Social Security Reform Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Social Security Reform - Essay Example This discussion briefly explains how Social Security is collected and distributed, how it affects different segments of society and why the fund is shrinking. It then examines the Bush administration’s proposed solution to the problem and debates the merits of this plan designed to privatize Social Security. The Social Security system operates by collecting taxpayer money and redistributing it to selected persons in need. Employees pay about six percent of their salary into Social Security and their employer contributes a matching amount. The fund earns interest by investing in U.S. Treasury bonds then pays retirees who have paid into the fund as employees. It also pays to the spouses of deceased retirees and to disabled persons of working age. Half of the nation’s elderly would live below the poverty line if not for the benefits paid by Social Security as opposed to the ten percent presently in poverty. Today, nearly 60 percent of retirees acquire more than half of their income from Social Security. For a third of recipients, benefits account for 90 percent of their total income. Today, Social Security is taking in slightly more money than it is paying out but, according to government estimates, the reverse will be true â€Å"within the next fifteen to twenty years† (Johnson, 2006) but will still be capable of paying full benefits until about 2042. The Social Security Administration estimates that the funding balance will tip by 2028 and steadily decline until the fund is exhausted in 2042 at which time it will retain the interest paid from the Treasury bonds and when that is depleted these bonds are sold back to the government to replenish the fund. An insufficient Social Security fund translates to reduced benefits. If the current system is not changed, full benefits would be paid through 2042 then decreased by at least 25 percent from then until 2078 and cut again after that. This looming deficit could be offset if

Flexography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Flexography - Essay Example The reason behind the wide acceptance and adoption of this technology is that it caters to a massive market of printing packaging materials. Conventional form of printing could not suffice for such tasks effectively since the packaging materials are made in different types and sizes. The level of precision, quality and pace that can be achieved with the flexography technology cannot be matched with the old methods of printing and other competitive technologies in the modern markets. 2. Overview of Flexography Flexography is defined as a type of ‘rotary web letterpress’ that amalgamates the aspects of letterpress and rotogravure printing (â€Å"Print Process Descriptions: Printing Industry Overview: Flexography†). The material that is used for printing tends to dry faster as it is consists of a low viscosity solvent. There are three types of inks that are used in this form of printing; solvent-based, water-based and ultraviolet-cured. Each one of these inks is drie d off in different ways (â€Å"Overview of Flexographic Printing†). The inks are very thin that makes this form of printing even preferable for four color printing jobs (CMYK). Ink possesses much relevance in any printing process. Since flexography printing produces fine finish printing, the ink has several characteristics; The ink should be able to create a visual effect or color. The ink must be compatible with the material on which it is being printed. Production packaging tends to suffer different environmental conditions due to its frequent displacement, therefore the printing needs to survive the presence of chemicals, scratching and fluctuation of temperature in the surroundings. 3. Applications of Flexography Flexography is considered to be the simplest and cheapest mode of printing packaging materials. There are several applications of flexography; some of them are mentioned below (â€Å"Printers - Flexographic Printing†): Ridged containers Folding cartons Mul tiwall sacks Paper sacks and plastic bags Milk and beverage cartons Disposable cups and containers Labels Wrappers of food items The quality of the printing is commendable and irrespective of the irregular or complex shape of the object. Another form of flexography printing exists that is designed to be used for publications, for example newspapers, comics, booklets, promotional catalogues etc. Food and candy wrappers are usually required to be printed with bright colors; flexography achieves this with factor with ease. Organizations tend to prefer this technology due to the lowering of the cost of the packaging which is coupled with competitive results. 4. Relevance of Flexography in the Graphic Information Technology Industry Flexography technology has improved to a great extent over the years due to which it has brought about greater level of precision, efficiency and quality in the graphic information technology industry (Polischuk). The improvement of this technology from satis factory image definition and effective management of shorter runs of printing to excellent finish over massive printing activities has given the consumer an appealing alternate in the printing industry. The monopoly of the competitor technologies (like gravure and offset technologies) has been broken by the improvement of flexography (Polischuk). The designs that were traditionally considered to be impossible without the usage of gravure and offset technologies, have been proven to be achieved by flexography printing. Flexography is able to cater to the innovative design features of the modern age, as well as the contemporary one with details and precision. The processes and quality of flexography printing is able to meet the rapidly changing requirements of the modern markets since there is increasing demand of better quality and endeavors to

