ICT Report 3C Essay Example for Free

ICT Report 3C Essay The impact if ICT on a person with special / particular needs. For this report I have researched Yukomi Lee Chong. Yukomi Lee Chong is the personal assistant for the director of education in Brent council. Two years ago he had a stroke which had a huge impact on his life as he had to take some time of work. The stroke resulted in a loss of control with his fingers and a slight loss of control in his wrist. The effects of this was bad and meant that he couldnt actually clench his fingers together could move his hand about. Not only did this have a huge impact on his on his work but it also had a huge impact on his home and social life. When Yukomi Lee Chong first became disabled it took him a while to get used to ways of coping with this. The work he did at the council required him to use a computer very often in typing up letters minutes for meting and also I take minutes during the meeting after his stroke his employer and himself had to work out ways of performing his duties so that he could continue with his work as effectively as possible. Unfortunately the stroke left him with little control over my right hand and because he was right handed he had to learn to use my left hand for simple thing like opening doors or switching on, lights. Another main problem his disability causes was when he had to use the telephone and especially difficult to use mobile phones this meant that he had to learn to use his left hand much more effectively. His personal life involves the use of the computer to chat to friends abroad and to join in on chat room s about things hes interested in like computers and politics. He generally stays in touch with my friends using the mobile phone and also by using email so they can arrange night out. Despite having a stoke he still has a very active role in the family. Trackball A trackball is a pointing device consisting of a ball housed in a socket containing sensors to detect rotation of the ball about two axes similar to an upside-down mouse, but with a bigger ball sticking out more. The user rolls the ball with their thumb, fingers, or the palm of their hand to move a cursor. Tracker balls are commonly used with disabled people but are also used on CAD workstations. Some clip onto the side of the keyboard and have integral buttons which have the same function as mouse buttons. Trackballs are sometimes seen on computerised special-purpose workstations, such in an air-traffic control room. Military mobile anti-aircraft radars and submarine also use trackballs. The advantages of tracker balls are that: Ball movement depends entirely on the thumb. Therefore the user has no stress or constraint on movement of the rest of their hand, arms, or shoulder. The thumb provides excellent control over the ball and this is entirely independent from the action of the fingers which control the switches. Ball movement is sensed optically so dust does not upset movement detection. After perhaps a lot of use (a month or two of my several hours a day computer use), it is necessary to pull the ball out and use a cotton-bud to remove dust which collects around the three support spheres. You will know to do this when the ball does not move perfectly freely, as it should. The right hand rests naturally on the device. There is no need for a mouse mat or desk room for mouse movement so less desk space is required. There is no need for a flat surface. If used with a laptop, you could rest it on your knee. The disadvantages of trackball: The trackball costs significantly more than a mouse. A mouse may be better for drawing actions in a graphic program. The right hand must be used. Trackballs have had some limited use in computer and video games, particularly early arcade games. Console trackballs, meanwhile, are fairly uncommon. His work at the council requires me to use a computer very often in typing up letters minutes for meting and also he also takes minutes during the meeting after his stroke he had to work out ways of performing his roles and his employer particularly had to work out ways of performing my duties so that he could continue with my work as effectively as possible. This is why he has a tracker ball to allow him to continue with work efficiently without the tracker ball he would suffer lots as it is very hard to use a normal mouse for some one with a mobility problem. I had an interview with the occupational health adviser which was very help full in advising of various technologies which could help me to continue my work social and personal life as best as possible one of the technologies she introduced me to was the tracker ball mouse this mouse way very use to me in allowing me to control the devises and to control the mouse around the screen it was called the able track mouse and it also has to external hand switches because I cant actually use the buttons on the tracker ball mouse I use the external hand switches to do left hand and right hand clicks which is very useful to me my employer bought this for me so I can continue my work and I have now bought one at home so I can use the computer at home in the same away. The able track mouse has been amazing in allowing me to control the computer its not to sensitive so that any wild movements dont move the mouse to much the only problem is that maybe I have to move my wrist quite far to click on the buttons on the left and right of the mouse and it would be nice to be able to maybe press down on the tracker ball to have a left hand click that would be quite useful but apart from that it really is very helpful in allowing me to navigate through the computer and I can use it just like a normal mouse in every way. I need to keep in touch with my family abroad using msn instant messenger and email without the tracer ball mouse I wouldnt be able to use the computer to access the software a normal mouse would be to difficult for me to use and I would not be able to hold it properly and I would be able to click on the buttons and it has been a life saver. I have a sister in Jamaica who I try and contact as often as possible and again the internet allows me to do this effectively without having to use effective telephone calls. I like many people that feel the need to go out on Friday night and I usually arrange this using instant messenger or emails as I can email lots of people at the same time or group of friend that meet on a Friday night and we can line up on a white brooder note when I use ICT outside of work and home I do get upset about the lack of access to mice that are appropriate for me its very rare like in a internet cafi particularly of there to be any devises that are useful to me and even in local libraries I have difficulties. At work I need to produce word documents I need to handle email produce emails receive and transfer forward on emails I need to take minutes at meeting produce agendas and handle a number of spreadsheets and databases to do this I need some form of input devise to control the mouse pointer and I find that the track ball mousse I perfect for this although maybe these is another technology out there that may bee a little quicker for me I dont know. The other day I was very bust I had to produce the minutes for the directors meeting and give them out on the same afternoon and I was very aware that the control over the computer that I have is not as good as it use be maybe before I could have produced this document in half the time using word but now its taking longer because the lesser control I have over the mouse pointer particularly navigating around the window in word dragging and editing text is quite difficult.

