Enviromental science Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Enviromental science - Research Paper Example The property management company should institute a no smoking policy if they do not have one in place as tobacco smoke is a source of elevated CO. That may lead the property management company to find that the building is in good working order and the real culprit is the tenant use of tobacco. Moeller (2005) 124 2 12 - 16 Removing the mold would be the next priority. The health risks from mold, whether visible or not would be watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itching, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, headache, and fatigue. This is problematic because of the high humidity. The property manager could not force the tenants to run the air conditioning all the time. Air conditioning is an easy way (albeit expensive) method to clean the air coming into a person’s home and lower the humidity. If the mold is causing damage to the unit however, the property management co. could hold the tenant responsible for mold damage and hold the damage deposit or charge damages or an ass essment such as with a townhouse or an apartment. Moeller (2005) 121 N/A 1 Elevated radon levels would be the final priority. Radon gas is undetectable and can go undetected for some time, which makes it no less dangerous. Radon has been shown to cause some lung cancers. Many cities now have building codes that enforce radon detection systems and the property management company would be responsible for this system. The source of elevated Radon is uranium and that would concern the residents if made aware of the information. The information could go public and that would not be good for the property management company. Moeller (2005) 124 2 12 - 16 The reason for placing these hazards in this order of removal or focus is that carbon dioxide affects the residents’ mental faculties and could cause immediate health concerns and/or death of a tenant. This is the most urgent issue. If a tenant because dizzy or weak at an inopportune time they could fall down a flight of stairs, as a n example, or fall asleep with a cigarette, etc.. The mold would be the next priority due to Moeller (2005) statements on Mold and Radon. He states that â€Å"In contrast to radon, the presence of mold can rapidly lead to unpleasant reactions, particularly among those people who have allergies and/or asthma. Since mold requires moisture to grow, it can be controlled by repairing leaks in the plumbing system, installing drainage systems to transport water away from areas near a building, replacing any portions that are water damaged, and/or using air conditioners or dehumidifiers to reduce indoor humidity† (p. 122). These mechanical repairs would be visible and would generate health benefits immediately. They would stop the excess humidity. Moeller (2005) 122 N/A 7 - 26 Housing Scenario Number: __2__ (Answer Sheet) Your Response Course Assigned Reading Source Page(s) Column (if applicable) Line(s) Potential environmental hazards are numerous and include: the homeless living on the streets, in shelters, in cars, buses, or trains. Other environmental hazards are homeless camps, and lack of toilet facilities. Donohoe (2004) 1 N/A 32 Health risks have been shown to be much higher for the homeless. TB, HIV, mental illness, and physical illnesses. Kerker et al. (2011) Shelton et al. (2009) 546 465 1 2 3 –

Habitat for Elephants Essay Example for Free

Habitat for Elephants Essay After observing the giraffe exhibit, my partner Nan Chen and I decided to make our way to observe the Janice Suber McNair Asian Elephant Habitat which was built in 2008; an exhibit, home to seven different elephants, both young and old. The exhibit is home to adult bull Thai, adult cows Methai, Shanti, and Tess, juvenile bull Tucker (Tess son), and calves Baylor (Shantis son) and Tupelo (Tess daughter). Janice Suber McNair Asian Elephant Habitat exhibit covers an enormous three acres, provides many amenities to its residents; the elephants. THE amenities include an eighty thousand gallon pool as well as a seven thousand square foot elephant barn where the elephants are given daily public baths. I think that the zoo management has done a really spectacular job in bringing some elephant cultural behavior to the zoo. According to the Houston Zoo, â€Å"Since adult males and females live apart in the wild, you’ll see the same living arrangement here at the Zoo: our females are in one yard with their calves, while our older male, Thai, and younger Tucker enjoy space to themselves†. Also the landscaping of trees, natural grasses and varied elevated terrain create a wonderful environment for the elephants and the open design and viewing areas provide an enhanced guest experience as well. We were also lucky to observe the elephants get bathed in the barn where a Houston local news anchor also happened to be there. We first observed the oldest elephant Thai get bathed and he quite enjoyed it. He was also used to the bathing procedure as he knew how to turn as well as which foot to lift to wash. During this process we got to view the elephants bathe. The zoo keepers scrubbed off the elephant with soap as well as water. All of the elephants were confined into separate caged cabins, and the elephants were getting bathed one at a time. The elephant in the first cage was bathed first, I believe his name was Thai and I believe behind him were Tess and Tupelo. Since Thai was getting all the attention, Tess behind him was getting mad and she was banging her head on to Thai ’s cage crying for attention. The one thing I noticed that the zookeepers were not doing much to calm and play with Tess. She banged her head several times which may have injured her after some times. I felt like the zoo keepers should have paid some attention to Tess especially since the public was watching and that a lot of the visitors including myself were video recording this incident. It is a proven fact that elephants can live in nearly any habitat that has adequate quantities of food and water. Their ideal habitat consists of plentiful grass. At the Houston Zoo in the elephant exhibit I did not see â€Å"plentiful grass†. The elephant’s trunk serves as a nose, hand, extra foot, signaling device and tool for gathering food, siphoning water, dusting, and digging. To tend to these characteristics of the elephant the Zoo was successful in providing dust, water and a muddy ground for digging. I think the zoo can improve on the direct interaction between the elephants and the visitors at the zoo. They can give a supervised interaction with the elephants. The visitors can maybe feed them or offer them peanut or maybe the visitors can also bath the magnificent and adorable elephants. After a lot of research I found that the best manmade elephant habitat can be found at the famous Cincinnati Zoo. Since they adjust their exhibit to cater the needs of each and every species or kind of elephants they recognize the fact that the Asian and the African elephants have lived in two different environments. The African elephants are naturally used to dry grass lands and savannahs, however the Asian and elephants are used to in the jungle, but generally on the edge where open, grassy areas are accessible. They prefer areas that combine grass, low woody plants, and forest. This is something I did not see in the Houston Zoo. I think if the exhibit is true to the natural elephant habitat the environment will be friendlier and the Elephants will not have the need to adapt as much into the zoo. I believe that an ideal habitat for the elephants should have no virtually no visible barriers between you and the animals, this habitat puts you right in the thick of things. Also the habitat should serve as an exhibit hub, offering opportunities to understand and appreciate the diverse array of Elephants’ and their complex relationships with human populations. And Last but not least there should be a visual in which the concept of loss of habitat, the main reason why several Elephant species are being extinct, should be portrayed. This will allow the visitors to reflect back on to their role in the world to preserve the endangered species. In conclusion, I believe that the Janice Suber McNair Asian Elephant Habitat at the Houston zoo does not cater to the natural needs of the elephants. Since the McNair Exhibit is tries to create a universal habitat for all the elephants that reside there. The Zoo does not take the fact that they have elephants that come from different parts of the world, and are used to different habitats as well as climates. The Houston zoo should observe the true habitat of the elephants as well as observe other exhibits and recreate the exhibit.

Musical Instrument Digital Interface Technology In Music Teaching Education Essay

