Lab report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Lab Report Example The second set of images showed the same trend as the first. An original image with noise added can be smoothed through the moving average filter and the noise reduced. As in the first set of images, the greater the span, the smoother the image, but there is also a greater of loss of detail. With this increased span, the (20 span) image (figure 1.1) was almost indistinguishable from the original image. When EDGE_TRUNCATE is applied to a noisy image using the moving average filter, the noise in the image decreases. However, as the span is increased, the image becomes smoother and loses definition. Without EDGE_TRUNCATE, a narrow band of noise remains around the image, this band increases as the span increases. The middle of this image has less definition than the image with EDGE_TRUNCATE. An original image had noise applied to it. The noisy image was then manipulated by applying the moving average filter with 5 span and median filter with med width 5 with shot strength 3000 to the image. The image that resulted had the noise reduced, but the image was blurry, it was smoother than the noisy image and had lost a great deal of detail. When the noisy image had the median filter applied to it, there was a narrow band around the image edge that retained the noise, but the objects in the image had no noise. The image that resulted using the median filter (figure 2.1) was smoother, with indistinguishable noise, and there was a sharper edge on the objects in the image than the moving average filter image. A shot strength of 3000 was used on an image, noise was added. The image was examined using the average filter with a span of 5. This image showed a minor reduction in noise and smoother objects. The median filter image was then compared to the moving average filter image. The objects in this image were sharper and more distinguishable (figure 2.2A), the noise in the image

Ptsd Paper Essay Example for Free

Ptsd Paper Essay Trauma, and People Kacie D. Buchanan COM/156 April 12, 2013 It has been estimated, from Michelle Rosenthal (2012), that 70% of all U. S. citizens experience some type of trauma in their life and an estimated 8% have PTSD. War veteran diagnosed PTSD have jumped up 50% in 2012, and 1 out of every five veterans that return from Irag are diagnosed with this disorder. It is sad to think of the children that go through trauma, but an estimated 15-43% of girls and 14-43% of boys will experience a traumatic event. As many as 30- 60% of these children will go through the trauma and come out with PTSD. Personal doubt has lead me to try to figure out how this disorder comes about, and if there is a way an individual can be misdiagnosed. There are many reasons an individual may have PTSD, its finding the trauma and the cause so you can then find a cure. For as long as we can remember there have been stories about the trauma that war veterans go through daily, they relive the trauma, and it can bring on PTSD. Post-traumatic stress syndrome in war veterans is very different than the trauma anyone else can go through, it is harder for them to cope with because of the level of trauma they have been through. Christine Stephens, Nigel Long, and Ross Flett (1998) had done a New Zealand study of 527 working police officers were given the PTSD test to show there results, their results were that police officers with military combat backgrounds had some of the highest test results of anyone tested. These victims of war have to relive the nightmare every time they hear a loud crash, bang, or pop they feel like they have to run for cover or hide because that fear has been put into their minds that if they do not save themselves they will die. In most cases military personnel have come home and have shown no sign of PTSD and passed all tests with a negative result for the disorder, it was six months to a year later that the individuals start to experience signs and symptoms of PTSD. These tests can include an officer sitting in front of a computer screen with random flashes of picture’s, there are children,  dogs sniffing blood, soldiers cowering in fear, and death. The doctor monitors stress levels and how many times the officer blinks and from that can see if the officer will most likely develop PTSD, because after all this is just a theory for military doctors trying to help soldier. Right now, we cant determine with certainty who will and who wont develop PTSD, said P aula Schnurr (2009), deputy executive director of the Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Perhaps with better measures, we can get closer. In 1980 is when the PTSD in adults came about with the war veterans, there were also numerous adults that had been diagnosed at this time but when it came to children there were no cases because it was primarily a disorder that had been focused around adults. (Kaminer, Seedat, Stein, 2005) â€Å"Studies indicate that children can develop PTSD after exposure to a range of traumatic stressors, including violent crime, sexual abuse, natural disasters, and war. Where relatively standardized assessment methods have been used, the incidence of PTSD among childsurvivors of specific disasters ranges from 30 to 60%. As yet there are no epidemiological studies of the prevalence of PTSD among children in the general population; however, community studies in the United States have consistently indicated that around 40% of high school students have experienced some form of domestic or community violence, and between 3 and 6% have PTSD. † When children develop these disorders some of the trauma can affect them ten times worse than that of an adult because children are so impressionable and delicate. With children and war veterans the symptoms are quite similar when concerning the nightmares, sleep disturbances, intrusive memories, and flashback experiences. In children however I have read that nightmares become more generalized and not specific, and also re-experiencing can take place through actual events and not only memories that can play in one’s mind. When dealing with PTSD we need to remember that children can be more delicate than an average human being, something that doesn’t traumatize you could definitely hurt a child and scar them for a life with PTSD. When I say normal human beings I mean it as a range of adults between the ages of 18 and over. The reason I give this age group is because anyone under the age of 18 are still considered a child and therefore I feel can still be influenced differently than someone who has been through the trauma, and it didn’t affect them at all. This is involved with civilians of PTSD, the different types of civilian PTSD can be defined as car accidents, death, change in home/work, or even going through a disaster such as angry Mother Nature. The problem with people nowadays isn’t PTSD as a disorder, because PTSD can be a real life disorder, it is the individuals that try to use PTSD as an excuse to be lazy and escape responsibility. One example of this is, recently in the news there was a murder case involving Jodi Arias. Jodi Arias has been accused of murdering her boyfriend, and to escape blame she has told the court that she has a disorder, PTSD to be exact. When faced with the tests from all the doctors you would think that she could get caught if she were faking it. According to her psychologist Richard Samuel whom was put on the stand to answer an array of over 100 questions and to defend his work he said â€Å"I made an arithmetic error which does not affect the utility of the test, Samuels insisted, adding that regardless of the changing scores because of his calculation errors, Arias still would have been diagnosed with PTSD. Each time that I scored it, Ms. Arias met or even exceeded the minimum criteria for the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. So when it came time to see the results we didn’t know what to believe. After all if her doctor is changing scores how to we believe that there is no disorder there. Time after time we come into contact with trauma and you have to think to yourself, Will the trauma caused affect different kinds of people differently? Well I have come to the conclusion that it does because not everyone is the same. It takes a strong individual to go through trauma and come out of the other side. Personal testimony is the best research I have done and I have been told by a close friend of mine, †You cannot let trauma stop your life, you have to learn how to get over your past and leave it there. Because after all that is where the past belongs, in the past† (Kat Brower, 2013). This individual is a very strong person, loves life and knows that there are more to worry about than past experienced, she has moved on and has let the wrong in her life make her stronger. With all of the symptoms that come with PTSD you have to be sure what you are going through, you just need to know you are not alone. Knowing whether the trauma that you have been through will cause PTSD is the biggest challenge, and also finding your cure. I have learned in doing this research that, it has helped me understand how to deal with my personal experiences in life that has made me doubt a close friend. I have decided I need to come to my own conclusions whether or not I am going to trust the disease is real or if the stories are in fact just stories. Hundreds of Americans are diagnosed with this disorder, its finding out who is using the disorder to escape the responsibility of life. References: Associated Press, (January 4, 2012), Types of Trauma: War. www. ptsd. va. gov. Retrieved on March 22, 2013. Associated Press, (November 20, 2009), Mental Health Effects of Serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. www. ptsdsupport. com. Retrieved on March 22, 2013 Kaminer, D. , Seedat, S. , Stein, D. J. , (June 2005), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children, 4(2): 121-125. www. ncbi. nim. nih. gov. Retrieved on March 24, 2013. Crimesider Staff, Tingle, T. , (March 25, 2013), Jodi Arias Trial: Expert defends murder defendant’s diagnosis of PTSD, amnesia. www. cbsnews. com. Retrieved March 25, 2013 Personal insight and quote from Brower, K. , (March 21, 2013) Rosenthal, M. , (2012) Statistics, www. healmyptsd. com, Retrieved March 30, 2013

Shakespeares Hamlet - Comparison of Gertrude and Ophelia Essay

Hamlet -- Comparison of Gertrude and Ophelia      Ã‚  Ã‚   Gertrude and Ophelia occupy the leading roles for females in the Shakespearean drama Hamlet. As women they share many things in common: attitudes from others, shallow or simple minds and outlooks, etc. This essay will delve into what they have in common. The protagonist’s negative attitude toward both women is an obvious starting point. John Dover Wilson explains in What Happens in Hamlet how the prince holds both of the women in disgust: The difficulty is not that, having once loved Ophelia, Hamlet ceases to do so. This is explained, as most critics have agreed, by his mother’s conduct which has put   him quite out of love with Love and has poisoned his whole imagination. The exclamation â€Å"Frailty thy name is woman!† in the first soliloquy, we come to feel later, embraces Ophelia as well as Gertrude, while in the bedroom scene he as good as taxes his mother with destroying his capacity for affection, when he accuses her of such an act That blurs the grace and blush of modesty, Calls virtue hypocrite, takes off the rose From the fir forehead of an innocent love And sets a blister there. Moreover, it is clear that in the tirades of the nunnery scene he is thinking almost as much of his mother as of Ophelia. (101) Other critics agree that both women are recipients of Hamlet’s ill-will. In the Introduction to Twentieth Century Interpretations of Hamlet, David Bevington enlightens the reader regarding the similarities between Gertrude and Ophelia as the hero sees them: Yet to Hamlet, Ophelia is no better than another Gertrude: both are tender of heart but submissive to the will of importunate men, and so are forced into uncharacteristic vi... ... â€Å"An Approach to Hamlet.† Twentieth Century Interpretations of Hamlet. Ed. David Bevington. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1968. Rpt. from An Approach to Hamlet. Stanford, CT: Stanford University Press, 1961. Pennington, Michael. â€Å"Ophelia: Madness Her Only Safe Haven.† Readings on Hamlet. Ed. Don Nardo. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1999. Rpt. from â€Å"Hamlet†: A User’s Guide. New York: Limelight Editions, 1996. Pitt, Angela. â€Å"Women in Shakespeare’s Tragedies.† Readings on The Tragedies. Ed. Clarice Swisher. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1996. Excerpted from Shakespeare’s Women. N.p.: n.p., 1981. Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 1995. http://www.chemicool.com/Shakespeare/hamlet/full.html Wilson, John Dover. What Happens in Hamlet. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1999.

