Monday, September 30, 2019

Planning for a Perfect Wedding

PLANNING FOR A PERFECT WEDDING On every girl’s mind, when planning a wedding, all you really want is the wedding of a lifetime, the one that will be everyone’s talk in the town for some months. The little details like wedding supplies can make a difference between a great wedding and unforgettable ones. Supplies vary from wedding dresses to wedding labels. Each of this is selected according to the theme of the day. Some supplies are must have. For the bride’s gown it should be well fitting, flattering to her figure and to her dream design. The right lingerie should be worn so as to be comfortable. The groom’s attire should be well fitting. It should not only give him confidence but also make him feel special and comfortable. The bridesmaid, groomsmen and pageboys should also be dressed according to the theme and the design of the bride and groom. The bouquets should be according to the theme and color of the day. The ladies hairstyles should be exotic and eye catching. Accessories should blend well with the attires they have on and not too much extravagant. The reception and venues should be well decorated according to the theme. The tables should be set, wedding napkins available, name tags available to avoid confusion on who sits where. If it is an evening wedding, the lightning should be perfect; candle holders, candle, chandeliers and floral lights create a more romantic atmosphere. We have different types of cakes. The wedding cake should be a flavor enjoyed by both the bride and the groom. Cake plates should be available for easy serving. Cupcake trees is also a nice idea, this makes sure that the cake is enough for everybody in the congregation. You can have a cake topper of your choice or just ignore it. The venue of the wedding, be it a church, a hall or outside, the place must be decorated. Floral arrangement should be perfect. Wedding centerpieces should be eye catching and breathe taking to attract attention to the theme of the wedding. They can also include a centerpiece vase that can be an artifact stealing more attention to the theme. Remember the aisle runner, it is the first thing everybody sees when they reach the venue. We have so many wedding suppliers. Some provide the whole package and some just some services. Some are quite expensive others are affordable. You need a reliable wedding supplier, not all are. Before choosing on whom to settle on, you need to have decided on the budget. You should settle for what you afford. You have to budget for all necessities like attires, rings, venue fee and transportation. The remainder of the money will decide on the number of people to invite and who the best suppliers are. Talking to someone who has already had a successful wedding is a good way of finding reliable group of people or companies to make your day the best. You should have open line of communication and work together to make your day unique. Remember to sample their products and look at their equipment before settling for any of them. Contracts are also advisable but read them carefully to make sure they are under your terms and conditions.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Of Media and Press Freedom

Fahrenheit 9/11, a documentary film which debuted in the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, was produced, written, and directed by the now controversial Michael Moore. It has – and continues to – create waves in American society for its liberal and litigious perspectives. Although the title includes the fateful numbers 9 and 11, the documentary was not really about September 11, but it did touch briefly on that doomful day for all Americans; especially since it was pivotal for the discussion of what was really the movie’s main target. The film provided not only the American people but also the world over a critical look on George W. Bush’s presidency and his War on Terrorism. Moore, admittedly a liberal, is not exactly fond of President George W. Bush. And this is apparent in his works, especially with the documentary film now in question. In fact, Fahrenheit 9/11 was mostly an attack on W. Bush and the way he handled the 9/11 attacks and the pressing threat of terrorism on America. Moore contends that W. Bush was not exactly an inept president; au contraire, he was a really smart one who knew just how influential his position is. Released in America under the presidency of the very man it sought to destroy, Fahrenheit 9/11 was the perfect example of just how much democracy can be – and, sometimes, should be – very lenient on the media. With the media being branded as a ‘watchdog’, serving as the citizens’ omnipotent eye on the goings-on of politics and everything else that concerns them, it is very necessary to let the media speak as freely as it should. Even with moves to censor and even discredit Moore and his claims in this documentary, the Bush administration had to let the movie be shown as completely hiding Fahrenheit 9/11 from the public will be a cause for questioning the government’s commitment to freedom of speech, which is clearly stated in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights. Yet with the admirable way Fahrenheit 9/11 demonstrated our country’s committal to press freedom, the Palme d’Or recipient also painted just how media can also go overboard and abuse its function as a watchdog. Even with the guise of being a look into how a president can abuse his powers, Fahrenheit 9/11 was made in a manner that can cause discord. Made and exhibited at a time when Americans are still healing from the wounds of September 11 and the movie painfully refreshed the hurt that the events caused the American people. As the now popular Spiderman saying goes, â€Å"With great power comes great responsibility.† This only means that people behind the media know just when propagandas and destructive materials should be kept to a minimum. Assuming that Moore did get his facts right in the movie and his claims in his award-winning documentary have basis and are deserving of being exposed to the people, we can still see just how abusive media can be of its powers – this time, we’ll see it in the stories that Moore weaved. Media’s insolent nature is most apparent in the part where the movie’s director/writer portrayed the news networks’ contribution to the ‘fear’ propaganda. Moore claims that the launching of a war in Iraq had no basis, just W. Bush’s own ‘fear’ propaganda, which (as was also stated by Member of the Congress Jim McDermott) was spurred by the media’s willing coverage of the Bush administration’s feed of the ‘constant’ threat of terrorism even though there were no specific details handed out. And so in a way, Moore also momentarily paints a tirade on American media’s eagerness to become a voice of the Bush administration by presenting the terror threat and even the Iraqi war in a non-rationale way, going with what the W. Bush administration wanted them to cover. For Moore, a lot of lies and cover-ups happened with the War on Terrorism coverage. Indeed, Fahrenheit 9/11 may have torn the nation into two – some believing its theories wholeheartedly, and some reserving their trust to the Bush administration. But for any political science student, the movie is a perfect look as to how important a role and responsibility the media posses in a democratic society. The movie also throws in the glaring fact that the media – with all its freedom and responsibility – should take extra care in handling its affairs. References Fahrenheit 9/11. Dir. Michael Moore. 2004, June 25. DVD. Lion Gates Films, 2004.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Please refer to the attachment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Please refer to the attachment - Essay Example The Convention on Cybercrime is an international treaty to encounter all the cybercrimes associated with computer and internet. It was strategized by Council of Europe on 23rd November 2001 which came into enforcement on 1st July 2004. This convention is also known as Budapest Convention. Canada, Japan and China also participated in the Convention. The Convention of Cybercrimes gave a platform to all the nations across the world to adopt various techniques and strategies to investigate and take serious measures against any group or an individual that poses cyber threat to any other group or an individual. The convention provoked the participating nations to adopt a uniform and common criminal policy in order to protect the society from any cybercrime or activities that may harm the reputation of an individual or a group. The Convention highlighted various emerging threats associated with the usage of computer and the internet which include copyright infringements, identity theft, financial frauds, child pornography, unlawful access to sensitive data and information, virus attacks on sensitive computers and database and misuse of devices. This is a good step taken by Council of Europe which ensures protection of individuals and the groups against all the ill-legal activities associated with cybercrimes. The treaty stresses all the countries to play an effective role in this regard. This step will enhance greater international harmony among the nations and they will work together against all such groups who pose threats to an individual or to a group when working online. The nations were in dire need to establish a uniform code of conduct and a uniform legal policy to encounter such issues. However, the treaty needs to elaborate more widely the actions to be taken against any culprit found associated with such criminal activities and how the nations will deal with such threats on a

