Animal Assisted Therapy for Children with Special Needs

Animal Assisted Therapy for Children with Special Needs Free Online Research Papers Animal assisted therapy is a very useful program in treating psychological and emotional problems of children with special needs. In this method, animals like birds and domesticated pets are being used to treat cases of children which are hard to accomplish when employed with regular therapy. This is because of the children’s young minds were exposed to such matters that they can’t comprehend. This method of therapy is also being used for children with physical and metal disabilities. These children include those who have autism and other mental disabilities, as well as those who are disabled even at a young age. With animal assisted therapy, these children can interact with the animals, which somewhat improves their interaction skills as much as a normal child can. Pets and children with autism In an article written Nicholas and Collis, it states that â€Å"autism manifests itself most strikingly as impairments in communication and in the formation of social relationships (McNicholas Collis, 1995).† However, there are reports regarding the close relationships being formed by these autistic children with animals and pets. It is difficult to obtain a quantitative data regarding the response of these autistic children towards animals. The researchers however, based the results through interviews with the parents of these children. They are able to see the â€Å"normal† functioning being attributed by these children since the parents knows how their kids react. Through in depth-interviews, the researchers came up with the qualitative data showing that these autistic people. Through the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, they were able to diagnose that some of these are severely autistic and some were moderately autistic. All of these have showed aggression towards their parents and relatives before. The ones interviewed were mostly the mother of the autistic child. These mothers were asked to asses how their child responded with the introduction o these pets. It showed that there were several behaviour changes in the child, especially in the field of relationship between the child and the pets, and between the child and other people. The aspects to be considered were greeting, seeking of closeness or proximity, seeking and giving of comfort, conflicts, companionship, play, and many more. The qualitative results for the interview showed that all of the subjects that were studied showed different behaviours which they rarely or even so, never showed with their other family members and other hum companions. These pets were mostly sought after because they serve as these children’s companions, providing comfort and serves as their confidant – the things they rarely or never show to their family members. These children showed greater sensitivity for whatever the animals need, as well as their lack of anger and signs of aggression towards their pets. These children never liked being touched or hugged by other people, but when it comes to their pets, they like tactile comfort the feel with their pets. The implication of this research is about that they can fully show their capability to interact and express their feelings just like normal human beings do. However, this is only expressed with animals and pets. Autism may be able to demonstrate behaviours towards pets which they don’t usually show to people, even with their family members. Their ability to establish close relationships may be awakened with these animal assisted visits and therapy. Through these, they are able to relate and interact with the animals, and possibly with other people, starting with their parents. Pets and lonely handicapped children Animal assisted therapy can be very useful in reducing loneliness. According to an article by Duncan, â€Å"loneliness is a condition that crosses all gender, ethnic and socioeconomic barriers (Duncan, 1995).† If loneliness can affect normal people, then surely, handicapped children will be greatly affected by loneliness. There are times that having a handicap can be a restriction for many people to interact with others. In the case of handicapped children, they are hindered from interacting with other people, especially with other young children just like them. This would mostly lead to a feeling of loneliness for these children, which would greatly affect their feelings and emotions. According to Duncan, â€Å"factors that can lead to loneliness or are symptoms of loneliness disability, loss of employment, diminished financial reserves, change in family structure and family member roles, availability of health care, lack of competitive level of education are no longer only problems of the aging (Duncan, 1995).† This implies that even young ones are susceptible to these problems. This is the part which companion animals come in. They offer companion to lonely people, young and old. They keep them from being lonely by always being there, a pet by the side whenever the need be. Young children with disabilities can have a pet to cheer him up and keep him from being sad and lonely. It changes the mood of the person, as well as their outlook in life. These programs are very useful in the cases of children with deep psychological and emotional problems (Crossroads Group, 1998). These children are those who have experienced abuse from their family and other people. It could either be physical abuse or sexual abuse which has greatly affected their emotions, often leading to depression and feeling of being unwanted by the society. Through this animal assisted therapy, they will be opened to ways of understanding how they will be acceptable to the society, that there is a healing process. These animals play a role which the children can associate, like being unwanted animals being cared for by other people. Animal Assisted Therapy aims on helping these children live normal lives despite the hardships that they have suffered. The pets also play a very good role as support for the people who are survivors of sexual abuse. According to a research done by Barker, et al, â€Å"Although research documents a child’s need for social and emotional support and suggests that pets may help meet that need, little has been done to investigate the supportive role of pets for high risk children (Barker, Barker, Dawson, Knisely, 1995).† The research showed that these pets are much more considered supportive by the people who were sexually abused as compared to other people. The most credible facts in this therapy are that various animals play a great role in the healing process of these children. Even though they are animals, they can lessen the pain that these children are suffering and helping them recover. The less credible fact tackled was about how animals could sympathize with these children. There is no basis to say that these animals can feel what the children can feel (Blackman, 2003). I would be very inclined to use this pet therapy to children with special needs because it is there emotion that we’re dealing with. We can’t use the approaches being used on adults because it is of different context. The children’s concept about the world and the society is just forming, and if you would employ the methods used for adults, their reaction as well as the outcome of the therapy would actually be different. References: Barker, S. B., Barker, R. T., Dawson, K. S., Knisely, J. S. (1995). The Supportive Role of Pets in the Childhood of Sexual Abuse Survivors. Retrieved September 20, 2007, from deltasociety.org/AnimalsHealthChildrenSupportive.htm Blackman, D. (2003). Visiting Pets and Animal Assisted Therapy. Retrieved September 20, 2007, from http://dogplay.com/Activities/Therapy/therapy.html Crossroads Group. (1998). What is Animal Assisted Therapy? Retrieved September 20, 2007, from crossroadsgrouphome.com/CGHAATWhat.html Duncan, S. L. (1995). Loneliness: A Health Hazard of Modern Times. Interactions, Volume 13(Issue 1). McNicholas, J., Collis, G. M. (1995). Relationships Between Young People with Autism and Their Pets. Retrieved September 20, 2007, from deltasociety.org/AnimalsHealthChildrenRelationship.htm Research Papers on Animal Assisted Therapy for Children with Special NeedsEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyGenetic EngineeringInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesThe Spring and AutumnThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseHip-Hop is ArtArguments for Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS)Comparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoThree Concepts of Psychodynamic

