The Story of a Malaysian People Essay Example

The Story of a Malaysian People Essay As I sat on my bed tilting against a bare wall right across the room looking at how the steady beads of raindrops sluiced down my window-pane on a glooming rainy forenoon, I let my head roll off to visualise the chilly forenoon of 11 June 1981, right as the clock ticked 3.00 a.m.[ 1 ] the minute the cogwheel was pulled, the platform beneath his pess opened, the rope around his cervix sliting into his delicate tegument and within nanoseconds the tenseness intensified and in a split 2nd his life ended, Botak Chin hanged, dead, and gone. Oh how the adult female of Malaysia must hold teared and cried, as how sheets of rain started turn uping in doing my ear to be swelled with the sound of rain rain against my window. But allow s non bury the feeling of huge sorrow, torment and hurt that filled the Black Marias of all the donees of Botak Chin as the topic lived to rob the rich for the hapless ,[ 2 ]at least supplying the hapless and suppressed society a better opportunity to populate. And for those who were at the other side of the having terminal, purely talking those whom the topic offended merely to acquire his manner, good you can conceive of the suspirations of alleviation and load that was washed off now that their menace was out of head, out of sight. We will write a custom essay sample on The Story of a Malaysian People specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Story of a Malaysian People specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Story of a Malaysian People specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Ah, what a contention. And hence, what a great subject to compose on. In instance you were inquiring who in the universe is Botak Chin, and why in the universe would anyone give themselves such a reasonable incognito, Botak Chin was non good, bald. His existent name is Wong Swee Chin and he is known as Botak Chin merely because he wanted to assist the hapless and helpless. Do nt acquire it? Well Lashkar-e-Taiba s expression at it in footings of the Malay linguistic communication Bantu Orang Tak Ada Kerja a.k.a BOTAK.[ 3 ]Enlightened? Well, yes I would trust so. Again, in instance you were inquiring, and you decidedly would, what did this adult male do to merit so much attending? And why am I raving so much about him as though he is my womb-to-tomb dream spouse? That you would happen out as you unravel the enigmas of his ephemeral life, with our aid of class. But first, allow me give you a brief debut of our topic of treatment. Merely seek googling Botak Chin and you ll happen that in any web site you click, he is dubbed as Malaysia s version of Robin Hood. Harmonizing to the Malayan high-profile felon records, he was known as Malaysia s most ill-famed mobster in the 1970 s, with a series of robberies, bloody inter-gang competitions and quarrels with the constabulary.[ 4 ] He was a mastermind in his ain manner. He was small-sized but if he set his head to make something, cipher could hold stopped him. He was ever one measure in front of you, was Abu Bakar Juah s remarks about Botak Chin.[ 5 ] Now you get the effect of Botak, an debut being an debut, I should allow the remainder of my squad enthrall you with Botak s life and his environing buddies. Till so, delight make bask our study. At The Beginning Written by ; Lee Boon Ho Family Background After looking at the image of Botak Chin it is truly amusing to see that a cat with a head full of locks being named botak, which in Bahasa Melayu stands for bald. Make non worry, his parents were non seeking to be amusing or anything, the account on how he got the rubric botak was explained in our debut. However, his parents did give him a proper name, which was Wong Swee Chin. This ill-famed mobster was born in 1951 and hails from Kuala Lumpur. Bing a mobster that brought much fright to the society life in Kuala Lumpur in the 1970ss, there was much inquiry and rumor about his household background and upbringing. Some thought he was an orphan and some even said his male parent was a Mafia Godhead. However, after making a thorough research, his household and upbringing was really much like any normal individual walking on the streets of Kuala Lumpur. Botak Chin came from a household of 12. He had nine siblings. As his male parent was a retired person who worked with the Malayan Railways, they lived at the Malayan Railway Quarters following to the Caltex station in Jalan Ipoh[ 6 ]. Although they were hapless, Botak Chin s male parent ever reminded his kids to ever make good workss and ever have a fastness onto their rules and values in life. His male parent was instead rigorous with the upbringing of his kids. However, after the decease of his female parent, Botak Chin felt disconnected from his household for he shared a really close relationship with his female parent. Furthermore, his household started to fall apart as a consequence of his female parent s passing for his pa could non get by with looking after 10 kids and supplying an income for the household. Hence, after losing his fastness, he found consolation in his close friends who became his close comrades and intimate. He stayed away from place and he preferred remaining with his friends[ 7 ]. He felt more comfy and a stronger sense of belonging when he was with the company of his close friends. He treated them like his really ain brothers. Sadly, passing excessively much clip off from place meant he had excessively much freedom and he did non hold anyone to look out for him or to demo him the right way in life. He did non hold a guardian matured plenty to rede him on what was right and what was incorrect. Away from his male parent s alert oculus[ 8 ], he easy was exposed to the dark underworld and how was it like to populate as a mobster. He was intrigued and drawn to the life style of a mobster for he felt they were powerful and they could transfuse a sense of fright in people. He wanted to cognize more, he wanted to be like them and he did. Early Education His parents placed a batch of importance on instruction. Therefore they made the attempt to give all of their 10 kids the proper instruction they needed to win in life. Botak Chin received his early primary instruction at a Chinese common school. He so went on to analyze at Methodist Boys Secondary School in Sentul. However, Botak Chin was non really interested in books and figures. So he lost involvement in his instruction and did non finish his secondary school surveies. Alternatively he quitted school when he merely completed Form 3, after sitting for his Lower Certificate of Education scrutiny[ 9 ]. Botak Chin became a school dropout at a immature age of 15[ 10 ]. It was a commiseration that Botak Chin did non finish his instruction, for by judging on how he thought and how he carried himself, he was of course intelligent and he was evidently gifted with encephalons and humor. Quoting Abu Bakar Juah, one of the prison guards that had the opportunity to guard the legendary Botak Chin ; He was a mastermind in his ain manner. He was small-sized but if he set his head to make something, cipher could hold stopped him .[ 11 ] He even had a instead sociable and sympathetic personality ; Abu Bakar says Wong could be friendly and he used to hold a game of draughtss with him[ 12 ]. A adult male with huge finding ; non burying humor and intelligence with a little touch of manner and personal appeal, Botak Chin had the natural stuffs of going person great, possibly even a leader. He did go a leader, a instead influential one that many spoke off and cognize, but for all the incorrect grounds. His Work Written by ; Eunice Agnes Sivasothey Although proclaiming himself as the Malaysia s Robin Hood , Botak Chin managed to transfuse such fright and anxiety in the heads of his fellow countrymen. Ill-famed for being a inhuman slayer which set the state amok with his uncountable offenses and serious violent disorder of slayings, left the constabulary force during the 1970 s puzzled and stumped on how they are of all time traveling to eventually convey justness to this adult male. Wong Swee Chin ( Botak Chin ) embarked into a life of offense in the early old ages of his life. After discontinuing school at the stamp age of 15, Botak Chin was exposed to the life of the underworld and got himself involved in a pack which called themselves Gang 360 in Kuala Lumpur .[ 13 ]Gang 360 ( Sak Pak Lok ) consisted of local goons which influenced him to perpetrate junior-grade and minor offenses.[ 14 ] In the twelvemonth 1969, when Botak Chin was merely 18 years-old he illicitly obtained his very foremost piece which was a 0.22 six-gun. Soon after, he created his really ain pack and became the originator of 8 robberies. However, he was caught finally and was thrown in gaol for seven old ages. Botak Chin was released from prison in November 1974.[ 15 ] As any inmate released from gaol, Botak Chin tried really difficult to turn over a new foliage and live a Reformed life. He turned away from offense and attempted to populate a respectable life by selling veggies to gain a life. However, he found populating an honorable life was difficult and palling for the income was small and scarce. Populating under such conditions, the thought of returning to his old life started organizing in his head once more.[ 16 ] Within less than a twelvemonth of his release from gaol, Botak Chin returned to a life of offense and in April 1975, he formed a new pack which comprised of a few of his friends, viz. ; Ng Cheng Wong ( Ah Wong ) , Beh Kok Chin ( Pangkor Chai ) dan Teh Bok Lay ( Seh Chai ) . Botak Chin and his buddies ( as portrayed in the biographical movie of himself )[ 17 ] The really following month, he went up to Thailand in hunt of a friend of his to buy guns which were needed for robberies.[ 18 ]Readily armed with guns, Botak Chin and his pack attacked an illegal chancing lair in Sentul on the 2nd of June 1975. They successfully escaped with RM5,800. Money obtained from that robbery was used by Botak Chin to heighten his pack s force. He went up to Thailand once more to get more pieces and ammunition. He purchased 8 more pieces and 100 slugs.[ 19 ] Items seized by Malayan constabulary after Botak Chin s apprehension ( now on show @ Malaysia Police Museum )[ 20 ] The pack s following act was to rob a bank in Jalan Imbi. From that robbery, they obtained RM95,000 in hard currency and RM25,00 of the entire amount was used to buy a Datsun auto. Not long after that, Botak Chin and his buddies robbed a Buddhist temple on Jalan Kolam Ayer.[ 21 ]They shot a few mah-jong participants and looted RM10,000 worth of goods including hard currency, gold and expensive points[ 22 ]. Botak Chin started a violent disorder of robberies and this violent disorder caught the attending of the so City s Criminal Investigation Department deputy caput, Deputy Superintendent S.Kulasingam and he was on the quest to capture Botak Chin. Due to legion robberies, pack battles and even gun conflicts with the constabulary, Botak Chin was running low on ammunition and pieces. Hence, to get the better of this defect, he attacked three police officers and took their handguns. He even stole pieces belonging to security guards during a robbery at a saloon in Sentul.[ 23 ]Botak Chin besides enjoyed demoing off his abilities and capablenesss in managing guns. He would dispute anyone at Sentul Railway Club to vie who was better at Cowboy Style shot.[ 24 ] However, of all the offenses he committed, the biggest and most unsafe robbery he executed was the robbing of a security guard transporting money to the Horse Racing Club. This monolithic robbery took topographic point on the 26th of October 1975. Botak Chin shot the security guard and managed to get away without being caught with RM218, 000 in hard currency. The hard currency obtained was one time once more used to purchase even more pieces from Thailand. He spent about RM40, 000 buying a immense aggregation of arms which included 19 pieces, 5 grenades and 1,000 slugs[ 25 ]. Apart from forming robberies, Botak Chin was besides involved in assorted pack wars. One outstanding pack war which he was involved in was the pack war between his ain pack and the ill-famed Five Finger Mountain pack. This peculiar war was plain bloody and dismaying. The pack war resulted in a few deceases viz. the decease of the Five Finger Mountain gang leader every bit good as the decease of Botak Chin s ain pack member, Ah Wong[ 26 ] The engagement of Botak Chin is a big figure of offenses and the his ability to defy gaining control from the constabulary force and flight life endangering state of affairss lead many to believe he had something more than fortune on his side. Something that made him powerful, fearless and even at times unbeatable. Hence, there were theories and rumors about him holding an talisman or a lucky appeal that gave him supernatural powers. It was said that Botak Chin wore a BE2480 ( Internet Explorer: 1937 AD ) batch Tok Raja ( a celebrated Buddhist monastic ) pidtta and takrut ( a type of encased enchantment coil made by the Tok Raja ) . Because of this pidtta, Botak Chin was able to ever all of a sudden disappear whenever the constabulary tried to collar him or he could merely hedge the sight of the constabulary trying to collar him. Harmonizing to the fable, pidttas provides strong protection and gives the wearer the ability to avoid danger. Many believe that the constabulary managed to eventually grok Botak Chin with the aid of Tok Raja.