An analysis of Information Security Governance in the Universities in Zimbabwe Essay Example for Free

An analysis of Information Security Governance in the Universities in Zimbabwe Essay Abstract The complexity and criticality of information security and its governance demand that it be elevated to the highest organizational levels. Within a university setup, information assets include student and personnel records, health and financial information, research data, teaching and learning materials and all restricted and unrestricted electronic library materials. Security of these information assets is among the highest priorities in terms of risk and liabilities, business continuity, and protection of university reputations. As a critical resource, information must be treated like any other asset essential to the survival and success of the organization. In this paper the writer is going to discuss the need for implementing Information Security Governance within institutions of higher education. Further than that, a discussion on how to best practice Information Security governance within the universities in Zimbabwe followed by an assessment on how far the Zimbabwean universities have implemented Information Security Governance. A combination of questionnaires and interviews is going to be used as a tool to gather data and some recommendations are stated towards the end of the paper. Introduction Governance, as defined by the IT Governance Institute (2003), is the â€Å"set of responsibilities and practices exercised by the board and executive management with the goal of providing strategic direction, ensuring that objectives are achieved, ascertaining that risks are managed appropriately and verifying that the enterprise’s resources are used responsibly.† Information security governance is the system by which an organization directs and controls information security (adapted from ISO 38500). It specifies the accountability framework and provides oversight to ensure that risks are adequately mitigated as well as ensuring that security strategies are aligned with business and consistent with regulations. To exercise effective enterprise and information security governance, boards and senior executives must have a clear understanding of what to expect from their enterprise’s information security programme. They need to know how to direct  the implementation of an information security programme, how to evaluate their own status with regard to an existing security programme and how to decide the strategy and objectives of an effective security programme (IT Governance Institute, 2006). Stakeholders are becoming more and more concerned about the information security as news of hacking, data theft and other attacks happen more frequently than ever dreamt of. Executive management has been showered with the responsibility of ensuring an organization provides users with secure information systems environment. Information security is not only a technical issue, but a business and governance challenge that involves adequate risk management, reporting and accountability. Effective security requires the active involvement of executives to assess emerging threats and the organization’s response to them (Corporate Governance Task Force, 2004). Furthermore the organizations need to protect themselves against the risks inherent in the use of information systems while simultaneously recognizing the benefits that can accrue from having secure information systems. Peter Drucker (1993) stated: â€Å"The diffusion of technology and the commodification of information transforms the role of information into a resource equal in importance to the traditionally important resources of land, labor and capital.† Thus as dependence on information system increases, the criticality of information security brings with it the need for effective information security governance. Need for Information Security Governance within universities. A key goal of information security is to reduce adverse impacts on the organization to an acceptable level of risk. Information security protects information assets against the risk of loss, operational discontinuity, misuse, unauthorized disclosure, inaccessibility and damage. It also protects against the ever-increasing potential for civil or legal liability that organizations face as a result of information inaccuracy and loss, or the absence of due care in its protection. Information security covers all information processes, physical and electronic, regardless whether they involve people and technology or relationships with trading partners, customers and third parties. Information security addresses information protection, confidentiality, availability and integrity throughout the life cycle of the information and its use within the organization. John P. Pironti (2006) suggested that among many reasons for information security  governance, the most important one is the one concerned with the legal liability, protection of the organization’s reputation and regulatory compliance. With the university setup, all members of the university community are obligated to respect and, in many cases, to protect confidential data. Medical records, student records, certain employment-related records, library use records, attorney-client communications, and certain research and other intellectual property-related records are, subject to limited exceptions, confidential as a matter of law. Many other categories of records, including faculty and other personnel records, and records relating to the universitys business and finances are, as a matter of university policy, treated as confidential. Systems (hardware and software) designed primarily to store confidential records (such as the Financial Information System and Student Information System and all medical records systems) require enhanced security protections and are controlled (strategic) systems to which access is closely monitored. Networks provide connection to records, information, and other networks and also require security protections. The use of university information technology assets in other than a manner and for the purpose of which they were intended represents a misallocation of resources and, possibly, a violation of law. To achieve all this in today’s complex, interconnected world, information security must be addressed at the highest levels of the organization, not regarded as a technical specialty relegated to the IT department. Information security is a top-down process requiring a comprehensive security strategy that is explicitly linked to the organization’s business processes and strategy. Security must address entire organization’s processes, both physical and technical, from end to end. Hence, Information security governance requires senior management commitment, a security-aware culture, promotion of good security practices and compliance with policy. It is easier to buy a solution than to change a culture, but even the most secure system will not achieve a significant degree of security if used by ill-informed, untrained, careless or indifferent personnel (IT Governance Institute, 2006). In an interview the executive director and information security expert on IT Governance and cyber security with the IT Governance and Cyber Security Institute of sub-Saharan Africa, Dr Richard Gwashy Young has this to say â€Å"†¦remember in  Zimbabwe security is regarded as an expense not an investment† (Rutsito, 2012). Benefits of Information Security Governance Good information security governance generates significant benefits, including: The Board of directors taking full responsibility for Information security initiatives Increased predictability and reduced uncertainty of business operations by lowering information security-related risks to definable and acceptable levels Protection from the increasing potential for civil or legal liability as a result of information inaccuracy or the absence of due care. The structure and framework to optimize allocation of limited security resources Assurance of effective information security policy and policy compliance A firm foundation for efficient and effective risk management, process improvement, and rapid incident response related to securing information A level of assurance that critical decisions are not based on faulty information Accountability for safeguarding information during critical business activities. Compliances with local and international regulations will be easier Improved resource management, optimizing knowledge, information security and information technology infrastructure The benefits add significant value to the organization by: Improving trust in customer/client relationships Protecting the organization’s reputation Decreasing likelihood of violations of privacy Providing greater confidence when interacting with trading partners Enabling new and better ways to process electronic transactions like publishing results online and online registration. Reducing operational costs by providing predictable outcomes—mitigating risk factors that may interrupt the process The benefits of good information security are not just a reduction in risk or a reduction in the impact should something go wrong. Good security can improve reputation, confidence and trust from others with whom business is conducted, and can even improve efficiency by avoiding wasted time and effort recovering from a security incident (IT Governance Institute, 2004). Information Security Governance Outcomes Five basic