Saturday, January 25, 2020

A Generic Supervisory Of ICT Agriculture Information Technology Essay

A Generic Supervisory Of ICT Agriculture Information Technology Essay Agriculture is the most assured engine of development and a reliable key to industrialisation (Ajibola, 2007). It is the basis of development, especially in Africa and other developing countries. Increased in agricultural production is the best way of assessing that development. However, adoption of agricultural technologies is the tool of measuring the levels of achievement and production potentials. Thus, reliable means of improving the living conditions of the farmers. Priorities are therefore attached to the ways of exposing the farmers to current agricultural practices (Mando, 2002). High population increase and excessive competition on limited agricultural and related technologies, mandated various stakeholders to devise the ways of utilising agricultural resources effectively. The appropriate means of achieving that and increase productivity are through involving farmers to various decision making processes, and make them realise the ways of manipulating and combining various techniques that involved both scientific and indigenous knowledge. The use of desirable information technology that enhance horizontal and vertical exchange of ideas among farmers and other related components becomes instrumental towards increased agricultural production and improve the living conditions of the rural people. (Michiels, 2001) have defined ICT as a range of electronic technologies which when converged in new configurations are flexible, adaptable, enabling and capable of transforming organisations and redefining social relations. In related development, (Greenidge, 2003) defined ICT as those technologies that can be used to interlink information technology devices, such as personal computers with communication technologies, such as telephones and their communications . The definitions above, stresses on the need for integrating modern communication technologies with conventional ones, aimed at devising more diversified means of exchanging and sharing of ideas among individuals. However, failed to consider the printed materials, group meetings and workshops, and question and answer service as ICTs that are used frequently, conveniently filled the gaps of impersonal communication and enhances the feedback mechanisms. According to Joseph Schumpter, innovation is simply the doing of new things or the doing of things that are already being done in a new way. A definition that is more appropriate is the application of technological, institutional and human resources and discoveries to productive processes, resulting in new practices, products, markets, institutions and organisation that are improved and efficiency enhancing. (Nigel, 2006).The two generic sources of innovation in agriculture are informal system of experimentation and selection, and formal systems of research and development. These two systems are connected to national and international sector organisations. The bottom line is how to consider the two (2) approaches to innovations, i.e. central and multiple source models. The central source model emphasise on the theoretical and rhetoric concepts of formal agricultural research and extension institutions, where major technical, institutional and social innovations evolved from the syste matic work of international research centres. While the multiple sources of innovation model embrace natural and farmer selections, and considered agricultural research and diffusion processes within various political, economical, institutional and historical context through which technological changes occur. Thus, innovations evolved from various sources of farmers, international centres, extension staff, national research system and non-governmental organisations (Biggs, ). Information and communication technology is an example of private sector innovation of high priority. Agricultural extension/education considered ICT issues as the most important topics for quite a long time. (Poole, 2000) examined the conventional ICTs like radio and television as the most important means of establishing a strong link between the farmers and their respective market demands, which are their major area of interest. And the information gap among the farmers and other beneficiaries are bridged up through providing additional sources by the modern ICTs like satellite, computer, internet service providers and telephone systems. Both ICTs are used for addressing developmental issues and reducing poverty, and are adopted by target audience. Agricultural knowledge sharing created by information flow helps in developing different agricultural sectors. However, there is a significant difference in sharing of information between rural areas and agricultural knowledge centres. Accessibility of information by the targeted audiences are the responsibilities of some stakeholders and intermediary organisations(Stienen, 2007). In earlier and closely related observations by (Kenny, 2000)the accessibility of ICTs by rural people assist in devising a multi-dimensional approaches to technological uptake, poverty eradication and other related developmental issues. While (Skuse, 2001)argued that the use of ICT in addressing such issues, especially poverty eradication, depends to a greater extent on the desirable information content and infrastructural facilities. It is important to appreciate the earlier perceptions of (Chambers, 1997), that, individuals use of information and the reasons for using that information supercedes the infor mation context. He further emphasised that, in rural areas, priorities are attached to policy and decision makers than the end users. Rural areas are therefore deprived by appropriate information, which is important for initiating developmental activities. There is the need to bridge the gap in knowledge and solve some problems through information acquisition. In considering the roles of ICTs in adoption of innovation, it is absolutely necessary to examine the differences in the needs of the rural and urban people, and the benefits derived. ICT uses could be more inclined to rural areas, mainly because of the contributions they provide towards agricultural developments. The roles therefore, provided by ICT in rural areas towards improving their livelihoods are unparallel to other areas. The roles of ICT in adoption of innovation in Nigeria is related to provision of agricultural support services, improving market efficiency and weather forecast, through the use of internet and Global Service Mobile (GSM) phones, which improve farmers production potentials successfully, and reduces social isolation(Pickernell, 2004). Modern ICTs like internet, computer and mobile phones that improves rural banking systems and accessibility to credit facilities were encouraged and approved in Nigeria by the World Summit Information Society (WSIS), 2003 2005 as tools for developing rural communities (Stienen et al., 2007). The applications of ICT in Nigeria are considered vital for revolutionary role in diversification of scientific and indigenous technology. ICT abridged the gap created by geographical and cultural barriers, which are detrimental to agricultural production. Thus, information are shared effectively in post harvest technology, databases, market prices and other related information for immediate and future use, which is achieved by internet, email and world wide web to facilitate communication (Obayelu, 2010). The roles of ICT in adoption of innovation are suppose to first be considered from the integrated point of view, before addressing the roles of individual ICTs. This is particularly important due to the differences in the socio-economic status of the rural people, and the need for encouraging the participatory action community approach, which is user-driven in nature. It is important however, to appreciate the uses of combination of conventional and modern ICTs in adoption processes. To this effect, therefore, the benefits derived from the Telecentres in Nigeria and other developing countries towards exposing the rural people to more diversified ICTs need to be discussed. Kiplang at 2001, defined Telecentre as community-based centre that accommodate ICTs, including fax, telephone, computer based system with internet connection and photocopying. A few telecentres provide additional services such as postal facilities, selling of telephone cards, newspaper and refreshment. The main objectives of establishing telecentres in the rural areas is to eradicate poverty and capacity building among the rural people. Telecentres are used for sharing knowledge among the rural people. It expose the farmers to various agricultural technologies and makes them to adopt the most desirable innovation. Telecentres are widely used in Africa and other developing countries. According to Synman, 2002, South Africa established fifty-six (56) telecentres in the year, 2002 out of the projected one hundred (100) through Universal Service Agency. The average visiting clients were 140 per day, and the clients are from different areas of community-based services, like agricultural extension workers, farmers, teachers and students and health workers. Telecentres are widespread in Uganda, Senegal and Kenya, owned by Governmental and Non-governmental organisations. While some are managed by agricultural research institute, like Ugunja Communication Research Centres in Kenya (Oguya, 2001). Oke-Ogun community development network (OCDN), located in Oyo-State -Nigeria and Fantsuan Foundation ICT in North-Central are two telecentres established in the years, 2003 and 2000 respectively, by the people of those communities, provided only four (40) computers to Ago-Are town, mainly used for training rural people, without telephone services. With the intervention of Pam Mclean from the United Kingdom, internet service provider was installed through internet connection in 2004. Information about agricultural innovations becomes readily available to the farmers in the area. Pam Mclean and Carole utilised the centres, with extensive web site on solar cooking information, which is rich information source, and introduced solar cooking video project which was widely adopted in the area. Participatory action research approach was the research method used. The technology is particularly relevant in minimising deforestation and other environmental problems caused by mining, and excessiv e farming activities on forested lands in Nigeria (Carole, 2005). As earlier emphasised, agricultural information in Nigeria and other