Angonoka Tortoise Facts

Angonoka Tortoise Facts The angonoka tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora), also known as the ploughshare or Madagascar tortoise, is a critically endangered species that is endemic to Madagascar. These tortoises have unique shell colorations, a characteristic that makes them a sought-after commodity in the exotic pet trade. In March of 2013, smugglers were caught transporting 54 live angonoka tortoises- nearly 13 percent of the entire remaining population- through an airport in Thailand. Fast Facts: Angonoka Tortoise Scientific Name: Astrochelys yniphoraCommon Names: Angonoka tortoise, ploughshare tortoise, plowshare tortoise, Madagascar tortoiseBasic Animal Group: ReptileSize: 15-17 inchesWeight: 19-23 poundsLifespan: 188 years (average)Diet: HerbivoreHabitat: Baly Bay area of northwestern MadagascarPopulation: 400Conservation Status:  Critically Endangered Description The angonoka tortoises carapace (upper shell) is highly arched and mottled brown in color. The shell has with prominent, ridged growth rings on each scute (shell segment). The gular (foremost) scute of the plastron (lower shell) is narrow and extends forward between the front legs, curving upward toward the neck. Habitat and Distribution The tortoise inhabits dry forests and bamboo-scrub habitats in the Baly Bay area of northwestern Madagascar, near the town of Soalala (including Baie de Baly National Park) where the elevation averages 160 feet above sea level. Diet and Behavior The angonoka tortoise grazes on grasses in open rocky areas of bamboo scrub. It will also browse on shrubs, forbs, herbs, and dried bamboo leaves. In addition to plant material, the tortoise has also been observed eating the dried feces of bush pigs. Reproduction and Offspring The reproductive season occurs from approximately Jan.15 to May 30, with both mating and egg hatching occurring at the onset of rainy seasons. The courtship begins when the male sniffs and then circles the female five to 30 times. The male then pushes and even bites the females head and limbs. The male literally overturns the female in order to mate. Both the males and female can have several mates during their lifetimes. A female tortoise produces one to six eggs per clutch and up to four clutches every year. The eggs incubate from 197 to 281 days. Newborn turtles are generally between about 1.7 and 1.8 inches and are completely independent once they are born. Angonoka tortoises reach maturity and become sexually active at about 20 years of age. Threats The greatest threat to the angonoka tortoise is from smugglers collecting them for the illegal pet trade. Secondly, the introduced bushpig preys on tortoises as well as its eggs and young. Additionally, fires employed to clear land for cattle grazing have destroyed the tortoises habitat. Collection for food over time has also impacted the angonoka tortoise population but to a lesser degree than the above activities. Conservation Status The IUCN classifies the northern leopard frogs conservation status as Critically Endangered. There are literally only about 400 angonoka tortoises remaining in Madagascar, the only place they are found on Earth. Their unique shell colorations make them a sought-after commodity in the exotic pet trade. It is the worlds most endangered tortoise, tortoise advocate Eric Goode said to CBS in a 2012 report on the  ploughshare. And it has an incredibly high price on its head. Asian countries love gold and this is a gold tortoise. And so literally, these are like gold bricks that one can pick up and sell. Conservation Efforts In addition to its IUCN listing, the angonoka tortoise is now protected under the national law of Madagascar and listed on Appendix I of CITES, prohibiting international trade in the species. The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust created Project Angonoka in 1986 in cooperation with the Water and Forests Department, the Durrell Trust, and the World Wide Fund (WWF). The Project performs research on the tortoise and develops conservation plans designed to integrate local communities in the protection of the tortoise and its habitat. Local people have participated in conservation activities such as building firebreaks to prevent wildfire spread and the creation of a national park that will help protect the tortoise and its habitat. A captive breeding facility was established for this species in Madagascar in 1986 by the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust (now the Durrell Trust) in cooperation with the Water and Forests Department. Sources Fishbeck, Lisa. â€Å"Astrochelys Yniphora (Madagascan (Plowshare) Tortoise).†Ã‚  Animal Diversity Web.â€Å"The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.†Ã‚  IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.Nelson, Bryan. â€Å"13 Percent of Entire Tortoise Species Population Found in Smugglers Bag.†Ã‚  MNN, Mother Nature Network, 5 June 2017.â€Å"Ploughshare Tortoise | Astrochelys Yniphora.†Ã‚  EDGE of Existence.â€Å"The Race to Save the Tortoise.†Ã‚  CBS News, CBS Interactive.

25 Legendary Excuses for Not Doing Homework

25 Legendary Excuses for Not Doing Homework What’s an excuse but a certain special perspective? One man’s excuse is another man’s explanation. Now, rather than going through the typical excuses that you’ll find through any basic Google sear, below is a list of legendary excuses for not doing homework. Do with them what you will, but regardless, there’s some good material here! Before we start, find out more about our writing service, and theres a chance you wont need an excuse anymore. 1. You’re preoccupied building a new 21st century startup. It’s not easy to assemble effective virtual teams, handle the project management, take care of sourcing and retaining freelance talent, etc. 2. You’re too busy taking advantage of this unprecedented era of technological innovation. 3. Sometimes it’s best to disengage the mind completely from a certain topic so that the information can marinate a bit longer. Hey, it pays off in the end†¦usually. 4. Instead of doing the homework you compromise and watch a few relevant online documentaries which turn into a gauntlet of YouTube videos that leave you drooling into your palm half zombified. 5. You don’t actually need to do the homework because your brain is to intelligence what the knife is to peanut butter sandwiches. 6. You decide to go study with some friends and on the way home. 7. Wait, homework? Simply shrug your shoulders and act completely disheveled because you must have missed the memo! 8. Well, you tried to do the homework (for about 30 seconds) but then it became clear that you needed to ask a couple questions first, or perhaps a tutor. 9. An inexplicable EMP shook your neighborhood and you weren’t able to save your work without warning. 10. You were too busy solving world hunger, fairly redistributing the world’s wealth and getting rid of threat of rogue asteroids. 11. You’ve got extracurricular activities coming out of your ears and collapsed seconds after getting home. 12. While on the way to class you were going over it one last time when an eerie gust of wind snatched it from your hands and for all you know it’s still sailing somewhere over Wisconsin right now. 13. Apparently due to current economic realities high quality homework is a valuable commodity. You got mugged! 14. There you were minding your own business when suddenly a drone descended from on-high and literally stole it. 15. You got stuck trying to sign up for Obamacare. 16. First your dog died in grandma’s hands. Then she died. What’s worse is it was only after burying fluffy that you realized he’d eaten your homework. 17. You have no idea what anyone is talking about. You did the homework and turned it in on time (fingers crossed). 18. While fervently engrossed in your homework you spilled some soup on the keyboard and your laptop exploded. 19. Wait what? You totally emailed it to the right address and there hasn’t been a bounce-back yet so†¦ 20. Didn’t the Supreme Court just find that excessive homework is cruel and unusual punishment? You’re just standing up for your rights! 21. On the way home from school a nice man with a sign explained that the end of the world was nigh, and no sane person does homework on the eve of the Apocalypse. 22. You had a nervous breakdown with three helpings of a panic attack with extra-crushing procrastination on the side. 23. In fact, studies have shown the many of the smartest people who have ever lived were procrastinators. Your not turning in homework on time is really just the inner creative genius expressing its unique sovereign identity. 24. To get a really thorough understanding of human handwriting from the western culture, aliens abducted your homework but promised to have it back to you in time so that it may be turned in tomorrow. 25. Someone called in sick and you really had no other choice but to work a double. Life is hard, what can ya do? 3 Tips for Employing Epic Excuses Here are three tips you can use when it comes time to let the excuses fly. With these three things in mind you’ll be better prepared no matter what excuse you choose. Know Thyself: If you hope to get an extension or have the teacher give you a break you better be able to pull this off with a straight face. If you’re horrible at fibbing you need to practice your excuse in the mirror until you actually begin to believe it. Expect Unbelief: Walk into the experience expecting the professor to not believe a word you have to say. That’s humbling and humble is a good place to be in. Admit Defeat: Turn the excuse into an explanation by admitting defeat first. Yes, you messed up. It was your responsibility and you goofed. But, here’s why. See the difference between that and just straight out trying to lie? What do you think, will it work for you? Tell us in the comments!

