INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - The ways it has been changed Essay

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - The ways it has been changed - Essay Example There is tremendous reason to expect that the development of information technology will considerably affect the trade-offs intrinsic in various structures for organizing work, the theoretical basis for these changes remains badly understood. According to the website som.csudh.edu, in the age of information, technology is in the forefront in the way we work and communicate. Many companies must now conform to the needs of many to satisfy the few. No longer is money the only criteria for companies to survive. Challenges such as global competition, technological innovation and customer service persist more so today than any other era. In order for the companies to exist in the industry and preserve what they can, they have taken a bold step in reorienting themselves. One way of doing this is through the use of Information Technology (IT) which can be defined as "computer and telecommunications hardware and software that aid in the processing, collection, and transmission of text, voice, and pictorial information" (Lahti, 1994, p. 1). With this technology, I as an employee can do my work virtually anywhere and at anytime that IT allows. The fundamentals of technology allow me to explore many ways of providing accurate and ac cessible information. The organization must form an infrastructure that will be incorporated into the corporations for its survival. Technology has played a most important role in shaping an organizational structure and processes, and is one of the main catalysts for organizational change. Technological innovation in the factory and office has accelerated lately and foreign competitors have been adopting these innovations promptly and effectively. Unless, companies do the same, they will be at huge disadvantage. Many of the barriers to effective use of new technology are managerial and organizational, rather than technological. For instance in my work we are still semi-computerized, we are still using manual operation in some instances, because of that our report used in meetings or for decision making is not updated. This means that organizational structure is directly associated to the usefulness of technology. The terms, organizational structure and information technology, are subject to various interpretations. Management teams in the 1980's keenly anticipated that new technology would answer the organization problems. Information technology, a term broadly used, is seldom defined. Information refers to the use of two or more elements of data. Information is subject to broad interpretation. In most organizations, on the other hand, data and information are used interchangeability. Organization refers to a group of people working together towards a common goal or objective. Structure is the summary of the ways in which a firm's labor is directed and coordinated into tasks. This definition of organization leads to the supposition that there exists a division of labor. The classical organizational model, the Elite model, was constructed over 50 years ago. Some organizations still follow this model that stresses stability, centralization, division of labor, and command and control. Technology has also influenced the organizational structure. Organizations of the past had cultures that reflect the values of bigness, hierarchy, and rigidity, have little craving to upgrade their technological equipment. Because of these unyielding and inflexible hierarchical structures, U.S.

Ismlamic banking theory verses practice. Case study of Iran Pakistan Essay

Ismlamic banking theory verses practice. Case study of Iran Pakistan and UK - Essay Example Some of the Quranic verses (Yusuf Ali, 2000) regarding these aspects have been mentioned below to elaborate the need and intimidation towards the Islamic financial system. â€Å"To those of weak understanding make not over your property, which God hath made a means of support for you.†¦?† (Yusuf Ali, 4:5, 2000). Private ownership is affirmed, but also, viewed as a trust, â€Å"Believe in God and His Apostle, and spend (in charity) out of the substance whereof He has made you Heirs†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Yusuf Ali, 57:7, 2000). Islam encourages enterprise or efforts to create wealth, which is characterized as God’s bounty, â€Å"And when the Prayer is finished, then may ye disperse through the land and seek the Bounty of God†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Yusuf Ali, 62:10, 2000). Muslims are obligated to fulfill contracts and keep their promises, â€Å"O ye who believe! Fulfill all obligations....† (Yusuf Ali, 5:1, 2000). â€Å"†¦And fulfill (every) engagement, for (every) engagement will be enquired into (on the Day of Reckoning)†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Yusuf Ali, 17:34, 2000). All exchange should be made with the willing consent of the parties concerned, â€Å"O ye who believe! Eat up not your property among yourselves in vanities: but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will.†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Yusuf Ali, 4:29, 2000). The use of wealth and the exercise of the freedom of enterprise are constrained by the obligation not to harm others, but this must also be seen in the perspective of the positive obligation to care for others and share with them (Siddiqi, pp. 11-19, 2001). This is symbolized by the well-known duty to pay the zakat or poor tax. However, that is not all: the important thing is the spirit of cooperative, helpful behaviour as mandated by the Islamic view of life as a test, â€Å"He who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed† (Yusuf Al i, 67:2, 2000). These texts from the Quran (Yusuf Ali, pp. 1-576, 2000) are the major sources of guidance for all the systems that Muslims

Energy Drinks and There Effects Essay Example for Free