Basic Assumptions in Accounting

Basic Assumptions in Accounting Accounts are produced by all companies as a way of providing information to all third parties interested in the company’s performance. One of the primary aims of these accounts is to reduce the problems inherent in the agency relationship of the directors with the other interested stakeholders such as investors, employees and even government bodies. Due to the wide range of uses for accounts, it is little wonder that research into the way that these accounts are drafted and presented has had to lay down some fundamental assumptions in the way that accounts are written. However, in reality the assumptions that have underlined the analysis of accounts may, at times, be flawed, causing the overall analysis of these accounts to be at best incomplete and possibly even inaccurate (Hermanson, 2005)[1]. Assumption 1 – Accounts are Primarily for Shareholders This is a very common assumption and in many cases is not a damaging one. Even the law seems to support this assumption, with legislation requiring that annual accounts are produced and supplied to the shareholders (Companies Act 2006)[2]. This fuels the concept that the accounts are for the use of the shareholders, only. It is true, however, that accounts are largely for shareholders. The company belongs to the shareholders and is managed and run by the directors. This structure produces an agency problem with those running the business not being those individuals who ultimately benefit or suffer from its success or failure. Shareholders need the accounts in order to determine whether their investment is safe, whether they should be investing more, withdrawing their investment or asking certain questions of the board in relation to policies or activities. The accounts give valuable information to the shareholders in relation to the volume of sales, profitability, comparative analysis of key competitors and the overall value of the shares. Accounting standards have been developed with this key use in mind. It is necessary for all accounts to be audited by an independent auditor to determine that the accounts offer a true and fair value of the state of the financial position of the company. This is, of course, vital for the shareholders as they must trust the accounts being produced by the directors to be accurate, in order for them to make their investment decisions. Whilst all of these principles appear to be geared towards the shareholders, there are other users of the accounts that benefit equally from the standard set out in relation to published accounts. Other key users include the lenders. For many businesses, these stakeholders are absolutely vital and they will be largely interested in the same information as the shareholders, although will only really be concerned about whether the company has sufficient resource to pay back the loan that they have advanced to the company and that suitable security over assets exists (Watts, 2003)[3]. Employees are clearly interested in knowing the health and profitability of the company so that they can be comfortable with their own job security. However, this stakeholder group is often overlooked, despite its central role within the organisation. In addition, government agencies should not be overlooked, with agencies such as HM Revenue and Customs requiring information in order to collect the correct amount of corporation taxes (Brennan, 2000)[4]. Therefore, whilst shareholders may be the most visible group of stakeholders with an interest in the accounts, there are other stakeholders which also have an interest and should not be disregarded. Assumption 2 Accounting Measures a Concrete Reality which is Out There Prepared accounts are required to follow the basic principles such as relevance, understandability, consistency and comparability. Therefore, whilst accounts are prepared in line with the directors’ decisions and interpretations, there are certain underlying rules that must be followed to ensure that the accounts are as close to an unbiased, concrete reflection of the state of the business as is possible. In particular, this is important for the benefit of investor and shareholder comparisons. In order to make suitable judgements regarding investments and decisions about which company should be given support, the accounts of the two companies must be comparable. To be comparable the accounts must be as objective and factual as possible. However, just because it is desirable for the accounts to be a concrete reflection of what is ‘out there’ in the company does not mean that this is an assumption which can be drawn as being true. This need for consistency has been recognised by the International Accounting Standards Board which has developed, in so far as is possible, the financial reporting standards that companies need to follow in a bid to ensure that accounts are as close to being a concrete and comparable reflection as possible (Kroll, 2004)[5]. Take, for example, the way in which a company chooses to report its cash earned. The company could choose to operate on either a cash or on an accrual basis. Under the cash basis, the company would report income as soon as it actually arrives within the company, whereas the accrual basis shows the income earned at the time of the writing of the accounts, regardless of whether or not it has been already received. It is clear to see that the choice as to whether to follow a cash model or an accrual model will have a significant impact on the way in which the profit and loss appears in relation to the company. Other policies that are managed by international standards include issues such as the treatment of goodwill or depreciation, both areas that have traditionally allowed considerable director discretion. By having these basic accounting standards that companies must follow, there is certainly a move towards establishing concrete accounts. This, however, has not been fully achieved yet and, therefore, it is not fair to assume that all accounts are a completely concrete reflection of what is ‘out there’. Assumption 3 – Accounting Can be Neutral Clearly, it is desirable