Wednesday, May 6, 2020

The Brian Setzer Orchestra - The Dirty Boogie free essay sample

Are you looking for a traditional swing sound with a modern guitar twist? Well, thats exactly what youll get with this album. This new CD from an old band is definitely a change from the usual modern rock genre. Brian Setzer uses a big band back-up group (complete with trombones, trumpets, saxophones, drums and basses) to jazz up his guitar playing and vocals. The first single off the album, Jump Jive An Wail, is a great song, originally recorded in 1956. The use of a fresh brass sound with a classic guitar made this song an instant hit. As soon as the song came out, my friends and I were dancing to the rhythm and singing the excellent lyrics. It was this song that got me hooked on The Brian Setzer Orchestra. Other tracks include my personal favorites Sleepwalk, a strictly instrumental piece with a slow, 50s rock feel and Since I Dont Have You, a soft, romantic ballad. We will write a custom essay sample on The Brian Setzer Orchestra The Dirty Boogie or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Another great song, Youre the Boss, features guest vocalist Gwen Stefani of the rock band, No Doubt. About half of the songs were recorded in the A50s and A60s by other artists, but Brian Setzer adds a flair that makes the songs his own. The 16-piece orchestra and back-up vocalists make The Brian Setzer Orchestra unlike any other band around. This music just makes me want to get up and dance. This band has re-opened the doors of swing music and brought back the energy and pizzazz that rocked the A40s and A50s. Many other new bands are trying to copy the sounds of swing, but not one succeeds as well as The Brian Setzer Orchestra. I definitely recommend this album to anyone looking for a change in style or who just loves music. All the songs on the album prove that Brian Setzer and his band have what it takes to be great. Im extremely pleased with this album and suggest that you buy it today. Swing is once again here to stay and The Brian Setzer Orchestra is leading the way for the comeback.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Social Cognitive Theory free essay sample