[ 27 ] Whatever the instance possibly, whether Botak Chin had an talisman giving him powers or he was merely one lucky individual, I believe that luck played a really minor function in his offenses and robberies. The success of his robberies and his astonishing ability of out-witting the constabulary force clip and clip once more most decidedly did non entirely depend on sheer fortune but more on his humor and fore-sight. And citing him, he said, I was ever one measure in front of you ( the constabulary ) .[ 28 ] In his ain particular and alone manner, he was a pure mastermind with an astonishing head. The Capture Written by ; Rachel Chong Suet Yeng Botak Chin brought in by the constabulary. This portion of the chapter is based on the existent life experience of Datuk Syed Meer Wahid Al-Hubshee Syed Ibrahim, 78, a dedicated, loyal and determined ex-police officer who served the constabulary force from 1951 to 1986, and who was penned down in history as being the unsung hero and engineer behind the concluding gaining control of Malaysia s most ill-famed felon, Botak Chin, a.k.a, Wong Swee Chin.[ 29 ] Unfortunately for Botak Chin, the dark of 16 February 1976 marks the terminal of term of his controversial behavior, protecting the public assistance of the hapless and incapacitated, albeit by ill-conceived ways as seen by some but his rules regarded by others as baronial and compassionate. Harmonizing to Datuk Syed Meer Wahid Al-Hubshee Syed Ibrahim, or more normally known as Syed Meor, he was the Campbell territory ( soon known as Dang Wangi ) caput officer who courageously took up the function of the late Deputy Superintendent ( DSP ) S Kulasingam, Head of section of Crime Investigation, Kuala Lumpur after the latter was injured by Botak Chin s buddies and was being treated in the infirmary. The foray which finally lead to the apprehension of Botak Chin took topographic point in a sawmill mill in Jalan Ipoh which was tipped off by an betrayer that there were heroin thrusters in the sawmill mill. Syed Meor ordered the betrayer to steal into the mill but to no help due to certain obstructions. Harmonizing to him, he had to take on the duty of measuring the state of affairs himself, and by which he wore a turban so as to non be recognised. Equally shortly as he saw the right manus adult male of Botak Chin, Pangkor Chai ( Beh Kok Chin ) , he instantly contacted the Kuala Lumpur main constabularies officer, Tan Sri Mohamed Amin Osman to name for 3 backup squads that would environ the sawmill mill. The fast one was to stop any phone calls made from within the mill to corroborate the presence of Botak Chin in the alleged hideaway. To their discouragement, no phone calls were made for four yearss directly, and therefore the constabulary force could non take action as fright of destroying their opportunities. The 4th dark was the last dark the constabulary force was traveling to put around and delay, aimlessly for a miracle to go on. And it was a jar of the blue that phone call was made on the last dark of the operation, and genuinely, it was without a uncertainty the voice of Botak Chin. The topic phoned his buddies in Ipoh and the program was to assail Genting Highlands. Equally shortly as the constabulary confirmed that Botak Chin was in the sawmill mill, they burst into the scene and started a gun-shooting stretch. Approximately 500 gun shootings and rupture gas were discharged which resulted in an extended helter-skelter state of affairs. Pangkor Chai and Ah Keong counter-attacked the constabulary force with more gunfires and threw a grenade towards the constabulary. In the thick of the brainsick state of affairs, Botak was shot at his leg and right manus. In obvious hurting, he crawled towards two of his best right manus adult male but fright and guilt enveloped him as he found both of them lying every bit still as a log, dead and gone.[ 30 ]As the ambiance cleared up, Sentul main officer ( which Syed Meor misplaced his name ) found Botak lying impotently beneath a tabular array.[ 31 ] Sir Please assist me. Was all that he could express. Botak was dragged out from beneath the tabular array. This marks the terminal of Botak s autonomy and invisibleness as he eventually fell into the long weaponries of jurisprudence. Finite Written by ; Choong Huayen Transporting Botak Chin s organic structure to be buried. Wong Swee Chin better known as Botak Chin was arrested for a twelvemonth after being caught by the constabulary force. To the constabulary force that was on Botak Chin s trail, the twenty-four hours of his gaining control was a twenty-four hours of jubilation and exultation for many thought it was virtually impossible to catch this ill-famed pack leader. However, the alleged unbeatable adult male was eventually brought in and was so handed over to the tribunals where justness was about to bechance on him. Botak Chin was so pleaded guilty by the Kuala Lumpur High Court and was given the much dreaded decease punishment after being convicted on three charges under the Internal Security Act ( ISA )[ 32 ]. For all the barbarous and inhuman offenses he had done, he was sentenced to decease by the rope, which many in the state thought that this was the lone penalty suited for such a heartless mobster that caused mayhem and released panic among the community in Klang Valley during the 1970ss. He did non desire to decease ; he did non desire to stop his life in such an unstylish manner neither did he desire to acknowledge licking for he felt his concern here was non complete yet. Therefore, he hired a attorney and appealed against his sentence to the Privy Council on the 1st of April 1980.[ 33 ]Botak Chin defended himself by naming himself the modern twenty-four hours Robin Hood [ 34 ]as he had robbed from the rich and gave some spoils to the hapless while he used the staying spoils to purchase more equipment for the following robbery. There was this one incident where Botak Chin showed compassion and commiseration towards an old ice-cream marketer. Botak Chin met this old adult male selling ice-cream on a bike. He told the old adult male to acquire off his bike, and he grabbed clasp of the old bike and threw it across the route. He so reached into his pocket and pulled out a few thousand ringgit. He gave the money to the old adult male and told the old adult male to trav el place and acquire some remainder[ 35 ]. However, the tribunal did non govern in his favor and Botak Chin was found guilty on the 16th of May 1980. The Board of Pardons and Supreme Court refused the entreaty Botak Chin has made ; he was non traveling to get away the rope.[ 36 ]To them, the sum of wrong-doing and the sum of panic caused by him was more than terrible adequate and they did non see fit to let person like him to get away the gallows of decease. After being denied a opportunity to appeal against the decease sentence, Botak Chin became despairing ; he did non desire to decease, this is non how he wanted to travel, he had to happen a manner out no affair what it took. He had to make something to acquire out of this quandary and he needed to move rapidly for clip was non on his side. Hence, on the 1st of January 1981, he made a despairing effort to get away the Pudu Prison from his decease row cell. Botak Chin used a crisp arm to get away ; he mercilessly stabbed three prison functionaries in his gruesome and despairing effort to get away the decease gallows. However, Botak Chin was unsuccessful and he sustained really serious hurts in his effort to get away[ 37 ]. After this failed effort at get awaying, Botak Chin did non hold the strength neither did he hold the will to seek to get away any longer ; he eventually surrendered and accepted his destiny. He merely waited patiently and softly for the twenty-four hours of the hang ing, for his finite terminal of his life as a condemnable feared by many. Botak Chin had a petition before he was hanged. A petition that surprised many and caused many to oppugn their perceptual experience of him as a heartless and barbarous felon. He wished to donate all his critical variety meats to the infirmary for medical intents. This act signifies the purposes of perchance a good adult male who was misjudged and likely went about making good in the incorrect manner. However, this petition was besides denied as Botak Chin did non travel through the proper processs and did non compose a written consent[ 38 ]. It was disrespectful in a manner to deny this petition as this was Botak Chin s deceasing wish before he was hanged from the rope. Botak Chin had a concluding petition before his hanging ; he requested to have on his Tok Raja Pidtta during his rope hanging. His petition was denied, nevertheless, the justice promised to return the Pidtta to Botak Chin when he is confirmed dead[ 39 ]. This is because the Pidtta is believed to confer and give power to the wearer which enables the wearer disappear from danger and Botak Chin has escaped countless dangers and even gaining controls when he was have oning this Pidtta. The Pidtta may look like a superstitious belief and does non hold any solid or concrete cogent evidence of its powers. However, the justice most decidedly did non desire to put on the line Botak Chin get awaying once more. Hence, he disallowed the Pidtta as a safety step. 11th of June, 1981, the twenty-four hours of the hanging of Botak Chin had eventually arrived. As the prison guards entered Botak Chin s prison cell to take him to the executing chamber, he said to them Sudah sampai ah? Saya rasa macam lari 100m, sudah sampai garisan penamat. ( Is it clip already? I felt like I ran 100m and I am near to making the coating line. ) Like standard process, the prison guard so wrapped his caput with a black fabric and Botak Chin was brought to the executing chamber blindfolded[ 40 ]. The silence that followed him was deafening and merely repeating footfalls were heard as Botak Chin easy climbed up the stairss of the executing platform, his concluding finish. He so stopped right under the rope hanger. The rope hanger was wrapped around his caput and Botak Chin was asked for his deceasing want, which was to donate his critical variety meats to the infirmary for medical intents. After his deceasing want was written down, there was pitch silent for a minute, as it was still 2.59am. Everyone held their breath as the hr of decease was upon them in merely a few minutes. When the clock turned 3.00 am, the cogwheel was pulled. The platform under Botak Chin s legs opened and his organic structure fell down and the rope violently broke his cervix and he was left hanging for a minute to guarantee he was decidedly dead. This was the terminal of the 28 twelvemonth old Botak Chin[ 41 ], the most ill-famed felon of that clip who lived dauntlessly and instilled the feeling of fright in everyone around him. People all over the state knew him ; even the small childs on the streets chanted his name during his reign. And now, eventually all around the state, everyone breathed a suspiration of understanding and alleviation, for the pursuit for Botak Chin had eventually ended. DSP S Kulasingam Written by ; Ng Sijie S. Kulasingam ( on the right ) recognizing other constabulary officers. S Kulasingam besides known as Kula by his couples was the former helper CID head of Kuala Lumpur and Johor CID head[ 42 ]. S Kulasingam was born on 12 August 1931 in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. He is a tall and immense individual. Kula is about 6 pess 2 inches and weighs about 216 lbs[ 43 ]. He is good built and strong which is much needed in his field work as a police officer and CID head. His name, S Kulasingam means king of beasts of the community in Tamil[ 44 ]which really good depict his function in the society. At a immature age of merely 19, he decided to fall in the constabulary force[ 45 ]. Before that, he worked as a instructor for around 6 months[ 46 ]. He so chose to discontinue his occupation as a instructor due to him desiring to assist construct a safer state for the benefit of the society. Once he started his work as a police officer, he was really good respected. In July, 1951, he became a provisional inspector. At that clip he was simply 20 old ages old. With much accomplishment within him, he managed to mount up the rankings to achieve the station of adjunct overseer of constabulary in August 1957[ 47 ]. Soon, he became the constabulary officer most feared by felons around the 1970s. It s non easy to kill me. I wo nt travel before my figure is up, Kula had one time said in an interview, after holding survived several efforts on his life by despairing mobsters.[ 48 ]He was best known for capturing the ill-famed and ill-famed Botak Chin. Many robberies took topographic point under Botak Chin s name. Therefore, a particular force led by S Kulasingam was required to do Botak Chin s gaining control possible. This accomplishment made him one of the best constabulary officers in the Royal Malaysia Police ( PDRM ) .[ 49 ]He should be made as a function theoretical account for the young person of today and the hereafter. During his clip functioning the state as a constabulary officer, he led many operations and achieved new highs by decrypting and work outing rare and complicating instances. S Kulasingam besides came in close combat with many unsafe every bit good as barbarous felons and inmates. One of his close decease state of affairss was a surprise ambuscade by Botak Chin at the intersection of Davis route traffic visible radiation, Circulat Road on 22 November 1975.[ 50 ]This was an effort on Botak Chin s portion to assassinate him. 11 gunfires were fired at him that twenty-four hours. Fortunately, merely one shooting hit him right at his thorax. Amazingly, he was still able to maneuver out of the danger to safety at a nearby constabulary station which was the Cheras Police Station for backup and aid. Besides that, S Kulasingam besides operated in the instance which involved the psychopathologic raper Kepong Chai who raped adult females and scarred their faces after ravishing them.