that financial accounts produced by companies are entirely neutral in the way that they are presented. Inaccuracy in accounts generally falls into two distinct categories, dishonesty or incompetence. Dishonesty has several different gradients and may be as simple as the desire by the management team to present a certain aspect of the business, whilst minimising the importance of other activities within the business. One of the main ways that a company could ensure that there is no element of dishonesty in the accounts is to have external auditors checking the accounts to ensure that they are a fair and accurate reflection of the company situation. Furthermore, with the financial reporting standards that have now been developed to ensure neutrality in the published accounts, companies are required to state definitively if they have deviated from the financial reporting standards, so that any move away from neutrality can be immediately and categorically identified. Therefore, whilst not all accounts will always be unbiased or neutral, identifying where neutrality has been deviated from, companies are now required to draw attention actively to this fact, thus increasing transparency. The use of external auditors in the preparation of the accounts is also a useful check and balance to ensure lack of misleading statements in the accounts (Cottingham, 1995)[6]. Despite all these measures, there remains the biased element of the accounts in the chairman’s statement. This is the opportunity for the board of directors to state their opinion and to detail the rationale of the company in terms of previous decisions and the direction which the company is taking in the longer term. This element of the report will naturally result in a non-neutral position (Goch, 1975)[7]. Company accounts are produced, as established earlier, for the benefit of many stakeholders, although primarily they are used by the shareholders and lenders to assist their investment decision. It is only natural, therefore, that companies will choose to forward their best possible position for the accounts. Whilst there are checks and balances in place in the form of financial reporting standards and the requirement of the independent auditor, it is fair to state the accounts are not entirely neutral, at all times. Assumption 4 Accountants are Professionals and Have the Ability to use Sound Judgement Accountants are used at all levels by companies of all sizes to manage the financial affairs of the company and ultimately to produce the accounts for external use, on an annual basis. All qualified accountants are required to be members of professional bodies such as Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales and have strict codes of professional ethics in relation to the way in which they conduct their role (Riahi-Belkaoui, 1992)[8]. Despite the need for these accountants to be controlled and to be managed in a way that they conduct their role, it is essential that they are given suitable freedom to exercise their own professional judgement. Increasing transparency requirements and the greater degree of prescription that is being placed on the accounting profession, in terms of financial reporting standards and requirement is changing the role of accountants in the preparation of accounts. Accounting standards have resulted in accountancy becoming much more of a science than an art form. There is a danger in this shift of emphasis. Accountants are professionals and their sound professional judgement is essential in ensuring that the most accurate company accounts are produced. However, this sound professional judgement is only useful if it is unbiased to the company itself, i.e. through an independent accountant or auditor (Thomas Keim, 2003)[9]. Internal accountants who are employees of the company are under the influence of the directors and, as such, may have an unhelpful level of bias towards the company. In this case, where there are competing requirements, accountants cannot be relied upon to exercise the same degree of sound professional judgment. Published accounts are only as good as the information that is supplied to the accountants preparing these accounts. If accountants are not given the full information in relation to the company, they will simply not produce accurate accounts, regardless of how sound their professional judgment is (Chisnall, 2001)[10]. Professional accountants, as a whole, are required under their own code of ethics to exercise professional judgment when conducting their roles and this is generally followed. Constraints are increasingly being placed on the way in which accountants can prepare accounts and this is restricting the ability to exercise professional judgment in all cases. Care must also be taken when considering accountants who are biased due to their position with the company. Conclusions Many assumptions are made when it comes to published financial accounts. In almost all cases, these assumptions are not universally true and care should always be taken to reconsider these assumptions, whenever accounts are being analysed. Any deviations from these assumptions could dramatically impact on the way in which the company accounts are viewed by all stakeholders concerned. Bibliography Brennan, N. Gray, S.J., 2000. Accountants’ reports on profit forecasts: regulation and practice. Managerial Auditing Journal, 15, 9. Chisnall, P., 2001. Fair value accounting – an industry view. Balance Sheet, 9, 1. Cottingham, J. Hussey, R., 1995. The Prevention of Misleading Accounts Through Disclosures of Related Party Transactions. Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance, 3, 4. Goch, D., 1975. The Changing Face of the Annual Report. Managerial Finance, 1, 3. Hermanson, R.H., Edwards, J.D. Maher, M.W., 2005. Accounting Principles. 8th ed., Freeload Press, Inc. Riahi-Belkaoui, A., 1992. Morality in Accounting. Quorum Books. Kroll, K.M., 2004. The Lowdown on Lean Accounting: A New Way of Looking at the Numbers. Journal of Accountancy, 198. Thomas Keim, M. Grant, C.T., 2003.To Tell or Not to Tell: An Auditing Case in Ethical Decision Making and Conflict Resolution. Issues in Accounting Education, 18. Watts, R. L., 2003. Conservatism in Accounting Part I: Explanations and Implications. Accounting Horizons, 17. Footnotes [1] Hermanson, R.H., Edwards, J.D. Maher, M.W., 2005. Accounting Principles. 