Five Questions For Vladimir Lenin Essay -- essays research papers

Five Questions For Vladimir Lenin   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The most dedicated leader of the revolution, and future leader of the Bolshevik Party in Russia, was Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov. He was born in 1870 in Simbirsk, Russia, a small town on the Volga River, to a family of hereditary nobles that were not wealt but quite comfortable. Vladimir Ulyanov, who would later change his name to Lenin, was the third of seven children. His oldest brother, Aleksandr, was hanged in May of 1887 for having joined in a plot to kill Czar Alexander III. The czar signed a warra to have the five student conspirators executed. A year earlier, Vladimir’s father had died. Because of these cicumstances Vladimir experienced extreme grief. He died of a stroke in January of 1924 at his villa outside Moscow. I chose Vladimir Lenin to ite about because I felt that I didn’t truly understand what part he played in the Bolshevik takeover of Russia. In fact, I didn’t even understand what role he played in Russia, though I did know that he was associated with communism in some way.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At the University of Kazan, where Lenin majored in law, Lenin was expelled after only three months for taking part in a student protest meeting. He went on to work in a law office in St. Petersburg, where he joined the Social Democratic Party.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In late February 1917 riots broke out in Saint Petersburg. A group of individuals assumed formal governmental powers and declared itself the Provincial Government of Russia on March 1. Lenin took the reins of the Bolshevik Party shortly after the Bolsh ik Revolution which overthrew this Provincial government. Lenin instantly created to pieces of legislation. One of them withdrew Russia from World War I. The other one nationalized personal property. From 1918 to 1921 Russia was torn by a civil war betw n the White armies and the Red Army of the Soviet government. In the summer of 1918 the Soviet government, under Lenin’s leadership, launched the Red Terror, a brutal campaign aimed at eliminating political opponents among the civilian population. The g ernment also introduced a series of economic policies in an effort to put socialist principles into practice and to respond to Russia’s pressing economic needs. However, these policies only weakened economic output.Widespread strikes and uprisings broke ut in c... ...the system?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I realized that once I was gone that the two sides of the party, one led by Trotsky and the other by Stalin, would have nothing in common because the platforms of these two communists were so different. I knew that the communist goals that I had tried uphold would be destroyed. While I was in office I was trying to make Russia prosper under communism. Once I was involved less in communism’s affairs and realized that I was going to die soon, I started thinking of what â€Å"The Party† would be like after died. Suffice to say, it didn’t look good. â€Å". . . . the two outstanding leaders of the present Communist Party can inadvertently lead to a split, and if our Party does not take steps to avert this, the split may come unexpectedly,† (Lenin 1) W O R K S C I T E D Hugley, Ronald. RUSSIA: A Concise History. London, Thames and Hudson Ltd.1972. Lenin, Vladimir. The Testament. Boston, Halshall, Inc. 1997 McNeal, Robert H., The Bolshevik Tradition. Englewood, New Jersey, Prentice-Hall   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Inc. 1975. Sherrow, Victoria. Life during the Russian Revolution. San Diego, Lucent Books, Inc.,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1998.

Food And Drug Administration On Tobacco Essay

Due to the remarkable number of premature deaths caused by smoking during the period of 1995-1999[1], the government agencies of America, especially the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made several attempts in regulating tobacco and tobacco products. Lots of laws have been made in order to solve this problem. There was an attempt in issuing additional tax on each stick of the cigarette. However, people who smoke ranging from ‘minor’ smokers to heavy smokers would still continue to buy cigarettes regardless of its price. Some rules recommended the limitation of people’s access to tobacco products, as well as restrictions on the marketing of these products to minors. Do there need to be changes in existing laws? Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act were introduced in 2007[2].   This Act though abundant of ‘good laws’ is not strong. Some amendments should be made on the laws involved. How should those changes be approached and effected? Lots of amendments have been made on the laws. Some attempts were on the regulation of tobacco products through disclosure, annual registration, inspection, record keeping, and user fee requirements. Others approaches involve (1)limiting product sales on licensed drugstores; (2)prohibiting product sales through face-to-face transactions in retail outlets; (3) establishing a minimum age greater than 18 years of age for product purchases; (4) warning label and advertising requirements. These attempts would be well effected through thorough and consistent public dissemination.[3] Is there an impact on other government agencies? Identify the agencies impacted.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The impact of this change is not only on the government agencies. It would also affect other organizations such as in the world of business, advertisement, etc. The government agencies are the Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communications Commission, National Institute of Health, Peace Corps and as well as The White House. How should it be resolved?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Agreements should be made among affected agencies in order to resolve the impact of regularizing the circulation of tobacco. Others should give sacrifices for the sake of the health of the majority.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The best suggestion to solve this conflict is to develop a product that would totally replace tobacco products or at least replace nicotine-free ingredients for cigarettes. References: Bonnie, Richard J., Kathleen R. Stratton, Robert B. Wallace. (2007). Ending the Tobacco   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Problem: A Blueprint for the Nation. Washington: The National Academy Press. Hickmann, Meredith A. (2003).The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). New York: Nova   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Publishers. Kessler, David A. MD. (2000). A Question of Intent: A Great American Battle with a Deadly   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Industry. Food and Drug Administration:Public Affairs. Redhead, Stephen and Jody Feder. (December 3, 2004). FDA Regulation of Tobacco   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Products: A Policy and Legal Analysis. Retrieved   from http://digital.library.unt.edu/   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   govdocs/crs/permalink/meta-crs-8198:1 on 13 April 2008. Preventing Tobacco Use Among Young People. Washington: Diane Publishing ,[1997]. Taking Action to Reduce Tobacco Use. Washington: [1]  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., Statement on H.R. 1108, Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, (October 3, 2007),   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.fda.gov/oc/oms/ofm/budget/2002/cj2002/HTML/Tobacco.htm, Accessed April 13, 2008. [2]  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Richard J. Bonnie, Kathleen R. Stratton, Robert B. Wallace, Ending the Tobacco Problem: A Blueprint for the Nation, Washington: The   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   National Academy Press, 126. [3]  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   C. Stephen Redhead and Jody Feder, â€Å"FDA Regulation of Tobacco Products: A Policy and Legal Analysis,† (December 3, 2004),   http://digital.library.unt.edu/govdocs/crs/permalink/meta-crs-8198:1, Accessed 13 April 2008.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Preventing Tobacco Use Among Young People (Washington: Diane Publishing ,[1997]), 278 – 282.