Personal Statement for admission of University majoring in Psychology

For admission of University majoring in Psychology - Personal Statement Example I am particularly interested in enrolling for a Bachelor of Psychology Degree Program as I have a persuasion that it will give me the privilege of not only meeting my academic objectives, but also fulfilling my mission in life – I long to play a part in healing and building the society as well as my life and family. I developed this interest during my undergraduate studies at Irvine Valley College where I pursued an Associate Science Degree. I was first drawn into Psychology when I took a class of Introduction to here in this College. I must confess that my teacher was encouraging, and advised me to continue with this subject. I developed a great interest in comprehending the human mind and particularly the way it works. Principally, I was trying to understand my past and myself – I realized that philosophy was helping me to unravel the mysteries of my childhood. The memories of my childhood and all I went through in and with my family are still vivid. When I was six years old, my family escaped Vietnam, following which we were always on the run and hiding. Actually, it took more than several attempts. First, the harsh and corrupt communist police captured and jailed us, then robbed and starved us. After having tried many times to leave Vietnam, we ultimately managed by means of a hand-made wooden boat with a portable engine. As we sailed, the waters were full of danger; drowned dead bodies of many whose escape attempts in the previous days failed were floating all over. After several days of misguided directions, without any knowledge of whether we were heading to open seas or back to where we had come from; after surviving stormy weathers over and above sea pirates overlooking us, we approached an American oilrig. The people we met there took us in and gave us food and warm bath. Then, they transferred us to a Malaysian Island refugee camp. Although life was hard, we were happy and we did whatever it took to survive. We learned how to make a

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Racism and Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Racism and Society - Essay Example It should be stated that racial categories are variable and mostly depend on the meanings inserted by contemporaries. According to some scholars, it is wrong to consider the concept of race politically neutral. It always contain, even if just implicitly, the idea of conflict of interests. Omi and Winant state "race is a concept, which signifies and symbolizes social conflicts and interests, by referring to different types of human bodies" (55). Some sociologists state that the notion of race has always been filled with some socio-cultural meaning, demonstrating an attitude towards 'aliens' expressed through the emphasizing of their most observable physical differences. In other words, sociologists consider that physical marks reflect not the objective reality, but subjective attitude. According to Robert Park (237-239, 315), a racial mark has become the symbol of the suspense, in the ground of which has laid the sense of self-vulnerability. He writes that a sociologist is interested not in physical distinctions, differentiating one race from another, but in less evident lineaments of inner apprehensions. And physical distinctions are just the symbols of these inner apprehensions. Park claims that historical process in the issue is predetermined by the ideological factors, not by the biological ones. The more important is to realize what people believe in and look for, than to know who they are.In other words modern sociolo gists, considering race as an artificial construct and one of means of creation and description the identity, emphasize that race remains to be rather important notion, which determines and legalizes social and political actions of people. At the same time they are sure that race is a product of racism, and not contrariwise. From this point of view groups, which are called racial, turn out to be 'racialised'. It means that social, political, or economical state of these groups is described with the help of racial categories.A lot of scholars for decades have oppugned against scientific racism, which has tried to ground the idea of racial inequality. They have proved that human capabilities do not depend on the color of the skin or type of eyes. One of the most outstanding representatives of this stream is Ashley Montague, who from 1940s has insisted that race is just a scientific phantom.However a lot of scholars as before consider race and ethnos as some biological reality, underes timating the paramount role of social factor. "While racism is necessarily rooted in biology, ethnocentrism is typically rooted in culture," says D'Souza (33). Nonetheless most of scholars have understood that race is rather social construct then the biological reality, and that the concept of race implicates relationship of dominance and submission. Does racism still exist It should be said that it is rather difficult to define the notion of racism. In fact this concept has an extraordinary ability to mimicry, changing itself in accordance with the circumstances. Besides

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

CNET article reviews and reflections Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

CNET article reviews and reflections - Essay Example Google plan is to make the region open for business since with increased circulation of information Africa will become more viable as market. In retrospect, Google has worked in Africa on the mobile platform; in 2009, it allowed cellphone users in Uganda to get information of weather and sports through text queries. It has also collaborated with France mobile to cut down the cost of SMS services in the region. In my opinion, this is a progressive move, and it shows that Google as a company is capable of combining a profit making venture with its social responsibility of ensuring Africa is opened to the world in terms of telecommunication. Furthermore, it will have indirect impacts by forcing the telecommunication companied to lower their SMS costs because of competition from Google. Ultimately, while Google will stand to make a tidy profit, it has considerably increased Africa’s networking potential. The space shuttle endeavor, which has been in orbit 25 times since it was constructed two years ago, is set to take its valedictorian flight perched on the back of a jet. This is to give the public a chance for one last viewing before it takes its place in the museum. The endeavor is set to fly across Houston landing in Ellington refuel at the Field Army Airfield in El Paso White sands then proceed to S Francisco, NASAs Ames Research Center, Sacramento until it is finally returns to California on a three days trip. The endeavor, was commissioned in 1978 to replace the challenger which was destroyed in a takeoff accident, after that, it made 24 more trips many of them to assemble the international space station. The first ever trip by a spaceship through a metropolitan area. It is a complex process which is going to involve a sizeable team of engineers, who will be ensure the route used is the best possible, without too much disruption. It is going to involve a lot of restructuring and moving

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

EMPLOYABILITY AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PowerPoint Presentation

EMPLOYABILITY AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT - PowerPoint Presentation Example ime tested advice, advice that have been rediscovered over a period of time often has a good deal of practical value (Hutchings, Sue, &Judy 2002, pg 189). Therefore, I think that this also applies to ways of improving social skill and building solid social network in the future. In summary, this paper will discuss on how to improve social skill and to build solid social network in the future. Improving social skill is significant because it builds a confidence interacting with people as well as, developing strong communication skills that would increase the chance for successful relationships, hence building a solid social network in the future. Social skills can be improved through good communication skills. It is evident that people are not born with good communication skills like any other trial; however, it is learned through error, trials and repeated practice. Presently, social skills have become an integral part of functioning both in communities and organizations. Therefore, displaying good manners, communicating effectively with others and expressing personal needs are all essential components of solid social skills. There are various ways in which social skills can be improved. These include being smart small. For instance, if talking to a crowd of people is a scary proposition, one can start small. This means that, one does not necessarily need to start out by having a long and a meaningful conversation with others, but he/she can simply share a smile with someone. Starting small is significant in increasing a persons’ confidence. The other way of improving social skills is through use and practice. Social skills may be practiced, however, people with anxiety may find this to be a scary prospect. In spite of all these, the good news is that any type of social interaction can help a person to develop his/her skills, which will help them in building a solid social network even in the future. The other way to improve social skills is through observing

Monday, September 23, 2019

Mcdonald's case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Mcdonald's - Case Study Example In 2003, McDonalds reinvented its mission/vision by implementing a â€Å"Plan to win† strategy that focuses on becoming â€Å"bigger, not just better†. Action plans in implementing this strategy are to increase sales in every geographic segment of the business; to offer relevant menu to its 60 million customers per day, and to gain the confidence of stockholders by the profitability of its operation. McDonald uses 5 key strategies in implementing this plan, i.e. product, price, people, place and promotion (McDonalds 2009 annual report). In increasing sales in every geographic segment of the business thru franchising. Focused on brand availability, menu variety, beverage choice, convenience and day part expansion. McDonalds introduced McCafe and premium Angus third pounder, focused on classic favorites like big Mac and Quarter Pounder, and emphasized affordability in the US market; and in mid-2010s introduced frappes and smoothies. In all areas of operations, reinvestment was done in the facilities and equipments, opened stores in convenient areas, extended store hours, build up its drive through systems and offered locally relevant selections. The strategy included advertising and promotions. In U.S, drive-through systems, and cafà ©-ambiance were developed; in Europe, the portable snacks were popularized; in Germany, breakfast time was introduced and designed the same strategies in other areas where McDonalds is present. McDonalds joined the bandwagon of globalization and has developed franchised business in 119 countries. In 2010, McDonalds has 32,737 franchise units all over the world, an increase of 28% from 21,078 units in 2009 (McDonald’s Annual Report). This means the company has to work with franchise owners with diverse cultures, religion and ethnicity. The tactics of McDonalds is to adopt its menu to the culture and taste of the region, to hire and train locals to work in the