Participants selected an asthma-specific goal, identified problems, and addressed potential barriers. Outcomes were assessed at 1, 6, and 12 months and included the mini-Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (mAQLQ), Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), healthcare utilization, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide level (FENO), and percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEVI The mean mAQLQ score was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group at 1, 6, and 12 months. Higher scores indicated greater quality of life. Mean ACQ score was significantly lower at 1 month for the intervention group than he control group and was lower at the 6 and 12-month time points as well. Lower scores indicated greater asthma control. Lung function was evaluated at 6 and 12 months. No difference was seen in FENO, but predicted FEVI% favored the intervention group. There was no significant difference found for hospitalizations or ED visits between the intervention and control groups, although both favored the intervention group. For a composite healthcare utilization index (hospitalization, ED, or unscheduled visit) the intervention group had significantly fewer visits than the control. A self-regulation intervention is effective for improving asthma quality of life, asthma control, and healthcare utilization in older adults. Byrne, J. , Khunti, K. , Stone, M. , Farooqi, A. , Carr, S. (2011). Feasibility of a structured group education session to improve self-management of blood pressure in people with chronic kidney disease: An open randomized pilot trial. BMJ Open, doi:10. 136/bmJopen-2011-000381 To test a group educational intervention called Controlling Hypertension (HTN): Education and Empowerment Renal Study (CHEERS) to improve self-management of blood pressure in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Exploring the acceptability of the intervention. Patients with early CKD and HTN. There were 81 people enrolled in the study Random controlled trial. Patients recruited from nephrology outpatient cli nic. 7 patients approached Control group received standard clinical management of HTN. Intervention group received routine standard care plus structured CHEERS patient education intervention. Measured: recruitment, retention, patient demographics, self-efficacy, and patient satisfaction. Lack of time 48% and lack of interest 44% were the main reasons for non- participation. 37. 5% of the intervention group failed to attend. These patients were older and had lower self-efficacy. The intervention was rated enjoyable and useful by 100% of participants. None of those who attended the education sessions accessed the additional support offered. Carr, L. J. , Dunsiger, S. 1. , Lewis, B. , Ciccolo, J. T. , Hartman, S. , Bock, B. , Marcus, B. H. (2013). Randomized controlled trial testing an internet physical activity intervention for sedentary adults. Health Psychology, 32(3), 328-336. doi:10. 1037/ a0028962 To test the efficacy of a newly enhanced internet (E) intervention in relation to six standard internet (S) intervention websites that are publicly available o promote physical activity (PA), for improving PA behavior in previously sedentary adults. Healthy sedentary (achieving less than 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week) men and women between ages 18 and 65 years of age. 6 participants were enrolled. 25 were randomly assigned to the El group. 28 were randomly assigned to the Sl group. More than half were college educated. More than 80% reported being non-Hispanic white. Both groups used an internet website to monitor and improve physical activity. Website use, physical activity, and patient satisfaction were measured. The El included tlve SCT-intIuenced internet teatures including, physical activity tracking goal-setting calendar, regular peer activity updates, ask the expert QA forum, exercise videos, and geographic mapping function. At 3 months El participants averaged 180. 4 weekly minutes of PA compared to 46. 3 minutes by Sl participants. At 6 months El participants averaged 171. 4 weekly minutes of PA compared to 121. 8 minutes by Sl participants. The El intervention facilitated quicker increases in PA behavior than the Sl comparison group. An improvement in PA behavior was associated with improvements in various SCT onstructs including social support, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and self- regulation. Dorough, A. E. , Winett, R. A. , Anderson, E. S. , Daw, B. M. , Martin, E. C. , Hedrick, V. 2012). DASH to Wellness: Emphasizing Self-Regulation Through E-Health in Adults With Prehypertension. Health Psychology, doi: 10. 1037/a0030483 To assess the initial efficacy of an electronically delivered, lifestyle intervention for treating prehypertension (PHT) by increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, reducing dietary sodium through the adaption of the DASH eating plan, increasing physical ctivity, pro moting use of home blood pressure monitoring, reducing weight, and decreasing BP thereby reducing risk of movement to stage I hypertension in middle- aged adults with PHT. 7 participants with a mean age of 54. 3, mean weight of 87. 8 kg, mean BMI of 31. 5, were 69. 5% female, 95% Caucasian, 5% Mexican American, were well educated with 52% reporting 4-year or postgraduate degrees, and 60. 8% reported a household annual income above $60,000. Participants were randomly assigned a group. The standard-of-care condition, DASH 2 wellness (D2W) only, or the intervention-treatment group, DASH 2 wellness plus (D2WP). At baseline both groups completed a 4-day food intake record and a 7-day step log. Baseline height, weight, and BMI were also recorded. This data was gathered again after the 10-week intervention. D2W group was provided the DASH eating plan guide, walking and weight program, a scale, and a pedometer. D2WP group was provided everything listed above along with an automatic blood pressure monitor, weekly electronic feedback in planning, goal setting, and tracking of intake, weight, exercise, and self-monitored blood pressure readings. D2WP had a large increase in average daily steps 2,900 vs. 36. D2WP had a larger decrease in systolic BP 15. 14 mmHg vs. 4. 61 mmHg. D2WP had a larger decrease in weight Outcomes suggest the primarily electronically delivered approach was more effective than the standard of care in changing some health behaviors related to nutrition and physical activity, reducing body weight, and systolic blood pressure. All D2WP participants moved from the PHT category to a normal, even optimal BP except for one. FJeldsoe, B. S. , Miller, Y. D. , Marshall, A. L. (2013). Social cognitive mediators of the effect of the MobileMums intervention on physical activity. Health Psychology, 32(7), 729-738. Dot: 10. 037† 0027548 -ro explore whether improvements in physical activity (PA) following the MobileMums intervention were facilitated by changes in Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) constructs targeted in the intervention. Women less than 12-months postpartum were recruited from a database of women that agreed to be contacted for health-related research projects. Eligibility criteria included English comprehension, ownership of a mo bile phone, engaged in less than five days per week of 30-minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and intention to increase PA. participants completed the baseline assessment and were randomized to either the intervention group, n=45, or control group, n=43. Seventy-seven percent of participants were reassessed at 6-weeks and 69% at 13-weeks. There were no meaningful or statistically significant differences between group demographic characteristics. Participants were randomly assigned to the control or intervention group. Control group participants received one face-to-face consultation with a behavioral counselor and given a PA information pack. MobileMum intervention group participants had two PA consultations with a ehavioral counselor and one telephone consultation at 6-weeks. Counselor helped to set goals and plan exercise activities. Participants were also given weekly activity planning magnets to help self-monitor. Participants nominated a social support person. They also received 42 individualized phone messages providing strategies for behavior change and 11 goal check messages. Support person also received messages. Frequency of walking for exercise and the amount of moderate-to-vigorous PA was measured. Barrier self-efficacy, goal setting skills, outcome expectancy, social support, and perceived environmental opportunity were also measured. The MobileMum program increased the amount of walking for exercise and moderate-to- vigorous physical activity among postnatal women. An increase in physical activity was mediated in the short-term (6-weeks), by improvements in barrier selt-ettlcacy and goal setting skills. Social support did not significantly mediate the intervention effects on physical activity. The intervention did not have a significant impact on outcome expectancy or perceived environmental opportunities for PA. Pilutti, L. , Dlugonski, D. , Sandroff, B. , Klaren, R. , Motl, R. (2013). Randomized controlled trial of a behavioral intervention argeting symptoms and physical activity in multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, dot: 10. 1177/1352458513503391 To examine the efficacy of an internet delivered behavioral intervention for improving outcomes of fatigue, depression, anxiety, pain, sleep quality, and health related quality of life (HRQOL) in ambulatory persons with MS. This intervention has previously been tested to increase lifestyle physical activity among persons with MS. The second aim of this study is to replicate those results regarding change in physical activity. Sample consisted of 82 participants who were randomized into a control group, n=41 , nd an intervention group, n=41. Participant inclusion criteria: 18-64 years, diagnosis of MS, relapse-free for the past 30-days, internet access, ability to walk with or without an assistive device, physician approval, not maintaining 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity a day for more than 2 days. Sample was primarily female (76%). The level of disability of the sample was moderate and most participants (74%) did not use an assistive device. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in demographic or clinical characteristics, physical activity, or symptomatic and HRQOL outcomes pre-trial. The intervention group was provided a study website with information about becoming more physically active based on principles of SCT, self-monitoring, and goal-setting using a pedometer and activity logs, and one-on-one video coaching sessions for 6 months. Data measures included physical activity, fatigue, depression, anxiety, pain, quality of sleep, HRQOL, and disability. These measures were recorded at baseline and 6 months post intervention. Participants in the intervention group participated in significantly more self-reported physical activity compared to control group. They also spent more time in moderate- o-vigorous physical activity compared to the control group although not a significant difference. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were significantly lower in the intervention group. There was a favorable effects of the intervention on symptoms of pain and sleep quality post-intervention. Participants in the intervention group reported greater quality of life compared to control participants, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. Overall, it can be confirmed that a lifestyle intervention delivered through the internet can be effective for increasing everyday physical activity in persons with MS, nd this had a positive effect on symptomatic outcomes. Amaya, M. , Petosa, R. (2012). An evaluation of a worksite exercise intervention using the social cognitive theory: A pilot study. Health Education Journal, 71(2), 133-143. Dot: 10. 