developing countries are targeted to rural areas where the farmers lives, so that, their social and economic conditions are favourably improved. To achieve this, Emerald Publishing Group of the United Kingdom established a broad band service knowledge centre in Nigeria in Ihala village of Anambra State, which had a projected population of 20,000 people. The project took up in 2007 mainly for exchange of agricultural ideas among the farmers, aided by volunteer students. Computers with internet services and customised website were installed and monitored. Social interactions, mutual exchange of ideas and information retrieval were enhanced in the village. The project was successful, with up to 61% of the participants utilising the knowledge centre website for socialisation and discussions with farmers. Participatory community approach was effectively used(Ha, 2008). The serious problem facing all the telecentres in Nigeria is poor electricity supply and lack of stability in internet services. This problem is particularly not only in the rural areas, but in the urban counterparts. The unreliable internet connection reduces the efficiency of such telecentres, especially when users are eagerly anticipating urgent response to the ways of combating a disease/pest infestation and immediate call for directions of use for newly introduced package. Farmers in Nigeria have different backgrounds, speak various languages. Standardised ICT usage cannot be applicable to all of them. The variation in the language of communication, coupled with low understanding of English, inhibits effective utilisation of ICTs. It is therefore, recommended that, software translators should be developed for proper ICT use. Linkages of such centre with universities and research institutions are not highly intensified. Only one of the available telecentre in Nigeria (OCDN) is linked through ICT with International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the university of Ibadan for certain project implementations. Combining socialisation and research activities in the same spot, makes the people to inclined more to social related activities than research. Radio is still the frequently used ICTs for adoption of innovation in Nigeria. This can be attributed to its availability than any other conventional or modern ICTs. Various adoption of innovation were successful in Nigeria through the use of radio. Combination of radio, posters, video and global system mobile (GSM) were used, with core extension programs for extending Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage (PICS) technology in Nigeria and other West African countries. The project realised that, accessibility of the rural people in Nigeria to television was very low, mainly due to inadequate supply of electricity. Radio messages were used during various events of sensitisation, demonstration, follow-up and open the bag. There was a great difference in the adoption rates between villages with and without PICS radio messages. Thus, radio messages had significantly influenced the adoption of PICS sacks in Kano and other Northern states of Nigeria (Moussa, 2009). Posters were also distributed to various stakeholders that are involved in the adoption of PICS technology, which revealed the various stages that can be used for optimal utilisation of PICS technology . A video sketch on the use of the technology in the languages that are easily comprehended by rural people in Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso (Hausa and French ) were transferred to the GSM phones through Bluetooth to augment the demonstrations performed in various villages. The use of GSM phones was due to the realisation of the project of the expanded use of those phones in rural areas of Nigeria and other African countries (Moussa, 2009). Integrated ICTs (Radio, posters, video and mobile phones) were used in this project and tremendously increased the rate of adoption of this technology (PICS), thereby increase in the income level of the adopters, when sold the cowpea during lean period, and more importantly improved the health conditions of the people. Radio is the most persistently used conventional/traditional communication medium that is capable of transmitting various information to different set of people(FAO., 2004). According to (Chapman, 2003), radio has the capabilities of reaching farmers, regardless of their educational status and provide relevant information in the language they can understand. They emphasised that, radio is the cheapest means of providing information with exceptional power of linking the modern and conventional technologies for improving the livelihoods of the rural people. (Okwu, 2007) argued that, radio is the most widely appropriate medium used by all research and extension systems to extend messages to rural people, with little intellectualism to reach the remote places that could not be reach by the extension workers. The sensitive assessment of great impact of radio in Nigeria is related to the findings of Iro, 2006 that, radio is the most preferred means of educating pastoral Fulani, which they found portable, even when herding. The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) utilises radio and television to introduce educational and enlighten programmes to Fulani. Educational status of Fulani is still low, despite the programmes aired for educating them, the enrolment pattern of their children in Nomadic schools is very low when compared with children of farmers in the same schools. The possible explanation to this is the nature of their movements from one place to another, which could affect the reception of the radio in some areas. It can also be attributed to lack of clear information about the time when the programmes are to be broadcasted and the content of the language. With all little things taken care of, and increasing level of awareness, educational and enlighten programmes would reduce the Fulani/farmer conflict that is persistently affect agricultural production in Nigeria. However, with all the benefits of radio as conventional ICT in Nigeria, the current status of telecommunication system after the sector has been reformed, is the emergence of many private radio stations. Those radio stations are profit-oriented, attached exorbitant charges to programmes sponsored by Non-governmental organisations, with little or no consideration to agricultural related programmes. While the public radio stations are producer-driven, inclined more to programmes that are satisfying the interest of the government. Television and Video: Are important communication tools, ideals for demonstration of various techniques for easily understanding. They have an additional value of displaying motion pictures, essential for teaching and learning processes. Many farmers are reached and stimulated about the new ideas(Ifran, 2006). When appropriately used, it is a source of reliable information, but most people considered it more as entertainment tools (Kari, 2007). According to (Omotayo, 2005), video has the potentials of using undistorted messages to reach large number of farmers, since it doesnt depend on any reception/coverage patterns. Video could be use to inspire individuals to involve in various planning and implementation stages of agricultural activities. It allows farmers and extension agents to edit and document important events like agricultural shows. Telephone: There was remarkable increased in telephone lines in Nigeria when GSM was introduced in 2001. GSM lines were then 450,000, raised to over 38 million lines in 2007. The teledensity increased accordingly from 0.4 to 24 g/cm3 (Adeyinka, 2009). Telephones are available in either fixed or mobile form. Telephones are the rapidly spread ICT that cover large area in exchange of messages across various agricultural components of farmers, research and extension. According to (Shaibu, 2008) telephones are used by famers to access the agricultural markets conveniently. This helps in having knowledge about real situations in various markets, so as to enhance market efficiency and consistency. It can be integrated with computer for internet connectivity. Telephones are used by farmers to seek for immediate attention of extension agents during disease outbreak or other consultations which are prevented by geographical barriers. Nomadic Fulani are relating efficiently with veterinary assistants through mobile phones as long as there are network coverage. Computers : For agricultural information to be sufficient through web technology, established connection is needed between computers and internet service providers. Such connection is useful for generation, compilation, dissemination and exchange of agricultural information (Zaman, 2002). Internet is therefore used by farmers to realise appropriate agricultural information that can be useful to adopt and utilise various innovations.(Munyau, 2000) explained that, world wide web (www) is used as important tool for creating awareness and providing agricultural information to farmers, while email services complements the www function , through establishing interactive linkages and effective feedback mechanism. High cost of computer hard and soft wares and lack of computer literacy prevent rural people from using computer and other internet services effectively in evaluating relevant information about current technological advancements. THE WAYS ICT HELP RESEARCH AND EXTENSION IN OVERCOMING THE CONSTRAINTS OF ADOPTION OF INNOVATION IN NIGERIA: The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has divided its agricultural research institutes into five (5) agro-ecological zones, and these zones are liable for effective linkages between research and extension components. There are various senders and receivers of agricultural innovations and ideas that are involved in the communication of agricultural technologies to rural communities. Such communication sources are considered obnoxious when sent to the farmers at a later stage of agricultural production (Obayelu, 2010). There are eighteen (18) agricultural research centres in Nigeria that are solely responsible for improving the local crop varieties and developing new ones that are conducive to the existing farming situations, like rice, sugarcane, cassava, banana, soyabean to mentioned but a few.