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Photosynthesis Essay Example for Free

Photosynthesis Essay Photosynthesis is a very beneficial process. It consists of products that are an good impact on different things like its impact on species. Plants are important in regards to everything living and everything period. One way I believe photosynthesis is most beneficial in its relation to species. All living things go through a process. Plants in particular are very important in regards of being a energy source to animals and whatnot. Anything that eats plants is turned into an energy source. Plants may be the fuel to energize the animal so that another animal can eat that animal. Photosynthesis is part of the life cycle and thats pretty beneficial. Along with that benefit is the production of medication being important benefaction. Much of the herbal medication and over the counter medication has traces or even entire parts of different plants in them. Plants provide as many things including a cure. Certain plants like mint and flaxseed are used in teas and vitamins to ensure energy, nutrients and protection against viruses . Another way photosynthesis is beneficial is in regards to its use with trees producing oxygen. The entire process of photosynthesis ends up producing oxygen and sugar (glucose). In case you didnt know, any living animal or plant species on earth needs oxygen to survive . Its the most important requirement along with food and energy . There are many benefits of photosynthesis and I believe those benefits are mighty important. Photosynthesis is one of those processes that is nothing but beneficial.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

President of Venezuel Essay Example for Free

President of Venezuel Essay The current president of Venezuela named Hugo Rafael Chavez was born in Venezuela’s western grassland region on July 28, 1954. Socialism, Latin American integration and anti imperialism are promoted by the president because he was also leading the Bolivarian Revolution. Neo-liberal globalization and U. S. foreign policy were the main critics of the president. His parents were schoolteacher which is not a lucrative profession by any mean in Venezuela. He was belong to a poor family besides this in Venezuela dark skinned dark skin people faces strong racial divisions and white skinned people are elite. When he was seventeen years old he enrolled at Venezuela â€Å"Academy of Military Sciences† and studied engineering. After completion of acidic career he joined he joint military for several months. Chavez was immediately popular with his fellow students, he and his fellow students developed a left nationalist doctrine that they termed Bolivarianism inspired by his real hero Simon Bolivar, the father of Venezuelan independence and a figure of legendary dimensions. He was an excellent player of baseball and he played a lot for team called the Criollitos de Venezuela. Moreover, upon completion of his studies, Chavez entered the active military service. His military career lasted for 17 years, during this time he held variety of posts, seniorities and commands. He was also the part of the lectureship and was famous for his fiercy lecturing style and radical critique of Venezuelan government and society. With his natural charisma, he brings closer soldiers to his ideas, and built a network of supporters within the army. In 1983 he established MBR 200, the revolutionary Bolivarian movement (Movimiento Bolivariano Revolucionario 200), 1983 being the 200th anniversary of Simon Bolivars birth. Simon Bolivar: Influent Al Person in Hugo Chavezs Life Major influence on Chavez came from Simon Bolivar, from where Bolivarian movement was developed. The memory of Simon Bolivar has yet kept alive in Venezuela, the revolution of 19th century which led the sub continent independence battle against Spain. Simon Bolivar was born in Spain and many of his followers were native of Venezuela. Nonetheless, Simon Bolivar remained to be a significant and founding myth for the Venezuela institute. Particularly, his arm forces helped him a lot to bind them together even though of political instability. Chavez when he was a school child during the periods of 1950’s and 1960’s in the school studied a lot Bolivar’s feats against the Spaniards. The defining event in his life came when in 1989 the economy was devastated by rising oil prices which led President Carlos Andres Perez to a serious of tough measures. As a result of rising oil prices, buses fares were increased which led to protests by poor people and the army was sent to suppress the protestors. Chavez belong that part of the group that was deployed and he was enraged when he listen the order shoot all the citizens who he believes had a legitimate grievances. This was the motivation which led to his army coup that he organized against the same president some three years later. MBR 200. Revolutionary Bolivarian Movement-200 The MBR 200 was the social and political movement that Hugo Chavez founded in 1983. Chavez established MBR 200 setting as its political goals the realization of Bolivars ideals by means of a Bolivar resolution, which refers to a mass social and political movement in Venezuela aimed at eradication of corruption and emphasized on redistributive social justice and economic and political sovereignty. Some important points of Chavezs Bolivarianism are: †¢ Political participation of the masses by votes, referendum and councils †¢ Political and economic sovereignty †¢ Economic self – sufficiency †¢ Building in people nationality and patriotism †¢ Eradication of corruption †¢ Equal distribution of oil revenues of his land 1992 Coup Chavez was working as a lieutenant colonel during his late 30s. In addition, he was also working as a committed left wing activist, mixing with left wing group outside the army and conspiring in the institution for the sake of coup d’etat. So, after an extended period of dissatisfaction and economic decline under the administration of President Perez, Chavez and his fellow conspirators launched a military coup in Feb 1992. Although the coup was not entirely successful Chavez came to national prominence due to a abruptly speech made shortly after his arrest, the Venezuelan government allowed him forty five second speech in order to tell his co-conspirators to lay down the arm. It was a mistake made on the government part and Chavez made the most of it. Chavez in Power When Chavez spent his 2 year life in Jail during the period of 1990s economy of Venezuela was went on to bear the huge burden of oil prices. Support for the two of main political parties decline in elections of 1994, Chavez found the population increasingly receptive to its critique of the two party models and its associated corruption. Chavez organized a new party called the â€Å"fifth republic movement† During 1996 97 his support gradually increased in polls and he scored a comfortable majority and took power in 1998, his first political office with 56 percent of votes. Chavez Is Moving Venezuela from A Democracy To A Totalitarian State â€Å"Chavez supporters assert that, in fact, it is the current administration which is successfully steering Venezuela away from its statist and authoritarian past. They refer to the introduction of the new constitution at the beginning of Chavez’s term, which provides numerous opportunities for citizens to become directly involved in participatory politics, including making provisions for the current recall drive. Civil society groups can, for example, participate indirectly in the selection of judicial officials as well for as the national electoral commission. Furthermore, Chavez’s standing with his own people seems to be improving, which reflects an economy which once again shows promises. Even though the middle-class led last year end’s strike cost the economy $10 billion, unemployment has slowly dropped to 15%. The Bloomberg News Service credits the Venezuela Stock Exchange with one of the two best performances of the 59 exchanges it monitors worldwide. With Chavez’s personal popularity, he has climbed back to 40% after dipping to 30% a number of months ago†. Authoritarian Vs Democratic (Democracy Vs Totalitarian State) There has been a continuous debate whether Chavez has released from corruption accusation or he himself damaged the country’s own foundation of democracy. Authoritarian Some believe that the Hugo Chavez have more power than any president should have. Chavezs new constitution has been seen as authoritarian. Although there are detailed sections involving human rights, but some believe that the power given to the highest branch of government can easily lead to human rights violations. The new constitution also allows the president to be in the office considerably, which some suggests leads to authoritarianism. Scholars also criticized the way Chavez gained power and his conduct afterwards. The motivation behind his recent constituent assembly has been seen as to settle the score with Venezuelans traditional opposition parties and remove them from all positions of influence. One scholar suggested that Chavez himself overthrown the government in 1992 as similar to the corruption of the traditional parties of Venezuela, which clutched power by the military inventions in 1945 and misbalanced Venezuela’s supreme court and congress. Democratic Stance On the other way, some believe that the Chavez protected the democracy. In their point of views, â€Å"Chavezs government does emphasize the mobilization of the masses and confrontational speeches, Chavez cannot be equated to fascism since his ideology is left wing. Others are more pronounced in their view that Chavez is a benefit to democracy. These people believe that Chavez simply frees Venezuela from the corruption and he stands for a much needed transformation in Venezuelan society† Since Chavez does not belong to any party, and he came from the grass roots and has seen all the hardships, therefore he is more capable to meet the interest of the Venezuelans. Some opponent of Chavez equates him with Fujiori but his comparison is not correct because unlike Fujimori Chavez has an self-governing foreign military, a revolutionary disclosure and he did not endorse huge privatization. Economic Policies Venezuela is the 5th largest oil producer, which remains the key of Venezuelan economy. Chavez has gained a reputation as a price hawk in OPEC. At a meeting of OPEC in July 2006, Venezuela was the only country calling for lowered production to drive oil prices higher. Some critics say that under the President Chavez regime the output of Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) which is a state owned company, has been reduced by 25% and Venezuela cannot meets it current quota. However Forbes argues that the political and other influence have an effect on numbers. Nonetheless, Chavez has attempted to broaden Venezuelas customer base by getting into joint ventures with other developing countries including China, Brazil, Argentina and India. Although the record oil prices have meant more funding for the social and development plans, but it has also left the economy dependent on oil sector, private sector role has diminished. â€Å"February 6, 2006 Chavez announced a 15% increase in the minimum wage and a new model for Venezuela’s national health-care system, with US$449 million allocated to upgrade 43 hospitals. Implementing a measure of the constitution that recognises housework as an economic activity, the government will also provide wages to 200,000 poor homemakers. January 30, 2006 Chavez launched 12 new state-run Social Production Enterprises (EPS) in key industries, with the aim of substituting for the many products Venezuela currently imports. This is a key part of overcoming Venezuela’s underdevelopment and achieving genuine sovereignty. The EPS follow a new economic model oriented towards human need rather than private profits. February 7, 2006 Chavez announced his government would provide $1 billion in funding to community planning councils. These elected councils aim to greatly deepen participatory democracy by allowing people to directly control public policy†. Unemployment is down â€Å"Venezuela is experiencing a period of economic growth which has moved the formal employment sector (businesses with five or more employees) past the 50 percent mark. When businesses with less than five employees are taken into account the informal sector is much lower (perhaps 35 percent) — unusual for Latin America, which suffers from chronic unemployment and underemployment. I happened on a long line in a downtown shopping district and asked some ladies if they were waiting for the internet cafe to open. No, mi amor, la tienda de zapatos. â€Å"The finest shoes added another. The National Institute of Statistics is preparing a study that will measure the standard of living, not only wages as the World Bank does. Taking the social programs into account — especially the 15,000 Cuban doctors and more money invested in the Social Security hospitals — the standard of living should show more improvement than wages alone show. The institutes president says free education at all levels has drastically reduced dropout rates. This will undoubtedly raise standards of living in the long run as more students go on to higher education†. Highlight of Key Statistical Data Per Capital GDP: During Chavezs presidency per capital GDP dropped 1% 2%. GDP Growth Rates: 18% in 2004, 9% in 2005 and 9% in the first half of 2006. Non-Petroleum Sectors: From 2004 to the first half of 2006, Non Petroleum Sectors showed a growth of greater than 10% Poverty Figures: Dropped by 10% officially. Unemployment: Dropped by 7. 7% since the start of Chavezs presidency. Inflation: Dropped from 29. 9% to 14. 4%