[ 51 ] On April 7 1976, he survived a shooting in the tummy when he was present to assist battle at a robbery that occurred at a jewelry store in Paramount Gardens, Petaling Jaya[ 52 ]. He was really fortunate that dark for he was able to make the infirmary in clip. Besides that, he besides survived with minimum hurts when a 44-pound jar of formic acid was thrown straight at his organic structure[ 53 ]. He is a really lucky adult male as he dealt with many life and decease state of affairss and someway managed to last each one of them. Outside his work, he is a amusing cat with a great and infective personality. He is a joy to be about. One of his avocations is listening and singing old Tamil vocals. He tends to sing them to entertain his friends and household. His nephew, S. Thirunavakarasu remembers S. Kulasingam as a friendly and loving uncle and besides treated him as his function theoretical account due to his leading and achievements as a well-known, righteous and baronial police officer.[ 54 ] Over the old ages, he raided and captured many hideawaies of packs with eldritch and bizarre names such as the Mini-Cooper Gang and the Cowboys [ 55 ]. Every felon and criminal out at that place decidedly cognizant of his being and bequest. His passion, dedication and diligence in his field have earned him many awards and much congratulations from his higher-ups such as the Medal of the brave Kula ( PGB ) and Ahli Mangku Negara ( AMN ) . These are two really esteemed awards which help him derive much popularity and his position today. After many panics and slug evasion, S Kulasingam retired in 1985 when he was about 54 old ages old. For about 35 old ages as a bull, he flirted with danger twenty-four hours and dark and therefore he surely deserves his long anticipated retirement after working hard for the state. After retirement, he lives comfortably in a two floored flat in Johor Bahru[ 56 ]. He neer married and he continued to stay a unmarried man and lived entirely for the remainder of his unrecorded. All he wanted was a peaceable and low profile life after all that bosom whipping minutes he had to cover with as a constabulary officer. He was one time asked about why he would non desire to acquire married, he quoted Field of unsafe work such as this requires some forfeits, [ 57 ]. What he said was true as he was involved in many life endangering state of affairss and this would decidedly endanger his household s safety which would impede them from holding a normal life like the other households could. On the 29th of September 2007, S Kulasingam was hospitalized after he slipped and fell in his bathroom in his flat at Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad[ 58 ]. Fortunately, one of his nephews was at that place to assist him. He was brought to the infirmary shortly after. He fractured his hip bone during this incident and had to travel for an operation. He was able to walk once more shortly after the operation[ 59 ]. However, he was still hospitalized due to some complications. After 2 months of being in the infirmary, on the 29th of November 2007 ( Thursday ) , the top offense fellow in Malaysia, S Kulasingam passed off at Sultanah Aminah Hospital. With him present at that minute to listen to his last words were his younger sister S. Arthi, senior brother Dr S. Ratna, household members and close friends[ 60 ]. The 77 twelvemonth old ace bull left the universe he one time protected at 3.06am on that glooming Thursday forenoon. S. Kulasingam one time quoted: How could I decease of anything but old age? [ 61 ], that was good said as his decease was due to none other than old-age complications. S Kulasingam was much a well-thought-of constabulary officer. His work and attempt towards the state will neer be forgotten and his permanent bequest will populate on. Thankss to him we have a safer state today. We as the young person of today and the future coevals of leaders should take him as a function theoretical account and possibly accomplish merely every bit much or hopefully even more than what he had done in life. Tan Sri Dr. Mahadevan Written by ; Manoj From the left ; TunA Dr.A Mahathir bin Mohamad and Tan Sri Dr. Mahadevan In the Botak Chin s history, Dr Mahadevan plays a really important function as his head-shrinker. Dr Mahadevan who is the former manager of Tanjung Rambutan Mental Hospital in Perak[ 62 ]treated Botak Chin as he was asked to find whether or non Botak Chin was mentally strong or sane to stand for a test. From the find of Dr Mahadevan, it was found that Botak Chin is really a mastermind but a ill-conceived 1. Dr Mahadevan decided to take this rare chance to come in the head of this one-of-a sort felon with an bizarre outlook and seek to decode what was truly on his head and what were his existent purposes behind his actions. Botak Chin explained himself in item to Dr Mahadevan at the mental infirmary that his lone purpose was to assist the hapless since he was immature. He wanted to protect the down-trodden and deprived from the mobsters who extorted money and corrupt functionaries[ 63 ]. Botak Chin besides told Dr Mahadevan that he was one time severely bashed up by delinquents and mobsters who entered his vegetable stall at the market and tried up to extort money from him. Although they failed to make so, they viciously attacked him and caused his collar bone to fracture. That was decidedly an unforgettable incident to Botak Chin as he decided to take up soldierly humanistic disciplines for self-defense intent. Not merely did Botak Chin do that, he besides told Dr Mahadevan that he joined into a pack for protection[ 64 ]. And now he feels that it is his duty and responsibility to protect his sort from any injury and subjugation so that they would non hold to travel through what he when through in the y esteryear. Dr Mahadevan knew that peculiar incident had a terrible impact on Botak Chin s life. Dr Mahadevan besides came to cognize that Botak Chin encouraged the society to fall in his secret pack in order to avoid being harmed and exploited by the corrupt functionaries and the mobsters. Dr Mahadevan besides admired Botak Chin when he said that the members of his society had taken an curse to cut their hair abruptly, non to take the hapless for granted and decidedly non to take drugs[ 65 ]. Dr Mahadevan had a good feeling on Botak Chin because he knew that Botak Chin s ultimate purpose was merely to assist the hapless and non to do problem or pandemonium in this state. Dr Mahadevan besides managed to happen out from Botak Chin that he was called the Robin Hood by the villagers in his small town because of his act of robbing from the rich and giving considerable sums of spoils to the hapless. Botak Chin knew that by this manner he would be able to supply aid for the hapless. Although he gave merely small to the hapless, the remainder of the money that he robbed, he had given it to to his pack and portion of it to the household of those members who were killed by the constabulary. Through this attempt of his, the household members would hold fewer loads to transport. Dr Mahadevan knew that this act of his would do him to seek safety and spent the remainder of his life concealment when being spotted by the constabulary. It was obvious that with the aid provided by Botak Chin to the community, the community were decidedly seeking to assist him escape.Dr Mahadevan knew that Botak Chin had managed to capture the Black Marias and heads of the community through his courageous actions. Although what Botak Chin did was lawfully incorrect, nevertheless his purposes were really good. Dr Mahadevan besides managed to acquire Botak Chin to talk about the rules and guidelines that his secret society had. It seemed that Botak Chin s secret society had a really rigorous and strong guidelines and rules[ 66 ]. These rules were to be followed by each and every member of this secret society including Botak Chin himself. Botak Chin besides made it clear to Dr Mahadevan that he had appointed confederates to implement the subject among the members and his military personnels. Dr Mahadevan was besides surprised when Botak Chin told him that when he was admitted to the infirmary, patients of that infirmary were more than sword lily to rinse his apparels and do all jobs for him. It was a signifier of gratitude towards Botak Chin s actions[ 67 ]. Dr Mahadevan was told that Botak Chin neer tied the knot with any miss. Dr Mahadevan was told that many adult females would name to ask about Botak Chin s well being during Botak Chin s stay in the hospita[ 68 ]l. Dr Mahadevan knew really good that he was in the Black Marias of many adult females due to his good workss. He was besides told that Botak Chin was being rushed back to Kuala Lumpur when a slug was found in the cell of a high security infirmary. He farther explained it by stating that the slug was really shot by his members in their attempt to assist him get away. Dr Mahadevan besides found that Botak Chin sought consolation in assorted faiths. Botak Chin besides wished for his variety meats to be donated for medical intents[ 69 ]. He wanted his variety meats to profit the society in some signifier but it was rejected as he neer wrote a written consent sing his wants. Dr Mahadevan knew that Botak Chin was really a sort hearted individual but could non be helped as he is lawfully incorrect and can non be justified. Decision Written by ; Mohamed Mazlan A condemnable or a saint misunderstood? A local hero but a public nuisance at the same clip? Merely one adult male can trip such contradicting and dry statements. And that adult male is what this whole study is approximately. The adult male that branded himself as the local Robin Hood , the adult male that fought for the rights of the hapless and the laden ; but he was besides the adult male responsible for many robberies, slayings and pack battles, a adult male that set panic, confusion and terror among the community of Kuala Lumpur in the 1970ss, a adult male that everyone feared including the constabulary force, a adult male that many believed was unbeatable and unbeatable. Everyone knew him ; the aged, the working grownups and even the small childs running on the streets. Some hated his backbones ; some in secret respected him while many feared him. Amazing is nt it how one adult male who was merely a school dropout could make such an huge impact on society? He was neither flush nor did he hold any influential place in the province authorities but yet he was talked about everyplace from offices to even coffee stores. With a particular force created merely for his gaining control, he so was person to be reckoned with. Merely one adult male with likely one of the most alone name which itself is beliing to how this adult male really looks ; his name is Botak Chin. Hours of research, arguments and treatments made us, the squad, to really explicate our ain perceptual experience and ideas on this ill-famed felon in Malaysia. Wong Swee Chin, person from a comparatively normal upbringing, possibly he did endure merely a tad spot due to poverty. His male parent drilled the qualities of a good adult male into him. However, Botak Chin was no ordinary adult male. He was person with merely the right sum of endowment, fore-sight, ardor and craft. He was a natural born leader. He was fashioned to be person influential, person who would do headlines and grace the forepart pages of newspapers, spoken about through the wirelesss and appears often on telecasting screens. He had a vision, a end which he kept his focal point on and that end was to assist those in demand, to offer a manus to the hapless and the 1s enduring out at that place. Such a promising chap with good purposes. However, he fell abruptly in his executing of his purpose and vision. He went about making good workss in the incorrect manner. He was robbing, killing, interrupting Torahs, making pandemonium and mayhem. Many were injured and some even lost their lives at his disbursal. One of the most likely grounds to why he resorted to violence to acquire his propaganda and thought across is because of his old brush with force when he was younger. That triggered a sense of pitilessness within him to really utilize a more aggressive attack in making things. He was a adult male that was true to his rules and beliefs. No 1 in his pack was allowed to take drugs. A mark of a adult male with good will and self-respect. But, the constabulary were non excessively pleased with his work, they did non look at him as person seeking to do a alteration, alternatively they saw him as a plague, a societal scumbag which should be thrown into gaol or even worse hung by his cervix until he died. Time and clip once more Botak Chin was lucky and cunning plenty to withstand the constabulary. Until one twenty-four hours, the jurisprudence eventually caught up with him. He was eventually caught and it was because he was betrayed by his ain right-hand adult male and his close friend, about like his brother, Seh Chai. One would reason that for a originator of such adept offenses, Botak Chin was foolish plenty to put so much trust in his best friend. However, he was still human, and as worlds, we need to organize relationships and bonds with others in order to maintain us sane. It was really clear Botak Chin was a adult male which placed extreme precedence in his work for he denied holding any intimate relationships with any adult females although he had many supporters all desiring to capture his cherished attending. However, non even one lady did. He told his head-shrinker ; Tan Sri Dr. Mahadevan that any sexual desires that he had within him was channeled into his work. This fuelled his work with a certain sum of passion and devotedness. Something like how a hubby would impart and show his love towards his married woman. The dedication towards what he did and what he worked was faultless. Such a complex head with many fascinating ideas ; this is the head of a sheer mastermind. Planing robberies in which he got off unharmed with booty amounting to shut to half a million was no easy effort. He was even skilled with pieces. So when we take a expression at things from a logical and analytical position, his amulet the Pidtta from Tok Raja did non play a critical function in his ill-famed success of ever acquiring out of danger unhurt and defying apprehension. Botak Chin did non necessitate much fortune, for he was ever pre-planning and re-thinking his moves maintaining him in front of the constabulary clip and clip once more. Botak Chin seemed unbeatable non because of some talisman but because he made full usage of his humor and he was cunning plenty to outwit the jurisprudence. After all that has been said and done, we have come to a concluding finding of fact after weighing both the good and bad workss of Botak Chin and taking into consideration every factor necessary, we feel that Botak Chin was so a good adult male. He was a adult male of honor and rules. He was a adult male with a good bosom. His purposes were good but his ways and methods of put to deathing his rules were incorrect. It is decidedly non acceptable to kill others at the disbursal of assisting people for it is non for adult male to make up ones mind who should populate and who should non. Hence, Botak Chin was non merely any condemnable, he was a good adult male ; but a good adult male who made incorrect determinations in his pursuit to assist people. After all he has done, he so ran a race, and what a race that was.