Musical Instrument Digital Interface Technology In Music Teaching Education Essay MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) was created in 1980s as a system to connect different synthesizers and sequencers together. (Ballora, 2003). Today it has widely used into  various  fields, involving videogame, mobile media, film, live performance and etc. Similarly, the improvement of MIDI technology in music education has been significant. It offers numerous opportunities and benefits to teachers and students in the process of teaching and learning. Additionally, there are limitations of MIDI that need to be paid attention to. The purpose of this paper is to examine the integration of MIDI technology in music education. The paper presents a literature review of MIDI technology effect on music education; the benefits of using MIDI in music teaching and learning; the limitations of MIDI technology in education and some recommendations of  how to utilize MIDI to better serve music education. Literature review Music technology has greatly advanced over the last decade, thus opening up new possibilities in music education. The technology of MIDI has infiltrated all levels of education. From classes for the youngest of children to classes for college music majors, MIDI has enabled instructors to develop new curricular for the teaching of music skills. MIDI enables the user to control musical parameters, thus allowing one to experience and create a great variety of music with a simple keyboard and computer. Computers can also test musical skills and provide instant and intuitive feedback. This opens the door for the development of a wealth of software designed for the pedagogy of music skills. Mager (1997) researched the status of MIDI and technology in higher education. A vast majority of teachers responding to his questionnaire indicated that technology was enhancing student learning. Music theory was listed as one of the highest areas using technology, according to the study. The availability of several fine software programs, which can help to develop basic music skills, contributes to this. The respondents also felt that music technology will continue to play an increasing role in higher education. Several studies have shown that computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is an effective tool for gaining music skills. Even as early as 1984, shortly following the invention of MIDI, studies began to determine the effectiveness of CAI in music education. John J. Deals study at the University of Iowa determined that software could significantly help music majors develop skills in error detection (John, 1991). Chang also provided a study showing the increase of CAI in the music classroom (Chang, 2001). Using many surveys to back his hypothesis, he asserts that the use of CAI will increase the students learning curve in music fundamentals. To summarize briefly, most studies only focus on à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. it has not identified à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. Such as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. This research will indicate three advantages of technology and MIDI used for the music courses. Analysis 3.1 Benefits: Incorporating MIDI technology into the music curriculum helps achieve some objectives: students truly learn through experience by the use of synthesizer labs and workstations; they acquire skills and techniques as means of attaining ends which make direct vital appeal: the use of technology to serve art; and they certainly become acquainted with changing world, one in which computers are not confined to the electronic music labs in colleges and universities, but are used to make music for recordings, televisions, films, live performances and etc. MIDI helps educators teach existing courses more effectively. The ability to create music for the class, project it on a screen, and play it back with high fidelity audio are made easier with these technologies (David 1991). In the meantime, student utilizes MIDI to write their own music. During this process, MIDI enables them to revise, edit and highlight every note freely. The series of actions are accomplished by just moving the mouse and pressing the keys on keyboard. In MIDI technology extends the range of music technology applications beyond the record keeping, teacher communication, preparation of paper handouts and teacher presentations that dominate todays uses for computers in music education. Notation, accompaniment, and sequencing software gives students direct control over the elements of music-making melody, rhythm, harmony, tone color, dynamics, and form. It provides the tools to actively create and edit music and then easily hear what new material sounds like and how changes affect it. Synchronization of sight and sound under direct student control provides significant advantages over what might be achieved with paper, pencil, and other types of recordings. The ability to prepare interactive homework assignments stimulates the students interest and increases their excitement about the music learning process. Computers and synthesizer technology make learning and practicing music more fun. Technology and MIDI allow music students to be more actively involved in the learning process, instead of playing the role of passive listener. In a general lab, students can extend one-time or short-term creative activities into a composition process that continues over time. If students are not yet ready to use the symbols of staff notation to represent sounds, they can click icons into place on a piano roll grid or type the letter names of chords. Initial ideas can be generated and then edited and altered through a series of successive drafts into a finished, or composed, form. Using MIDI increases the number of students in a class involved simultaneously in the thinking and decision-making process. Students are challenged to make frequent choices and solve numerous problems regarding their projects or assignments rather than passively observing other students answering teacher questions or merely following the directions of the conductor during a rehearsal. This involves students in actively working with the elements of music, making decisions, and solving musical problems. Technology and MIDI also allow educators to provide the students with skills they will need to meet some of the challenges of music industry in the future. 4.configuring a MIDI setup is straitforward and inexpensive. MIDI and music courses In the following part, this report will present the details of how can MIDI help in music technology courses, composition courses and music history courses. MIDI and music technology courses Sound recording courses, for music students who want to familiar with recording technology, can certainly benefit from the use of MIDI to augment the number of tracks available for recording. This is accomplished by the capability of computers to record musical performances into virtual tracks that are performed by synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers. These virtual tracks are then added to the tape tracks, used to record vocals, guitars, winds, and percussion instruments, making even small studios sound like larger recording facilities. Sound design and synthesis courses can also benefit from the use of computers. The graphics capabilities and the high audio quality of computers and digital audio boards allow teachers to demonstrate concepts such as additive and subtractive synthesis, wave editing, and sampling. MIDI and composition courses Composition courses can benefit in several ways from use of technology and MIDI. Using sequencer software, students can hear their music as they write it. Modern synthesizers, sound modules, and samplers provide immediate access to a great variety of orchestral instruments, thus benefiting orchestration courses. Notation software (one type of music software utilizing MIDI technology) can be used to prepare scores and individual parts for performance. Music student can use algorithmic composition software and digital converters to perform their ideas. MIDI and music history courses There are numerous programs, many of them available on CD-ROM format that allow music history educators to present information about composers, their biographies, and their work. Students can see pictures, read background information, hear the music, or watch the score. The music can be stored in MIDI format, so that the students can hear the whole score, or any of the individual parts, or just a small segment. The student can also print scores, biographical information, or comments or reviews from music historians or musicologists Limitation There are several issues that need to be considered by music educators and institutions about music technology and MIDI. As educators attempt to learn how to use the technology that currently exists in the music industry, and how to integrate these technologies into teaching of music courses. However, the information changes rapidly and is available from many different sources. It becomes very hard for the music educator to keep up-to-date. Regarding MIDI itself, there are also several issues to consider: The cost of acquiring the instruments and facilities (recording studios, workstations) and updating the programs The amount of space required to house the instruments Sound quality that differs greatly from that of acoustic instruments In terms of MIDI sound quality, there are two contrasting views. Some students thought that the sounds created using the synthesizer were not an attempt to imitate a real instrument but, rather, had possibilities to create exciting new sonorities. So whether the sounds were realistic or not seemed to be unimportant to them.  The others asserted that the realism of sounds played an essential role in music composition.  They needed the realistic sounds to inspire them and the realism of timbres for these students equated closely with the quality of their final product. The use of MIDI keyboard is the major issues. Some students considered that MIDI keyboard was not an ideal input device for them, because they lacked keyboard skills and they found it was difficult to use a keyboard to play some instruments, like drums. In terms of MIDI sound quality, there are two contrasting views. Some students thought that the sounds created using the synthesizer were not an attempt to imitate a real instrument but, rather, had possibilities to create exciting new sonorities. So whether the sounds were realistic or not seemed to be unimportant to them.  The others asserted that the realism of sounds played an essential role in music composition.  They needed the realistic sounds to inspire them and the realism of timbres for these students equated closely with the quality of their final product. 4. Recommendation There are many good reasons for the integration of music technology and MIDI into the curricula of traditional music programs as well as in to music technology programs. However, this report will give a few suggestions about the potential of the integration of music technology and MIDI into music programs. The first recommendation is the development and implementation of an introductory course on MIDI designed for music education, composition, performance majors. This course would emphasize practical experience. For example, the students should (1) learn the basic computer skills needed to run MIDI software on a personal computer, how MIDI can help transfer data to and from computer, (2) become familiar with some of the CAI programs available and how these programs exercise required to master some of the basic music concepts, and (3) learn how the basic principles of MIDI sequencing and notation can be used to facilitate the teaching and learning of basic music skills like harmony, counterpoint. Secondly, internet access should be included in the curriculum. MIDIà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Based on research of Mager, he believes that the internet plays an important role in music education, and in the future it will play a much greater role (may be essential one) than it does today (Mager 1997). The explosive growth of World Wide Web and its multimedia interactive capabilities, like exchanging information, transferring files, research data gathering, will make internet an invaluable tool for music education. Once all educational institutions are wired for internet communication, the distribution of music and information about music will change dramatically. Music and information can be stored in computers and made available for downloading instantly and at faster speeds than it is today. 5. Conclusion Music technology and MIDI are there to waiting educators to explore, learn, and take advantage of them, to make lecture better teachers and to make students ready for the challenges that they will face as musicians in the future.

The Stolen Bacillus by H.G. Wells Essay -- Stolen Bacillus Wells Essay

The Stolen Bacillus by H.G. Wells This is a story set in the 19th century people had dress codes which reflected your status in society. The dress code was formal and quite severe it was almost as if the longer your top hat the higher up the rank you are in importance in society. In this story we meet a man who wants to help the society and quality of living whereas the other wants to destroy order as he is what’s known as an anarchist. This is someone who is feels that people should be responsible for there own actions and decisions meaning they govern their own lives. In the 19th century anarchists were seen as political agitators and sometimes violent. As in this story where we will see a man desperate and willing to go to extremes to get his point heard. While the scientist is talking about the bacteria, H.G Wells makes him talk about it as if it is a human and that it is like us. This is shown when he says, â€Å"he would wait ready to be drunk in the horse troughs†. By comparing the bacteria to humans the author is trying to enforce the point that it is smarter than the average bacteria it is as complex and technically as dangerous as a human. The scientist is an idealistic and when the anarchist paid so much interest into what he was doing he started to show off. He spoke about his new cholera which is very harmful to a man he has just met, which is indeed not a clever thing to do is. The scientist is an idealist and is out to do well in the world and improve living conditions of people. The scientist is not a man out to make money, just simply wants to be famous. When the chase is on it was funny to see the ridiculousness of this rabbit hunt round London. Even though this story had some serious... ... them. She wanted the scientist to put on his coat on a hot summers day. When he refused she became frustrated. The cabbies are another group of people in this story which shows the reality that this story is set in with their harsh cockney accents and they just represent the everyday people in this story. The scientist has to rely on people which would be classed as inferior to save the predicament he put himself in. These cabbies bring a lot of humour to the story. In this story H.G Wells is trying to get the point across those politicians and scientists aren’t as clever as they think they are and they also take themselves to seriously and so therefore make mistakes. In the Victorian era they believed they could improve man though industrial advancement this was achieved by individual successes like the scientist and through agreed religious ideas. The Stolen Bacillus by H.G. Wells Essay -- Stolen Bacillus Wells Essay The Stolen Bacillus by H.G. Wells This is a story set in the 19th century people had dress codes which reflected your status in society. The dress code was formal and quite severe it was almost as if the longer your top hat the higher up the rank you are in importance in society. In this story we meet a man who wants to help the society and quality of living whereas the other wants to destroy order as he is what’s known as an anarchist. This is someone who is feels that people should be responsible for there own actions and decisions meaning they govern their own lives. In the 19th century anarchists were seen as political agitators and sometimes violent. As in this story where we will see a man desperate and willing to go to extremes to get his point heard. While the scientist is talking about the bacteria, H.G Wells makes him talk about it as if it is a human and that it is like us. This is shown when he says, â€Å"he would wait ready to be drunk in the horse troughs†. By comparing the bacteria to humans the author is trying to enforce the point that it is smarter than the average bacteria it is as complex and technically as dangerous as a human. The scientist is an idealistic and when the anarchist paid so much interest into what he was doing he started to show off. He spoke about his new cholera which is very harmful to a man he has just met, which is indeed not a clever thing to do is. The scientist is an idealist and is out to do well in the world and improve living conditions of people. The scientist is not a man out to make money, just simply wants to be famous. When the chase is on it was funny to see the ridiculousness of this rabbit hunt round London. Even though this story had some serious... ... them. She wanted the scientist to put on his coat on a hot summers day. When he refused she became frustrated. The cabbies are another group of people in this story which shows the reality that this story is set in with their harsh cockney accents and they just represent the everyday people in this story. The scientist has to rely on people which would be classed as inferior to save the predicament he put himself in. These cabbies bring a lot of humour to the story. In this story H.G Wells is trying to get the point across those politicians and scientists aren’t as clever as they think they are and they also take themselves to seriously and so therefore make mistakes. In the Victorian era they believed they could improve man though industrial advancement this was achieved by individual successes like the scientist and through agreed religious ideas.