Friday, September 20, 2019

Amylase And Catalase Enzyme Catalysts Biology Essay

Amylase And Catalase Enzyme Catalysts Biology Essay An enzyme is a catalyst that speeds up the rate of reactions by lowering the activation energy. Each enzyme works better under optimal conditions, which favor the most active shape for the enzyme molecule. Enzyme and substrate concentration, temperature, and pH are environmental factors important by producing the most reaction rate. Also, the different of factors are used to examine the effects of catalase and human amylase. Gas pressure Sensor, Vernier Gas Pressure interface, and Logger Pro are used to collect the pressure of oxygen. At 300C and pH 7 of catalase, the concentration of substrates and enzyme increase and the rates of reaction also rise. However, substrate concentration goes up at 400C and pH 7 of human amylase. Introduction: Enzymes are catalytic proteins, which control a chemical reaction by increasing the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process (Enzyme 2007).The catalytic speeds up the chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy, which needed to break the chemical bonds between reactants to combine with other substances. In reactions, the substances at the beginning of the process are called substrate and enzyme can covert substrate molecules to product molecules. At lowering the activation energy barrier, the enzyme has specific substrates to absorb enough energy to reach the transition state (Campbell 2008). Enzymes are very specific in environmental factors, which affect the reaction rate. The enzyme only works on the substrate that fits the active site and no other (Campbell 2008). The enzyme binds to the substrate called the active site, which is made up amino acids (Enzyme 2007). The substrates enter active site, and the enzyme changes shape such that its active site enfolds the substrate and catalyze the reaction more easily. Moreover, the more substrate molecules are available, the more often they access the active sites (Campbell 2008). Enzyme works better under optimal conditions including enzyme concentration, substrate concentration, temperature, and pH because they favor the most active shape for the enzyme molecule. Nevertheless, the enzyme will denature and become less efficient the rate of reaction when the conditions get extreme alteration (Campbell 2008). Each enzyme has a different specific temperature, which affects on the rate of reaction. Most human enzymes have optimal temperature of about 35-400C. Substrates collide with active site, the kinetic energy of the molecules coverts to increase chemical potential energy (Campbell 2008). Therefore, the temperature increases to reach the activation energy and the rate of an enzymatic reaction increase. In addition, if the chemical potential energy rises greater, some of the weak bonds of 3-D shape of the active protein are broken (Enzyme 2007). It will denature of the protein and inactivate the protein. Thus, the rate of reaction decrease when there are too much heat. Just as each enzyme has an optimal temperature, pH level also has an optimal of the range pH 6-8.The pH affects the structure of enzymes by altering basic amino acids or ionization of acidic (Campbell 2008). Changes of pH affect to 3-D shape of the protein, and enzymes become denatured. Substrate concentration and enzyme concentration affect the rate of reaction of enzymes. When substrate concentration increases, it means that more substrate is added; the reaction rate increases because of using more the active site of the enzyme (enzyme 2007). However, when the active site of the substrate is reached at further point, enzymes are saturated to limit reaction rates. Thus, when the substrate concentration is constant, the rate of reaction of is constant. Nevertheless, when the substrates remain constant, the enzyme concentration increases and the rate of reaction also increases until certain limiting concentration. In the experiment, by different environment factors catalase is used to the actual experiment and human amylase is used to the simulation experiment. Catalase is enzyme present in all living cells. It decomposes hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water and protects cells( ). Amylase a digestive enzyme made primarily by the pancreas and salivary glands. The primary function of the enzyme amylase is to break down starches in food so that they can be used by the body to trigger specific chemical reactions (Amylase tests.2006). In addition, both the salivary and pancreatic amylases are ÃŽÂ ±-amylases in human physiology; ÃŽÂ ±-amylase is an enzyme that hydrolyses alpha-bonds of large alpha-linked polysaccharides such as starch and glycogen (Amylase tests.2006). ÃŽÂ ±-amylase is predicted to work best in the human body temperature of 37 Â °C and pH from 5.6 to 6.9. If body heat exceeds 37Â °C by too much cells become impaired or permanently damaged, at lower temperature metaboli sm decreases without permanent damage until ice crystals form in the cells. Also, if pH is extremely high or low, the activity will decrease for most enzymes. Catalase is predicted in the temperature of 37.50C ,the pH under of 8, and the enzyme and substrate concentration is high. Methods: In this experiment, we tested catalase activity by using a yeast solution to determine the effects of enzyme concentration, substrate concentration, temperature, and pH. Moreover, we measured the rate of chemical reaction by producing the pressure of oxygen and breaking down of hydrogen peroxide. First, we connected the Gas pressure Sensor to the Vernier Gas Pressure interface .Then we connected the Vernier Gas Pressure interface to the laptop. From the Biology with Computers folder, we opened the file 06 Enzyme (Pressure) from Logger Pro program. Then we used a clean large test tube and placed the enzyme solution at the very bottom of the test tube. In addition, we used an Erlenmeyer flask to keep the test tube from moving during the experiment. Also, we used the rubber stopper to insert and create a tight seal onto the test tube, and the stopper valve was in the closed position. We drew up the substrate solution (3% H2O2+ H2O) into the syringe and connected the syringe to the rubber stopper assembly. Later, we opened the valve of the syringe and injected the peroxide solution into the test tube and immediately closed the valve and clicked the collect button on the Logger Pro. While we waited three minutes to collect data, we didnt swirl or move the test tube. When data coll ection had finished, we removed the rubber stopper assembly and discarded the contents of the test tube. Then, we selected experiment and stored latest run in the Logger Pro software. We clicked on the graph where the data values began to increase, dragged the mouse point to the point where the graph began to look non-linear, and clicked the Linear Fit button to a linear regression.For all the experiments, we used the same processes. For enzyme concentration, we used 15 mL of water and 15 mL of 3% hydrogen peroxide. We placed one drop of yeast at the bottom of the test tube, and we drew up 6 mL of substrate solution. Following the above procedures, we performed the experiment and determined the rate as the slope of the curves we