Energy Drinks and There Effects Essay Have you ever wondered what the side effects were after drinking an energy drink? People buy these types of drinks all the time and they are very popular with the younger groups. They give you a boost of energy but they can also make you sick. There are many different brands of energy drinks on the market the most popular are Red Bull and Monster. People are now mixing these with alcohol which has a serious side effect. There are several ingredients in energy drinks: caffeine, taurine, b vitamins, inositol, ginseng, glucuronolactone, artificial sweeteners, ginkgo biloba, and l-carnitine. The caffeine in these drinks can cause dizziness, jitters, nausea, irritability and nervousness. You can also have an allergic reaction like: a rash, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue. To many b vitamins like vitamin (B3) can cause flushing of the skin. Ginkgo biloba can cause nausea, vomiting, heart palpitations and the l-carnitine can cause headache, diarrhea, sleep difficulty. Why do people buy these drinks? Because they give you an energy boost when you need it. These types of drinks are more popular with the teens and college kids they drink these to give them a boost when they are studying or partying to help them stay awake but when the effects of the drink wears off they feel more tired than they already were. These drinks contain more caffeine then a regular soda a normal soda has 25-40 milligrams of caffeine and the energy drink has 280 milligrams of caffeine. This much caffeine can affect your heart rate and blood pressure. Having this much caffeine in your body can make you heart rate become accelerated. These sorts of drinks can also cause dehydration which is not good on your body. Mixing energy drinks and alcohol has become popular with people. It says that when you mix the two together the energy drinks counteracts the depressant effect of alcohol. Mixing the two causes your body to become more dehydrated than drinking one of the drinks alone. After you drink one or more of the mixed drinks your body wants more and you become more dehydrated. My thoughts about this type of drink are that they are not very healthy and they can cause permanent damage to your body. Why would anyone want to put something like that in there body? For me they are no good and would cause more damage to my heart than there already is and you only have one heart. My own children have tried these energy drinks and the effects they had on them were not pleasant they were full of energy and could not hold still for a minute and when the effects wore off they were too tired to do anything. When they woke up the next day they still felt tired and they said they didn’t feel all the greatest. References: The Health Effects of Energy Drinks-Associated content from Yahoo http://www. associatedcontent. com/article/234299/the _health_effects_of_energy_drinks_pg.

Experienced Negative Life Events

Experienced Negative Life Events Proposition no. 6 which states that A person who experienced negative life events can still be able to attain mental wellbeing relates to axiom 2 Positive and negative life events affect mental wellbeing and axiom 3 (A mentally healthy person functions effectively thus feels happy and satisfied) since it implies that using appropriate coping and adaptation skills against the many negative life events, minor, major or extreme life events, the older person still has a great chance attaining mental wellbeing, to be able to function normally despite physical and cognitive decline therefore making the older person happy and satisfied. During the normal process of aging, the older people encounter stressors or negative life events that may trigger both appropriate and distorted emotional responses. Two of the most stressful unplanned life events include declines in health and loss of loved ones. It may result to distress and a sense of helplessness due to physical deterioration in function, such as blurred vision and hearing difficulty; adjustment and difficulty after retirement, resulting to loss of financial independence, feeling of emptiness for lack of life goal, etc.; social isolation, and feelings of out of touch with the world owing to the rapid changing environment; loss of confidence and self worth; misconception that family members and society no longer respect them; and a sense of loneliness as adult children leave the family. In addition, chronic strains may also impact the older adult; for example, strains within the community, in relationships, or in the older persons immediate environment are all str essors. Most older people are able to adapt to these changes and maintain their well-being by utilizing and organizing their personal and environmental resources. These include coping skills, social support, and maintaining a sense of control. A mentally healthy older adult has the ability to interact positively with internal and external environment, can adapt and cope up from the negative life events. As the World Health Organization (2001) defines mental health as the state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities. He can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community (Tameside and Glossop, 2011). According to Ebersole, et.al (2004), it is difficult to define mental health of an elderly because the differentiation of personality throughout the life span is escalating which may have resulted to idiosyncratic and sometimes eccentric adaptation in late life. As the person grows older, faced with particular situations, it accentuates a certain aspect of personality and appearance which make the person uniquely himself because he is strengthened with the accumulation of life experiences. Such personality characteristics maybe negative like being crusty, disagreeable, grouchy or grumpy which is however considered adaptive. A good example would be a cantankerous old man who utilizes his coping skills against with his severe illness and stoically protecting others from