‘Jasper Jones’ by Craig Silvey Essay

The Novel Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey revolves around a young boy named Charlie Bucktin living in the small Australian town of Corrigan in the 1960’s. Charlie is exposed to the confronting issues of racial prejudice, injustice and moral duality. He is challenged to question right from wrong, has to come to the realization that law doesn’t always uphold justice and we as readers are positioned to understand that people are capable of holding two conflicting values and remain in confortable harmony. The ideas are portrayed through Silvey’s use of narrative conventions that are used to either challenge or reinforce our values, attitudes and beliefs on the issues explored. Our morals and ethics is our understanding of what we believe is right or wrong. Reading this novel we come to realize that the people of Corrigan are hypocrites, cable of holding two conflicting values or beliefs. Jasper Jones does not deny that he is a â€Å"thief, a liar, a thug, a truant†, but despite this, he says â€Å"I never stole a thing I dint need†¦ and all my life so far, sh*t’s bin taken off me, so I’m evening the ledger a bit† (page 34). My attitude towards stealing is that its wrong, but Jasper’s character has challenged this belief and suggests that stealing is okay and can be justified in this case because he did it to get the things he needs â€Å"because its never gonna get offered†. When Jasper asked Charlie to help him hide the body of Laura Wishart, he was not only asking him to break the law but was making Charlie go against his morals and he had to reconsider what the â€Å"right thing† to do was. He knew that tampering with her body was illegal but he did it anyway to help Jasper stay out of trouble and find the truth of what had happened. Craig is trying to show us that we all hold conflicting views on things and that sometimes we can think one way and act in another. It has made me realize that I too may contradict my own values and positions me to reconsider what I believe to be right and wrong. Corrigan is a town swamped with lies and injustice. Silvey is expressing this theme through the establishment of characters and plot. His message is that the Law and what seems morally right, doesn’t necessarily uphold justice.  Jasper Jones has a bad reputation in Corrigan and after his discovery of Laura’s body, Charlie argues that they should go to the police but Jasper knows that the rule of law doesn’t apply to him. He is the town’s scapegoat when an incident occurs and says, â€Å"We can’t tell anyone. Especially the Police†¦ they are gonna say it was me.† (page 13). When the disappearance of Laura becomes public, Jasper is locked up and bashed by her father the â€Å"Shire President†. Throughout the novel Pete Wishart is always referred to by this title. He is supposed to be a public figure and role model but instead he’s an abusive drunk that impregnated his daughter and manhandled a child. This misconduct shows how power can be misused and the double standards that exist in society. The myth of ‘Mad Jack Lionel’ burdened the town of Corrigan. Rumours were spread concerning his involvement with the death of Rosie Jones and he was Jaspers first suspicion as to what had happened to Laura. â€Å"The lies and suppositions were just heaped upon the stack† (page 240). He had been wrongfully accused and blamed for things he did not do and his town turned its back on him. The unjust treatment of Jasper and Jack Lionel shows that people are so quick to judge and make assumptions about others without knowing a thing about them. It reinforces by belief that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover and should get to know the truth about someone before you pass judgement. Multiculturalism, which is familiar to contemporary Australians, was unheard of in the 1960’s and the concept of people from other countries and cultural backgrounds enriching in Australian life was a foreign concept. This novel explores the racism behind the discrimination towards those from non-European backgrounds such as Jeffery Lu and his family. Silvey’s selection of setting, the context of this novel and the surrounding circumstances such as the Vietnam War provides an understanding of the current attitudes that society may have had towards certain ideas. At the time of this novel, many Australians were resentful for having to go over and fight in the war. Charlie’s best friend Jeffery, who is of Vietnamese background, was subject to discrimination and copped a lot of bullying because of this. A woman whose son had died in the war attacked Jeffery’s mother, Mrs Lu. â€Å"She slapped her cup up, right into her chest†¦ scalding her skin† ( page 128). This scene positioned me to feel sorry for Mrs Lu and  reinforced by belief that everyone, no matter what race, should be treated with equality. Jeffery is often victimized by other kids, like Warwick Trent the teenage bully of the town, because of his race. He’s the boy â€Å"who’s always been two years bigger and broader than anyone his age† (page 57). He and the other boys that Jeffery often encounters at the local oval are intimidated by his intellect and his cricket skills. They try to establish their dominance over Jeffery by using his ethnicity against him and asserting racial comments such as â€Å"F*ck off, c*nt eyes† (page 58) and â€Å"F*ck off Cong† (page 59). The mistreatment of Lu family has shown me the significance of coequality and how damaging racism can be. The message Silvey is trying to convey is that anyone who is perceived to be different or ‘inferior’ is made to feel as outcasts and unwelcome in society. It has made me reconsider how I should treat others and has helped me develop a greater understanding of why everyone should be treated with respect and equality regardless of their race. Jasper Jones deals with many issues that are prevalent in our modern society. The author uses narrative conventions such as plot, setting and characters to challenge or reinforce my attitudes and values. I come to understand that people can hold contradicting values and remain in comfortable harmony. I realize that the law doesn’t always uphold justice and am positioned to see the harm discrimination can cause. These are just a few of the ways that Craig Silvey has used narrative conventions to influence my point of view on the themes expressed in Jasper Jones.

7 Great English Writing Activities to Improve Your Academic Skills

7 Great English Writing Activities to Improve Your Academic Skills 7 Great English Writing Activities to Improve Your Academic Skills If wrÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"ng had Ã'•Ð µÃ' rÐ µtÃ'•, then wrÃ'â€"tÐ µrÃ'• Ã'•Ð ¾nÃ'• would all be wrÃ'â€"tÐ µrÃ'•. Lu Xun   Are thÐ µrÐ µ really Ã'•Ð µÃ' rÐ µtÃ'• tÐ ¾ improve wrÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"ng skills? Or is dÐ µvÐ µlÐ ¾Ã'€Ã'â€"ng EnglÃ'â€"Ã'•h writing skills juÃ'•t a function Ð ¾f Ð µxÃ'€Ð µrÃ'â€"Ð µnÃ' Ã µ? ThÐ µrÐ µ are Ã'€Ð °rtÃ'â€"Ã' ulÐ °r Ã'•kÃ'â€"llÃ'• and tÐ µÃ' hniquÐ µÃ'• thÐ °t Ã' Ã °n hÐ µlÃ'€ you create a perfect paper, and thÐ µÃ'Æ'rÐ µ nÐ ¾t secret. In fÐ °Ã' t, theyre frÐ µÃ µlÃ'Æ' available frÐ ¾m hÐ µrÐ µ Ð °nd other sites that provide language training. TÐ ¾ become an efficient EnglÃ'â€"Ã'•h writer, there are seven thÃ'â€"ngÃ'• Ã'Æ'Ð ¾u have to dÐ ¾: 1. RÐ µÃ °d a Lot ThÐ µ first wÐ °Ã'Æ' tÐ ¾ Ã'â€"nÃ' rÐ µÃ °Ã'•Ð µ Ã'Æ'Ð ¾ur Ð °bÃ'â€"lÃ'â€"tÃ'Æ' in writing Ã'â€"Ã'• to read. It doesn’t matter what you are reading, it may be a fiction book as well as the mate’s paper. Try to follow the style of the written piece, you’ve read. You may even read your own piece several times to evaluate it. Do you still like it? 2. WrÃ'â€"tÐ µ Frequently If you hÐ °vÐ µ a lÐ °Ã'€tÐ ¾Ã'€, kÐ µÃ µÃ'€ Ã'â€"t with Ã'Æ'Ð ¾u all thÐ µ tÃ'â€"mÐ µ.   When Ã'Æ'Ð ¾u hÐ °vÐ µ a fÐ µw mÃ'â€"nutÐ µÃ'•, open Ã'â€"t Ð °nd start writing.   Don’t pay attention to what to write about, just do it.   Also it would be very useful to have a brainstorming Ã'•Ð µÃ'•Ã'•Ã'â€"Ð ¾n wÃ'â€"th Ã'Æ'Ð ¾urÃ'•Ð µlf Ð °bÐ ¾ut the issues tÐ ¾ write on.   WrÃ'â€"tÐ µ Ã'•Ð °mÃ'€lÐ µ articles Ð °nd then Ð µdÃ'â€"t thÐ µm.   Improve them untÃ'â€"l thÐ µÃ'Æ' Ð °rÐ µ great! 3. ImÃ'€rÐ ¾vÐ µ Ð ¾n OnÐ µ Area at a TÃ'â€"mÐ µ ThÐ µ mÐ ¾Ã'•t Ã'â€"mÃ'€Ð ¾rtÐ °nt wÐ °Ã'Æ' to Ã'â€"mÃ'€rÐ ¾vÐ µ your writing skills Ã'â€"Ã'• bÃ'Æ' practicing. But still it is really important not to be in a rush. Choose one skill and improve it till the final victory, and only then start improving a new one. DÐ ¾ not gÐ µt depressed. EvÐ µrÃ'Æ'Ð ¾nÐ µ Ã' Ã °n Ã'â€"mÃ'€rÐ ¾vÐ µ these traits, Ã'•Ð ¾ you can do this too. 4. Read Your Own Writing Do nÐ ¾t juÃ'•t Ã'•kÃ'â€"m over Ã'Æ'Ð ¾ur Ð °rtÃ'â€"Ã' lÐ µÃ'• bÐ µÃ' Ã °uÃ'•Ð µ of thinking that Ã'Æ'Ð ¾u Ð °lrÐ µÃ °dÃ'Æ' knÐ ¾w whÐ °t Ã'Æ'Ð ¾u have written about.   RÐ µÃ °d them Ð ¾ut loud.   YÐ ¾u wÃ'â€"ll hear Ã'Æ'Ð ¾ur mistakes Ð °nd Ã'Æ'Ð ¾u wÃ'â€"ll Ð °utÐ ¾mÐ °tÃ'â€"Ã' Ã °llÃ'Æ' lÐ µÃ °rn to Ã'•Ð °Ã'Æ' thÃ'â€"ngÃ'• bÐ µttÐ µr. 5. Be CÐ ¾nvÐ µrÃ'•Ð °tÃ'â€"Ð ¾nÐ °l Of course, yÐ ¾u dÐ ¾nt wÐ °nt tÐ ¾ alienate Ã'Æ'Ð ¾ur readers, but oppositely, you want to involve them to your piece. So, wrÃ'â€"tÐ µ Ã'â€"n such a vain to make your Ð °udÃ'â€"Ð µnÃ' Ã µ fÐ µÃ µl like Ã'Æ'Ð ¾urÐ µ Ð °Ã' tuÐ °llÃ'Æ' tÐ °lkÃ'â€"ng tÐ ¾ thÐ µm. 6. DÐ µvÐ µlÐ ¾Ã'€ YÐ ¾ur Own WrÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"ng Style SÐ ¾mÐ µtÃ'â€"mÐ µÃ'• thÃ'â€"Ã'• Ã'â€"Ã'• rÐ µfÐ µrrÐ µd tÐ ¾ fÃ'â€"nd Ã'Æ'Ð ¾ur own vÐ ¾Ã'â€"Ã' Ã µ of writing. YÐ ¾ur gÐ ¾Ã °l Ã'â€"Ã'• tÐ ¾ become a lÃ'â€"ttlÐ µ dÃ'â€"ffÐ µrÐ µnt thÐ °n other writerÃ'•. Moreover, your wrÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"ng Ã'•tÃ'Æ'lÐ µ should nÐ ¾t bÐ µ Ã'•Ð ¾mÐ µthÃ'â€"ng thÐ °t Ã'â€"Ã'• fÐ ¾rÃ' Ã µd, but rather something that Ã' Ã ¾mÐ µÃ'• natural tÐ ¾ you. 7. Finish EvÐ µrÃ'Æ' PÃ'â€"Ð µÃ' Ã µ of WrÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"ng You start It Ã'â€"Ã'• harder than Ã'â€"t sounds. WrÃ'â€"tÐ µrÃ'• are uÃ'•uÐ °llÃ'Æ' full Ð ¾f ideas that they wÐ °nt to Ð µxÃ'€lÐ ¾rÐ µ. As a result, there Ð °rÐ µ a lÐ ¾t Ð ¾f hÐ °lf-grÐ µÃ °t wrÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"ng Ã'€Ã'â€"Ð µÃ' Ã µÃ'• thÐ °t will nÐ µvÐ µr Ã'•Ð µÃ µ the lÃ'â€"ght of dÐ °Ã'Æ'. Never do things halfway follow everything you have started through the line. As you can see, there is nothing secret. If Ã'Æ'Ð ¾u bÐ µÃ' Ã ¾mÐ µ a wÃ'â€"dÐ µ reader, Ã'Æ'Ð ¾u will Ã'•Ð µÃ µ furthÐ µr Ð °nd deeper Ã'â€"ntÐ ¾ tÐ ¾Ã'€Ã'â€"Ã' Ã'•. You will get fÐ °mÃ'â€"lÃ'â€"Ð °r wÃ'â€"th a grÐ µÃ °tÐ µr amount Ð ¾f vocabulary, Ð °lÐ ¾ng with specific wrÃ'â€"tÃ'â€"ng Ã'•tÃ'Æ'lÐ µÃ'• Ð °nd wÐ °Ã'Æ'Ã'• to Ð µxÃ'€rÐ µÃ'•Ã'• your opinions. MÐ ¾Ã'•t Ð ¾f the tÃ'â€"mÐ µ, Ã'Æ'Ð ¾u devote to improvement Ð ¾f thÐ µ trÐ °Ã'â€"tÃ'•, dÐ µvÐ µlÐ ¾Ã'€Ã'â€"ng bÐ ¾th the quality of your thÐ ¾ughtÃ'• and Ã'Æ'Ð ¾ur Ð °rtÃ'â€"Ã'•tÃ'â€"Ã'  tÐ µmÃ'€Ð µrÐ °mÐ µnt. WhÐ µn Ã'Æ'Ð ¾u wrÃ'â€"tÐ µ Ð ¾ftÐ µn and do these English writing activities, you train Ã'Æ'Ð ¾ur mÃ'â€"nd. So, to become a great writer is not too difficult. The only thing you need is to have a desire to do this. is always online to provide you with professional English essay writing help on any topic.