(Faturoti, 2006). Research and extension components have distinctive functions in agricultural development. The research component is responsible for providing science-based innovations, which is significant for creating the much needed change to agricultural productivity. While the extension components conveyed the innovations to the farmers for adoption, and in turn communicate the results, expectations and problems of the farmers to research component. For the roles of these components to be effective, there should be well coordinated linkage between them, which will enable each component to realise its potentials. In an effort to develop and strengthen these linkages, the FGN established various systems, like On-Farm Adaptive Research (OFAR), Farming System Research (FSR), Small Plot Adoption Techniques (SPAT) and Research- Extension Farmer- Input Linkage system (REFILS). Although, the systems are relevant in providing much needed interaction, the FGN failed to support the linkages financially. There is the need to provide effective means with less cost and highly satisfactory result. This could only be achieved through integrating ICT for reinforcing the linkages (Lawal-Adebowale, 2008). The roles of ICT in augmenting the services of agricultural research are considered significant in adoption of innovation. This can be achieved through ways in which the results of some findings generated by research institutions can be extended to farmers, which is associated with changing agricultural information systems, such that the information about new agricultural innovations can be assessed by farmers through the web-based information systems. This helps in providing access to relevant publications directly. Efficiency of agricultural research could be enhanced by making soft wares that are related to agriculture more readily available. Accessibility of research soft ware is highly intensified in International Agricultural Research Centres. It is particularly important to involve various stakeholders, so that high interactive sessions for improving information generation and utilisation among farmers can be achieved successfully. Agricultural development and improving the quality of peoples life in Nigeria and other developing countries depends to a greater extent on the viability of the nations agricultural research and extension systems (NARES). Investment in NAREs, by the FGN becomes necessary for achieving the much needed progress in agricultural development. World Bank provides sufficient loans to Nigerias agriculture, specifically to Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) and research institutions for effective performance. Nigerian Agricultural extension system passed through various stages of development from commodity focus to professional services which have vision for farmers production potentials. ADPs are available in all States, still the most dignified extension service delivery in Nigeria, involving Local Government staff for carrying out various tasks. REFILS provides the desirable linkages for various stakeholders to interact in generating appropriate technology, assigning responsibilities to the actors involved and strategise the effectiveness of the modified training and visit extension system. Farmers and private sector involvement is still low in technological development and planning of the programme, with strengthen linkage mechanism. NARES and private sector (commercial and NGOs) provides specialised roles in the linkages, while the former is responsible for technological development, the later is engaged in the provision of essential inputs and supply services of credit and marketing. The major partners in REFILS are the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and the project coordinating unit (PCU). Non-Governmental organisations i.e. profit and non-profit oriented, joined extension services in Nigeria. The non profit oriented are providing extension services in a participatory inclined approach and weak linkages to NARS and public extension services. (NAERLS., 2002) ascertained that, in Nigeria, extension agents are the most effective means through which farmers have information about innovation. Until the intervention of State-wide ADP in 1980, the ratio of extension agent to farmer was 1: 2000, sometimes 1: 3000. They further realised that, the ratio ranges from 1: 848 in South Western zone to 1: 1,650 in North Western zone, with more wider range when it involves women extension agents. The ratio failed to meet the recommendation of FAO of 1:500. This therefore calls of integrating ICTs for cost effective and wider coverage of extension services that can complement the existing usage of ICTs in research and extension to overcome the problems of adoption of innovation. The inclusion of modern ICTs to complement the existing conventional ICTs becomes imperative for making the farmers more knowledgeable about the current agricultural practices for increased in productivity. According to (Arokoyo, 2002), the roles of ICT in research and extension is traced after the establishment of ADP as World Bank assisted project. The strategy utilised the T V extension services in developing effective communication system. It was achieved through the use of mobile cinema vans, moving from one rural area to another, with extension publications that are printed in the languages easily understood by the people. Successful implementation of which led to additional ICTs like radio, video and television in the mobile vans, when the bank increased the assistance. ADPs in various states extends its extension messages through radio and television programmes. National Agricultural Technology Support Project (NATSP) was established by ADP, as one of its second developmental phase in 1996, with Development Support Commission (DSC) units, which increased the viewing facilities. Through NATSP, more radio listening clubs were formed. (NAERLS., 2002) examined that, in the year, 2002, 70% of the states ADPs utilised one or more radio programs to broadcast agricultural information to farmers in their local languages that enhance proper understanding. The findings further revealed that, more than 48% of the ADPs broadcasts are relevant agricultural programmes in the television. The CTA-supported Questions and Answers service in Nigeria used by NAERLS and nine (9) collaborative institution popularly known as Nigerian Question and Answer Service (NAQAS) has revolutionalised the ICT in research and extension. Users of NAQAS are provided with information required through references, factional information referral and advisory services. In a similar development, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Communication for Change (CFC), NAERLS and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, established the Information and Communication Support (ICS) for agricultural growth in Nigeria, with aim of strengthen capacity of farmer assistance organisations to package and disseminate information to farmers, thus, enhancing information flow(Ogunyinka, 2002). The project was started in eight ADPs states. (Ogunyinka, 2002) emphasised that, the networking in the project involves all the stakeholders and farmer association. The major activity of ICS is establishment of farmer resource centre in each of the eight states. The centres are supposed to have and utilised the following ICTs; Radio and Television, Camera and Video, Computer with internet facilities, Telephone and Fax, Scanner, Photocopier and Printer, Cassette recorder/player, Generator and Lamination and Spiral binding machine. The NAQAS and ICS are established to use ICTs in improve horizontal exchange of ideas among the farmers, thus improving extension services. The information flow focus on the end-users (user-driven), in order to satisfy their needs. Establishing integrated ICTs like NAQAS, ICS and other telecentres are exceptionally significant towards providing a relevant and reliable information to the farmers living in rural areas. It is important to note that, any sustainable information development that entails using modern and conventional ICTs that is not encouraging a strong linkage between research/extension and the farmers should not have a significant impact in agricultural development. In Nigeria, the linkages between extension and farmers is highly intensified, while that, between research and farmers is relatively weak. This can be attributed to the low level of literacy for assessing information easily, on part of the farmers and weak contacts to the farmers, depending on extension component to disseminate information and more emphasis on the managerial activities. The constraints the NAQAS and ICS may likely face is the domination of accessibility of such centres by researchers and other literate individuals in t he communities. The centres are supposed to provide intensive trainings to farmers for proper utilisation of the resources. The sustainability of this and other related projects that are funded by international organisations, tend to terminates if such funding terminates. The Local, State and Federal Governments are expected to consistently monitor and evaluate the activities of such centres for achieving the desired objectives. The status of ICT in agricultural research and extension organisations in South Western Nigeria was assessed by Lawal-A., 2008, analysed that, all the eight agricultural research institutes and six extension organisations except, Osun State ADP, had computers, internet facilities and telephone system. Telex/fax machines were available in four research institutes, and two extension organisations. The result however, shows that, the ICTs were only found in some offices at the headquarters. The research and extension personnel with whom the field works are assigned have little access to such facilities. Adequate ICT infrastructure is necessary for agricultural development and the effect of such development could not be felt with the marginal improvement in ICTs infrastructural facilities (Institute., 2005). Kano State ADP is currently using mobile telephones to call for meetings, workshops and other important information to farmer groups. More than 12,000 farmer groups were formed, each group comprises of 25 members. Focus group discussion and use of existing traditional groups were the techniques used in forming the groups. Each group has a leader possessing a functional mobile phone through which the head of extension unit of the ADP contact them for important messages that deserve immediate attention. Thus, the use of mobile phones facilitates communication and established reliable linkages between the extension and rural farmers. From the discussions, it was observed that, research and extension in Nigeria are currently using integrated ICTs in motivating farmers to adopt various innovations. However, the use of effective individual ICTs are relevant for extending messages to fa