1177/0017896911409731 To increase exercise adherence among insufficiently active adult employees. Employees (n=127) who did not meet current American College of Sports Medicine recommendations for exercise. Majority of subjects were female (83%). A majority of subjects had obtained a bachelors or post bachelors degree (61 Nearly all subjects were married (77%). A majority of the study sample was Caucasian (84%). A quasi-experimental separate samples pre-test-post-test group design was used to compare treatment and comparison group. Intervention: An eight-week educational program targeting the social cognitive theory constructs. There were 6 one-hour classroom-based sessions and multiple meetings with a trainer. The intervention taught subjects self-regulation skills, including focusing on self-monitoring, goal setting, and time management. Taught self-efficacy skills, overcoming barriers and exercise preferences. Taught social support for xercise, outcome expectations and expectancies, reasons to exercise and its value. Measures: free-living exercise, self-regulation, self-efficacy, social support, and outcome expectations and expectancies. Measurements were taken at pre-test, post-test, one month and three months post- intervention. There was a significant difference between groups for moderate intensity exercise and vigorous intensity exercise at post-test and follow-up. There was a significant difference between groups for self-regulation at post-test and follow-up. There was not a significant difference between groups for self-efficacy or outcome xpectancies. Family and friend social support group differences were non-significant at post-test and at one-month follow-up, but were significant at three-month follow- up. The educational intervention was e employees at the worksite. ttective in increasing the exercise rates ot Social Cognitive Theory Framework Paper Framework Description, Components, and Synthesis Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) emerged primarily from the work of Albert Bandura. Social cognitive theory is a learning theory based on the idea that people learn by observing others. The theory is an expansion of the Social Learning Theory (SLT) riginally proposed by Neal Miller and John Dollard and later expanded by Bandura himself. Social Learning Theory theorizes that people learn new behaviors by observing others, imitating their behavior, and then being reinforced by the observed outcomes. Banduras SCT differs from SLT by its emphasis on the role of self-efficacy and the concept of reciprocal triadic causation. Self-efficacy is a persons confidence and desire to perform a behavior. It reflects not only a persons actual know-how to perform a behavior, but also their skepticism or willingness in performing the behavior. Behavior is theorized in SCT to occur in a social context and influenced by the active shared interaction between the person, environment, and behavior, the reciprocal triadic causation. Never is a behavior not influence by all three. There are five key concepts that make up the Social Cognitive Theory, those concepts are knowledge, perceived self-efficacy, outcome expectation, goal formation, and sociostructural factors. Knowledge is often the starting point for most health promotion programs. Many people will obtain knowledge through observation, verbal or written description, video or audio recordings, and other forms of knowledge elivery (DiClemente, 2013). The DARE program is a good example of a program that delivers knowledge to kids about the risks of alcohol and drugs to hopefully prevent their use and abuse. However, behavior change after obtaining knowledge is often dependent on four inner-related processes involving attention, retention, production, and motivation. Regardless of having the knowledge there must be underlining drives to commit to a behavior change. Building off the last example if a kid were to be a valued member of a sports team they may be move motivated to abstain from alcohol and drugs to avoid a decline in performance. Since knowledge alone may not initiate a behavior change all of the study articles listed above provided education for all participants at baseline. The Baptist study provided asthma education on how to administer medication, asthma triggers, control, and signs of exacerbation. The Pilutti study provided online material on becoming more physically active and healthy. Perceived self-efficacy can be explained as a persons inner confidence in performing a task. This inner confidence has been influenced by past performances, the observation and verbal persuasion of others, and their physiological state (Bandura, 2004). Low self-efficacy can be caused by fear and can defeat any effort to perform a given task. Having a high level of self-efficacy will increase a persons initiation and drive for a particular task. There are four methods to improve self-efficacy; learn to reduce the tear and other negative emotions that may be associated with verbal persuasion, watch others perform the task successfully, and be physically guided or coached through the task (DiClemente, 2013). Many of these methods were used in the study articles listed above. By providing education, participant knowledge is increased, which helps to improve self-efficacy. The Carr study provided online exercise videos. In the FJeldsoe study participants were assigned a counselor and a support person to provide encouragement. Participants in the Amaya study met for one-hour classroom sessions and had group discussions discussing fears, barriers, and exercise technique. Outcome expectations are individual beliefs about what consequences are most likely to occur if a particular behavior is performed. People anticipate the consequences of their actions before engaging in a behavior, and these anticipated consequences could influence the successful completion of the behavior (Bandura, 004). The benefit of the behavior is the driving force for action. Educators, trainers, and counselors work well to help people recognize the possible positive outcomes. The Baptist, Amaya, and FJeldsoe studies all used a person as part of their intervention to help participants visualize the possible outcomes of their efforts. Outcome expectations can also include negative perceptions or costs. For example a person thinking about going back to school may see the benefit in an advanced degree and pay raise or the negative outcome of tuition costs and time spent. Goal setting is an important aspect of SCT. Setting small achievable goals that progress to the final goal is an effective way to keep focused and maintain spirit throughout the process. With the attainment of small sub goals self-efficacy perceptions are likely to increase and the experience of positive outcomes will increase and improve change efforts (DiClemente, 2013). Further, goals are an important prerequisite for self- regulation because they provide objectives to strive towards and are levels against which to Judge progress (Bandura, 2004). Participants of the FJeldsoe study carried mobile devices that monitored progress and sent individualized messages with trategies to meet goals. Those participants also receive goal check messages and depending on participant responses they either received more advice or applause and encouragement to keep up the good work. Lastly, sociostructural factors are important as they can strongly impact self-efficacy and consequently behavior. Sociostructural factors are any actual or perceived external factor that influences for better or for worse the likelihood of a behavior (DiClemente, 2013). For example, a positive sociostructural factor for an individual trying to loose weight and eat healthy ould be a number of local gym options. A negative factor may be the lack of grocery stores that offer organic food options. The Carr study, which investigated the effectiveness of an Internet site to improve physical activity, had a geographic mapping function to help participants locate resources and plan outdoor activity. Major Research and Practice Areas Based on the Journal articles above much of the research is on the effectiveness of interventions that target the patient SCT constructs to improve illness management and physical activity. These interventions mostly focus on all five of the SCT oncepts. The programs typically provided education, group, online, technical, and personal support, help witn goal tormation and strategic planning, and also coaching and counseling. The research is looking for interventions to improve self- management, quality of life, and the increase of health promoting behaviors such as blood pressure monitoring, eating healthy, and being physical activity. Social Cognitive Theory interventions can be used in practice to improve the management of chronic illnesses such as asthma, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension. It can e used to improve health-promoting behaviors such as increasing exercise, dieting and weight loss, and monitoring blood pressure or blood sugars. Framework Population The populations of the studies found above using SCT involved older adults over the age of 65, patients with multiple diagnoses, adults with borderline diagnoses, sedentary adults, postpartum women, and adults managing disability related to an illness. All of the listed populations are at risk for low levels of self-efficacy, which can inhibit change. Therefore, these populations may require extra support and otivation, which can be provided by interventions using SCT to support change. Framework and Risk Factor In the Dorough study the population of focus was adults with prehypertension and their risk factor was physical inactivity and poor diet and nutrition. The study aimed to use an intervention influenced by SCT to promote physical activity and reduce hypertension. Features of the intervention that were SCT based were the nutrition and exercise education, the nutrition guide an outlined exercise program, and lastly the electronic resource provided for logging progress, goal setting, and goal attainment advice. The results of the intervention included a significant increase in daily steps, decrease in blood pressure, and weight loss. All but one participant moved from prehypertension to normal even optimal blood pressure. Application of Framework Stroke survivors can have a low perceived level of self-efficacy and this puts them at an increased risk for not meeting their rehabilitation goals for recovery. Stroke survivors want to return to the varied roles they had before their stroke. However, commonly these survivors become victim to themselves as they begin to lose interest, become unmotivated, and become difficult to get going. Depression and apathy are common consequences of stroke with the sudden loss of independence and self- reliance. An intervention that aims to change patient SCT constructs to improve physical activity in rehab may work to improve the patients self-efficacy and their progression in rehabilitation. The desired outcome is increased participation in physical rehabilitation. The factor that is limiting that outcome is the patients low level of perceived self-efficacy. One study revealed that the functional level at 6 months post stroke could predict long-term survival and disability Cones, 2010). Therefore, an intervention that promotes a positive spirit, provides support, and creates an environment that facilitates goal attainment is absolutely necessary for these patients to increase their functional ability and decrease their level of dependency, which is of utmost importance. An ideal SCT intervention for this population would begin with an educational session on stroke covering topics such as common side effects, medications, needs and goals of rehabilitation. The recovery process is long and therefore multiple small goals should be set weekly to help