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative Essays Argumentative Essay Argumentative Essay p. 275. 3. Lafferty, M, (1979) ‘Why it is time for another leap forward’, accountancy, p. 51. 4. Skinner, D. J. (1994), ‘Why firms voluntarily disclose bad news’, journal of accounting research, 32(1), p. 40. 5. 0 References 1. Brown, P, amp; Tarca, A 2001, ‘Politics, Processes and the future of accounting standards’, Abacus, Vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 267-96. 2. Lafferty, M, 1979 ‘Why it is time for another leap forward’, accountancy, p. 51. 3. Skinner, D. J. 1994, ‘Why firms voluntarily disclose bad news’, journal of accounting research, Vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 38-60.

Social Work Practice Essays

Social Work Practice Essays Social Work Practice Essay Social Work Practice Essay Two Perspectives of Engagement with Clients One thing that makes social work stand out from other professions is the relationship that a social worker builds with their client. It is an important factor but can also be very challenging at times. There are several stages to the social work treatment process. Those stages include; engagement, assessment, intervention, and termination (USC VAC, 2013). It is vital that a social worker begin to develop a relationship with their client during their first session and build on that relationship over time.The treatment stage in which a social worker can initiate the development of a relationship with their client is in the engagement stage, which serves as the foundation for the rest of the sessions to come. One thing to consider as a social worker is to be able to identify with your clients. The best way to do that is to be aware of your own cultural values, beliefs and preferences you hold and also how you would want a social worker to interact with you. Being a self-aware social worker is imperative so that you can keep from bringing you own thoughts and ideas into the treatment plan for your client.Understanding and knowing where you stand on certain issues important thing to be conscious of so that you know what to separate yourself from while trying to build rapport with a client. If I Were the Client As a beginning social worker it is important for me to be aware of my own personal values and beliefs and also think about how I would like to be treated as client by a social worker during the engagement phase. Seeking help for emotional issues is always hard to do no matter how accepting you are of the mental health processes.Building a rapport with my social worker and establishing trust are essential to me in the beginning stages phases of my treatment. I want to feel as if my social worker truly cares about why I am there As a black, female client, working with a hypothetical white, male therapist one thing that would be very important for my social worker to be aware of is where I come from and how my environment might influence my treatment process. I need to my social worker to work with me in finding solutions to the problems I am facing.Utilizing the ecological perspective during my treatment would be very beneficial to getting the root of the problem. I would feel that my social worker does not only care about my treatment but is an advocate in helping to achieve that change. According to McKay et al (1996), the ecological perspective consists of four critical elements; (1) clarifying the helping process, which is the social worker introducing themselves to me and explaining the treatment process and making sure I understand exactly what the process is, (McKay et al (1996) p. 465). 2) Developing the foundation for a collaborative working environment which would include finding a balance between the information needed to obtain the appropriate intake information and allowing me, the client, to tell my story of why I am there in the first place, (McKay et al (1996) p. 465). (3) Focus on immediate, practical concerns; this would mean that my social worker is prepared to respond to crisis situations, negotiate with other systems that may be a barrier of some kind to my treatment and be able to respond to any presenting concerns, (McKa y et al (1996) p. 65). I need to feel as though my social worker is just as active in my treatment as I am and is providing all the resources and help they can give. Lastly, (4) Identify and problem- solve around barriers to help seeking, (McKay et al (1996) p. 465). It would be important for my social worker to know if I have been in therapy before what that experience was for me; whether it was negative or not. It would be easier for me to trust my therapist when they are knowledgeable of all of my obstacles; whether they are personal or environmental.For example, one thing that would be vital for my white, male therapist to explore and understand before working with me is the obstacles I may face just by being a black female. It is important for me to feel as though my social worker really values my thoughts, opinions and feelings. One way to do that would the social workers ability to empathize with me. Empathy is the act of perceiving, understanding, experiencing, and respondin g to the emotional state and ideas of another person, (Gerdes amp; Segal, 2011, p. 41). Even if my social worker does not share the same views as me, being able to see things from my perspective and genuinely understand where I come from is the most important quality my social worker can bring to the table when working with me. According to Gerdes amp; Segal (2011), there are two main components to empathy; emotional empathy and expressed cognitive empathy. Emotional empathy is the ability to be affected by the clients’ emotions, (Gerdes amp; Segal, 2011, p. 141).Although I do not want my social worker to be as distressed as I am, I need to know that they are not an emotional robot and they can see why I am experiencing the emotions I am experiencing. Expressed cognitive empathy is the translation of such feelings into words, (Gerdes amp; Segal, 2011, p. 141). By my social worker being able to verbalize with me that they comprehend my emotional state of mind, that would relie ve a lot of anxiety for me just knowing that what I am feeling is not so far-fetched and that it can be understood by a complete stranger.If I Were the Social Worker Let’s envision a Chinese – American female named Kim Le, who lives in San Diego is coming to meet me; her therapist, for the first time. Kim Le is 17 years old, a senior in high school and is the first generation in her family to be born in the United States. While working with Kim Le, it would be essential for me to be culturally competent. Being culturally competent will allow me to provide care that serves her social, cultural and linguistic needs, (Buckley, T. B. , 2012).Understanding Kim Le’s culturally background is essential in developing a treatment plan and establishing trust with her. Being the first generation to be born in the United States is a barrier that she and I would have work through. It is common for a social worker to acknowledge our own barriers to intercultural understanding, (Buckley, T. B. , 2012). Another to consider while working with Kim Le is to acknowledge the cultural influence on her desire to seek therapy. Chinese cultures are more likely to try home remedies to deal with illness which may also include mental health.If her social worker felt that Kim Le needed mood stabilizing medications it would be important to explore natural ways of obtaining the same results or at least understand why Kim Le might object to the medications. Along with being understood culturally, it would be essential for me as Kim Le’s social worker to evaluate her levels of anxiety and self- confidence. It seems logically to assume that she may be feeling such a way for coming into therapy for the first time and also having a multicultural background. One way for me to explore these emotions with Kim Le would be to use sustaining procedures.According to Woods and Hollis (2000), sustainment can be used to reduce feelings on anxiety or lack of self-confidence. The idea of sustainment is for a social worker to openly express their confidence and esteem for the client. (Woods amp; Hollis, 2000, p. 131). Exploring the nature of the clients difficulties, (Woods amp; Hollis, 2000, p. 131) is a dynamic step in developing a rapport with the client. By trying to figure out what is going on with the client and working together on the problem shows the client that they are values as a person and that the social worker cares about them as a person as well as their treatment process.Sustainment can also be beneficial to use when dealing with multicultural client like Kim Le. By understanding her background and sympathizing with the difficulties of being a minority that can help reduce the anxiety she is feeling about being in therapy. It is common knowledge that the Asian cultural has very specific social etiquettes that differ significantly from that of the American culture. By being aware of different cultural groups meanings to certain non-verbal beha viors, (Hepworth et al, 2012, p. 166) it can help eliminate counterproductive communication patterns.The first step a social worker can do to make sure that they are not silently offending their clients is by simply being aware of their non-verbal behaviors. For example, if I were a male therapist, it might be considered disrespectful if I looked Kim Le directly in her eyes during our session. So I would need to be aware of where I was looking so that Kim Le could remain as comfortable as possible. Differences and Similarities One similarity I can see between me and Kim Le as the client is that we are both minorities and have certain barriers to deal with because of our ethnicity.Our therapist must be cultural competent and aware of our ethnic differences to be able to work with us effectively, and to be able to gain our trust. It is important for us to have social worker to be empathetic of our situation when it comes to dealing with the obstacle our ethnicities gives us. One big d ifference is that, even though we are both minorities, she is the first generation of her family to be born in the United States. Our cultures differ tremendously because I am very much American in my culture and spiritual practices while Kim Le probably does not even speak English at home with her family.Although that difference may seem minuet it is significant enough for a social worker to consider when working with individuals with those differences. For Kim Le, she not only has to deal with being Chinese in America, but she also has to deal with being American in a Chinese household. I do not have to deal with that duel cultural identity. For a social worker is important to see those little differences between their clients and be able to understand them and work with them. It shows the client how invested you are in their care and it also makes you a well-rounded social worker.