Friday, January 17, 2020

Hamlet-Soliloquy

Hamlet's perceptions of himself and his way of responding to his ‘quest' for revenge? Upon examination, It is clear that Hamlet Is ‘a divided mind' due to his Introspective way of thinking; a typical Renaissance character. Soliloquy 3 reveals that Hamlet has realized that his honor code demands him to exact revenge upon Claudia. However, halls moral code manifests itself Into constant self-recrimination, testament to his character.Hamlet begins by metaphorically comparing himself to a â€Å"peasant slave†, indicating that he has not dressed his honor code, as this distinguished the aristocrat from the peasant in Elizabethan times. The use of the exclamation is the first sign of his denunciation of himself due to his lack of action. This theme is advanced when he classically alludes to Hachure in reference to the play he has Just witnessed. Hamlet is ashamed that â€Å"he should weep to her† and ponders what the actor would do â€Å"had he the motive and the cue for passion that I have? Along with revealing the intellectuality of the Renaissance Hamlet, the classical allusion demonstrates that he is clearly frustrated by his Impotence for revenge. This is consolidated In the simile â€Å"Like John-a-dreams, unapparent of my cause† where Hamlet blatantly admits to Inaction, cutting a self- deprecating Image of himself. The rhetorical question â€Å"Am I a coward† attests to his Introspective nature as he Is self-analyzing whether the last portion of his soliloquy Is true or not.This begins a series of rhetorical questions in an attempt to conjure up a ensue of passion in the demoralizes Hamlet, which culminates with the fragmented sentence, â€Å"Remorseless, treacherous, lecherous, kindles villain! O, vengeance! † We can finally observe Hamlet thinking about revenge and this is affirmed when he begins to devise a plan to catch his Uncle's guilt, so that he â€Å"knows his (my) course†. Despite acquiring this new-found passion, his introspection still comes through when he claims that â€Å"The spirit I have seen may be the Devil†.This religious allusion reminds Hamlet of the mantra, ‘innocent until proven guilty, and Hamlet Is out to rove Claudia' guilt as â€Å"the plays the thing wherein he'll (I'll) catch the conscience of the king†. This rhyming couplet sets the stage for his plan for revenge and affirms that he Is truly â€Å"looking for certainties In a world of Gardner). All in all, soliloquy 3 is a perfect summation of Hamlet's complicated Renaissance mind: a journey from self-deprecation to blatant passion, culminating in the official beginning of his quest' for revenge.Hamlet-Soliloquy 3 By capital responding to his ‘quest' for revenge? Upon examination, it is clear that Hamlet is ‘a divided mind' due to his introspective way of thinking; a typical Renaissance demands him to exact revenge upon Claudia. However, his moral code manifests itself into constant self-recrimination, testament to his character. Hamlet begins by by his impotence for revenge. This is consolidated in the simile â€Å"Like John-a-dreams, unapparent of my cause† where Hamlet blatantly admits to inaction, cutting a self- deprecating image of himself.The rhetorical question â€Å"Am I a coward† attests to his introspective nature as he is self-analyzing whether the last portion of his soliloquy is can finally observe Hamlet thinking about revenge and this is affirmed when he reminds Hamlet of the mantra, ‘innocent until proven guilty, and Hamlet is out to that he is truly â€Å"looking for certainties in a world of uncertainties†(Helen Gardner). All in all, soliloquy 3 is a perfect summation of Hamlet's complicated Renaissance mind; a Journey from self-deprecation to blatant passion, culminating in the official beginning of his ‘quest' for revenge.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Technology s Efficiency Footprint On The Healthcare World...

Technology’s Efficiency Footprint on the Healthcare World Technology is essential for improving the efficiency of today’s healthcare world, and to continue the advancement of the processes involving patients’ care. In fact, according to Dr. John Haughom, senior advisor of Health Catalyst states, â€Å"Over the past several decades, thanks to improved diagnostic and therapeutic options, healthcare has experienced an explosion of innovations designed to improve life expectancy and quality of life.† In other words, technology is rapidly changing the healthcare world, whether the change is causing a good or bad effect on the methods of healthcare, as technology progresses the healthcare world must follow. Although, technology can cause small dilemmas in the healthcare world, for example, malfunctions, unreliability, and security breaks; it is capable of improving the healthcare world by providing electronic patient records (EPR), patient’s satisfaction, and increase accuracy within a hospital. Technology has proven to be an important player in furthering a hospital into the challenging game of becoming successful, and innovated. Computers are a form of technology that has the potential to cultivate the healthcare world by increasing productivity of healthcare providers. Computers are not the main source of productivity, it is what computers are capable of storing that makes them essential to healthcare. Computers have the ability to hold multiple databases on their hard drives,Show MoreRelatedCase Study : Glaxosmithkline ( Cosmetics Soap And Other Detergent Manufacturing1729 Words   |  7 PagesGlaxoSmithKline (enamel protectant toothpaste) Industry Label: Soap and Other Detergent Manufacturing Industry NAICS code: 325611 Company Ticker Symbol: GSK Stock Price (03/28/15): $46.59 QUESTION 1: Identify the firm s apparent current mission. Then briefly review the firm s current objectives and strategies. â€Å"The business is focused around the delivery of three strategic priorities which aim to increase growth, reduce risk, and improve our long-term financial performance. These prioritiesRead MoreCase Study : Investing Of Responsible Growth Essay1336 Words   |  6 Pagesexceed in expectations the development of energy efficient activities. Greenfield and Brownfield expansions are the planned systems to guarantee growth. 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Healthcare: Commercializing the discoveries of the agricultural sector, 3. Industrial: Increase opportunities for bioprocessing and bio-manufacturing, 4. Research and Development: Establish Centres of Biotechnology Excellence, through research and developmentRead MoreResearch On Cancer1316 Words   |  6 Pages(Moved up) Historically cancer research has focused on finding â€Å"a cure† for what has been thought of as a single disease with rogue cells dividing madly, but research and technologies have exposed how complex cancers really are with intricate genetic differences demonstrating patients are much less alike than we once thought. Genetic and environmental facts have provided myriad different tumor types with unique biological pathways insights. As immuno-oncology takes the spotlight in cancer therapeuticsRead MoreThe Importance Of Immuno-Oncology1344 Words   |  6 PagesAs immuno-oncology takes the spotlight in cancer therapeutics and pharma companies race to develop new treatments, improvements in the detection of cancers may be just as impactful. Liquid biopsies, top ten technology MIT Technology Review 2015 breakthroughs, are diagnostic tests to detect cancer biomarkers in the blood, urine, and now saliva. Liquid biopsies have been recent blood based tests that analyze circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) or circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in lieu of the standard tissue