Saturday, April 11, 2020

How to Write a Film Response Essay - Choosing the Right Sample

How to Write a Film Response Essay - Choosing the Right SampleOne of the greatest parts about learning how to write a film response essay is the variety of film response essay samples to choose from. Although there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing an essay sample, this is a general guide to choosing the right sample for your needs. After all, you don't want to be making decisions based on guesswork. That would just lead to frustration!When looking for film response essay samples, it's important to look at the design of the essay. It should be informative and make a good first impression. For example, an essay that tells you about how much you hate being cold isn't going to make you stand out from the crowd. On the other hand, an essay that tells you about why you love being cold would. You don't want an essay that was written to make you cringe.The paper clips should match with the paper you plan to print out. This is because the sample paper will not match the pa per you intend to use as your final product. This means that the fonts, colors, and sizes should be in perfect matching proportions.When using a sample essay, it's also important to examine the length of the essay. Too long, and it becomes a waste of time. Not long enough, and you may miss important information that makes up the bulk of the essay.If your sample essay focuses on an important point, such as why you love being cold, but does not provide the necessary detail, the essay may be very incomplete. This is where knowing how to write a film response essay sample can make the difference between a successful essay and a complete waste of time.Just because you're finding film response essay samples doesn't mean you're limited to them. There are many other ways to find writing samples, including online and printable sample versions of some papers.Although you may think you're limited to one format, if you think about it, everyone has a favorite paper or essay. Just think of all th e great essays you've read over the years that you've written!

Monday, April 6, 2020

Advantages Of CLassical Music free essay sample

Throughout history there have been several genres of music. It is an important aspect of every culture, helping to define and shape it across the globe. Varieties range from Hip-Hop to RB, Country, Gospel, and several others. One type of music that has produced countless numbers of classics Is, Classical music. Classical music Is a great choice for anyone who enjoys a mellower, relaxed sound. It has been known to soothe the soul, help concentration, and give a pleasant feeling to Its listeners. The belief that classical music soothes the soul can be proven true through several instances. The first is, unlike Rock or Rap music which are both theoretically a somewhat harsher sound, Classical music produces a relaxing melody. It also has a harmony that is unguarded of in contemporary Rock music, not to mention other genres. Another circumstance in which Classical music is used to soothe the soul is on the phone lines. We will write a custom essay sample on Advantages Of CLassical Music or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page When a company places one on hold, the music being played on the other end of the line Is more than likely Classical.This Is not a coincidence. The music choice Is made due to the fact that It relaxes the listener, creating a greater chance that he will remain on the line. Another belief Is that Classical music aids In concentration. I have had several teachers throughout my life who strongly believe that listening to Classical music while studying greatly improves their odds of retaining knowledge. The harmony and soft sound that are produced through Classical music help null all outside noises and distractions, allowing one to concentrate more on the task at hand.It is also a given that it is easier to focus when listening to a softer, mellower sound than a loud sharp noise which is often related to genres like Rap or Rock. The last belief Is that Classical music is pleasant to listen to. The previous two beliefs alone should prove that It is pleasant to the mind. If that Is not enough there are, Indeed, several more examples of how classical music Is pleasant to listen to. Classical music Is strictly Instrumental and lacks any vocals whatsoever.Much remains to be interpreted. This leaves a great amount of meaning to be found in the imagination of the listener. The music can mean anything to anyone and something completely different to the person in the next seat. That is the beauty of Classical music and one of the reasons it is so pleasant to the mind. Despite all the positives of Classical music, its popularity has oddly enough decreased in the past few decades. The emergence of Rock and Roll and more recently Rap music has left it on the back burner. Classical music will always remain large part of musics past and hopefully present and future. It is an enjoyable, relaxing, and soothing genre that should be praised for generations. Advantages Of CLassical Music By Expressway Contributor that has produced countless numbers of classics is, Classical music. Classical music is a great choice for anyone who enjoys a mellower, relaxed sound. It has been known to soothe the soul, help concentration, and give a pleasant feeling to its listeners. The other end of the line is more than likely Classical.This is not a coincidence. The music choice is made due to the fact that it relaxes the listener, creating a greater Another belief is that Classical music aids in concentration. I have had several The last belief is that Classical music is pleasant to listen to. The previous two beliefs alone should prove that it is pleasant to the mind. If that is not enough there are, indeed, several more examples of how classical music is pleasant to listen to. Classical music is strictly instrumental and lacks any vocals whatsoever.

Monday, March 9, 2020

Free Essays on Farming In 1900s

Essay: Farming Question: What were the Farmer’s problems in the latter part of the 19th century? How did they respond to their problems were they successful? The late nineteenth century was a time of drastic change in the United States. The country was growing at an unprecedented rate, and the Industrial Revolution was sweeping the nation. This industrial revolution not only affected those working in the newly founded industries and those in the cities, but the revolution impacted the farmers as well. American farmers were, as a whole, dissatisfied with their state of affairs, and began an agrarian movement. The farmers' grievances were multifaceted, and generally had merit, though allegations of an organized conspiracy to thwart the farmers were unfounded. Further, the discontent of the farmers was displayed in the formation of an organized political movement, which never before existed to such a degree. Hence the period between 1880 and 1900 was a boom time for American politics. The country was for once free of the threat of war, and many of its citizens were living comfortably. However, as these two decades went by, the American farmer found it harder and harder to live comfortably. Crops such as cotton and wheat, once the bulwark of agriculture, were selling at prices so low that it was nearly impossible for farmers to make a profit off them. Furthermore, improvement in transportation allowed foreign competition to materialize, making it harder for American farmers to dispose of surplus crop. Finally, years of drought in the Midwest and the downward spiral of business in the 1890’s devastated many of the nation’s farmers. As a result of the agricultural depression, many farm groups, most notably the Populist Party arose to fight what farmers saw as the reasons for the decline in agriculture. During the last twenty years of the nineteenth century, many farmers in t he United States saw monopolies and trusts, railroad... Free Essays on Farming In 1900's Free Essays on Farming In 1900's Essay: Farming Question: What were the Farmer’s problems in the latter part of the 19th century? How did they respond to their problems were they successful? The late nineteenth century was a time of drastic change in the United States. The country was growing at an unprecedented rate, and the Industrial Revolution was sweeping the nation. This industrial revolution not only affected those working in the newly founded industries and those in the cities, but the revolution impacted the farmers as well. American farmers were, as a whole, dissatisfied with their state of affairs, and began an agrarian movement. The farmers' grievances were multifaceted, and generally had merit, though allegations of an organized conspiracy to thwart the farmers were unfounded. Further, the discontent of the farmers was displayed in the formation of an organized political movement, which never before existed to such a degree. Hence the period between 1880 and 1900 was a boom time for American politics. The country was for once free of the threat of war, and many of its citizens were living comfortably. However, as these two decades went by, the American farmer found it harder and harder to live comfortably. Crops such as cotton and wheat, once the bulwark of agriculture, were selling at prices so low that it was nearly impossible for farmers to make a profit off them. Furthermore, improvement in transportation allowed foreign competition to materialize, making it harder for American farmers to dispose of surplus crop. Finally, years of drought in the Midwest and the downward spiral of business in the 1890’s devastated many of the nation’s farmers. As a result of the agricultural depression, many farm groups, most notably the Populist Party arose to fight what farmers saw as the reasons for the decline in agriculture. During the last twenty years of the nineteenth century, many farmers in t he United States saw monopolies and trusts, railroad...