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome its symtoms and treatment.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome its symtoms and treatment. Our country is witnessing the significant impact alcohol-related birthdefects are having on our society. These birth defects are caused by maternal useof alcohol during pregnancy which are irreversible, yet preventable. According toThe National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, "Fetal Alcohol Syndromeis the name given to a group of physical and mental birth defects that are the directresult of a woman's drinking during pregnancy." It impacts the family, educationsystem, health system and social services in general, as well as individual losses.Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is considered the most common known cause of mentalretardation in the Western World. There is no known cure for this disorder. FetalAlcohol Syndrome is the only cause of birth defects that are totally one hundredpercent preventable. Through education and intervention these defects can bestopped. In knowing how Fetal Alcohol syndrome can be prevented, what thesymptoms are, and who and what makes up the risk factors F etal Alcoholsyndrome can be better understood.English: Baby with the FAS-syndrome. Deutsch: Baby...Americans need to consider the life of theirchildren, and need to learn about fetal alcohol syndrome, know its effects, and howto diagnose it. Let's begin by looking at education.Communities, schools, and concerned individuals can help to prevent FetalAlcohol Syndrome, through education and intervention. Special efforts should bedirected toward educating women, prior to and during the childbearing years,regarding the harmful effects of alcohol on the developing fetus. Major efforts atall levels of society should be made to develop quality educational programsregarding the deleterious consequences of alcohol on the unborn child. Theseprograms should be integrated into mandatory curriculum for all high schoolstudents. They should be a part of the educational curriculum in all post-secondaryand adult centers of learning. Pediatricians and other health professionals...

The black market for body parts (human organs) Essay

The black market for body parts (human organs) - Essay Example Though there is the problem of waiting for the donors of organs, it is still heart-warming to know that so many lives are saved through such innovation. It provides a sense of security especially to older generation not to worry so much on the depreciation of their organs. It provides hope to all sick people to be cured from organ impairments. However, it is also alarming to note that in desperation of the families and those affected to prolong the lives of their patients they have become too impatient for donors and have become unmindful of the illicit trade of human organs. The society has become deaf and blind to the problem that confronts the world of medicine. Many do not even ask where the replacements for the 24, 900 organs must have come from. Not many are even aware that there is an illicit trade of human organs that dominates the world market today. It is the purpose of this paper then to discuss such shadowy organ dealings if only to enlighten the public what it takes for many people especially in the underdeveloped countries to provide the organs needed for the transplants. It is so unfortunate that out of the growing need of organ transplants, unscrupulous brokers also take advantage of the poor and the needy. This paper then intends to provide a picture on the widespread corrupt practices of organ traders in order to enlighten the public on the extent of the evilness of such trade. Why the donors are very much willing to sell their internal organs is another question. Could it be that these people feel so much compassion to the patients that they have to go to the point of risking their own lives just as they give their own internal organs? It is a known fact that there is an underground market of organs. Kidney largely dominates the selling as they are most in demand and because of the fact that a donor can survive without the other kidney. It has been reported that donors are willing to sell their internal organs

Human Resource Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Human Resource Management - Assignment Example Here was nirvana for organizational success- the magic formula one could replicate and make its own and hopefully rise to the top amid the competition. Thus the idea of high commitment HR theory and practice was born. We all know that quality is never an accident- it is almost always the result of painstaking and committed effort (Aquayo, 1991). We see this effort in Japan’s adoption of Edward Deming’s Total Quality Management principles, Motorola’s Six Sigma Manufacturing, Philip Crosby’s The Eternally Successful Organization and even Peter Senge’s The Learning Organization. Like any living creature with a body and soul, an organization too has strengths and weaknesses. The organization and its management must also continually learn from and adapt to changes in its internal and external environment, without which it would be hard to survive and prosper. This is what strategic management is all about. From a reading of the case, it is clear that the Container Store has been quite successful in creating and maintaining its niche market in the Storage and Organization retail segment of the home furnishing and house ware retail industry. From humble beginnings in 1978, the company managed to carve out and maintain an enviable position for itself as market leader in an expanding niche market. The Container Store management however realises that competition is fierce and to meet this challenge they have embarked on a high commitment HR strategy that treats the employee as a centre point for sales, work productivity and an attitude of service with a smile. As Vice President Sharon Tindell has observed, the company needs highly trained and committed people to sell its specialised products. Its niche is to sell the hard stuff. However, keeping staff motivated and satisfied is not without its challenges and as we shall see, the HR manager of the enterprise would be hard pressed to create a performance appraisal system that is adequate for its employees, yet equitable and justifiable so that it is appreciated by all. Mission and Guiding Principles of the Container Store As we can see, the foundations of success of the Container Store are very much ensconced in its mission and guiding principles. The mission of the Container Store is the words of its chairman Boone, ‘to better the lives of consumers by giving them more time and space.’ To this end, it has connected employee and customer satisfaction, for it believes that there is no better way to satisfy a customer than by putting him in contact with a highly satisfied, well trained and fully committed employee. The company is convinced that eminently satisfied employees display a service and work attitude that is enviable and that results in better sales, more customer satisfaction and a WOW experience every time. Furthermore, the hours of dedicated and specialised training that is invested in employees whether full time or part time also make one wan t to produce more sales and satisfaction for the company. In fact the company has consistently been rated as one of the best, if not the best, in customer service and employee satisfaction for a number of years running in the industry. The company has a stringent employee selection and recruitment process that consists of a telephonic interview, a group interview and