generated during the experiment. We repeated the experiment using different enzyme concentrations of two, three, four, and five drops and calculated the slopes as mentioned before. Therefore, we recorded the data in table one. Moreover, for substrate concentration we added 1 mL of water with 5 mL of 3% hydrogen peroxide. We placed three drops of enzyme solution at the very bottom of the test tube, and we drew up the 6 mL of substate solution into the syringe from the beaker. In the same methods above, we performed the experiment and determined the rate as a slope of the curves during the experiment. We repeated the experiment using different substrate concentrations of 2, 3, 4, and 5 mL of water and 4, 3, 2, and 1 mL of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Consequently, we recorded the data in table two. Similarly, we used 3 mL of water with 3 mL of 3% hydrogen peroxide for testing the effect of temperature on the enzyme. We added three drops of yeast at the bottom of the test tube and sealed it with the rubber stopper assembly. Then we placed the test tube in the flask half full with ice water and waited for three minutes. Also, at the same we placed syringe in ice for three minutes. We recorded the temperature from the thermometer placed in the ice. After the three minute period, we removed the syringe from the ice and connected it to the rubber stopper assembly, and we followed the general procedures to determine the rate of reaction. We repeated the experiment using different temperature of room temperature, 300C water bath, 400C water bath, 500C water bath, and 600C water bath and calculated the slopes as mentioned before. Thus, we determined the data in table three. Finally, we added 3mL of the pH 3 solution and 3 mL of 3% hydrogen peroxide. We placed three drops of yeast solution at the very bottom of the test tube, and we drew up the solutions into the syringe. In the same methods above, we performed the experiment and determined the rate as a slope of the curves during the experiment. We repeated the experiment using different pH solutions of pH 5, pH 7, pH 9, and pH 11. As the result, we recorded the data in table four. Results: Figure 1. Relationship between the rate of reaction and temperature for the human amylase. The data is collected from a simulated experiment by using the program Enzyme Investigation. In this experiment, the rate of reaction of human amylase are based on the constant of substrate concentration of 0.01 mole/L, enzyme concentration of 1.0 ÃÆ'-10-6 mole/L , and pH of 7.Human amylases optimal temperature is 400C. Figure 2.Relationship between the rate of reaction and the effect of pH for the human amylase. The data is collected from a simulated experiment by using the computer software Enzyme Investigations. While temperature at 250C, substrate concentration of 0.01 mole/L, and enzyme concentration of 1.0 ÃÆ'-10-6 mole/L remain constant, pH changes different level from 1 to 14. Figure3. Relationship between the rate of reaction and the effect of substrate concentration for human amylase. The data is collected from a simulated experiment by using the computer software Enzyme Investigations. In this experiment, temperature at 400C , enzyme concentration of 1.0 ÃÆ'-10-6 mole/L, and pH of 7 remain constant. Figure4 .Relationship between the rate of reaction and the effect of temperature for the enzyme catalase by using the computer software Logger Pro and determined on a three minutes period each trial. Catalases optimal temperature is 300C. In this experiment, the rate of reaction is based on the constant of substrate concentration of 0.5 mL and yeast of 3 drops. Figure 5. Relationship between the rate of reaction and the effect of pH for enzyme catalase.The data is collected from the actual experiment by using the computer software Logger Pro and determined the experiment on a three minutes period each trial . In this experiment, 3% H2O2 of 3mL and yeast of 3 drops remain constant, but level of pH varies from 3 to 11. Figure 6. Relationship between the rate of reaction and the effect of enzyme concentration for enzyme catalase.The data is collected from the actual experiment by using the computer software Logger Pro and determined on a three minutes period per trial. In this experiment, 15mL of H2O and 15ml of 3%H2O2 remain constant, but more drops for enzyme solutions (yeast) are added. Figure 7. Relationship between the rate of reaction and the effect of substrate concentration for the enzyme catalase.The data is collected from the actual experiment by using computer software Logger Pro and determined on a three minutes period. The effects are based on constant of enzyme solutions of 3 drops. Discussion:

Thursday, September 19, 2019

How To Get Married And Stay Married To The Perfect Mate!! :: essays research papers

How To Get Married and Stay Married To The Perfect Mate!! This book will talk about the ways and theories of how to stay married one you are married. It will cover stuff like communication, similarity, physical attractiveness, similarity, balance and equity theory, and proximity. Communication is important in relationships. I will cover the aspects of non-verbal and verbal communications. In the book I will convey the differences in the way men and woman think and this will help give a better understanding of each other and will in turn allow them to work out their problems effectively... Another aspect I will talk about is the reinforcement theory. This theory talks about the fact that you will like someone who positively reinforces you. I will talk about how this theory can be used in marriages to keep couple closer together, keeping them liking each other. In my book, I will also talk about the balance theory. The balance theory is the notion that people have the same negative and positive ways of thinking.. When this is not so, you have an imbalance which can disrupt a relationship. I will talk about how a couple can use the balance theory to make sure that they will be happy. Another theory I will talk about is the equity theory. This theory dictates that people will be more attracted to someone that they have a fair relationship with. It states that we will be happier with a person who takes as much as they give to us. Over a long term relationship, like marriage, this is important because both husband and wife feel that they are approximately equal. In my book I will talk about how to use this theory to makes sure that both couples get the same out of the relationship. I will also talk about proximity in my book. Proximity talks about being near to your partner. It is important because if one partner is away all the time, the couple will not become as close. I will deal with the aspect of how to stay in close proximity with your partner and this will lead to a closer relationship between the two. It is also important to start a relationship with someone who is near to you because this will allow the relationship to better develop itself. Also, there must be similarity between the couples. In my book I will talk about finding someone who has similar interests and traits. When two people are similar, the more likely they are to be attracted to each other and the more likely they are to be happy while they are dating and when they are