Trumans Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb Essays

Trumans Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb Essays Trumans Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb Essay Trumans Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb Essay Why did Truman use the atomic bomb against Japan? What did his decision say about priorities of American foreign policy? | Truman decision and reasons behind deployment of the atomic bomb| | Min Yong Jung| 11/2/2010| | Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, deployed the atomic bomb on Japan to ensure the end of the Pacific War with minimal US casualties. Upon rejection of the Potsdam Declaration and calls for unconditional surrender by the Japanese, the US in direct retaliation deployed the atomic weapon ‘Little Boy’ on the city of Hiroshima in August 6, 1945 and continued by bombing Nagasaki with ‘Fat Man’ on August 9th. The Allies had concluded the European front by capturing Berlin and defeating the remainder of Axis forces in May 1945. The Pacific front however remained and was different from combat in Europe; the ferocity of the Japanese to defend their homeland resulted in a higher level of casualties suffered by the US. Truman â€Å"never had any doubts†¦ had felt no qualms, about the atomic bombings because they forced an end to the war and saved American lives. †Thus in an effort to conclude the Pacific War, Truman deployed the Atomic Bomb in order to end the war that entrenched US resources and manpower for over 5 years and as a simple bonus to increase the bargaining capability of the US against the Soviet Union. The decision to deploy the atomic weapon was largely due to the fact that it would save the lives of American troops. Woodrow Wilson had been hailed as the man who kept the US out of a bloody First World War. US foreign policy of limiting casualties from war by whatever means necessary still exists in US foreign policy today, as it had back when Truman decided to deploy the atomic bomb. It is hard to measure the number of casualties for a war or an invasion that never occurred and the Pacific War in particular because of the fact that the Japanese were so fervent to fight until the last man, woman and child. The Joint War Plans Committee concluded that â€Å"the two phases of the invasion of Japan would cost about 46,000 American deaths and another 174,000 wounded and missing. † It is important to keep in mind that the battle of Okinawa resulted in â€Å"American casualties of 12,000 killed and missing and another 60,000 wounded† and the battle for Iwo Jima, â€Å"6,821 killed and nearly 20,000 wounded. † Truman and his advisors strenuously argued that the direct consequence of the atomic bomb was the ultimate surrender of the Japanese government and this achieved both US primary goals to both shorten the war and save American lives. Truman and his advisors decided on a course of action to limit American casualties whilst the Japanese, despite all claims that they were ready to surrender, were showing a level of intensity and ferocity in battle that the US troops had not encountered before. Thus it was impossible, whatever the pre-estimated figures of US casualties, to invade the mainland of Japan when military leaders of Japan decided that the â€Å"only course left is for Japan’s one hundred million people to sacrifice their lives by charging the enemy to make them lose the will to fight. The military leaders of Japan argued that â€Å"all man, woman, child and elderly would be drafted to fight the US troops, not to defeat it out right in battle but to ensure that increasing US casualties would bring about a turn in public sentiment† towards the war and thus ensure better terms for the post war Japan. The Japanese were both considered by the American public and fighting men to be racially inferio r but at the same time considered to be super human in battle. It was clear that the Japanese were running out of supplies and the military means to engage in successful battle. Thus they employed measures such as the Kamikaze pilots â€Å"The kamikazes were in many cases not effective†¦ But all too frequently they successfully carried out their missions. † The Kamikaze in direct translations means divine wind and is similar to the banzai charges that the army employed. Both shared similarities in that they were suicidal and not always effective in expelling the enemy but such military strategy emphasized Japan’s unwillingness to surrender. Japan with its long standing history of the Bushido code, emphasized the need for loyalty from its subjects. The Bushido code and determination of the Japanese leadership ensured the fact that an invasion into the mainland of Japan would provide high number of casualties for US troops and additionally â€Å"more exposure to an enemy that did not fear death which would bring about more results like the Indianapolis† on July 29th 1945, where the delivery of a Japanese torpedo resulted in the ship losing â€Å"880 of its crew of 1,196. † Thus the deployment of the two atomic bombs were not only necessary in that they would ensure the safety of US troops but it would also provide a shock factor to both the people and government of Japan. Air raid sirens had been turned off in Hiroshima, due to the fact that there were only several planes in the air. If one bomb and one plane could neutralize a city, there was little for the Japanese to do in defense against such a destructive weapon. Proponents of the argument that Truman was immoral in using the atomic bomb, constantly argue that the Japanese were depleted in their will and ability to wage war and were actively seeking chances to ending the war by means of diplomatic measures through peace feelers in the Soviet Union. The argument is one of those what if’s in history that can never be concluded by concrete measure. What the Truman administration and advisors were aware of was that the Japanese were determined to engage in battle with whatever resources they had available to them and the at the time Japanese peace efforts were not possible for them to comprehend as the Japanese Supreme Council itself was undecided on the matter and because of the need to attain unconditional surrender. Without unconditional surrender, Truman and his advisors felt they may be showing signs of weakness and thus emboldening the Japanese military who would view it as a sign of US weariness of war. If the United States appeared to weaken its demand in the wake of the difficulties its troops endured and the casualties they suffered during the Okinawa campaign, it would enhance the credibility of the argument that the Americans must be confronted with all-out resistance to the invasion of Japan. † The US and the world by this time identified the peace treaty of Versailles to be one of the leading causes of the Se cond World War. The Germans were not conquered and the reparation demands led to economic hardship that resulted in faith and support of an extremist Nazi party. Thus by giving in to the demands of the Japanese government the US felt they would encourage further aggression in the Pacific. The Office of War Information declared that Japan â€Å"will seek a compromise peace that will leave intact her present ruling clique and enough territory and industrial strength to begin again a career of aggressive expansion. † Truman, according to those close to him, was both fearful and nervous about expressing his own notion and thoughts into public policy. Thus he prioritized the need to keep in line with FDR’s policies and advisors. Because FDR championed the unconditional surrender and because the US public was adamant about it, Truman could not alter his course. James F. Byrnes, the secretary of state confided to his colleagues that a change in policy would bring about a domestic crucifixion of the president and this view was re-enforced by a Gallup poll that found â€Å"33 percent of those who responded thought the emperor should be executed and another 17 percent wanted to put him on trial; only 4 percent favored no punishment. If Truman gave into such demands, he would have faced harsh criticism from the US public, which could have resulted in decreasing his chances for re-election. The use of the atomic bomb provided a â€Å"diplomatic bonus† in that Truman would be able to strengthen his bargaining position with the Soviets after the war. Truman’s predecessor Franklin D. Roosevelt concluded the Yalta Conference with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin in Feb. 1945. At the Yalta Conference Stalin emphasized Soviet interests in rebuilding â€Å"its devastated economy, possessions in Asia, influence over Poland, and a Germany so weakened it could never again march eastward. † With the instability created after the Second World War, Revisionists of the argument on Truman’s use of the atomic bomb believed that US deployed the atomic bomb in a demonstration to ward off Soviet interest in the regions highlighted at the Yalta Conference. After witnessing the course of the war and the successful Island Hopping campaign, where the Japanese were left to â€Å"wither on the vine† Truman believed that the Japanese government would surrender without having to create a second front and the use of the atomic bomb would not only shorten the war but also prevent Soviet interest and influence in Asia and ultimately shock the Soviet Union in the post war international arena, where the US could influence matters of interest through newly created international agencies that it dominated. Churchill noted the difference of Truman after the testing of the plutonium bomb in Almogordo. â€Å"He was a changed man who told the Russians just where they got on and off and generally bossed the whole meeting. † The atomic bomb provided Truman, who had unexpectedly assumed presidency, with a confidence boost in dealing with foreign policy issues. The deployment of the bomb ultimately resulted in what the US had aimed for it to achieve. It ended the war with Japan and saved numerous US troops from Japan’s suicidal Banzai attacks and Kamikaze pilots. The bomb had shocked Joseph Stalin who remarked â€Å"Hiroshima has shaken the whole world†¦ The balance has been destroyed. † The Soviets were startled by the deployment of the atomic bomb and expedited their own process of building a similar weapon of mass destruction. When one considers the fact that the US were aware of other nation’s capabilities of producing an atomic weapon, the argument that the deployment of the bomb was to deter Soviet interests in future situations is not entirely persuasive due to the fact that the Soviets would soon have such capabilities. The US considered the Soviet issue a â€Å"diplomatic bonus† as they would only have this advantage for a short period of time. Ultimately the deployment of the atomic bomb under Truman’s guidance was influenced by the fact that it would bring an immediate end to the war with minimal casualties and provide a short term diplomatic advantage over the Soviet Union. The fact that unlike the First World War where the death of civilians on board the Maine and other civilians caught in the line of fire were considered unacceptable, the consensus shifted into considering that non-military deaths were considered acceptable. General Curtis E. LeMay, upon taking charge of the fire bombings in Japan, commanded that â€Å"there are no innocent civilians† and looked for ways to improve the effect of fire bombing on wooden Japanese cities. With the morality of the atomic bomb being deployed on Japan taken out of the equation, there was no incentive for Truman to not bomb Japan, which could ultimately raise the question of him being an incompetent commander at a later date when US casualty tolls increased and public sentiment against him. Work Cited Page * Hershberg, James G. Harvard to Hiroshima and the making of the nuclear age. New York: Alfred A. Knope. 1993. Pg. 290 * Walker, J. Samuel. Prompt Utter Destruction, The University of North Carolina Press. 1997,2004. * Paterson, Thomas G. American Foreign Relations. Boston: Wadsworth, 1895. Print. * Leapfrogging(strategy). Wikipedia. org. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Leapfrogging_(strategy)  #cite_note-2 * Hershberg. Lecture [ 1 ]. Hershberg, James G. Harvard to Hiroshima and the making of the nuclear age. New York: Alfred A. Knope. 1993. Pg. 290. [ 2 ]. Walker, J. Samuel. Prompt Utter Destruction, The University of North Carolina Press. 997,2004. Pg. 38 [ 3 ]. Walker. Pg. 32 [ 4 ]. Walker Pg. 24 [ 5 ]. Walker Pg 30 [ 6 ]. Hershberg. Lecture [ 7 ]. Walker Pg 32 [ 8 ]. Hershberg. Lecture [ 9 ]. Walker Pg. 73 [ 10 ]. Walker Pg. 45 [ 11 ]. Walker Pg. 46 [ 12 ]. Walker Pg. 85 [ 13 ]. Walker Pg. 46 [ 14 ]. Paterson, Thomas G. American Foreign Relations. Boston: Wads worth, 1895. Print. 230 [ 15 ]. Paterson. Pg. 206 [ 16 ]. Leapfrogging(strategy). Wikipedia. org. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Leapfrogging_(strategy)#cite_note-2 [ 17 ]. Walker Pg. 63 [ 18 ]. Walker. Pg. 81. [ 19 ]. Walker Pg. 27