Research Paper

Research Paper Research Paper Matt McMahon Ms. Cooley Writing for College 16 December 2010 The Life of a New York City Fireman Every young boy has a specific person who he feels is his hero. Many of these heroes are seen on TV or in comic books. At a young age, these characters are referred to as superheroes. As these kids grow older, their views of idols change into professional sports players like Derek Jeter, Lebron James or Sidney Crosby. Once kids hit a certain age they don’t believe in the superheroes, they just have heroes from movies and sports. The funny thing is superheroes do exist and always have. Just because they cant fly and pick up buildings doesn’t mean they are any less heroic than the ones who can in comic books. When someone is in danger or in any type of life threatening situation, they depend on police officers and firefighters to be there for their safety. The system works much like how it did on cartoons or in comic books for that matter. When someone is in distress t hey call 911 who gets the information and refers it to a local fire departments dispatch. The dispatch then sends the call out to the fireman who race to report to the scene as fast as they can. Although being a firefighter is not as easy as it looks or sounds. Being a New York City firefighter is very different from any other job in the world. People go to their normal job about five days a week for about an eight hour shift. Being a firefighter isn't any normal job. The shifts research paper research paper Coming to a division three college as a student athlete was a difficult choice. This was mainly because I knew that in division three there were no athletic scholarships given, unlike division one and two. This made college more expensive for me, and definitely weighed in on my decision on what college to attend. Many people will argue that athletics are not an important part of a child and students career for many reasons. Most people who choose this viewpoint believe that it distracts the student from their academics, therefore damaging their future. The people who believe this agree that students should be studying instead of practicing their sport or playing in events. Therefore, why should athletic scholarships be given out? This would encourage students to practice even harder and longer to be able to achieve a talent good enough to be rewarded with a scholarship. Another reason people might be against athletic scholarships is because it would save the college money by not giving students free tuition. If the college did not give out athletic scholarships, they could save hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. This money could go to things such as academic tuition, building funds, or previous debts owned by the school. Although both of these arguments are valid, I believe there are strong counterarguments to each one. What many people don’t understand is that athletics encourage more than just physical toughness. I have learned that athletics have taught me much more than that; they have taught me perseverance, how to be supportive, and that hard work pays off. Also, student athletes are well rounded and have knowledge of time management. Student athletes are forced work hard in their academics in order to stay on the team. If you receive under a two point five GPA, you are ineligible to play for the team. This results in student athletes having some of the highest GPAs in colleges. When people try and Research Paper Research Paper Research Paper Why Richard Rodriguez? Why does his work catch my eye? What makes his work more prominent than other authors? I can’t persuade one to change his/her opinion on the interest of his/her author. I can however provide details on how mine is a work of art. Richard Rodriguez, a man with no shame, splendid powers of deduction, and innovative writing. My reasoning shall be revealed in due time. Rodriguez has really enthused my writing. He has given me a more creative, and more, in-depth kind of thinking in my writing. His race and his sexuality are just assets to the man with the ink. What do I mean? I mean that others could be prejudice to either his ethnicity or homosexuality. Revealing one’s identity of sexuality is crucial in a career where people throughout the world criticize it. A good example of this is, Adam Lambert. A star who was contesting in and was supposedly going to win the hit show American Idol until he revealed his sexuality. Some say he was go ing to win and others say that has nothing to do with it. Now, I deem myself as a respectful and understanding guy. Therefore, I don’t judge the man himself (why would I be writing about him if I was), I judge his work. Some of the works I will be critiquing are a few essays, Cowboys and Indians, which is one of his more recent works, Se Habla Espanol, Zero Times One and a chapter out of his most famous work, Hunger of Memory. I’ve specifically chosen articles that are spread out through his career. Even though these four articles are spread through a decade of time, it is still noteworthy to evaluate to his progression in writing. Each of these writings are different, but cover the same idea. Rodriguez is Spanish (the Mexican descent) and he is a homosexual. Is that all there is to know though? Of course it is! What else could there be to know about an author? Sarcasm, that is what modern terminology defines as being ignorant, or hilarious, or both. As I said before, Rodriguez has enthused my writing, so there must be more to him. Well, Rodriguez’s home life and family life was what you’d imagine it to be a Mexican growing up in America, tough, to say the least. Having to deal with common Research Paper Research Paper Athletic Performance Using mind body connection The mind is a powerful tool. Athletes who are able to effectively use their mind have more success than those who cannot. Athletic performance can actually be improved using the connection between the mind and the body. That mind-body connection has given athletes positive reproducible results time and time again. The only barrier in the way of the athlete is learning the process that improves athletic performance by enabling the mind-body connection. Our minds tell our bodies what to do and how to react. For instance, athletic performance increases when the athlete links the mind-body connection and visualizes the specific event in their minds several times before the actual event. An Athlete’s Secret Weapon – Visualization What can an athlete do to gain the upper hand over his or her opponent who has the same fitness level, nutrition regime, and game experience? This is where sports psychology comes into play. An athlete can rise to the next level and surpass their opponents with the use of mental preparation. Visualization, also known as guided imagery, enables an athlete to create clear detailed images in their mind that they want to manifest as reality during their game. Using imagery, an athlete can put themselves in every situation possible and practice responding successfully. The outcome is reduced anxiety and mental involvement before ever stepping onto the playing field. Developing High Levels of Confidence Confidence is the keystone to performing at your best. When athletes are confident, their mind and body are relaxed allowing them to perform at their best. A confident athlete has been defined as "being able to be positive, motivated, focused, and emotionally in control when they need to be. There are a few things that can be done to ensure you have the highest level of confidence possible. First of all, engineer your approach to competition so that you are doing things that you have already successfully done in the past. Just knowing that you done it successfully before, will give you confidence. When you are reviewing your performance in your head, see it working perfectly. A confident athlete has the belief that he/she has what it takes to be successful no matter what is happening on the field/court. The combination of confidence and a positive mind set Research Paper Research Paper JUDAISM, CHRISTINAITY & ISLAM Raquita Fleming Religion & Philosophy Father Yarisah September 2, 2013 We have so many different religions out here in today’s society there is a lot and you may wonder why we don’t have just one. Well I am here to explain why not and I will be comparing and contrasting three monotheistic religions which are: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. I will discuss the uniqueness of each religion regarding their beliefs and basic teachings. Also will be talking about each religion background information, on how they religion got started. Who were their founding fathers and how where they able to find their religion. I will explain the symbols and they kinds of food that each religion is alike and don’t eat alike. The first Religion I will talk about is Judaism it was formed 1300 B.C which is one of the most scholar date Abraham who was one of their forefathers. There is set to believe that there could be four founding fathers of Judaism. Who are God, Moses, Abraham and historical authorities? The original language of Judaism is Hebrews. The origin of Judaism is Canaan and that is a biblical name for the religion. That came about because of the Jordan and the Mediterranean River. The symbol for Judaism is the â€Å"Star of David†. The Star of David is a six pointed star made up of two triangles. Sometimes they refer the Star of David being called Megan David. Which in Judaism means the â€Å"Shield of David†? some Christians and Muslims have used the Star of David in previous years also sometimes associated with the King Of Solomon instead of King David. The sacred text is Tanakh which is an acronym of The Bible name Torah Nevi’im and Ketuvim. Our first five bibles are names after the Torah; Exodus, Numbers Leviticus, Genesis, and Deuteronomy. The place where the Jews worship is called the synagogue or sometimes the temple. There holy days are called Passover and Hanukkah. The Talmud was also the oral Torah and was compared to the rabbinical commentary. The leaders of Judaism are called Rabbis. Judaism today is much better and it is one the oldest religion that still exists today. Judaism started in a small nation by the Hebrews. So many years had passed with the Jews going through rough times. They suffered dispersion, persecution and occasional victory. As we look on the religion today we have at least 14 million Jews. Today is more complex which incorporates both nation and religion. This all comes down to strict adherence and ritual laws with more liberal attitude on religion beliefs. Judaism has been a major part in shaping the world today this is not in common western categories like race, religion, ethnicity or culture. Unlike Christians Judaism have been influenced by so many different contacts like Egyptians, Babylon and Persians. Christianity was formed 33 C.E and it was known for the traditional date for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The founders of Christianity are Jesus, Peter and Paul. Many different scholars date the rise of Christianity as a r eligious belief system. Some of holy days are ester, Christmas, Good Friday, Palm Sunday and Ash Wednesday. Then in the first century under the leadership went over to apostles. Most Christian’s beliefs were center on the life of Jesus of Nazareth he was a teacher and he healed the first century Palestine. The symbol for Christianity is a Cross, and Dove some people claim their can be more. But the more common one is the cross that everyone can recognize. Teachings based on the themes of the kingdom of god, love of god and love of thy neighbor. We as Christians believed that Jesus rose from the dead three days after his burial, and made it possible for those who believed that sins can be forgiven and attain eternal life. The distinctive belief of mainstream of Christianity if the doctrine of Trinity. Meaning we view god as one god consisting of the three persons; the father, the son and the Holy Spirit. We as Christians Research Paper Research Paper The Atrocities at My Lai Massacre During the Vietnam War, there were lots of corruption and violence taking place. As an outcome of this war, there were many events and tragedies that are still remembered and looked back upon, but one act of cruelty stands above all the others. Because of the inhumane actions that were taken by U.S. forces, the corrupt leadership of Lieutenant Calley and the fact that this massacre was covered up from society for over a year, the My Lai massacre became know as the worst atrocity that occurred during the Vietnam War. To start off, the mass destruction that took place during the My Lai Massacre shows that this was in fact, the worst atrocity that took place during the Vietnam War. On March 16, 1968, U.S. soldiers entered the village of My Lai in northern South Vietnam. The soldiers had been searching for threats within the village, but soon determined that the women, children and elders living there, were not dangerous. ‘But rather than move on, the soldiers abruptly went on a murderous killing spree, massacring between 300 and 500 unarmed villagers over a period of several hours’ (Russell 703). Innocent unarmed people were murdered that day, with no means of protecting themselves. Hundreds of innocent people were slaughtered, â€Å"In terms of numbers of slain, the My Lai Massacre is by far the worst known U.S. atrocity case of the Vietnam War† (Cook and Martin 217). Not only did the soldiers murder hundreds of innocent people, but they also tortured them and forced them to suffer: During this time, the soldiers torched houses, raped dozens of women and children, and shot or stabbed terrified villagers who tried to escape. The American troops executed most of the villagers by lining them up in ditches and shooting them in heavy bursts of rifle fire (Hillstrom and Hillstrom 212). These inhumane actions taken by the U.S. forces in My Lai, are one of the main reasons that the My Lai Massacre is known to be the worst atrocity that occurred during the Vietnam War. This event was not only sick and cruel, but could also represent everything that was wrong with the Vietnam W ar. Ronald L. Haeberle was a photographer for the United States Army, and unfortunately, had a firsthand experience of witnessing the spiteful execution of these innocent people at My Lai. â€Å"Haeberle said that no Viet Cong were sighted nor were there any reports of Viet Cong fire in the village† (Cook and Martin 217). There was clear evidence that shows that no Viet Cong or even armed people were present when this massacre took place. â€Å"U.S. forces, Haeberle related, mechanically killed the civilians, some in their beds in huts. The murders were carried out; he said, with M-16 rifles and machine guns† (Cook and Martin 217). Not only were these people killed, but they were humiliated and treated much less than a person. It was much more than soldiers doing their duties, it was inhumane and unethical. â€Å"He said he saw as many as 30 American soldiers’ murder as many as 100 South Vietnamese civilians, many of them women or babies, many left in lifeless clumps. He describes the soldiers who did the shooting as ‘intent on what they were trying to accomplish. There was no feeling, nothing human about it. It was, for the most part, grim, though later some of the men tried to be humorous about leaving the bodies for the dogs and the rats’† (Cook and Martin 219). Soldiers recklessly lost control of themselves and took out all of their anger on the lives of these unarmed, innocent women, children and elders. GI’s forced these people to not only die, but to suffer as well. â€Å"‘The GI’s found a group of people- mothers, children, and their daughters. This GI grabbed one of the girls, in her teens, and started stripping her, playing around. They said they wanted to see what she was made of and stuff like that’† (Cook and Mart in 219). It was obvious that the U.S. soldiers acted excessively violent and took out all of their anger on innocent Research Paper Research Paper The Periodic Table and the Aufbau One of the biggest topics in the teaching and learning of chemistry is the use of the aufbau principle to predict the electronic configurations of atoms and to explain the periodic table of the elements. This method has been taught to many generations of students and is a favorite among instructors and textbooks when it comes to setting questions. In this blog I am going to attempt to blow the lid off the aufbau because it is deeply flawed, or at least the sloppy version of the aufbau. The flaw is rather subtle and seems to have escaped the attention of nearly all chemistry and physics textbooks and the vast majority of chemistry professors that I have consulted on the subject. The error comes from what may be an innocent attempt to simplify matters or maybe just an understandable slip as I will try to explain. Whatever the cause there is no excuse for perpetuating this educational myth. So what’s the problem? The aufbau method was originally proposed by the great Danish physicist Niels Bohr who was the first to bring quantum mechanics to the study of atomic structure and one of the first to give a fundamental explanation of the periodic table in terms of arrangements of electrons (electronic configurations). Bohr proposed that we can think of the atoms of the periodic table as being progressively built up starting from the simplest atom of all, that of hydrogen which contains just one proton and one electron. The other atoms differ from hydrogen by the addition of one proton and one electron. Helium has two protons and two electrons, lithium has three of each, beryllium has four of each, all the way to uranium which at that time, (1913), was the heaviest known atom, weighing in at 92 protons and 92 electrons. Neutron numbers vary and are quite irrelevant to this story incidentally. The next ingredient is a knowledge of the atomic orbitals into which the electrons are progressively placed in an attempt to reproduce the natural sequence of electrons in atoms that occur in the real world. Oddly enough these orbitals, at least in their simplest form, nowadays come from solving the Schrà ¶dinger equation for the hydrogen atom but let’s not get too sidetracked for the moment. The orbitals The different atomic orbitals come in various kinds that are distinguished by labels such as s, p, d and f. Each shell of electrons can be broken down into various orbitals and as we move away from the nucleus each shell contains a progressively larger number of kinds of orbitals. Here is the well-known scheme, First shell contains 1s orbital only Second shell contains 2s and 2p orbitals Third shell contains 3s, 3p and 3d orbitals Fourth shell contains 4s, 4p, 4d and 4f orbitals and so on. The next part is that one needs to know how many of these orbitals occur in each shell. The answer is provided by the simple formula 2ï  ¬Ã¯â‚¬  + 1 where ï  ¬ takes different values depending on whether we are speaking of s, p, d or f orbitals. For s orbitals ï  ¬ = 0, for p orbitals ï  ¬ = 1, for d orbitals ï  ¬ = 2 and so on. As a result there are potentially one s orbital, three p orbitals, five d orbitals, seven f orbitals and so on for each shell. So far so good. Now comes the magic ingredient which claims to predict the order of filling of these orbitals and here is where the fallacy lurks. Rather than filling the shells around the nucleus in a simple sequential sequence, where each shell must fill completely before moving onto the next shell, we are told that the correct procedure is more complicated. But we are also reassured that there is a nice simple pattern that governs the order of shell and consequently of orbitals filling. And this is finally the point at which the aufbau diagram, which I am going to claim lies at the heart of the trouble, is trotted out. The order of filling of