Emergency Management 670 week 7 Conference Essay

Emergency Management 670 week 7 Conference - Essay Example In the future, emergency managers will need to develop a region wide approach to emergency management, implement interoperable GIS technologies and protect key infrastructure in the communities. Effective emergency managers need some skills and traits in order to effectively manage the unforeseen disaster. Some of the skills include risk assessment skills, mitigation planning, and ability to work with the communities in preparedness through periodic drills. According to Drabek’s study of 1987, effective emergency managers should have salient traits such as anticipating disasters, exhibition of professionalism, being community mentors, reconciliatory traits, the knowledge of extend of authority and ordinance based powers and doing anything possible to protect and preserve the safety of the community. The National Academy of Sciences study of emergency management concluded that efficient emergency managers need critical future skills such as grasp of the public administration and budgeting skills. It also made it clear that understanding of HAZUS software and improvement warnings and communications was essential for emergency managers. The study concluded that emergency managers should improve the use of social media and acquire higher education on risk assessment and preparedness skills (Langberg, 2010). The study also suggested that emergency managers should be more regionally focused and share best practices in emergency management in order to enhance the response capabilities of the first responders. The National Academy of Sciences study also proposed the better use of GIS and other software technologies in identifying and responding to emergencies. On the other hand, International Association of Emergency managers (IAEM) recently announced that the emergency managers should be compressive, risk-driven, progressive, inclusive, collaborative, professional, coordinated and flexible in response to

Realistic Pragmatism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 5

Realistic Pragmatism - Essay Example Pragmatists have instead developed their argument on the notion that a thought acts as an instrument that can predict, solve problems or even act. In addition, they argue that most of the topics in philosophy like concepts, knowledge, meaning, belief, and nature of knowledge as well as science can only be seen in terms of their practical uses and successes instead of how they have been employed to stand for accuracy. As a philosophical movement, pragmatism started in America in the 1870s. The direction of this philosophy was mainly determined by various members of The Metaphysical Club like William James, Chauncey Wright, George Herbert Mead, as well as. This term was first employed in the fiscal year 1898 by William James who credited Pierce for coming up with the term. James considered Peirce’s work of 1877–8 dubbed "Illustrations of the Logic of Science" series as his main basis for his thoughts on pragmatism. Consequently, this made Peirce, in turn, to write in the fiscal year 1906 that Nicholas St. John Green had been instrumental. He greatly emphasized the significance of applying the definition of belief that Alexander Bain looked into. Bain’s argued that belief meant something that a man stands on when he is prepared to act. Peirce stated that this definition makes pragmatism to become scarcer than a corollary. Pierce saw that this definition made Bain be regarded as the grandfather of pragmatism. William James’s book, dubbed Pragmatism (1907), was able to gather together various lecturers that he had been teaching on the philosophy since the fiscal year 1898. The book was able to launch an interest in pragmatism. Furthermore, a lot of controversies has arisen on what the meaning of pragmatism is. Many critics of the early times saw James as the father of the philosophy.  Ã‚  

Ethical Issues with Hacking Essay Example for Free

Ethical Issues with Hacking Essay There is a new crime on the verge of being on Americas top ten crimes list, computer hacking. Computer hacking is the practice of unlawfully gaining access to and sometimes tampering with information in a computer system. Since the cyber age, the use of computers has slowing integrated into most of societys everyday life and since then new crimes have emerged as a result of this age. The access of information readily available at the click of a button, can be very enticing to unlawfully acquire, but the companies who hold this important information has a duty to keep all files and information safeguarded. As a result of the cyber age, no longer are there just mundane crimes in America such as murder or assault. There has been a new crime wave, crimes of technologies. Cyber crimes are now listed in the top leading crimes of today. Out of the top ten crimes in America during 2012, computer related crimes were at number seven and number ten. Seven being computer theft, and ten being identity theft, with computer hacking rising on that list daily. With careful planning and updated online security, cyber crimes such as, hacking can be decreased. According to the New York Times, they said that, new security protocols and stronger firewalls, which monitor computer networks for suspicious traffic, could help to deter a person from hacking. Security experts say companies must also adapt their security systems to protect against attacks through smartphones and tablet computers. Although such mobile devices increase convenience for workers, they essentially a create a new door into the network, which then needs its own security watchdogs. A company is committed to keeping all the information as private as possible. When a person decides to hack into a companys database, email or website, they are not only putting their self at risk, but everyone involved will be negatively effected. The company who got hacked will most likely be publicized and their confidentiality of their patients information has now been corrupted. Lawsuits can follow for the company or the individual hacker if they get caught and it could also be very damaging for the individual who might have gotten their information hacked in the process. Policy Position Companies and their employees have a duty to uphold a certain standards when dealing with the consumers personal and private information. Dell has outlined some preventive steps that can be taken on a company and a personal level to prevent hackers from infiltrating a computer networking system. Among these steps are the following: Education- Hackers aren’t the only ones who can gain power from information. By educating yourself and employees about the types of scams that exist on the Internet and how to avert them, you are putting yourself one step ahead of the cyber criminals. Use a firewall- Firewalls monitor traffic between your computer or network and the Internet and serve as a great first line of defense when it comes to keeping intruders out. Use comprehensive security software and keep your system updated- Because hackers have a wide variety of ways to access your system and information, you need comprehensive security software that can protect you from all angles. Secure your wireless network- Hackers can access data while it’s in transit on an unsecured wireless network. You can keep the hackers out by enabling the firewall on your router and changing the router’s administrator password. î€Å' Use strong passwords- Although it may be easier for you to remember short passwords that reference your birthday, or pet’s name, these kinds of passwords also make it easy for hackers. Strong passwords can go a long way in helping secure your information. According to the FBI, â€Å"the threat that criminal hackers pose to corporate and government information systems has spiked in the past five years.† Stakeholders including the company, employees and customers have the right to know about privacy-laws and should know that any information that is gained unlawfully and shared with the public comes with major consequences. Stakeholders must know what is at stake when information is compromised. Upon being hired an employee must know their companys policy regarding information that can be disclosed. An employee has the duty to take actions based on ethical standards that must be known and recognized by all who are involved. â€Å"In Maryland, accessing and telling the world about another persons personal information is an invasion of privacy that may make the hacker liable for money damages to the victim.† (Lawyers.com, 2013) You, an employee, a hacker and the company has the duty to respect privacy of information and action. â€Å"A person who violates subsection (c)(1) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.† (2010 Maryland Code CRIMINAL LAW. TITLE 7, section 7-302) Other customers of that company may feel their privacy information and action should be respected by others. The other customers feel like the customer has a duty to them to uphold their privacy and not share it with third parties or other people they did not give permission. Bottom line is that companies have the same problems with theft of intellectual property and personal information just as much as everyone else, but we expect more from them to keep their customers information secure. Privacy-laws are put in place for people can abide by those laws. Stakeholders must act in an ethical and moral manner when it concerns intellectual property, because if not, everyone can be negatively effected is this policy is not followed. REFERENCES Right of Publicity: Overview. (2013). Retrieved Feb 1, 2013, from http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/publicity Email Hacking is a Serious Crime. POSTED IN Privacy Law BY Lawyers.com (2013). Retrieved Feb 2, 2013, from http://communications-media.lawyers.com/privacy-law/Email-Hacking-Is-A-Serious-Crime.html Computer Intrusions. (2013). Retrieved Feb 9, 2013, from http://www.fbi.gov/aboutus/investigate/cyber/computer-intrusions 2010 Maryland Code CRIMINAL LAW. TITLE THEFT AND RELATED CRIMES Subtitle 3 Crimes Involving Telecommunications and Electronics Section 7-302 Unauthorized access to computers and related material. (2010). Retrieved Jan 31, 2013, from http://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2010/criminal-law/title-7/subtitle-3/7-302/ Object1 https://docs.google.com/viewer? a=vq=cache:IDTKbmw6TzwJ:www.dell.com/downloads/ca/support/top_10_steps_to_protect_agains t_cybercrime_dell_en.pdf+steps+to+deter+hacking %2Bdellhl=engl=uspid=blsrcid=ADGEESj9mmGDd6D6c0Lbe5C-q06ZyXHh2rVmleQtWvkHTrRrt5ws07evPDNcipr3HEDdwBwcvOqq3zQVevNqmb1ae6A17RjPOoi7eGQd K_RmrRb4d_xO57dfK5Y-8FYICKa1UG8PV9isig=AHIEtbRvNOTu6CU5StjeP3LyY_Q_a0WyBQ Drew, C., Kopytoff, V. (2011). Deploying New Tools to Stop the Hackers. Retrieved Feb 8, 2013, from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/18/technology/18security.html?pagewanted=all_r=0