outcomes can be expected to result from developing an effective governance approach to information security: Strategic alignment of information security with institutional objectives Reduction of risk and potential business impacts to an acceptable level Value delivery through the optimization of security investments with institutional objectives Efficient utilization of security investments supporting organization objectives Performance measurement and monitoring to ensure that objectives are met Best practices The National Association of Corporate Directors (2001), recognizes the importance of information security and recommends four essential practices for boards of directors. The four practices, which are based on the practicalities of how boards operate, are: Place information security on the board’s agenda. Identify information security leaders, hold them accountable and ensure support for them. Ensure the effectiveness of the corporation’s information security policy through review and approval. Assign information security to a key committee and ensure adequate support for that committee. It is critical that management ensure that adequate resources are allocated to support the overall enterprise information security strategy (IT Governance Institute, 2006). To achieve effective information security governance, management must establish and maintain a framework to guide the development and maintenance of a comprehensive information security programme. According to Horton, et al (2000), an information security governance framework generally consists of: An information security risk management methodology; A comprehensive security strategy explicitly linked with business and IT objectives; An effective security organizational structure; A security strategy that talks about the value of information both protected and delivered; Security policies that address each aspect of strategy, control and regulation; A complete set of security standards for each policy to ensure that procedures and guidelines comply with policy; Institutionalized monitoring processes to ensure compliance and provide feedback on effectiveness and mitigation of risk; A process to ensure  continued evaluation and update of security policies, standards, procedures and risks. This kind of framework, in turn, provides the basis for the development of a cost-effective information security program me that supports an organization’s goals and provides an acceptable level of predictability for operations by limiting the impacts of adverse events. In his article Kaitano (2010), pointed some characteristics of good corporate governance coupled with good security governance. These include and not limited to: Information security being treated as and organization wide issue and leaders are accountable. Leads to viable Governance, Risk and Compliance(GRC) Milestones It is risk-based and focuses on all aspects of security Proper frameworks and programs have been implemented It is not treated as a cost but a way of doing business Roles, responsibilities and segregation of duties are defined It is addressed and enforced by policy Adequate resources are committed and Staff are aware and trained It is planned, managed, measurable and measured It is reviewed and audited The overall objective of the programme is to provide assurance that information assets are protected in accordance with their value or the risk their compromise poses to an organization. The framework generates a set of activities that supports fulfillment of this objective. Principles for information security within the University In their article titled Information Security Policy: Best Practice Document, Hostland et al (2010) pointed out some guiding principles for information security within a university setup. The following are some of the principles they mentioned: 1. Risk assessment and management The universitys approach to security should be based on risk assessments and should be continuously done and the need for protective measures evaluated. Measures must be evaluated based on the universitys role as an establishment for education and research and with regards to efficiency, cost and practical feasibility. An overall risk assessment of the  information systems should be performed annually. Risk assessments must identify, quantify and prioritize the risks according to relevant criteria for acceptable risks. Risk assessments should be carried out when implementing changes impacting information security. Some recognized methods of assessing risks like ISO/IEC 27005 should be employed. Risk management is to be carried out according to criteria approved by the management at University. Risk assessments must be approved by the management and if a risk assessment reveals unacceptable risks, measures must be implemented to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. 2. Information security policy The Vice Chancellor should ensure that the information security policy, as well as guidelines and standards, are utilized and acted upon. He must also ensure the availability of sufficient training and information material for all users, in order to enable the users to protect the universitys data and information systems. The security policy should be reviewed and updated annually or when necessary, in accordance with principles described in ISO/IEC 27001. However, all important changes to universitys activities, and other external changes related to the threat level, should result in a revision of the policy and the guidelines relevant to the information security. 3. Security organization The Vice Chancellor is responsible for all government contact. The university should appoint CSO (Chief Security Officer). Each department and section should also be responsible for implementing the units information security. The managers of each unit must appoint separate security administrators. The Registrar Academics has the primary responsibility for the information security in connection with the student registry and other student related information. The IT Director has executive responsibility for information security in connection with IT systems and infrastructure. The Operations manager has executive responsibility for information security in connection with structural infrastructure. He also has overall responsibility for quality work, while the operational responsibility is delegated according to the management structure. The Registrar Human Resources also has executive responsibility for information security according to the Personal Data Act and is the controller on a daily basis of the personal information of the  employees. The Registrar Academics and Research Administration have also executive responsibility for research related personal information. Universitys information security should be revised on a regular basis, through internal control and at need, with assistance from an external IT auditor. 4. Information security in connection with users of Universitys services Prior to employment security responsibility and roles for employees and contractors should be described. A background check is should also be carried out of all appointees to positions at the university according to relevant laws and regulations. A confidentiality agreement should be signed by employees, contractors or others who may gain access to sensitive and/or internal information. IT regulations should be accepted for all employment contracts and for system access for third parties. During employment, the IT regulations for the universitys information security requirements should be in place and the users responsibility for complying with these regulations is to be emphasized. The IT regulations should be reviewed regularly with all users and with all new hires. All employees and third party users should receive adequate training and updating regarding the Information security policy and procedures. Breaches of the Information security policy and accompanying guidelines will normally result in sanctions. Universitys information, information systems and other assets should only be utilized for their intended purpose. Necessary private usage is permitted. Private IT equipment in the universitys infrastructure may only be connected where explicitly permitted. All other use must be approved in advance by the IT department. On termination or change of employment, the responsibility for termination or change of employment should be clearly defined in a separate routine with relevant circulation forms. The universitys assets should be handed in at the conclusion of the need for the use of these assets. University should change or terminate access rights at termination or change of employment. A routine should be present for handling alumni relationships. Notification on employment termination or change should be carried out through the procedures defined in the personnel system. 