Abstract This paper analyzes critically and thoroughly the capacity building approach with widespread application, evaluation and assessment of case-studies and examples from the Third world or developing world. Countries in parts of Latin America, Africa, the Anglophone Caribbean and South East Asia are given special attention in terms of those situations in which capacity has or has not been built, alongside useful recommendations for capacity building gaps.
From the Paper "As a comprehensive, yet broad-ranging approach to problem-solving in public policy, capacity building in itself embraces certain norms, values, attitudes, procedures, principles, practices and strategies that together promote the idea of good governance. Administrative capacity in particular, being separated within the whole process of good governance ? which implies both democracy and development as fundamental pillars, is at the very least trite not to mention unrealistic given the turbulence of modernity within the context of globalization which implies further the need for multidimensional approaches for the achievement of such good governance. Indeed, it is the case that administrative capacity that requires technical, technological, financial, management, incentivized and strategic administrative coordination and training within administration itself, should exist alongside other frameworks of social capital, inter-organizational relationships, assessments of task environments, as well as lesson drawing techniques, among other things, for the promotion of good governance. Some such techniques, practices and strategies of capacity building itself within the Caribbean and other developing countries have been proven limited in many respects thereby stultifying the realization of good governance principles and practices. As evidence will later show, the political, social, economic, cultural, technological, demographic and geo-political aspects of the "task environment" in the developing world have illuminated differences in the levels of development in such countries, even though the limitations of effective capacity building for good governance may be more so in some such countries, as in parts of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, as opposed to fewer limitations in others for Example in Southeast Asia. Special reference to Barbados's successes in Capacity building will also be entertained briefly. The central thesis here, is therefore, that capacity building needs to be promoted within the Caribbean as in other areas of the developing world, not only on a national but local, regional and even global basis, if good governance is to be achieved more effectively."
Abstract This ten-page graduate paper studies the gender and race differences in their capacity to retire. There is sufficient evidence to establish that while men and women may both be contributing significantly to the economy of the country, men tend to work longer than women. There is also difference between the attitude of different races towards retirement and their capacity is dependent on both psychological and physical reasons.
Abstract This paper examines how in "Diminished Capacity", author Sherwood Kiraly skillfully transforms the characters' apparent mental deficiencies into literary strengths. Through a review of his life and career, it attempts to determine where Kiraly gets some of his ideas, images and his key phrases for this sometimes silly, sometimes serious tale. It looks at his long career from his work editing comic strips like "B.C." and "Wizard of Id" to being a stand-up comic in "Improv" comedy clubs.
From the Paper "Meantime, it's very interesting to speculate as to the reason writer Kiraly ? who has made his home in Laguna Beach, California, for some time ? would use a phrase like "diminished capacity" as a novel title. Granted, two of the characters are afflicted with some degree of diminished capacity ? Cooper Zerbs (a head injury) and Uncle Rollie, who suffers a disease something akin to serious dementia. Uncle Rollie's mental problems are probably closely related to Alzheimer"s, if not in fact Alzheimer"s, although Alzheimer's was not as common a medical problem when the book was written, 1995, as it certainly is today. But writers don?t normally choose titles for their works out of a hat, or willy-nilly from some yellowing scrapbook in a dusty attic, or, on a lark."
Abstract This paper begins by looking at Alzheimer's disease, its epidemiology, and the symptoms that are associated with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. The next important factor discussed is how Alzheimer's disease affects the mental capacity of the patient. Part of this factor of diminished capacity is the need for an assessment of mental capacity and subsequently, an appointment of a guardian or power of attorney. Diminished capacity can also lead to issues in creating wills, entering into a marriage, entering into contracts, crime conviction, and civil liability. Finally, this paper incorporates different court cases that illustrate the necessity of retaining counsel when a physician diagnoses a family member with Alzheimer's disease.