Argument - The Voting Age Must be Lowered Essays -- Politics Political

The Voting Age Must be Lowered for Democracy to Exist in America Imagine for a moment that senior citizens were denied the right to vote. Imagine senior citizens being thought of as too incompetent to vote because some senior citizens are senile. Can you imagine such a large percentage of the American public being denied the right to vote – simply on account of their age? It cannot happen in America, right? Not in a free country, a country where the people control the government, not the other way around? It can happen. It does happen. Only, it does not happen to senior citizens – once they get the right to vote they keep it for life. It happens to young people – people below eighteen years of age. Youth are denied the right to vote solely on account of their age. America is not a democracy if youth are denied the right to vote. Democracy is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as "government by the people." If some of the people – youth – are denied the right to vote for government leaders than the American government is not "by the people." The Declaration of Independence says that governments are instituted by the consent of the governed, and that governments can be overthrown when the people don’t consent anymore. Laws that young people are forced to obey are passed every day throughout the nation. Some of these laws only affect youth, such as curfew laws and compulsory school attendance laws. Most of these laws affect the whole population and all American citizens. Yet young people have no say in these laws, no say in the legislators that make these laws, no say in politics, no say in the rules that they must abide by. According to the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, young people born in the United States are Am... ... lowered if America is to be a free and democratic nation and youth are to be granted their human right to take part in the business of their nation by being allowed to vote. Works Cited D.G. "Election Elective." Education Week on the Web. 10 Feb. 1998. http://www.edweek.org/ew/vol-11/13boxh11 Franklin, Bob. "Children’s Political Rights." The Rights of Children. 10 Feb 1998. http://www.bconnex.net/~cspcc/crime_prevention/rights.htm St. Louis Post Dispatch, December 19, 1997, research provided by Keith Mandell. (12 Feb 1998). "Ten Questions, One Easy Answer: Q&A on Children’s Suffrage." ACS: Association for Children’s Suffrage. 16 Feb. 1998. http://www.brown.edu/Students/Association_for_Childrens_Suffrage/ "Voting." ASFAR: Americans for a Society Free from Age Restrictions. 11 Feb. 1998 <http://www.oblivion.net/asfar/declaration/voting1.html>