Marketing management- next Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Marketing management- next - Essay Example The target market for Next Direct in India mainly includes young age group of people from urban areas with higher middle income. In India, the domestic as well as some foreign apparel retailers are dominating and they are also offering online retailing services. Hence, it needs to reposition itself by offering comparatively lower priced brand products. The price is a key factor in Indian market and Next Direct must offer better discounts, offers though loyalty cards schemes. Moreover, Next Direct also needs to incorporate ethical marketing concepts for its Indian market by focusing on better consumer satisfaction level. Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2 INTRODUCTION 4 PLC STAGE 5 TARGET MARKET 7 PRODUCT REPOSITIONING 10 PRICING STRATEGIES 12 ETHICS 13 CONCLUSION 14 RECOMMENDATION 15 REFERENCE 16 BIBLIOGRAPHY 17 INTRODUCTION Next Plc is a UK-based retail chain and it also present in the multiple countries like India, China, European countries, U.S.A. etc. It is primarily engaged i n the retailing business of the apparels, accessories, home products and other electrical consumer durable products. In its domestic country, UK and in Eire it has nearly 500 stores. Besides, in International markets, it is operating with more than 180 stores (Next Plc-a, 2011). Recently, the retailer faced a steep fall in its sales revenue during financial crisis of 2007-2008. However, with the recovering economy, Next Plc’s financial statements are recovering with an increase in the sales comparing to the previous financial year. With recovering economy, the competition in the market is expected to intensify as its competitors will try to the recover their losses due to financial crisis during 2008 to 2009 (Clark, 2011). In such situation, Next Plc must try to reposition itself in the competitive market by gaining effective sustainable completive advantages. However, the recovering growth rate of UK (as per GDP real growth rate 1.6%) is much slower in comparison to other de veloping countries like China and India (CIA, 2011). Therefore, opportunities in these developing countries are far better than other recovering developing countries like UK and U.S.A. Next Plc can try to reposition its apparels in the Indian retail market as Indian economy is growing at a faster rate i.e. 8.3% (CIA-b, 2011). Next Plc can focus on its apparel product segments to reposition itself in Indian market. With enhancing disposable income of the Indian consumers demand for clothes and related accessories are rising (Mirdha, 2011). PLC STAGE Kasse has explained that a PLC â€Å"is the period of time, consisting of phases that begins when a product is conceived and ends when the product in no longer available for use† (Kasse, 2008, p.56). The clothes and apparels are generally belongs to the fashionable consumer products and fashion industry keeps changing its trends by introducing multiple product developments as per current trends. Generally, clothes can be categorize d into three types i.e. fashion, fad and basic products and hence, as per three types of apparel categories, the PLC is given below. Figure 1: PLC for Apparels and Clothes (Source: Cornell University, 2006) The basic clothes and apparels are already in its declining phase and fashionable clothes are in correct trend. However, the fad clothes have the minimum life cycle as its popularity changes frequently among the youngsters. BCG matrix is a model to

