E-Journals--Inside and Out :: E-Publishing

E-Journals--Inside and Out SDI stands for the Selective Dissemination of Information in the field of Library and Information Science. The editor of this column on E-Journals has been a practicing academic reference librarian since 1983. Lynn C. Westney is an Associate Professor and a Reference Librarian at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In this column she selectively disseminates international information on the contents of freely accessible (no subscription required), e-journals, e-newsletters, and other e-publications. On occasion, relevant Web sites are included. The Journal of the Association for History and Computing, JAHC, has as its focus the applications of computer and other electronic technologies into the historical profession which is interdisciplinary in several areas. The applications of new technologies, particularly within academe, have been the focus of research by scholars in many disciplines, especially in all aspects of education, history, library and information science, and philosophy. These applications are interdisciplinary rather than discipline-specific. Historians must be open and receptive to the ideas presented in other journals and in other fields. Thus, an additional purpose of this column is to present to the readers of JAHC, the issues, controversies, and trends which are impacting interdisciplinary research within history and computing and allied disciplines as evidenced within current electronic publications. Professor Westney brings to our attention a diversity of global e-publications of interest to historians and scholars from other disciplines by providing a brief descriptive and evaluative annotation of each publication she has chosen for inclusion. Through highlighting individual articles this effort serves as an introductory vehicle for the selective dissemination of information for the members of AAHC, JAHC, and others who visit our Web site. Commentary and queries concerning this column should be addressed to: lynnhatt@uic.edu E-Journals and Electronic Publications Entries are listed in alphabetical order by e-title. PART I: SPECIAL FEATURE: ELECTRONIC RESOURCES FROM AND ABOUT IRELAND ARCHway http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/ARCHway.html The archaeology journal holdings of over 20 UK university, museum, and private libraries have been united to create one searchable resource. To search across the entire resource, click on the journal locator button. To browse the A-Z list of over 2,000 titles, click on the A-Z list button. Citations to articles and abstracts are provided free of charge, although full-text of the articles is not provided. Australian Law Librarian http://www.allg.asn.au/current_all.htm#current_issue Vol. 12, No. 3, â€Å"Rejoyce Dublin 2004: Revived Copyrights and Public Exhibitions,† by Matthew Rimmer. This article considers the impact of the copyright term extension upon public exhibitions in libraries and cultural institutions focusing upon the legal action taken by the Joyce Estate to prevent the staging of â€Å"Rejoyce Dublin 2004:, a festival celebrating the centenary of Bloomsday.

Nostradamus: The Truth Behind the Prophecies Essay -- Prophecy Prophet

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For Many years scholars and interpreters have been trying to find any truth that could possibly be found in the writings of Nostradamus. For many occasions people have been convinced that this man could see the future and he documented it in his many journals and books titled The Centuries. The writings and prophecies have been a controversial issue for many years. Most Nostradomus translators have more than likely misinterpreted his work because of his nearly illegible style of writings, thus false information is commonly found about this man of the past.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Nostradamus, a French Jew converted to Christian who lived in France in the 16th century. Born Michel de Nostredame on December 14th 1503 in St. Remy, France. He was the oldest of five children. His grandfather, Jean, taught him Latin, Greek, Hebrew, mathematics and astrology at an early age. Nostradamus received a medical degree in 1529 and became a physician. â€Å"Nostradamus made his reputation as a doctor of extraordinary skill gave generously to the poor.† (Sobel B)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Nostradamus was in his late when he frequently went into a meditative state and reported to have visions of the future. He began to document his visions in a number of journals in a mixture of Latin, French, and Greek quatrains, publishing his famous â€Å"Centuries† in 1558. Nostradamus had married twice, losing his first wife and children to the plague. Living in France from 1503-1566 AD, making a living as a wealthy French astrologer and physician, Nostradamus led an almost perfect life for his time.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Frechman also predicted his own death which occurred on July 2, 1566. I t was the end of his foretelling the future on this planet.