The Causes and Impacts of Youth Smoking on Hong Kong

Title: The causes and impacts of youth smoking on Hong Kong smoking young people’s quality of life |Content |Page | |Chapter 1 : Introduction |P. 3-4 | |Chapter 2 : Literature Review and Methodology |p. 5-11 | |2. 1 Literature Review | | |2. Methodology | | |2. 3 Limitations | | |2. 4 Chapter summary | | |Chapter 3 : Findings |p. 12-19 | |3. 1 Reasons of smoking among Hong Kong young people | | |3. Non-smokers’ view towards smoking | | |3. 3 Effects of smoking on smokers’ quality of life in the economic and social aspects | | |3. 4 Suggestions to help smokers to quit smoking | | |3. 5 The effectiveness of government measures in encouraging and helping smokers to quit smoking | | |3. Chapter summary | | |Chapter 4 : Analysis and Discussion |p. 20-26 | |4. 1 The truth about youth smoking | | |4. 2 The effectiveness of government measures on encouraging and helping smokers to quit smoking | | |4. 3 Suggestions to help smokers to quit smoking | | |4. Limitation of the study | | |4. 5 Areas for further study | | |4. 6 After thoughts | | |Bibliography |p. 27 | |List of Appendices |p. 8-43 | |Table of contents: | | |Summary table of the results of questionnaires | | |Questionnaire samples ( in Chinese and English versions) | | Chapter 1 : Introduction Smoking is not good for health and it smells bad. I want to know why some young people still smoke. Hong Kong government has passed some laws about banning smoking in indoor areas and some public areas such as parks.The government also shot some advertisement about quitting smoking, such as the smoke-free Hong Kong advertisement. I want to know whether these measures are effective in helping smokers to quit smoking. My grandfather died because of tuberculosis. He was a heavy smoker. I want to know how smoking affect people’s health. My uncle also has a smoking habit. I want to know some ways to help smokers to quit smoking through this Independent Enquiry Studies. The focus questions of my Independent Enquiry Studies are â€Å" Why do some Hong Kong young people start smoking? , â€Å"What are the non-smokers and smokers’ views towards smoking? †, â€Å" How does smoking affect Hong Kong young people’s quality of life in economic and social aspect? † and â€Å"What can we do to help the smokers to quit smoking? † In this Independent Enquiry Studies, â€Å"smoking† refers to the smoking of all forms of tobacco, including cigarette, cigar, hand rolled cigarette and pipe-smoking. â€Å"Hong Kong smoking young people† refers to Hong Kong residents aged 10-25 who at the time of doing the survey have a smoking habit, no matter what type of tobacco they smoked and their smoking pattern. People who smoked before and have now quitted smoking† refers to people who previously had a smoking habit for at least 1 month continuously. â€Å"Quality of life† refers to the degree of satisfaction in the material and s piritual aspects of life. There are 4 chapters in the Independent Enquiry Studies. Chapter 1 is Introduction. It includes the background of the Independent Enquiry Studies. Chapter 2 is Methodology. It includes the method of doing research in the Independent Enquiry Studies. Chapter 3 is Findings. It includes the findings of the research. Chapter 4 is Analysis.After analyzing the findings, I will suggest some possible answers to the focus questions. In the appendix, samples of questionnaires and a summarizing table of the findings are attached. Through the Independent Enquiry Studies, we should be able to gain knowledge of non-smokers view towards smoking, assess the effectiveness of government’s measures on helping and encouraging smokers to quit smoking and know some effective methods in helping smokers to quit smoking. Chapter 2 : Literature Review and Methodology 2. 1 Literature Review 2. 1. 1 Youth smokersAccording to the survey on Pattern of Smoking conducted by the Cen sus and Statistical Department during December 2007 to March 2008, 10500 people in Hong Kong aging from 15 to 19 smoked. 2. 4% of them are daily smokers. 107800 people in Hong Kong aging from 20 to 29 smoked. 15. 9% of them are daily smokers. The percentage of daily smokers was on a gradually decreasing trend over the past 15 years from 1993 to 2008. Average daily consumption of cigarettes of 15-19 smokers was 11 cigarettes in the survey conducted during Dec 2007-Mar 2008, while the average consumption of cigarettes of 20-29 cigarettes smokers was 12 cigarettes. 1] 2. 1. 2 Causes of youth smoking According to the survey on Pattern of Smoking conducted by the Census and Statistical Department during December 2007 to March 2008, 59. 8% of daily cigarette smokers started smoking because of â€Å"influence of friends†, 36. 7% â€Å"out of curiosity†. Other reasons included â€Å"necessity in social functions† (8. 1%), â€Å"influence of family members† (7. 8% ) , â€Å"easing tension† (4. 2%), â€Å"refreshing one’s mind† (3. 7%) and â€Å"killing time† (3. 4%). [2] 2. 1. 3 Impacts of youth smoking Many sources suggest that smoking can cause various diseases and hence has a negative impact on smoker’s health.On the website of Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health, it suggests that cigarette smoking is hazardous to health. Smoking can cause different cancers, such as cancers of the mouth and throat, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and stomach cancer. Smoking also causes cardiac diseases, pulmonary and respiratory diseases and genital diseases, such as impotence in male smokers. [3], The website of Tobacco Control Office Department of Health also suggests that smoking is a causative agent of many fatal diseases and cancers.Smoking can cause disorders and problems such as impotence, infertility, wrinkling and halitosis. Smoking would also bring about socio-economical consequences. [4] 2. 1. 4 Methods of q uitting smoking The website of Tobacco Control Office Department of Health includes some tips and methods that can help smokers to quit smoking. When you start to quit smoking, you will still have urges to smoke. The urge will last for just a few minutes and you will be able to get over it. The website provides some methods to help smokers get over this urge.For example, when smokers have urges to smoke, they can try to divert their attentions to smoke by washing face, listen to music, etc. [5] 2. 2 Methodology Questionnaire will be employed to collect the data for the IES. There are many good points. 1. Quantitative Research Orientation 1. Scientific approach Quantitative researchers work on simplifying complicated social phenomena into measurable figures. After calculation, the researcher can know the general situation of different social phenomena and their interrelationships. 2. Objective approachThe personal opinions of respondents may affect their answers to some questions. Fo r example, when the respondents are asked whether the government policy is effective in tackling smoking, it is difficult to define effective. However, the researcher can use a more objective approach, such as when using literature review, the researcher can compare the number of smokers before and after the government policies are implemented. Assume there are 10000 people quit smoking after the banning smoking in restaurants. Some people may think that it is effective while some people may think that it is not effective.From this figure, we can know the actual situation. 3. Require less time and resources Instead of arranging a time doing interview with the respondents face-to-face, we can send the questionnaire to target respondents through mails. We may also upload the questionnaire online and invite respondents to answer the questionnaire through online forums and social-networking software and websites. 4. Can reach more respondents As the time required for each respondent to give response is shorter, there is more time to invite more respondents to give responses.Some people may be scared or shy when doing a face-to-face interview, a questionnaire is more suitable to these respondents. Since Hong Kong people are busy, many of them cannot arrange time for doing the interview. Sending a questionnaire to them enables them to answer when they have time. 1. Research Procedures The mini pilot questionnaire Before actual questionnaires were distributed, the researcher discussed the questionnaire with his teacher and classmates to ascertain whether the questions are understandable and sensible to the respondents.This also gives rough ideas of the suitability of wording and the appropriateness of the sequence of questions and the questions being asked. The questionnaires The researcher used online questionnaire at first to save time and resources between 1 February 2011 and 20 March 2011. However, the number of respondents was not satisfactory (237), while the t arget sample size was 300 and the researcher decided to distribute questionnaires directly in Causeway Bay on 27 March 2011. In the research, the researcher divided the respondents into three target groups, including non-smokers, smokers and ex-smokers.Each target group had a unique set of questions in order to answer different focus questions in the research. The questions were provided with choices to make data analysis easier and save respondents’ time. Questionnaire questions Most of the questionnaire questions were provided with options and the option â€Å"others† for respondents to give answers that were not given in the options. There were a lot of options in the questions so as to cover most possible opinions of respondents. This surely saved respondent’s time in completing the questionnaire and the researcher can analyze the data easily.The questionnaire had both Chinese and English versions, so the respondents could understand the questions easily and give appropriate responses. Examples were also given after the some relatively difficult words to ensure the respondents understand the questions clearly. 1. Data Analysis Numerical expression of data In order to make the data comparable, all answers are arranged in different categories and both numbers of respondents choosing that option and the percentage of respondents choosing that option (only in questions that the respondents could only choose one option) were shown. . Limitations The questionnaires are distributed online and in the Causeway Bay, so people who do not live in Causeway Bay and cannot access to the internet cannot get the questionnaire. Therefore, the responses may be biased and confined. 3. Chapter Summary This chapter has given the theoretical framework for this research, including the literature review and methodology of this research. In this research, questionnaire was used mainly.To enhance readers’ understanding of the research, both the research p rocedure and data analysis with also its objective and scientific approach were included. Chapter 3: Findings In this chapter, the researcher is going to present the data collected through questionnaires. The research emphasizes on the causes and impacts of youth smoking on Hong Kong smoking young people’s quality of life. In 3. 1, there will be a discussion on the reasons why some Hong Kong young people start smoking. In 3. 2, the Hong Kong non-smoking young people’s view towards smoking will be investigated.In 3. 3, how smoking affects Hong Kong smoking young people’s quality of life in the economic and social aspects will be explored. In 3. 4, the researcher will attempt to give some suggestions to help Hong Kong smoking young people to quit smoking. In 3. 5, the researcher will give a discussion on the effectiveness of government measures on encouraging and helping smokers to quit smoking. 3. 1 Reasons of smoking among Hong Kong young people The researcher h as distributed 100 questionnaires to Hong Kong smoking young people.As shown in figure 1, the reasons why some Hong Kong young people smoke are influence of friends (60%), curiosity (36%), influence of family members (8%), releasing pressure (8%) killing time (4%) and refreshing one’s mind (4%) |Options |Number of respondents | |Influence of friends |60 | |Influence of family members |8 | |Curiosity |36 | |Release pressure |8 | |killing time |4 | |refreshing one’s mind |4 |Figure 1: Summary table showing the reasons why some Hong Kong young people smoke 3. 2 Non-smokers’ view towards smoking The researcher has also distributed 100 questionnaires to Hong Kong non-smoking young people. As shown in figure 2, among 100 Hong Kong non-smoking young people, 95 of them do not like people who smoke, only 5 of them like people who smoke. [pic] Figure 2: a pie chart showing the general opinions of Hong Kong non-smoking young people on Hong Kong smoking young people As show n in figure 3, among the 5 Hong Kong non-smoking young people who like smoking people, all of them like people who smoke because they think that smoking people are attractive. 4 of them also like the smell of cigarettes. Options |Number of respondents | |Smoking people are attractive |5 | |I like the smell of cigarettes |4 | |Secondhand smoke is good for my health |0 | Figure 3: Summary table showing the reasons why some Hong Kong non-smoking young people like people who smoke. (they can choose more than 1 option) As shown in figure 4, among the 95 Hong Kong non-smoking young people, 80 of them dilikes people who smoke because they think that smoking people are not attractive. 