Principle Of Good Governance In Islam

Principle Of Good Governance In Islam Both the Quran and Sunnah have given some study the principles in the areas of constitutional affairs that cannot be omitted from any government system. The Quran does not mention the particulars and details and have been left for the Muslim Ummah to formulate according to time and place. In the application of constitutional principles or guidelines of Islamic political system, general rules or fundamental principles which are considered as the highest values have a major impact on the formation of the Islamic concept of the state, its functions and its system of government. The basic principles, concepts and rules are discussed below. The Concept of Sovereignty in the Islamic System The sovereignty in Islam belongs to God. The Quran tells us that Allah (SWT) is the creator and Lord of the entire universe, including the human kind and all associated with them. Therefore, Allah (SWT) is the one who has all the powers and attributes of sovereignty and nothing whatever that belongs everywhere. Thus, no one else can share the sovereignty of the entire universe as it only belongs to Allah (SWT). Command is only for Allah. He has commanded that you do not submit to anybody but him. This is the Right Way of life, but most men understand not. The rule of law in the Islamic System The principle of the rule of law in the Islamic system is considered as a base or corner stone where Islam was founded on a stake and Shariah, because Islam came to remove injustice and tyranny and struggled to knock down the ultimate power pole. Thus, the basic principles contained in the Quran, Sunnah and consensus (ijma) even in the century struggling with tyranny. Allah (SWT) says: O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer to Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe in Allah and the last Day: that is best, and most suitable for final determination  [1]  . In another verse Allah (SWT) says: O ye who believe! Obey Allah. And obey the Messenger, and make not vain your deeds!  [2]   Therefore, the Islamic judge must implement the Quran and Sunnah in all disputes brought before him. If he does not perform it, his behavior is not acceptable because he failed to fulfill the duties of a judge according to Sharia. The Sunnah came to support, emphasise and clarify these Quranic verses. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that: Obedience of a human being is disallowed, if it is considered disobedience to the creator (Allah)  [3]  . Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also said that: Every act that does not conform to our order is rejected  [4]  . In the Islamic system, everyone, from heads of state, government and people, are subject to the law. The Prophet (SAW) himself is subject to, and is the most faithful to the Quran. He was Abd Allah wa rasuluh, the servant of God and his messenger. The head of state and the head of government cannot invoke any immunity from impeachment. The principle, Be you ever so high, the law is above you has always been there in Islamic law, to include the Prophet (SAW) himself. Just before he died, the Prophet (SAW) made the following short speech: I swear by God that I have made lawful only those things that the Quran made lawful and I have made unlawful only those things that the Quran made unlawful. If I have taken the money of any of you, here is my money, let him come and take it, and if I have lashed the body of any, here is my body, let him take back his right  [5]  . In the same way, Abu Bakr, the first successor and caliph of the Muslim state, in his acceptance speech said: O people! I have been appointed over you, but I am not the best of you. Support me if I did good and remove me if I did badly a weak person of you is strong before me as long as I maintain his right for him. And a strong one of you is weak before me until I take back a right from him Obey me as long as I obeyed Allah and his Messenger. If I disobeyed them there is no obedience of me upon you  [6]  . The past verses supported by the hadith shows that every dispute within the Muslim community between individuals, groups of people, or between people and the government, or among the parts the government and people, must be judged by the basic law we received from Allah (SWT) and His Messenger. According to this principle, the country must have an institution that judges among the people of the Quran and Sunnah, and the institution is a judicial authority. The Doctrine of the Separation of Powers and Independence of the Judiciary Separate branches of government have different functions is not an idea that is contrary to the Shariah. There is no detailed prescription about the form of government in the Quran. What is clear is the goal of the state and the principles that should be followed by the government. Hence the idea to promote good governance, organized by the Shariah, is compatible with Islam. In addition, the doctrine of judicial independence is a constitutional principle in Islamic constitution. Judges are independent and subject to no other authority but the law. In Islam, there are a number of recognized institutions may have in common with democratic forms of government. For example, the emir may be likened to the Prime Minister or President who is the chief government or executive body; assembly, which is recognized in both Islam and democracy as a means to discuss the laws and policies made à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹by the government, which recognized both Islam and democracy, and last but not least, the judiciary. Therefore, in Islam, the principle of check and balance as practiced under the doctrine of separation of powers can be exercised. Furthermore, it has been claimed that the doctrine of separation of powers has been used at the time of the Prophet in the city state. As-shura As-shura is one of the most important constitutional principles in the Islamic constitution. The proof of the importance of shura is to be found in the Quran and Sunnah. In one of the two clear verses on it in the Quran, shura is mentioned as mandatory and in the other verse, it is mentioned that those who practice it are praised. The whole system of the Islamic state from its inception to the selection of the head of the state and all those in positions of power as well as its dealings must be conducted by shura, whether it is carried out directly or indirectly through selected or elected representatives. The Quran states that: Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance.  [7]   Even the Prophet, although he was the recipient of direct guidance from the Supreme Allah, was command-ed. Allah says: Consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when thou hast taken a decision put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).  [8]   Following this advice and lead, Caliph Umar admonished that: There is no khilafah without consultation.  [9]   Thus, the practice of shura is the mechanism followed at all stages in the selection of political leadership by Muhammad and his followers. It was the first Muslim elected four khulafah guidance, although the selection and approval process varies. The important principle is the truth and accountability and public confidence in those elected by the community. Even after that when crawling hereditary rule in violation of this community right, mask allegiance, or acceptance of government still retained. Justice Islam has given to the justice position is so well known as the law may have previous system of law, old or new, that had given him. There are many verses of the Quran that speak and enjoy justice, universal order encompassing all human affairs. In one of the verses of the Quran in which enjoying justice has been generally and unqualifiedly ordered, Allah says: Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition.  [10]   In another verse of the Quran, it is stated that: Allah doth command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due; And when ye judge between man and man, that ye judge with justice: Verily how excellent is the teaching which He giveth you! For Allah is He Who heareth and seeth all things.  [11]   Justice in the Islamic political system, including social justice, which means that the government should arrange to meet and satisfy the needs and desires of all the people as they have a valid part of the state and the source of bona fide citizens of the country. This includes the provision of job, means of subsistence and economic justice. This in turn suggests that it is the responsibility of the government to provide food, shelter and clothing for all the people in the state. Economic justice aimed at equitable distribution of lifestyle and checks the concentration of wealth in a few hands. That is why the second Caliph Umar refused to divide land among the Muslim soldiers and commanders in areas conquered by Muslims in Iraq, Iran and Syria. Only justice can create discipline in life of the people. It is also important that the administration of justice, which means that all state officers are also subject to accountability and they do not need to consider and treat the person as a slave or personal assistant. They should not insult the people in any manner. They should be honest and efficiently in administer public affairs. It should be ensured that the concentration of wealth in one class or few hands did not happen. There is absolutely no doubt, that the governing principle of Islam is a set of the most comprehensive scientific and principles of efficient administration. Freedom Contemporary scholars of modern constitutional law divide into several branches of freedom: freedom of thought and belief, the right to education and property and personal freedom. There is no question that the Islamic Constitution gives such great consideration and respect for this freedom because it has rarely been given by other political doctrine in the Constitution of the positive. Man has continued to use the right of choice ever since he has been on the earth. On this point that the Quran makes is as follows: Seest thou not that to Allah bow down in worship all things that are in the heavens and on earth, the sun, the moon, the stars; the hills, the trees, the animals; and a great number among mankind? But a great number are (also) such as are fit for Punishment: and such as Allah shall disgrace None can raise to honour: for Allah carries out all that He wills. Equality The principle of equality is one of the most important constitutional principles upon which the contemporary system rests. This means that the principle of equality contained in the individual communities are equal in rights, responsibilities and public duties that will be enjoyed by all without discrimination of race, origin, lan-measure or belief. The principle of equality has been initiated by the Quran and Sunnah and the expansion of Islam during some as a precedent in Islamic law and its own time and place; precedent is a fundamental revolution in the basic concept of Arab ideas about the source of pride as the notion held by some tribes but not by others. Islamic law based on the Quran and Sunnah is common to all and is equally applicable to the members of the society from the lowest to the highest level, without any distinction or discrimination The Prophet was asked to declare that: I have been commanded to maintain justice between you.  [12]   The Prophet admonished that: The nations before you were destroyed because they would punish the lower class criminals according to the law but would let go those from the higher class. Then laying further emphasis, He continued by stating that: I swear by the Authority in whose control is Mohammads life, if Mohammads daughter is guilty of stealing, I would cut her hand off.37 Therefore, all the personal, civil, political, social, cultural and economic rights of an individual are guaranteed under Islamic law. Everyone has equal rights and is equally responsible before the law. It is the duty of government to ensure that every member of society, particularly the poor, given its right time. Accountability It is permissible to make the head of state and the head of government responsible for their acts. Statute on the question of the permissibility of calling heads of state to account varies from state to state in the modern system of government. Some state Constitution provides that heads of state are not subject to blame for the actions and behavior even though he violated the law, whereas, according to the Islamic constitution, there is no difference between the heads of state and other individuals in the accountability for violating the law. Al-amr bil maruf wa nahi an al-munkar This literally means commanding what is right and forbidding what is wrong and encompasses a whole gambit of duties and responsibilities. The Quran makes it the mission of its believers: You are the best of Peoples evolved for humankind, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong and believing in Allah.  [13]   This means that every individual in the society has the right, nay the duty, to tell the truth and to stand for it, to further all that is good and virtuous and do his or her utmost to remove the wrongs and vices wherever he or she finds them. The Prophet tells us that: Whoever among you sees a vice (or wrong), he should change it with his hands; if he is not able to do that, then he should check it with his tongue; and if he cannot do that, then he should consider it bad in his heart (and wish for its removal) and this is the sign of weakest in faith.  [14]   A famous hadith states as follows: The best Jihad is to say what is just (or truth) in the face of a tyrant.  [15]   Yet another hadith states that: When people see a tyrant and do not hold his hands, it is not far that Allah (SWT) sends a common punishment on them.  [16]   Thus the above hadith categorically emphasised its importance. Islamic Banking in Brunei Having moved early to establish Shariah-compliant services, the Sultanate was now in a position to carve a niche for itself as a center for Islamic banking. However, the industry must address a number of challenges, led by the shortage of skilled labor, if it is to fully support the development of the segment. In mid-October, Standard Chartered Bank Brunei (SCB) said it was mulling plans to introduce Islamic banking products this year to meet increased demand for syariah-compliant banking services in Brunei. The announcement followed the September launch of the Islamic Bank of Brunei, which replaced the International Bank of Brunei as the sole domestically owned bank in the country. The Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei was launched in 1991 and was the first financial institution to offer savings and financing in accordance with Islamic principles. It was followed two years later by the Islamic Bank of Brunei. They were joined in 2000 by the Islamic Development Bank of Brunei. Standard Chartered Bank Brunei CEO Lai Pei-Si told the media in October that launching an Islamic bank was a logical step to take and a logical step to consider because Brunei has an express need for Islamic banking products. He added that the bank would begin modestly by offering Islamic products, with hopes of bringing much more comprehensive Islamic solutions into the country. In April, the managing director of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, Javed Ahmad, said the market share held by syariah-compliant banking was expected to increase to 60 per cent from its current levels of 40-55 per cent over the next five years. At a seminar on Islamic finance, Ahmad said Brunei Darussalams strengths, led by strong economic and political stability, good infrastructure and government support, meant it was well placed to build a reputation as an Islamic financial centre. With more aggressive marketing, Brunei Darussalams journey towards making itself an Islamic financial hub might become a possibility in the next few years, he said. A report in December by global consultancy Ernst Young said the worldwide value of Islamic banking would reach US$1.55 trillion in 2012 and US$1.8 trillion this year. Growth in Muslim communities in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia were key drivers in the rising demand for Islamic financial services, it said. The Sultanate is benefiting from early participation in the Islamic banking segment, having launched its first Islamic bond, the Short Term Government Sukuk Al-Ijarah programme worth $150 million for a three-month certificate in April 2006. In November, Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD, which acts as central bank), announced the successful pricing of its 82nd issuance of sukuk or Islamic bonds, worth $100 million at a rental rate of 0.16 per cent. The move followed a $100-million, 90-day issuance that matures this month. Although Brunei Darussalam is well positioned to capitalize on growing interest in Islamic finance, observers have emphasized the need for the Sultanate to develop Islamic banking products are new if it is to maintain its position in the market. Understanding the theory of Maqasid al-Syariah (the objectives of Islamic law) and the defining characteristics of an Islamic bank could encourage the Islamic banking industry to improve and excel in their product innovation as well as financial inter-mediation that can be linked to economic growth, Abdul Ghafar Ismail, a lecturer at the Research Centre for Islamic Economics and Finance, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said at a conference last May. Industry experts believe Brunei addressing these challenges, with an emphasis on staff training after human resources has been identified as a factor that may limit the success. Having strengthened its operational base and regulatory framework, Brunei is now taking steps to address a shortage of trained industry professionals in the Islamic financial sector by providing on-the-job training and local universities offering bachelors, masters and doctorate degree programmes related to Islamic finance, said Javed. Early entry into the Islamic financial services market by the Sultanate had provided it has a solid foundation to develop the industry. Experts suggest the focus should now shift to export expertise and strengthening the global role of the Sharia Islamic banking. Concept Of Riba Riba in Malaysia Riba is a transaction contract between 2 or more parties. Therefore, it is an agreement which is enforceable by law.  [17]  So, when an agreement is not capable of being enforced, it is said not to considered as a contract.  [18]  Even though there could be contract between the parites, the law had laid down certain situation where the contract will be invalidated based on circumstances. Section 24 of the Contracts Act describes a void contract as any agreement or contract, the object or consideration of which is forbidden by law, is such a nature that if permitted by law will defeat the law; is fraudulent; it involves implied injury to the person or property of another; or is regarded as immoral or opposed to public policy by the court. Thus, in all the above circumstances, the courts are requested to declare the agreement as illegal and therefore void; having no effect whatsoever.  [19]  The Act further provides for instances or grounds where an agreement will be regarded to be void. The Act provides as follows: The considerations and objects of an agreement are lawful, unless (a) it is forbidden by law; (b) it is such a nature that, if permitted, it would defeat any law; (c) it is fraudulent; (d) it involves or implies injury to the person or property of another; or (e) the court regards it as immoral, or opposed to public policy. The above cases show that the consideration or the object of the consideration is said to be unlawful. In situation where the consideration is said to be unlawful, the contract is void The main part shall be on S24(b) and à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ of the contract Act. The court had the power to declare any riba transaction to be void it such situation had been brough to the civil court. If the riba based agreement is allowed, this would defeat any law and also the constitution too. This argument falls unequivocally on S.24(b) of the Contract Act. Besides that, a riba based agreement if allowed would defeat A.3 of the Federal constitution as well. The courts can therefore rely on this provision to declare a riba-based transaction or agreement void. The combination of the two provisions of the law is sufficient for the court to declare that riba based agreement, would defeat A.3 of the Fedeeal Constitution. This interpretation is in line with the principle that the constitution should not be read in isolation but rather it must be interpretaed in a way that it would give life and meaning to other provision of the law. The second argument that could be raised by the court in invalidating riba based transaction is the ground of public policy. This is coverd by S,24(e) of the Contract Act. The question now is what is public policy and what is public policy in Malaysia.. It has been viewed in one quarter as the broad framework of ideas and values within which decisions are taken and action, or inaction, is pursued by governments in relation to an issue or problem.  [20]  It has also been seen as a proposed course of action of a person, group or government within a given environment, providing obstacles and opportunities which the policy was proposed to utilise and overcome in an effort to reach a goal or realise an objective or purpose.  [21]  Furthermore, it is also a commitment to a course or plan of action agreed to by a group of people with the power to carry it out.  [22]   It is also seen as whatever governments choose to do or not to do.  [23]  It can also mean an agreement that injures public welfare, morals or health.  [24]  It also means policy of the law and is applicable to the spirit and letter of the law.  [25]  It is also seen as principles according to which actions of men and communities need to be regulated to achieve the good of the entire community or public.  [26]  It has been seen as principles and standards regarded by the Legislature or by the courts as being a fundamental concern to the state and the whole of the society and things that can injure the public at large.  [27]  It further refers to the art of ruling wisely and to matters which the Legislature or the court regards as fundamental concern to the state and to the whole society.  [28]  It connotes an overriding public interest that may justify the courts decision to declare a contract void.  [29]   From all the definition of Public policy which had been defined above, oine could reasonably concluded that public policy includes the state ideology, the state objectives and plan, the values and fundamental concerns of the state, the legal policy of the state in terms of spirit and letters of the law, the overriding public interest and principles regulating the affairs of the state to achieve good for the community. Regarding the second question which is regarding public policy in Malaysia, it is to be said that Islam is considered as the public policy in Malaysia. The religion of Islam being the public policy of Malaysia is evident in art 3 of the Constitution which declares Islam as the religion of the federation. It was made so important to the extent of having it stated in art 3 of the Constitution. It is also evident in the careful drafting of art 4(1) to exclude Islam from a law that may be rendered void for being inconsistent with the provision of the Constitution.  [30]  One can also clearly see the public policy in the nature of oath being taken by the Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan Agong.  [31]  This can also be seen in the definition of who is Malay.  [32]  It can also be seen in art 74(2) which gives the state the powers to make laws in Islamic matters. On the other hand, the population of muslim had overridden the number of other religion in Malaysia. In addition to that, Mu slims also represent the majority in political positions including that of the states of the Federation. Having affirmed that Islam remains as the major public policy of Malaysia, it is clear for the court to nullify riba based agreement nor transaction to be contradict with the public policy of Malaysia which is under S.24à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ of the Contract Act and A.3 of the Federal Constitution. There are certain objection that had been raised which is one could be said to have the intention to impose Shariah principle on every citizens in this country including those who are of different religion.. This argument may not hold water because this is nothing but pure interpretation of the existing laws of the country namely the Contracts Act and the Constitution. Secondly, it is natural that a law usually emerges anywhere in the world as a result of the political, social, religious and sometimes even for selfish reasons. It is a product of the cultural norms, social status and public policy of a nation and this perhaps led to the emergence of Islam as the religion of the federation. Even the Central Bank Act of Malaysia enjoins the bank to promote the interest of the country.  [33]  It is submitted here that allowing a riba-based transaction is even not in the interest of the country, No matter how it is looked at, A.3 of the Federal constitution is already in existence and the best solution for it is to interpreted it in a way that it gives life and meaning to the provision Moroever, invalidating riba based transaction on the grounds of public policy is equivalent to circumstances where the court declares an agreement void due to the reason of it is against morality Riba in Brunei Throughout the history there are people who are trying to justify riba. There is a writer saying that: We can state that there will be no Islamic pre-eminence without achieving economic pre-eminence. Besides that, is it to said that there could not be any pre-eminence without establishing any fininacial institution which dould not function without relying in interest (Riba/ usury) The muslim ummah is permited to build up their own economies by way of using the means that Allah had allowed for them. Economic strength enables the Ummah to perform what Allah had permitted to them and what had been forbidden to them. Whenever a Muslim helps in preserving Allahs command and help each other to preserve the rightenous of Islamic Law, Allah will make bless them. In addition to that, Allah will also help them in archieving their goals and stay safety. Regarding the statement- There can be no economic pre-eminence without  ¬Ã‚ nancial institutions and no  ¬Ã‚ nancial institutions without interest (Riba), they are utterly false. This false statement had been contradicted with the Al Quran. The practices of Islamic economic where it was establish at the time of prophet until now where banks had affirmed the falsehood of this statement. Muslim economy could said to have been the strong during the past few centuries where it does not rely neither on bank nor Riba. Besides that, throughout this time period, many Muslims w