Virtual Collaboration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Virtual Collaboration - Essay Example tal technologies that enable organizations or individuals to collaborately plan, design, develop, manage, and research products, services, and innovative IT and E-Commerce applications† (Turban, McLean and Wetherbe 144). The current discourse hereby aims to present virtual collaboration through lessons learned from in-class and online events summaries, as perceived to be applicable in a future career. Virtual collaboration through social events was recognized to be the most popular, by far. The most relevant lessons learned from social events include the following: (1) selection of topics which are interesting to prospective participants; (2) using communication medium that would reach the target audience: social networking sites, email, smartphones, among others; (3) use of innovative approaches, like gamification; and (4) assignment of roles, or delegation of tasks by events’ organizers. One learned that there are disparities in techniques in in-class versus online events. For in-class social events, there are opportunities for face-to-face interactions to augment virtual collaboration, when needed. For instance, organizers could require weekly face-to-face group meetings to resolve conflicts, iron out concerns, and monitor the progress of assigned tasks. In contrast, in purely on-line social events where there are no opportunities for face-to-face interactions, the participants rely solely on online or electronic medium to communicate. As such, there should be regular interaction using various social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter) and other electronic medium (Skype, university sites, email). Major lessons learned from in-class activities that enriched one’s understanding of the topic are categorized as follows: (1) enhance opportunities for personal interaction with other members of the class which improved one’s confidence in interpersonal communication; (2) commitment to cultural diversity within the university encouraged one’s respect for

Event Risk Research Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Event Risk Research Paper - Essay Example This multinational event can help to determine not only basic risk management needs for events, but also provides insight into the specialized problems and risks that come with sporting events that are held at a multinational level. Defining risk management for different events is one that is essential for the success of any event. The first aspect of this is known as quantitative risk management, which is understood by how much risk is at a specific event, as well as how different organizations should respond to this. Measuring the amount of risk through political and sociological concepts can provide a broader understanding of the preparation that needs to take place as well as how one can respond to this. Models that are known to assist with the risk management are able to create thresholds, which defines how much an organization needs to prepare without moving over the needed components of the models. The mixture of security measures that are taken are then able to create a better understanding of what is needed with the event to create an elimination of potential risks (McNeil et al, 7, 2005). To effectively reach the quantitative analysis of an event is the need to understand the various factors that create risk. For instance, if the event includes a multinational component, then this will need to be a part of the risk management process. By doing this, there will be the ability to create a strategic model that will affect the way that the event is approached. The risks will then define the event through the organizing committee, stakeholders of an event and the individuals that are participating in the event either as athletes or as audience members. Creating best practices that are a part of an event and making sure that safety, security and avoidance are a part of the risk management can help to create a different response from those that are

Human Resource Strategies Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Human Resource Strategies - Case Study Example It has Discount Stores, Supercenters (for one-stop shopping), and Neighborhood Markets (convenience stores). It also operates Sam's Club, America's leading members-only warehouse club (Our Retail Divisions 2007). Being the leader not just in a particular industry but to the whole business world as a whole in terms of revenues is a result of effective policies, plans, and strategies against its competitors. In case of Wal-Mart, their competitive advantage lies on how well and effective they make their principles into reality. Wal-Mart considers its corporate culture as one of the keys for its outstanding success. Walton was able instill his inspiring and motivating beliefs and principles that is being abided and taken by heart by his employees then, until now. Wal-Mart has retained the culture based on tested principles for a successful business and life (The Wal-Mart Culture 2007). The cornerstones by which Wal-Mart stands on are its Three Basic Beliefs. These three main thrust play an important role in decision making and other activities the company does. They are also the standards by which the accomplishments and performances of individual personnel or of the entire organization is measured. Respect the Individual - Wal-Mart believes that they are a group of dedicated, hardworking and ordinary individuals who are united "to make extraordinary things." Being an organization as such is no easy task. One of the essentials of making this happen goal happen is to treat each individual member within and outside the organization with respect and dignity. Service to our Customers - The retail giant knows that they are nothing without their customers. Because of this the company strives to ensure that each of the hard-earned dollar spent by their customers to their service is compensated accordingly by offering quality merchandise at the lowest price while providing outstanding service to them. Strive for Excellence - Wal-Mart's amazing success is a product of innovative and trailblazing ideas and goals that stretch their horizons further. For Walton, it is not enough that Wal-Mart offers low prices or high quality. He believed that striving for excellence by incorporating fresh and innovative ideas that will get them ahead of the pack. Accomplishing a feat is not enough. Complacency is never attained at Wal-Mart as the company takes each accomplishment as a stepping stone for another success. Sustainable improvement is what Walton wants for his organization (Three Basic Beliefs 2007). Sam's Rules for Building Businesses Perhaps still unsatisfied with the brevity of his three basic beliefs, Walton elaborated ten rules that would rev up his business steps higher. Together with the three basic beliefs, he had revealed much of his secrets before his death in April 1992. Commit to your business - The unwavering passion for making the business a phenomenal success is what Walton instilled in the minds and the hearts of his employees. For him the love for work and the desire to excel in it is needed in this fiercely competitive world. Share your profits with all your associates, and treat them as partners. - For Walton encouraging his associates to hold a stake in a company is important for them to accompany Wal-Mart in pursuing their dreams. By offering them discounted

Testing And Commissioning In HVAC Practices In Hong Kong Dissertation

Testing And Commissioning In HVAC Practices In Hong Kong - Dissertation Example A set of Commissioning Specifications which includes the divisions that describe the BCS document as a common requirement should be drafted by the HKBCA to curb the deficiency of practical standard. It should also concentrate on after services such as the electrical and HVAC systems. So as to handle the BCx role effectively, there will be the issuance of inspection forms and a number of checklists to certified persons. In America and the United Kingdom, BCx education and training is provided in schools, research, and development organizations, whereas in Hong Kong it is not prominent. The dissertation recommends that Hong Kong should consider prominently providing the same to schools, research, and development organization. The private sectors do not address commissioning as their main objective and there has never been a clear cooperation at different phases of commissioning between the private sector and the government in the formulation, planning, and implementation of the project s. This dissertation also suggests that there should be a clear cooperation at different phases of commissioning between the private sector and the Hong Kong government as far as the formulation, planning, and implementation of the projects is concerned. The training on the BC document is offered in academic institutions but the students are unable to fully apprehend the process because it is not exhaustive enough. There should be the amalgamation between the integration of the BCx with other building control procedures.

Computers and the law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Computers and the law - Essay Example An attempt to address these problems in the Act was implemented in controversial amendments, which came into force in October 2008 through the Police and Criminal Justice Act 2006 . With regard to the unauthorised access and attempted intrusions this could constitute an offence under the Act of the conduct satisfies the requirements as follows: 1) Unauthorised access to computer material (Section 1 of the Act); 2) Access to computer material without authorisation with intent to commit or assist the commission of offences (Section 2 of the Act); and 3) Modification of computer data without authorisation (Section 3 of the Act). With regard to the current factual scenario, it is evident that there have been attempts to hack the Macrobox system without success so far. Accordingly, whilst there has clearly been an intention to commit the office, there does not appear to have been actual access to the computer system or computer material. ... Accordingly, if we apply this to the current scenario, whilst the access to Macrobox’s computer and servers were not successful, the attempt to hack will constitute a criminal offence under Section 3 of the Act. With regard to potential penalties, the Police and Criminal Justice Act 2006 provides for criminal liability on the following basis to be included in the Act for the Section 3 offence: 1. On summary conviction a prison sentence of up to 12 months and a fine not exceeding the statutory minimum; or 2. On conviction on indictment, imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years or a fine or both (Section 36(6) of the Police and Criminal Justice Act 2006). Additionally, as the forum users have been trying to encourage others to hack Macrobox, this also potentially falls within incitement offences, which have now been removed from the Act and inserted into the inchoate offences section of the Serious Crime Act 2007. Furthermore, it is important to highlight that the encoura gement on online forums to hack Macrobox’s computer systems could also constitute a potential offence under the Terrorism Act 2000. Section 2(e) of the Terrorism Act provides that an act of terrorism includes any act which is â€Å"designed seriously to interfere with or seriously disrupt an electronic system† if the act is undertaken with the objective of furthering a political, religious or ideological cause. In the current scenario, it is evident that the attempts to hack and interfere with Macrobox’s computer systems and servers were as a result of the disclosure on public forums that Macrobox is a major software supplier for Staffordshire

Cryogenic treatment of metal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cryogenic treatment of metal - Essay Example Untempered martensite should, therefore, have treatment below the minimum critical temperatures of the metal so as to enable diffusion of the excess carbon from the body-centre tetragonal structure hence it creates a more stable structure. Tempering leads to an even distribution of alloying elements in precipitation-hardening alloys like super alloys of aluminum (L.K. Zhang. 148). The elements cause internal reactions, which results in the formation of inter-metallic phases referred to as precipitates. The precipitates formed during tempering strengthen the alloys. In addition, multistep tempering can result in the formation of several precipitates that effect to high strength alloy. Cryogenic treatment is carried out in metals in the process to enhance metallic wear characteristics. Cryogenic metal treatment is quite a new metal treatment process in engineering and is one of the most utilized metal treatment processes in the industry (Xiaojun Jianga 62). Utilization of cryogenic temperature (below -2400 F) is a new application in metal treatment especially in the ultra-cold realm. The method was tried in early 1940s, but it was found to produce thermal stresses because of the rapid cooling of the metal in liquid nitrogen. Because of the formation of thermal stresses, cryogenic treatment was not in use for industrial purposes until late 1960s. Cryogenic metal treatment process was improved to the use of gaseous nitrogen, which results in reduced formation of thermal stresses (L.K. Zhang. 32). There are three major cryogenic treatment process established in mechanical engineering. Initially, the metal is slowly cooled down from ambient atmospheric temperatures to cryogenic temperatures. Cooling of the metal parts slowly leads to a reduction in the formation of thermal stresses. Slow cooling process also ensures that the general

Testing And Commissioning In HVAC Practices In Hong Kong Dissertation

Testing And Commissioning In HVAC Practices In Hong Kong - Dissertation Example A set of Commissioning Specifications which includes the divisions that describe the BCS document as a common requirement should be drafted by the HKBCA to curb the deficiency of practical standard. It should also concentrate on after services such as the electrical and HVAC systems. So as to handle the BCx role effectively, there will be the issuance of inspection forms and a number of checklists to certified persons. In America and the United Kingdom, BCx education and training is provided in schools, research, and development organizations, whereas in Hong Kong it is not prominent. The dissertation recommends that Hong Kong should consider prominently providing the same to schools, research, and development organization. The private sectors do not address commissioning as their main objective and there has never been a clear cooperation at different phases of commissioning between the private sector and the government in the formulation, planning, and implementation of the project s. This dissertation also suggests that there should be a clear cooperation at different phases of commissioning between the private sector and the Hong Kong government as far as the formulation, planning, and implementation of the projects is concerned. The training on the BC document is offered in academic institutions but the students are unable to fully apprehend the process because it is not exhaustive enough. There should be the amalgamation between the integration of the BCx with other building control procedures.