8th ed., Freeload Press, Inc. [2] Companies Act 2006. Section 413. [3] Watts, R.L., 2003. Conservatism in Accounting Part I: Explanations and Implications. Accounting Horizons, 17. [4] Brennan, N. Gray, S.J., 2000. Accountants’ reports on profit forecasts: regulation and practice. Managerial Auditing Journal, 15, 9. [5] Kroll, Karen M., 2004. The Lowdown on Lean Accounting: A New Way of Looking at the Numbers. Journal of Accountancy, 198. [6] Cottingham, J. Hussey, R., 1995. The Prevention of Misleading Accounts Through Disclosures of Related Party Transactions. Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance, 3, 4. [7] Goch, D., 1975. The Changing Face of the Annual Report. Managerial Finance, 1, 3. [8] Riahi-Belkaoui, A., 1992. Morality in Accounting. Quorum Books. [9] Thomas Keim, M. Grant, C.T., 2003. To Tell or Not to Tell: An Auditing Case in Ethical Decision Making and Conflict Resolution. Issues in Accounting Education, 18. [10] Chisnall, P., 2001. Fair value accounting – an industry view. Balance Sheet, 9, 1.

Parental Punishment And Accountability For Child Misbehavior Young People Essay

Parental Punishment And Accountability For Child Misbehavior Young People Essay Introduction The concept of parental liability laws in other words, taking a harsher stance toward parents for a juveniles crime has created its share of controversy. On the other hands, advocates claimed that parents did have the proper influence over children, and should be responsible if parents dont know where their children are, or what they are doing, they are accountable for the childrens illegal acts (Tyler et al, 2000). However, those who point out that child doesnt learn to be held accountable if they commit crimes and even the strictest parenting dont prevent a teenager from doing something stupid or reckless. Others point out that by punishing parents for what children do, the root cause of the crime isnt uncovered (Tyler et al, 2000).These arguments simply dont hold water. Parental accountability is very important when it comes to raising a child. Certainly teenagers (and adolescents) will get into mischief. But if parents are unwilling to take responsibility for learning what thei r children are up to (or where their children are), they need to be punished if their children misbehave, or even if they break the law. Parental Influence on Children Though parental liability laws are creating a great deal of controversy, there is little doubt that parents exert a huge influence on children and their behaviour. One research proves that alcoholics were likely to have parents who were alcoholics, while domestic abusers were likely abused themselves as children. Academic and research literature contains a wealth of information tying parental influence to childrens behaviour. In the area of peer influence, for example, Chen et al (2007) note that, in a study among California and Wisconsin high school students, it was found that parental influence on peer affiliation still is significant even as parental involvement in adolescents lives diminishes. But it isnt only growing teens that respond to parental influences. Infants, even very young infants, respond to parental stress and react to it (Molfese et al, 2010). In fact, it has been revealed that parental stress and/or reaction can actually have an impact on vocabulary and cognitive development (Molfese et al, 2010). On the other side weve seen literature extolling the positive benefits of tools such as parental training on the success of children. For example, Sheely-Moore and Bratton (2010) discussed how a family-oriented, strengths-based approach toward working with lower-income African American families helped raise childrens grades while lowering school discipline problems. The authors in this study pointed to the need of positive parental involvement on childrens academic achievement and socio-economic development, though pointed out that parental involvement can be difficult for those who live in poverty (Sheely-Moore and Bratton, 2010). Furthermore, it has been proven that parental influence also has an influence on driving among their teenage offspring (Crawford-Faucker, 2009). According to the National Young Driver Survey (involving 5,665 students in grades 9 through 11) parenting styles had a definite impact on choices the young drivers made (Crawford-Faucker, 2009). The authoritative parenting style combining emotional support with clear rules and monitoring had a definite (and positive) influence on driving-related behaviours and other attitudes among adolescents (Crawford-Faucker, 2009). These teens had a lower crash risk, experienced fewer crashes as passengers and were twice as likely to wear seat belts as a driver (or passenger) then were teens with uninvolved parents (Crawford-Faucker, 2009). Furthermore, this group reported less alcohol use (Crawford-Faucker, 2009). But harsh verbal and physical discipline isnt necessary the way to go, either. McKee et al (2007) studied harsh verbal and physical discipline and child problem behaviours in a sample of 2,582 parents and their fifth and sixth grade children. The findings indicated that the harsh discipline was associated with child behaviour problems, with one dimension of positive parenting parental warmth helping to buffer children from the more detrimental influences of the harsher physical discipline (McKee et al, 2007). In this section that parents have a huge influence on their kids, whether those kids are tiny, helpless infants or defiant teenagers. Children tend to mimic their parents, for better or for worse. Some years ago, the organization Partnership for a Drug-Free America aired a series of advertisements showing a father breaking into his sons room, drug paraphernalia in his hands. Where did you get this? the father thunders. Where did you get this and how do you know about it?I know about it by watching you! the son cries out. I watched you