Finding Truth in Constructivist Psychotherapy Essay -- Psychotherapy S

Finding Truth in Constructivist Psychotherapy Science is a construction of the human mind. The theories, approaches, and methods that are used in any scientific field have gradually developed over time to become an objective standard of evaluation. As science continues to evolve, new approaches to obtaining knowledge about the world around us must be considered, and at the same time these new approaches must be evaluated within the present context of what is considered to be science. In doing so, conflict and confusion will arise as new concepts meet the critical evaluation of the old. The appraisal of and criticism of a new approach to psychological therapy is one example of such a situation. By looking at the evaluation of constructivist psychotherapy, one can bring this conflict and confusion into the light of understanding. Since its dawning at the turn of the century, psychotherapy has faced a myriad of objections in regard to its validity as a scientific practice. With the introduction of psychoanalysis in the late 1800’s, Freud opened the doors to a field that would mature as the next one hundred years progressed. Throughout its evolution, psychotherapy has been evaluated for its capacity to deal with clients on an individual basis and at the same time maintain the objective viewpoint which science requires. In what Robert Neimeyer considers a "postmodern context" of scientific, social and political themes, a new philosophical approach to psychotherapy has developed. This approach, called constructivism, is based on a subjective interpretation of reality and how that interpretation affects human thought processes. In "An Appraisal of Constructivist Psychotherapies", Neimeyer looks at how constructivism has devel... ...ury. The world of classical Newtonian physics was turned upside down and inside out with the arrival of a new class of physicists and astronomers. At the head of that class was a young German scientist named Einstein, who with his theory of relativity redefined our concept of mass, energy, and the like. Now that we bring the second half of this century to a close, perhaps psychology is also ready for such a revolution. Certainly, parallels can be made to what is currently going on in the world of psychotherapy. New approaches are developing under the influence of a changing social conscience. The classical approaches to patient therapy revolve around traditional cognitive perspectives, which follow a linear, systematic set of guidelines. The constructivist approach to is a much more complex, yet encompassing form of psychotherapy that deserves continual exploration.