Rape and Undercover Colors Product Essay

Rape and Undercover Colors Product Essay Rape and Undercover Colors Product Essay Four students from North Carolina State University have invented a nail polish called Undercover Colors that detects date rape drugs. Some examples of date rape drugs are Rohypnol, Xanax, and GHB which render the user to become sedated and therefore, be vulnerable to sexual assault, which tends to be the case for many rape victims.. The nail polish is said to change color when coming into contact with those substances in a women’s drink. There are also some other inventions that change color when coming into contact with these drugs, such as: cups, coasters, and straws. ! There is some controversy between using the nail polish because it is said to â€Å"promote rape culture† and allow for more victim blaming. What judgement would you make about the importance of the Undercover Colors product? I believe that the product in no way promotes rape culture. It is simply giving women a â€Å"weapon† to fight with in this war on rapists and the rape culture. Sadly, we are in need of a product like this and no amount of saying â€Å"I don’t want to test my drink when I’m at the bar. It’s not the world I want to live in,† from Rebecca Nagle on FORCE: Upsetting Rape Culture is going to save your ignorant bum. The facts state that around 25% of rape victims have been drugged beforehand and using items like those can lessen the numbers of victims and even catch some of those rapists. The keyword in that sentence, Rebecca Nagle, is â€Å"want.† As in you do not live in that world but you want to. And as for the victim blaming, the product is to scare the rapists so that they know that they won’t get away with the crime (www.sltrib.com). What I am coming to understand from what people might be afraid will happen is that more and more people will blame the victim because she was not wearing the Undercover Colors nail polish and therefore, they will say that it’s her fault for being raped, just like some are saying that same thing about these women’s clothing, as in â€Å"she was asking for it.† I think that that is stupid. People should know that consent is a continuous and sober â€Å"yes.† But, sadly, some people do not know that and therefore, we do need this product. ! How would you evaluate the efficiency of the product? The efficiency can be evaluated by a number of

Confucian dynamism Essays

Confucian dynamism Essays Confucian dynamism Paper Confucian dynamism Paper In my essay I will hope to discover the true essence of Guanxi. What it means. Where it came from and how crucial it really is when conducting business in China. My aim is to bring together the views and opinions of a cross section of people and interpret them into my own understanding. After analysing the topic in question I will go on to conclude, The significance of Guanxi. With foreign trade in China totalling US$509. 77 billion in 2001, and with investments from over 180 countries ( REUVID, J) differences in culture, business practice and perceptions will become evident. One subject so wide spread and intriguing that it is becoming the subject of study is Guanxi. Guanxi has two common translations they are connections and relationships (wikipedia 2007 [online]) It may be seen that Guanxi is a set of personal connections with other people by which their position or knowledge can be utilised to each other advantage. This informal favour will be reciprocated by the debtor at a future date. The two parties need not be of the same social status and repayment of the favour is returned over a period of time. Where incurring a debt in English business practise is seen as unhealthy and will result in quick trade offs to balance the books, Chinese see quick reciprocation as an unwillingness to become involved with the other party, as balancing the debt end the relationship'(BURNS 1998) Some believe Guanxi is a deep rooted fact of Chinese culture, Douglas Guthrie (1998) in his journal Declining significance of Guanxi in Chinas economic transition argues that Guanxi as an institutionally defined system i. e. a system that depends on the institutional structure of society rather than on culture that is changing in stride with the institutional changes of the reform era. The typical English interpretation of Guanxi is networking. This however does not reflect the implications that Guanxi embodies. Hammond and Lowell (2002[online]) suggest you could compare the recently published Western Social Network theory to Guanxi in three main ways. Information and sustainability: Both imply that information is essential to sustain a social system. Order and chaos: Both Guanxi and SNT characterize randomness and order as essential, though Guanxi favours certainty and trust over chaos : Change and emergence Relationships are characterized by constancy or change. Change in information flow creates change in social order. Both Guanxi and SNT offer a theory of change coupled with an ethic of sustainability where order is created by trust as a local, relative phenomena. In order to understand Guanxi you have to look at the environment in which it was conceived. China was for three decades a communist country. During the chaos of the Cultural Revolution adults and their children faced being sent to the countryside or had the constant threat of denunciation. Individuals relied on the exchange of gifts and favours among personal connections to find ways to deal with these social crises. (GUTHERIE 1998) He suggests that Guanxi and gift giving have evolved together and work along side each other. The term business as we know it today did not exist. People worked for the state meeting quotas and in return their immediate needs were accommodated by their work unit. Having good relationships with people was also a way of gaining things that were not made available to you. While a market economy emphasises marketing, financial and operational savvy, the planned economy places more importance of government relationships and Guanxi. (GULAIT and LEE 2004) Under Mao Zedong Guanxi thrived as a way of allocating investment in the absence of a market. Geoffrey Murry suggests it stems back further during periods of strong rule, imperial powers reached into the furthest corners of the Chinese empire. The exercise of this power was arbirary and brutal; the mandarin was both prosecutor and judge. A separate judiciary was never established, and hence the ordinary person never looked to the law to settle his grievances. He suggests that this tradition of looking around the law for the solution has carried on. If obligations of a person take over civic duty in order to satisfy Guanxi then is this not corruption? If one were to focus directly on Guanxi being reminisant with corruption then one would miss the positive implications Guanxi evokes. In order to educate a foreigner on Guanxi you have to look at the context in which it is used. Guanxi is not generally used to describe relationships within a family or with friends. Anthropologists and theorists alike will try and depict differences in social interaction between countries. Research by Hofstede (1988 ) into organisational culture in the international arena shows that Chinese peoples short term orientations are that of protecting face, respect for tradition and reciprocal greeting and favours. He classifies theses as Confucian dynamism. Further observations have been made to try and distinguish Chinese culture characterists. How the Chinese view time. That they do not hurry decisions negotiations take longer then in the West.