awareness of his pain might be manifesting a mentally healthy person. Therefore, Ebersole, et.al (2004) best described mental health in elderly as being measured by the capacity to cope effectively with relationships an d environment and by the satisfaction experience in doing so. If the environment provides the potential for mental health, then the only criterion for mental health is the persons response to the environment. The same connotation given by Zanden, et.al (2000) as he identified two (2) elements of mental health namely: (1) From a social perspective, mental health involves peoples ability to function effectively in their social roles and to carry out the requirements of group living; (2) From a psychological perspective, mental health involves a subjective sense of well being such as happiness, contentment and satisfaction. Moreover, the qualitative study of Moyle, et.al (2010) about Older people maintaining mental well-being through resilience is a good example of a mentally healthy older adult who is able to manage and cope well with the adversities. The older people in the study identified their negative life changes categorized by the following four themes: 1) Social Isolation and Loneliness, 2) Social worth, 3) Self-determination, and 4) Security. When the researchers asked the older-participants to discuss strategies that they used to maintain well-being through resilience, their responses were categorized under six themes. These are: 1)Keeping active; 2)Relationships; 3)Community connections; 4)Practical coping; 5)Emotional coping; and 6) Spiritual coping. Physical activities, mentally stimulating activities and meaningful activities are the identified activities of the participants inorder to be always active which enhance mental health and well-being. They reported keeping mentally active through continued learning, new interests or novel activities, as well as mentally stimulating games and through volunteering. Older people also identified that the more challenging activities can enhance well-being by giving a sense of accomplishment and achievement. Another approach which the participants expressed is being involved and maintaining healthy family contacts because this relationships could enhance well-being in older people just like the active and frequent presence of grandchildren. In addition, when participants felt able, taking on a caregiving role was another way maintaining well-being through relationships. The other strategy reveals the strength of community connections for maintaining well-being. Older people report that the ir health is maintained through continued and constant contact with all age groups and members of the community. For many participants, the key is to interact as part of the wider community and not isolating oneself according to age group. Another category of approaches used by older people in order to maintain well-being were those which used practical based coping strategies to minimize the effects of aging on well-being. The participants reported using practical focused coping strategies such as setting goals or planning for the future. This also includes financial planning and creating budgets to maintain financial security. While for other participants, actively minimizing responsibilities is one way to maintain well-being. Utilizing emotional coping strategies is another approach to enhance mental wellbeing. While distraction and occupation were considered to be important ways of maintaining wellbeing others reported altering goals or standards according to ones age as a way to maintain well-being. Comments frequently centered on being realistic and reasonable when considering the limitations and expectations of later life. For others not focusing on age and acceptance of older age were key approaches to assist in sustained well-being. However an important aspect of acceptance was not to give up on doing things that are enjoyable because of aging such as to think positively or maintain a sense of humor. The final approach highlights spiritual strategies used by some older people in order to maintain well-being. In a study of quality of life and Jewish older people in South Africa, over half of the participants felt that as they grew older, religion played an increasingly important role in their lives. Self-concept as mentioned in proposition no. 4 is an important factor that would help view the negative life events positively resulting to better coping skills. Self-concept is also evident when older person comments on major events in his life, he was engaging in a special form of reminiscence called life review calling up past experiences with the goal of achieving greater self-understanding. Older adults who participate in counselor-led life review report increased self-esteem, greater sense of purpose in life, and reduced depression. At the same time, when they relate about themselves, elders have accumulated a lifetime of self-knowledge, leading to more secure and complex conceptions of themselves. Their autobiographical selves emphasized coherence and consistency, despite physical, cognitive, and occupational changes. So when an older adult who shows firm and multifaceted self-concept which allowed for self acceptance is a key feature of integrity. Moreover, a flexible, optimistic approach to life, which fosters resilience in the face of adversity, is common in old age. Being resilient, the elderly gain in agreeableness, becoming increasingly generous, acquiescent, and good-natured well into late life. Agreeableness seem to characterize people who have come to terms with life despite its imperfections- greater acceptance of change an attribute the elderly frequently mention as important to psychological well being. When asked about dissatisfactions in their lives, many older adults respond that they are not unhappy about anything. Acceptance of change is also evident in most elders effective coping with the loss of loved ones, including death of a spouse. The capacity