Environmental Effects of Plastic Water Bottles Essay

Environmental Effects of Plastic Water Bottles - Essay Example Research shows that approximately 18 million barrels of oil are used every year to manufacture plastic bottles in the US. It is also estimated that almost 3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide are generated from the production process. Other studies indicate that approximately 3 billion of plastic bottles are disposed of in the landfill. Less than 15% of the plastic bottles are recycled. As a result, the disposal cost for plastic waste is estimated at $100 million inclusive of the transport, collection, and litter removal cost.According to Dobkin, & Weigand, recycling of plastic bottles will ensure that the funds used for disposal are directed to more pressing issues such as the maintenance of public water infrastructure.Despite the availability of recycling infrastructures for plastic bottles, according to Hopewell, Dvorak, & Kosior, (2009), 85% of the plastic water bottles still end up in the landfills. Approximately 20 billion plastic bottles are disposed of in the landfills. Ea ch plastic bottle takes up over 500 years to decompose. The landfills are not only filled with plastic bottles, Li, et al., suggests that over 20 billion glass bottles that never decomposes also end up in the landfills. The chemical compounds used to manufacture the plastic bottles can have devastating effects on the human health. Studies show that plastic bottles used by most households are commonly made from polycarbonate compound. The compounds are usually released in the liquid stored in the container.

Classical and Operant Conditioning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Classical and Operant Conditioning - Essay Example The following morning, they once again decide to get their exercise (UR) by walking (US) the same route of the past two days, only this time they enter the gymnasium to look around and make some queries. The fourth morning, they once again decide to walk (US) down Leon Avenue; and as was the case yesterday, they enter the gymnasium. This time, however, they become members (CR) having decided to use this facility for their exercising. The next morning and many mornings thereafter, the gymnasium (CS) is the place they go for their exercise (CR). This student has also chosen an activity for operant conditioning; namely, studying. A psychology professor has a double period every Friday. On some of those Fridays, the professor will, at the beginning of the second period, ask the students to study (desired behavior) the material from the first period, telling them they are free to ask him questions about the material that they did not understand. Some students do as asked, while others do not. Then, approximately 15 minutes before the end of study period a quiz is given. Those who studied, invariably obtain a good mark on the quiz, which serves as a positive reinforcement for their studying behavior. As students who studied keep receiving good quiz grades (positive reinforcement), it strengthens the desired response (studying) and increases the chance that it will keep on happening (Morris, 1976). Social and cultural environments actually act as powerful classical and operant conditioners. The class is one cultural indicator (Benchmarks on Line). If a person is born into a class (e.g. upper middle class) where diligent studying and resulting good grades are highly valued, a student will be praised and often also rewarded with tangible items such as a bicycle, camp, a skiing holidays, and so forth.

Effective Strategies Essay Example for Free

Effective Strategies Essay â€Å"Some unions feel that the organization does not compensate its members fairly, or that the organizational working conditions are less than desirable. Conversely, some employers feel that unions interfere with management decisions and impede on a positive relationship between managers and employees. There may be some truth to both perceptions† (Ashford University). I will provide a â€Å"†¦detailed explanation of the effective strategies an organization can implement to create and maintain a conducive working relationship with unions, as well as the effective strategies a union can implement to create and maintain a conducive working relationship with management† (Ashford University). I will begin by briefly describing the role of management in an organization. Management is responsible for the smooth running of the company. Keeping employees happy on the job would be one of the duties involved. Keeping up with industry standards and always moving forward with innovation, while heeding all safety regulations and laws. Working with and not against the flow of the operation to be successful while making a profit is where management can soar. Secondly I will briefly discuss the role of a union in an organization. A basic requirement of unions is that members give up their individual rights (e.g., raises based on performance) to benefit the collective (e.g., cost of living increases to all employees). Is this equitable and fair? Well members of unions negotiate as a group with the employer and this ensures more power than if they were just alone on their own. While it has been documented that union employees make 27 percent more than nonunion workers. Ninety-two percent of union workers have job-related health coverage versus 68 percent for nonunion workers. Union workers also have a great advantage over nonunion workers in securing guaranteed pensions (howstuffworks.com). This is the bright side of union membership, so it seems that giving up rights to obtain these advantages would be sound advice. In my opinion if the union performs the duties the member/employee signed up for, then yes it would be equitable and fair to give up their rights. On the other hand if the union  performed poorly in its duties, I would consider leaving for another position elsewhere. Some of the positives that involve unions would be the capitalist ideas that make this country what it is today. Unions are there for each employee who is represented by them and protected in the work place from unfair tactics. â€Å"Capitalism is directed towards the pursuit of profits and unions are directed towards the rights of workers.† The way these opposing viewpoints can be advantageous, yet destructive, to the business community depends on the way they balance the two. A profits interest is often referred to as a carried interest. A profits interest is typically given as a reward for the performance of services (myllcagreement.com) This method serves as an incentive for partners to become more proactive in pursuing bigger and better profits thus contributing towards the companies growth (investopedia.com). Growth is essential to the success of the business and the union, without losing sight of the interests of the employee (member). Growth indicates a profit is made and a company should hold in high esteem the people who made this so. So as a company grows it should ensure the employees are happy and treated fairly. They should not lose sight of the bottom line which is the business itself: them and the employees. Unions step up to make sure the employee is treated right with fair conditions and proper raises as the company moves forward. The destructive issue could occur if the employee was not rewarded as the profits increased. An unhappy employee will make for an unsuccessful business. There are some downsides to unions. Let me first say that strikes are a big part of what could possibly be the one downside, if issues do not work for the benefit of the employee represented. Although strikes were intended to get management’s attention, â€Å"The incidence of strikes has been almost steadily decreasing, and strikes now consume a minuscule portion of total working time—in the neighborhood of one-twentieth of 1 percent in most recent years† (Sloane, 2010, pg. 4). Many times a settlement takes place which will avert a strike and this is when both sides reach a compromise. If a strike ensues only a percentage of employees’ wages are paid, if they participate in picket duty. But, â€Å"For most unionized employees who agree to strike: †¢They stop getting a paycheck. †¢Their family’s healthcare and dental benefits are suspended. †¢They are not  eligible to receive state unemployment benefits. †¢Their job can be filled with a replacement worker.  Ã¢â‚¬ ¢Their job can be impacted in the future, if there is a loss of customers during the strike† (cintasfreedomtochoose.com). Depending on the results of the strike, winning or losing could alter the reputation of the union and also of the employer, for better or worse depending on the results. Appropriate circumstances where a strike would be an appropriate bargaining tactic would be when a failure to communicate occurs and further negotiations need to happen. A total breakdown in communication is most always when strikes occur. Sometimes though strikes occur in an inappropriate manner and this is when the employee suffers. It is when this happens or when the public welfare is affected that a strike would be deemed inappropriate. There are many global major players are union run, I realistically know that we would be in a world of trouble without them, in example: AFL-CIO and the SEIU. To be honest with you I have the impression that unions such as these actually perform better on a political platform. With all the money and power there comes responsibility, and more often than not we hear about the corruption unions flex influencing (lobbying) individuals in the position to pass laws with ‘dark money’. â€Å"Dark Money? AFL-CIO accused of campaigning without disclosing† (watchdog.org). This in no way seems to be connected with the absolute values unions initially professed, which was to stand up for the worker and give strength to the small guy. Now as things have progressed, the red tape becomes likened to fly paper, very sticky. Unions favorably represent the needs of the higher ups and I give again the article in our Course Materials about the ‘Bitter Bargain’. The bigger the union size the less likely the small guy’s needs will be met, since large money/power weld negative actions. But with a small union it becomes an intimate task to please your members and therefore a more positive vibe is felt. â€Å"Selected Evidence About Globalization’s Impact on the U.S. Labor Market Effects on Overall Incomes and Wages† (dol.gov) is another issue that affects the bottom line of the globally competitive work environment. Free trade influences the profits or losses/jobs or unemployment of this country. It makes one wonder if this is not why large unions have become much like a small country with a government playing king of the hill. I will present two strategies/actions an organization can  implement to create and maintain a conducive, working relationship with unions. Employers set the pay scale for each job and two strategies/actions they implement to keep the peace with union members is to use the comparative norm strategy and the ability-to-pay (cost of living increase). There are different circumstances where it would be more appropriate for an organization to follow the comparative norm strategy to determine an employees wage rate, versus the ability-to-pay or the cost of living strategy. Depending on the industry the employee is in will be the determining factor in whether the employer has the capabilities to meet economic demands. There are classifications in the different industries, and even subgroups within the different industries. Another factor at work that divides the comparative norm would be job titles. Each place of work has a different description for job titles and they vary greatly, so in many situations a certain wage would not be appropriate for employees at different work places with the same title. Wage systems are another way that the comparative norm may not work, since the pay may be ‘by hour’, incentive systems paid individually, and group incentive systems. Benefits cannot go unnoticed and are a part of the pay system. Depending on where you live in the nation may also have an impact on the wage an employee is given (i.e. cost of living differences). Typically the minimum wage increase I have experience with would be the annual 4% cost of living wage, and this is in the American south west states. Profits made by the company you work for hold major criterion