85 of them hate the smell of cigarettes. All of them agrees that secondhand smoke is bad for their health,so they dislike people who smoke. Options |Number of respondents | |Smoking people are not attractive |80 | |I hate the smell of cigarettes |85 | |Secondhand smoke is bad for my health |95 | Figure 4: Summ ary table showing the reasons why some Hong Kong non-smoking young people dislike people who smoke (Respondents can choose more than 1 option) 3. 3 Effects of smoking on smokers’ quality of life in the economic and social aspects As shown in figure 5, among the 100 Hong Kong smoking young people, 9% of them spend $0-50 in buying cigarettes per week. 80% of them spend $51-100 in buying cigarettes per week. 11% of them spend $101-150 in buying cigarettes per week. So, smokers have a greater expense and thus smoking have a negative impact on smokers’ quality of life in the economic aspect. Options |Number of respondents |percentage | |$0-50 |9 |9% | |$51-100 |80 |80% | |$101-150 |11 |11% | |$151-200 |0 |0% | |$201-250 |0 |0% | |$251-300 |0 |0% | |$301-350 |0 |0% | |$350 or above |0 |0% | Figure 5: Summary table showing how much do Hong Kong smoking young people spend on buying cigarettes per weekAs shown in figure 2, 95% of Hong Kong non-smoking young people responded dis like people who smoke. This shows that smoking has adverse impacts on the relationship between smokers and non-smokers. Hence, smoking adversely affects smokers’ quality of life in social aspect. 3. 4 Suggestions to help smokers to quit smoking The researcher has conducted questionnaires with 100 ex-smokers in Hong Kong. As shown in figure 6, among 100 ex-smokers responded, all of them discarded all cigarettes and ashtrays to quit smoking. 80 of them used medications for quitting smoking. 90 of them tried to avoid staying in places where people smoke. 77 of them used smoking cessation services provided by smoking cessation clinics. Options |Number of respondents | |Discard all cigarettes and ashtrays |100 | |Using medications for quitting smoking (such as nicotine |80 | |patch and nicotine gum) | | |Avoid staying in places where people smoke |90 | |Using smoking cessation services provided by smoking |77 | |cessation clinics | | Figure 6: Summary table showing what measure s ex-smokers took to quit smoking (Respondents can choose more than 1 option) 3. The effectiveness of government measures in encouraging and helping smokers to quit smoking According to figure 7, 76 of the 100 ex-smokers responded decided to quit smoking because of the advice from health care professionals. 54 of them decided to quit smoking because of health reasons. 23 of them decided to quit smoking because of influence of friends. 59 of them decided to quit smoking due to influence of family members. 9 of them decided to quit smoking as requested by boss or teachers. 43 of them decided to quit smoking due to government policies. |Options |Number of respondents | |Health reasons (with advice from doctors/ other health care 76 | |professional) | | |Smoking is not good to my health |54 | |Influence of friends |23 | |Influence of family members |59 | |Requested by boss/ teachers |9 | |Government policies(such as expanding statutory no smoking |43 | |areas) | |Figure 7: Summary ta ble showing why ex-smokers decided to quit smoking ( Respondents can choose more than one option) 3. 6 Chapter summary With the aids of pie charts and tables, the chapter attempts to give a discussion on the reasons why some Hong Kong young people start smoking, the non-smokers’ views towards smoking, how smoking affect smokers’ quality of life in the economic and social aspects, the effectiveness of government measures in helping and encouraging the smokers to quit smoking and suggestions to help smokers to quit smoking. The main reasons why some Hong Kong young people start smoking are influence of friends and curiosity.Most Hong Kong non-smoking young people dislike people who smoke. Smoking has adverse impacts on smokers’ quality of life in both economic and social aspects. Government measures are effective in helping the smokers to quit smoking as 77 of the 100 ex-smokers responded used smoking cessation services provided by government smoking cessation cli nics. Government measures are not effective in encouraging the smokers to quit smoking since only 43 of the 100 ex-smokers responded quit smoking because of government policies such as expanding statutory no smoking areas. Further discussion and analysis are to be followed in chapter 4. Chapter 4: Analysis and DiscussionBased on the findings done in Chapter 3 and related studies, this chapter would discuss the causes of youth smoking, the impacts of youth smoking on Hong Kong smoking young people’s quality of life in the economic and social aspect, the effectiveness of government measures in encouraging and helping the smokers to quit smoking and further explore some methods to help smokers to quit smoking. 4. 1. The truth about youth smoking 4. 1. 1. The causes of youth smoking As said in chapter 3, the causes of youth smoking are influence of friends, curiosity, influence of family members, releasing pressure, killing time and refreshing one’s mind. To explain the ca uses of youth smoking, the following may serve as reference. †¢ Influence of friends In general, adolescents value the relationship with their friends.In order to have a good relationship with their peers, they will try their best to obtain their affirmation and acceptance. So, influence of friends is a main reason why some Hong Kong young people start smoking. †¢ Curiosity Nowadays, smoking scenes frequently appears on television and films. Hong Kong young people and children often see people smoking on the street. They may have a wrong concept that smoking people are cool. They begin to develop the curiosity to smoke. When there are some chances for them to start smoking, such as being invited by friends they are more likely to start smoking. †¢ Influence of family members In the childhood, parents are the idols of their children. Children tend to follow what their parents do.If children see their parents smoking, they will have a higher tendency to follow their par ents and start smoking. They will also have a higher curiosity towards smoking. Smoking parents is harder to stop their children from smoking because the parents themselves smoke, too. So, influence of family members is also one main cause of youth smoking. 4. 1. 2 The impacts of smoking on smokers’ quality of life As mentioned of chapter 3, smoking has adverse impacts on smokers’ quality of life in the economic and social aspect. The following will explain the impacts of smoking on smokers in details. †¢ In the economic aspect Smokers have to spend money on buying cigarettes.The government has recently increased the tobacco tax and worked hare to tackle contraband and counterfeit cigarettes problem. The prices of cigarettes therefore increases and smokers have to pay more on cigarettes. As shown in chapter 2, smoking is detrimental to health as it may lead to different cancers and other diseases such as infertility. So, smokers may be easier to get a disease and their medical expenses may increase. Therefore, smoking brings negative impacts on smokers’ quality of life in the economic aspect. †¢ In the social aspect As shown in chapter 3, most non-smokers dislike people who smoke. Therefore, smokers have a poor relationship with most non-smokers.Smokers have a poorer relationship with non-smokers and hence the social aspect of quality of life of smokers is negatively affected. On the other hand, smokers may have a better relationship with other smokers. For example, cigarettes are often used as gifts among businessmen in China. People can get recognition from other smokers by smoking. So, smokers have a better relationship with other smokers and hence smoking brings positive impacts on smokers’ quality of life in the social aspect. 4. 2. The effectiveness of government measures on encouraging and helping smokers to quit smoking 4. 2. 1 The effectiveness of government measures Smokers are often addicted to cigarettes.They e xperience many withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit smoking, such as dizziness, headache and poor concentration. Therefore, it is difficult for smokers to quit smoking. As mentioned in chapter 3, the effectiveness of government measures on encouraging smokers to quit smoking is low. 2. The effectiveness of government measures on helping smokers to quit smoking As stated in chapter 3, many ex-smokers used smoking cessation services provided by smoking cessation clinics to quit smoking. This shows that government measures are effective in helping smokers to quit smoking. 2. Suggestions to help smokers to quit smoking It is difficult to quit smoking.However, smokers can use some methods adopted by most ex-smokers to quit smoking. Here are some examples. †¢ Discard all cigarettes and ashtrays †¢ Avoid staying in places where people smoke †¢ Using medications for quitting smoking ( such as nicotine patch and nicotine gun) 3. Limitation of the study First and foremost, the study involving 300 respondents for sampling may not be able to represent the opinions of non-smokers, smokers and ex-smokers. The distribution of questionnaires are done online and in Causeway Bay, so people who do not have the access to the internet nor live in Causeway Bay may not get the questionnaire. Therefore, the responses may be biased and confined.Due to the limited resources, the researcher has already tried to work out the generalized pattern of people’s opinions towards smoking as much as possible. The researcher has also studied similar studies done by the government in a much larger scale. Hence, the reliability of the study can be increased. Time has always been a constraint to the researcher. So as to ensure the general trend of people’s opinions, the researcher has spent considerable time on analyzing the data and arranging them into summary tables and pie charts. 4. Areas for further study Despite the limitations, the study can hopefully uphold the complexity of the causes and impacts of youth smoking. This study has brought some insights to the policy makers in encouraging and helping Hong Kong smoking people to quit smoking.The following suggestions may also serve as good topics for further studies †¢ New methods to stop people from starting to smoke †¢ New methods of encouraging and helping smokers to quit smoking by other stakeholders (besides the government and individuals) The rationale behind these suggestions is highly understandable. â€Å"Prevention is better than curing. † It is easier to stop people from starting to smoke than helping smokers to quit smoking because smokers are addicted to cigarettes. Therefore, looking for methods to encourage people not to start smoking is a more useful method to reduce the smoking population in Hong Kong. As stated in 4. 2. , the current government measures are not effective in encouraging smokers to quit smoking. Also, development of new cheaper and more co mfortable methods to quit smoking may encourage smokers to quit smoking. Therefore, a research on new methods to encourage and help smokers to quit smoking is contributive to reduce smoking population in Hong Kong. 5. Afterthoughts To the researcher’s belief, this study helps readers to gain knowledge of people’s view towards smoking and know some effective methods in helping smokers to quit smoking. This study has also assessed the effectiveness of government’s measures in encouraging and helping smokers to quit smoking. Bibliography Books: Census and Statistical Department. Pattern of smoking†, Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics (Hong Kong, June 2009) Websites: Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health. â€Å"Risks? Active Smoking† http://smokefree. hk/en/content/web. do? page=ActiveSmoking (Retrieved on 17 April 2011) Tobacco Control Office Department of Health. â€Å"Smoking and Health† http://www. tco. gov. hk/english/infostation_sh. h tml (Retrieved on 17 April 2011) Tobacco Control Office Department of Health. â€Å"Quitting Smoking† http://www. tco. gov. hk/english/quittting/quitting_vcqs. thml (Retrieved on 17 April 2011) Appendix I Summary table of the results of the questionnaires For non-smokers 1. How old are you? Choices |Number of respondents | |10-15 |23 | |16-20 |45 | |21-25 |32 | 2. What is your sex? |Choices |Number of respondents | |Male |79 | |Female |21 | 3. Can you suggest some methods that you think that are effective in helping smokers quit smoking? You may choose more than 1 option) |Choices |Number of respondents | |Discard all cigarettes and ashtrays |100 | |Using medications for quitting smoking (such as nicotine |90 | |patch and nicotine gum) | | |Avoid staying in places where people smoke |90 | |Using smoking cessation services provided by smoking |93 | |cessation clinics | | |Others(please state) |0 | 4. Do you like people who smoke? |Choices |Number of respondents | |Yes ( please go to question 5) |95 | |No (please go to question 6) |5 | 5. Why do you like people who smoke? You may choose more than 1 option) |Choices |Number of respondents | |Smoking people are attractive |5 | |I like the smell of cigarettes |4 | |Secondhand smoke is good for my health |0 | |Others(please state) |0 | 6. Why do you hate people who smoke? You may choose more than 1 option) |Choices |Number of respondents | |Smoking people are not attractive |80 | |I hate the smell of cigarettes |85 | |Secondhand