5. Information security regarding physical conditions IT equipment and information that require protection should be placed in secure physical areas. Secure areas should have suitable access control to  ensure that only authorized personnel have access. All of the Universitys buildings should be secured according to their classification by using adequate security systems, including suitable tracking/logging. Security managers for the various areas of responsibility should ensure that work performed by third parties in secure zones is suitably monitored and documented. All external doors and windows must be closed and locked at the end of the work day. On securing equipment, IT equipment which is very essential for daily activities must be protected against environmental threats (fires, flooding, temperature variations). Information classified as sensitive must not be stored on portable computer equipment (e.g. laptops, cell phones, memory sticks). If it is necessary to store this information on portable equipment, the information must be password protected and encrypted in compliance with guidelines from the IT department. During travel, portable computer equipment should be treated as carry-on luggage. Fire drills should also be carried out on a regular basis. 6. IT communications and operations management Purchase and installation of IT equipment and software for IT equipment must be approved by the IT department. The IT department should ensure documentation of the IT systems according to universitys standards. Changes in IT systems should only be implemented if well-founded from a business and security standpoint. The IT department should have emergency procedures in order to minimize the effect of unsuccessful changes to the IT systems. Operational procedures should be documented and the documentation must be updated following all substantial changes. Before a new IT system is put in production, plans and risk assessments should be in place to avoid errors. Additionally, routines for monitoring and managing unforeseen problems should be in place. Duties and responsibilities should be separated in a manner reducing the possibility of unauthorized or unforeseen abuse of the universitys assets. Development, testing and maintenance should be separated from operations in order to reduce the risk of unauthorized access or changes, and in order to reduce the risk of error conditions. On system planning and acceptance, the requirements for information security must be taken into consideration when designing, testing, implementing and upgrading IT systems, as well as during system changes. Routines must be developed for  change management and system development/maintenance. IT systems must be dimensioned according to capacity requirements and the load should be monitored in order to apply upgrades and adjustments in a timely manner as it is especially important for business-critical systems. Written guidelines for access control and passwords based on business and security requirements should be in place. Guidelines should be re-evaluated on a regular basis and should contain password requirements (frequency of change, minimum length, character types which may/must be utilized) and regulate password storage. All users accessing systems must be authenticated according to guidelines and should have unique combinations of usernames and passwords. Users are responsible for any usage of their usernames and passwords. Data Gathering A structured questionnaire adapted and modified from previous questionnaires used by Corporate Governance Task Force, (2004) was used as the main instrument to gather data. Of the total 13 universities in Zimbabwe, 9 managed to participate in this research. The questionnaires were completed by the Executive Dean, IT Director, Operations Manager or Chairperson for the department. Section I: Organizational Reliance on IT The first section was designed to help in determining the institution’s reliance on information technology for business continuity. Table 1: Characteristics of Organization Questions Scores/Frequency 0 1 2 3 4 Dependence on information technology systems and the Internet to conduct academic, research, and outreach programs and offer support services 9 Value of organization’s intellectual property stored or transmitted in electronic form 2 7 The sensitivity of stakeholders (including but not limited to students, faculty, staff, alumni, governing boards, legislators, donors, and funding agencies) to privacy 2 3 4 Level of regulation regarding security (international, federal, state, or local regulations) 1 4 3 1 Does your organization have academic or research programs in a sensitive area that may make you a target of violent physical or cyber attack from any groups? 5 1 2 1 Total score 1 9 6 7 22 Scoring: Very Low = 0; Low = 1; Medium = 2; High = 3; Very High = 4 Section II: Risk Management: This section assesses the risk management process as it relates to creating an information security strategy and program. Table 2: Information Security Risk Assessment Questions Scores/Frequency 0 1 2 3 4 Does your organization have a documented information security program? 2 5 2 Has your organization conducted a risk assessment to identify the key objectives that need to be supported by your information security program? 2 4 3 Has your organization identified critical assets and the functions that rely on them? 2 2 5 Have the information security threats and vulnerabilities associated with each of the critical assets and functions been identified? 2 4 2 1 Has a cost been assigned to the loss of each critical asset or function? 1 3 3 2 Do you have a written information security strategy? 2 4 2 1 Does your written information security strategy include plans that seek to cost-effectively reduce the risks to an acceptable level, with minimal disruptions to operations? 4 2 2 1 Is the strategy reviewed and updated at least annually or more frequently when significant changes require it? 2 3 3 1 Do you have a process in place to monitor federal, state, or international legislation or regulations and determine their applicability to your organization? 2 2 3 2 1 Total 10 16 26 14 16 Scoring: Not Implemented = 0; Planning Stages = 1; Partially Implemented = 2; Close to Completion = 3; Fully Implemented = 4 Section III: People This section assesses the organizational aspects of the information security program. Table 3: Information Security Function/Organization Questions Scores/Frequency 0 1 2 3 4 Do you have a person that has information security as his primary duty, with responsibility for maintaining the security program and ensuring compliance? 4 3 1 1 Do the leaders and staff of your information security organization have the necessary experience and qualifications? 5 2 2 Is responsibility clearly assigned for all areas of the information security architecture, compliance, processes and audits? 3 4 1 1 Do you have an ongoing training program in place to build skills and competencies for information security for members of the information security function? 2 2 3 2 Does the information security function report regularly to institutional leaders and the governing board on the compliance of the institution to and the effectiveness of the information security program and policies? 2 3 3 1 Are the senior officers of the institution ultimately responsible and accountable for the information security program, including approval of information security policies? 3 4 2 Total 16 17 14 7 0 Scoring: Not Implemented = 0; Planning Stages = 1; Partially Implemented = 2; Close to Completion = 3; Fully Implemented = 4 Section IV: Processes This section assesses the processes that should be part of an information security program. Table IV: Security Technology Strategy Questions Scores/Frequency 0 1 2 3 4 Have you instituted processes and procedures for involving the security personnel in evaluating and addressing any security impacts before the purchase or introduction of new systems? 2 3 3 1 Do you have a process to appropriately evaluate and classify the information and information assets that support the operations and assets under your control, to indicate the appropriate levels of information security? 1 2 3 2 1 Are written information security policies consistent, easy to understand, and readily available to administrators, faculty, employees, students, contractors, and partners? 2 3 3 1 Are consequences for noncompliance with corporate policies clearly communicated and enforced? 1 3 2 3 1 Do your security policies effectively address the risks identified in your risk analysis/risk assessments? 2 3 4 Are information security issues considered in all important decisions within the organization? 3 2 3 1 Do you constantly monitor in real time your networks, systems and applications for unauthorized access and anomalous behavior such as viruses, malicious code insertion, or break-in attempts? 1 3 3 1 1 Is sensitive data encrypted and associated encryption keys properly protected? 2 3 2 1 1 Do you have an authorization system that enforces time limits and defaults to minimum privileges? 2 2 2 3 Do your systems and applications enforce session/user management practices including automatic timeouts, lock out on login failure, and revocation? 2 3 2 2 Based on your information security risk management strategy, do you have official written information security policies or procedures that address each of the following areas? Individual employee responsibilities for information security practices 4 3 1 1 Acceptable use of computers, e-mail, Internet, and intranet 2 3 2 2 Protection of organizational assets, including intellectual property 2 2 3 2 Access control, authentication, and authorization practices and requirements 1 2 3 1 2 Information sharing, including storing and transmitting institutional data on outside resources (ISPs, external networks, contractors’ systems) 2 1 3 2 1 Disaster recovery contingency planning (business continuity planning) 1 1 3 4 Change management processes 2 3 2 2 Physical security and personnel clearances or background checks 1 3 3 2 Data backups and secure off-site storage 1 1 3 4 Secure disposal of data, old media, or printed materials that contains sensitive information 2 3 4 For your critical data centers, programming rooms, network operations centers, and other sensitive facilities or locations: 2 3 4 Are multiple physical security measures in place to restrict forced or unauthorized entry? 