do it! The point of the commercial, of course, is that children will take their cues from their parents. If parents act in a responsible manner and own up to a mistake or problem situation, children will take that same cue. If, however, parents are carelessness and put the blame on other people for their own mistakes, children will do the same things. Discussion The issue we need to address here, however, is that this is not necessarily a black or white scenario. Tyler et al (2000) point out that the parental liability laws, in which parents are charged with the crime committed by their offspring, could end up penalizing the poor. In a poor family, both parents might be working leaving their children to their own devices, simply because they cant afford child care. Furthermore, if a child is delinquent, poor people (at least, in theory) may not be able to afford counselling to find out the problem. Few people want their children to be delinquent (especially lower-income people). But then again, even among poor families, we find out that not all children are delinquent. What is the difference between the well-behaved children of poorer families and those who act out? One word: Parenting. Even if there isnt a male role model in the house, many times, the matriarch of the family takes a strict stance among her offspring, raising Cain if the offspring get into trouble. Furthermore, there are resources for parents of lower income families to find help for their children if there are issues. Though going through governmental red tape can be a hassle to find a counsellor, a community agency or even religious organization official can be of great help in an area such as this. The point here is that there is really no excuse for the parent not to get help if the child acts out.What about if the childs mother is little more than a child herself? If this is a situation of a teenage mother who doesnt know how to parent, the situation changes a little, but not a whole lot. The teen mother still needs to be penalized, and then needs to be mandated to attend parenting classes. Failure to do so is the teen moms choice and if the teen mom doesnt attend classes, this tells the law enforcement officials that her defiance could be passed on to her children. Poverty isnt a good thing and it makes things very difficult, especially as it pertains to the parent-child relationship. But to use that excuse not to charge parents for a childs conduct is passing on responsibility. Such a situation may serve as a wake-up call for not only the child, but the parent who is involved with the childs upbringing. Conclusion Parenting is not an easy job and there is nothing more frustrating than hearing from the school or from the police that ones child is in trouble. Furthermore, there are those who point to the fact that trying to manage an unruly team is tough, and its not the parents responsibility if the teen gets into trouble.But this isnt true. Weve shown, through the literature, that parents have influence on their teenagers, even if their teenagers dont seem to be listening to them. Parents who keep lecturing to their kids about the evils of drugs and alcohol abuse are likely to have kids who grow up disdaining both of those substances. However, if kids see their parents freely addicted in alcohol (or drugs), the kids will ask themselves why not? and go ahead do the same thing. Parental liability laws arent meant to be malicious, nor are they meant to beat up on parents. What they are trying to do is to help parents teach their kids some responsibility. Even parents in poverty stricken families have a choice as to how they raise their kids. If they make the wrong choice, and the kids break laws as a result, the parents need to be held responsible.

William Blake, the Jonah of London :: Blake Jonah London

William Blake, the Jonah of London missing works cited Through the streets and alleyways of Nineveh the prophet Jonah trudged. At every marketplace and city gate he joyously roared his tidings of evil, â€Å"forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned!† Two and a half millennia after the great fish vomited Jonah back onto dry land, William Blake faithfully follows that path of bilge and seaweed, bile and gall, into the fraternity of prophets and oracles. Just as Jonah was reluctant to prophesy to the Ninevites for fear that his enemies would hear and repent, Blake has a vested interest in perpetuating the blindness of his readers. In fact, even as he works his metaphysics to impose his â€Å"phantasy† as the prophet who proclaims the liberation of the world, he shows a full awareness that true success can only lead to his demise as a poet. Thus, standing upon his apple-crate in the marketplace, he chokes back his voice a little and mumbles in ciphers, desperately praying that he would not be understood. Amidst angry fires and hungry clouds the poet arises in prophet’s robes, and with a roar to shake the worlds to their very foundations proclaims the revival of â€Å"Eternal Hell†! Like Christ upon the commencement of his ministry, he boldly steps forth and seizes the words of Isaiah to legitimize his mission. He points to Isaiah’s vision of Edom becoming â€Å"blazing pitch (Isaiah XXXIV, v9)† and cries, â€Å"now is the dominion of Edom (plate 3)†; now is the fulfillment of the prophecy, â€Å"then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped,† and Blake, the prophet of Hell, shall be the one to fulfill it (Isaiah XXXV, v5). By positioning his first proclamation in parallel with Isaiah 34 and 35, Blake invites, or rather, forces dialogue between Isaiah and himself, and claims for himself Isaiah’s prophetic authority. Later, he dines with both Isaiah and Ezekiel in a symbolic gesture of equality and solidarity and discusses with them as one prophet to another the challenges that one faces in such a line of work (plate 12). Blake again establishes the bond between prophets and the fires of Hell by telling of an angel who, having been converted by a devil, embraces the fire and, consumed by it, arises as the prophet Elijah (plate 24). Thus allegiance to Hell, Bake claims, makes one a prophet.