smoke is bad for my health |95 | |Others(please state) |0 | 7. Do you have relatives or friends who smoke? Choices |Number of respondents | |Yes (please go to question 8) |63 | |No (Thank you for completing the survey) |37 | 8. Have you tried to persuade your relatives or friends to quit smoking? |Choices |Number of respondents | |Yes (please go to question 9) |27 | |No (Thank you for completing the survey) |26 | 9. After your persuasion, did your relatives or friends try to q uit smoking? Choices |Number of respondents | |Yes |8 | |No |15 | |I do not know |4 | For smokers 1. How old are you? |Choices |Number of respondents | |10-15 |3 | |16-20 |45 | |21-25 |52 | 2.How long have you been smoking? |Choices |Number of respondents | |1-3 years |63 | |4-6 years |19 | |7-10 years |15 | |10 years or above |3 | 3. Do you agree that smoking is bad to your health? Choices |Number of respondents | |Agree |92 | |Disagree |8 | 4. Do you agree that you are addicted to cigarettes? |Choices |Number of respondents | |Agree |87 | |Disagree |13 | 5. How many cigarettes you smoke per day? Choices |Number of respondents | |1-3 |12 | |4-6 |34 | |7-9 |40 | |10-12 |13 | |13-15 |1 | |16-18 |0 | |18-21 |0 | | 22 or above |0 | 6. How much do you spend on buying cigarettes per week? (Hong Kong Dollars) Choices |Number of respondents | |$0-50 |9 | |$51-100 |11 | |$101-150 |80 | |$151-200 |0 | |$201-250 | 0 | |$251-300 |0 | |$301-350 | 0 | |$350 or above |0 | ? $3 01-350 ? $350 or above 7. Where do your money buying cigarettes come from? You may choose more than 1 option) |Choices |Number of respondents | |Work |44 | |Petty cash from family members |78 | |From illegal ways |0 | |Borrow from family members/friends |23 | |Others(please state) |0 | 8. Do you relatives or friends know that you smoke? Choices |Number of respondents | |Yes (please go to question 9) |67 | |No (please go to question 10) |33 | 9. Generally, do they support you to smoke? |Choices |Number of respondents | |Yes |13 | |No |33 | |I do not know |21 | 10. Why do you smoke? (You may choose more than 1 option) Choices |Number of respondents | |Influence of friends |60 | |Influence of family members |8 | |Curiosity |36 | |Release pressure |8 | |Killing time |4 | |refreshing one’s mind |4 | |Others(please state) |0 | 11. What are the bad effects of smoking on you? You may choose more than 1 option) |Choices |Number of respondents | |I am not welcomed |23 | |I am less healthy |92 | |Not enough money |30 | |Makes me ugly |43 | |Bad image |33 | |Poor relationship with relatives |37 | |Poor relationship with friends |29 | |Others(please state) |0 | 12. What are the good effects of smoking on you? You may choose more than 1 option) |Choices |Number of respondents | |I am welcomed |63 | |I am more healthy |8 | |I have more money |47 | |I am more handsome/beautiful |57 | |Good image |57 | |Better relationship with relatives |10 | |Better relationship with friends |70 | |Others(please state) |0 | 13. Have you tried to quit smoking? |Choices |Number of respondents | |Yes (please go to question 14) |20 | |No (Thank you for completing the survey) |80 | 14. Why did you quit smoking? You may choose more than 1 option) |Choices |Number of respondents | |Health reasons(with advice from doctors/ other health care |3 | |professional) | | |Smoking is not good to my health |5 | |Influence of friends |2 | |Influence of family members |13 | |Requested by boss/ teachers |15 | |Government policies(such as expanding statutory no smoking |3 | |areas) | | |Others(please state) |0 | 15. What methods did you use to quit smoking? You may choose more than 1 option) |Choices |Number of respondents | |Discard all cigarettes and ashtrays |20 | |Using medications for quitting smoking (such as nicotine |17 | |patch and nicotine gum) | | |Avoid staying in places where people smoke |18 | |Using smoking cessation services provided by smoking |18 | |cessation clinics | | |Others(please state) |0 | 16. Why did you fail to quit smoking? You may choose more than 1 option) |Choices |Number of respondents | |Not determined enough |20 | |Smoking has become a habit/favourite |20 | |Quitting smoking is suffering |20 | |Others(please state) |0 | For ex-smokers 1. How old are you? |Choices |Number of respondents | |10-15 |0 | |16-20 |15 | |21-25 |85 | 2. Why did you smoke? (You may choose more than 1 option) Choices |Number of respondents | |Influence of fr iends |83 | |Influence of family members |15 | |Curiosity |40 | |Release pressure |13 | |killing time |15 | |refreshing one’s mind |3 | |Others(please state) |0 | 3. Why do you quit smoking? You may choose more than 1 option) |Choices |Number of respondents | |Health reasons(with advice from doctors/ other health care |76 | |professional) | | |Smoking is not good to my health |54 | |Influence of friends |23 | |Influence of family members |59 | |Requested by boss/ teachers |9 | |Government policies(such as expanding statutory no smoking |43 | |areas) | | |Others(please state) |0 | 4. What methods did you use to quit smoking? You may choose more than 1 option) |Options |Number of respondents | |Discard all cigarettes and ashtrays |100 | |Using medications for quitting smoking (such as nicotine |80 | |patch and nicotine gum) | | |Avoid staying in places where people smoke |90 | |Using smoking cessation services provided by smoking |77 | |cessation clinics | | 5. What is the most important factor that help you to quit smoking successfully? Choices |Number of respondents | |Health reasons(with advice from doctors/ other health care |76 | |professional) | | |Determination to quit smoking |100 | |Support from family member and/or friends |67 | |Requested by boss/ teachers |13 | |Government policies(such as expanding statutory no smoking |43 | |areas) | | |Others(please state) |0 | Appendix II Samples of Questionnaires ( ) 2007 10500? 15 19 , , 10 25 1. ? 10-15? 16-20? 21-25 2. ? ? ? ? 3. ( ) ? ( ) ? ? ? ( ) 4. ( 5? ) ( 6? ) 5. ( ) ? ? ? ( ) 6. ( ) ? ? ? ? ( ) 7. ( 8? ) ( ) 8. ( 9? ) ( ) 9. ( ) , 2007 10500? 15 19 , , 10 25 1. ? 10-15? 16-20? 21-25 2. ? ? 3. ?1-3? ?4-6? ? 6-10? ? 10 4. 5. 6. ?1-3 ? 4-6 ? 7-9 ? 10-12 ? 13-15 ?16-18 ? 19-21 ? 22 7. ( ) ?$0-50 ? $51-100 ? $101-150 ? $151-200 ? $201-250 ? $251-300 ? $301-350 ? $350 8. ( ) ? ? ? ? ? ( ) 9. ( 10? ) 11? ) 10. , 11. ( ) ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ( ) 12. ( ) ? ? ? ? / ? ? ? ? ? ( ) 13. ( ) ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ( ) 14. ( 15? ) ( ) 15. ( ) ? ( ) ? ? ? ? ( ) ? ( ) 16. ( ) ? ( ) ? ? ? ( ) 17. ( ) ? ? / ? ? ( ) ( ) , 2007 10500? 15 19 , , 10 25 2. ? 10-15? 16-20? 21-25 2. ? ? ? ? 3. ( ) ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ( ) 4. ( ) ? ( ) ? ? / ? ? ? ( ) ? ( ) 5. ( ) ? ( ) ? ? ? ( ) 6. ? ( ) ? ? ? ( ) ? / ? ( ) Youth Smoking (non-smokers)Background Information In recent years, the number of youth smoking increases steadily. A survey in 2007 reveals that 10500 Hong Kong people aged 15-19 smoked. Through this survey, I want to identify the opinions of non-smokers and smokers towards smoking, the reasons why smokers smoke and how smoking affect smoker’s and non-smoker’s quality of life. This survey is only set for people aged 10-25 1. How old are you? ? 10-15? 16-20? 21-25 2. What is your sex? ? male ? female 3. Can you suggest some methods that you think that are effective in helping smokers quit smoking? (You may choose more than 1 option) ? Discard all cigarettes and ashtrays Using medications for quitting smoking (such as nicotine patch and nicotine gum) ? Avoid staying in places where people smoke ? Using smoking cessation services provided by smoking cessation clinics ? Others(please state) 4. Do you like people who smoke? ? Yes (please go to question 5) ? No (please go to question 6) 5. Why do you like people who smoke? (You may choose more than 1 option) ? Smoking people are attractive ? I like the smell of cigarettes ? Secondhand smoke is good for my health ? Others(please state) 6. Why do you hate people who smoke? (You may choose more than 1 option) ? Smoking people are not attractive ? I hate the smell of cigarettes ?Secondhand smoke is bad for my health ? Others(please state) 7. Do you have relatives or friends who smoke? ? Yes (please go to question 8) ? No (Thank you for completing the survey) 8. Have you tried to per suade your relatives or friends to quit smoking? ? Yes (please go to question 9) ? No (Thank you for completing the survey) 9. After your persuasion, did your relatives or friends try to quit smoking? ? Yes? No ? I do not know Thank you for completing the survey Youth Smoking (smokers) Background Information In recent years, the number of youth smoking increases steadily. A survey in 2007 reveals that 10500 Hong Kong people aged 15-19 smoked.Through this survey, I want to identify the opinions of non-smokers and smokers towards smoking, the reasons why smokers smoke and how smoking affect smoker’s and non-smoker’s quality of life. This survey is only set for people aged 10-25 1. How old are you? ? 10-15? 16-20? 21-25 2. How long have you been smoking? ? 1-3 years? 4-6 years? 7-10 years ? 10 years or above 3. Do you agree that smoking is bad to your health? ? Agree ? Disagree 4. Do you agree that you are addicted to cigarettes? ? Agree ? Disagree 5. How many cigarettes you smoke per day? ? 1-3 ? 4-6? 7-9? 10-12? 13-15? 16-18 ?18-21? 22 or above 6. How much do you spend on buying cigarettes per week? (Hong Kong Dollars) ? $0-50 ? $51-100 ? 101-150 ? $151-200 ? $201-250 ? $251-300 ? $301-350 ? $350 or above 7. Where do your money buying cigarettes come from? (You may choose more than 1 option) ? Work ? Petty cash from family members ? From illegal ways ? Borrow from family members/friends ? Others(Please state) 8. Do you relatives or friends know that you smoke? ? Yes (please go to question 9) ? No (please go to question 10) 9. Generally, do they support you to smoke? ? Yes? No ? I don’t know 10. Why do you smoke? (You may choose more than 1 option) ? Influence of friends ? Influence of family members ? Curiosity ? Release pressure ? killing time ? refreshing one’s mind ?Others(please state) 11. What are the bad effects of smoking on you? (You may choose more than 1 option) ? I am not welcomed ? I am less healthy ? Not enough money ? M akes me ugly ? Bad image ? Poor relationship with relatives ? Poor relationship with friends ? Others(please state) 12. What are the good effects of smoking on you? (You may choose more than 1 option) ? I am welcomed ? I am more healthy ? I have more money ? I have better relationship with relatives ? I am more handsome/beautiful ? good image ? I have better relationship with friends ? Others(please state) 13. Have you tried to quit smoking? ? Yes (please go to question 14) No (Thank you for completing the survey) 14. Why did you quit smoking? (You may choose more than 1 option) ? Health reasons(with advice from doctors/ other health care professional) ? Smoking is not good to my health ? Influence of friends ? Influence of family members ? Requested by boss/ teachers ? Government policies(such as expanding statutory no smoking areas) ? Others(Please state) 15. What methods did you use to quit smoking? (You may choose more than 1 option) ? Discard all cigarettes and ashtrays ? Using medications for quitting smoking (such as nicotine patch and nicotine gum) ? Avoid staying in places where people smoke Using smoking cessation services provided by smoking cessation clinics ? Others(please state) 16. Why did you fail to quit smoking? (You may choose more than 1 option) ? Not determined enough ? Smoking has become a habit/favourite ? Quitting smoking is suffering ? Others(please state) Thank you for completing the survey Youth Smoking (Ex-smokers) Background Information In recent years, the number of youth smoking increases steadily. A survey in 2007 reveals that 10500 Hong Kong people aged 15-19 smoked. Through this survey, I want to identify the opinions of non-smokers and smokers towards smoking, the reasons why smokers smoke and how smoking affect smoker’s and non-smoker’s quality of life.This survey is only set for people aged 10-25 1. How old are you? ? 10-15? 16-20? 21-25 2. Why did you smoke? (You may choose more than 1 option) ? Influence of friends ? Influence of family members ? Curiosity ? Release pressure ? killing time ? refreshing one’s mind ? Others(please state) 3. Why do you quit smoking? (You may choose more than 1 option) ? Health reasons(with advice from doctors/ other health care professional) ? Smoking is not good to my health ? Influence of friends ? Influence of family members ? Requested by boss/ teachers ? Government policies(such as expanding statutory no smoking areas) ? Others(Please state) 4.What methods did you use to quit smoking? (You may choose more than 1 option) ? Discard all cigarettes and ashtrays ? Using medications for quitting smoking (such as nicotine patch and nicotine gum) ? Avoid staying in places where people smoke ? Using smoking cessation services provided by smoking cessation clinics ? Others(please state) 5. What is the most important factor that help you to quit smoking successfully? ? Health reasons(with advice from doctors/ other health care professional) ? Determinati on to quit smoking ? Support from family member and/or friends ? Requested by boss/ teachers ? Government policies(such as expanding statutory no smoking areas) ?Others(Please state) Thank you for completing the survey ———————– [1] Census and Statistical Departmen