to accept lifes twists and turns, many of which are beyond ones control, is vital for adaptive functioning in late adulthood. Most older adults are resilient, bouncing back in the face of adversity especially if they did so earlier in their lives. And older persons heightened capacity for positive emotion contributes greatly to their resilience (Zanden, 2000). Therefore, if the older adults are recalling past positively revealing a lifetime of self-knowledge, leading to more secure and complex conceptions of themselves and is resilient have arrived at a sense of integrity and they would feel whole, complete, and satisfied with their achievements. They have adapted to inevitable triumphs and disappointments and realize that the paths they followed, abandoned, and never selected were necessary for fashioning a meaningful life course. Another measure for the older adult to consider inorder to successfully adapt and manage negative life events is for him to take initiatives in doing activities. This relates from the study of Steverink, Lindenberg and Slaets (2005) who define taking the initiative as the ability to take initiatives or to be agentic (self-organizing, proactive, self-reflecting and self-regulating). This ability, although closely related to self-efficacy, Deci and Ryan (1995) considered taking the initiative to be a separate ability, because the belief in ones competence is not automatically linked to the motivation to use ones competence. Thus it is hypothesized that taking the initiative with regard to important resources, as opposed to being or feeling passive, dependent or fatalistic, is necessary for the achievement and maintenance of wellbeing. With aging, as a consequence of losses in resources, together with decreasing opportunities and challenges, there may be a decline in the rate and range of self initiated behavior and an increase in dependency (Baltes 1996). The general construct that has been the focus of most research on this aspect of adaptive behavior is autonomy vs dependency. For example, it was found that nursing home residents who experienced greater autonomy reported less depression and higher self-esteem, life satisfaction, meaning in life, general health and psychological adjustment (Vallerand and OConnor 1989). Similarly, in nursing home residents, Kasser and Ryan (1999) found out that greater autonomy in daily activities predicted decreased mortality over a 1-year period. The initiative of the elderly to be always active and involved in social activities prevent mental depression. This way, it avoids the elderly population from thinking negatively and becoming pessimistic which contributes to health problems especially mental illness. However, the elderly should not limit itself to social activities, but he should be involved in variety of resources called multifunctionality. Well-being is about being emotionally healthy, feeling able to cope with normal stresses, and living a fulfilled life. It can be affected by things like worries about money, work, your home, the people around, and the environment. Well-being is also affected by a feeling of having control of your life, feeling involved with people and communities, and feelings of anxiety and isolation (Coggins Cooke, 2004). Axiom number 2 stresses then that there are multifunctional resources/factors, internal or external that would influence the person to reach and attain mental wellbeing. Nieboer, A. Lindenberg, S. (n.d.) described multifunctional resources as the resources or activities or factors that serve multiple aspects of wellbeing (e.g. social and physical wellbeing) simultaneously and in a mutually reinforcing way. Because of this mutual reinforcement, multifunctional resources are of special importance for the realization of wellbeing. Therefore, the ability to maintain or regain multifunctional resources is important for wellbeing in ageing. A spouse, for instance, is often a multifunctional resource. Interacting with a spouse fulfills the need for affection, and at the same time fulfills the need for activation. Another example of multifunctionality is having dinner (fulfilling the need for food) with friends (fulfilling the need for affection). With aging added by Riley and Riley (1994), there may be a decline in multifunctional resources and activities, due to the loss of a partner or close friend, and also because of a decrease in opportunities to part icipate in occupational and other formal settings. Such settings often offer opportunities for multifunctionality through interaction with colleagues and by performing tasks that yield reinforcing physical and social rewards. Because multifunctional resources or activities are hypothesized to yield more overall wellbeing than unifunctional activities or resources, the loss of these opportunities is therefore expected to have a particularly negative impact on wellbeing. Moreover, it is often hard to substitute or compensate the loss of a multifunctional resource. For instance, the loss of a spouse and subsequent widowhood, which is a common experience in later life especially for women, often has a broad impact on different aspects of wellbeing, because the loss of the spouse often involves the loss of other relationships as well. Other empirical evidence for the importance of multifunctional resources or activities for overall wellbeing is found in studies that show both higher leve ls of wellbeing and increased longevity in older people who remain socially active and productive (Nieboer Lindenberg, n.d.). However, it is believed that if these multifunctional resources and strategies have been taught and develop at an early stage then obtaining mental wellbeing would not be difficult to attain. An elderly who has a loving, close family relationship and full support from them from childhood to adulthood, the elderly will have a positive outlook in life thus living a fulfilled, happy and contented and complete life will eventually reach the stage of integrity hence attain