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Andy Goldsworthy Essay -- British Artist Art

Andy Goldsworthy Where does art-making begin and end? Andy Goldsworthy, a 40-year-old British artist who uses nature as a partner, raises this question with his works of amazing art; some of them are temporary, some meant to last. Goldsworthy creates works of extraordinary beauty using natural materials, stones, wood, water, which then disintegrate naturally or are deliberately dismantled. Andy Goldsworthy, a non-traditional sculptor, was born in Cheshire, England in 1956 and raised in Yorkshire. Currently, Goldsworthy resides at Penpont, Dumfriesshire, Scotland. While attending Harrogate High School, as a teenager, photographer and sculptor, he worked as a hired hand on farms outside Leeds, England. It was then that he began to explore the patterns of nature by arranging its building blocks in unexpected ways. These farm experiences provided him with direct encounters and knowledge related to working the land. After high school, Goldsworthy attended Bradford College of Art. Later, at Preston College in Lancaster, England, Goldsworthy took additional courses in fine art and began to develop his own style. Soon, the outdoors became his studio and he discovered he was happier living on a farm than in a college studio. His view of nature opposes altering the land. Goldsworthy says, "I have become aware of how nature is in a state of change and how that change is the key to understanding. I want my art to be sensitive and alert to changes in material, season and weather. Often I can only follow a train of thought while a particular weather condition persists. When a change comes, the idea must alter or it will, and often does, fail. I am sometimes left stranded by a change in the weather with half-understood feelings tha... ...itchie proclaims that "Goldsworthy, whose self-professed ambition is to utilize nature's inherent energy, succeeds in making its forces visible." There are many ways to understand the work of Andy Goldsworthy and contemporary ecological art. Synopsis of print, Goldsworthy's piece "Kaede" leaves around a hole, yellow to reds, afternoon, overcast, going dark, 14 November 1987. Is a very bright piece. There are many colored leaves around a hole. This piece reminds me of a sun burst. It has such bright colors. It is a wonderful piece. Bibliography http://www.museum.cornell.edu/HFJ/currex/goldworthy.html http://www.kidscastle.si.edu/channels/arts/facts/artsfact9.html http://www.sculpture.org.uk/biograph/goldswor.html http://www.santafe.edu/~shaliz/reviews/goldworthy~collaboration/ Bourdon, D (1993). Andy Goldsworthy at Lelong. Art in America, p. 121.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Adhd and Sleep Patterns

ADHD and Sleep Patterns The purpose of this research is to explore the sleep patterns of children with ADHD symptoms that have been reported by parents. The hypothesis according to O’Brien et al. (2003, p. 334) is that â€Å"domains of neurobehavioral function would be selectively affected by sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). † The null hypothesis according to this research is that multiple sleep disorders are more relevant in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, symptoms. Some of the disorders are: obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, spontaneous arousals, rapid eye movement, and periodic limb movements. Data Collection The data used for this research was collected by O’Brien et al. (2003) using various methods. Questionnaires were distributed to the parents who were enrolling children into first grade. Out of the 11,983 surveys distributed, a total of 5,728 usable responses were available to sample, a total of 47. 6%. From these samples, the researchers found that 11. % of the children were reported snore often, and 7. 3% of those children who snored were reported by parents to have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms. O’Brien et al. (2003) selected 83 children whose parents had reported them to show symptoms of ADHD to receive a sleep evaluation in a medical center, along with a control sample of 34 children with no reported signs of ADHD. After conducting the sleep tests, O’Brien et al. (2003) reported that 5% of â⠂¬Å"children with significant ADHD symptoms, and 7% of children with mild symptoms† (p. 57) had high periodic limb movements. It was also found that rapid eye movement was more prevalent in the high-symptom ADHD group. According to the study, â€Å"5% of children with significant ADHD symptoms, and 26% of those with mild symptoms† had indications of sleep apnea (O’Brien, 2003, p. 554). Conclusion According to research, children with many ADHD symptoms are no more at risk for rapid eye movement during sleep than children with no ADHD symptoms. Research also confirms that children with ADHD symptoms have a higher risk for other sleep disorders. This research cannot confirm that children with ADHD have higher rates of periodic limb movement. O’Brien et al. states â€Å"an unusually high prevalence of OSA was found† in children with ADHD (p. 561). O’Brien et al. (2003) rejected the null hypothesis of children with ADHD having a higher risk of all possible sleep disorders. Research has validated that children with ADHD have a higher risk of some sleep disorders but not all. More studies need to be done on children who have been medically diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder to evaluate any sleep disorders better. Reference O'Brien, L. , Holbrook, C. , Klaus, C. , Bruner, J. , Wang, M. , Tuell, A. , et al. (2003). Sleep and Neurobehavioral Characteristics of 5- to 7-Year-Old Children With Parentally Reported Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Pediatrics, 111(3), 554. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.

Monday, September 16, 2019

A Psychological Look Inside the Movie ‘Good Will Hunting’ Essay

In the film, Good Will Hunting, main character Will Hunting is a troubled young man from a poor neighborhood in south Boston. Following a youth of abusive foster care experiences and only himself left to trust, Hunting leads a life of self-sufficiency becoming a witty sharp shooter. A seemingly independent individual working as a janitor in renowned local university, MIT, he spends his downtime with a select group of buddies he considers family or isolated reading volumes of old novels and textbooks. Upon being found as the secret sleuth to a graduate level mathematics problem, MIT professor Gerald Lambeau seeks out the janitor, Hunting, in efforts to engage his mind and make him an apprentice. As the plot twists, an earlier issue lands Hunting facing jail time for assaulting an officer during a fight in his neighborhood. With knowledge of this, Prof. Lambeau uses his university standing and professional name to allow a proposition to be offered to Hunting that Lambeau believes to be mutually beneficial: Hunting is freed from jail time under the stipulations that he works with Lambeau academically and sees a therapist for counseling purposes, simultaneously. Initially standoffish, Hunting doesn’t seem interested, meanwhile a recent new love interest sways his thinking and he accepts Prof. Lambeau and the courts offer. While there seem to be a few dilemmas listed above, including the professors initial interest in offering a lessened jail sentence for his potential protà ©gà ©, the intent of his proposal was not for sole self-interest if the viewer understands his point of view and life experience. In his opinion, what person could possibly turn down an opportunity to work directly with an MIT professor and for free? For the purposes of this paper, the ethical dilemma discussed is what happens next in the plot of Good Will Hunting, and that is when Will (who burns through multiple therapists before connecting with one) and his eventual Psychologist, Sean Maguire begin working together. Two major occurrences happen, one is that in an early meeting between the two, Hunting begins to ‘test’ Maguire in efforts to make him lose his temper and it works. By discussing a painting in Maguire’s office that holds emotional value, Hunting is able to prod the weak areas of Maguire’s past and after he could no longer take it, he became irate and physically restrained Hunting by the throat. To quickly go over this and how it relates to the American  Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, this seemingly obvious violation is of course beyond all measures of intentions of helping but is also cited in Standard 3: Human Relations (APA Code of Ethics, 2014) in 3.04 Avoiding Harm: â€Å"Psychologists take reasonable steps to avoid harming their clients/patients, students, supervisees, research participants, organizational clients and other with whom they work, and minimize harm where it is foreseeable and unavoidable.† In order to avoid such a situation, beyond the realm of Hollywood dramatization, a simple separation of the two people (professional and patient/client) to collect thoughts, breathe and reevaluate the circumstances would have been an appropriate alternative to physical contact. A separate yet major occurrence of ethical standards in the film involves the follow through of professional service to Hunti ng by Maguire as he deemed necessary when the role of Prof. Lambeau intended cessation of therapy so he could carry out his own prerogative. Maguire positively maintained the five foundational general principles as found in the APA’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct: Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence – â€Å"†¦seek to safeguard the welfare and rights of those with whom they interact professionally†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility – â€Å"†¦concerned about the ethical compliance of their colleagues’ scientific and professional conduct†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Principle C: Integrity – â€Å"†¦strive to keep their promises and to avoid unwise or unclear commitments†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Principle D: Justice – â€Å"†¦exercise reasonable judgment and take precautions to ensure that their potential biases, the boundaries of their competence and the limitations of their expertise do not lead to or condone unjust practices.† Principle E: Respe ct for People’s Rights and Dignity – â€Å"†¦respect the dignity and worth of all people, and the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination.†