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  De retour d`ambassade, don de roy mis au lieu,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Plus n1en fera: sera alle a Dieu   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Parans plus proches, amis, freres du sang,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Trouve tout mort pres du lict et du banc.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When translated:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  On his return from the embassy, having secured the kings gift,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  He will be no more, (his spirit) having returned to God,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Nearby will be his close family, his friends and his brothers,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  He will be found dead near the bed and the bench.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Nostradamus returned to his home late in the day returning from a visit of the king for which he was presented with three hundred gold crowns. After being worn out from the carriage ride home he decided t... ... predictions are fake many do believe that he could accurately predict the future.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lets just think for a second, What could I predict for the future that will ensure my prediction to come true? The first thing that I would do is predict something to happen with fire. Come on how many events in the past, present, and future result in a fire? I would also predict it to happen in a large city like our ever so brilliant Nostradamus. Answer this, how many things have happened in the city as result to fire. Eventually it would come true and Nostradamus was no dummy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Is it wrong to assume that Nostradamus could in fact predict the future? From the information gathered it is easy to come to the conclusion that the writings of Nostradamus can no more tell the future than a child’s nursery rhyme.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A prediction that can only be interpreted after the events it supposedly foresees have occurred is not a â€Å"predition† at all. Anyone could spew out a thousand vague â€Å"prophecies† and not have to explain what they meant until after the events they supposedly predicted had occurred. With this it is possible for anyone to manage a pretty impressive record for accuracy too.

The Nandi Warriors

Deep in the Western Highlands of Africa lives a group of people known as the Nandi people. These people once lived a sedentary life as cattle herders and agriculturalists.   Interesting facts about the Nandi people include beliefs of male and female circumcision. In the past, large ceremonies were held every seven and one half years for male circumcision, which provided rite of initiation into adulthood (Wikipedia, p.1). While male circumcision is an everyday occurrence here in the U.S., female circumcision is not. Female circumcision was performed among the Nandi females in preparation for marriage. In addition to beliefs such as male/female circumcision, this culture also believed in female-female marriages (Wikipedia, p.1). The female-female marriages solved the problems of marriage failure, and served as a way to rescue young mothers from social and economic distress.   Born from this group of intriguing people were the Nandi warriors. Men young and old formed this protective group who later came to be known as one of the most notorious for slaying in Kenyan history (Kamau, p.1). The Nandi Warriors were successful in keeping out any possible threats to their people by limiting access into their territory. Many outsiders attempted intrusion in order to proceed with trading practices, and as a result, thousands were killed. Small groups of the Nandi warriors would lead intruding caravans deep into the Nandi lands, where, later in the evening, the warriors would massacre their â€Å"guests† (Bishop, p.1).   Only rarely did the warriors entertain trading  opportunities. Items up for trade included ivory and other coastal goods in exchange for cattle (Biship, p.1). While the Nandi Warriors’ protective measures would continue to last only a short time longer, the British’s own slaying of Nandi Warrior leader Kimnyole arap Sameoi would end slayings on the Nandi people’s behalf completely (Kamau, p. 1) in order to proceed with foreign rule. This defeat, enforced by the Imperial British of East Africa, would end the Nandi Resistance, and allow the peaceful beginnings to show face to the Nandi people, as well as surrounding areas. The Nandi were noted warriors (Bishop, p.1). After many battles, many victories and many defeats, the Nandi Warriors were feared by anyone who had reason to walk by their territory. Resistance to foreign rule would eventually weaken the opposition of the Nandi Warriors, and much needed peace would be restored in East Africa. Works Cited 1.Cultural Safari. 2005. Kenya Tourist Board. MK Literary Group. January 2007. 2.   Warriors in the Heart of Darkness: The Nandi Resistance. 2002. Koitalel Kenyan Heroes. Dennis Biship. January 2007. 3. The Unresolved Issue of the Kenyan Freedom Movement. 1999, Rev. 2000. Saxakali.com. Michael Mundia Kamau. January 2007.      