Diffusion and osmosis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Diffusion and osmosis - Essay Example The solution subjected to the highest temperature demonstrated the fastest rate of diffusion. The effect of varying solute concentrations was demonstrated by adding 2 drops of blood to six test tubes each containing different solutes. Crenation was observed in cells put in hypertonic solution, while lyses were observed in cells put in hypotonic solution. Cells put in isotonic solution showed no change in morphology. The effect of detergent was determined by adding 3 drops of detergent on the sodium chloride solution. The packed cell volume was also determined with the use of the microhaematocrit reader. Patients with low hematocrit values suggest anemia, among others, while an increased value would indicate several conditions including polycythemia. The human body is one masterpiece that is made up of a complex series of processes that work in coordination with all other bodily systems to maintain a healthy and thriving organism. These processes all happen in a controlled fashion, such that they simultaneously complement the activity of the other processes taking place in the other parts of the body. This is exemplified at the cellular level by the efficiency of the plasma membrane in regulating the flow of substances in and out of the cell. This study has been This experiment was made up of three parts. The first part demonstrated the effect of temperature on the rate of diffusion. Crystals of potassium permanganate were placed in beakers which were subjected to different temperatures. Changes in the solutions were observed over a period of time. Observations were noted and recorded at 0 minute, 5 minutes and then at 10-minute intervals for the first hour, and then again after every 20 minutes thereafter. To demonstrate the effect of osmosis on red blood cells, six test tubes were prepared and were labeled test tubes A-F. Two (2) ml of different solutions were placed in each

Teen Pregnancy Nursing Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Teen Pregnancy Nursing - Term Paper Example Great numbers of teen pregnancies are unintentional. Access to contraceptive, complete education on sexuality and youth development programs can assist teens to choose their options that can guard them from pregnancy at this age. Parents with a busy life are unable to discuss important issues such as sex with their children. Due to the lack of proper guidance, these teenagers are unable to make wise decisions on this subject and this result into teen pregnancy. According to the Journal of Adolescent Health, majority of the teens who indulge in sexual activity are more possibly exposed to sexuality in the media. By glamorizing this, teenagers adapt this as something good and involves in irresponsible sexual activities. If it is something accepted in their group of friends or community, they may try to get pregnant as a means to get social acceptance (Laden et al 2006). A vast number of teenage girls who get pregnant have reported sexual abuse or rape. Sexual harassment leaves them in a state of shock and because of the fact that they have no idea how to proceed and avoid pregnancy many of them conceive. The teens that are more likely to have unintended pregnancy are those who are not educated about sex. Kids who start drinking in their teens are more likely to take other risks as well. This may involve crimes, careless sex and other dangerous activities that may have consequences. According to ‘teenage pregnancy: the interaction of psyche and culture’ many of the women who became mothers in their teens didn’t want it. It had happened because of lack of knowledge about how babies were conceived or they didn’t know or have access to methods of avoiding or aborting their pregnancies (Dean et al 1997). The socioeconomic factors which trigger teen pregnancies are poverty, illiteracy, and peer pressure. Early marriages are even a big factor resulting into this problem faced by young girls. These were some of the causes of teen pregnancy, now we would discuss its effects. There a lot of teenage mothers who ponder what would have happened if they would have been a little more precautious, hadn’t left school or what opportunities did they miss because of the pregnancy. Bringing a child into this world brings a great amount of responsibility on the shoulder of the parents, the baby needs a lot of attention and care that means their irresponsibility lead them away from their dreams and ambitions in life. â€Å"Women who become parents as teenagers are at greater risk of social and economic disadvantage throughout their lives than those who delay child bearing† (Hayes 1987, 138) A lot of teenage girls who get pregnant try to hide it as long as they can therefore are unaware of the care they require at this age. They are affected by malnutrition, depression and frustration that results in miscarriages, death during the delivery and weak babies. This emotional crisis can lead these teens to have something against their new born babies and they blame them for their lost possibilities in life. Kids born to teens most of the times go through emotional conflict, social insecurity and educational failures. ‘Single mothers with limited resources may be subject to multiple stresses in trying to provide such basic necessities as food or shelter, and, thus have little energy or time for their children†