1 2 3 3 Is there a process for issuing keys, codes, and/or cards that require proper authorization and background checks for access to these sensitive facilities? 2 1 3 3 Is your critical hardware and wiring protected from power loss, tampering, failure, and environmental threats? 1 4 4 Total 17 45 58 50 47 Scoring: Not Implemented = 0; Planning Stages = 1; Partially Implemented = 2; Close to Completion = 3; Fully Implemented = 4 Discussion As shown by the total scores on Table 1, a majority of the university has a very high reliance on the IT in their services. This is depicted by the structure and characteristics of the university. Information risk assessment and management leaves a lot to be desired by the universities. Most the universities have partially implemented such programs. A large number of employees in the IT departments of most universities do no have sufficient skills to implement good information security governance. Most universities lack the leaders who have the rightful know how on the subject. In addition  to that, there is no a representative in the council who will be an IT expert, hence most leaders lack interest and initiatives on information security. Due to lack of full responsibility of information security by the leaders, to implement processes for information security might also be a challenge especially to the IT department as normally is the department given the responsibility. Conclusion There is a need for institutions to start focusing on proper information security governance. For a start organization such as the Government, the Computer Society of Zimbabwe, Zim Law Society, POTRAZ, ICAZ, IIAZ, Zimbabwe Institute of Management and other industry governing bodies should put their heads together and define the appropriate legislations that mandates information security governance either by referring to existing international frameworks (PCI-DSS, SOX, COSO, ITIL, SABSA, Cobit FIPS, NIST, ISO 27002/5, CMM, ITG Governance Framework) or by consulting local information security and business professionals to come up with an information security governance framework. As the Zimbabwean economy is slowly sprouting, the art of information security governance in the universities should also take a leap. The adoption information security governance will ensure that security will become a part of any university and thus customers confidence will be boosted. References Drucker, P. ‘Management Challenges for the 21st Century’, Harpers Business , 1993. Corporate Governance Task Force, Information Security Governance: Call to Action, USA, 2004. IT Governance Institute, Board Briefing on IT Governance, 2nd Edition, USA, 2003, www.itgi.org. IT Governance Institute, Information Security Governance: Guidance for Boards of Directors and Executive Management, 2nd Edition, USA, 2006. ISO/IEC 38500: Corporate Governance of Information Technology, 2008. IT Governance Institute, COBIT 4.0, USA, 2005, www.itgi.org IT Governance Institute, COBIT ® Security Baseline, USA, 2004, www.itgi.org National Association of Corporate Directors, ‘Information Security Oversight: Essential Board Practices’, USA, 2001 John P. Pironti,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Information Security Governance: Motivations, Benefits and Outcomes,† Information Systems Control Journal, vol. 4 (2006): 45–8. 21. Rutsito, T. (2005) ‘IT governance, security define new era’ The Herald, 07 November. Kaitano, F. (2010) ‘Information Security Governance: Missing Link In Corporate Governance’ TechZim. http://www.techzim.co.zw/2010/05/information-security-governance-missing-link-in-corporate-governance [accessed 02 May 2013]. Horton, T.R., Le Grand, C.H., Murray, W.H., Ozier, W.J. Parker, D.B. (2000). Information Security Management and Assurance: A Call to Action for Corporate Governance. United States of America: The Institute of Internal Auditors. Hostland, K, Enstad, A. P, Eilertsen, O, Boe, G. (2010). Information Security Policy: Best Practice Document. Corporate Governance Task Force, (2004). Information Security Governance: Call to Action, USA

Hull House, Chicago Illinois Essay Example for Free

Hull House, Chicago Illinois Essay Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr’s work of architecture spree, beautifully designed and of scholarly taste, artistic designs and with the flavor of social touch and as said by Regina Buccola â€Å"the vanguard of the world wide settlement House movement†, was dawned in 1889 as Hull House. It was first among the few settlement houses with uniqueness lying in its spearheading a national movement making the path for the establishment of five hundred more settlements by 1920. Addam’s efforts earned it as one of the most reputed settlement houses in the United States. Hull House became a landmark piece more as a political and social intrigue instead of architectural. The complex was a dream of Addams to make it a place for the social and economic emancipation of women. She was from the prosperous family and was very well conscious of her position as among the few of the first generation of women getting opportunity for education. Hull House was part of her passionate appeal to bring the women at the front, and give them liberty to assert their thought process. Hull House was primarily run by women, although men were also involved in it as well. In its vicinity, women found liberated from subjugation while giving them lots of opportunities in the public sphere. Many of the buildings of Hull House were designed by architect Allen Pond taking the inspiration and idea from the Gothic architecture of Toynbee. While looking at the interior design of the Hall House, one can see the structure itself embodying philosophies of social reformer John Ruskin and the arts and crafts movement of the time. The main mission behind the settlement was opening of avenues for spreading education and giving women opportunities for participating in social activities. Besides providing needed help to the people, ladies residing in the Hull House were actively participating in social reforms on the local, state and national levels. Hull House was thus the home not just for individual advancement but also for changes that impacted society as a whole. In many decades that followed Hull House became the avenue for the several female figures including Florence Kelley, Alice Hamilton and many more who were instrumental in initiating many of the reforms. Florence and Alice were the ones who validated the social problems of Chicago such as child exploitation, unhealthy and dangerous living and working conditions. It was on account of their efforts that led to the passing of the legislation for meeting educational needs of students, for providing compensation to workers, making it mandatory for the companies to provide occupational safety and fulfilling several of the social issues. Hull House was also the avenue for the building of first public playground and bathhouse, and created awareness on cleanliness and sanitation issues and their initiation towards formulation of the legal reforms, which led to the setting of the first juvenile court in the United States. Members of the Hull House had an incredible influence on the setting of urban planning and directing the nationwide transition toward setting of branch library systems. They also initiated upon making proposals for setting up public dispensary to provide nutritious food for the sick, a child day care center and public baths for the underprivileged sections of the population. It also became a rejuvenating force behind the changed social and political order. To add to it Hull House also saw the establishment of ‘Chicago Arts and Crafts Society’. Journalist Paul Kellogg also termed the group of Hull House residents as the â€Å"Great Ladies of Halsted Street† as to their altruistic efforts. The Hull House complex was fully accomplished seemingly forming into full circle by the end of twentieth century. Now the University of Illinois spread on to the city block with the original one mansion and one adjoining structure all that remains on the site. These two buildings now support the ‘Jane Addams Hull-House Museum’. Though now it does not have any centralized location still it is rendering its base for the various social service activities and programs through out the city. Hull House was no doubt an avenue of great historical importance, for the initiation of many of the reforms to its credit but it cannot be deemed as a great endowment for architectural delight. Thomas Wolfe was highly critical of the buildings and the mansions influenced by Modern Architecture and International Style in his book From Bauhaus to Our House. He criticized the architectural works for their adhering and laying base to their thoughts process to theory and placing the architecture on the political philosophy. He said that like in the literature or the works of art, if the scrutinized eyes of creators frame the architecture world, no one would appreciate it. According to Wolfe, many of the architects had no prior goals but to be always thinking like futuristic. All in all, Hull House will always remain as an emblem of social grace and reformation.