Application of C. Wright Mill’s sensibilities

C. Wright Mill’s works were mostly dedicated to the questions of social stratification, researched elites, rationalization, mass society and power.   But nevertheless, he was very much involved in the investigation of social problems as well.   For instance, C. Wright Mill’s four sensibilities might assist in explaining the poor health status of indigenous people in comparison to wider population. In my understanding, poor health status of indigenous people is provoked by the problem of alienation which results in the â€Å"shift from rural and agriculturally based world to an urban society†.[#2, p.3]   This explains health status changes of the population in the way of bigger inflow of people to the urban society and as a result of suchlike movements happens rapid development and improvement of technologies. Of course, Mill’s sensibilities have from one hand positive and negative impact on the indigenous people.   As to me, one of those is increasing economy from the positive side, but from the opposite – economic growth implies many negative effects as well (such as pollution).   As a result – the above mentioned aspects are provoking weakening immunity and inability to resist diseases by indigenous part of population. Other explanation of poor health status of indigenous people is inability to be medically inspected and treated with the appropriate means as wider population. This might be the reasoning of usage of less effective medicine and inability to adapt to the constantly changing methods of treatment.   Therefore different categories of population, according to the Wright Mill, are conducting â€Å"inhuman actions† between different parts of population.   But then he continues that â€Å"our sensibilities and actions are inhuman not because of the scale of their cruelty, but because they are impersonal and performed without any real emotion†. [#1, p.3]. References 1.Aronowitz, Stanley â€Å"A Mills Revival?†. Logos Journal. 11 Oct.2004 < http://www.logosjournal.com/aronowitz.htm> 2.Mills, Wright. The Sociological Imagination. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.                                                

Kaymito Leaves Decoction as Antiseptic Mouthwash ”

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2011 Multi-Colored Fabric Dye From Talisay (Terminalia catappa) Leaves Extract Pauline Mariz Manuel Marjorie Marmeto Jiezel Ann Sescar Mrs. Ma. Regaele Olarte (Research Adviser) Statement of the Problem The researchers aimed to determine if the Talisay (Terminalia catappa) leaves extract could be developed as a multi-colored fabric dye. Specifically, the study sought to answer the following questions: 1. Can Talisay (Terminalia catappa) leaves extract be developed as a multi-colored dye? 2. Is there a significant difference between the experimental and control set-ups in terms of: a. Reaction to acid b. Reaction to base c. pH level d. Color fastness Table 1 Frequency Distribution of Yielded Results in terms of Color DYE| FREQUENCY| PERCENTAGE (%)| Violet| 97| 93| Yellow| 7| 7| Brown| 3| 3| TOTAL| 100| 100| Table 2 Comparison of Mean and T-test Result for Talisay and Commercial Fabric Dye TALISAY LEAVES| COMMERCIAL DYE| VARIANCE| COLOR| FREQUENCY| COLOR| FREQUENCY| | Violet| 90| Violet| 88| 2%| Yellow| 7| Yellow| 10| 3%| Brown| 3| Brown| 2| 1%| TOTAL| 100| | 100| | 1 comments Email ThisBlogThis! Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Links to this post THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011 Akapulko (Cassia alata L. Seeds as Purgative Extender for Pulvoron Akapulvoron: A Sensory Analysis Akapulko (Cassia alata L. ) Seeds as Purgative Extender for Pulvoron Karl Ericson Landrito Rochelle Gel Asilo Ludy Anne Castrence Maegan Morales Keith Louise R. Salazar Research Adviser: Mrs. Ma. Regaele A. Olarte A. Background of the Study Children during their early stage of learning are curious on how things around them work. They always want to play outdoor games such as  tumbang preso,  patintero,  piko,  jolens,  pogs, and many other games with their playmates. These games require touching and a lot of barefoot running. Children do not tend to know that running barefooted will cause the formation of ascaris and other parasitic worms that might infect their intestines. Malnutrition surrounds our country today; a lot of people, most especially the children, were the victims of it. One of the most common causes of malnutrition of children is worm infestation. Worm infestation can result if there happened to be a direct or indirect contact with the feces of an infected person. It can be dispersed when the feces of an infected organism are used as fertilizers in farmlands that are now converted into urban type of community. The kids that are living in that converted area can accumulate the infection that the former farmland has. Children that are infected can have parasitic worms inside their