Friday, February 21, 2020

Studying abroad Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Studying abroad - Essay Example I believe that my decision to study abroad is one of my best decisions that I have taken in my life. There are many benefits of studying abroad, including earning more experience, having dependent responsibility, and changing my future. First of all, studying abroad has many positive effects on people; one of them is earning more experience in life. By studying abroad you may have an experience with how to deal with people and how to have more friends. For example, before I came to the United States, I did not have any friends who would not speak my language. But after I came to the United States, I started to meet with different people. After a few months, I had made many friends from the United States, Mexico, and from many Asian countries. Also, because of modern technology, I was able to communicate with them easily. In addition, you may know much information about many countries along with learning their languages. One day, one of my friends went to Canada to study English, and after a few months he came back to Kuwait. He said â€Å"of course I went to Canada to study English, but also I learned some French.† So, many people can know more than one new language, and can learn a lot about many countries. Not only does studying abroad give a person more experience, it also makes him independent. Another reason of studying abroad is having dependent responsibility. ... You need more experience and studying abroad may help you with that. For example, when my roommate was in Ohio, he met two people from Mexico. One of them was a good man but the other one was a bad man. So he decided to be a friend with the good man and he said to the other one, â€Å"I do not want to be your friend.† Studying abroad helped him to open his mind and decide what was better for him. Furthermore, more responsibilities in the house were another part of dependent responsibility. For example, in Kuwait I did not do anything in the house. My mother cooked the food for my family and me, and my father paid the bills for the house. But here in the United States, I have to pay my bills, cook my meals and clean my house and clothes by myself. Not only having dependent responsibility is an effect of studying abroad, it is also changing my future. Changing my future is one of the objectives of studying abroad. It affects my future in many ways. One of them is there are many opportunities to have a graduate scholarship for Master and P.H.D degrees. For example, my uncle went to the UK to continue his Master and P.H.D degree in engineering. One of the most important reasons that helped him to have a scholarship was that he had been a student in the United States for his bachelor degree. Furthermore, you may have a bigger chance to have a job because you are studying abroad. Also many private sections in Kuwait give the opportunity to the students who study abroad in comparison to many people who graduate from local schools. One day, two of my friends applied to the company to work there. One of them had graduated from the United Kingdom and the other one had graduated from Kuwait University. After a week, my friend who had graduated from the United Kingdom

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Environmental Sustainability Practices with ICT