Methods and Effects of Prenatal Genetic Testing Essay -- Science Biolo

Methods and Effects of Prenatal Genetic Testing I. Introduction Prenatal genetic testing has become one of the largest and most influencial advances in clinical genetics today. "Of the over 4000 genetic traits which have been distinguished to date, more than 300 are identifiable via prenatal genetic testing" (Morris, 1993). Every year, thousands of couples are subjecting their lives to the results of prenatal tests. For some, the information may be a sigh of relief, for others a tear of terror. The psychological effects following a prenatal test can be devastating, leaving the woman with a decision which will affect the rest of her life. For couples with previous knowledge of genetic disorders in their family and concerned parents, prenatal genetic testing is part of the regular pregnancy checkup. Making an appointment with a genetic counselor may seem strange or even frightening for some, still others view it a very common step being taken by many Americans today. The desire to have a "normal" child is held by every parent and only now are we beginning to have the ability to select for that child. In preparation to receiving genetic testing, the parents are required to meet with a genetic counselor. A detailed description of the testing methods are reviewed with the couple as well as the risks which are involved with each. Upon an understanding of the procedures, the counselor discusses the many possible outcomes which could be the result of the diagnosis. Finally, before any tests are performed, anxieties from either of the parents are addressed as well as the psychological well-being of the parents. II. Methods of Genetic Testing Procedures performed today are designed to evaluate the probability that a fet... ...s. Clarke, A. (1994). Genetic counseling: Practice and principles. London: Routledge. Fackelmann, K. (1994). DNA dilemmas: Readers and 'experts' weigh in on biomedical ethics. Science News, 146, 408-499. Mennuti, M. T. (1989). Prenatal diagnosis-Advances bring new challenges. The New England Journal of Medicine, 320, 661-663. Morris, D. T. (1993). Cost containment and reproductive autonomy: Prenatal genetic screening and the American health security act of 1993. American Journal of Law & Medicine, 20, 295-316. Spielman, B. (1995). [Review of Women and prenatal testing]. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 23, 199-201. Rothenberg, K. and Thomson, E. (1994). Women and prenatal testing. Columbus: Ohio State University Press. Watson, J. D., Gilman, M., Witkowski, J., Zoller, M. (1992). Recombinant DNA. New York: W. H. Freeman and Company.

1. Analyse Three Themes in the Novel Maru, Showing How These Themes Are Portrayed, How They Are Effective and How They Support Each Other as the Plot Progresses.

Born from a white mother and a black father, Bessie Head grew up in the early stages of Apartheid South Africa. In Maru she reflects upon her own experiences of love, loneliness and prejudice. Prejudice spreads as one discriminates against another and creates false images. Love contradicts loneliness, which diminishes as the plot progresses. Prejudice affects love and promotes loneliness. Initially one may assume that prejudice is only between different races. However, Bessie Head displays tribal prejudice through, â€Å"the expressions of disgust on the faces of the Batswana nurses as they wash the dead woman’s body for burial† (page 9-10).The nurses are reluctant to wash the dead woman’s body because she was Masarwa. Masarwas are considered as, â€Å"a low and filthy nation† (page 8), because they have decided to sustain their ancestral ways of life and customs. They have thus been pushed to the margin of society, â€Å"owned as slaves† (page 19), by the authoritative and affluent chiefs of the community. Being associated with Masarwa would infer that one stoops down to their level. For this reason, Moleka’s love for Margaret is suppressed. He loves her but is not keen to sacrifice his status for her.By, â€Å"[sharing] his plate of food and fork with one† (page 51), he wishes to show the community that Masarwa are equal to Batswana and eradicate the belief that they are non-human. Moleka attempts to terminate prejudice immediately. He does not understand that, â€Å"prejudice is like the skin of a snake. It has to be removed bit by bit† (age 48). This metaphor illustrates to the reader that change occurs over a long period of time. According to Moleka, this plate sharing becomes a symbol for the emancipation of the Masarwas and qualifies Margaret to be his equal.Moleka is a hypocrite because he wants to change other people’s attitudes towards Masarwa but he is not willing to walk down the aisle w ith Margaret. His prejudicial demeanours compel him to quash his feelings towards her. This shows that love does not always have the power to overcome prejudice. In addition, Margaret is lonely. Similar to Bessie Head, Margaret feels lost because she is unaware of where she belongs. Born a Masarwa but raised by an English woman,she is, â€Å"unable to fit into a definition of something as narrow as a tribe or race or nation† (page 11).Knowing which culture or group one belongs to defines a person. People discriminate against her because they do not know what she is. Margaret has no one to relate to. Nobody understands her. She lives in a village with magnitudes of people but in her heart she is alone. This is only until she encounters Moleka and experiences a, â€Å"bang! † (page 26), in her heart. This onomatopoeia is significant in Margaret’s life because it symbolises the beginning of her journey. She has always lived as a recluse but from this