on the ability to pay a cost of living increase. In the engineering world in which I worked as a drafter for over 30 years competition to obtain the best workers and keep them is all based on wages and benefits. If some other company wanted to pull you away from your employer, they would offer more money and/or better benefits. I can recall a time when my wages were increased significantly when another company made me an offer. Finally, I will present a minimum of two strategies/actions a union can implement to create and maintain a conducive, working relationship with management. Grievances and arbitration are two of the main strategies/actions that keep the peace while a member of a union. â€Å"Grievance legal definition: A claim by a union or a unionized employee that a collective bargaining agreement has been breached†¦. The formal document in which a union claims that the employer has breached the collective  bargaining agreement and for which, arbitration is convened† (duhaime.org). The way the use of the grievance and arbitration processes and procedures can enhance the relationship between a union and management is that is can reach a position that both parties can find common ground and satisfaction. Where this same effort can be destructive is when the breakdown in trust and commitment fall into place where once the opposite was true. Monetary losses occur at this point and sometimes the union fails to properly represent the employee and resentment occurs. When â€Å"†¦confusion and uncertainty in the area of employer–employee relations† (Sloane, 2010, pg. 217) occurs, both parties lose. In conclusion, we all know that unions have their place in our society and can be run using effective strategies that have proven to work in the past and changing those strategies as new ideas surface in the workplace, effectively. There is a place for unions and people who would benefit from them. In assessing the changing complexion of the U.S. labor force two things come to mind: baby boomers and immigrants. Why, because these types of workers may find unionization attractive. New retirees and new citizens might be looking for jobs where unions have a foothold: like grocers. Do not forget the fiasco with the strikers in California who fought for 5 months and got something unwanted. â€Å"United Food and Commercial Workers’ Union†¦ The ratified contract contains no raises for the 70,000 supermarket workers it covers, but it does preserve most health benefits for current employees. However, new workers will receive lower wages and fewer benefits. Many workers said they voted for the contract reluctantly. The lengthy labor dispute took an emotional and financial toll† (Bitter Bargain). This will be copied, presumably, by fellow unions, and it leads to a running comment that unions no longer provide for the common worker as its mission statement once led its members to believe. Leaving citizens with less money in their pocket when benefits are not included on payday will erode the backbone of unions. It used to be 35% of American workers belonged to a union in 1959, now a fraction of that is true. Additionally predictions have commented that some baby boomers will exit the workforce leading to a â€Å"lower (the) overall labor force participation rate, leading to a slowdown in the growth of the labor force† (Toossi). This comes from the other side of the podium in the in the debate of how labor force will be affected. The complexion of America has changed and without changing for the better, I  fear unions will run their course, or transform into a totally new idea, without all the corruption that comes with power and money. Unions are here to stay and change is on the way if using effective strategies are on the agenda. References Retrieved from article by Mitra Toossi: http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2005/11/art3full.pdf` Bitter Bargain: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/business/jan-june04/strike_3-1.html# Retrieved from: http://www.dol.gov/oasam/programs/history/herman/reports/futurework/conference/trends/trendsVI.htm Sloane, A., Witney, F. (2010). Labor relations. (13th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. Pearson Learning Solutions. VitalBook file. Retrieved from: http://watchdog.org/131467/money-afl-cio-union/ Retrieved from: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/profits-interest.asp Retrieved from: http://www.myllcagreement.com/relevant-articles/what_is_the_difference_between_profits_interest_and_capital_interest.html Retrieved from: http://money.howstuffworks.com/labor-union2.htm Retrieved from: http://www.cintasfreedomtochoose.com/strikes.asp Retrieved from: http://www.duhaime.org/LegalDictionary/G/Grievance.aspx

Revenge in Shakespeares The Tempest Essay -- The Tempest Essays

Revenge in Shakespeare's The Tempest The nucleus of the plot in Shakespeare's The Tempest revolves around Prospero enacting his revenge on various characters who have wronged him in different ways. Interestingly enough, he uses the spirit of Ariel to deliver the punishments while Prospero delegates the action. Prospero is such a character that can concoct methods of revenge but hesitates to have direct involvement with disillusioning his foes. In essence, Prospero sends Ariel to do his dirty work while hiding his involvement in shipwrecking his brother, Antonio, from his daughter, Miranda. Prospero, the "rightful" duke of Milan, primarily seeks revenge against two people, Antonio and Caliban. But, Prospero allows his anger toward them to trickle to the other castaways on the island. He encourages Ariel to separate Sebastian, Duke Alonso's brother, from his son Ferdinand during the raging sea storm, causing Sebastian to assume his son has drowned. (1.2.213-224) The other "drunkards" on the island also feel the brunt of Prospero's revenge against Caliban when Ariel tempts them with a banquet stocked with alcohol and then disillusions them into thinking the banquet was a figment of their imagination. (2.1) But why the tendency toward revenge in the first place? What was it about the personality and mental disposition of Prospero that caused him to lust for revenge against his brother, Antonio? And Caliban. Why couldn't Prospero overlook his social naà ¯vetà © when it came to handling a woman? (1.2.350) In this portion of the website, I will examine those questions and attempt to provide an answer and an insight into the psychology of Prospero. Further, I will examine the relationship between Pr... ...Melancholia in English Literature from 1508 to 1642. East Lansing, Michigan: Michigan-State University Press. 1951. 2. Bowers, Fredson. Elizabethan Revenge Tragedy. Princeton University Press. 1940. 3. Burton, Robert. The Anatomy of Melancholy. Oxford, England: Clarendon Press. 1990. 4. Dillon, Janette. Shakespeare and the Solitary Man. Totowa, NJ: Rowman and Littlefield. 1981. 5. Draper, John W. The Humors and Shakespeare's Characters. New York: AMS Press. 1965. 6. Hallett, Charles A. and Elaine S. The Revenger's Madness. Lincoln, NB: University of Nebraska Press. 1980. 7. Kahn, Coppe`lia. Man's Estate: Masculinity Identity in Shakespeare. Berkeley, Los Angeles: University of California Press. 1981. 8. Jardine, Lisa. Still Harping on Daughters. Sussex: The Harvester Press. 1983.

Exploring the Relationship Between Mother and Baby Essay

Exploring the relationship between mother and baby in the NICU in relation to nursing support. Abstract Aim -To explore the effect of interaction related to care-giving and information exchange between nurses and mothers in relation to maternal stress and maternal-infant relationship in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) throughout the hospital stay. Background – Mothers in the NICU experience depression, anxiety, stress, and loss of control, and they fluctuate between feelings of inclusion and exclusion related to the provision of health care to their neonate. This literature review helps to identify nursing interventions that promote positive outcomes between mother and baby by reducing maternal feelings of stress and anxiety. Search Method – A literature search covering the period 2008-2012 was conducted. Five articles reporting both quantitative and qualitative studies relative to the subject were retrieved. Findings – Findings reveal that positive and trustful relationships between nurses and mothers develop when nurses communicate and interact with mothers. This alleviated mother’s anxiety and enhanced their confidence when interacting with their baby. Discussion – Critical analysis as well as strengths and weaknesses of the relative journals reviewed is given together with useful recommendations that emerge from the evidence. Conclusion – The literature reviewed shows that nurse-mother interaction improves mother-infant relationship. In turn, this will eventually assist in decreasing maternal stress and improve the maternal well-being. INTRODUCTION Mothers develop attachment to their baby during pregnancy, which continues and develops more fully after the child is born (Cleveland 2009). However, the pathway to becoming a mother is threatened with the admission of the baby to the NICU. This occurs due to the unfamiliar and intimidating environment of the NICU (Obeidat et al 2009). During the initial admission parents can believe that the healthcare team is more able to care for their baby and this can instill feelings of inadequacy (Cockfort 2011). As a result, maternal attachment may be delayed by the lack of socialisation between mother and baby as most of the care is done by nurses (Cleveland 2009). DeRouck and Leys (2009), found that the parents of an infant admitted to the NICU face challenges including access to information, disclosure about the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of their newborn, as well as a lack of control over the care of their newborn. Adding to this distress is the uncertainty of survival or the eventual impact of the infant’s condition on later health and well-being. In addition, feeling guilty to mother an unhealthy infant creates fear of social prejudice. Further, the structure of the NICU places significant barriers on mothers’ abilities to enact the parental role since decision-making and the daily care of the infant is taken over by medical and nursing staff restricting interactions with the babies stripping off their maternal authority (Cleveland 2009). In fact, when babies are in the NICU, traditional conceptualizations of the parental role are altered. The situation demands heightened parental participation while simultaneously placing severe restrictions on parental involvement. In response, parents need to negotiate this tension and traditional definitions of the parental role, which must be continually redefined throughout their experience What emerges is that the predominant source of distress is inability of the mother to protect the infant from pain and provide appropriate pain management. (Fenwick et al 2008). A lot of procedures cause pain in the neonate creating concerns for the mother, starting from peripheral cannulas, indwelling catheters and intubation to mention a few. In intubated babies, even though morphine infusions are administered, the baby still shows signs of distress during nursing times. In this case, we administer a small bolus of pain relief prior to nursing so that the baby would be more comfortable. Conversely, Fenwick et al (2008) describes factors that contribute to parents’ satisfaction in the NICU. These include; assurance and psychological support, the provision of consistent information, education, environmental follow-up care, appropriate pain management, and parental participation and proximity, as well as physical and spiritual support. Therefore, it is imperative that nurses should do their best to improve the mothers’ sense of confidence, competence and connection with her infant through guided participation (Domanico et al 2011). Johnson (2008) notes that skin-to-skin holding or kangaroo care promotes maternal-infant feelings of closeness, builds maternal confidence, and may be a stress-reducing experience for both the mother and infant. Hence the importance of providing the opportunity for kangaroo care to occur. Hunt (2008), notes that KMC is also crucial to stabilize parameters, such as cardio-respiratory parameters whilst being beneficial for maintaining body temperature. They add that even the incidence of nosocomial sepsis and the duration of hospital stay decreased with practicing KMC. In addition, Ali et al., (2009), found that Kangaroo mother care also showed positive outcomes towards practicing exclusive breastfeeding. Cockfort (2011) notes that, continuity of care needs to be ensured hence the importance of documentation. Therefore, it is suggested that handover should not be rushed, whilst a more comprehensive handover can ensure the smooth transition of care for staff and the family. When parents ask questions relating to their baby they feel assured in the competency of staff when information has been passed on correctly. When information is not shared effectively parents can lose trust and the partnership breaks down. In Malta, even though handover of 2 consecutive days is given, conflicting advice is still given at times due to the nurses’ different view-points. Consequently, this requires ward meetings in order to clarify important issues so that advice given and practice is consistent. In Malta, about 373 babies are admitted yearly (Grech et al 2012). In view of the benefits discussed, nurses should do their utmost to improve the overall experience of the mothers of such babies. Search Method A review of published research consisted of the following steps; broad reading to determine areas of focus, identification of inclusion and exclusion criteria, literature search (appendix 1) and retrieval, critical appraisal and analysis of the research evidence and synthesis of evidence. Evidence was reviewed with the aims of identifying barriers that affect the motherinfant interaction within the neonatal intensive care unit and how nurses can actively support attachment. Articles were included if the setting was primarily in a neonatal intensive care unit (neonatal unit or neonatal intensive care unit) and the participants were mothers of infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units or nurses working within that setting. In addition, All articles were critically analyzed with two primary questions in mind: (a) What are the needs of parents in the NICU? (b) What nursing behaviors support parents in meeting these needs? Articles were also included if they were primary research studies published between 2008 and 2012 and written in the English language. Primary and secondary literature searches were conducted through the EBSCO, ERIC, Sciencedirect and Medline databases. The primary search terms included â€Å"NICU,† â€Å"Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,† â€Å"family support,† â€Å"communication,† â€Å"nurse† and â€Å"early intervention.