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

How to Write Medical Thesis

How to Write Medical Thesis Rules for writing a medical thesis are the same as for writing any scientific thesis. Still, there are some peculiarities of the subject, which can be best shown in the following example of medical thesis. Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects attention and emotional perception of the patient and is generally observed from early childhood. This disorder first of all affects reading and spelling. According to the latest studies, about ten percent of the population suffer from dyslexia. Dyslexia can affect the whole family and affects the person for his or her whole life. Nevertheless, it can be minimized by applying special ways of working and learning, especially on early stages of life. It is impossible to cure the disorder completely and, therefore, dyslexia requires consistent treatment. A person, suffering from dyslexia can be helped by development of training program, which would be tailored specifically for the individual, and based on the weak and strong sides of his or her learning abilities. The purpose of this study is to analyse the most effective methods of dealing with dyslexia on the examples and analysis of existing technologies and methods, implemented and practiced in the major institutions, specializing in the treatment of dyslexia disability. This study will be concentrated upon the organization in the UK and will include twenty four different organizations in the analysis of the treatment methods. In the scale of this study we have also asked and received permission to invite for the interview several patients from each of the clinics. Results, obtained from theoretical analysis of effectiveness and efficiency of current treatment techniques, were based on

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Chicano Movement Essay - 1250 Words

More than a century of prejudice against one of the largest minority residing in the United States that continues today. To these days Hispanics are targets of discrimination and are not offer equal opportunities in jobs and education. The roots of discrimination go back to the end of the Mexican War when thousands of Mexicans became American citizens overnight. The sign of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo not only transfer land to the United States but also the people that live there before it became territory of the United States. These people began to suffer from discrimination in their owl land. Their sons and daughters did not have better luck because even thought they were born in the United States therefore they are American citizens†¦show more content†¦Finally after many deacades of suffering the Chicanos decided to make their voices be heard around the country and fight discrimination and to demand the rigthts they desrve as Americdan citizens. The Chicano movement began since the U.S took hundreds of miles from Mexico at the end of the Mexican War in 1848. The thousands of Mexican that were living in the territory that became part of the U.S became American citizens overnight and since then countless Chicanos have confronted discrimination, racism and exploitation in their own country. Mexican Americans is the term used to describeShow MoreRelatedSuccess Of The Chicano Movement1600 Words   |  7 PagesThe Chicano movement was a movement that inspired thousands of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans to boldly take a stand against discriminatory oppression. For years, the Chicano movement fought for Mexicans’ rights. However, the movement failed to recognize that its women were an oppressed group that also needed to be heard by the gringos and their system. The women were oppressed triply through race, class, and gender. Chicanas not only had to fight the American system that worked against colored minoritiesRead MoreThe Movement Of The Chicano Movement1412 Words   |  6 PagesThe Chicano movement that occurred in the 60’s and 70’s came out during the same time of the Civil Rights Movement. It was about fighting for social, political, and economic justice for Chicano people. The issues that were highlighted in the movement were; restoration of lan d grant rights, fair treatment of farm workers, educational access and dismantling racial discrimination for Chicano youth, and pushing for voting rights. Common historiographies of the Chicano civil rights movement in the 60Read MoreThe Chicano Movement During The 1960s1261 Words   |  6 Pages Montejano describes the Chicano movement during the 1960s in San Antonio, Texas. Montejano wrote this book to inform readers of the events that happened within the Chicano community. San Antonio was mostly populated by Mexican-Americans in the 1960s, but was generally governed by Anglos. Anglos-Saxons did nothing to meet the needs of Mexican- Americans living in the West and South sides of San Antonio which were historically the lower income parts of town with the majority of people taking residenceRead MoreThe Chicano Movement By Frank Romero1024 Words   |  5 Pagesto society. The Chicano movement started in the 1960s; the public wanted to repair social injustice. The Chicano movement encompassed a broad section of issues; from restoration of lands, to farm workers’ rights, to enhance education, to voting and political rights. At this moment many individuals were trying different ways to express their views and one of those ways was art. In the early years of the Chicano movement, Frank Romero established a reputation as one of the Chicano art heroes. ThroughRead MoreThe Chicano Movement : A Unique, Dramatic, And Multifaceted Social Struggle Of Affirmation1756 Words   |  8 Pagesthe Chicano community undertook a unique, dramatic, and multifaceted social struggle of affirmation. This historic phase became more and more varied and complex then previous struggles (Maciel, 2010). Mexican Americans took movement, defined and took pride in their own identity, asserted their civil rights, worked toward self-determination by improving their financial, social, and political circumstances. â€Å"Similar to other movements of this period promoting civil rights, the Chicano movement madeRead More The Chicano Movement: Struggles, Goals, and Accomplishments Essay examples1537 Words   |  7 PagesIn American history, civil rights movements have played a major role for many ethnics in the United States and have shape American society to what it is today. The impact of civil rights movements is tremendous and to an extent, they accomplish the objectives that the groups of people set out to achieve. The Mexican-American Civil Rights Movement, more commonly known as the Chicano Movement or El Movimiento, was one of the many movements in the United States that set out to obtain equality for Mexican-AmericansRead MoreChicano Movement1269 Words   |  6 PagesAmerican citi zens also continue to suffer from discrimination because of their background. After more than three generation of being born in America Chicanos decided to revolt. The Chicano movement bloomed in the 1960s when the generation was tired of the racial discrimination and decides to fight for their rights. They created organizations to help Chicanos, organize walkouts to protest against inadequate learning environment and they protested against unequal opportunists in jobs. The United StatesRead MoreMexican Civit Rights Movement 1940s Vs Chicano Movement 1960s592 Words   |  2 PagesOne of the many similarities about the Mexican American Civil Rights movements and the Chicano Movement in the 60s- 70s is that they fought for what they believed they had a right to have. Many in the 1940’s and in the 1960’s stepped up to show their loyalty to the United States by joining the military and sadly manly lost their lives during World War II and the Vietnam War. They were many Mexican Americans who were stationed in infantry and many dangerous areas during the war. They all fought withRead MoreOverview of the Chicano Movement691 Words   |  3 Pagesre-definition of the term Chicano came about during the 1960s due to the efforts of many young Mexican and Mexican-American students who infused a sense of social, artistic, political and educational pride in themselves and in their culture. These people were able to take this particular term and red efine it to their own liking as a symbol of pride and solidarity. To that end, there were many different impetuses that helped to spawn what has been called the Chicano movement. Initially, this movementsRead MoreThe Chicano Movement Of America1832 Words   |  8 Pagessuffer discrimination, poverty, and injustice. Tired of the injustice against Mexican immigrants and the discrimination they suffered, the Mexican-American started a movement, the Chicano movement. The Chicano movement occurs after being tired from suffering, for many years, margination, poverty and a broken â€Å"american dream†. The Chicanos besides succeeding in the creation of literary and visual arts that validated the ethnicity of the Mexican-American culture, they also achieved numerous legal and