bodies. They can eventually experience malnutrition and other health deficiencies if not treated. Purgative medicines are cheap in cost but children dislike the taste because of its bitterness. The researchers came up with this project due to the desire of helping the parents of infected children in convincing their kids to take good-tasting purgative remedy that is cheaper in cost and can be done at home. The researchers found out that pounded and boiled akapulko seeds are used as an effective purgative agent. Akapulko is an herbal plant that can be used in curing skin, stomach, lung, and mouth problems, and  is well known for its sudorific, diuretic and purgative characteristics. It can be ingested without having any side effect or contraindications. The researchers thought of pulvoron, being a healthy, delicious, and attractive treat for all. The akapulko seeds were consider as extender in place of the traditional rice crisps, nuts, or nougats in the pulvoron. Established that akapulvoron could be an effective and safe purgative treat, the researchers intended to conduct a sensory analysis of the product to determine if it would be generally accepted by the public. 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis! Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Links to this post WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2011 Makahiya (Mimosa pudica) Root Extract as an Alternative Ovicide against Dengue Mosquito (Aedes aegypti) Eggs Dumayas, Diana Rose P. Geroche, Sheila Mae T. Pinote, Lorraine Angela D. (Researchers) Mrs. Ma. Regaele A. Olarte Research Adviser) Significance of the Study The augmenting number of Dengue cases not only in our country but also to other countries all over the world experiencing the abnormal change in weather is not of recent origin to us. Along with this difficult situation, there are two-winged, dipterous insects that hatch their eggs for a short time, reducing the size of their larvae and become â€Å"nervous-biters†. In that case, they are harder to in tercept in flight that is why it is more advisable to focus on the places where they lay their eggs. The researchers conducted this study in order to lessen the proliferation of mosquitoes or prevent the eggs from hatching using the Makahiya  Mimosa pudica  roots extract as an ovicide. As the experiment was proven to be effective, it is relevant to propagate the plant for mass production and communicate the results to other people. It is also significant to conduct experiments about the other potentialities of   the said plant, such as the anti fertility property of its root extract which was   proven in Albino white mice sperm cells according to Dr. Godofredo Umali-Stuart of University of Santo Tomas. comments Email ThisBlogThis! Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Links to this post Prototype Biometric Security System on Personal Computer Using Fingerprint-based Power Switch Researcher: Maycee Anne Rufino Research Adviser: Mrs. Ma. Regaele Olarte Statement of the Problem The study sought to devise a system to protect every computer from hacking and unwanted file sharing due to usage without permission by unauthorized users. The researcher utilized fingerprint-based biometric security system on the power switch of personal computer, thus making it unquestionably â€Å"personal.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Specifically, the study aimed to answer the following questions: 1. How should the system be designed and developed in order to: a. Secure the user’s data from hacking or sharing, b. Provide an account security for the computer user, c. Ensure that the system is protected against alteration and not prone to errors? 2. What is the level of performance of the system based on the following criteria: a. Reliability b. Accessibility c. Efficiency d. Functionality? Hypothesis The fingerprint-based biometric security system on personal computer with remote access for the private user is  effective in terms of the specified criteria. Scope and Limitations The fingerprint-based biometric security system on personal computer is more accessible, secured, accountable and accurate. It is in the registered fingerprint where an account is created for hassle-free admission to the system. Furthermore, transactions do not consume much time and effort since the information needed to connect and to access one’s account is already automated. The following were the scope and limitations of the study: * The study only focused on the general transaction of database and of safe-keeping for the data-security of personal computers. This mechanism was not advisable for shared computers but merely for personal use, as only an authorized person could gain access on the most important data and information stored in the computer. * The system would not operate if the user is unauthorized or unregistered. Only authorized user with registered thumb mark and password can get into the system. * This device can register and hold up to five authorized users only to access the system. * The fingerprint-based power switch can also be used on any technology containing switch. (e. g. lighting, appliances, motorcycles etc. ) 2 comments Email ThisBlogThis! Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Links to this post TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2011 Environmental Briquette from Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) with Acacia Seeds as Binding Agent Mary Jane Bucio Patricia Anne Javier Charlz Deanne Hermoso Angel-lyn Lazo Jamira Marabut (Researchers) Mrs. Ma. Regaele A. Olarte (Research Adviser) ABSTRACT Water hyacinth is an aquatic plant which could well be used, instead of wood, in generating an alternative source of energy. The processing of water hyacinth into briquette would have a significant role not only in the development of an alternative fuel, but also in the preservation of the environment. The water hyacinth that was harvested, dried, and pulverized was mixed with cassava starch and acacia seed binder by being compressed into briquettes in a manually-operated machine. The experimental set-up made use of dry and fresh water hyacinth while a traditional charcoal served as the control. In all the quality tests done, T- test showed that there was no significant difference between the experimental product and the commercial product in terms of various parameters, at 0. 05 level of significance. The results of experimentation and data analysis showed that the experimental product is just as effective as the commercial briquette, with better potential of helping the environment by reducing the negative consequences brought about by water hyacinth’s rapid profusion. Thus, the  environmental briquette made from water hyacinth with acacia seeds as binding agent could be an effective alternative to the traditional charcoal made from burning of wood. 1 comments Email ThisBlogThis! Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Links to this post Older PostsHome Subscribe to:  Posts (Atom) CHATBOX! Julian Paolo Biyo  Jason Andrei TemeloI-RubyPhilippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus Investigatory Project TITLE: Effect of the Different Types of Substrates on theBiodegradability of SM Plastic Bags I. Background of the Study Official figures show that plastics make up around 25%  of thegarbage that metro manila churns out, while an  independent surveyconducted by Ecowaste Coalition and  Greenpeace on the compositionof discards on manila bay  in 2006 found that  51% were plastic bags,19% sachets and junk  food wrappers, 5% Styrofoam, 1% hard plastics,10% rubber, 13% biodegradable wastes (Cayetano, 2008;www. enatorpiacayetano. com/psc/pressreleasedetails. php? recordID=175)Biodegradable plastics are degradable plastics on which thedegradation results from the action of naturally occurring micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi , and algae ([email  protected] com). These plastics are broken down into  water, carbon dioxide, methaneand biomass  primari ly through enzymatic action on microorganisms(Azios, 2007www. csmonitor. com/2007/1219/p16s01 -sten. html). Biodegradable will fully disintegrate in six months or  less. It turns intopowder and blends with  the soil after a few months  (Demetillo, 2008www. mprime. com/News. php? BlurbID=1113). Many biodegradable plastics will decompose in  industrial plants,backyard compost piles, or open  environments. The  inherentbiodegradability of plastics depend on  several environmental factorssuch as moisture, temperature, surface area, and the manufacturingmethod of the finished  product. (Nolan-ITU Pty Ltd, 2002www. environment. gov. au/settlement/publications/waste/deg) Although some brands claim to be biodegradable in open air andsaltwater, virtually no decomposition occurs within a closed landfillthat has been  capped, preventing air circulation. Azios, 2007www. csmonitor. com/2007/1219/p16s01 -sten. html)  The  SM  mall  chain  has  started  shifting   biodegradable  plasticbags for its supermarkets and department stores (Cayetano, 2008). The use of biodegradable plastics help lessen the burden of the ever-growing garbage problem in the Philippines and in  the whole world II. Problem of the Study This study was  conducted to answer the following problem:Will exposing the SM plastic bags to different substrates such ascompost soil, loam soil, tap water, and seawater over a period of timeaffect its biodegradability? III. Hypothesis of the Study If SM plastic bags will be placed in different substrates over aperiod of time, then its  biodegradability will be affected. IV. Objectives of the Study A. General Objective: †¢ To determine the effect of different substrates on the biodegradabilityof SM plastic bags. B. Specific Objectives: 1. To expose SM plastic bags to different substrates such as compost soil,loam soil, seawater and tap water for a duration of several months. 2. To measure the weight of the plastic bags (grams) before and afterdifferent exposure periods to  the substrates. . To compare the percent weight loss of the SM plastic bags exposed todifferent substrates after a period of time. V. Design  of  the  Study A. VariablesA1. Independent variables/ manipulated variable: substrate 1. Compost soil2. Loam soil3. Seawater4. Tap  waterA2. Dependent variable/ responding variable: biodegradability (percentweight loss)B. Materials †¢ 6, 1-litre glass jars †¢ 6, 7†x9† aluminium trays †¢ 12 pcs. 3†x4† SM plastic bags †¢ 500g loam soil †¢ 500g compost soil