† The secondary literature search terms included â€Å"nursing support,† â€Å"efficacy,† â€Å"family,† â€Å"communication,† â€Å"support†, â€Å"neonatal† and â€Å"Kangaroo Mother Care†. These terms were used and utilised in all possible combinations to perform an extensive literature search of the above mentioned electronic databases. Thirdly, a review of references was conducted of the identified articles for any further studies. Eighteen articles were found through the search. Six studies met the inclusion criteria of which, 3 were qualitative and 3 quantitative (appendix 2). The subject was limited to the last 5 years. This time frame helps in the getting the most recent experiences since NICU is a changing environment especially as regards to technology which effects the mothers as well as the nurses. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were found. Both qualitative and quantitative research was conducted to identify what is known about the needs of NICU parents and what behaviours support these parents. Both methods of research were included because of the potential for each to contribute to a more complete understanding of this topic. In selecting a research design, researchers should be guided by one overarching consideration: whether the design does the best possible job of providing trustworthy answers to the research questions. One needs to note that both studies have limitations (Cottrell & McKenzie, 2011). In quantitative research, the researcher’s aim is to determine the relationship between one variable (an independent variable) and another (a dependent or outcome variable) in a population (Morrow 2009). In contrast to quantitative designs, qualitative designs do not result in numerical data for statistical analysis (Schira, 2009). In qualitative methods, researchers are interested in interpreting social phenomena and exploring the meanings that people attach to their experiences (Polit and Beck 2010). Moreover, views, attitudes and behaviours may be explored (Wood & Kerr, 2011), through grounded theory as it develops theories that are â€Å"grounded† in the group’s observable experiences, but researchers add their own insight into why those experiences exist. Findings Table 1 includes information about the 5 studies that met the inclusion criteria . Once an infant is admitted into an NICU, many factors account for parental stress. Admission of the infant to the NICU places mothers in a stressful situation where they must cope with the NICU environment and its associated demands. In the study conducted by Parker (2011), a grounded theory approach was used to understand feeling and stressors of 11 mothers whose new-borns were in the NICU. It was found that the early days shock and numbness accompanied feelings of none or little control over their lives. Moreover, all mothers described feeling unprepared for the premature delivery and the sight of their baby in the NICU. Comparative results were found by Lee et al (2009), with regards to the shock experienced with the initial sight of the baby. Everyday unpredictable changes occur leaving no time for adjustment or preparation. Constant fears about the life and death of the baby do not subside and several mothers spoke about their experience of always anticipating the death of the baby. These findings are also reflected in my clinical setting when mothers would be recounting their experience once the baby’s condition improves. This is in line with the findings of Fenwick et al (2009) and Lee et al (2009). In addition, the findings imply that the positive reassurance of the effects of a positive and caring environment and support network between parents and nurses in the NICU is not always evident among every unit. Nicholas-Sargent (2009) found that assurance is the most important aspect to be fulfilled. Her quantitative study of 46 mothers found that the length of stay in the NICU and mothers’ information needs were found to be significantly inversely correlated. Therefore, this suggests that the longer an infant remains hospitalized in the NICU, the less emphasis the mother places on receiving information about the infant’s condition. This shows that the needs of the mothers in the NICU can change over time. My observations match these findings since mothers familiarise themselves and adapt to the situation. Moreover, they would eventually want to be successful with the care of the baby. This is reflected in the grounded theory analysis conducted by Fenwick et al (2008), using semi-structured interviews. They found that the nurse-mother relationship had the potential to significantly affect how women perceived their connection to the infant and their confidence in caring for their infant which occurred through a three way interaction. Being successful in their desire to care for the baby, engendered feelings associated with being a ‘‘real’’ mother. However, not all women in this study were able to successfully employ these strategies. In the situation where the mother perceived herself as ‘‘quiet and unassertive’’, and in a position without any power, it was very difficult to gain the confidence needed in order to be able to openly question, negotiate and direct the care of her infant. Therefore, it is very important to identify these mothers in order to help them by giving them continuous reassurance. This would particularly be required when the situation changes from support needing to encouragement in participation. Lee et al (2009) found that mothers received support from the healthcare professionals and the social networks that mothers made. These helped to create the connections that developed between the mothers and infants making their journey towards parenthood possible. They discovered that challenges are further compounded in Taiwan, where women are traditionally required to practice the cultural ritual which includes confinement to the house with a special balanced diet for the first month postnatal. Lee et al (2009) used the grounded theory approach with in-depth interviews and constant comparison. All interviews were audio-taped and notes were made during and immediately after the interview concerning actions and body language of the mother during the interview. The finding of this study further indicated that the initial sight of the life-support equipment was shocking. The technological environment created a fearful atmosphere, and the medical equipment attached to their infants caused the mothers further physical separation. The mothers indicated that they were so afraid of the equipment that it took them a long time to be able to participate in their infants’ care. In turn, this hampered them from establishing positive mother–infant interactions. Chiu and Anderson (2008), found that preterm births often negatively influence mother–infant interaction due to lack of physical contact. In addition, they found that skin-to skin contact post-birth has positive effects on infant development. These researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) using questionnaires for data collection. In addition, mothers were further video-taped during a feeding session. Ali et al., (2009),highlight the importance of kangaroo care in their RCT where the researchers conducted their study with one hundred and fourteen infants. This study showed that the infants exposed to kangaroo mother care had an increase in rectal temperature compared to conventional care, therefore having a decreased risk of hypothermia. The mean temperature during kangaroo mother care was of 37 degrees Celsius while the mean temperature during conventional care was of 36.7 degrees Celsius. The data collected was through posted questionnaires. Discussion In the 3 qualitative studies found, the data was collected through interviews of which 2 were semi-structured while 1 was unstructured. Parker (2011), Fenwick et al (2008) and Lee et al (2008), used the Grounded theory approach. However, while Parker and Fenwick use semi-structured interviews, Lee uses unstructured interviews. In semi-structured interviews there is a topic guide with list of areas or questions to be covered with each respondent. This technique ensures that researchers will obtain all the information required, and gives respondents the freedom to respond in their own words, provide as much detail as they wish, and offer illustrations and explanations. Lee et al (2009) uses ground theory approach but incorporated with unstructured interviews. Unstructured interviews also known as are flexible but are more time-consuming than semi-structured since the interviewer listens and does not take the lead. The interviewer listens to what the interviewee has to say. The interviewee leads the conversation (Wood & Ross-Kerr, 2011). However, anonymity for confidentiality which is of utmost importance is not possible. When using unstructured interviews, the researchers have to be able to establish rapport with the participant. The reason is that the interviewers have to be trusted if someone is to reveal intimate life information. This may lead to interviewee bias. Also, it is important to realise that unstructured interviewing can produce a great deal of data which can be difficult to analyse. Lee et al (2008) and Fenwick et al (2008) conducted the interviews themselves while Parker (2011) did not, thus reducing the bias. However, interviewer bias occurs even if someone else is conducting the interview. The number of mothers in the study of Lee et al (2008) was adequate since with in-depth interviews 20 participants are enough. However, to account for the small sample, more interviews and observations were done with the same participants in order to reach theoretical saturation. Usually informants are selected for in-depth interviews in a purposive manner questioning the generalizability of the results (Wood & Kerr, 2011). A major controversy among grounded theory researchers relates to whether to follow the original Glaser and Strauss procedures or to use the adapted procedures of Strauss and Corbin (Polit & Beck 2010). Grounded theory method according to Glaser emphasizes induction or emergence, and the individual researcher’s creativity within a clear frame of stages, while Strauss is more interested in validation criteria and a systematic approach. Parker (2011) uses the original Glaser and Strauss (1967) paradigm while Lee et al (2008) and Fenwick et al (2008) use Strauss and Corbin (1998) procedures. One of the fundamental features of the grounded theory approach is that data collection, data analysis, and sampling of study participants occur simultaneously. A procedure referred to as constant comparison is used to develop and refine theoretically relevant categories. Categories elicited from the data are constantly compared with data obtained earlier in the data collection process so that commonalities and variations can be determined. As data collection proceeds, the inquiry becomes increasingly focused on emerging theoretical concerns. All 3 studies use constant comparison. All the above 3 studies use audio-taping for data collection except for Fenwick et al (2008) who used field note documentation as well. Audio-taping enables eye contact to be maintained and to have a complete record for analyses, however, some interviewees may be nervous of tape-recorders. On the contrary, in note taking on the other hand, a lot of eye contact is lost unless a type of short-hand is learnt. However, the interviewer will have plenty of useful quotations for report when transcribing the interview. Randomized controlled trials consist of a complete experimental test of a new intervention, involving the random assignment of a large and varied sample to different groups (Polit & Beck, 2010). The intention of an RCT is to arrive to a judgment as to whether the novelty of an intervention is more effective than the traditional intervention (Polit & Beck, 2010). This intention was well noticed throughout the RCTs chosen by Ali etal., (2009). Wood & Kerr, (2011) sustain that RCTs are the most rigorous method to determine a cause-effect relationship between the treatment and the outcome. Furthermore, RCTs were also described as the gold standard trial for evaluating the effectiveness of a clinical intervention ((Muijs 2010). One of the primary aims of RCTs is to prevent selection bias by distributing the patient, randomly between the two groups, so that the