Explain Geoffrey Parker's concept of the western way of War How does Essay

Explain Geoffrey Parker's concept of the western way of War How does the Western way of war influence current US action in I - Essay Example From the fifteenth century, the role of the Western military has been to propagate and uplift the cultures of the western nations.   Writers of various genres of military history had a variety of reasons for writing about military life.   Three factors have contributed to the excellence of the western military over those of the neighboring non-European nations and the Americas. First of all, widespread politicization and acceptance of Christianity in the western world contributed to this. Later, the industrial revolution led to innovations in military technology.   Finally, there was imposition of Western cultures into the non-western word through means such as trade and colonialism.  Currently, the imposition occurs through western globalization. Therefore, these three factors have played a role in the western world’s military dominance. This has led to the phenomenon referred to as, Eurocentric Supremacy1. Military historians who describe the phenomenon of Eurocentri c Supremacy explained that many non-Europeans were compelled to convert to Christianity.   The first military officer to convert to Christianity was Constantine. ... It, therefore, led to numerous military attacks and campaigns by the western military. A great number of military attacks resulted from conflicts between the Orthodox Church and Christianity.    The western military took its campaigns outside their jurisdiction. This phenomenon led to widespread colonization of other nations by the west and the norm of slave trade. At this time, the other nations had the difficulty in opposing the western colonies because the western colonies were well equipped due to the dominant industrial revolution and innovation. It is, therefore, clear that the spread and development of Christianity throughout the western nations contributed to the Euro-centrism that was typical of the Western military. The technological advancements and innovations that resulted from the western industrial revolution all led to a supremacy in the western military’s mechanisms of war2.   In his work concerning the advent of technology and modern war, Martin Van Creve ld illustrates the point of technology that was typical of the western way of life. Creveld quips that the modern war is adversely infiltrated by technology. He further adds that technology has now governed war. This he attributes to the western culture which has ensured that the principles of war have been upheld since time immemorial. The western power has experienced invincibility from the past. This is due to the fact that the western word is motivated towards usage of technology in war either at the beginning of the war or at the middle and end of the war. The western world also has unyielding thirst in its quest to discover newer forms of technology that will improve its war and military activities. These are the factors that have all along made the

Technology and Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Technology and Education - Essay Example This study is vital as it can help in gaining a deeper understanding of the connection between technology and education. The paper will be divided into five sections. The first section is the introduction wherein the background of the study, the focus of research, and it significance and the structure of the paper are given. It guides the reader as to what may be expected from the entire study. The second section deals with the various learning theories. Discussion of constructivism, behaviourism, and audio-visual theories will be undertaken. These theories of learning provide a solid framework in which to understand the connection between use of technology and student-learning improvement. The third section will centre in laying down the advantages, limitations, and impact of the theories of learning to the integration of technology to education. This section highlights the presupposition that as each theory explains the reality of technology in education, its influence on the actual integration of technology in education varies. The fourth section will deal with the analysis. In this part of the pape r, BF Skinner’s behaviourism will be given more focus. Finally, the last segment of the paper will be the conclusion wherein the summary of the discussion as well as the position of the paper pertinent to the issue raise in this study will be given. In the end, theories of learning, especially behaviourism establishes a framework where technology becomes the tool, not just in learning but also in developing and re-enforcing positive behaviours towards learning. The Theories Three fundamental theories of learning will be discussed in this paper, namely, constructivism, audio-visual theories, and behaviourism. The selected theories provide an opportunity to see the theories of learning within a spectrum with constructivism on one side and behaviourism on the other end. Meanwhile, audio-visual theories present developments in technology have effect learning as it is

Water for Elephants Novel Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Water for Elephants Novel Project - Essay Example For those wanting background information about the book and the author, this article highlights Gruen’s writing process as well as how the success of this novel has changed her life. By analyzing the eight key differences between the book Water for Elephants and its film adaptation, this article pinpoints the alterations in plot between the two versions of the tale. The importance of knowing these variations is that movie viewers who have read the book will be aware of the changes in the film. Another benefit of this article is that readers and viewers can determine which adaptation of the story they prefer. While this web site does not carry the prestige of the New York Times, this reference is useful as it is in the form of a blog. By allowing the opportunity for a regular viewer to voice their opinions on the differences between the book and the film, this web site is much more approachable versus the staunch New York Times. With a more user friendly nature, this article may resonate with more readers. In Elizabeth Judd’s review of Sara Gruen’s Water for Elephants, the New York Times writer both summarizes the plot as well as offers insight into the author’s writing characteristics and talents. The benefit of reading this article before reading Water for Elephants is that readers can get both a brief view into the plot but, more importantly, they can gain information about Gruen’s subtle writing techniques and look for them throughout the text. Having this option can help readers get the most out of the story text. Upon analysis, this article is worth recommending to anyone who is going to read Water for Elephants. With some background on the plot of the story, a reader could focus more on the character development for both the human and animal characters in the story. This opportunity allows the reader to get entranced with Gruen’s ability to give animals