Henry Dvid Thoreau Biography (in First Person)

I was born in Concord, Massachusetts on July 12, 1817. My family consisted of my Ma and Pa and three siblings; Helen, John Jr. and Sofia. We lived a very humble life; my father worked in a pencil company while my mother tended to the house and took care of me and my siblings. (Otfinoski pg. 60) My family was really pushing for me to start school at Harvard College but the cost was too expensive for my family. My father owned a small pencil factory and my mother took in boarders to help make ends meet.But, through great sacrifice my family was able to pitch in the money to send me to college, and so I entered the class of 1833 at the age of 16 and graduated in the year 1837. (Otfinoski pg. 60) After graduating Harvard College I went back to Concord to start my own academy with my brother John Jr. and teach the way I felt was right. Together with my brother we taught about 20 students. I believe that the academy would have lasted longer if my brother hadn’t taken ill, the work w as just too much for me to manage on my own. Otfinoski pg. 61-62) Shortly after closing the academy my brother died I was devastated. I walked 40 miles to attend one of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s lectures, soon after I was able to meet the great man. Emerson offered me a job; it was as a caretaker and a handyman in his home I would live there and work while he was away doing his lectures. In our free time we would discuss Transcendentalism, a philosophy for which he was well known. I was inspired by his radical view and ideas, and looked up to him as a mentor and hero. (Otfinoski pg. 2) Feeling it was time to see more of the world I left Emerson’s and headed back to Concord. In March 1845 I headed towards Walden Pond where I built a cabin for myself and stood there for two years. My reasons for going there were to experience life and discover the true account of it. During my time at the Walden Pond I worked tirelessly on the manuscripts that will later become my first two books. (Otfinoski pg. 62-64) In May of 1849 a Boston publisher published my first book, A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers.Although it sold poorly I never gave up. I later wrote about my experience living at the Walden Pond this book was entitled Walden which also wasn’t as popular as I would have hoped but that still didn’t bring me down. (Otfinoski pg. 64-66) Soon, nature being the very thing that I loved became my enemy as I contracted tuberculosis from living in the outdoors with the bad weather and the constant exposure to the graphite dust working in the pencil factory all caught up to me and on May 6, 1862 I died at the age of 45 years old. (Otfinoski pg. 67-69)

History and Background on the Yakuza in Japan

History and Background on the Yakuza in Japan They are famous figures in Japanese movies and comic books - the yakuza, sinister gangsters with elaborate tattoos and severed little fingers. What is the historical reality behind the manga icon, though? Early Roots The yakuza originated during the Tokugawa Shogunate (1603 - 1868) with two separate groups of outcasts. The first of those groups were the tekiya, wandering peddlers who traveled from village to village, selling low-quality goods at festivals and markets. Many tekiya belonged to the burakumin social class, a group of outcasts or non-humans, which was actually below the four-tiered Japanese feudal social structure.   In the early 1700s, the tekiya began to organize themselves into tight-knit groups under the leadership of bosses and underbosses. Reinforced by fugitives from the higher classes, the tekiya started to participate in typical organized crime activities such as turf wars and protection rackets. In a tradition that continues to this day, tekiya often served as security during Shinto festivals, and also allocated stalls in the associated fairs in return for protection money. Between 1735 and 1749, the shoguns government sought to calm gang wars between different groups of tekiya and reduce the amount of fraud they practiced by appointing oyabun, or officially sanctioned bosses. The oyabun was allowed to use a surname and to carry a sword, an honor previously allowed only to samurai. Oyabun literally means foster parent, signifying the bosses positions as the heads of their tekiya families. The second group that gave rise to the yakuza was the bakuto, or gamblers. Gambling was strictly forbidden during Tokugawa times and remains illegal in Japan to this day. The bakuto took to the highways, fleecing unsuspecting marks with dice games or with hanafuda card games. They often sported colorful tattoos all over their bodies, which led to the custom of full-body tattooing for modern-day yakuza. From their core business as gamblers, the bakuto branched out naturally into loan sharking and other illegal activities. Even today, specific yakuza gangs may identify themselves as tekiya or bakuto, depending on how they make the majority of their money. They also retain rituals used by the earlier groups as part of their initiation ceremonies. Modern Yakuza Since the end of World War II, yakuza gangs have rebounded in popularity after a lull during the war. The Japanese government estimated in 2007 that there were more than 102,000 yakuza members working in Japan and abroad, in 2,500 different families.  Despite the official end of discrimination against burakumin in 1861, more than 150 years later, many gang members are descendants of that outcast class. Others are ethnic Koreans, who also face considerable discrimination in Japanese society. Traces of the gangs origins can be seen in the signature aspects of yakuza culture today. For example, many yakuza sport full-body tattoos which are made with traditional bamboo or steel needles, rather than modern tattooing guns. The tattooed area may even include the genitals, an incredibly painful tradition. The yakuza members usually remove their shirts while playing cards with each other and display their body art, a nod to the bakuto traditions, although they generally cover up with long sleeves in public. Another feature of yakuza culture is the tradition of yubitsume or severing the joint of the little finger.  Yubitsume is performed as an apology when a yakuza member defies or otherwise displeases his boss.  The guilty party cuts off the top joint of his left pinkie finger and presents it to the boss; additional transgressions lead to the loss of additional finger joints.   This custom originated in Tokugawa times; the loss of finger joints makes the gangsters sword grip weaker, theoretically leading him to depend more on the rest of the group for protection. Today, many yakuza members wear prosthetic fingertips to avoid being conspicuous. The largest yakuza syndicates operating today are the Kobe-based Yamaguchi-gumi, which includes about half of all active yakuza in Japan; the Sumiyoshi-kai, which originated in Osaka and boasts about 20,000 members; and the Inagawa-kai, out of Tokyo and Yokohama, with 15,000 members. The gangs engage in criminal activities such as international drug-smuggling, human trafficking, and arms smuggling. However, they also hold significant amounts of stock in large, legitimate corporations, and some have close ties with the Japanese business world, the banking sector, and the real estate market. Yakuza and Society Interestingly, after the devastating Kobe earthquake of January 17, 1995, it was the Yamaguchi-gumi who first came to the aid of victims in the gangs home city. Likewise, after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, different yakuza groups sent truck-loads of supplies to the affected area. Another counter-intuitive benefit from the yakuza is the suppression of petty criminals. Kobe and Osaka, with their powerful yakuza syndicates, are among the safest towns in a generally safe nation because small-fry crooks do not trespass on yakuza territory. Despite these surprising social benefits of the yakuza, the Japanese government has cracked down on the gangs in recent decades. In March of 1995, it passed tough new anti-racketeering legislation called the Act for Prevention of Unlawful Activities by Criminal Gang Members. In 2008, the Osaka Securities Exchange purged all of its listed companies that had ties to the yakuza. Since 2009, police across the country have been arresting yakuza bosses and shutting down businesses that cooperate with the gangs. Although the police are making serious efforts to suppress yakuza activity in Japan these days, it seems unlikely that the syndicates will disappear entirely. They have survived for more than 300 years, after all, and they are closely entwined with many aspects of Japanese society and culture.