Development Education Essay

Individuals in society, as they grow in their respective environments, in an endeavor to fulfill their needs, encounter many challenges: environmental, social, economic, political and cultural. In everyday life therefore, they have to participate voluntarily or otherwise to overcome them, otherwise they are bound to remain in the same state or dwindle even further. As such, there is need for individuals to participate actively in the development of their communities, their nations and the world as a whole with a special reference to social, economic and political awareness. Kenyans are not facing any different situations. For example, in the education sector, progress towards attaining universal primary education, which was initiated by the incumbent government in 2003, has had the effect of increasing the enrolment by two million children. Recent enrolment gains have benefited the girls, resulting in near gender parity. Despite these gains, regional inequalities are pronounced, particularly in the enrolment of girls in the arid and semi-arid regions (Child, 2006). This initiative has had positive impact whereby the economic ability of the parents is not an excuse for failure to access basic education for their children. As the government endeavors to make this a reality, glaring issues should not be ignored. For example, the student-teacher ratio has increased, hence hampering delivery of quality education. There is dire need therefore to employ more teachers. Resources in the schools; such as text books, laboratory materials, computers among others are limited. What lingers in the minds of many is whether the introduction of free primary education was timely. Were economic issues such as the ability of the government to meet its obligation considered? If yes, would the education budgetary allocation cripple other pillar sectors of the economy such as Roads and Transport or Agriculture? May be the government would have to resort to external funding to finance its budget deficit, but with what implications? My own experience is that, the growing numbers of students in the public schools have been unmanageable with the available resources being stretched to the limit. Mature students have joined primary schools causing social tensions within the school environment. Since adult education programme is in place, such students would have been encouraged to enroll in that programme. It is possible that this was a political move to show the whole world how our government is ‘committed’ to providing education to all. Cultural issues have been a major impediment to provision of education to all. Some communities in Kenya do not encourage girls to take up education opportunities. Or even if they do, women are to play a specific role in society: to do household chores, bring up the children and take care of their spouses. It is no wonder, therefore, that early marriages are still rampant in certain communities. Some young girls fail to complete primary or secondary education because of early pregnancies. With such situations, realizing development is almost futile. The question is whether the government or the communities themselves have been or are committed. If yes, to what extent, and if no, then why and what are the implications? A case in point is in my home village, among the Giriama tribe in Kilifi District, Coast Province. Early pregnancies and marriages for the girls are rampant with little being done to the culprits. Those responsible for these ills in most cases are male adults, who are of sound mind. Hence, the noble effort of free primary education is not appreciated. In my opinion, the effort of the government and the local leaders in designing and implementing educational programmes for the citizens should involve the whole community. The adults could act as good examples, but they have to be sensitized on the importance of education to all. If the adults embrace change, and they actively participate in implementing it, less or no young girls will fall victim to these unfortunate circumstances. Social development in Kenya has also been hampered by diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. The current rate of infection for HIV/AIDS is 6. 