Outline
Table of Contents
Introduction
Alzheimer's Disease
Diagnosis
Epidemiology
Treatment
Effects On Patient's Legal Capacity Executing a Will
Entering into Marriage
Entering into a Contract
Criminal Responsibility
Civil Responsibility
Legal Implications Thereof
Assessment
Guardianship
Powers of Attorney
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "In addition to clinical diagnosis, there may be laboratory tests conducted on the patient, such as brain imaging and blood tests. Brain imaging can help in the evaluation of people with cognitive disorders because it helps to see the focal or generalized pathological changes that can cause this disorder. Health care workers can conduct CT scans to show the focal and general neuropathical changes in the patient's brain including hemorrhage, infarction, tumor, and abscess. According to Gilman, "PET studies of cerebral metabolism with flurodeoxyglucose have revealed hypometabolism in a characteristic distribution in Alzheimer's disease, with involvement predominantly in the posterior temporoparietal regions." Finally, a physician can conduct blood and urine tests to determine if there are other causes of the dementia. Usually these causes can be can be corrected and help rule out a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Remember, while the symptoms of dementia can bring about a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, dementia can also be caused by things such as thyroid problems, the human immunodeficiency virus, and syphilis. Laboratory tests help pinpoint the cause of the cognitive problems and can lead to a more sound diagnosis. "
Abstract All of us must age one day, and many of us worry about it. While we all have to expect that there will be an inevitable decline in our physical bodies and appearance, many of us hope that at least we will be able to retain our mental capacity and so grow both older and wiser. However the reality is that aging is often accompanied by a decline in mental capacity. Worse still it can be accompanied by a gradual deterioration in our memories. This paper discusses the very real fear that many of us will have to cope with a deteriorating mental capacity and a decline in cognitive abilities as we enter old age.
Abstract This paper discusses that governance implies norms of capacity building, which are essential for improvement in the Third World. The author states that governance can yield benefits for societies as a whole, but it may never benefit the full population. The paper concludes that critical thinking is inherent in capacity building efforts.
From the Paper "Other important norms of capacity building for effective governance are research, public participation and social capital among other things, all of which may be essential if countries in the developing world do not wish to fall into a maelstrom of severe interlocking and insurmountable crises.Political will embraces the concept that the political directorate should be willing and committed to the process of meaningful political, social and economic change within the context of deliberate efforts for driving such change."
Abstract This paper explains that DWDM carries multiple optical signals across a single fiber optic cable simultaneously, but at different wavelengths so they do not interfere with each other, thus increasing its capacity because each individual signal can be transported at a different rate. The author points out that the largest stigma attached to DWDM is that, although it is reliable, at the present time virtually no companies exist, which require the enormous amount of bandwidth the system can provide. The paper relates that long distance companies have already begun to utilize the technology because DWDM provides more complex interconnect topologies as well as bandwidth capacities, which will be able to handle the telecommunications traffic of the future.
From the Paper "When networking was first conceived the amount of bandwidth, the average individual would use was greatly underestimated. In fact, "Most U.S. networks were built using estimates that calculated bandwidth use by employing concentration ratios derived from classical engineering formulas such as Poisson and Reeling." Essentially, this meant that the engineers who devised the first networks in the United States did not foresee the enormous influx of activity generated by the internet. Therefore, the networks were built upon the assumption that the average individual would only require six minutes of bandwidth per hour; but today, with internet traffic increasing by three hundred percent per year, individual bandwidth requirements have reached upwards of one hundred eighty minutes per hour. Not surprisingly, this has created some problems. "
Abstract This four page paper looks closely at Sirk's film entitled "Imitation of Life" and at four pertinent critical thinkers to compare the rational or critical thinking capacity of the four mothers and daughters featured in the film. The paper concludes that the four female characters are not truly able to reach a reflective capacity as they do not reason clearly.
From the Paper "Imitation of Life An imitation of life; the title succinctly states it all. The characters in this film are searching for the truth in their own lives, but have not been able to succeed in their feeble quests. Director Douglas Sirk directed many films which deal with the central issues of social isolation and repression, many of which containing racial overtones. Along with All That Heaven Allows, Imitation of Life is another 'women's movie,' centered upon the lives of females. In Sirk's film, four women attempt to break out of their cycles of imitating life, each in dramatically different ways. However, the women do not ultimately succeed because they find themselves unable to look at their lives with a true critical eye; they are incapable of rational analysis or critical thought. In the film of mothers and daughters, the viewer meets two mothers who lose contact with their daughters."