point onwards she instigates a presence that cannot be ignored.For the first time, she feels important because, â€Å"She [is] really no longer lonely† (page 26). Her relationship with Dikeledi is the closest Margaret comes to friendship. During her school career, Margaret is a brilliant, yet lonely student. The other students mock her by saying phrases such as, â€Å"you are just a bushman† (page 13). Prejudice, in this case causes loneliness. Bessie Head displays this throughout the novel. In Dilepe, Masarwa are slaves. When the news about Margaret being Masarwa spreads, she is ostracised by society because she is supposed to be a slave.Moreover, Maru’s marriage to Margaret appears to overcome her solitude. However, she still feels lonely due to the fact that she is not married to her first love, Moleka. She agrees to marry Maru because it is the only, â€Å"alternative to the living death into which she [has] so unexpectedly fallen† (page 120). Maru waits for the pe rfect moment, when Margaret loses her only companion and her first and only ‘love’, to propose marriage to her so that he appears to be her best option. He becomes her redeemer. Bessie Head uses the oxymoron, â€Å"living death† (page 120), to emphasize the severity of the situation Margaret finds herself in.It is so dreadful that it may be considered as fatal. She thinks that it is her decision to agree to marry Maru. Maru makes, â€Å"people do everything he [says] they [will]† (page 67). This brings into question whether he really loves Margaret or if he weds her in his attempt to conquer prejudice towards Masarwa. Maru realises that overcoming prejudice is a process that requires cautious planning. Furthermore, after the marriage between Maru and Margaret takes place, â€Å"a door silently [opens] on the small dark airless room in which their souls had been shut for a long time† (page 122).This metaphor describes the change that occurs as Maru h ad expected. The Masarwas are slowly being freed from the oppression that they have been subjected to. Bessie Head uses imagery, â€Å"small dark airless† (page 122), to give the reader an understanding of how the Masarwa suffer because of the Batswana. Love, loneliness and prejudice carry out a significant role in Margaret’s life. Bessie Head uses these three themes to demonstrate to the reader that in order to triumph one has to work hard and be strong.Margaret’s, â€Å"single abrupt tear from one eye† (page 18), shows that she, too, is human. Even though she is trained not to exhibit emotions her body unexpectedly displays her at moments when she is overwhelmed sensations that she does not understand nor come across before. In conclusion, where there is real love there is loneliness because and prejudice is one of the major entities that bring about loneliness in the novel. If there was no prejudice, there would have been fewer problems for everybody i n the town. Love is the source of happiness. 1. Analyse Three Themes in the Novel Maru, Showing How These Themes Are Portrayed, How They Are Effective and How They Support Each Other as the Plot Progresses. Born from a white mother and a black father, Bessie Head grew up in the early stages of Apartheid South Africa. In Maru she reflects upon her own experiences of love, loneliness and prejudice. Prejudice spreads as one discriminates against another and creates false images. Love contradicts loneliness, which diminishes as the plot progresses. Prejudice affects love and promotes loneliness. Initially one may assume that prejudice is only between different races. However, Bessie Head displays tribal prejudice through, â€Å"the expressions of disgust on the faces of the Batswana nurses as they wash the dead woman’s body for burial† (page 9-10).The nurses are reluctant to wash the dead woman’s body because she was Masarwa. Masarwas are considered as, â€Å"a low and filthy nation† (page 8), because they have decided to sustain their ancestral ways of life and customs. They have thus been pushed to the margin of society, â€Å"owned as slaves† (page 19), by the authoritative and affluent chiefs of the community. Being associated with Masarwa would infer that one stoops down to their level. For this reason, Moleka’s love for Margaret is suppressed. He loves her but is not keen to sacrifice his status for her.By, â€Å"[sharing] his plate of food and fork with one† (page 51), he wishes to show the community that Masarwa are equal to Batswana and eradicate the belief that they are non-human. Moleka attempts to terminate prejudice immediately. He does not understand that, â€Å"prejudice is like the skin of a snake. It has to be removed bit by bit† (age 48). This metaphor illustrates to the reader that change occurs over a long period of time. According to Moleka, this plate sharing becomes a symbol for the emancipation of the Masarwas and qualifies Margaret to be his equal.Moleka is a hypocrite because he wants to change other people’s attitudes towards Masarwa but he is not willing to walk down the aisle w ith Margaret. His prejudicial demeanours compel him to quash his feelings towards her. This shows that love does not always have the power to overcome prejudice. In addition, Margaret is lonely. Similar to Bessie Head, Margaret feels lost because she is unaware of where she belongs. Born a Masarwa but raised by an English woman,she is, â€Å"unable to fit into a definition of something as narrow as a tribe or race or nation† (page 11).Knowing which culture or group one belongs to defines a person. People discriminate against her because they do not know what she is. Margaret has no one to relate to. Nobody understands her. She lives in a village with magnitudes of people but in her heart