1% of the adult population down from a prevalence rate of 16% in urban areas and 8% in rural areas in the late 1990’s. This is an encouraging situation with support from the government and its agencies, such as the national Aids Control Council and STDs Control Programme (NASCOP). (Child, 2006). What should not be ignored is about the victims themselves. How does the society engage them in economic, social and political growth of the country? There have been reported cases of stigma at the work place, in schools, religious circles and political arenas. With the availability of Antiretroviral drug therapy, infected individuals can almost live their full lives. It is therefore important for individuals to know their HIV status and be proactive in prevention of its spread. In Sub- Saharan Africa, Kenya has been placed 15th out of the 48 countries on good governance and economic management with an overall index of 59. 3. This index was pegged on the five pillars of good governance: safety and security, rule of law transparency and corruption, participation and human rights, sustainable economic opportunity and human development. (Otieno, 2001). This could be true; however, the index used the 2005 data as the baseline hence it is subject to a variety of opinions presently. As much as we would like to appreciate this growth, the ordinary citizen is still facing enormous challenges. 60% of the Kenyan population is still surviving on less than 2 dollars per day. The Kenyan government has defined the poverty line as 17 dollars per month in the rural areas and 36 dollars in the urban areas. The country lacks robust food production and is vulnerable to unstable rain patterns. (Child, 2006). With these statistics, the country cannot boast of excellent economic growth. It is not surprising therefore that the government’s domestic debt is growing twice as fast this year to seek more funds to finance social expenditure. At the community level, joblessness is still on the rise. As restructuring of government and private entities increases, more Kenyans are retrenched, rendering most of them poorer than they were before. Change is inevitable as companies struggle to stay afloat in the market. However,  alternative sources of income have to be provided or sought by the individuals themselves. For example, the government, through the Ministry of Local Government, has initiated the Rural Poverty Reduction and Local Government Support Programme (RPRLGSP) in providing clean drinking water, construction of schools, modern slaughter houses, solid waste management and rehabilitation (Ongwae, 2007). Some of these projects at the community level have provided a way of livelihood to the people. Citizens should not wait for government initiatives to participate in development. However, they need to be critically aware of the resources available within their environments and how to utilize them for their benefit. For example, instead of retired civil servants depending on their children for financial support, they can come together, identify joint projects and may access loans from financial institutions to start them off. Political structures on the other hand are a cornerstone to social and economic growth. Since independence in 1963, Kenya has had three heads of state. Political turbulences have been evident as the country struggles to embrace democracy. The state has witnessed a transition from a one party to a multi party system of government. Government officials have been associated with grand scale corruption malpractices taking the country to economic oblivion. A good example is the Anglo Leasing Scandal, where it was claimed that billions of shillings were paid to dubious companies within and abroad. The perpetrators of this vice have not been brought to book to date. It has been assumed that the law makers always enact laws to protect themselves. A bill was passed in parliament recently to stop the Kenya Anti –Corruption Authority from investigating and prosecuting the individuals with pending corruption cases before 2003, when the current government came into force. Evidently, the members of parliament may be protecting themselves. This therefore is a big challenge to the electorate as campaigns for elections due in December this year are in top gear. Politicians are shifting political alliances by the day and forming new ones. The current government was formed under a coalition of parties. As politicians are criss-crossing the country to secure civic and parliamentary seats, many more parties are finding common grounds to merge. This could be seen as a practice of demonstrating their democratic rights, though many questions linger about the seriousness of these individuals. Hence, should the electorate vote for the individuals by virtue of their political parties or the individuals’ ability to initiate development agendas? What of the politicians who give hand outs during campaign time? Do they realize that the citizens have problems only during the election year? Many promises have been made before