WHAT CRITICS SAY ABOUT ROBERT MCKEES SCRIPT WRITING WORK Essay

WHAT CRITICS SAY ABOUT ROBERT MCKEES SCRIPT WRITING WORK - Essay Example Even movie directors seek advice from Mckee on very many issues. Statistics reveal that over 500,000 students have undertaken Mckee’s course in different cities of the world. Therefore, his movement and screenplay scripts have been well received by authors from various parts of the world. Notable actors have not been left behind in all these matters. This is because, they have also decided to undertake Mckee’s seminar so that they have noteworthy information about screen writing. In 2000, Mckee managed to win the International Moving Image Book Award for the book story, Regan Books/ Hypercollins. The book is currently a reading requirement for Harvard film and cinema schools. This further highlights the respect that has been accorded to the author and his words. Not many critics have come out and criticized his teaching on various aspects of screenwriting. All these factors show that no negative impact has been documented to criticize Mckee’s

Research theory and skills for sport management Proposal

Theory and skills for sport management - Research Proposal Example The purpose of the program in research theory and skills for sports management is to achieve a professional program. The program will enable sports managers to be leaders in Researching on available theory and expertise in sports administration in all sections of the sports industry. With this regard, the program will aid the managers to serve as directors of athletics for universities, professional sport franchises managers, public and private sports executive directors including fitness and leisure organizations. The research theory and skills of sports management have offered an outstanding training for prospective sports management and the ability to provide the variety. There are experiences required to meet the necessities of the growth of sports administration in all sections of sports industry (Andrews, 2010). The program in Research Theory and Skills for Sports Management has enhanced understanding, sensitivity, including mutual respect among its members. Research theory and skills for sports management is necessary for the future success of the sports industry. The individuals having the responsibility to appoint managers should be advised accordingly to put into consideration the research theories and skills for sports management. The individuals who desire and those who are already in a managerial position in sports are encouraged to reflect on research methods and competencies for sports management in order to enhance greater productivity. It will provide understanding of how prof essional sports management operates. The research methods and skills of sports management have helped to eliminate the limitations of depending on past traditions in sports industry (Cunningham, 2013). The program targets to encourage the development and testing of research theories and skills for sports management stressing the importance of accurate as compared to general theories and skills of management. As a result, the

Jesus as a Figure in History Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Jesus as a Figure in History - Case Study Example These young girls start comparing themselves with the women shown on the television who are nothing but a piece of crap as they are full of make up and designer label clothes on their skinny figures. One needs to remember that many of these models shown on television and more so on the fashion channels have eating disorders and some pictures as well as images of women shown on television and in movies have been falsely created from a number of different bodies, thanks to computer graphics and software that now make it possible. The extreme images of torture, sex and liberalism shown on television project a very significant impression on the minds of the people and more so the ones who do not have related exposure to such cultural tangents. (Author Unknown, 2004) These people start taking such images and movies as a part of their lives even though such television programming is far from the truth. Thus people's behavior comes across as being directly in line with what is being shown on television and their perspectives start to alter as a result of the same. Last cause of television and movies' excessive viewing is in the form of a number of diseases and mostly related with the eyes of the people. This means that the people watching can fall prey to a number of ailments which can have negative repercussions in the long term. These maladies could result in the Attention Deficit Disorder or ADHD as well as other diseases from time to time. The lives of the people are thus affected immensely by viewing television for stretch and it is best advisable to limit viewing under such measures. Television has diversified its transmissions into different fields like information, education, entertainment, live news, documentaries, reports, sports coverage, presentations, game shows, etc. What this in essence means is that the television is a significant tool at portraying the different aspects which usually happen within a society's life time. People can easily expect television to cover each and every detail related with them and thus show them what is happening throughout the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Bibliography AUTHOR UNKNOWN. (2004). Teens who watch sex on TV are twice as likely to have sex themselves. Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics Word Count:

Quality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Quality - Essay Example This bill required the California Department of health services to adopt stipulated regulations that established the minimum nurse to patient ratios in hospitals. This came as a response to the numerous concerns raised about patient safety as the dynamics of healthcare became more complex and hence resulting into a shortage of nurses in the late 1990s (Donaldson and Shapiro, 2010). The minimum staffing requirements set in place aimed to improve the quality of healthcare and patient safety as well as aiming to retain and acquire more nurses by improving the conditions of their working environment. As required by the law, the California Department of Health Services requires hospitals that provide acute care to maintain the minimum nurse to patient ratios. The stipulated ratios vary by unit ranging from 1:1 ratio in operating rooms, and 1:2 intensive care units, neonatal intensive units and critical care, as well as in post-anesthesia recovery and labor delivery. Further, the ratio is 1:4 in ante-partum and post-partum, emergency room and pediatric care and the emergency rooms. Its 1:6 on psychiatric units. In general, regular hospital units have a 1:5 ratio (Aiken et.al. 2010). In the subsequent years after the California law took effect, nurses became very optimistic about the stipulated ratios. According to the California Nurses Association, the ratio law has been a large success as demonstrated by a large increase in the number of registered nurses licensed in California. Moreover, there has been a reduction in the rate of nurse turnover as a result of better job satisfaction. In addition, it has been observed to improve patient safety and hence helped to save more lives and provided nurses with a platform to advocate for their patients (Cook et.al. 2012). However, in spite of these positive observations, hospitals are still not convinced especially in the absence of tangible evidence that the ratios set out actually improve the care provided by the nurses an d reduce errors. A study conducted in 2002, two years before the law was implemented provided shocking findings. It showed that when a nurse is assigned four patients under his/her care, the risk of patient death rises by 7% for each additional patient assigned. The legislation which was signed into law in 1999 took effect on 1st January 2004 giving hospitals five years to implement the required changes. Contrary to the positive expectations after implementation, various problems that make the implementation process difficult to implement have been observed. A key limitation being that it requires continuous compliance with the ratio which means that the number of patients under the care of each nurse should not exceed the stipulated number at any one point in time during their shifts in any particular unit. So if a nurse has to use a restroom, then the law provides for him to reassign his/her patients to another nurse. Despite these minor setbacks in the implementation process, the requirements set out by the legislation have been observed to have a positive effect on the working environment of the nurses. This positive effect can be demonstrated by the increase in the

Workshop Report (Analysis of the Mediation Exercise) Essay

Workshop Report (Analysis of the Mediation Exercise) - Essay Example The purpose of this paper is to analyze what occurred in the mediation between Glen Ford and William Holden using a particular element of the models/frameworks presented during the workshop, including a description of a particular intervention dynamic that occurred during the mediation and how it affected the course of the mediation (Fisher & Ury, 1991 and Charlton & Dewdney, 2004). The conflict started out because a formerly successful partnership between Ford and Holden had reached an unhappy point. Holden feels that Ford is too old to drive and is concerned that he has had an accident in the recent past. Furthermore, Holden feels upset that Ford has spent a great deal of time on television appearances rather than improving his driving abilities. On the other side, Ford believes that Holden does not understand the importance of working the fans and building sponsorships. He feels that racing is not all about driving as fast as one can in circles; rather that money is attracted by obtaining the best sponsors and the best fan base. Currently, their sponsors are upset with their dispute and are threatening to withdraw sponsorship. In order to avoid going to court, the parties agreed to have a mediation session in an attempt to settle their dispute. In this mediation session, the model used was facilitative mediation. With facilitative mediation, the process is the focus of the agenda. The parties in this case work out their own dispute with little interaction from the mediator other than general guidance. The mediator plays the role of a facilitator rather than as an individual that provides a great deal of advice or suggestions. Even though this model does not require that the mediator have any knowledge of the dispute before the mediation process begins, in this particular case the mediator did have knowledge of the situation at hand before the mediation process started (Fisher & Ury, 1991 and Charlton & Dewdney, 2004). The Type of Negotiation As far as the type of negotiation that was made in the course of this process, it was relationship building. In this type of negotiation, the parties are likely to move on to a long-term relationship based on the results of the mediation, even if the basis of this process has yet to be determined. Although this type of negotiation often results in a positive relationship being built after the mediation process has concluded, that relationship must be managed carefully in order to prevent further disputes from arising in the future. Both parties must have a great deal of knowledge and skills in order to make this type of negotiation work (Fisher & Ury, 1991 and Charlton & Dewdney, 2004). The Mediation Process The first step of the mediation process was to start the mediation by introducing myself and stating that I held a neutral position. Then, I explained the process of mediation according to the mediation flow: mediator's opening, parties' statements and issue identification, exploration, possible private sessions, joint discussion and ways forward, crafting terms and conditions, and closure. I listened to and outlined that statements and concerns from both sides, asking for a summary as well as why, how, and when. I then spoke to each party individually to determine any concerns that they may have and not want to say in front of

Quality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Quality - Essay Example This bill required the California Department of health services to adopt stipulated regulations that established the minimum nurse to patient ratios in hospitals. This came as a response to the numerous concerns raised about patient safety as the dynamics of healthcare became more complex and hence resulting into a shortage of nurses in the late 1990s (Donaldson and Shapiro, 2010). The minimum staffing requirements set in place aimed to improve the quality of healthcare and patient safety as well as aiming to retain and acquire more nurses by improving the conditions of their working environment. As required by the law, the California Department of Health Services requires hospitals that provide acute care to maintain the minimum nurse to patient ratios. The stipulated ratios vary by unit ranging from 1:1 ratio in operating rooms, and 1:2 intensive care units, neonatal intensive units and critical care, as well as in post-anesthesia recovery and labor delivery. Further, the ratio is 1:4 in ante-partum and post-partum, emergency room and pediatric care and the emergency rooms. Its 1:6 on psychiatric units. In general, regular hospital units have a 1:5 ratio (Aiken et.al. 2010). In the subsequent years after the California law took effect, nurses became very optimistic about the stipulated ratios. According to the California Nurses Association, the ratio law has been a large success as demonstrated by a large increase in the number of registered nurses licensed in California. Moreover, there has been a reduction in the rate of nurse turnover as a result of better job satisfaction. In addition, it has been observed to improve patient safety and hence helped to save more lives and provided nurses with a platform to advocate for their patients (Cook et.al. 2012). However, in spite of these positive observations, hospitals are still not convinced especially in the absence of tangible evidence that the ratios set out actually improve the care provided by the nurses an d reduce errors. A study conducted in 2002, two years before the law was implemented provided shocking findings. It showed that when a nurse is assigned four patients under his/her care, the risk of patient death rises by 7% for each additional patient assigned. The legislation which was signed into law in 1999 took effect on 1st January 2004 giving hospitals five years to implement the required changes. Contrary to the positive expectations after implementation, various problems that make the implementation process difficult to implement have been observed. A key limitation being that it requires continuous compliance with the ratio which means that the number of patients under the care of each nurse should not exceed the stipulated number at any one point in time during their shifts in any particular unit. So if a nurse has to use a restroom, then the law provides for him to reassign his/her patients to another nurse. Despite these minor setbacks in the implementation process, the requirements set out by the legislation have been observed to have a positive effect on the working environment of the nurses. This positive effect can be demonstrated by the increase in the

