and warriorsVaisyas:  farmers, traders, and skilled artisans  Shudras  tenant farmers and servants. Below the caste system there were the untouchables, who were considered so impure that they could contaminate people from the four castes just by touching them or even being too close to them. They did unclean jobs such as scavenging animal carcasses, tanning leather, etc. The untouchables are also known as dalits or harijans. Under the feudal Japanese system, the four classes are: Samurai, the warriors​FarmersArtisansMerchants. As with Indias untouchables, some Japanese people fell below the four-tier system. These were the burakumin and hinin. The burakumin served essentially the same purpose as untouchables in India; they did butchering, leather tanning, and other unclean jobs, but also prepared human burials. The hinin were actors, wandering musicians, and convicted criminals. Origins of the Two Systems Indias caste system arose out of the Hindu belief in reincarnation. A souls behavior in its previous life determined the status it would have in its next life. Castes were hereditary and fairly inflexible; the only way to escape a low caste was to be very virtuous in this life, and hope to be reborn in a higher station the next time. Japans four-tier social system came out of Confucian philosophy, rather than religion. According to Confucian principles, everyone in a well-ordered society knew their place  and paid respect to those stationed above them. Men were higher than women; elders were higher than young people. Farmers ranked just after the ruling samurai class  because they produced the food that everyone else depended upon. Thus, though the two systems seem quite similar, the beliefs from which they arose were rather different. Differences between Indian Castes and Japanese Classes In the feudal Japanese social system, the shogun and the imperial family were above the class system. Nobody was above the Indian caste system, though. In fact, kings and warriors were lumped together in the second caste - the Kshatriyas. Indias four castes were actually sub-divided into literally thousands of sub-castes, each with a very specific job description. The Japanese classes were not divided in this way, perhaps because Japans population was smaller and much less ethnically and religiously diverse. In Japans class system, Buddhist monks and nuns were outside of the social structure. They were not considered lowly or unclean, just detached from the social ladder. In the Indian caste system, in contrast, the Hindu priestly class were the highest caste - the Brahmins. According to Confucius, farmers were far more important than merchants, because they produced food for everyone in society. Merchants, on the other hand, did not make anything - they simply profited off of trade in other peoples products. Thus, farmers were in the second tier of Japans four-tier system, while merchants were at the bottom. In the Indian caste system, however, merchants and land-holding farmers were lumped together in the Vaisya caste, which was the third of the four varnas or primary castes. Similarities between the Two Systems In both the Japanese and Indian social structures, the warriors and rulers were one and the same. Obviously, both systems had four primary categories of people, and these categories determined the sort of work that people did. Both the Indian caste system and Japanese feudal social structure had unclean people who were below the lowest rung on the social ladder. In both cases, though their descendants have much brighter prospects today, there continues to be discrimination against people who are perceived as belonging to these outcast groups. Japanese samurai and Indian Brahmins were both considered to be well above the next group down. In other words, the space between the first and second rungs on the social ladder was much wider than that between the second and third rungs. Finally, both the Indian caste system and Japans four-tiered social structure served the same purpose: they imposed order and controlled the social interactions among people in two complex societies. The Two Social Systems Tier Japan India Above the System Emperor, Shogun Nobody 1 Samurai Warriors Brahmin Priests 2 Farmers Kings, Warriors 3 Artisans Merchants, Farmers, Artisans 4 Merchants Servants, Tenant Farmers Below the System Burakumin, Hinin Untouchables

Approach to managing people including flexible working arrangements Essay

Approach to managing people including flexible working arrangements and workplace diversity policies - Essay Example Flexible time can be defined as an alternative work schedule to the traditional 9 to 5 in which the employees are able to set their own schedules (Dol). The use of flexible time is viable at companies that have a work week that goes beyond 9 to 5 such as firms with double and triple shifts. The implementation of a flexible time program can be beneficial to both employees and employers. One of the greatest benefits of flexible time for the employees is that it allows them to have a better work life balance. For instance single parents can arrange their schedule so that they are free a few hours in the afternoon to go pick up their kids at school. Four additional benefits of flexible time are a reduction in the employee commuting time and fuel costs, avoidance of traffic rush and stress associated with rush hour, reduction in employee burnout due to overload, and increase in personal control over work scheduling (Heathfield, 2013). Corporations benefit from the implementation of flexib le time due to higher employee productivity. Employees that use flexible time also tend to have lower absenteeism and higher retention rate than employees working a traditional 9 to 5 week. The human resource department must closely monitor the flexible time arrangement of each employee to ensure they are complying with their 40 hours of labor each week. Companies today must manage diversity in the workplace. â€Å"Workforce diversity involves differences based on gender, race, and ethnicity, age, able-bodiedness and sexual orientation† (Schermerhorn, Hunt, Osborn, 2003, pg.5). Success in the workplace occurs when the employees are able to set their differences aside and work towards a common goal. Organizations must institute diversity policies. The diversity policy must include harsh penalties for employees that discriminate against other workers due to diversity issues. Diversity should be visualized

Business proposal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Business proposal - Assignment Example The company records low unit sales and lags behind Volkswagen AG and BMW in China. The stiff competition has to overall underperformance in China. The aim of this proposal is to look at the challenge facing the company and how they can be solved. It targets prospective investors and luxury automobile dealers who are willing to explore business opportunities in order to meet their goals. The audience needs to be concerned because any threat to the downfall of the Mercedes-Benz will affect them. Because the Mercedes-Benz defines class, prestige and luxury, its fall in the market will translate to lose of status and class and profit to the targeted audience. In order to Increase Unit sales and beat the stiff competition, Mercedes-Benz should first carry out research on consumer tastes and preferences to establish their needs. The findings will lead to the second solution of investing on new models. Adjusting its organization structure to be more flexible is yet another solution to the p roblem. A flexible structure ought to be established because it supports quick decision making and newer models will lead to increased market share hence beating the competition. The proposal also gives a solution of developing a cohesive strategy of targeting areas that highly populated with high class persons. Such audience have the capacity of buying the Mercedes-Benz which is likely to boost its sales. Despite having achieved high record sales of 1.46 million cars globally last year, the Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz car faces a lot of stiff competition from the Germany rivals and small cars who are still leading in terms of profitability, unit sales and appeal especially to the younger generation (Acquisdata snapshot 50). The major root of the challenge facing the Mercedes-Benz stems from the China market where it records under-performance. The China market is a vital market to pay attention to because it of its high