Environmental Sustainability Practices with ICT MGDI60701 Implementing Environmental Sustainability Practices in Developing Countries through ICT Wordcount: 4370 (excluding references) Introduction An outstanding attributes of ICT (information and communications technology) is its crosscutting aspect and its speed, with regards to quick adaptation (Pohjola, 2003). For instance, about four decades ago television broadcasting, landline telephone and postal deliveries were the key mediators in the flow of information, but this flow of information occurred only on one direction. User-generated content was very minimal. However, in the current day and age, countries around the world have been more interconnected via several facilities of ICT and the flow of information happens in multiple directions, with very heavy influence of user-generated content especially through social media (Yin et al., 2012). ICT has not only emerged to be a significant industry on itself but has pervaded all aspects in day-to-day life. Studies have indicated that ICT has a remarkable impact on socio-economic development generally, and environmental sustainability specifically. Whereas this could be true, in developing countries such as Nigeria little research has been achieved in pinpointing the approaches through which ICT could be harnessed for environmental sustainability. There exists no consensus on the definition of developing country from the United Nations or the World Bank, and this study has adopted the definition of developing country that has been offered by Library of Congress, which is a country whereby: the majority of population makes far less income, and has significantly weaker social indicatorsand often lacks basic public services-than the population in highly-industrialized countries (LOC, 2016, p. 1).This paper is based on literature review and it investigates how ICT can be harnessed in implementing environmental sustainability practices in developing countries. Overview of environmental crisis One global reality existing today is environmental crisis. The International Telecommunications Union, a specialized agency of the United Nations, has made the affirmation that the existing increasing concern about life on planet earth is heavily influenced by the impact of humans on the environment, particularly natural environment (Schwabach, 2006). In that manner, improving resource management practices, raising awareness, getting to sustainable development as well as enhancing the environmental performance makes up the key issues which require worldwide attention. International community has asserted this point by encompassing environmental sustainability to be part of MDGs (Millennium Development Goals). Achieving environmental sustainability nonetheless demands strategies that are innovative. In light of this, awareness of the nature of environmental challenges in developing countries is a key requirement. With regards to developing countries, environmental crisis happens to be a real occurrence and the impact has been widely felt physically, economically and socially. In the Fox (2004) study assessing environmental degradation in one developing country, Tanzania, the study observed that there are big environmental disasters in that country to affect that big rivers were drying up. Practices leading to this included severe deforestation and clearance of natural vegetation for agriculture purposes. Apart from drying up of rivers and increased river sedimentation, reduced rainfall has also impacted on the health of the citizens in the region and has undermined the possibility of sustainable development. Tanzania has been shown to be requiring a number of approaches so as to address these challenges that have been posed by such an environmental crisis. Affirming a capacity of ICTs in enhancing the environmental sustainability in developing countries, ICTs have been contended to be having the capability of playing a significant role in developmental and economic sectors (Kapurubandara Lawson, 2006). Nonetheless ICT has been demonstrated to be complex and multifaceted, and its environmental impact could both be beneficial or adverse. This implies that a careful planning on how to integrate ICT in environmental sustainability practices of the developing countries is highly important. As a result of this, the following section analyses whether and how ICT can assist in delivering the environmental sustainability goal in developing countries. ICT for environmental sustainability practices in developing countries Houghton (2009) as well as Minasyan (2006) observed that an intricate relationship exists between ICT and the environment. This is due to the observation that ICTs could have both positive and negative roles with regards to the environment. Some of the positive roles have been demonstrated to be better energy efficiency, recycling and substitution for travel/transport; negative roles have been demonstrated to be energy consumption, increasing amounts of e-waste such as from discarded CRT monitors and low life cycle of the products (ITU, 2008). Being a medium for networking and information, it has been demonstrated that ICT has the capability of enabling citizens in the developing countries to adopt the role of environmental enforcement agents and alert the authorities to acts of environmental infringement. A host of important environmental aspects have been identified whereby ICT could be used and as such enhance environmental sustainability. Environmental studies The possible role of ICT in environmental sustainability practices starts with the usefulness of ICT in environmental studies. International Telecommunications Union has reiterated that ICT offers an unprecedented capability to collecting and processing environmental data which far outweighs the capability of any person and may encompass the whole terrestrial system. From the complex environment, ICT could assist in simplifying and understanding impact of mankind on environment. This can be achieved through the aid of increasingly interconnected and powerful platforms of computing which have been combined with large information databases. Moreover, ICT has been identified as a significant tool for carrying out empirical studies relating to environmental issues. It has previously been observed that new Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) may represent appropriate tools to support environmental research and its transmission to policy-makers and the general public (Chiabai et al., 2013, p.89). In aggregate, using ICT to carry out environmental studies is associated with a host of economic and scientific benefits as well as having a political implication. Some of the scientific benefits have been shown to be enhanced multidisciplinary studies. Political implications of using ICT are that interface with the policy-makers can be created, and citizens can participate in the decision-making processes concerning environmental sustainability practices. Environmental observation ICT can be used for environmental observation in the developing countries (Houghton, 2009). Generally, the environmental systems are made up of terrestrial and aquatic categories. The terrestrial component is made up of forests, grasslands, mountains and so forth whereas the aquatic components is made up of marine, freshwater, wetlands and so forth. Tools of ICT that can be employed in these developing countries include remote sensing, telemetric systems among others. This observation can lead to better monitoring of the environmental practices. The e-monitoring systems can be used as environmental screening tools as well as mapping tools which offer the relevant authorities reliable data with which to highlight pollution issues, and these can then be applied for further evaluating and analysing the environmental concern. E-monitoring could offer both summary data and detailed data in the developing countries for both environmental and demographic attributes. For example, ICT has been applied in monitoring the deforestation of the Amazon forest in Brazil; satellite imagery is used in identifying deforestation and this is then mapped on a geographic information system (GIS). Data from this GIS has been made public in Brazil in recent years and this offers greater public awareness on the environmentally destructive practices. Data from this GIS has been identified to have been very instrumental in effecting policy changes in Brazil, which have included crafting, implementing and enforcing legislations for controlling deforestation, and gazetting more protected areas. It is common for forest rangers to go to areas showing deforestation activity from the satellite imagery received in combination with Global Positioning System (GPS), and then take necessary action to prevent further deforestation activity. Nonetheless some challenges have been identified in this approach: the GIS offer low resolution and thus offer only a rough identification concerning the deforested area; the Amazon is big but the rangers have limited capacity as such the data from the system is not used in real time (Hayes Rajao, 2011). Moreover, in developing countries where the internet penetration is low, radio calls and mobile telephones could be applied in reporting environmental degradation activities and for facilitating community mobilization to confront such activities. Mitigation of climate change Activities to mitigate against climate change are targeted at minimizing the negative impacts of the climate change on the environment. Several manners exist which ICTs can be applied in mitigating against environmental impacts in developing countries, such as through observation and monitoring as previous mentioned, through enabling better efficiency in utilization of resources, via dematerialization for example e-books instead of paper-printed books, through substitution for transport for example video conferencing instead of travel. A number of studies such as Patt Schrotter (2008) exist showing how ICT can assist in mitigating against climate change. Developing countries face a host of challenges with regards to providing