difference in the outcome and results can be justified and attributed only to the intervention under study. Thus, through random selection there is a better balancing of any confounding factors, therefore creating similarity between the groups (Cottrell & McKenzie, 2010). In effect in this literature review, RCTs were found to be useful and beneficial to compare the effect of KMC and conventional care on the physiological aspects of the infant. Ali et al., (2009) chose to add blocking to randomisation so as to ensure a better balance in the number of infants allocated in the groups. These groups were randomized through simple randomization and the disruption of groups was achieved by delivering a concealed envelope technique. Through random sampling, Polit & Beck (2010) explain that each element in the population has an equivalent, autonomous chance of being chosen. However, this design is not used frequently as it is lengthy and may be expensive (Wood & Kerr, 2011). Chiu and Anderson (2008), use mixed methods of data collection by using both questionnaires and video-taped interviews. The use of multiple sources or referents to draw conclusions about what constitutes the truth is called triangulation. This is one approach in establishing credibility as it enables the researcher to counteract the weaknesses in both designs. The use of video-taping provides the most comprehensive recording of an interview since it captures body language, facial expressions and interaction (Gerrish and Lacey 2010). However the interviewee may become uncomfortable and act differently than in normal circumstances questioning the reliability of the data collected. In addition, questionnaires are the main research tools used in quantitative research. They are very advantageous as they can be constructed in such a way as to meet the objectives of almost any research project. In the Family Needs Inventory used by Nicholas-Sargent (2009), the ‘not applicable’ part was removed from the Likert scale in order to report definite opinions. Questionnaires can measure the participants’ factual knowledge about a certain subject or an idea or else they can be used to explore opinions, attitudes or behaviours (McNabb, 2008). Moreover, questionnaires are also less expensive than most other research instruments and are also less time-consuming . Self-administered questionnaires provide the participants with anonymity, and responses are not affected by the interviewer’s mood or presence (Wood & Ross-Kerr, 2011). On the other hand, the main disadvantage of questionnaires is that there is a high possibility of a poor response rate since some questions are ignored, misinterpreted, incorrectly completed or inadequately detailed (Polit and Beck 2010). The RCT of Chiu and Anderson (2009) and Ali etal. (2009),, is one of the most powerful tools of research where people are allocated at random to receive one of several clinical interventions. However RCT’s are vulnerable to multiple types of bias at all stages of their workspan (Geretsegger et al 2012). Hence the need to establish validity and reliability. In the study done by both Ali etal.,(2009) and Chiu and Anderson (2009),the researchers increase the rigor on the study by using a large number of participants. In addition, Chiu and Anderson (2009) use the Nursing Child Assessment Satellite Training Program (NCAST) Feeding and Teaching scales. Nicholas-Sargent (2009), improved the rigour by using the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI), as a framework for the FNI. CCFNI has been thoroughly reported with results indicating internal consistency and construct validity (Gerrish and Lacey 2010). Despite this, Nicholas-Sargent (2009), use a small scale study and therefor e the results cannot be generalized. Limitations In the study done by Lee et al (2008), the data were only collected from one hospital in this present study causing generalisability of the results to be low. Moreover, the sample was restricted to those who did not have additional social, cultural or medical circumstances to consider. Moreover, coding was done by researcher itself and this might have caused some bias. Both Nicholas-Sargent (2009) and Parker (2011) use small scale studies but these were qualitative studies. Therefore, to a certain extent the findings cannot be generalized across the population of families involved with the NICU. In addition, Parker (2011) uses a retrospective study, which might have been subject to bias in recalling information. There was absence of pilot study in both Nicholas-Sargent (2009) and Chiu and Anderson (2009). The use of pilot studies helps to assess the design, methodology and feasibility of the tool and typically includes participants who are similar to those who will be used in the larger research study ( Wood & Kerr 2011). Hence, their importance. Also, the instruments chosen by Chiu and Anderson (2009), being the (NCAST and the feeding and teaching scales) for this study might not be sensitive enough to capture any between-group difference in changes resulting from the intervention. Finally, Ali et al., (2009) fail to mention intention to treat analysis where researchers can introduce reality into research by outlining that not all randomised participants will continue throughout the study. Therefore, this might be a potential weakness in this study. It was also noted the there was no detailed report about the time intervals between the two different groups. Hence, this may also have introduced performance bias. In the grounded theory approach taken by Fenwich et al (2008), limitations lie in the method of data collection itself through semi-structured interviews that were tape-recorded and field note documentation done. The authors did not acknowledge limitations in the study. Recommendations Maternal contact Fenwich et al (2008) suggests prioritising maternal-infant closeness when underpinning policies and protocols and suggests the unrestricted access to their child. Lee et al (2008) found that in Taiwan mothers are allowed to visit for 30 minutes twice a day. In Malta, mothers are allowed to stay with the child 24 hours a day. In addition, skin-to-skin contact is recommended by both Lee et al (2008) and Chiu and Anderson (2009). The latter suggests that all mothers, if they are able and whether or not they ask for it, skin-to-skin contact should be encouraged. My suggestions on interventions for critically ill infants include encouraging the parents’ presence at the bedside, assisting the parents in personalizing the bedside, and teaching the parents to gently touch their infant. Another approach is to hang a simple picture board with the first names of nurses and practitioners near the entrance to the unit. This picture board helps anxious families feel welcomed in this healing environment. In our unit, those babies who have central lines such as umbilical arterial catheters (UAC), the mothers are not allowed to hold the baby for fear of bleeding if the UAC gets dislodged. However, if the mother shows signs of needing contact with the baby, we allow her to hold the baby with constant supervision. In the case of babies that are ventilated mothers are only allowed to hold their baby if the prognosis is very poor. Therefore, this shows that, if the baby is on long term ventilation, skin-to-skin is hindered from being introduced. Fenwich et al (2008), recommend the development of tools that can better evaluate the satisfaction of the mother. Hence, the need for longitudinal qualitative research. In my opinion this would yield good results when past experiences would show which improvements were helpful and which were not. NICE standards (2010), specify the use of surveys. We can incorporate these surveys after consideration with the midwifery officer. Mother-nurse-infant interaction Because of the complexity of illness, parents of critically ill infants are anxious and fear the worst with every visit to the NICU. Strategies need to be adapted to decrease maternal anxiety while supporting the needs of these infants. (Nicholas-Sargent 2009). Nurses play a vital role in helping parents throughout the stressful and challenging experience of the NICU by developing therapeutic relationships and providing emotional support. These approaches enable parents to feel more supported, more involved, confident, and more effective as parents of their vulnerable newborn. The experience of parents in the NICU occurs during an emotionally intense period fraught with anxiety, stress, depression, and feelings of hopelessness. Therefore, Nicholas-Sargent (2009) suggests that, it would be vital to do an NICU orientation for expectant parents with a high risk of giving birth to a premature infant or a compromised newborn. Supporting and facilitating their parenting role will help decrease their stress, strain, anxiety, and depression. Lee et al (2008), nurses need to respect the cultural preferences of mothers as this would promote desired health outcomes. This would aid in meaningful, holistic and individualized care. According to Nicholas-Sargent (2009), personalized one-to-one as opposed as opposed to group support would be helpful. In addition Nicholas-Sargent (2009), suggests that nurse education is needed to improve the awareness of the impact of the counselling service. However, the service needs to be more flexible due to fluctuations in the health condition of the baby. In fact, what we notice is that mothers would require counselling at different stages of the hospitalization. Therefore, if the service was refused once, it may still mean that mothers would need it at some other point in time. Nicholas-Sargent (2009), further suggests that the counselling service would be extended to the whole family from the hospital as well as in the community., Both the DH (2009), and NICE (2010) highlight the importance of Family-Centered Care (FCC) views the family as the ‘child’s primary source of strength and support’ and allows for collaboration, respect, and support with the parents and family during all levels of the service delivery. To foster participation in care for the infant, unrestricted visiting hours should be encouraged for the nuclear family of the neonate. In Malta, visiting hours are restricted to parents only due to increase in cross infection when family members were allowed to visit for 1 hour everyday during the day. However, timing of care may still be arranged to facilitate parents’ participation. In addition, special moments such as baby’s first time off CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) needs to take place during parents’ presence. Cockfort (2011), highlights that missed opportunities to involve parents in care, heighten anxiety and can create a sense of sadness and loneliness . Information for mothers Mothers vary in the amount of information they can assimilate under stress. Therefore identifying parents’ feelings through active listening and observing will help us to pick up on parents cues and respond appropriately in order to provide parents with accurate and clear information (Fenwick et al 2008). Nicholas-Sargent (2009), adds that, information regarding the health status of the baby needs to be give in a timely provision. Parker (2011), recommends the access to certified interpreters for non-English speaking parents to enable them to ask questions and get the information they need as well as information regarding the counselling services. Likewise, an updated information board at the infant’s bedside helps mothers retain information while feeling welcome at the bedside. In my opinion, these interventions create an environment that facilitates maternal- infant attachment by promoting maternal competence with meaningful positive parenting skills and fostering partnership in care.. Conclusion In summary, the findings showed that parents of infants admitted to the NICU experience stress, depression, anxiety, and feelings of powerlessness, hopelessness, and alienation within the environment of the NICU. These situations are often overwhelming and catastrophic for the mothers keeping in mind that the process of motherhood is a protecting and loving phenomenon. Therefore mothers should participate in the care of their sick, fragile infant in the NICU through mother-infant interaction. Nurses need to be supportive and informative in dealing with parents in the NICU. Therefore, the need for parents to be given the access of interpretation by certified interpreters in order to overcome language barriers has been identified. Further, information and emotional support is required throughout the stay in the NICU, However, it was further found that information in preparation for discharge planning is vital. This enhances parental knowledge and decreases stress, which promotes more effective parenting. Further, as understanding of the parents’ experience of having an infant admitted to the NICU increases, nurses will be better prepared to meet parental needs and alleviate parental suffering. Providing holistic, developmentally supportive care and open communication with parents in this stressful experience is essential. Moreover, the need for family-centered care has been identified. REFERENCE LIST Ali, M.S., Sharma. J., Sharma. R., & Alam. S. (2009). Kangaroo mother care as compare to conventional care for low birth weight babies. Dicle Tip Dergisi. 36(3), 155-160. Chiu S. & Anderson G.C., (2009). Effect of early skin-to-skin contact on mother–preterm infant interaction through 18 months: Randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Nursing Studies, Vol. 46, pp.1168–1180. Cleveland, L.M., 2008. Parenting in the neonatal intensive care unit. 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