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Mapping the Issue Free Essays

Tammy Lin ENGL 1302 051 Brittain 5/11/12 Trimming the Fat of a Growing Problem Obesity is becoming a major problem to many Americans as well as many people around the world. Being the second cause of preventable death in the United States, obesity increases the risk of numerous adverse health problems including breast cancer, heart disease, type II diabetes, osteoarthritis, colon cancer, stroke, and more. Obesity is defined as an excess proportion of total body fat, with a person being considered obese if his or her weight is twenty percent or more above normal body weight. We will write a custom essay sample on Mapping the Issue or any similar topic only for you Order Now A common way to measure obesity is by calculating the body mass index. An individual is considered overweight if his or her BMI is between twenty five and thirty, while a person is seen as obese if his or her BMI is over thirty. With that said, it has been estimated that sixty million Americans twenty years and older are obese, which makes up thirty percent of the adult population; meanwhile, nine million children and teenagers ages six to nineteen are overweight. The number of overweight and obese Americans has increased since 1960, a trend that shows no sign of slowing down. In this paper I will review three main positions regarding the issue of ways to approach the multiplying rate of obesity. First, there are those who advocate for the implementation of fat taxes. With the administration of taxes on unhealthy foods and drinks, this group believes that it will significantly discourage the consumption of such foods and will, in turn, promote healthy and responsible eating. Second, there are those who remain persistent in maintaining the privacy of one’s decision making concerning food intake. With the expansion of diverse kinds of food production, this group considers an individual’s food preference as unique, exclusive, and personal. Third, there are those who believe that lowering the costs of healthy foods will encourage the purchase of nourishing and health-benefiting foods. They embrace the belief that most people would eat healthier if the food was more affordable. The first position is the support of fat taxes. The people who stand in this position are those who are concerned with America’s public health issue today, especially the issues centering on obesity. Lisa Baertlin recently ublished an article on Reuters, an international news agency headquartered in the UK, entitled â€Å"Battle Lines Drawn over Soda, Junk Food Taxes† in response to the the wide-growing obesity epidemic today, with the proposition that fat taxes could help save individuals their health and money. She claims that taxes could help make up for the at least one hundred an d forty seven billion dollars spent on treating diseases related to obesity and fund programs that battle for this issue. According to U. S. lawmakers, soda tax is one of the most probable sources that would most likely be used to tackle healthcare reform. In relativity to the taxing of cigarettes, these people believe that by taxing soda, it would also similarly reduce consumption and its revenue stream; by taxing more than ten percent for beverages, purchases would be cut down by eight to ten percent. According to a recent Thomson Reuters survey included within Baertlin’s article, â€Å"about fifty-eight percent of Americans are willing to bear a tax increase of one percent or more to support healthcare reform† (Baertlin 1), which proves that more than half of American citizens are willing to take a step forward for the promotion of a healthy nation. Writers like Baertlin sympathize with those who are in the center of the public health crisis today, specifically â€Å"overweight adolescents who are starting to suffer problems that used to plague middle-aged adults† (1). Baertlin herself is in favor of administering fat taxes and is certain that levies on fattening foods are an essential factor of any anti-obesity endeavor. The food industry plays a large part in the causes of obesity. Most food companies are culpable of false advertisement, which swallows consumers into their too-good-to-be-true trends. Journalist Karlee Weinmann contributed a piece to Business Insider concerning food companies’ false advertisement. In the article â€Å"14 False Advertising Scandals That Cost Brands Millions†, Weinmann states that for companies that cross the line to making false claims, it can cost millions of dollars, while also having to face public negativity. However, even with all this said, will companies modify their marketing policies for the greater good, or will they uphold their profits as far more important than a consumer’s right to know the truth? More than likely, most brands will continue to false advertise their products, which is why these people in this group believe that fat taxes are efficient in lowering consumption of soda and other health-stripping foods. According to Weinmann, â€Å"there’s a big difference between pushing the truth and making false claims. Is a product really ‘scientifically proven’, and are ‘results guaranteed’? † (Weinmann 1). Food brands such as Activia yogurt, Splenda, Kashi, and Eclipse gum have been caught with such false advertisement scandals; the more unhealthy the food really is, the more beneficial its company would make it seem. Writers like Weinmann identify with those who have been misled by deceitful food claims made by the companies they trusted. Therefore, supporters of fat taxes are certain that the implementation of fat taxes would solve these complications by creating more awareness and heedfulness when consumers purchase junk foods. The second position is the promotion of health education and that one’s food choice should not be hindered or influenced to reduce obesity. The people who stand in this position believe that an individual should have choices in the items he or she buy, and be guilt-free. In the article â€Å"Childhood Obesity: A Global Public Health Issue† published in International Journal of Preventive Medicine†, writer Amar Kanekar states that the main cause of childhood obesity in today’s public health crisis in both developed and underdeveloped countries is because of the disproportion between the child’s caloric intake and the calories effectively used for growth/development and physical activities. To these people, what we eat is not the sole reason of the cause of obesity; genetic, behavioral, and environmental are all constituents of childhood obesity. Moreover, many health-related risks are present when a child is obese; negative body-image and low self-esteem inevitably result in psychological and social issues. Cardiovascular disease, increased cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure are all possible potential health risks involved and that there is, indeed, â€Å"preventive programs that help regulate obesity by educating individuals about healthy nutrition and diseases† (Kanekar 2). According to a report presented from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, in the years of 2007-2008, there was an estimation that â€Å"16. % of children and adolescent in the age group of 2-19 years were obese†¦The data collected for the same period shows that the adolescent (age group 12-19 years) obesity has increased from 5. 0 to 18. 1%† (2). By letting people know about health hazards and the importance of physical exercise, the chance of obesity could greatly decrease. Those who are pro-food-choice would si de with Kanekar in that they believe there should not be any direct government intervention with food costs, but that there should be a public informing of the effects commonly eaten unhealthy foods would result in. Kanekar, Baertlin, and Weinmann all believe that the prevalence of obesity seen in children and adults is increasing and that some form of action must be done. While these writers see and support the benefits of the reduction of junk food intake, Kanekar is more focused on declaring health education, with the hope of lowering BMI and the rate of weight gain. All three authors recognize the importance of lowering consumption of fatty foods, but the position here does not endorse the advocating of fat taxes. The third position is lowering the costs of healthy foods. The people who stand in this position believe that by decreasing the costs of healthful foods sold, there would be a habit shift in the people’s purchases of fatty foods to foods that are much more nutritional. Journalist Katherine Bauer published an article entitled â€Å"Price and Availability Matter† in Room for Debate, a running commentary by outside contributors from The New York Times, where she states the â€Å"lack of access to high quality, reasonably priced fruits and vegetables and other healthful foods has been associated with poorer diets and, in many cases, higher risk for obesity. This is especially true among lower-income individuals whose purchasing habits are more sensitive to the cost of food† (Bauer 1). There is strong evidence that shows a clear impact between change in food access and the pricing on one’s purchasing habits. For example, there are programs that decrease the cost of healthier foods, which resulted in the increased purchasing of the healthier foods. Cheaper prices on healthy foods reduce one’s weight, even if the cost of junk foods remains the same price. A news report conducted from the USDA observed the BMI of children and how it changed in correlation to food prices. It was shown that â€Å"if the price of 100% juice decreases 10%, BMIs decreased . 3%. The same process works for lowfat milk (. 35% decrease) and dark, leafy vegetables (. 28% decrease)† (2). Moreover, Bauer identifies with those who receive low-income and struggle with the purchase of healthy foods, and also with those who believe that it is not only the wealthy that ‘deserve’ the most benefits from the healthy aisles in the food market. Bauer’s views is relatively similar with Baertlin, Weinmann, and Kanekar, in that public attitudes towards obesity and obesity policy should be given much more ttention than it is now, but Bauer herself has a different approach in this matter, especially from Kanekar. She believes that health education may not be sufficient enough to cause a significant awareness in individuals that junk foods should no longer be habitually purchased. Instead, she considers the perspective that by lowering healthy foods, there would be an effective overall change in the nation’s weight and BMI and that the idea would more readily fit within one’s budget. Works Cited Page Baertlein, Lisa. â€Å"Battle lines drawn over soda, junk food taxes. † Reuters [Los Angeles] 1 Sept 2009, n. pag. Print. Katherine, Bauer. â€Å"Price and Availability Matter. † New York Times. (2011): 1-2. Web. 5 Apr. 2012. Kanekar, Amar. â€Å"Childhood Obesity: A Global Public Health Issue. † Int J Prev Med. (2011): 2. Web. 4 Apr. 2012. Weinmann, Karlee. â€Å"14 False Advertising Scandals That Cost Brands Millions. † Business Insider. (2011): 1-2. Web. 4 Apr. 2012. lt;www. businessinsider. comgt;. How to cite Mapping the Issue, Papers