mental wellbeing. Investment of behavior is another factor inorder to attain mental wellbeing. This relates to the famous adage which states continue doing good because in the end you will reap a harvest full of blessings would also mean doing something good in your life even in the earlier stage of life is an investment behavior which resulted to increase longevity. The investigation made by Steverink, Lindenberg and Slaets (2005), found that the investment of behavior is important for achieving stability in resources and the maintenance of wellbeing in the longer term. Therefore, it is hypothesized that a certain amount of investment behavior is important for the realization and maintenance of wellbeing, even with increasing age and a declining time-horizon. Without investment behavior there will be a decline in resources and wellbeing. With aging, this ability may decline as a consequence of a decreasing time-horizon and the loss of external resources and opportunities. It has, indeed, been found t hat older individuals become ever more present-oriented, and have a less extended future perspective than younger people in general. Yet, when older individuals are able to maintain a certain amount of investment behavior, this clearly will have a positive effect on their overall wellbeing. For example, proactive prevention activities in older people have positive consequences for longevity, as well as for indicators of subjective wellbeing. Although there are only a few studies that have investigated investment behavior in aging individuals, other studies have closely examined related aspects of future orientation and planning in older people. It has been found that older people who maintain a future orientation, and also plan for the future, report higher levels of life satisfaction (Prenda and Lachman 2001). Moreover, Isaacowitz and Seligman (2002) supported that a positive future orientation was found to predict affective adaptation (Nieboer Lindenberg, n.d.). Furthermore, there are more coping and adaptation strategies that can be used inorder to attack negative life events as reflected in axiom 2. The measures/strategies discussed previously were indeed a good tips inorder to maintain mental health more especially if the older adult is optimistic, with positive self-concept and self-esteem, he can easily face the negative life events with confidence, happy and contentment. Axiom no. 3 (A mentally healthy person functions effectively thus feels happy and satisfied) will never be difficult to attain if the elderly views aging positively despites its cognitive and physical decline, this will never be a hindrance inorder to attain happiness and life satisfaction as measurements of mental wellbeing. It was never true that attaining mental wellbeing means having no diagnosed illness nor physical disabilities, what is important is the development of ones potential, work productively and creatively, how strong and positive relationships are built with others, and how to contribute something to the economy. As Baltes Baltes (1990) accentuates that successful aging, is not based on den ial of real losses in functioning in the last stage of life but rather it encourages older people to optimize the capacities that remain while compensating for inevitable losses. A report of Mroczek Kolarz (1998), documented that older adults do not appear unhappier compared to middle-aged or younger persons even though they experienced declines in physical health, deaths of peers and spouses, and other objective rigors that accompany aging (Baltes Baltes, 1990; Brandtstadter Greve, 1994; Filipp, 1996; Staudinger, Fleeson, Baltes, 1998). As a result of hardships in life, it was expected that they would have lower levels of happiness but it was not so. Their well-being seems to be unaffected by the adverse contexts brought on by the aging process (Borgatta Fbss, 1979; Cameron, 1975; Haug, Belkgrave, Gratton, 1984; Herzog, Rodgers, Woodworth, 1982; Larson, 1978; Schulz, 1985). Also, Zanden, et.al (2000) cited that Erikson during his late adulthood, demonstrated a life of ego in tegrity. At age 87, he continued to publish books relating to old age, his last work found out that some older adults live hopeful, productive lives, despite failing health and alertness; while others were relatively robust, although sometimes giving in to loneliness, narcissism, and despair (Woodward, 1994). The Social Production Function (SPF) Theory explains the two (2) types of older adults. According to the theory, success in obtaining the goals of affection, behavioral confirmation and status for social well-being, and comfort and stimulation for physical well-being resulted to subjective wellbeing. People have their own multiple means for achieving these goals by using a variety of means or resources simultaneously, should there be a case in which their goals cannot be achieved, they will build buffers against the loss of subjective wellbeing, although people have differences in buffer formation but people are resourceful in substituting across different life-domains and diff erent forms of well-being. This is confirmed from the study of Steverink (2001) among older adults (Nieboer Lindenberg, n.d.). Relating it to the observation of Erikson some older adults though relatively robust but still give in to loneliness, narcissism and despair, this maybe due to how they deal with their negative life events, how they make use of their coping and adaptation skills, or their buffer system or multifunctionality resources. The implication of the above scenarios portray that the negative life events were never considered as obstacles in attaining mental wellbeing. When appropriate skills are used in attacking adversities in life, there is a great chance of achieving happiness and life satisfaction. As Field (2009) expresses in his words mental wellbeing is not simply as having absence of diagnosed illness, disability or dissatisfaction but the individual must acquire social qualities