infrastructure as the economies grow. The challenges in meeting the growing demands have been shown to be driving the investments in these developing countries towards solutions that present more energy efficiency. For example, limitations on the capacity of electricity generation and the transmission have resulted into more development of smart grid in China and India. This has led to an improved energy efficiency level and has reduced the expansion rate of the coal-powered electricity plants. These smart grids have been shown by Boccaletti et al. (2008) to have resulted into reduced carbon emissions as a result of lower use of the coal-powered plants. ICTs have played a major role in improving the efficiency in addition to controlling and managing power grids. The impact that ICT plays in the smart grids has been detailed in studies that have been issued by Bolton and Foxon (2011). With the investments in infrastructure for the next three decades taking place currently, this presents opportunities for developing countries to jump into the smart grid bandwagon, minimise power loss and gain from greater energy efficiency. For instance, in India, North Delhi Power has invested in smart grid (Balijepalli et al., 2010). However, some concerns have been raised; increased efficiency might result into more use of the ICT-enabled energy saving features, which consequently leads to more energy being used and this cancels out the previous gains. Recognizing this challenge, the government of China, has recently come up with the China Motor Systems Energy Conservation Program which would assist in meeting the targets of energy efficiency (McKane et al., 2003). Easing environmental pressure After the collection and storage of the environmental data via observation, a number of ICT tools could be used in computing and processing so as to carry out analysis. For instance, environmental modelling software as well as grid computing has been of assistance in the awareness of how the ecosystems function as well as the environmental complexities. Developing countries, especially in Africa, are highly dependent on agriculture even though the modes of farming are largely inefficient. Managing, monitoring and mapping waterways, forests and lands are some of the important actions that improve the sustainability of the environment and efficiency of practices in such countries (Longley, 2005). Geographic information systems offer significant opportunities in waterway and land management and monitoring in Africa, Himalayan region and South East Asia (Minasyan, 2006). Just like everywhere else, information is very important in making it possible for people to undertake choices that are more sustainable and get the benefits from their activities, in addition to support, awareness and education. In developing countries there are various examples on how mobile phones as well as wireless connection can offer a massive opportunity in handling environmental pressure where fixed telephone lines are not developed (World Bank, 2012). For instance, initiatives include using geographical information system in Lake Victoria of East Africa, to offer support to the management of natural resources (Scheren et al., 2000). In the Pearl River Delta of China, it is common to have an integrated ecosystem modelling, sensing and monitoring (Weng, 2001). By observing how vulnerable the rural commu nities in developing countries are, Tyler Fajber (2009) observed the significance of having information access. For instance, in the Philippines, one mobile service provider SMART partnered with Manila Observatory to offer telemetric rain gauge and telephones in areas which are prone to environmental disasters like landslides. The local farmers assess the rain gauge and submit the information to the Manila Observatory, whereas the Manila Observatory could also utilise these telephones to give the farmers early warnings (Houghton, 2010). Adaptation to climate change Offering early warnings as well as monitoring of events that are induced by climate change, such as tsunami or drought, plays a very significant role. In developing countries, ICT has enabled a number of initiatives. One example is a network that has been funded by USAID called Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET). This network brings together national and regional partners in offering information concerning the arising and changing issues on food security. The FEWS NET participants in developing countries analyse and monitor the information concerning the climate so as to understand the possible threats and effects on livelihoods. After they have been identified, the FEWS NET utilizes a host of ICTs in aiding the decision makers (Verdin et al., 2005). A second example is the PreventionWeb which caters to the information demands of the community seeking disaster risk reduction. The ICT-enabled activities under PreventionWeb include tools for exchanging information. ICTs have also been utilized in coming up with impact models, that have been used by decision makers and practitioners in making predictions on the agricultural effects of the climate change. Such impact models have been used in developing countries such as South Africa, whereby it was shown that there exists a correlation between a lowered production of dry land staple and heightened historical temperature (Dube Jury, 2000); in Nigeria whereby an EPIC model was used in giving forecasts on the crop yields in the twenty first century (Adejuwon, 2008); in Egypt whereby the production of crops under the existing climatic conditions was compared with the conditions that were modelled for the year 2050 (Abdel-Gawadh et al., 2004), as well as the Thornton et al. (2009) study which mapped African regions in terms of their vulnerability to climate change. In the same manner, GIS as well as remote sensing are used by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to investigate the patterns of rainfall in Africa and Asia. By identifying the vulnerable areas, ICTs make it possible to implement various responses, whereby information networks have a significant role to play. Technology transfer for environment sustainability practices ICTs play a key role in technology transfer for environment sustainability practices. The Bali Action Plan entailed that developed countries assist the developing countries to pursue mitigation activities appropriate to each nation with regards to sustainable development, and at the same time not compromise the growth of those countries, through a transfer of technology and finance from the developed countries. One such technology transfer is through a clearinghouse for technology information called TT:clear. This provides an internet-based platform for information sharing in order to access a number of information sources such as case studies (Houghton, 2009). An objective is in offering information that is valuable to the various stakeholders on matters related to technology transfer, in order to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The TT:clear platform targets developing countries to consider the opportunities regarding technology transfer by assisting such countries gain an awa reness of the available technologies. The platform also makes it possible to exchange views and experiences on developing and transferring technology. Another platform that exists is called GIS Development. This refers to a Geospatial Communication Network promoting the utilization of GIS applications and the GIS technology in developing countries. GIS Development aids the governments and communities in the developing countries to enhance their management capabilities, policies and productivity through facilitation of knowledge transfer. Moreover, GIS Development fosters increasing network of persons interested in geo-informatics, encouraging a scientific know-how exchange (Ramachandra Kumar, 2010). By fusing the information provided with education and research, these platforms offer experience, expertise and information touching on adapting to environmental changes. Such flows of information play significant roles in the transfer of technology into the developing countries. Planning and environmental strategy Good decision-making needs to happen using the information that is available. As such, environmental information which has been picked by observing and has been evaluated by using the technology happens to be relevant in the decision-making, planning and formulation of policies. By utilizing ICTs, such a process entails classifying a host of environmental issues (Houghton, 2009). For instance, the environmental information that can be applied in agriculture could be elicited via using ICTs. The International Telecommunications Union has argued that the monitoring systems which use ICTs could be created to predict the effect of the manmade and natural disasters in developing as well as developed countries. For example, one important tool in the environmental planning is the Environmental Impact Assessment (Hayes Rajao, 2011). A developing country seeking for loans from World Bank needs to demonstrate environmental planning which is produced via an Environmental Impact Assessment. Thi s shows that ICTs could be of assistance in this respect by, among other things, enhancing the communications between the different stakeholders in the collection of the environmental information. Apart from this stakeholder engagement, ICTs could also assist in making informed decisions, delivery of policy, learning and feedback as well as capacity building in the institutions (Ospina Heeks, 2011). The Resilience Assessment Benchmarking and Impact Toolkit (RABIT) framework One framework that can be applied is the Resilience Assessment Benchmarking and Impact Toolkit (RABIT) which has recently been used by Ospina Heeks (2016) to gauge the effect on resilience of ICTs in two developing countries, Uganda and Costa Rica. Instead of trying to be a kind of cross-country benchmarking, the RABIT framework can be applied on a country-specific basis, and it would get the specific countrys representatives to undertake a discussion on the link