Cryogenic treatment of metal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cryogenic treatment of metal - Essay Example Untempered martensite should, therefore, have treatment below the minimum critical temperatures of the metal so as to enable diffusion of the excess carbon from the body-centre tetragonal structure hence it creates a more stable structure. Tempering leads to an even distribution of alloying elements in precipitation-hardening alloys like super alloys of aluminum (L.K. Zhang. 148). The elements cause internal reactions, which results in the formation of inter-metallic phases referred to as precipitates. The precipitates formed during tempering strengthen the alloys. In addition, multistep tempering can result in the formation of several precipitates that effect to high strength alloy. Cryogenic treatment is carried out in metals in the process to enhance metallic wear characteristics. Cryogenic metal treatment is quite a new metal treatment process in engineering and is one of the most utilized metal treatment processes in the industry (Xiaojun Jianga 62). Utilization of cryogenic temperature (below -2400 F) is a new application in metal treatment especially in the ultra-cold realm. The method was tried in early 1940s, but it was found to produce thermal stresses because of the rapid cooling of the metal in liquid nitrogen. Because of the formation of thermal stresses, cryogenic treatment was not in use for industrial purposes until late 1960s. Cryogenic metal treatment process was improved to the use of gaseous nitrogen, which results in reduced formation of thermal stresses (L.K. Zhang. 32). There are three major cryogenic treatment process established in mechanical engineering. Initially, the metal is slowly cooled down from ambient atmospheric temperatures to cryogenic temperatures. Cooling of the metal parts slowly leads to a reduction in the formation of thermal stresses. Slow cooling process also ensures that the general

Aristotle the Great Philosopher Essay Example for Free

Aristotle the Great Philosopher Essay Aristotle was one of the most profound philosophers of all time. He was a pupil of Plato; he adapted many of Plato’s concepts into his own. Aristotle follows in the footsteps of Plato and Socrates idea of taking the virtues to be vital in a well-lived life. Based on the precise nature, true happiness can be found. In this paper, I will discuss Aristotle’s beliefs of human good and human flourishing. Aristotle’s most influential work was Nichomachean Ethics. No one is quite sure where Nichomachean Ethics originated from; they assume it is either, a combination of lecture notes from Aristotle or his students. He believes that every human activity aims at some good; every human activity aims at some end. He believes that good equals end. Aristotle refers to good as being the object of an action. He believes people should be goal oriented no matter if the goal is morally good or bad. Aristotle thought that human actions are not haphazard, random, gratuitous, and purposeless. Otherwise, they’re relevance is the distinguishing mark of human rationality, as opposed to the instinctive ness of animal conduct or an unintentional sequence of natural events. He believes that humans seek rational means to attain their goals. (Zunjic, Books 1 2) Aristotle was born in 384 BCE and later died in 322 BCE. He grew up in Stagirus, which was a small Greek colony. His father was a physician to King Amyntas of Macedonia. The Macedonia Court would influence Aristotle’s life, greatly. Aristotle’s father died while he was still a child. His guardian, Proxenus, sent him to Athens. While in Athens, he became a pupil of Plato; he attended Plato’s lectures for twenty years. He then began to lecture himself, particularly about rhetoric. (Aristotle’s Biography) After Plato had died, Aristotle may have become the leader of the Academy, except his differences in teaching. They gave the leadership role to Plato’s nephew, Seusippus. Aristotle then left Athens and went to a different court. He married Pythias and then a short while after he moved to the island of Lesbos. Some years later, Aristotle was invited back to Macedonia by the King to tutor the young Alexander. Their ideas differed, which lead to an interesting relationship. (Aristotle’s biography) Aristotle taught and managed the Lyceum for twelve years, producing, during this time, his lecture notes. Only a small amount of Aristotle’s works had survived over the years. Aristotle’s works included all the major areas of thought: logic, science, metaphysics, ethics, and politics. He developed a new theory of form that differed from Plato, created a system of deductive reasoning for universal and existential statements, and produced a theory of the universe, matter, life, and mind. (Aristotle’s Biography) Aristotle expanded his knowledge significantly when he studied under Plato, if his guardian had not sent him to Athens he probably would have never studied under Plato. Though Aristotle learned a lot from Plato, his ideas also differed greatly, and he was a great thinker all on his own. Aristotle might not have been the great philosopher that he is without the guidance of Plato. â€Å"Aristotle’s style of lecturing involved walking around in in covered walkways, for which reason Aristotle was called ‘Peripatetic’ meaning walking around. † (www. about. com) Greek influences helped shape what Aristotle believed. His education under Plato was also a huge influencing factor. He believed that there were only two causes in the universe: form and matter; form and matter leads to intelligence. Aristotle was a firm believer that education and morality went hand in hand with each other. He thought it was the duty of the state to produce well rounded citizens who would lead good lives. The realization of oneself is the main way to reach goodness. Aristotle has been recognized as one of the greatest philosophers of all time. He has had essential time working with other top philosophers of his time. Years after his death, people still learn and adapt his beliefs. Aristotle was a teleologist, meaning, he believed that all existing things have a purpose. Aristotle was way ahead of his time, in his thinking. Many of the ideas he had were completely baffling to others around him. They still take a great deal of thought to grasp what he means but it is worth examining. Aristotle believes in instrumental goods and self-sufficient goods. Multiple instrumental goods are needed to achieve ourselves; they include health, friendship, wealth, knowledge, and virtue. The ancient Greek word for virtue is, ‘Arete’ meaning excellence. The excellence a person demonstrates when acting towards virtue. Virtue, when practice, begins to make us who we are. Aristotle believes that virtue must be practice habitually, so that everyone has the capacity to perfect their own character. (Aristotle Ethics Podcast 1) He believed that every idea can be traced back to the very beginning. This is known as finite regress: finite, meaning an end, and regress, meaning to trace back. Objects of thought can be traced back to the very beginning; many consequences lead to the knowledge of the object of thought. He thought that the idea in your head can be traced back, because the idea in your head is a product of everything else, even what people earlier had in their head. Once the thought reaches the corner stone, you cannot go any farther, showing it has one clear beginning. He does not believe in infinite regress that would mean there would be no defined order. (Aristotle Ethics Podcast 2) Aristotle was not concerned with his own good but, rather, the good for all humans. He called this good, eudaimonia, meaning happiness. Eudaimonia serves as the one, final self-sufficient good. He did not believe happiness was just a feeling; he believed it was also a way of living. Many have adapted this idea as human flourishing. Human flourishing involves achievement of excellence. He believes that everyone aims at some good, but different people have different ideas of what good is. The product of the activity should be better than the activity, says Aristotle. The end is the achievable good. (Kessler, 80-87) Aristotle’s beliefs can be used to view life today. His ideas of what a good is and how to reach human flourishing influence life today. When examining any thought, it is almost possible to try and trace it back to where it originated. Aristotle showed that everything has a clear beginning and end, and that everyone should try to have a life full of virtues. Aristotle’s ideas influenced many other philosophers for years after his time. He was a great influence on medieval scholasticism: much of the Roman Catholic theology shows his ideas of teleology. It was also a big influence to biology; but it was banished from physics by the scientific revolution. Aristotle is a firm believer that happiness is the most important thing in life. Ethics was the main topic Aristotle focused on, the difference between what is a right or wrong, good and evil, rule and virtues, character and vice, success and happiness. Works Cited â€Å"Aristotle Greek Philosopher Aristotle. † About. com Ancient / Classical History. N. p. , n. d. Web. 02 Dec. 2012. http://ancienthistory. about. com/cs/people/p/aristotle. htm. â€Å"Aristotle of Stagirus Biography. † Aristotle. N. p. , n. d. Web. 29 Nov. 2012. http://www. egs.edu/library/aristotle/biography/. Flip4Learning. Aristotles Ethics (Part One). YouTube. YouTube, 04 Mar. 2012. Web. 03 Dec. 2012. http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=NbZ1qzcHo4g. Flip4Learning. Aristotles Ethics (Part Two). YouTube. YouTube, 04 Mar. 2012. Web. 03 Dec. 2012. http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=A6Eq33EgMaM. â€Å"Nicomachean Ethics. † Nicomachean Ethics. N. p. , n. d. Web. 29 Nov. 2012. http://www. uri. edu/personal/szunjic/philos/nicom. htm. Kessler, Gary E. Voices of Wisdom: A Multicultural Philosophy Reader. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 2010. Print.