Examination of the Efficacy of Dietary Supplements

Examination of the Efficacy of Dietary Supplements What has led to the popularity of dietary supplements and is their success deserved? Surname: LU First name: YIXUAN Introduction The definitions of dietary supplements are varied from different countries which specify the scope of the term differently, and this essay presents a logical common definition of dietary supplements. Dietary supplements, the forms of which are usually tablets, pills, powders, capsules or liquid preparations, are oral products taken at recommended dosage in addition to normal food intake. It contains one or more kind of nutrient which is derived from food products such as vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Additionally herbs or other botanicals are included in US definition. The sales of dietary supplements show that the popularity of dietary supplements among all fields and all ages of people has been rising dramatically in a few decades. In the US, sales of dietary supplements in 2001 were about $17.8 billion (Nutrtion Journal. 2011), and as reported by the latest statistics, dietary supplements annual sale has increased to approximately $30 billion (MD, 2014). In this essay, first of all, I will illustrate the reason why food supplements become so popular among general public, followed by a detailed illustration of the benefits of dietary supplements as supporting. Then some controversial issues raised by such popularity will be revealed, and the risks of taking dietary supplements are shown subsequently. In the end, I will give some suggestions to consumers when taking dietary supplements. The popularity of food supplements There are many factors accounting for the popularity of food supplements. Ransley et al. (2001) argue that four main driving forces cause this popularity. Firstly, the modern diet seems can hardly meet the strict requirement of health and life of people today especially in terms of nutrition, and the lack of the categories and quantities of nutrients can be supplied by taking dietary supplements. Secondly, eating dietary supplements are considered to be a remedy or precaution of aging-related diseases, which makes them quite popular among old people. Thirdly, in consideration of the increasing price of medicines and the inconvenience of seeing a doctor, taking dietary supplements directly is more attractive to consumers. Lastly, with the improvement of living standard, people are more concerned about their own health. Therefore he desirable features of food supplements can get people’s attention successfully. The benefits of taking dietary supplements Taking right amount of food supplements can assure an adequate dietary intake of essential nutrients. Although we can get all the vitamins and minerals we need as long as we keep a well-balanced diet every day, it is not easy to follow this good habit strictly especially among commuters and teenagers. Therefore, Webb (2006) claims that using dietary supplements, such as multivitamins and cod liver oil, usually helps ensuring the adequacy of nutritionally diet. As Walji (1995) and Mason (2001) point out, having irregular meals is quite common and this may cause nutritional deficiency. Besides, improper methods of preserving and cooking food may result in the loss of some nutrients from food, particularly those delicate and unstable vitamins, which may cause a phenomenon that people eating a lot but still undernourished (Walji, 1995). Additionally, the amount of nutritional requirements vary from person to person, even the nutrient containing in the standard diet may still be either ex ceed or inferior to some people. Therefore having a wholesome diet with the addition of supplements personally is a good way to ensure the correct amount of nutrients keeping our body in optimum condition. Besides, food supplements do have a powerful psychological effect on consumers. This is shown in a research that many consumers use supplements occasionally and take them only when the spirits are low or when they are stressful (Ransley, et al., 2001). Another benefit of taking dietary supplements is the efficacy of preventing deficiency diseases (Webb, 2006; Mason, 2001). In order to cure some diseases, people may need to increase demand for a particular nutrient in certain medical conditions or other circumstances. Take vitamin D deficiency as an example, vitamin D has the function of promoting intestinal tract absorption of calcium. Webb (2006) points out that the main source of vitamin D inside body comes from exposing the skin to the ultraviolet rays in the sunshine. People who spends less than the necessary amount of time under the sunshine, seems to be more vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency. Webb (2006) also notes that the lack of vitamin D is an essential contributing factor in the development of osteoporosis among old people. Combining with the fact that the ability of converting sunlight into vitamin D in the elderly will decrease as they grow older, taking related supplements become more necessary and functional. COMA ( 1991) recommended that vitamin D supplements should be taken by all aged people only if they are regularly exposed to the sunlight with reasonable amount of time (Webb, 2006). The usage of dietary supplements also contributes to avoiding other diseases or illness such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers or skin problems. Differentiating from the supplements treating nutritional deficiencies, food supplements for other diseases may have long-term positive effects on physical condition (Webb, 2006). For instance, fish oil supplement is well known for its effect on heart diseases. A conclusive study demonstrating the function of fish oil has been done by Burr et al. (1989). He tested â€Å"the effects of dietary intervention in the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction (MI)† (Burr et al. 1989, p757). The result shows a nearly 30% decrease in total mortality among the tested men who were suggested to eat oily fish (or fish oil capsules if some people did not eat fish) during the two years study (Burr et al. 1989). Although some variables may have not considered in the study, it is still a comparatively successful experiment verifying the efficac y of fish oil which is the main effective ingredient in fatty fish. Controversial problems following with the popularity With the growing popularity of taking food supplements, many controversial problems arise subsequently. What is the standard direction of taking dietary supplements? Are there adequate regulations of dietary supplements market especially in terms of herbs and mineral? whether dietary supplements make a worthwhile contribution to a healthy dietà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¸ All these issues point to the risks of taking dietary supplements. The risks of taking dietary supplements There are so many unknown risks of eating dietary supplements, one of the main risks is that it may be harmful if people taking supplements in wrong dosage. If people take over-dose of specific supplements in the diet, such behavior may trigger the food-drug interactions (Hans, et al., 2001). Both the FDA (Food and Drug Administration in the US, 2014) and Webb(2006) state that the excessive use of some supplements, such as vitamin and iron, may cause some health risks and needless effects before, during and after surgery. For example, large ÃŽ ²-carotene supplements are known for the efficacy of preventing heart disease and cancer, but some studies show that such supplements may have counteractive. â€Å"Rapala et al. (1997) reported increased death rates from coronary heart disease in those subjects (smokers) given ÃŽ ²-carotene supplements compared with those receiving either the placebo or vitamin E supplements† (Webb, 2006). In addition, the ‘inverse supplement hypot hesis’ claims that some people who already have sufficient nutrition are more likely to taking supplements (Ransley, et al., 2001). Here is the evidence provided by the Women’s Cohort Study. In this study, one of the informants took 9g of vitamin C from supplements and an extra 90mg from another vitamin preparation. The intake of these two was more than 200 times than the RNI (Recommended Nutrient Intakes) and this is the amount without taking her dietary intake into account (SFL, et al., 1998). The above-mentioned evidence illustrates that consumers taking wrong dosage of food supplements may also be harmful. Another risk of taking dietary supplements is the lack of informed advices. As Blendon et al. (2001) indicate that, there is a lack of connection and trust between physicians and consumers. Because consumers do not believe in the information about supplements from physicians, likewise when physicians notice some problems about dietary supplements, they do not inform the consumers. Therefore, consumers prefer to take self-meditation, such as using dietary supplements to treat their illness, which is more convenient and have private space. However, when consumers need to ensure the daily intake, they have to search sources of advice from some unidentified places, such as internet, dietary supplement shop or the media. â€Å"This approach to self-meditation will carry risks and corresponding proof is that intakes of some supplements can be toxic to health and will cause serious adverse effects such as diarrhea (vitamin C) and flushing (niacin) † (Ransley, et al., 2001, p12). Furthermore, many benefits of dietary supplements are still unknown and unproved, so taking dietary supplements should be very cautious. The FDA (2014) illustrates that many supplements contain active ingredients which may cause strong biological effects in the body and increase risks of health in some cases. Therefore, the behavior of some consumers, using dietary supplements instead of prescription medicines, is obvious unwise (U.S.FDA, 2014). Since dietary supplements are neither food additives nor drugs, they are in a special status which was established by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (Hunrer and Trum, 1999). Obviously, it is not sensible to replacing the prescription medicines to supplements. In terms of herbs, herbal products do have some clinically proven benefits, but there are more facts illustrate its potential of containing toxic substances, especially regarding to the interaction with drugs (Halsted, 2003). Conclusion From what the essay has mentioned above, dietary supplement has a close relationship with our daily health. It is clear that the benefits of dietary supplement contribute to its popularity mainly. Various number of food supplements added in our daily intakes suitably enable us a nutritional-balanced diet. However the risks of taking dietary supplements are non-ignorable, which not only imply the room of the improvement of dietary supplements but also remind us necessity of taking supplements cautiously. In addition, some benefits of eating food supplements as well as the risks may be missing in this essay. It is not objective to say the popularity is good or not directly. In my view, the increasing number of people taking dietary supplements reflects a high awareness of personal health among publics. Meanwhile eating dietary supplements wisely is also necessary. To keep the balance of dietary supplement, several measures should be taken by the government. Such as strengthen the supervision of the production and sales of dietary supplements, establish detailed guideline of the usage of supplements and cultivate specialists in the field of food supplements. Apart from some regulations should be improved by the authorities, what we should do is be a savvy supplement user, thinking twice when purchase food supplements, reading the instructions of the supplements carefully before taking these products, finding out the relevant benefits of them in order to deepen the understanding of preparations and noticing the deficiency symptoms and following the measurement with cautious. References Blendon, R. J. et al., 2001. Americans Views on the Use and Regulation of Dietary Supplements. JAMA Internal Medicine, 26 March, pp. 805-810. Burr, et al., 1989. EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN FAT, FISH, AND FIBRE INTAKES ON DEATH AND MYOCARDIAL REINFARCTION: DIET AND REINFARCTION TRIAL (DART). The Lancet, 2(8666), p. 757–761. Eaglstein, W. H., 2014. What Are Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals?. In: The FDA for Doctors. s.l.:Springer International Publishing, pp. 25-27. Halsted, C. H., 2003. Dietary supplements and functional foods: 2 sides of a coin?. American Society for Clinical Nutrition, April, pp. 1001S-1007S. Hans, V., Eussen, S.R.B.M., Loveren, H. v. Rompelberg, C. J., 2001. Functional foods and dietary supplements: Products at the interface between pharma and nutrition. European Journal of Pharmacology, September, pp. S2-S9. Hunrer Trum, B., 1999. The New Dietary Supplement Label. Consumers Research Magazine, 82(9), p. 27. Mason, P., 2001. Dietary Supplements. 2nd ed ed. s.l.:London:Pharmaceutical Press. MD, W. H. E., 2014. What Are Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals?. In: The FDA for Doctors. s.l.:Springer International Publishing, pp. 25-27. Webb, P.G., 2006. Dietary supplements and functional foods. 1st ed. ed. s.l.:Oxford: Blackwell. Ransley, J., Donelly, J. Read, N., 2001. Food and Nutritional Supplements:their role in health and disease. Berlin: London : Springer, c2001. SFL, K., JE, C., MT, C. JH, B., 1998. Supplementary issues for women. Nutrition Bulletin, Volume 23, pp. 197-202. U.S.FDA, 2014. Protecting and Promoting Your Health. [Online] Available at: http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/default.htm [Accessed 27 Aug 2014]. Walji, H., 1995. Vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements : a definitive guide to healthy eating. s.l.:London :Headway. 1

Art Exhibit on Brown Versus Board of Educaiton Essay -- African Americ

Like A Fish out of Water I’ll be the first to admit it: I cannot understand art for the life of me. That being said, I’m somehow always tricked into thinking I do. I’ve tried my hand at being one of those intellectuals who goes to art museums for recreation, and enjoys analyzing pictures, paintings and monochromic blobs. But every time I drag myself to a museum, I end up discovering the same three truths about myself: 1. I’m horrible at grasping the artist’s message. 2. I get frustrated with things I don’t understand. 3. When I get frustrated, I get mad. That being said, it was only natural that I go to the Krannert Art Museum to see the Brown v. Board of Education exhibit. I’ve never been to the Krannert Art Museum, and honestly did not expect very much. I mean, how much worthwhile art can a college museum in the middle of a cornfield house? I cautiously entered the building, trying to pretend like I had been there before. The golden rule of playing such a part is simple: never make eye contact. Once that happens, the jig is up. Somebody will realize I belong in the computer labs north of Green St. and immediately deport me back to the banks of boneyard. So I began calmly racing through the museum, never stopping to look at signs, (regular visitors don’t need to look at signs) hoping to find a giant Brown v. Board of Education sign somewhere. And after a couple of laps around the building, I found where I needed to be. I was actually impressed with the number of people who were checking out the exhibit. I expected to be the only one in the room, but instead saw a good number of people, mostly African-American, slowly inspecting every piece. I guess there are peopl... ...ny thing is, my parents came to America to raise a family in a better standard of living than India. They wanted all of their children to obtain a quality education and receive opportunities unavailable to them as youth. But without Brown v. Board, I would have been better off growing up in India. The message of Arundhati Roy’s portrait was simple: the civil rights movement affected more than Black America – it opened doors for all minorities. I took a step back from the portrait, and started walking out of the art museum. An as I left the museum, I did so with a little more gratefulness. While I may not understand the giant pile of bricks in the foyer, or why a man inside an imac keeps shouting â€Å"do you understand?†, I realized it doesn’t matter. Not everybody is cut out to be the art-connoisseur. But hey, at least I have the opportunity to give it a shot.