between ICTs and the sub-properties of resilience which are rapidity, equality, diversity and flexibility, scale, self-organization, robustness, learning and redundancy. From this, the developing country representatives can derive relevance, meaning, priority and so forth, for their specific country. This can emerge to be a productive approach forward in looking to strengthen the link between ICTs and the resilience in developing countries. The RABIT framework is especially appropriate for developing countries since they ar e most vulnerable to the impacts of stressors and external shocks, including being the first to be affected by climate change as a result of lacking mitigating infrastructure. Some of the key characteristics or markers of resilience are shown in table 1 below: Table 1: Markers of resilience according to the RABIT framework Attribute of resilience Markers Attributes that are foundational Learning Reflective thinking; Capacity building Self-organization Local leadership; Consensus-building and collaboration Robustness Institutional capacity; Physical preparedness Attributes that are enabling Equality Accountability and openness; Participation and inclusiveness Flexibility and diversity Mechanism for innovation; Decision-making that is adaptable Scale Networks that are intra-level; Networks that are multi-level Rapidity Resource mobilization; Rapid detection and assessment of issues Redundancy Functional overlap; Substitutability of resource Adapted from: Ospina Heeks (2016, p.20) The markers are equally applicable in developing countries down to the community level. The RABIT framework can be implemented through document review followed by conducting focus groups, semi-structured interviews and surveys on the communities in developing countries (Ospina Heeks, 2016). ICTs could be used to strengthen the resilience in the developing countries. In 2012, a report by the World Bank highlighted the roles that ICTs play in preventing the impacts of emergencies induced by climate change in the developing countries of Africa (World Bank, 2012). The report sought to achieve an understanding of the trends of ICTs impacts that could be existing in developing countries that had analogous structures of political economy, in relation to leveraging the ICT in the public sectors. From this World Bank report, GIS aids the local governments to identify on a map, the zones that are at flood risk, gauge the vulnerability of the community towards the floods and plan for new infrastructure that would prevent floods. Some ICTs tools used include Early Warning Systems which were used in simulating patterns of weather and predicting disasters (World Bank, 2012). In this way, ICTs can be said to have the potential of strengthening the resilience in the developing countrie s. This is also referred to as e-resilience. This can be done through improving each of the attributes of resilience as noted by (Ospina Heeks, 2011): rapidity, equality, diversity and flexibility, scale, self-organization, robustness, learning and redundancy. For instance, with regards to redundancy, mobile phones or other ICTs could be used in delivering resources whereas with regards to robustness, GIS can utilised in planning where physical defences such as dykes can be located. The future and potential challenges of using the Resilience Assessment Benchmarking and Impact Toolkit (RABIT) framework for implementing environmental sustainability practices in one developing country, Tanzania Governmental as well as non-governmental organizations in Tanzania report that some of the environmental problems in the country include unsustainable and illegal deforestation as most Tanzanians rely on firewood for energy needs; overgrazing an unsustainable management of range due to large cattle sizes putting pressure on the natural carrying capacity of the land; high levels of water and air pollution; as well as unsustainable and illegal exploitation of wildlife (Mniwasa Shauri, 2001). The RABIT framework can be applied to improve environmental sustainability practices in Tanzania. The RABIT framework helps in building resilience and this presents huge opportunities for introducing considerable and lasting changes across Tanzania with regards to environmental sustainability practices. ICTs can support the relevance of the RABIT framework in Tanzania. There is an increasing penetration of mobile phone usage in Tanzania, more than any other ICT in the country (Van Genuchten, 2012; Fox, 2004). There has also been a rise in social media use in Tanzania, and this has especially helped with the rapidity attribute of the RABIT framework. Users can generate the content on where they see environmental degradation activities. The fast pace of the uptake and penetration of mobile telephony in Tanzania has supported many breakthrough ideas in environmental sustainability, as was observed by Fox (2004). However, these developments have been accompanied by considerable challenges and potential threats to the efficacy of ICT in supporting the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices, in Tanzania. One such challenge lies in the scale and sustainability of the programs initiated. The initiatives are relatively ad-hoc and happen in individual isolated regions of Tanzania, such as the study by Fox (2004) which concentrated the initiatives in only in the regions of Usangu Catchment, Ihefu Wetland and Great Ruaha River Ecosystem. As such, thus there are very limited large-scale and sustainable ICT-supported initiatives taking place in Tanzania. In order to bring out the total potential of ICT in the country, there needs to be a new inter-regional collaboration in order to enlarge the scale of the impacts. A second challenge in Tanzania is in the pace of change of ICTs. Technology is a very dynamic concept, and one thing that might work perfectly today may be rendered obsolete in few years (Chiabai et al., 2013). For instance, mobile telephone calls have largely replaced radio calls in regions of Tanzania that had inexistent telephone landlines (Van Genuchten, 2012), and in turn mobile phone calls are increasingly being replaced by instant messaging apps such as Whatsapp (Shearman, Olomi, Patel, 2013). This has happened in a space of less than ten years, all with the aim of achieving better efficiency. Similarly, radio communication which was popular in Tanzania where landline infrastructure was non-existent has increasingly been replaced by mobile telephony (Balijepalli et al., 2010). The costs involved in replacing the obsolete ICTs could be challenging to a poor country like Tanzania, especially if incurred on a large scale. Conclusion and Recommendations The paper has observed that an intricate relationship exists between ICT and the environment. This is due to the observation that ICTs could have both positive and negative roles with regards to the environment. Some of the positive roles have been demonstrated to be better energy efficiency, recycling and substitution for travel/transport; negative roles have been demonstrated to be energy consumption, increasing amounts of e-waste such as from discarded CRT monitors and low life cycle of the products. Being a medium for networking and information, it has been demonstrated that ICT has the capability of enabling citizens in the developing countries to adopt the role of environmental enforcement agents and alert the authorities to acts of environmental infringement. A host of important environmental aspects have been identified whereby ICT could be used and as such enhance environmental sustainability. ICT plays significant role in environmental studies as it offers an unprecedented capability to collecting and processing environmental data; environmental observation through tools such as remote sensing, telemetric systems among others; mitigating climate change through activities such as developing smart grid in China and India; easing environmental pressure through environmental modelling software as well as grid computing; adaptation to climate change through tools such as Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET); technology transfer as a result of the Bali Action Plan; planning and environmental strategy through tools such as the Environmental Impact Assessment, and building resilience through rapidity, equality, diversity and flexibility, scale, self-organization, robustness, learning and redundancy. In future, the technologies that are likely to support these ICT activities in developing countries with respect to environmentally sustainable practices include mobile telephony, internet, social media, digital data, cloud computing and increasing pres ence of smartphones. Challenges lie in the scale and sustainability of the programs initiated as well as the rapidly shifting technology that may be expensive for the ICT initiatives in the long run. Moreover, ICT has been demonstrated to be complex and multifaceted, and its environmental impact could both be beneficial or adverse. ICT can assist in delivering the environmental sustainability goal in developing countries but there needs to be a new multi-national collaboration level in order to enlarge the scale of the impacts of the ICT initiatives in environmental sustainability practices. One framework that can be applied is the Resilience Assessment Benchmarking and Impact Toolkit (RABIT) which has recently been applied successfully in two developing countries. References Abdel-Gawadh, S.T., Kandil, M. and Sadek, T.M. (2004). Water scarcity prospects in Egypt 2000-2050. In Environmental Challenges in the Mediterranean 2000-2050 (pp. 187-203). Springer Netherlands. Adejuwon, J.O. (2008). Vulnerability in Nigeria: A national-level assessment. Climate Change and Vulnerability, pp. 198-217. Balijepalli, V.M., Khaparde, S.A., Gupta, R.P. and Pradeep, Y. (2010). SmartGrid initiatives and power market in India. In IEEE PES General Meeting (pp. 1-7). IEEE. Boccaletti, G., LÃ ¶ffler, M. and Oppenheim, J.M. (2008). How IT can cut carbon emissions. McKinsey Quarterly, 37, pp. 37-41. Bolton, R. and Foxon, T.J. (2011). Governing infrastructure networks for a low carbon