Political Psychology essays

Political Psychology essays Psychology has played an integral part in the scope of politics throughout history, from ancient times, through World Wars, and probably even more so, through the present day American government and all of its political scandals. In a broad sense, politics are the acts or practices of those individuals who seek any position of power or advantage. The psychology of politics refers to an individuals concerns, his conceptions, his reactions, and his responses to his, and in a sense, others political experience and behavior. Political behavior includes all of an individuals activity that is directed toward a solution of the problems of daily living. Quite possibly, the most important thing for any politician, or any leader for that matter, to gain, and maintain, is control over those that this person wishes to govern or rule. Control can be gained in a number of ways; through coercion, persuasion, and even fear, to name a few. Since politics is an aspect of control, there is a relation between coercion and politics. There are various theories that coercion is the main characteristic of politics. There are two steps in the use of coercion to control. First, the politician or leader must induce in the person or group that he is looking to control, a severe discomfort, such as, injury, either to them or objects or things that they would consider dear or important to themselves. Second, he must convince the person or group, that the only way to lessen the discomfort is to comply or conform to a course of behavior as set by the politician or leader. Because of the potential for severe discomfort, coercion has a large effect o n the psyche. This model, though not as readily used now, was very present and widely used, especially in Nazi Germany, under Adolf Hitler, and in Russia, under Josef Stalin. This model is what is commonly known at totalitarianism. The object of the totalitarian government is simple: to contro ...

Work based learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Work based learning - Essay Example As if that not serious, imagine a police officer chasing after armed robbers who care less for their lives. Sometimes things are so tough in that one is in a dilemma. Imagine an officer chasing after a pickpocket within a crowd of people, and yet the suspect is running away making it hard to identify him in a huge crowd. To worsen the matter, the officer always engages himself in diffusion of a bomb that if it explodes, it may kill many people. Therefore, in general, the police career requires a dedicated person who takes risks for the love of his people (SAGE, 2012 p. 67). However, sometimes the duty delegation becomes so hard that some dies, resigns or performs poorly leading to their suspension. Therefore, to strengthen the force, regular recruitments and selections are made on yearly or emergency purposes (PSR. 2012, p. 1). However, for the few days have worked in Met police division, I Have discovered a few issues that are not ethical at all in terms of selection and recruitment. According to the United Kingdoms PUWER regulation of the health and safety executive (2006, p. 1), only competent persons should be selected in any vacant position. Competence will depend on the job, competence of the existing workers, circumstance of the job and the work equipments (HSE, 2006, P.1). Therefore, the act allows random selection of all persons that qualify for the post without any biasness on color, race or religion (HSE, 2006, P.1). However, the situation is not so in the Met Police. Several critics have been forwarded by many an indication that the suffering of innocent applicants is evident. According to Camber (2014, p. 1) in his article of the daily mail; the MET police has been criticized for racialism during its recruitment and selection activities. It is claimed that the agency has great racism against the blacks and other ethnic groups in favor of the white (Camber, 2014, p. 1). 40% of the London

Planning for sustainable water quality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Planning for sustainable water quality - Essay Example In the past, majority of ecological and human crises originate from inadequate access to, and mismanagement of water resources. Aquatic ecosystems, land, and community goals may be destroyed in the process of harnessing water. The growing population may increase water-related problems, and the state has to plan for sustainable water projects. Sustainability guarantees access to basic amounts of water necessary for sustaining human health and to sustain the ecosystem. Sustainability of water resources provides room for renewal of these resources ensuring a constant supply of water. Environmental planning agencies have to assess water quality changes associated with land use activities. The main factors influencing water quality are vegetation, farming methods, and soil type. Rain water contains dissolved gases and minerals (150). These minerals react chemically with the soil constituents when rain water reaches the ground. Land use alters the composition and texture of the surface soi l. The initial interference involved dumping of human and animal wastes into water systems. Improved farming techniques such as the use of fertilizers and pesticides interfere with water quality. Fertilizer and pesticides runoff increase the nutrient levels present in water naturally. Most of these pesticides contain harmful chemicals that cause water poisoning and chemical reactions in the water. Some of the chemicals are volatile and deposited in the air due to exposure to the atmosphere. Chemicals dissolved in water affect natural minerals in the water and they affect marine and human lives. Deforestation is popular in forests, which are also the catchment areas of rivers. Some farmers practice poor farming methods that loosen the soil structure. Activities such as overstocking and overgrazing deprive the land vegetation cover that cements soil particles together. Runoff from these areas contains sediments that are washed into water sources. Sediment loading increases the amount of soil particles and minerals in water sources. In urban areas, industries produce chemical effluent and gases that contaminate water pathways and the atmosphere (157). These gases dissolve in rain water to form acidic rainfall or increase chemical components in the water. Industrial waste washed into watersheds contains poisonous metals and chemicals that cause health complication in animals and humans. Planners must consider the effect of different land uses on the water quality. Minimizing effluent from industries and agricultural can improve the quality of water distributed to homesteads. The federal government passed the Clean Water Act that regulates discharges of pollutants into water bodies and regulates the quality standards for surface water. In this act, EPA has implemented programs to control water pollution such as setting wastewater standards for industries. According to CWA, discharging pollutants from a point source into navigable waters is unlawful unless a permit is acquired. Point sources are conveyances such as man-made ditches and pipes that carry water. The act also provides assistance to public water treatment projects that improve wastewater treatment (160). These projects convert wastewater to safe water that can be utilized by ordinary citizens. Industries cannot discharge waste water directly into public water treatments areas without prior purification. The pretreatment aims at reducing toxic wastes discharged into these treatment works. EPA has also