Avons Marketing Strategy Essay -- essays research papers

Avon’s mission statement is to be the company that best understands and satisfies the product service and self-fulfillment needs of women globally. They state on their web site that their dedication to supporting women touches not only beauty-but health, fitness, self-empowerment and financial independence. This is a good mission statement for a company selling beauty products to women all over the world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Avon started selling beauty products door to door in 1886. For generations women have been purchasing Avon products from small catalogues through a representative calling on consumers in their homes. During the days when most women were at home rather than building their own careers this method of direct selling was appropriate. In 1979 Avon purchased Tiffany & Co Jewelers as well as a chemical maker and health-product company. By the year 1988 Avon was removing themselves from the health care industry. Their debt had reached $1.2 billion and stock prices had bottomed out. During 1989 Avon was the target of two take over attempts. The company was successful in warding off both bids. Avon launched their new web site in 1997. This was a turning point for the company as they were offering products directly to the customers thus cutting out the need for the representatives that they had spent decades relying on. Avon estimated that they had 500,000 sales representativ es in the United States alone. The sales results from this Internet site have not produced the gain the company had hoped for. In 1998 Avon set up mall kiosks around the United States. This was their first attempt at operating retail stores. This was a major departure in the way the company has done business in the past. The intention of the kiosks was to aim sales at younger consumers not already aware of the Avon brand. To help the relationships between Avon and its sales representatives these kiosks are now franchised to the representatives. Andrea Jung was named CEO of Avon in 1999. During the year 2000 Avon relaunched its web site emphasizing the availability of Avon representatives on line to help potential customers with their needs. At the same time Avon created a new product line to be carried by major retailers and sold only in stores.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Avon’s sales have increased but at a rate of only 5% per year during the past ten years ... ... telephone number that commission is earned and this is not a way to gather information for other purposes. Avon will want to make customers aware that they now have the opportunity to shop in the convenience of their own home, and one of the most inexpensive forms of advertising will surely be word-of-mouth. This will certainly be used if sales reps are confident that they will receive the amount of commissions they deserve. As a result, Avon will also want to implement a â€Å"first time user profile† that will allow customer’s who are registering for online purchases to indicate who has referred them to their sites, and provide an incentive such as commission if this person is a sales representative.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Avon will be able to measure its success by monitoring its sales and profit growth. The company will also want to evaluate the market share it owns in the online business in comparison to competitors. Should this online business fail to be profitable in the long run, the company may want to reevaluate its current target market and determine if the most users of their products do have access to computers and feel comfortable using this new method of shopping

Creature or Monster? How does Shelleys presentation of the Creature Es

Creature or Monster? How does Shelley's presentation of the Creature and Frankenstein create sympathy or horror at different stages of the novel? Who is the real monster? The novel "Frankenstein" was written by Mary Shelley as a teenager during the 19th century. It was set in Germany in the 18th century, as this was a time of exploration and discovery with scientists and astrologists challenging the accepted order of things and breaking through new boundaries with their discoveries. Many were beginning to question the existence of God, the creator of life and the universe, too. This was in keeping with Shelley's novel because it is a story about a young man who discovered the secret of life, which is the equivalent of doing what only God can do, how to create it and the problems his discovery led to. This man was called Viktor Frankenstein. He came from a wealthy family who were both loving and supportive. He falls in love with Elizabeth, his adopted sister, and all is well until his mother dies of Scarlet Fever. This tears him apart as they were very close and influences him and his future greatly. He determines to become a doctor to find the secret of life so no one need ever die again. This leads him to Ingolstadt University where he is further influenced when he finds out that one of the professors there has also experimented with creating life. He uncovers the truth and ignoring all warnings, begins making his creature from the parts of dead bodies. His unhealthy obsession leads him to neglect his family, friends and studies while he works day and night in a hidden attic. It is this unnatural obsession that gives the novel its first spark of horror. Frankenstein is shocked, horrified and disgus... ...r, he was kind and caring and compassionate just like any other human being, and due to his loneliness and grief he became something that he deeply despises. It is this tremendous guilt that leads him to die with his creator. As he says, "Polluted by crimes and torn by the bitterest remorse, where can I find rest but in death?" He knows that Frankenstein should never have created him and decides it would be best for everybody, including himself if he no longer lives. I don't think either Frankenstein or his creature were monsters. I just think that Frankenstein was a misguided man who made a tragic mistake, albeit a large one to which he had to accept the consequences. The creature was also misguided, his treatment from others led to him becoming a monster but he realized this and did the right thing in the end, showing that he was just misunderstood.

Synopsis of El Filibusterismo Essay

Crisostomo Ibarra of the Noli Me Tangere, who, with Elias’ help, escaped from the pursuing soldiers at Laguna de Bay, dug up his buried treasure, and fled to Cuba where he became rich and befriended many Spanish officials. Thirteen years after leaving the Philippines, Crisostomo Ibarra returned as Simoun, a rich jeweler with a beard and blue-tinted glasses, and a close friend of the Captain-General. Abandoning his personality, he became a revolutionist, seeking revenge against the Spanish Philippine system responsible for his misfortunes by plotting a revolution. Simoun gradually made his way into the Manila high society and influenced every decision of the Captain-General to mismanage the country’s affairs so that a revolution will break out. By using his wealth and political influence, he encourages corruption in the government, promotes the oppression of the masses, and hastens the moral degradation of the country so that the people may become desperate and fight. He sarcastically sides with the upper classes, encouraging them to commit abuses against the masses to encourage the lower classes to revolt against the oppressive Spanish colonial regime. He did not attempt to fight the authorities through legal means but through violent revolution using the masses. Simoun has reasons for plotting a revolution. First is to rescue Marà ­a Clara from the convent of Santa Clara and second, to get rid of ills and evils of Philippine society. The story of El Filibusterismo begins on board the clumsy, roundish shaped steamer Thesteamer was sailing upstream the Pasig from Manila to Laguna de Bay. Among the passengers were Simoun, the rich jeweler; Doà ±a Victorina, the ridiculously pro-Spanish native woman who is going to Laguna in search of her henpecked husband, Doctor Tiburcio de Espadaà ±a, who had deserted her; Paulita Gomez, her beautiful niece; Ben-Zayb (anagram of