she is alone. This is only until she encounters Moleka and experiences a, â€Å"bang! † (page 26), in her heart. This onomatopoeia is significant in Margaret’s life because it symbolises the beginning of her journey. She has always lived as a recluse but from this point onwards she instigates a presence that cannot be ignored.For the first time, she feels important because, â€Å"She [is] really no longer lonely† (page 26). Her relationship with Dikeledi is the closest Margaret comes to friendship. During her school career, Margaret is a brilliant, yet lonely student. The other students mock her by saying phrases such as, â€Å"you are just a bushman† (page 13). Prejudice, in this case causes loneliness. Bessie Head displays this throughout the novel. In Dilepe, Masarwa are slaves. When the news about Margaret being Masarwa spreads, she is ostracised by society because she is supposed to be a slave.Moreover, Maru’s marriage to Margaret appears to overcome her solitude. However, she still feels lonely due to the fact that she is not married to her first love, Moleka. She agrees to marry Maru because it is the only, â€Å"alternative to the living death into which she [has] so unexpectedly fallen† (page 120). Maru waits for the pe rfect moment, when Margaret loses her only companion and her first and only ‘love’, to propose marriage to her so that he appears to be her best option. He becomes her redeemer. Bessie Head uses the oxymoron, â€Å"living death† (page 120), to emphasize the severity of the situation Margaret finds herself in.It is so dreadful that it may be considered as fatal. She thinks that it is her decision to agree to marry Maru. Maru makes, â€Å"people do everything he [says] they [will]† (page 67). This brings into question whether he really loves Margaret or if he weds her in his attempt to conquer prejudice towards Masarwa. Maru realises that overcoming prejudice is a process that requires cautious planning. Furthermore, after the marriage between Maru and Margaret takes place, â€Å"a door silently [opens] on the small dark airless room in which their souls had been shut for a long time† (page 122).This metaphor describes the change that occurs as Maru h ad expected. The Masarwas are slowly being freed from the oppression that they have been subjected to. Bessie Head uses imagery, â€Å"small dark airless† (page 122), to give the reader an understanding of how the Masarwa suffer because of the Batswana. Love, loneliness and prejudice carry out a significant role in Margaret’s life. Bessie Head uses these three themes to demonstrate to the reader that in order to triumph one has to work hard and be strong.Margaret’s, â€Å"single abrupt tear from one eye† (page 18), shows that she, too, is human. Even though she is trained not to exhibit emotions her body unexpectedly displays her at moments when she is overwhelmed sensations that she does not understand nor come across before. In conclusion, where there is real love there is loneliness because and prejudice is one of the major entities that bring about loneliness in the novel. If there was no prejudice, there would have been fewer problems for everybody i n the town. Love is the source of happiness.

Digitization of Library Materials

The Usage of Information Communication Technology in Science and Technology Information Networks in Sri Lanka R. P. R. N. Premarathna No. 361/1, Manel Watta Road, Bollegala Gonewala (w. p. ), Tel. 0714307681, Email. ranjan. [email  protected] com A number of cooperative programmes including exchange of information can be seen among member libraries of the Science & Technology information networks in Sri Lanka. At present most of information networks in other countries engage in their cooperative activities by using Information Communication Technology (ICT).This research attempts measure the impact of Information Communication Technology for cooperative activities of information networks among science and technology information networks in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Scientific and Technical Information Network (SLSTINET), Agricultural Information Network (AGRINET), and Health Literature Library and Information Service (HELLIS) have been selected for the research. These networks properly carry on library cooperative activities. The aim of the study is to find out whether they use information communication technology to do their cooperative activities.Data has been collected from these three networks and their member libraries by sending questionnaires. Questionnaires were sent to 60 out of 120 member libraries of SLSTINET, 25 out of 30 member libraries of AGRINET and 12 out of 19 member libraries of HELLIS. Data analysis has been done by calculating mode, mean and representation of percentage values. Data has been presented by using table and diagram. It was found that the Usage of Information Communication Technology can be seen in some house keeping function (a computerized catalogue, creating data bases, internet searching, CD ROMs searching and using emails) of the networks.It is used in cooperative programmes like contributing to union catalogue and ULIST, current awareness service through the email and providing access to online journals also. Some member libr aries in networks do not have computer hardware and software facilities. Lack of allocating financial provisions and lack of attention of mother organizations, have affected the use of information communication technology. It was found that up to a satisfactory level ICT is being used in science and technology information networks in Sri Lanka. Keywords: ICT; Information Technology; Information Network; cooperative programmes; AGRINET; HELLIS; SLSTINET