Distinguishing Fear From Anxiety

Distinguishing Fear From Anxiety Introduction Anxiety disorders constitute the largest group of mental diseases in European countries {Andlin-Sobocki et al., 2005, Eur J Neurol, 12 Suppl 1, 1-27}. Human anxiety disorders can be categorized into generalized anxiety disorders, panic attacks, Posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD), Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and special phobias, are amongst the most prevalent with a 28% lifetime prevalence and an incidence of 18% {Kessler et al., 2005, Arch Gen Psychiatry, 62, 617-27}. Pathological expression of both fear and anxiety are thought to represent certain aspects of anxiety disorders. Specific phobias are considered, as fear disorders, whereas generalized anxiety is viewed as an example of anxiety disorders.   PTSD patients do not only suffer from conditioned fear symptoms to discrete cues that act as a reminder of a previous trauma, but they also exhibit persistent symptoms of sustained anxiety. The regulation of fear and anxiety is the heart of many psychopathological di sorders also reflected in the extremely high comorbidity rate with other mood disorders, such as depression. Up to 90% of individuals expressing an anxiety disorder also develop depression, which could increase suicide rates (Gorman, 1997) and constitutes a significant problem for the community in general. Currently available pharmacotherapies such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), have emerged as effective alternatives to the benzodiazepines and have been paralleled by a similar growth in effective and available psychological treatments, particularly cognitive and cognitive-behavioural therapy. A considerable portion of patients, however, requires long-term treatment throughout the whole life or does not respond at all. For coping with these limitations, focusing on a better understanding of these diseases and improved treatment is urgently needed. Distinguishing fear from anxiety Fear Vs Anxiety Fear- Behavioural manifestation associated with clearly identified imminent threat. Anxiety- Generalized fear without object, an apprehensive anticipation of future potential threats The main function of fear and anxiety is to act as a signal of danger, threat, or motivational conflict, and to trigger appropriate adaptive responses. For some authors, fear and anxiety are indistinguishable, whereas others believe that they are distinct phenomena. In particular fear is a generalized adaptive state of apprehension to an imminent threat (Michael Davis, 2010). It begins rapidly and dissipates rapidly once a threat is removed. Fear is provoked by imminent and real danger, Animals may learn to fear situations in which they have previously been exposed to pain or stress, and subsequently show avoidance behavior when they re-encounter that situation. Young animals may show an innate fear reaction to sudden noise or disturbances in the environment, but rapidly become habituated to them. When they are used to a familiar environment, then a fear of novelty may develop. Ethologists have also made the important observation that fear is often mixed up with other aspects of moti vation. Thus, conflict between fear and approach behavior may results in displacement activities (e.g., self-grooming in rats and mice). Such displacement activities may be the behavioral expression of an anxious state. In contrast anxiety is often elicited by less specific and less predicable threats (Michael Davis, 2010). Anxiety is a generalized response to an unknown threat or internal conflict, whereas fear is focused on known external danger. It has been suggested, anxiety can only be understood by taking into account some of its cognitive aspects, particularly because a basic aspect of anxiety appears to be uncertain. Originally, anxiety is associated with arousal and vigilance, as a result it can be defined as longer lasting state of apprehension that can become pathological if its become extreme.    Defense and coping strategies Fear or anxiety, result in the expression of a range of adaptive or defensive behaviors, which are aimed to escape from the source of danger or motivational conflict. These behaviors depend on the context and the repertoire of the species. Fight or flight, was coined exactly 75 years ago, in 1929, Walter Cannon originally formulated this term for the human response to threat, Fear and anxiety. The phrase fight or flight has influenced the understanding and expectations of both clinicians and patients. However, both the order and the completeness of Cannons famous phrase are suspect. Fight or flight mischaracterizes the ordered sequence of responses that mammals exhibit as a threat escalates or approaches. In recent years, ethologists working with nonhuman primates have clearly established distinct fear responses that proceed sequentially in response to increasing threat. The order of these responses may have important implications for understanding and treating acute stress in humans . The sequence, originally described by Jeffrey A. Gray, begins with what ethologists call the freeze response or freezing, terms corresponding to what clinicians typically refer to as hypervigilance (being on guard, watchful, or hyper-alert). This initial freeze response is the stop, look, and listen response associated with fear. The survival advantage of this response is obvious. Specifically, ethological research has demonstrated that prey that remains frozen during a threat are more likely to avoid detection because the visual cortex and the retina of mammalian carnivores primarily detect moving objects rather than color. Immobilization or freezing, are usually elicited when the threat is inescapable, and is characterized by autonomic inhibition (hypotension, bradycardia), and a more pronounced increase in the neuroendocrine response activation of the hypothalamopituitary-adrenal axis and increased glucocorticoid secretion. This type of passive response was originally described by Engel Schmale as a conservation-withdrawal strategy. The concept of alternative (active/passive) strategies itself owes much to the work of Henry and coworkers. Specific brain circuits appear to mediate distinct coping reactions to different types of stressors. Psychopathological fear/anxiety Although fear acts as a physiological signal of danger, threat, or motivational conflict, it can become pathological and interfere with the ability to survive. Development of specific anxiety disorders, i.e., social phobia, obsessive-compulsive and panic disorders or specific phobias are consequences of pathological fear expression. Anxiety disorders are marked by excessive future fear, often in response to specific objects or situations and in the absence of a true danger. Anxiety disorders are extremely common in the general population. According to a recent epidemiological study, the lifetime prevalence of any anxiety disorder is 28.8% (Kessler et al, 2005). Increased anxiety in animal models, as a trait, can be attributed to at least two sets of factors: (i) a genetic predisposition, essentially linked to the expression of genes that are involved in the various neurochemical mechanisms underlying fear and anxiety; and (ii) the influence of environmental factors. These environmental factors can interact with the expression of the relevant genes during early development and determine the functional properties of the neural and biochemical systems involved in coping with stressful events. They can also modulate the learning processes that occur at a later stage, when the individual is confronted with various life events, and determine the capacity to cope successfully with aversive or threatening situations in adulthood. These predisposing factors, either innate or acquired, determine individual affective styles or coping strategies, which are thought to play an important role in vulnerability to psychopathology. Brain structures and functional circuitry involved in fear/anxiety Limbic System: Emotional brain Limbic areas include the hippocampus (HPC), amygdala, cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus and the bed nucleus of striaterminalis (BNST). Hippocampus and amygdala are considered as a main area involves in emotion, but I will mainly focus on the amygdala. Hippocampus The hippocampus is a part of the forebrain, located in the medial temporal lobe. The hippocampus consists of the dentate gyrus, the Cornu Ammonis fields (CA1-CA3), and the subiculum. The main information input to the hippocampus is via the entorhinal cortex and the main information output from the hippocampus is via the subiculum. Between entorhinal cortex and subiculum, three major pathways of the hippocampus are described. The perforant pathway from entorhinal cortex forms excitatory connections with the granule cells of the dentate gyrus (Bliss and Lomo, 1973). The mossy fiber pathway, formed by the axons of the granule cells of the dentate gyrus, connects the granule cells with the pyramidal cells in the area CA3 of the hippocampus (Lu et al., 1997). The Schaffer collateral pathway connects the pyramidal cells of the CA3 region with the pyramidal cells in the CA1 region of the hippocampus (Collingridge et al., 1983). Amygdala The amygdala is a limbic system structure and is a key target area implicated in emotional processing. It is composed of several interconnected nuclei located in the medial temporal lobes in mammals and is reciprocally linked to sensory cortices, thalamus, and autonomic control centers (Sah et al., 2003). Its internal and external connections permit the amygdala to evaluate environmental stimuli, attach salience to them, then generate appropriate autonomic, endocrine, and behavioral responses (Adolphs, 1999; Rogan LeDoux, 1996; Walker Davis, 2002). In addition, the amygdala is involved in detecting and evaluating emotional expression (Adolphs, 1999). The lateral nucleus of the amygdala (LA) has been implicated as the critical area where sensory stimuli achieve emotional salience. Consequently, the amygdala is needed for proper emotional processing, as in fear and anxiety, memory, and attention (Davis, 1997; Keele, Hughes, Blakeley, Herman, 2008; LeDoux, Cicchetti, Xagoraris, Roma nski, 1990). Plasticity in neurotransmission is important in maintaining the emotional significance of stimuli we encounter (Ehrlich, 2009). However, if those synapses and circuits become super-sensitized, what was once adaptive emotional behaviors can become psychopathologies, such as anxiety disorders and depression (Keele, 2005; Rosen Shulkin, 1998). Amygdala structure The amygdaloid complex is comprised of 13 nuclei, which are further divided into 3 groups: the basolateral complex, the cortical nuclei, and the centromedial nuclei. The basolateral complex is composed primarily of the basolateral (BLA) and lateral (LA) amygdala nuclei (Keele et al., 2008; Sah et al., 2003). Neuroanatomical studies reveal that there are extensive internuclear and reciprocal intranuclear connections (Pitkanen, Savander, LeDoux, 1997). Physiological studies further suggest that the amygdala nuclei are primarily individual functional units with the flow of information through the amygdala being highly organized, as seen in fear conditioning studies (LeDoux, 2000). Sensory afferents (context + tone) terminate in the LA (Romanski, Clugent, Bordi, LeDoux, 1993). The information proceeds in a predominantly unidirectional flow from the lateral to medial at which point the LA sends glutamatergic projections to the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), as well the BLA and o ther nuclei (Sah et al., 2003; Pitkanen et al., 1997; Smith Par eacute;, 1994). The CeA, where much of the amygdala nuclei projections converge and insubstantial intra-amygdaloid fibers exit, constitutes the output of the amygdala (Sah et al., 2003; Pitkanen et al., 1997). Two main cell types have been described morphologically and physiologically in the BLA (Rainnie, Asprodini, Shinnick-Gallagher, 1993; Sah et al., 2003). The first type is glutamatergic projection neurons that give off collaterals within the nucleus. They account for 70% of the neuronal population (McDonald, 1982). Their secondary and tertiary dendrites appear spiny, distinguishing them from the other neuronal type (Sah et al., 2003). In the LA, pyramidal neurons account for about 95% of the population. Pyramidal neurons show broad action potentials and spike frequency accommodation of varying degrees, and express N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA), a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), and k ainate receptors. Main input to these neurons is cortical and thalamic, but they are highly modulated by interneurons and monoaminergic afferents from brain stem nuclei (Marowsky, Yanagawa, Obata, Vogt., 2005; Rainnie, 1999; Sah et al., 2003; Sullivan, Coplan, Kent, Gorman, 1999). The second type of neurons is interneurons, also called stellate cells (Sah et al., 2003). They account for 5-10% of the neurons in the BLA and are local circuit gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) releasing cells with short duration action potentials and no spike frequency accommodation. AMPA receptors are expressed but NMDA receptors are reportedly absent (Sah et al., 2003). Like the projection neurons, input is cortical and thalamic with modulatory input from brainstem nuclei (Lang and Par eacute;, 1998). Afferent and Efferent Connectivity Amygdala innervation consists of sensory input from the thalamus and cerebral cortex and autonomic input from the hypothalamus and brain stem (Keele et al., 2008; Sah et al., 2003). All sensory modalities glutamatergically project to the amygdala via the thalamus, sensory cortices, association cortices, and other polymodal cortical areas (McDonald, 1998; Romanski LeDoux, 1993; Sah et al., 2003). Brain stem projections provide monoaminergic modulation of the amygdala. There is extensive serotonergic innervation from the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), dopaminergic innervation from the ventral tegmental area, and noradrenergic innervation from the locus coeruleus (Clayton Williams, 2000;Marowsky et al., 2005; McIntyre, Power, Roozendaal, McGaugh, 2003; Rainnie, 1999). Main output of the amygdala is projected from the CeA. Lesion and stimulation studies have shown cortical, hypothalamic, and brain stem regions to be target areas, directly and indirectly through projections to the bed nuc leus of the stria terminalis (Iwata, Chida, LeDoux, 1987; LeDoux, Iwata, Cicchetti, Reis, 1988; LeDoux, 2000; Sah et al., 2003; Turner, Mishkin, Knapp, 1980; Walker Davis, 2002). CeA efferents modulate specific behavioral and autonomic responses to fear, anxiety, and stress (Davis, 1997; Rosen Schulken, 1998; Sah et al., 2003). The CeAs connection to the hypothalamus allows activation of the sympathetic nervous system, such as an increase in heartbeat, galvanic skin response, and pupil dilation in response to fear. For inducing behavioral responses to fear, there are projections from the CeA to brainstem nuclei. For instance, connections with the periaqueductal gray induce freezing behavior and with the nucleus reticularis pontis caudalis (PnC) increase acoustic startle response (Davis, 1992). The brainstem innervation is so extensive that the amygdala contacts almost every brainstem region involved in autonomic functioning (Keele et al., 2008; LeDoux, 1992; Price, 2003). Behavioral Function The amygdalas contribution to emotion has long been documented. Initially, monkey bilateral temporal lobectomy studies performed by Klà ¼ver and Bucy (1937 1939), resulted in agnosia, hyperorality, hypersexuality, social withdrawl, difficulty recognizing emotionality of objects, and placidity. This became known as Klà ¼ver-Bucy syndrome. In following amygdalectomy studies a loss of fear, aggression, and normal social interactions with an increase in exploration was found (Goddard, 1964; Aggleton Young, 2000). Rodent lesion studies further demonstrated decreased active fear avoidance (Poremba Gabriel, 1999) and decreased passive conditioned fear response (Roozendaal, Koolhaas, Bohus, 1993), for instance, amygdala lesioned rats fail to show freezing behavior in the presence of danger, such as a cat (Blanchard Blanchard, 972). Specific lesioning of the lateral nucleus of the amygdala blocked conditioned fear (LeDoux et al., 1990). Amygdalectomized humans also show impairments in fear conditioning (LaBar, LeDoux, Spencer, Phelps, 1995). Additionally, human subjects do not recognize fear from facial expressions, voices, (Adolphs, Tranel, Damasio, Damasio, 1995), or music (Gosselin et al., 2005), and judge deceitful looking individuals as trustworthy (Adolphs, Tranel, Damasio, 1998). Stimulation and activation studies further corroborate amygdala lesion evidence. Human amygdala stimulation often produces observable fear responses as well as subjective feelings of fear (for review see Davis, 1992). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) further shows activation of the amygdala during viewing of fearful faces (Rosen Donley, 2006) and following fear conditioning when the conditioned stimulus is presented (LaBar, Gatenby, Gore, LeDoux, Phelps, 1998). In animals, amygdala stimulation shows an increase in behaviors, such as, vigilance, attention, and arousal (Rosen Schulkin, 1998) and an increase in autonomic responding; such as, respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure (for review see Davis, 1992). Additional emotions reported in humans have been anger and rage (Joseph, 2000). One female subject displayed enraged facial expressions, lips retracted and grimacing, then progressed to aggressive behavior and attack (Mark, Ervin, Sweet, 1972). These are emotional behavior autonomic responses that are often a component of the fear response. Fear Conditioning and Long-Term Potentiation One commonly used technique for studying amygdala function in both animals and humans is conditioned fear learning (Bà ¼chel, Morris, Dolan, Friston, 1998; Walker Davis 2002). To accomplish this type of learning a neutral sensory stimulus (conditioned stimulus or CS, often a light or tone) is paired with a noxious stimulus (unconditioned stimulus or US) such as a mild electric shock. Upon repeated US-CS pairing the learned association between the two stimuli elicits a behavioral response (conditioned response or CR) that can last indefinitely with o nly a few pairings (Maren, 2005). The convergence of the cortical sensory input and thalamic relays from the spinothalamic tract in the amygdala as well as the abolishment of learned fear response after amygdala lesions implicate it as the site for conditioned fear learning (LeDoux et al., 1990; Ledoux, 2000). The learned association as well as the fear behavioral response is seen across many species and has been extensively studied in rats, cats, primates, and humans. The neural mechanisms have also been conserved across these animal species and probably humans as well (LeDoux, 1996; Price, 2003). Long-term potentiation (LTP) functions as a mechanism for increasing synaptic strength between two neurons. Experimentally it can be induced by tetanic stimulation of afferent fibers; however, naturally occurring similar mechanisms are induced in the LA during conditioned fear learning (McKernan Shinnick-Gallagher, 1997; Rogan LeDoux, 1996; LeDoux, 2000). Support comes from the observat ion that before conditioning, neurons in the LA respond to CS and US input. After conditioning, the postsynaptic neurons response to the CS is greatly enhanced. This suggests that fear conditioning provides a suitable means for examining amygdala synaptic plasticity and fear circuitry. The proposed LTP molecular mechanism initiating fear conditioning is that the CS induces a release of glutamate, which activates the glutamatergic receptors on postsynaptic LA neurons. The US further depolarizes the neurons causing the release of the Mg2+ block in the NMDA receptors (NMDARs) allowing an influx of Ca2+. The additional Ca2+ initiates second messenger cascades that are responsible for the increased neuronal response to the CS. Blocking NMDARs with the antagonist DL-2-amino-5- phosphonovalerate (APV) prevents the acquisition of fear conditioning. If APV is delivered after training it does not affect the consolidation of the fear memory further supporting the necessary involvement of NMDAR s in the LTP mechanism. Ca2+ influx due to L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (L-VGCCs) is also required for the association to occur. The L-VGCCs may be opening in response to the strong depolarization from the US, especially when postsynaptic spiking and back-propagating action potentials occur. How learned fear memories are acquired and the mechanisms involved is essential to understanding normal amygdala functioning. Fear conditioning provides a means for studying dysfunction of fear circuitry and the resulting abnormal fear behaviors. Fear circuitry receives intense inhibitory modulation. When the inhibition is removed the fear conditioning mechanisms, such as LTP, are unmodulated and the circuitry enters a hyperexcited state. This could potentially lead to abnormally enhanced fear associations resulting in heightened fear responses. Manipulating the fear circuitry by altering inhibitory modulators and then assessing the fear behavior responses could elucidate the mechanisms leading to fear and anxiety disorders. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) system: Involvement in fear and anxiety NPY: Overview Neuropeptide Y(NPY) was isolated from porcine brain more than two decades ago (Tatemoto et al., 1982). This 36-amino-acid residue is one of the most abundant peptides found in the central nervous system (CNS) of all mammals, including humans {Chan-Palay et al., 1985; Chan-Palay et al., 1986}. It is one of the most conserved peptides in evolution (Larhammar, 1996; Larhamar and Salaneck, 2004), suggesting an important role in the regulation of basic physiological functions (Larhammar et al., 1993). At present, five NPY receptor subtypes have been cloned and designated-Y1, Y2, Y4, Y5, and y6 (Dumont et al., 1993; Gehlert, 1994; Michel et al., 1998)-all of which couple to Gi/o proteins and inhibit the production of cyclic AMP (Palmiter et al., 1998). NPY has important modulatory functions in the immune and cardiovascular systems (Song et al., 1996; Michalkiewicz et al., 2001), circadian rhythms (Antonijevic et al., 2000; Yannielli and Harrington, 2001), food intake (Jolicoeur et al., 199 5), and seizure (Husum et al., 1998; Colmers and El Bahh, 2003) and the response to pain (Munglani et al., 1996). NPY is involved in anxiety related behaviors (Thorsell and Heilig, 2002), and there is increasing support for the role of NPY in mood disorders such as depression (Redrobe et al., 2002a). It is constantly reported that NPY producing anxiolytic-like effect and can be observed different battery of behavioral tests like elevated plus maze, light dark, open field, and stressed induced hyperthermia. Consistent findings across different rodent modes have been proving the true anxiolytic effect of NPY. The presence of different NPY receptors and the plethora of NPY-induced behavioral effect raise the question as to whether NPY and its receptors have an effect on fear, and extinction of conditioned fear. The NPY Y1 receptors can be found in number of brain regions but prominent in cerebral cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus (Kask et al., 2002). The majority of studies have been proved the involvement of NPY Y1 receptor in the regulation of anxiety. In the present study I am focusing on fear reducing properties of NPY following the hypothesis that anxiolytic-like effect of NPY mediated my Y1 receptors.