of confidence, optimism about the future, a sense of influence over ones own destiny, and the social competences that promote satisfying and supportive relationships with other people. It also critically involve the resilience needed to deal with hard times whenever they occur inorder to function effectively so that by then happiness and life satisfaction are possible to reach. Therefore, mental wellbeing involve happiness or contentment, caring for and about others, and the capacity for creative and productive work. Theory Generated As the individuals grow old, people encounter challenges, stresses or adversities in life such as negative life events, it maybe in the form of major, minor or extreme life events. These life events have great impact to the lives of every individual especially on the desire of achieving functioning effectively, happiness and satisfaction or otherwise known as Mental Well being during the late stage of the peoples lives. The theory on Attainment of Mental Wellbeing is being developed because of the belief that despite those negative life events, the individual still manages to adapt and cope from those stressful events thus function effectively and shall have satisfied and happy lives. However, there is no best formula in attaining mental well being because it is believed that there are factors that will act as a barrier in attaining mental wellbeing and at the same time there are also factors that would help mold the individual to have good mental health in order for the person to be fully develop in combating against those negative life events. The study is anchored on the Social Production Function (SPF) Theory which will explain why people is still fairly satisfied with their lives even when they lack important resources such as a paid job or a spouse (Nieboer Lindenberg, n.d.). The same observations made by Erikson when he interviewed older Americans because he found out that some older adults opted to be lonely, narcissistic and desperate though they are relatively in good health. SPF theory asserts subjective wellbeing is ordered hierarchically. The general universal goals which are at the top: Overall subjective wellbeing consists of physical and social wellbeing; then followed by universal instrumental goals (for social well-being, three universal instrumental goals are specified: status, behavioral confirmation, and affection and for the production of physical well-being, two universal instrumental goals have been distinguished: comfort and stimulation (Wippler 1990)) and the lowest level is the layers of means cal led resources. In achieving the overall subjective being, one has to work on it, starting from the lowest level inorder to attain the universal goal. If an older person lacks the necessary resources like work, due to retirement, this doesnt mean its the end of the world. The theory suggests that the older person should make use of a buffer system or multifunctionality resources as their coping and adaptation skills. There is still a big chance to achieve the higher goal which is the attainment of mental wellbeing, hence the theory on Attainment of Mental Wellbeing is being developed. The proposed theory on Attainment of Mental Wellbeing is applicable to all individuals across several lifespan, specifically, among the institutionalized older adults in Por Cristo and in the city and provincial jails (elderly inmates) of Butuan City. The theory suggests basing on the SPF theory, that inorder to battle against their negative life events will make use first of the lowest level of resources before going up to the next level until they will be able to attain mental wellbeing. The theory further suggests that these resources are factors that would affect or influence the person on the extent of his effort, belief, perceptions, coping and adaptation skills towards the attainment of his mental wellbeing. This theory will be tested to determine if the following propositions are true among the institutionalized older adults in Por Cristo and in the city and provincial jails (elderly inmates) of Butuan City: Proposition 1: Mental wellbeing is an optimistic person. Proposition 2: Parents and families have important role in the early initiation of secure attachment to the life of a child influences in the attainment of mental wellbeing across life span. Proposition 3: Several factors and/or resources that work collaboratively inorder to help promote in the attainment of mental well being. Proposition 4: A person with healthy self-concept and positive self-esteem towards life events can attain mental wellbeing. Proposition 5: A person who fully understands the meaning of life with strong sense of spirituality has attained mental wellbeing. Proposition 6: A person experienced negative life events can still be able to attain mental wellbeing using better coping skills and adaptation Conceptual Framework The proposed theory on attainment of mental wellbeing is taken from the idea related to the effect of life events towards the attainment of mental wellbeing and in which there are several factors that will influence the process in the attainment of the goal. Figure 1 illustrates the schematic diagram on the proposed theory called the theory of attainment of mental wellbeing. It shows the independent and dependent variables. Life events surrounded with the influencing factors signify the independent variables, while the effect called the dependent variable is the attainment of mental wellbeing. Mental wellbeing or wellbeing is defined as a dynamic state, in which the individual is able to develop their potential, work productively and creatively, build strong and positive relationships with others, and contribute to their economy (Foresight Report, 2008) while mental health is a state of wellbeing in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work ATTAINMENT OF MENTAL WELLBEING productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community (Word Health Organization, 2007). Both mental