Ibaà ±ez), a Spanish journalist who writes silly articles about the Filipinos; Father Sibyla, vice-rector of the University of Santo Tomas; Father Camorra, the parish priest of the town of Tiani; Don Custodio, a pro-Spanish Filipino holding a position in the government; Father Salvi, thin Franciscan friar and former cura of San Diego; Father Irene, a kind friar who was a friend of the Filipino students; Father Florentino, a retired scholarly and patriotic Filipino priest; Isagani, a poet-nephew of Padre Florentino and a lover of  Paulita; and Basilio, son of Sisa and promising medical student, whose medical education was financed by his patron, Capitan Tiago. Simoun, a man of wealth and mystery, is a very close friend and confidante of the Spanish governor general. Because of his great influence in Malacaà ±ang, he was called the â€Å"Brown Cardinal† or the â€Å"Black Eminence†. His true identity was discovered by a now grown-up Basilio while he was visiting the grave of his mother, Sisa, as Simoun dug near the grave site for his buried treasures. Simoun spared Basilio’s life and asked him to join in his planned revolution against the government, convincing him by bringing up the tragic misfortunes of Basilio’s family. Basilio declined the offer because he still hoped that the country’s condition will improve. Basilio, at this point, is a graduating student of medicine at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila. After the death of his mother, Sisa, and the disappearance of his younger brother, Crispà ­n, Basilio obeyed the advice of the dying boatman, Elà ­as, and traveled to Manila to study. Basilio was adopted by Captain Tiago after Marà ­a Clara entered the convent. With Captain Tiago’s help, Basilio was able to go to Colegio de San Juan de Letrà ¡n where, at first, he was glared upon by his classmates and teachers not only because of the color of his skin but also because of his untidy appearance which he also experienced at Ateneo. Captain Tiago’s confessor, Father Irene is making Captain Tiago’s health worse by giving him opium even as Basilio tried hard to prevent Captain Tiago from smoking it. He and the other students wanted to establish a Spanish language academy so that they can learn to speak and write Spanish despite the opposition from the Dominican friars of the Universidad de Santo Tomà ¡s. With the help of a reluctant Father Irene as their mediator and Don Custodio’s decision, the academy was established; however they will only serve as caretakers of the school not as the teachers. Depressed and defeated, they held a mock ce lebration at a panciterà ­a while a spy for the friars witnessed the proceedings. Simoun, for his part, kept in close contact with the bandit group of Kabesang Tales, a former cabeza de barangay who suffered misfortunes at the hands of the friars. Once a farmer owning a prosperous sugarcane plantation and a cabeza de barangay (barangay head), he was forced to give everything to the  greedy and corrupt Spanish friars. His son, Tano, who became a civil guard, was captured by bandits; his daughter Juli worked as a maid to get enough ransom money for his freedom; and his father, Tandang Selo, suffered a stroke and became mute. Before joining the bandits, Tales took Simoun’s revolver while Simoun was staying at his house for the night. As payment, Tales left a locket that once belonged to Marà ­a Clara. To further strengthen the revolution, Simoun had Quiroga, a Chinese man hoping to be appointed consul to the Philippines, smuggled weapons into the country using Quiroga’s market as a front. Simoun wished to attack during a stage play with all of his enemies in attendance but he suddenly aborted the attack when he learned from Basilio that Marà ­a Clara had died earlier that day in the convent. A few days after the mock celebration by the students, the people are troubled when disturbing posters are found displayed around the city. The authorities accused the students, those present at the panciterà ­a, of agitation and disturbance of peace and had them arrested. Basilio, although not present at the mock celebration, was also arrested. Captain Tiago died after finding out about the incident and as stated in his will—made by Father Irene, all his possessions were given to the Church, leaving nothing for Basilio. Basilio was left in prison as the other students were released. A high official tried to intervene for the release of Basilio but the Captain-General, bearing grudges against the high official, forced him to tender his resignation. Juli, Basilio’s girlfriend and the daughter of Kabesang Tales, tried to ask for Father Camorra’s help upon the advice of an elder woman. Instead of helping Juli, however, the priest tried to rape her as he had long-hidden desires for Juli. Juli, rather than submit to the will of the friar, jumps over the balcony to her death. Basilio was soon released with the help of Simoun. Basilio, now a changed man and after hearing about Juli’s suicide, finally joined Simoun’s revolution. Simoun then told Basilio his plan at the wedding of Paulita Gà ³mez and Juanito, Basilio’s hunch-backed classmate. His plan was to conceal nitroglycerin inside a pomegranate-styled Kerosene lamp that Simoun will give to the newlyweds as a gift during the wedding reception. The reception took place at the former home of the late Captain Tiago, which was now  filled with explosives planted by Simoun. According to Simoun, the lamp will stay lighted for only 20 minutes before it flickers; if someone attempted to turn the wick, it will explode and kill everyone—important members of civil society and the Church hierarchy—inside the house. Outside the house, Basilio was about to walk away because he knew the lamp was going to explode anytime soon but Basilio had a change of heart and attempted to warn Isagani, his friend and the former boyfriend of Paulita. Simoun left the reception early as planned and left a note behind; â€Å"Mene Thecel Phares.† â€Å"the future is predetermined† Juan Crisostomo Ibarra The people at the reception were shocked because Ibarra was supposed to be dead. Initially thinking that it was simply a bad joke, Father Salvà ­ recognized the handwriting and confirmed that it was indeed Ibarra’s. As people began to panic, the lamp flickered. Father Irene tried to turn the wick up when Isagani, due to his undying love for Paulita, burst into the room and threw the lamp into the river, ruining Simoun’s plans. He escaped by diving into the river as guards chased after him. He later regretted his impulsive action because he had contradicted his own belief that he loved his nation more than Paulita and that the explosion and revolution could have fulfilled his ideals for Filipino society. The band got caught and confessed that Simoun lead them.Simoun, now unmasked as the person behind the attempted bombing and failed revolution, became a fugitive. Wounded and exhausted after he was shot by the pursuing Guardia Civil, he found shelter at the home of Fathe r Florentino, Isagani’s uncle, and comes under the care of Doctor Tiburcio de Espadaà ±a, Doà ±a Victorina’s husband, who was also hiding at the house. The Spanish authorities, however, learned of his presence in the house of Padre Florentino. Lieutenant Perez of the Guardia Civil informs the priest by letter that he would come at eight o’clock that night to arrest Simoun. Simoun took poison in order for him not to be captured alive. Before he died, he revealed his real identity to Father Florentino while they exchanged thoughts about the failure of his revolution and why God forsook him. Father Florentino said that God did not forsake him  and that his plans were not for the greater good but for personal gain. Simoun, finally accepted Father Florentino’s explanation, squeezed his hand and died. Watching Simoun die peacefully with a clear conscience and at peace with God, Father Florentino falls upon his knees and prays for the dead jeweler. Father Florentino then took Simoun’s remaining jewels and threw them into the Pacific Ocean with the corals hoping that they would not be used by the greedy, and that when the time came that it would be used for the greater good, when the nation would be finally deserving liberty for themselves, the sea would reveal the treasures.