Are pro athetes paid too much Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Are pro athetes paid too much - Essay Example It shall discuss this issue using evaluations published by experts on the topic; a thorough assessment of professional athletes’ salaries shall be made based on accepted standards in the field of economics and sports. Professional athletes are reportedly paid millions of dollars annually. Salaries of professional athletes from the NBA, MLB, NHL, and the NFL seem to increase per year and for each athlete. The latest figures from the 2007-2008 sports season reveal that Alex Rodriguez was paid $28 million; Jason Giambi, $24 million; Shaquille O’Neal, $21 million; Kevin Garnett, $23.8 million; Julius Peppers, $14.1 million; Carson Palmer, $13.5 million; Scott Gomez, $10 million; and Daniel Briere, $10 million (Gilmartin â€Å"Articles†). Based on 2002 statistics, basketball players have an annual salary of $2.2 million, with 220,000 as minimum starting salary; baseball players register an annual salary of $1.37 million with $109,000 as minimum starting salary; hockey players have an annual salary of $892,000 and 125,000 as minimum starting salary; and finally football players register an annual salary of $795,000 and 131,000 starting salary (Strategic Reading, p. 26). The figures above seem to be lopsided when they are compared or set side by side with annual salaries of teachers, police officers, fire fighters, or even doctors. Many critics weigh in on this issue as they evaluate the factors which contribute to such high salaries and whether or not such salaries are deserved. An article which dates back as far back as in the 1990s attempted to evaluate the issue by weighing in both sides of the argument. On one hand, it contends that professional athletes are worth their high salaries because sports consumerism drives or dictates the terms of this market. This article cites Larry Lundy, a sports marketing director at Walt Disney who contends that there is only a limited number of superstar

Gay Community Essay Example for Free

Gay Community Essay The gay community or LGBT community is a loosely defined grouping of LGBT and LGBT supportive people, organizations and subcultures united by common culture and civil rights movements. Furthermore, the remarkable growth of the gay community in recent history has revolutionized our culture and consciousness, creating radically new possibilities for people to â€Å"come out†, and live more openly as homosexuals. Before the early years, homosexuality was a taboo subject. Since then, times have changed and this community is somewhat being accepted. Moreover, this diverse community is constantly expanding, and consists of many types of people. The gay community has gained great attention in arts, entertainment, media, and politics. Most of the people that make up this community each have their own unique style in all different aspects. Consisting of races throughout all aspects of life, the gay community is worldwide. That being said, what makes up the gay community? Within the LGBT communities, there exist identifiable sub-communities, such as the leather community, bear community, chubby community, lesbian community, bisexual community, transgender community, and the drag community. Nevertheless, each one of the sub-communities have there own particular ways and views of there sexuality. In other words, they all stick together. The gay community generally celebrates pride, diversity, individuality, and sexuality. The term gay pride is used to express the LGBT community’s identity and collective strengths; gay pride parades provide both a prime example of the use and a demonstration of the general meaning of the term. Also, within the gay community some people create there own particular family. These families consist of the mom, dad, children, and so on. They create a bond and they indeed stick together. Other interests within the gay communities include gay nightclubs, pageants, balls, and also lip singing shows. The gay community is frequently associated with certain symbols; especially rainbow or the rainbow flag. The Greek lambda symbols (â€Å"L† for liberation), triangles, ribbons, and gender symbols are also used as gay acceptance symbol. There a many types of flags to represent subdivisions in the gay community but the most commonly recognized one is the rainbow flag. Nevertheless, each color represents a value in the community. Pink represents sexuality, red represents life, orange represents healing, yellow represent the sun, green represents nature, blue represents art, indigo represents harmony, and last but not least, violent represents spirit. As far as language, the gay community have there own slang, just as other slangs like African Americans, Jewish slang, Hispanic slang, or any other slang. Usually one must be in the group to know its slang, but there are many words in gay slang that are known to all of us, such as drag queen, butch, or bull dyke. Other newer gay slan g words used today are fag-hag, which is a straight female who prefers the company of a gay male and dish which means gossip. Communication between gays, what they say opposed to how they say it, is quite unique. For instance, many gay males use alternate â€Å"lady-names†, and masculine female use alternate â€Å"male-names†, both used as a form of address within gay circles. The gay community is continuously growing and has been acknowledged in so many ways. Homosexuality is seemingly more accepted and tolerated in the United States today than decades ago. There are laws in many states that make it a crime to discriminate based on sexual orientation and many communities across the country have gays and lesbians openly serving in important roles. Yet there are many who still oppose homosexuality and many object to it on religious grounds. I do pride this community because I am apart of it. But like the old saying says â€Å"To each is his own†. Everyone has there own opinion.