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Educational Mobility Essay

The journal article is basically a report on the first study to longitudinally examine educational mobility among nurses. The reason for the study is that schools of nursing cite a lack of qualified nursing faculty as a primary barrier to program expansion. The main objective of the study therefore is to identify patterns in how nurses’ entry-level degrees and other individual characteristics correlate with the timing and achievement of subsequent advanced nursing education. The researchers used longitudinal analysis of data gathered as part of North Carolina’s licensing renewal process. They studied the educational mobility of newly graduated RNs with a variety of entry degrees in this state. They followed cohorts of new graduates who were licensed in 1984, 1994 and a special group in 2004, which is basically a longitudinal study of three decades. The results suggest among others that, more than 80% of all nurses in either cohort who attained a master’s degree in nursing or a doctorate in any field began their nursing career with a bachelor’s degree. Younger age at entry into nursing, male sex, and belonging to a racial or ethnic minority were associated with being more likely to pursue higher academic degrees. Based on their findings, they concluded that increasing the number of graduates with a bachelor of science in nursing degree, especially those who are men or members of a racial or ethnic minority will have the most immediate effect on increasing the potential nursing faculty pool. A Critique of the Research Process and Paper The hypothesis or research question was clearly articulated in the article when the authors introduced the issue of the lack of qualified faculty by schools of nursing as a primary barrier to program expansion. The researchers realized that an examination of the data could offer a much better understanding of how patterns in educational mobility have led to the current shortage, as well as some insight into how to address it. Since it was a longitudinal study of three decades, the literature review must not just be current, but also pertinent in order to address the research problem. In this study, the researchers used only two sources of data: cohort data from the North Carolina Center for Nursing database and data on national graduates from the National League for Nursing Division of Research: Nursing Data Book, 1984; Nursing Data Review, 1994; and Nursing Data Review, 2003. In terms of research design the researchers used longitudinal analysis (which is done over time) to explore patterns of educational mobility among RNs in North Carolina. In this type of research, longitudinal analysis is valuable and relevant because it profiles actual behavior and does not rely upon intentions or recall as in other types of conventional research such as cross-sectional research. However, as the authors admitted a disadvantage of this approach is that over time the nature of educational opportunity and access change so that what was true for nurses starting their career at a specific point in time may not be true for those starting in another time. In terms of selecting the sample and adequacy of the sample size, it was done in accordance to the sampling requirements of the longitudinal study. The first cohort initially consisted of all RNs who graduated from an entry-level program in North Carolina in 1983 or 1984 and were licensed in 1984. A second cohort initially consisted of all RNs who graduated from an entry-level program in North Carolina in 1993 or 1994 and were licensed in 1994. They also collected demographic data on a third cohort of 5,400 RNs who graduated from an entry-level program in 2003 or 2004 and were licensed in North Carolina in 2004. Using the database from the North Carolina Center for Nursing (NCCN) to get the raw data, the researchers were confident that as the first state agency dedicated to nurse workforce planning, the NCCN has 20 years of longitudinal data, including educational information, on the state’s nursing workforce. As far as ethical issues are concerned, there is no point or period in the study article that would suggest of any ethical issue raised by respondents. However, as longitudinal researches take a long time to finish, certain privacy may be raised by some respondents who do not want their past information to be dug up by researchers. For statistical analysis the researchers basically used descriptive statistics such as frequency, means, and certain non-parametric tests (chi-square) for testing significant differences between means computed from the data. Because of the relative characteristic of the statistical tests, the power of the non-parametric test is comparatively lower to that of parametric test. So it is difficult to determine why the authors decided to use non-parametric tests in this case. The findings of the authors do well in identifying the behavior and characteristics of nurses who will most likely fill the gap in terms of the shortage of qualified nursing faculty. Their data also suggests that the nursing shortage will not be remedied without having sufficient nursing faculty in place. While the number of RNs has increased in the past decade, their findings suggest that the demand for nursing faculty is not being met. This research is a longitudinal study only of a specific groups or groups of respondents. This study cannot be generalized and duplicated in other states or locale because of such study’s background. The presentation and style of presenting the research article to the average reader might be a bit overwhelming considering that, although a descriptive study, certain areas are complicated and have heavy technical descriptions. The figures such as charts, tables and graphs are also readable and accurate, albeit it takes time for an average reader to understand them. The articles is useful to nursing practice since it tries to address the issue of shortage of nurses due to the lack of qualified nursing faculty who hold master’s or doctorate degrees. The authors themselves tried to encourage all nurses to understand the value of an advanced formal education and the expectation to pursue it. The authors believe that the fastest way to increase the ranks of faculty nurses is to encourage more nurses to enter practice at the baccalaureate level as this academic route has been shown to make advancement for master’s and doctorate degrees more rapidly.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Intermediate 1 Research Paper