Personal Curriculum/Educational Philosophy Statement Essay

In this paper I have written regarding my educational philosophy. It answers the questions: Why I teach? Also indicating what personal philosophies I follow. How I teach? Which states the approach towards curriculum that I believe in. Lastly, What I teach? Which connects more to my personal belief in the classroom. Teaching is not for everyone but when you love what you do, it can be a rewarding and exciting profession. My philosophy as a teacher has always been to preserve the idea that the young minds sitting before me are the future citizens of our community. I see my responsibility as a guide to my students so that they may grow towards the development of their own independence and success with good judgement, patience, and vision as they become the leaders of our next generation. I feel that it is the responsibility of the teacher to get to know everyone of their students, their weaknesses and their strengths. It’s also important to build a personal trust. This trust leads to a successful mentorship with the learner. My approach towards education and curriculum is one that is less rigid and technical. I prefer one that is humanistic. This approach includes lessons based on life experiences, group games, group projects, artistic endeavors, dramatizations, field trips, social enterprises, learning and interest centers, and homework and tutoring stations ( or corners). These activities include creative problem solving and active student participation. They emphasize socialization and life adjustment for students, as well as stronger family ties and school – community ties (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2013, p. 7). I feel that that in education more than one personal educational philosophy is required. A teacher needs to discover what philosophy or philosophies work in today’s classroom. This needs to be dependent upon the teacher and on today’s society. Times are constantly changing and evolving. I incorporate essentialism, perennialism, and progressivism, with a bit of realism and idealism to challenge my students as individuals and productive members of society. In all, I aim to educate my students, to cultivate intellect, to promote the intellectual growth of the individual, to educate the competent person, and to promote democratic social living (2013, p. 48). The starting point in curriculum is also your philosophy. In realism, realists view the world in terms of objects and matter (2013, p. 32). In idealism, learning is a primarily intellectual process that involves recalling and working with ideas (2013, p. 31). People can come to know the world through their senses and their reason. The goal for my students is to have complimenting dimensions, a strong individualistic nature that works and plays well with other members of society. My educational philosophy aligns with the philosophy of both my personal and professional life. It affects my attitude, influences my decisions, and directs my missions with others. My impact on youth through my years of teaching has proven to be successful; subsequently, I believe my philosophy is a successful â€Å"formula. † I look forward to molding well-rounded young adults that can perform in any situation under any circumstances. I believe the impact that I have made within the educational community, and look forward toward opportunities to continue to make in this area, is that of good judgement, patience, and vision that at one time other adults taught to me.

Preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

Preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Whether you have studied Japanese in school, have participated in a study abroad program in Japan, or may be moving to Japan for business or personal reasons, you may want to take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. There are several reasons for this: You will get a feel for how much of the language you have mastered, so that you can set goals for preparing to take the higher levels of the test You will get a certificate when you pass each of Japanese language proficiency test levels, and you will have these as evidence that you are proficient in the language. This will be important if you should seek employment in Japan You may want to be employed as a translator in your home country, either for private industry or for the government in some capacity. Having the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) certification, especially at the highest level, will be your proof that you have the required knowledge and skills. You may want to re-locate to Japan for personal reasons. Taking this test will allow you to determine your own proficiency. Preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test The test is given on the same day, all over the world. In some places, outside of the U.S. (there are 16 testing centers in the U.S.), it is given multiple times a year. The first part of your preparation, of course, is to register, which you can do on the official site of the testing organization. You will pay your fee and receive a registration card with a number. That number will be assigned to you at a specific testing site. But even before that, you need to identify which of the five Japanese Language Proficiency Test Levels you will want to select. You must select which test you want to take during the registration process. In order to do that, you need to know very specifically which level is best suited for you. Here is a summary of each of those levels: N5: This is the lowest level test, and it demonstrates your ability to read and understand basic Japanese. The reading portion of the test will require that you comprehend sentences and common expressions that are written in katakana, kanji, and hiragana. The listening portion will test your ability to understand conversation about common topics encountered in classrooms and everyday life. N4: This test also has a reading and a listening portion and will assess your ability to do all of those things in the N5 level, plus your ability to read more difficult material in kanji with a stronger vocabulary and knowledge of kanji characters. N3: the N3 level is probably most appropriate for those who are re-locating to Japan and who need to be able to navigate through more complex daily living situations. The reading section will incorporate everything in N5 and N4 levels but include additional materials, such as news summaries and short literary passages. The listening portion still revolves around everyday situations but requires ability to understand when the language is spoken at a moderate pace. N2: To select this test and have a good chance of passing it, you will need to read passages on a variety of topics – literary, news and magazine articles, and to be able to relate intent and opinions of the writers. The listening portion will contain conversations on lots of topics at an almost normal speed, and you will need to demonstrate that you understand facts and nuances of conversations. N1: This is the most difficult of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test levels and should be selected by those who have strong proficiency. The reading portion will require comprehension and analysis of complex content – news editorials, literary works, abstract concepts, etc. Listening will be at normal rates of speed and require a substantial vocabulary in order to understand and interpret conversations, news reports, etc. Studying and Preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test Learning a language is a cumulative process, and you are at some level of proficiency. Certainly, you can prepare for the test by studying additional vocabulary and continuing to practice reading passages at your level. Perhaps the best preparation is to immerse yourself, either physically or online, into a Japanese environment. There are plenty of Japanese students looking for partners in English to practice their language skills. Set up a cooperative relationship and, through Skype or another live chat app, set a scheduled time to hook up and converse several times a week. Barring that, find a local group of Japanese students on campus or a local Japanese-American organization. If you are a current college student, locate a Japanese foreign student and set up a cooperative arrangement. You can assist with their coursework demands, even with their college essay writing. In turn, they can tutor you in the language. Access the Japanese Language Proficiency Test site, and link to the sample questions for each level of the test. You will also find a link to the official practice workbooks, again separated by test level. Scoring and Results Notification Individual scores are sent to examinees; they will also be available online by registration/identification number. In general, those students who take the test in July will receive their scores and certificates by early October. Those who take a December test will receive results by early March. If the test is taken in Japan, scores will be published a month earlier in each case. Results are on a Pass/Fail basis, and there is a minimum score for each section of a test in order to receive a passing grade. If any section of a test fall into the â€Å"fail† section, the student fails the entire test. Certificates of passage are mailed to everyone who has passed. The Takeaway The Japanese Language Proficiency Test is a fully objective test, that is, it does not require composition, as many other standardized tests and application/admissions testing does. The value of such a test, and the certificate that comes with it, however, does demonstrate that you have enough proficiency to comprehend verbal and written communication in the language. If you are a student in a Japanese institution, for example, you will be able to understand the lectures and the readings. Writing is another matter, however, and that may take some additional time and work. Until you establish that proficiency, you can always find a Japanese friend, agency, or tutor and state, â€Å"Write my papers,† in exchange for a bit of cash or a reciprocal favor.

The Bennett Surname, From Medieval Given Name Benedict

The Bennett Surname, From Medieval Given Name Benedict The Bennett surname derives from the medieval given name Benedict, originating from the Latin benedictus, meaning blessed. The name became popular due to St. Benedict in the Middle Ages. Bennett is the 78th most popular surname in the United States and its surname origin is English.  The meaning of the surname can change depending on ancestry and country of origin. Discover the following alternate spellings and genealogy resources for the surname Bennet. Alternate Surname Spellings BennetBenedictBenedickBendickBeneitBenoitBennitBenet Genealogy Resources 100 Most Common U.S. Surnames Their Meanings: Smith, Johnson, Williams, Jones, Brown... Are you one of the millions of Americans sporting one of these top 100 common last names from the 2000 census?Bennett DNA Surname Project: Join over 270 members of the Bennett DNA surname  project working to bring together genealogists who are researching the Bennett surname (primarily in America), with an emphasis on the use of DNA testing.Bennett  Family Crest - Its Not What You Think: Contrary to what you may hear, there is no such thing as a Bennett  family crest or coat of arms for the Bennett surname.  Coats of arms are granted to individuals, not families, and may rightfully be used only by the uninterrupted male-line descendants of the person to whom the coat of arms was originally granted.  Bennett Family Genealogy Forum: Search this popular genealogy forum for the Bennett surname to find others who might be researching your ancestors, or post your own Bennett query.FamilySearc h - Bennett Genealogy: Access over 6.7  million free historical records and lineage-linked family trees posted for the Bennett surname and its variations on this free genealogy website hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Bennett Surname Family Mailing Lists: RootsWeb hosts several free mailing lists for researchers of the Bennett  surname. In addition to joining a list, you can also browse or search the archives to explore over a decade of postings for the Bennett surname.DistantCousin.com - Bennett Genealogy Family History: Explore free databases and genealogy links for the last name Bennett.GeneaNet - Bennett Records: GeneaNet includes archival records, family trees, and other resources for individuals with the Bennett surname, with a concentration on records and families from France and other European countries.The Bennett  Genealogy and Family Tree Page: Browse genealogy records and links to genealogical and historical records for individuals with the Bennett surname  from the website of Genealogy Today. References Cottle, Basil. Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Baltimore: Penguin Books, 1967.Menk, Lars. A Dictionary of German Jewish Surnames. Bergenfield, NJ: Avotaynu, 2005.Beider, Alexander. A Dictionary of Jewish Surnames from Galicia.  Bergenfield, NJ:  Avotaynu, 2004.Hanks, Patrick and Flavia Hodges. A Dictionary of Surnames. New York: Oxford University Press, 1989.Hanks, Patrick. Dictionary of American Family Names. New York: Oxford University Press, 2003.Hoffman, William F. Polish Surnames: Origins and Meanings.  Chicago:  Polish Genealogical Society, 1993.Rymut, Kazimierz. Nazwiska Polakow.  Wroclaw: Zaklad Narodowy im. Ossolinskich - Wydawnictwo, 1991.Smith, Elsdon C. American Surnames. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997.

The place of the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty in the Essay - 1

The place of the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty in the government of the United Kingdom has changed in recent years and the process of change will continue during the present century Discuss - Essay Example judiciary and the political branch of the government, has rendered it very important to prevent the concentration of power in any single branch of the government (Warren 6). A.V. Dicey originated the concept of parliamentary sovereignty. This doctrine was accorded considerable significance in Britain and her former colonies. The concept of parliamentary sovereignty entails two ideas. First, Parliament is the apex entity that can enact or rescind any law, irrespective of its nature. Second, no other entity can challenge or set aside a law made by the Parliament. However, the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty has been frequently contested by judges and the legal profession in the UK, New Zealand and Australia (Warren 5). Dicey has also stated that the rule of law, eliminated uncertainty, prerogative and wide discretionary authority, and established the predominance of the standard law. Moreover, the rule of law, does not permit any entity to be exempted from the duty to obey the law (Lewans 83). Moreover, parliamentmentary sovereignty implies that Parliament can make or unmake any law irrespective of whether such a course of action breaches international laws or the principles of common law. Domestic courts, are required to enforce the laws made by Parliament (Fabunmi and Araromi, 196). In order to achieve the status of an Act, a bill has to receive a majority of the votes in the House of Commons, as well as the House of Lords. Thereafter, Royal Assent has to be accorded to this bill. In the context of the aforementioned majority of the votes, a bill becomes an Act, even if it is passed by a majority of one vote. The nature of the law passed by Parliament, irrespective of whether it is a constitutional law or an ordinary law, is not subject to any distinction (Loveland 24). This is an important facet of parliamentary sovereignty. The legislation passed under an Act of Parliament, is of equal status as legislation passed in the normal course. This important