health and wellbeing is the core elements of the over-all health which means if his health condition is marked with alteration in thinking, mood or behavior resulting to either distress, impairs ability to function or both (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) is a manifestation that the older person has not attained mental wellbeing which might result to mental health problems such as depression, suicide, etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ There are two (2) elements of mental health namely: (1) From a social perspective, mental health involves peoples ability to function effectively in their social roles and to carry out the requirements of group living; (2) From a psychological perspective, mental health involves a subjective sense of well being such as happiness, contentment and satisfaction. Therefore, mental wellbeing is measured in terms of functioning effectively, happiness and contentment or life satisfaction. However, attaining mental wellbeing is not an easy journey because all of us will always encounter different life events. Life events are described as a significant occurrence involving a relatively abrupt change that may produce serious and long-lasting effects. It is considered as stressor in the life of a person because the demands on the person exceed the resources available to meet those demands (Schwarzer, Schulz Berlin, 2001). For older adults, it will be in a form of retirement, death of a spouse or children or friends, lost of income, change of living environment, etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ These life events can threaten the wellbeing of an individual thats why life events are most often considered as obstacles in reaching the goals. However, depends on the persons capability to face the different life events. The influencing factors that will help attain mental wellbeing can be in form of intrinsic and extrinsic or promotive and preventive factors. Intrinsic factors are the core characteristics needed inorder to easily attain mental wellbeing, such as optimism, self-concept, self-esteem, meaning of life and spirituality. These core characteristics help the individual views the life events positively and produce a direct effect on the attainment of mental wellbeing such as optimism, self-concept, self-esteem, meaning in life spirituality. While the promotive and preventive factors refer to the environmental factors which has indirect effect in the attainment of mental wellbeing, this includes: parental care, like exercise, healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ These factors influenced the individual on the proper choice of coping and adaptation skills when faced with life events especially the negative ones. Older adults must continue to engage in activities, socialize, etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ despite their health condition right now. Problem Generated The study aimed to determine the life stories of institutionalized older adults relating to the essence of mental well being in relation to the different life events they encountered. Specifically, it sought answers from the following problems: To identify the significant life events they encountered from childhood up to the present and how they cope up and adapt with that experiences. To determine the different factors that influence their mental wellbeing causing them to be able to surpassed their negative life events. To explore the essence of mental well being and if they have attained it despite the condition/situation of their life right now.

Compare and contrast the poets attitudes to and experiences of war in :: English Literature

Compare and contrast the poet's attitudes to and experiences of war in Drummer Hodge and The soldier - How does the poet's use of language effect the readers' perception of war? Drummer Hodge is written about the Boer war (around 1899 - 1902), which was a war between the British and the Boers. The feature of the poem is a Wessex drummer boy who was killed in this war. The poem starts with the end of the boy's life as his body is disposed of practically, with no dignity, this gives the reader the idea that war has a bigger picture and the life of one boy does not matter as long as the country prevails; "They throw in Drummer Hodge, to rest Uncoffined - just as found" this gives the image across that the boy was buried with no dignity, no ceremony and with indifference. From this the reader clearly gets a rather horrible and cold image of the war and the way in which people were disposed of, the line also expresses how much life is lost in a war. The next line expresses the way in which he has no grave stone, just a pile of rocks over his body. I think this shows the way that in war, you die and know body knows were you are, so nobody can come to your grave to mourn you. "His landmark is a kopje-crest" in some ways the poet tries to tell us that the land surrounding the boy's grave has become part of him and the land will respect him and give him his dignity. This may give the reader the thought that in war maybe the best way out is death as you will then be eternally respected. In the last lines of the first stanza the poet writes about how the boy entered the war in a foreign place and there is nothing familiar to him; "And foreign constellations west Each night above his mound." The poet writes about how he was buried under a foreign sky in a strange place which was far away from his home. This gives the reader the impression that Drummer Hodge is more of a memory as he died so far away from his home. The second stanza goes on to explain the way in which he was unprepared for the war: "Young Hodge the Drummer Never knew - Fresh from his wessex home." The poet has written about how the young boy did not know what he had let himself in for, the young boy did not

The Significance of Islamic Calligraphy in the Muslim Culture Essay