by the same or other aspiring candidates. The performance of most of them has been dismal or at all. When they pass bills to reward themselves handsomely in salaries and allowances, who stands to benefit, them or the citizens? Is the economy stable enough to accommodate such hefty wage bill? The Kenyan politician in essence, has been known to be selfish to a larger extent. The electorate has to come to terms with this and cast a vote for a ‘new’ politician who is likely to initiate social, economic and political change. The citizen has to be critical in this political process and participate in the voting process wisely come the December elections. It is clear from this discussion therefore, that it is the citizen who has to participate actively to initiate social, economic and political change. This has to be done with a critical analysis of all the forces in place. It could take time, development could be gradual, but finally, every citizen will take responsibility for their actions and become agents of change for a better future for the generations to come. References: CHILD, K. (2006) The OneWorld Kenya Guide [Online] http://uk. oneworld. net/guides/Kenya/development? gclid=CIHot73j3o4CFRtAgQodkThZPQ [accessed on 18. 09. 07] ONGWAE, E. (2007) Initiative helps improve standards of life. Daily Nation 26 September 2007: p. 35 OTIENO, J. (2007) Kenya in League of 20 states, Daily Nation. [Online]. 26 September 2007. Available from: http://www. nationmedia. com/dailynation/printpage. asp? newsid=107244. [Accessed 29 September 2007] Isaac Oyugi Samwel.

An Urban Renewal Project Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

An Urban Renewal Project - Research Paper Example These steps are taken in order to use privately-owned property for development projects such as urban renewal project (Grogon and Proscio, 2001). The process of urban renewal is seen in both positive and negative ways by various people. To most of people, it acts as a symbol of economic development and positive reforms and for some it acts as a means of establishing control. It is a good way of recreating communities that exist and make them seem better but at the cost of demolishing certain neighborhoods. However, with the passage of time a change has occurred in the way people think about urban renewal projects which is seen now as more oriented toward investment and renovation and less toward destruction (Jones, 2004). The paper will highlight the local project at Los Angeles that had been named as Bunker Hill project and will discuss the circumstances that led to this decision of accomplishing an urban renewal project in Los Angeles. The role of power elite, pluralism, mobility, economic competition and government regime has also been discussed in the paper throughout. Bunker Hill is the Los Angeles’ oldest plan of redevelopment that spreads over the area of 133 acres. The project adopted in 1959 by the city council of Los Angeles got transformed into a project of area redevelopment in 1968. The project area considered to be bounded by Hill Street (east), First Street (north), Fifth Street (south) and Harbour Freeway (west) (Dawson, 2008). The area had been relocated to include twenty-five developmental sites of large mass. The developmental plan also included the construction of a new street system in order to control the steepness of hill and to connect the steep area with nearby flatlands. The four sites out of the twenty-five major developmental sites were under the ownership of CRA/LA whereas two were owned by County. The project of Bunker Hill had been the result of continuous struggle against the lawsuits by City Council that won its case in f avor of urban renewal project in 1964. The funds raised for the completion of project were initially $33 million and few complaints were submitted against the plan. However, in 1968 the project was renamed as Bunker Hill Redevelopment project which previously was known as urban renewal project (Fante, 2002). It is worth-mentioning that the area had been remained unattended for the period from 1800’s to 1920’ due to the lack of water system and other services that had not reached that place at the time. The Bunker Hill due to the steep topography had been the difficult project to accomplish and it was the necessary to reconstruct it in order to provide room for neighborhoods that were becoming overcrowded (Fante, 2002). The Great Depression had also contributed in the negligence of this hilly area in terms of renovating the site. Therefore, in 1940’s it was almost impossible to think of reconstructing the area and investing a lot of money in doing so at the time when the country was facing economic crisis and crime acts at the peak. In the past the site had been the place of Victorian mansions which now became urban decay. Extensive surveys and researches were conducted to measure the physical, economic and social impacts. The results of the surveys identified the