Abstract This paper discusses how Sildenafil, or Viagra, has been gaining popularity among athletes to enhance their athletic performance. The paper explains the mechanisms involved in exercise and outlines the effects of Viagra on exercise, lung capacity and hemodynamics. The paper also explores the physiologic effects of Viagra and its therapeutic uses and shows why the banning and testing of Viagra is a complex issue. The paper is of the opinion that the drug's potential as a doping agent must not be ignored.
Outline:
Doping and the Popularity of Viagra as a Sports Supplement
The Physiology of Exercise
The Physiologic Effects of Viagra and its Therapeutic Uses
The Effects of Viagra on Exercise, Lung Capacity, and Hemodynamics
The Controversy of Viagra and Sports
From the Paper "Throughout history, athletes of various sports such as bicycling, racing, sprinting, and weightlifting, have taken substances that help them enhance their performance and endurance. Initially, the practice of doping was an indiscreet secret, and is currently gaining much attention from authorities. According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), doping is defined as the use or attempted use, or possession of a prohibited substance in order to enhance sports performance, but violates the spirit of the sport (WADA, 2008). There are numerous drugs that have been abused by athletes. Stimulants are known to increase alertness, competitiveness, and aggressiveness. Substances such as amphetamines and cocaine are used as a sports supplement to enhance the athlete's endurances, sharpen reflexes, and reduce tiredness (FIFA.com, 2008)."
Abstract This paper discusses how ecological footprints, effective ecological tools used to help maintain our world, impose many questions in sustaining the earth's life. Charts are included with the paper.
Defining Our Ecological Footprint
Dependency on Nature
Carrying Capacity of Cities and Earth
Comparison between Countries
Natural Capita: Effects on the Earth
Impact of the World Economies
Solutions
From the Paper "The world economy has a great impact on the ecological footprints of the world. Every country wants to obtain economic growth to produce more money. But in doing this, they have to deplete their natural capital, which in turn, is not helping in sustaining this world. As William Rees states, "there is simply not enough on the planet to sustain present international development trends using prevailing technologies" (Westra and Werhane ed. 1998, 115). So something drastic has to be done. As the ecological footprints of humans are already too large for the earth to handle, how can we accommodate the rising materials and rising in population, while trying to sustain the earth. Most analysts agree that it can happen in two ways: through a reduction in the standard of living or through the increase in material and energy efficiency (Westra and Werhane ed. 1998, 115). These two issues also apply problems, through cultural, economic, and social values. Especially in the more developed countries. To lower the standard of living would be outright rejected in the more developed countries such as Canada and the U. S. So indeed, most people agree that "global sustainability is achievable only through large increases in the consumption of goods and services in both poorer and richer countries" (Westra and Werhane ed. 1998, 115). But still a problem arises. There will still be inequity in the growth of the more and less developed countries. It seems the richer get richer and the poorer get poorer. A consensus seems to be emerging though. They say that the needed consumption will work if there is a reduction in the material energy costs of goods and services. "
Abstract This essay explores the conventional consensus that the human coping capacity under the stress of catastrophic or disastrous events was determined primarily, if not solely, by the nature of the traumatic event before the twentieth century. This paper examines how this belief failed to take into consideration the fact that different individuals in many instances exhibit very differing reactive behaviors to similar situations. The author contends that this failure to recognize the factors that cause one individual to react one particular way in the face of disaster while another reacts in a widely opposing manner under similar circumstances, tends to group catastrophic reactive behavior into one generic and somewhat narrow category.
Table of contents
The Range of Reactive Behavior
Early Reactive Behavior Research
Early Findings Concerning Coping Ability & Catastrophe
Recent Research - The Full Scope of Reactions Realized
Future Research - Concepts of Control & Counter-Conditioning
Coping With the Twenty-First Century
From the Paper ?In the early decades of the twentieth century, Sigmund Freud introduced the world of psychology to the concept of narcissism as applied to self-esteem and individual equilibrium. Freud was intrigued by the general idea and psychological implications of narcissism, a condition that Sam Vaknin later clarified as not an actual love for one's "true self", but instead one's love of a perceived reflection or image of one's self (1999, PG). In his posited theory of narcissism, first voiced in 1914, Freud presented the idea that it is a necessity for individuals to "maintain a positive sense of self" and that this process was normally accomplished through the act of "engaging in ego-defensive behavior in order to preserve self-esteem" (Brown, 1997, p. 643). ?