Abstract Although it could be considered an insignificant part of society, Islamic calligraphy is crucial to its culture because of its role in religion and architecture, and its help in creating unity among Muslims. Calligraphy's function in religion is mainly due to the Muslim forbiddance of the "representation of living beings" (Schimmel, Islamic 11) in art. In architecture calligraphy is used to decorate the interior and exterior of buildings to help remind citizens of the purpose of the architecture: to glorify God. Lastly, calligraphy helps to unite Muslims because everyone must learn the Arabic language to participate in prayers and recitations. Introduction Islamic calligraphy is considered to have developed into an art during the time of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph and the son-in-law of Muhammad (Schimmel, Islamic 3). Not only a religious leader, Ali ibn Abi Talib was a great calligrapher and artist. The use and importance of Islamic calligraphy grew rapidly after his extensive development of the art. Muslims are cautioned against producing illustrations of living beings, therefore much of Islamic art is calligraphic. Although it is not seriously considered a real art form by many western societies, Islamic calligraphy is essential to its own culture because of its crucial role in religion, architecture, and creating unity among Muslims. Background Islamic calligraphy is unique in several distinct traditions. The letters of the alphabet can be written in different forms, making the writings difficult to read (Piotrosky 27). It is considered a noble art form, and has its own rhythm and harmony (Khan 7). It is written from right to left and lacks capitalization and punctuation marks (11). Each o... ...ans. Rosanna Giammanco Frongia. New York: Abbeville Press Publishers, 2001. Khatibi, Abdelkebir, and Mohammed Sijelmassi. The Splendor of Islamic Calligraphy. Paris: Thames and Hudson, 1994. Nasr, Seyyed Hossein. Islamic Art and Spirituality. New York: State University of New York Press, 1987. Parry, James. "Calligraphy as a Contemporary Art Form." Arts & the Islamic World 31 (1997): 54-55. ---. "First International Calligraphy Festival in Tehran." Arts & the Islamic World 31 (1997): 50-53. Piotrovsky, Mikhail B. Earthly Beauty, Heavenly Art: Art of Islam. Ed. John Vrieze. Amsterdam: De Nieuwe Kerk, 1999. Rosenthal, F. Four Essays on Art and Literature in Islam. Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1971. Schimmel, Annemarie. Calligraphy and Islamic Culture. New York: New York University Press, 1984. ---. Islamic Calligraphy. Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1970.

The Killer Angels: an Inside Look at the Battle of Gettysburg

The Killer Angels: An Inside Look at the Battle of Gettysburg The Killer Angels written by Michael Shaara, is a historical fiction novel that describes in great detail the events that took place during the battle of Gettysburg. In the forward we are given an in depth view of each of the main characters and key figures of the battle. For instance, we are told that that General Robert Edward Lee is an honest man with no vices who does not believe in slavery, he is also suffering from heart trouble. He leads the confederate army. And then we have Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain who has a brother, Thomas, who serves in the Twentieth Maine as an aide to his brother. The story begins on June 29th, 1863 with the introduction of a spy for the Confederate army. He comes to General Longstreet with information about the whereabouts of the Union army, who to Longstreet’s surprise, are nearby. This causes the Confederate army to reposition at Gettysburg. The battle begins on July 1st when the Confederates attack some of the Union army in the hills nearby Gettysburg. General Lee believes that the Confederates should be able to win this battle and engages the union armies utilizing varying tactics, he attacks the Union army’s left and right flanks and then attempts to divide they’re central strength to win the battle that way. But this method fails, the Union Army gained the upper hand when during the first day of battle they retreated and secured most of the higher ground giving them a fatal advantage. The story mainly follows the Confederates and General Lee as the protagonist, and it tells us what went wrong for them during this battle. We are given a detailed depiction of war tactics used during this time, and how the Union Army was able to win the battle by taking a defensive position on the higher hills of Gettysburg. The fact that the Union Army had higher ground coincides with the weapons that were utilized by both armies. Because the key losses that occurred took place when Chamberlain’s men ran out of ammunition and were successful only by charging their enemy with bayonets and when Pickett’s men attempted to charge the center strength of the Union army, I would say that momentum and visibility were key factors in a battle with the weapons that were available to them. It is also apparent that Lee’s heart problems seem to be affecting his decision- making throughout the story. Perhaps he has become more foolhardy with his own mortality so tangible. The amount of death and losses that the Confederates suffer seem to echo the thoughts he has of himself. It becomes quite apparent that the Confederate army will fail after General Longstreet’s continual insistence that they should swing southeast towards Washington, D. C. and take a defensive position. If General Lee had heeded Longstreet’s advice, perhaps the Confederate Army could have won the Civil War. In conclusion, The Killer Angels is a book that uses great detail and epic dialogue to describe the events that took place at the battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It gives us a closer look at the tactics and strategies utilized by our forefathers during that time period and not only allows us a glimpse of the personalities of some of the key leaders of the Civil War but shows us how these personalities influenced this battle.