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Creation of Electronic Contracts Dynamic Business

Question: Describe about the Creation of Electronic Contracts for Dynamic Business. Answer: Creation of Electronic Contracts "Contract law is essentially a defensive scorched-earth battleground where the constant question is, "if my business partner was possessed by a brain-eating monster from beyond space time tomorrow, what is the worst thing they could do to me?" these words by award winning British Author Charles Stross has become an undeniable truth in this ubiquitous and dynamic business environment. With the changing business environment business owners or partners have a tool of resistance in the form of contract or agreement[1]. Over the years the mechanism of business has changed and with the induction of internet electronic businesses have emerged in the market. In this scenario the means of contracts have also undergone significant change. Before the internet age only paper was a means of writing contracts, but for electronic businesses paper contracts have been avoided which gave rise to a new form of contract that is electronic contract. The creation of electronic contract is comparatively ne w and is used in the contemporary business market[2]. The modern society relies on an economic system which is mainly based on contracts and with the emergence of the electronic businesses consumers have showed inclination in online shopping in fact to say doing online transaction which has created the need of having electronic contracts[3]. It is important to mention that with the electronic business spreading all across the world it has become very tough to maintain a proper legal relationship. Maintaining legal relationship became important and hence the concept of electronic contracts came up. According to several legal surveys it has been found that most of the consumers feel skeptic about online transactions for the absence of valid contract which established the need of electronic contract[4]. Electronic contract could be defined as the contract agreement between two or more individuals in the course of electronic transaction which acts as a formal legal contract as it contains all of the fundamental elements of the traditional contract. Generally a contract could take any form which could be verbal or written and hence an electronic contract is another form of agreement which could be used as a tool in case of any legal implication. According to the Electronic Transactions Act 1999 has facilitated the process of electronic transaction with the help of electronic communication in the form of data that is defined as the any kind of computer program as stated in the Copyright Act 1968[5]. The enforceability of online contracts in Australia has been done to facilitate online transaction looking at the booming e-commerce sector which has helped to develop the industry and provide ample support to its for nourishment. Since the concept of contracts is the basis for the exchange of goods having an effective contract is important and hence since the growth of e-commerce business has seen a rapid rise it was important to develop regulatory framework for online business and the electronic contracts rightly serves this purpose. The electronic contracts just differ by means but have all the essential elements of a valid contract[6]. The formation of an electronic contract is a vital factor to be considered here as electronic contracts have been used for the online businesses. In e-commerce people doesnt meet face to face and hence it is important to mention that there remains a strong confusion about the inclusion of the different fundamental elements of contract in the agreement[7]. A contract is considered valid or invalid based on the presence or the absence of the basic elements in the contract. In the recent years the efficiency and market accessibility of the e-commerce business has allowed the business owners a wide scope of expanding their businesses as well as it has also allowed the consumers to get their required things sitting back at home which has also added to the importance of electronic business[8]. With the rise of electronic business the essentiality of electronic contracts have risen consistently but since the parties making the contract never meet face to face it becomes extremely tough for them to consider a contract for their transaction and hence in these circumstances it becomes extremely important to assess the vitality of electronic contracts. It is important compare electronic contracts with the traditional form of contract to see its legitimateness and also its legal validity to serve the purpose of a transaction. There are two basic kinds of electronic contracts which are being used nowadays namely Click and Wrap Contract and Browse and Wrap Contract[9]. Comparison between Electronic Contracts The formation of traditional legal contract is quite similar to the formation of an electronic contract but they do have significant difference the basic elements of contract should be present in the electronic contract as well. For instance there should be a clear offer to sale and not a mere invitation to sale as shown in the case of AGC (Advances) Ltd v McWhirter (1977) 1 BLR 9454 where it was made clear that the offer by the auctioneer was a offer to treat and hence unlike this case the legal contract should have a clear offer[10]. Understanding of clear offer often becomes a problem for the consumers since the contracts have fixed place and time of making the contracts. On the other hand there should be a clear intention to create legal relations as shown in the case Administration of PNG vs. Leahy[11]. Basically it could be said that in the online world it is hard to understand the whether a visible information is an offer or not since it is not properly communicated to the oth er party regarding the terms and conditions which should be very clear in terms of offer, consideration and intention to create legal relations unlike the case Australian Woollen Mills Pty Ltd v The Commonwealth High Court of Australia (1954) 92 CLR 424 where the plaintiff argued that there was a contract but the court held there was no contract due to the absence of the above three aspects of contract[12]. It is important to mention that key difference between traditional contracts and electronic contracts is both the parties come into consensus at idem. The e-commerce has produced number of challenges which has to be handled effectively. Hence it could be said that the biggest problem in the formation of contract is the presence of the different key elements of contract in the absence of which a contract is deemed invalid. In electronic contracts it is important to identify and assess these elements failing which it could nullify the contract made as per the Electronic Transaction Act 1999[13]. Offer and Acceptance One of the biggest confusions that prevail in the creation of an electronic contract is the presence of absence of offer. Prima facie to the concept of offer, invitation of treat was not a known concept. Both the concepts become important for the law keepers due to the constant emergence of cases where consumers became confused whether to consider one ad as the offer or invitation to treat. Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Co Court of Appeal [1893] 1 QB 256; [1892] EWCA Civ 1 one of the cult cases in contract law showed the difference between an offer and invitation to treat consumers[14]. In this the court ruled that there was a valid offer as the company promised to pay reward if any one catches flu after using the smoke balls three times. When the company argued it was an invitation to treat the court stated that it was a unilateral contract from the side of company[15]. Similar legal implication could arise for the e-commerce businesses when they display their products and services for sale. The Click and Wrap contracts are those contracts which have the terms and conditions set in the same page as the I Agree button clicking on which the contract becomes valid. On the other hand the browse and wrap agreement is not an enforceable contract since it doesnt contain the terms and conditions page in the same page to agree to a particular offer or contract. Hence it is important for the consumers to be careful when they get into any sort of contract. In this kind of contract the merchants do face legal implication as they fail to show reasonable behavior towards the consumers[16]. Showing reasonability is important for every merchant especially dealing in electronic contract in order to keep that trust of the consumers failing which they could lose their business. Displays and Actual Offer There is a long standing confusion to displays being actual offers or being just invitation to treat since not all the advertisement satisfy the criteria to become an offer. This has been clearly shown in the case of Fisher v Bell 1961 that not all the advertisement could become an offer[17]. But it has been argued in the above case of Carlill vs Carbolic smoke ball that advertisements could be considered as unilateral offers and in this case once a display of a product is placed and consumer clicks on to buy it construes as an offer and in case the company fails to provide the same product the company is liable to be punished. From the above cases it could be said that perceived inconsistency lies in the fact about websites and hence it is not the fault of the law but for the lack of established facts which could have helped to determine these things effectively[18]. But to conclude it could be said that the displays are apparently an invitation to treat until and unless a consumer clicks on it to get into an agreement. Hence it could be said that the difficulty is just the matter of fact and law that hinders the decision making in electronic contracts. Withdrawal of mistaken offer Taking back a mistaken offer or rescinding it could be an arduous job for the offerors. In the recent cases it has been seen that mistaken offers were not taken very lightly by the other parties namely the consumers. It doesnt go well if any party does a misrepresentation of an offer and it can affect the relationship between both the parties getting into an agreement especially in the electronic means of business. Rescinding a mistaken offer could be done only before an offer is accepted. In this case it is same for the online transactions. If in case the online vendor makes a mistake by printing the wrong price for a product and then consumers pay for it to get that product in that case the vendor has to honor the deal as stated by the Australian Contract Law and in that case the party trying to withdraw shall be bound to pay for the damages caused to the other party[19]. For the withdrawal of an offer it is extremely important to communicate and in case it is not done the offferor might face trouble regarding the offer. However the vendor could take back the offer whenever he or she wants since the ads are basically displayed as invitation to treat and not as an offer as shown in the case of Bell v Lever Bros [1932] AC 161. As per facts it could be said that most of the mistakes made by one side doesnt affect the contract as it is considered as a unilateral mistake and hence doesnt affect the contract, whereas if the mistake is a mutual mistake made by both parties then the contract could be considered void[20]. Legal assistance for Parties The standard legal principles of contract law are applicable for online transactions. The Australian businesses have to abide by certain principles of business and the fair trade policies developed by the Australian Competition and Commission in support with Australian Competition and Consumer Act 2010 which also applies to the e-commerce businesses. The ACCC focuses to develop a strong platform to safeguard the rights of its consumers by contracting the persons with whom the contracts have been made. The consumers are open to seek legal actions in case they feel cheated or betrayed. Overall it could be said that the party affected in online transaction could get legal support from Australian Competition and Consumer Commission as per the Consumer act of 2010[21]. Existing issues in the creation of electronic contracts There are number of issues with electronic contracts which have to be addressed by the Australian Government with the help of Electronic Transaction Act 1999. The main issue of offer and acceptance stay there since the merchants precisely fix the time and place of the agreement thus determining the jurisdiction of the contract. Offer in electronic business could be misleading and hence it becomes tough for the consumers to understand which one is an offer and which an invitation to treat is. With the e-commerce business expanding it has become tough for the government to understand the jurisdiction for keeping the law intact and finally the enforceability of online contract still have confusions which has to be addressed to continue electronic business. It could be concluded by stating an old aphorism Prevention is better than cure to properly go ahead with the electronic contracts to avoid any legal issues[22]. Bibliography Bakos, Y., Marotta-Wurgler, F., Trossen, D. R.. Does anyone read the fine print? Consumer attention to standard form contracts.(2014) Journal of Legal Studies. Bonell, M. J. An international restatement of contract law: (the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts. Martinus Nijhoff Publishers 2009). Chrysostome, E., Rosson, P. The internet and SME internationalisation: promises and illusions.(2009). Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development. Cole, J., Milosevic, Z. Extending support for contracts in ebXML. InAustralian Computer Science Communications. (IEEE Computer Society. 2001, January). Davidson, A.The law of electronic commerce. (Cambridge University Press. 2009) Gindin, S. E.. Nobody reads your privacy policy or online contract: Lessons learned and questions raised by the FTC's action against Sears.(Nw. J. Tech. Intell. Prop.,8, 1. 2009) Governatori, G., Pham, D. H. Dr-contract: An architecture for e-contracts in defeasible logic (2009)..International Journal of Business Process Integration and Management. Hillman, R. A.The richness of contract law: An analysis and critique of contemporary theories of contract law(Vol. 28). (Springer Science Business Media. 2012) Hillman, R. Principles of Contract Law, ( 3d Concise Hornbook Series. West Academic. 2013). McKendrick, E..Contract law: text, cases, and materials. (Oxford University Press UK 2014). Murray, A. D..Entering into contracts electronically: the real www. (Hart Publishing. 2012) Nottage, L.. Consumer law reform in Australia: Contemporary and comparative constructive criticism.(2009). Queensland U. Tech. L. Just. J.,9, 111. Paterson, J. M.. The Australian Unfair Contract Terms Law: The Rise of Substantive Unfairness as a Ground for Review of Standard Form Consumer Contracts (2009).Melbourne University Law Review,33(3). Schaffer, R., Agusti, F., Dhooge, L. J., Earle, B International business law and its environment. (Cengage learning. 2011). Twigg-Flesner, C. The Europeanisation of contract law: current controversies in law. (Routledge. 2013). Case Laws AGC (Advances) Ltd v McWhirter (1977) 1 BLR 9454 Administration of PNG vs. Leahy Woollen Mills Pty Ltd v The Commonwealth High Court of Australia (1954) 92 CLR 424 Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Co Court of Appeal [1893] 1 QB 256; [1892] EWCA Civ 1 Fisher v Bell 1961 Bell v Lever Bros [1932] AC 161