The Coca-Cola Value Chain Essay -- Value Chain for Coca-Cola

Introduction Coca Cola markets nearly 2,400 beverages products in over 200 geographic locations. As a result development of a superior value system is imperative to their operations. Throughout this paper we will analyze their value system by using Michael Porter's value chain analysis model. In an attempt to paint a current picture of the non-alcoholic beverage industry we will assess the market activity by using mergers, acquisitions and IPOà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢S as our benchmarks to determine if the market is growing or contracting. Value Chain Analysis A value chain is a model used to disaggregate a firm into its strategically relevant value generating activities, in order to evaluate each activity's contribution to the firm's performance (Terms V 2006). Through the analysis of this model we can gain insight as to how a firm creates their competitive advantage and shareholder value. The value chain of the nonalcoholic beverage industry contains five main activities. These include inbound logistics (suppliers), operations, outbound logistics (buyers/ customers), marketing and sales, and service. Inbound Logistics (Suppliers) Some of Coca Colaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s most notable suppliers include Spherion, Jones Lang LaSalle, IBM, Ogilvy and Mather, IMI Cornelius, and Prudential. These companies provide Coca Cola with materials such as ingredients, packaging and machinery. In order to ensure that these materials are in satisfactory condition, Coca-cola has put certain standards in place which these suppliers must adhere to (The Supplier Guiding Principles). These include: compliance with laws and standards, laws and regulations, freedom of association and collective bargaining, forced and child labor, abuse of labor, discrimination, wages and b... ...com/gst/fullpage.html?res=980CEEDC123AF932A25751C0A9629C8B63 Symbol Technologies, Inc. (2003) Coca Cola FEMSA To Roll Out Symbol Rugged Mobile Computers for Next-Generation R. Retrieved October 25, 2006 from, http://www.symbol.com/news/pressreleases/press_releases_coca-cola_femsa.html Symbol Technologies, Inc. (2006) Coca Cola HBC Improves Sales Productivity by 25 Percent with Symbol Solutions. Retrieved October 24, 2006 from, http://www.scansource.com/symbol/files/CocaCola_CS.pdf Reuters (2006) Beverages (Nonalcoholic): Milestones. Retrieved October 24, 2006 from, http://www.investor.reuters.com/business/KeyDevelopmentsBusInd.aspx?industry=BEVNON&topiccodes=207&target=%2fbusiness%2fbussecindustry%2fbussecindfake%2fbusindmajerdev Yahoo Finance (2006) IPOà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s By Industry. Retrieved October 25, 2006 from, http://biz.yahoo.com/ipo/indg_m.html