The Rise Of A Mercantilist Economic System History Essay

The Rise Of A Mercantilist Economic System History Essay The rise of a mercantilist economic system in Europe forged a unified relationship between government and its people by superseding feudalism and developing a merchant class that bridged the gap between the peasant and ruling classes. Britain, France and Spain, in particular, reaped the rewards of mercantilism by forming a powerful array of nation states. Although mercantilism stands in stark contrast with the principles of a free-market economy, it was nonetheless the driving force behind European imperialism from the 15th through the 18th centuries. The emergence of a merchant class developed a link between power and wealth. Mercantilism in Europe helped to centralize power, replacing the feudal arrangement of yesteryear. As critics like Adam Smith would point out, mercantilism was not without its drawbacks. The only two countries that corralled enough wealth to be considered hegemonic, the United States and Britain, did so in the nineteenth century, well after the fall of mercanti lism. Smith opined that economies should be self-regulating, and that mercantilism, through its rigid governmental constraints, prevented economies from truly flourishing. Despite an abundance of critics, the mercantilist economic system undoubtedly had a tremendous impact on Europe and the rest of the globe. Mercantilism was the foundation from which capitalism was born. European mercantilism first emerged in the latter part of the Renaissance in about 1595 and didnt fade away until the late 1800s. Queen Elizabeth I, desperate to quell the powerful Spanish Empire, ordered her Admiralty to reform foreign trade. Her reforms proved highly effective as England would go on to become the most powerful imperial empire in world history. England exploited the mercantilist economic system of importing precious metals and raw materials in exchange for manufactured goods. The French would later mimic Englands economic system. Mercantilist countries used the rule of law to attain a positive balance of trade through their colonies. Stiff tariffs were imposed on imports and colonies were restrained in their ability to manufacture goods. Instead they were forced to purchase products from their mother countries. For example, gold and silver were extracted from the colonies and shipped to European merchants, greatly enriching Europe. The power of the state depended on the amount of gold and silver in its coffers, because this international currency made it possible to build ships and pay for armies. (A Concise History of Economic Thought,Vaggi Groenwerth, 2003). Beginning in the 16th century, control over land, and trade routes became the most important part of collecting wealth for the most powerful countries. The growth of the mercantile system of Europe was largely spurred by the general discontent people had with the Roman Catholic Church. Mercantilism was, to a large extent, spawned by the Reformation. The lifestyle regulations imposed on Catholics allowed for very little self-actualization; a source of great embitterment for the masses who were fed up with the feudal system. Mercantilism brought upon the rise of the merchant class, a transfer of wealth that brought with it a sense of hope for much of Europe. The spread of alternatives to hard-line Catholicism like the Anglican Church coincided with the growth of mercantilism. In the 1600s England began to notice the Spanish becoming a rising power, due in large part to their influence in colonial America. England knew that whoever maintained the strongest blend of colonial influence and military strength would control the all- important trade routes and foreign territories. England, in an effort to squelch rising countries, began to strengthen their control over colonies, demanding that all trade go through them. The growing sense of competition between world-powers fueled the spread of mercantilism. The major players in this face-off were England, France, Holland and Spain. England reigned supreme as the victorious imperial power thanks to dominant military wins over Portugal and Spain in the sixteenth century, then Holland in the seventeenth and France in the eighteenth century. One of the major objectives of mercantilist countries was to create a bond between the powerful aristocracies and the rising merchant classes. The purpose of this alliance was to damage the economies of competing nations. Mercantilist theory suggested that government should enact a wealth-collecting agenda by protecting against foreign imports. Prior to the rise of mercantilism, the military was only formed during specific times of conflict. During the era of mercantilism, however, armies and navies became full-time enterprises as conflict had become a way of life. Gold and silver were the means by which goods and services could be obtained, and funding a strong military was an essential part of the equation. The merchants were willing to finance their governments in exchange for protection against foreign competition. Large central government and mercantilism go hand-in hand: the merchants needed the government and vice-versa. Mercantilist theorists believe that the net total of global wealth was already established, and that countries vied for a greater stake in the pie by exchanging manufactured goods for precious metals. The concept of, buy low, sell high was paramount towards collecting national wealth. The acquisition of non-coined gold and silver, or bullion, was considered the benchmark for economic growth. The growing wealth of European countries, namely England, France and Spain, had a trickle-down effect on their economies. Merchants would become wealthier through mercantilism, and, to a lesser extent, the lives of the labor forces improved thanks to better job security. The transfer of bullion funneled from the colonies of the Americas proved to be a major boon for European mercantilism. Mercantilist writers believed all trade to be a zero sum game, for every transaction there is a winner and a loser, mercantilists sought to handicap the game in order to promote economic success nation-wide. Mercantilism was a Machiavellian, Puritanically dark world view that promoted a general feeling of intense nationalism and ill-will toward competing countries and the colonies they governed. Governments would go as far as to damage entire monetary systems and limit civilian wages in order to reduce imports, and hurt other countries economies. When mercantilist countries did import goods, it was preferred that they deal in raw materials that could be processed and sent abroad in order to acquire more capital. Importing low cost, raw materials to be completed and converted into higher cost, manufactured goods and bartered for precious metals was a lucrative proces s for merchants. Extractive industries, like agriculture, gave way to manufacturing or processing material businesses. Precious metals had the strongest purchasing power for commanding goods and services. During the sixteenth century, the flows of precious metals from the American Colonies of Spain produced high inflation in Europe, but for the mercantilists gold and silver were the substance and the definition of both private and national wealth.(Vaggi Groenwegen, A Concise History of Economic Thought, 2003) As competition in the New World intensified, England began to tighten the screws on her colonies. Mercantilists were acutely aware of the linkage between politics and economics; they believed that power and wealth were closely related, and that both were legitimate goals of national policy. (Theodore Cohn, Global Political Economy, 2005) Although many countries became rich because of the wealth transferred from the New World, not every country capitalized as much as it could h ave. Between 1647 and 1715, the French attempted to mimic the British, but thanks to extreme inefficiency, they fell short. Jean Babtiste Colbert was one of the most well- known proponents of mercantilism. Colbert served as finance minister of France, under King Louis XIV in the seventeenth century. The French used the British mercantilist economic system of as a model for their political economy. Colbert inherited a perilous French economy on the brink of bankruptcy and enabled King Louis to embark on a series of aggressive military campaigns. The term colbertisme was coined by Colbert to describe the method of protecting infant industries. During his 18 years as minister of finance, Colbert issued a total of 150 edicts designed to regulate the guild industry. Colberts successful use of mercantilism was essential in financing the reign of Louis XIV. The Sun Kings reign featured a powerful military force, but the French economy, particularly its agriculture, was over-taxed and stagnant. Thomas Mun was one of the leading mercantilist authors during this time. His most influential works were a pair of pamphlets A Discourse of Trade and, later, Englands Treasure by Foreign Trade. Mun was the director of the East India Company, a monopolistic British charter founded in 1600 that supplied a wide array of goods, ranging from cotton to opium. According to Mun, monetary movements and the exchange rate depend on the condition of the trade balance: the inflows of precious metals reflect the existence of a positive balance of trade and vice versa. (Vaggi Groenwegen, A Concise History of Economic Thought, 2003) Government-imposed monopolies were inherently corrupted; the use of black market dealings were an inevitable byproduct of price ceilings and quotas. As noted above, colonial powers competed vehemently for control over the North American territories they ruled over. Englands greed would cause tensions to boil over, eventually spurring the American Revolution. The initial Navigation Act of 1651, a bill enacted by the Oliver Cromwell-led Parliament, was designed to gain control over foreign exchanges between the English colonies and other countries. Under the bill, all trade flowing in and out of England or her colonies had to be shipped using British ships. The Dutch, who had been thriving thanks to their free-trade market, were crushed and sent to economic ruin thanks to Cromwells protectionist policies. Not only did the Navigations Acts seize control of transnational commerce, it also disabled competing countries from profiting from freight and shipping services. The mercantilists discovered that it was the whole current account balance that mattered, not just the exchange of commodities. (Vaggi Groenwegen, A Concise History of Economic Thought, 2003) British colonial mercantilism was oppressive by nature; American colonies were banned from the global economy and were treated as little more than pawns. The prosperity of mercantilist economies was contingent on the aid of a strong centralized government that regulated foreign and domestic trade. Mercantilist economies became immensely wealthy by coercing a positive trade surplus. It was thought that a country could be strengthened by regulating commercialism by discouraging imports, and maintaining a positive flow of exports. Governments began placing tariffs, quotas and even prohibitions on imports in order to protect domestic business. New businesses would be encouraged with generous tax breaks. As for the trade part of the balance of payments, the government must favour the sale of raw materials abroad because they will be purchased with precious metals, hence adding to the stock of national wealth (Vaggi Groenwegen, A Concise History of Economic Thought, 2003) Improved tools and technologically advanced products were not allowed to be exported to foreign markets in order to maintain superiority over competing states. The same was true of talented workers, who were prohibited from emigrating to other countries, just as foreign diplomats hypocritically recruited other businessmen to come to their home countries. One of the sharpest critics of European mercantilism was economist Charles Davenant, who believed England would become more prosperous if government discontinued their policy of intervening in foreign trade. In 1690, Davenant published An Essay on the East-India Trade, which outlined his belied that a liberal foreign trade policy would increase Englands exports thanks to a larger market. According to Davenant, this increase in the stock of money leads to lower interest rates and to higher prices of land. The increase in the value of landed estates brings about a rise of rent and of tax revenue. As a result of a freer trade every section of the population is better off, but the starting point of the whole story is still the successful export trade of England. (Vaggi Groenwegen, A Concise History of Economic Thought, 2003) Davenants theories, revolutionary for the time, caused vast condemnation in Europe, who believed the risks of an expanded market outweighed the rewards. Ultimately, no alternate system capable of challenging the nationalistic balance of trade theories of mercantilism emerged, and mercantilism continued. Mercantilism began to fade in the 18th century, ending not with a bang, but with a whimper. Adam Smith, a Scottish Oxford graduate, was a revolutionary economist in the mid to late 1700s who was responsible for coining the term mercantilism. One of Smiths major points of contention with mercantilism, as was outlined in The Theory of Moral Sentiments, was his distaste for heavy-handed governmental control of the economy. Smith, who despised mercantilism invented the metaphor, invisible hand which stood for a natural, self-regulation that functioned because of the essential tenets of a free-market economy: self-interest, competition, economic characteristics he believed were possible without governmental intervention. In 1776, Smith wrote in Wealth of Nations: It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer or the baker, that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own self interest. We address ourselves, not to their humanity but to their self-love, and never talk to them of our own necessities but of their advantages. His writings were the basis of laissez-faire capitalism, in which industry is free from the shackles of government. Smith believed in the natural order of the economy, whereby, rather than have the government fix prices and regulate trade, the economy should be a self-sufficient machine that dictates the price of commodities. When the price of any commodity is neither more nor less than what is sufficient to pay the rent of the land, the wages of the labour, and the profits of the stock employed in raising, preparing, and bringing it to market, according to their natural rate, the commodity is then sold for what may be called its natural price. (Adam Smith, Wealth of Nations, 1776) The brilliance of Smith was not in his ability to produce revolutionary economic theories of his own; his greatness was embodied in his ability to assemble existing concepts into a system. The fundamental problem with mercantilism is its refusal to account for the value of all economic activity. Maintaining a positive balance of trade is not the only indicator of economic health. To the contrary, as has been proven in the United States meteoric growth despite a negative balance of trade since the 1970s, a positive balance of trade means very little, and often leads to inflation. Mercantilism, though largely debased today, played an essential role in the rise of the middle class. Without the spread of mercantilism in Europe, its impossible to project how the world might look today. Its possible that, without mercantilism, we would still be living in a feudal, caste-like system comprised of only governmental elitists and a the peasant class, with very little in between. Mercantilism gave rise to the middle class, the largest group in the West. Open Side Bet Tracking Kevin Fox- NFL: Week 13 Game ($20, W),Vikings+3.5 over Sains W $15 Colts-7 over Ravens ($10, W) Paid? NBA: Blazers+4.5 over Magic ($10, W) Paid? MISC: James+Stephen 3-Point Shootout, over Elliot+Kevin ($5, W) Paid? Total: (+ $60) Paid? Joey Leoni- NFL: Men of Menlo Fantasy Football Money ($100, W) Paid? Total: (+100) Paid? Dominic Diricco NFL: Men of Menlo Fantasy Football Money ($50, W) Paid? Total: (+$50) Paid? Kevin Meehan- NFL: The Sunday Special Fantasy Football Money ($100, L) Total: (-100) Paid? Isaac Baron- MISC: (In Progress) Most Makes of 53s, Isaac must Win at least 8/10, I=3Wins, J=1 Win ($100, T) Total: ($100 Pending) Paid? SID: 112 15 810

Feudalism :: Economy, History, Medieval Europe

Feudalism was created in the 9th century to eliminate social chaos and put social classes into order. Kings would also use it to expand their land. In return they would get protection, money, crops, and court duties. It also used in war times so that the Knights were obligated to fight. They centralized government to organize power and land. Feudalism was used to give out land by the king, organize social standing and in return get military services and protection. Feudalism was a set of political and military customs in medieval Europe that flourished between the 9th and 15th centuries (â€Å"Feudalism†). â€Å"The feudal system was not planned but, rather grew and developed in response to the social chaos that followed the fall of the Western Roman Empire. It provided order where there no longer was any, and it created new chains of command to replace those that were gone† ( James 58). Feudalism was introduced by King William I to England; this system organized power, land, and divided people into classes. The king, who owned all the land, gave some land to the church and to the barons in return for large blocks of land, the barons promised to fight for the king. Lent land to the knights and also common people (Susie 5). Feudalism test was also to defend against invaders (John 32). In the absence of centralized government authority, people look to personal relationships to bind society together. An individual with military pow er to offer gave his services to a feudal lord (Hay 170). Feudalism was created to put society, land, and power into order. In the economic system, landlords would force laborers to work on the lord’s manor to the lord’s profit (Medieval 65). Feudalism cultured many aspects of Europe that remained in place (Hay 39). â€Å"The feudal system was invented by 16th and 17th century lawyers and legal historians who were investigating the origins of the most common form of noble landholding in their own time (The Brown Reference Group 64). The feudal system was used in many aspects to making society and country simpler. Before the king would give out his land to the Barons, the barons would have to take an Oath of Fidelity. Nobel property was subdivided among a multitude of co sharers. The feudal system was founded upon a more and less complicated hierarchy of barons and vassals, united by ties of homage and fidelity by a sworn oath and by certain obligations which were defined in the contract.