Social development policy and capacity building for social protection. The paper describes the concepts, approaches and other considerations in developing countries.
Abstract This paper explores in-depth capacity building for enhancing social protection in developing countries. Even some useful comparisons are made with some developed countries. Many theories of social protection systems and ideas of building such as social capital, lesson-drawing and inter-organizational relationships are some of the issues explored. The paper also looks at recommendations and predictions for the future of social protection, which may be threatened in some cases, by globalization and which are afforded for developed and developing countries alike.
From the Paper "Within the context of the developing world, emphases on capacity building have most recently centered on the need for improving the levels of access to, benefits from, as well as the quality of social protection. Of crucial importance to this debate is the idea that even with increased globalization currents and Neo-Liberal orientations and the conflicting and often contradictory roles of state capacity building, there has also been much concomitant focus on the building of networks and partnerships within developing countries to enhance the social protection or security of disadvantaged groups. Consequently, the broader focus on other actors within societies is today seen as a more efficacious means of tackling areas of social protection in the continuous grope for robust mechanisms and approaches for improving social development policy. In particular, labour markets, old-age pensions, income securities especially for the unemployed, poor or limited access and quality of health services and educational facilities and other forms of social safety nets, are being evaluated in the light of capacity building strategies to address these problem areas for the least advantaged or poorest segments of societies across the developing world. Some distillation will therefore be given of central concepts, important themes and approaches that have in the past been germane to the idea of capacity building for social protection. There will also be special modern focus on social risk management and social inclusion, alongside the evolution of such emphases, concepts and approaches, within the present era of social protection reforms. In this regard, then, countries in Africa, East Asia as well as the Latin American and Caribbean region will be examined to obtain a critical view of the successes and failures of attempts at social protection reforms. Accordingly, therefore, the role of capacity building in the path towards restructuring systems of social protection for the poor and the disadvantaged will be emphasized. It is recognized, that corruption and political patronage are some political realities that stymie both the operation and improvement in social security systems across countries in the developing world. Some such countries are, for instance, those in Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean region. Nevertheless, analyses in this respect will be treated parsimoniously for the most part, in this paper."
An overview of psychological study of disaster with an emphasis on the internal locus of control and the human capacity to successfully prepare forand cope with disaster.
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 7 sources, 2002, $ 71.95
Abstract This paper will focus upon one particular element of the psychological study of disaster - the measure locus of control - and how it impacts upon human coping with disasters of different varieties. It will be argued that, while the some of the scholarly studies remain inconclusive - given the understandable problems in conducting studies in the context of disasters - it appears that there exists a strong correlation between an internal locus of control and the human capacity to successfully prepare for, and cope with, disaster.
Abstract This paper discusses how population growth, coupled with the demand for resources, has been a topic of debate in recent years. It assesses the beliefs of the natural philosopher Thomas Malthus. It also discusses the theories presented by Neo-Malthusians and the demographic transition model. Finally it looks at caring capacity and China's one child policy.
From the Paper "Neo Malthusians believe that an increase in population growth in undeveloped countries decreases the standard of living because resources must be drawn away from investments in industry in order to care for the expanding population. (Neo Malthusian) They contend that increases in population will eventually degrade environmental resources leading to devastation. The neo Malthusians also believe that the increased use of fertilizers and overuse of fragile land will eventually deplete the earth's resources."
Tags: undeveloped, countries, caring, capacity, china
Abstract This paper examines the moral and ethical implications of the Internet's data mining capacity on personal liberty. More specifically, the paper explains that too much personal information stored online in data banks can put individual privacy at risk.
From the Paper "The pervasive use of telecommunications technology, in general and the Internet in particular, is so great that at first glance it may seem odd to suggest that the Internet raises moral questions. Yet, the fact that information is so readily available via a computer creates a double effect. On one hand, there are obvious benefits in having a wealth of research and life-management resources available to anyone equipped to tap into the Internet. On the other hand, at a time when much personal information is stored online in data..."