Pupil School :: Papers

Pupil School The whole building seemed to moan in pain as the merciless wind battered it's crumbling walls. The Hayes boarding school had just called lights out. Mr Branston, the head teacher, doddered down the corridor at a snails pace rattling his cane across every radiator he walked past in an attempt to intimidate the students. He was making sure the dormitories were locked down and secure, but he was too drunk to check any locks properly. So he stumbled blindly back to his office to finish off the whiskey. As the rattling faded and finally ceased small lights could be seen through the dusty cobwebbed windows of the dormitories and the murmuring of whispered speech could be heard through the thin walls. Word had gone round school through word of mouth and notes passed in class that Norris had organised a meeting in the gym that very night. So as the school fell silent the children crept to the gym where Norris, or Gregory Norris as he was known to the teachers, stood waiting on the stage. He was hugely respected by the students and despised by the teachers. He held the record for the most detentions in a row after getting one hundred and thirty five for setting Mr Branstons wig alight during a chemistry class in year eight. He had dark messy hair and light brown eyes, which seemed to stare right through you as he spoke. He stood tall on the stage watching over the students as they entered the hall. First to arrive were the year seven and eight pupils looking warily around to make sure that the meeting wasn't an ambush by the older students, then quickly scuttling into a corner near the stage. Next came the year ten and eleven pupils who were used to sneaking round at night and had stopped off at the kitchens for a midnight snack. Finally came the year nines who shuffled grumpily in and sat on the tables at the back complaining about how they need to sleep. Pupil School :: Papers Pupil School The whole building seemed to moan in pain as the merciless wind battered it's crumbling walls. The Hayes boarding school had just called lights out. Mr Branston, the head teacher, doddered down the corridor at a snails pace rattling his cane across every radiator he walked past in an attempt to intimidate the students. He was making sure the dormitories were locked down and secure, but he was too drunk to check any locks properly. So he stumbled blindly back to his office to finish off the whiskey. As the rattling faded and finally ceased small lights could be seen through the dusty cobwebbed windows of the dormitories and the murmuring of whispered speech could be heard through the thin walls. Word had gone round school through word of mouth and notes passed in class that Norris had organised a meeting in the gym that very night. So as the school fell silent the children crept to the gym where Norris, or Gregory Norris as he was known to the teachers, stood waiting on the stage. He was hugely respected by the students and despised by the teachers. He held the record for the most detentions in a row after getting one hundred and thirty five for setting Mr Branstons wig alight during a chemistry class in year eight. He had dark messy hair and light brown eyes, which seemed to stare right through you as he spoke. He stood tall on the stage watching over the students as they entered the hall. First to arrive were the year seven and eight pupils looking warily around to make sure that the meeting wasn't an ambush by the older students, then quickly scuttling into a corner near the stage. Next came the year ten and eleven pupils who were used to sneaking round at night and had stopped off at the kitchens for a midnight snack. Finally came the year nines who shuffled grumpily in and sat on the tables at the back complaining about how they need to sleep.

Molecular, microbial and environmental factors that affect the bioremediation of oil-polluted sites

Bioremediation is a process by which a polluted environment is treated with microorganism so that they are allowed to return back to the previously existed state of normal. This technology is very useful to control oil-spills and prevent greater problems from arising due to pollution. Bioremediation is useful to take care of organic pollutants, and usually harnesses naturally-occurring forms of the microorganisms. However, the ability of the microorganisms to degrade oil is improved in certain situations by altering their genes, especially by introducing genes of other microorganisms (especially bacterial or fungal strains).Some bacteria and fungi are capable of multiplying and degrading hydrocarbons. Chakrabarty, a Professor of the University of Illinois, was able to develop genetically-altered bacteria that were capable of degrading oil. Using genetically-altered microorganism in cultures may not help always be more effective to degrade hydrocarbons, compared to certain indigenous (naturally-occurring) microorganism. Studies have shown that it would be better to modify the environment that exists at the oil spill so that the naturally-occurring microorganisms can gain access to the oil, propagate in ideal conditions and be successful at degrading the oil.Introduction of a reporter gene (which expresses certain characteristics and makes the presence of the microbiological activity easily identifiable) may help to study the activity or presence of the indigenous microorganism population at the pollutant site. The ‘lux gene’ that expresses for ‘bioluminescence’ (production of light by living organisms) can be utilized to study biodegradation. Often, a competition may exist between naturally-occurring microorganisms and the genetically-altered ones for occupancy of the polluted sites.There are also chances that less effective genetically-modified microorganisms may occupy the site and cause fewer benefits. Further studies are needed in t his regard, to enable effective degradation of oil during oil-spills. Crude oil is composed of a number of hydrocarbons which have different types of structures. Different types of components are present in refined oils. Some pollutants may contain oil, pesticides and other compounds including organic and inorganic substances (such as heavy metals).An oil spill tends to spread over a large area. As oil contains a number of individual compounds, there is a need to utilize different types of microorganisms during the oil-spill. These microorganisms are capable of degrading the toxic substances present in the oil to less toxic forms by several processes such as aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration, fermentation, dehalogenation, etc. The microorganisms can slow down movement of the pollutants by a process known as ‘biocurtain’ (absorbing hydrophobic organic molecules).They are also capable of being modified to other forms that are able to precipitate toxic metals. The microorganisms contained in a media capable of being dispersed by an aircraft or ship can be utilized to spread the substance. However, they also tend to spread to a large area. The importance of environmental modification was seen following the Exxon Valdez Alaskan oil-spill (1989). In this case, the environment was being modified in such a way that the conditions suited the naturally-occurring microorganisms to act and control the oil-spill.Fertilizers ware being added to the shoreline areas in order to help in the microbiological metabolism. These microorganisms needed three elements to survive, namely, carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen. Nitrogen and phosphorus were being supplied by the fertilizers, whereas carbon was provided by the oil-spill. These organisms then thrived in the ideal conditions, broke down the oil, at a rate three to five times faster than without the presence of the fertilizers.Several other environmental factors such as temperature, pH, oxygen concentration, pressure, salinity, turbulence, tidal flux, concentration of inorganic nutrients, and the nature and concentration of the pollutants play a very important role in the functioning of the microorganisms. In cold climatic conditions, ‘psychrophilic’ microorganisms seem to thrive, whereas in warm-environments, thermophilic microorganisms do better. Studies have shown that biodegradation of oil occurs at a faster rate at higher temperatures, and also decreases with a rise in the pressure.The microorganisms have to be appropriately chosen according to the conditions existing. Most of the microorganisms capable of degrading oil, use oxygen (aerobic respiration) and hence their activity directly depends on the oxygen concentration in the environment. Sometimes, during an oil-spill, the area may contain ideal indigenous microorganisms capable of degrading the oil, but there may be a reduced number of such microorganisms. Hence, efforts should be made to feed such microorganisms to the affected areas.

Cleopatra Leader

Cleopatra VII was a remarkably intelligent woman with great charisma and political astuteness. The ancient historian, Plutarch, stated that â€Å"to know her was to be touched with an irresistible charm. Her delightful manner of speaking was such as to win the heart. † (Bradford 14). She utilized these assets to win over the favor of two of the most powerful man of Ancient Rome, Julius Caesar and Marc Antony. Cleopatra is portrayed as being manipulative, conniving; and accused of utilizing her relationships for the advancement for power and the expansion of her empire.Although this is true, there were stark differences in the two relationships Cleopatra had with each man. She reached out to Caesar in her time of no power and continued to be submissive to him throughout their relationship. Even though there was a speculated love connection between the two, Caesar never lost sight of his priority as a politician and did not concede to every one of his mistresses’ requests .While a reversal of roles occurred with Marc Antony, she had the upper hand and he eventually became fiscally and emotionally dependent on her. In addition, he was easily manipulated, thus Cleopatra frequently got her way. Overall, the territorial gain and the power she had over him proved that Cleopatra’s relationship with Marc Antony was more politically beneficial than with Julius Caesar. Firstly, Cleopatra’s submissiveness and political dependency on Julius Caesar proved to be less beneficial in contrast to her relationship Marc Antony.In 48BC, she was a young 22 year old trying to regain her Ptolemaic throne from her brother, she knew he was the most powerful in the world and understood that that the Roman Consul was the only one who could aid her. Bradford noted that Cleopatra realized the â€Å"only one weapon that her brother, back by his powerful advisers, did not have [was]-her sex. † (70) The speculation that she was sneakily presented to him rolled up in a carpet displayed her submissiveness to his authority and beckoning for his help in regaining her throne.Caesar managed to initially appease Cleopatra’s desire for power by reading her father’s will and forcing her brother, Ptolemy XIII, and herself to rule together. Later he gained managed to gain more power for her by commanding her to â€Å"marry† her younger brother, Ptolemy XIV, for she would hold all of the power due to his age. This pretense was set up in order to make her complacent but still remained a superior force with his diplomatic choice. By having both the siblings rule he abided to Egyptian law and did not panic the people and cause them to rebel.