Intermediate Accounting 1 (3367) — Fall 2012 Research Assignment Questions Directions: Type your answer starting on the line after each question. 1. FASB Accounting Standards Codification FASC a. When did the FASC Codification become effective? The FASC became effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009 even though the authoritative version of the Codification was released on July 1, 2009. b. Did the FASC change prior GAAP? The FASC did not change prior GAAP but it instead reorganized previous GAAP into a new structure. This new structure is organized into a new research database that is supposed to be user friendly and make finding certain GAAP easier to use.c. What does the FASB expect from the new FASC structure and system? The FASB has high expectations from the new FASC system including reducing the amount of time and effort that is used to solve an accounting research issue. The FASC also expects the Codification to mitigate the risk of noncompliance through easier usability of accounting literature. The Codification is also expected to provide accurate information through real time updates whenever Accounting Standards Updates are released and to assist the FASC with all of the research and convergence efforts.d. What are the â€Å"topics† used in the ASC? There are six major topics that are used in the ASC. The first one is The General Principles Area wh ich includes broad conceptual matters. The next one is The Presentation Area which shows information is presented in the financial statements.The Assets, Liabilities, and Equity Areas have guidance on all of the balance sheet accounts while the Revenue and Expense Areas have guidance on all of the income statement accounts. The next topic that is used in the ASC is The Broad Transactions Area which deals with some financial statement accounts and is generally transaction based. The final topic used in the ASC is The Industry Area which contains guidance on how to account for specific industries or activities.e. Are SEC references included in the ASC? There are SEC references included in the ASC which are used to increase the utility of the Codification for public companies. The referenced materials include: Regulation S-X, Financial Reporting Releases, Interpretative Releases, and some SEC staff guidance.2. Transfer of Receivables FASC 860-10(a) Identify relevant Codification sectio n that addresses transfers of receivables. The main relevant Codification section that addresses the transfer of receivables is FASC 860-10-55. While there is information in other sections, most of it is found within section 55.b) What are the objectives for reporting transfers of receivables? The main objective for the reporting transfers of receivables is to provide users with an understanding of a transferor’s continuing involvement with any transferred financial assets. It is also to provide any restrictions on assets reported in the financial statements and also to show how a transfer of financial assets affects a business’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows.(c) Provide definitions for the following: 1. Transfer.A transfer is the conveyance of a noncash financial asset by and to someone who is not the issuer of that financial asset. 2. Recourse. Recourse is the right of the transferee of receivables to receive payment from the transferor of those receivables for: Failure of debtors to pay when due, the effects form prepayments, or adjustments resulting from defects in the eligibility of the transferred receivables. 3. Collateral. Collateral is any personal or real property in which a security interest has been given.(d) Provide other examples (besides recourse and collateral) hat qualify as continuing involvement. Several examples of continuing involvement that are provided by the ASC include: Servicing arrangements, agreements to purchase or redeem transferred financial assets, arrangements to provide financial support and the transferor’s beneficial interests in the transferred financial asset.3. Inventories FASC 330-10(a) Identify the primary authoritative guidance for the accounting for inventories. The primary authoritative guidance for the accounting of inventories is FASB Accounting Standards Codification topic 330.b) List three types of goods that are classified as inventory. What characteristic will aut omatically exclude an item from being classified as inventory? The three types of goods that are classified as inventory are goods awaiting sale (finished goods), goods in the course of production (work-in-process), and goods to be consumed directly or indirectly in production (raw materials). The definition of inventory does not include any long term assets that are subject to depreciation accounting. Therefore if an asset is depreciable, it is not included as inventory.c) Define â€Å"market† as used in the phrase â€Å"lower-of-cost-or-market. † The word market in the phrase â€Å"lower-of-cost-or-market† means the replacement cost of your inventory. It is the cost that it would take to buy the same inventory new.4. Asset Impairments FASC 360-10 / 820-10(a) What is the authoritative guidance for asset impairments? Briefly discuss the scope of the standard (i. e. , explain the types of transactions to which the standard applies).(b) Give several examples of ev ents that would cause an asset to be tested for impairment.(c) What is the best evidence of fair value?d) Does it appear that ABC should perform an impairment test? Explain.5. Notes Payable FASC 835-30(a) Identify the authoritative literature that provides guidance on the zero-interest-bearing note. Use some of the examples to explain how the standard applies in this setting.(b) How is present value determined when an established exchange price is not determinable and a note has no ready market? What is the resulting interest rate often called?(c) Where should a discount or premium appear in the financial statements? What about issue costs?

Friday, September 13, 2019

Modern American Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Modern American Culture - Essay Example According to the studies of Cunningham (2005, Pg 110) as the service form becomes an inner part of culture, so culture and society becomes obtainable for use in the awareness of co-modification as special cultural substances, as a foundation of commercial influences, and as representational legitimation for the complete structure. Culture and the service form turn out to be dialectically entwined. Americans live in an over-commodified world, with requirements that are created in the well being of the marketplace and that can be met only in the course of the advertisement or marketing. Calthorpe (1994, Pg 3-4) explains the New Modernism emerged in America as a potential remedy for decades of inadequately planned sub urbanization. The period in which this sub urbanization actually began raises debate. Many researchers cite the latter half of the nineteenth century as the advent of suburbia, when development in major metropolitan areas began to move into circles outside the city limits. Some researchers, on the other hand, claims that although the subordinate urbanization of the United States began in the 1920s, it was not until the postwar era that the process gave way the collusion of public policy and private practice'. And up till now Fjellman (1992, ... reveals that, as the subsequent 50 years would illustrate, the promises of the American borders brought their individual distribution of special troubles. Long travels, traffic squeeze, effluence, not careful city planning, disparaging ignorance for built heritage, environmental unawareness, lack of sufficient leisure space, and mind-numbing community and confidential architecture all donated to the all-purpose depression and sarcasm of uptown life in the delayed twentieth century. In numerous ways, postwar suburbanites fundamentally switched one set of troubles for another. (Kunstler, Pg 36) Whereas they may have runaway the rising 'black fright' of the internal city, these perpetrators in the course, shaped for their grandchildren a heritage of predictability, boredom, civilizing homogeneity, and domestic/personal dysfunctionality. Disney, City Of Celebration And Modern American Culture Katz (1994, Pg 13-14) explains what does culture have to do with Walt Disney World The 'Disney City Of Celebration's environment of the New Modernism faces yet again as one of the mainly widespread criticisms of neo traditional values. Criticism that New Modernist societies look 'false' or seem too 'intentionally wistful' usually outside, though many of these same opponents cannot help but esteem the wealthy colors, pleasant views, and sparkling streets such towns present. Places like Disneyland's Main Street, USA motivates many of the same manners one understands in a New Modernist society. 'Americans love Disney City since the daily places where they survive and go about their business are so miserable that Disney City seems superb in contrast'. Without a hesitation, the New Modernism and Disney's 'architecture of reassurance' contribute to a number of general objectives: Both

Thursday, September 12, 2019

In your journal discuss whether and why you agree or disagree with Essay

In your journal discuss whether and why you agree or disagree with Jared Diamonds assertion about agriculture - Essay Example I agree with Atkins that Science is not discriminatory. Science has no boundaries in terms of culture, religion, continent, or race. As Atkins argues, I believe that Science is trans-national, trans-racial, and trans-cultural. The interests between individuals in lines of race, culture, or religion do not influence science; hence, I can convincingly argue that it is consistent. In addition, Science is open to modifications. This creates room for young scientists to become famous. However, fame does not promote customized research. I believe that in the thirst to become famous, young scientists conduct rational experiments to test a phenomenon and come up with an objective study; hence, the modification of science. In the exchange, I believe that Pinker is justified to argue that for a scientific mindset, it is prudent to have an empirical verification for each empirical proposition. On the other hand, Wieseltier roots for a two-state solution. According to my understanding, I believe that Wieseltier has the best argument. In the contemporary world, I think it would be prudent to assert that science and humanities are complements rather than substitutes. As such, I believe that both a scientific and humanistic mindset is required; hence, promoting the two-state solution. I believe that Wieseltier does not discriminate sciences as much as pinker discriminates humanities. In an attempt to promote the two-state solution, I believe that Wieseltier is against the belief of scientism. It is also prudent to agree with him that scientific analysis may not be applicable in the entire physical world. In this case, I think the exchange lies on the fact that how much can science explain. Pinker attempts to promote science as the sole verification for empirical propositions. I believe that Wieseltier is not for humanity as the sole verification but counters the thought

Traditional Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Traditional Media - Essay Example For example, articles written by well known columnists have been posted. These articles require subscription prior to viewing. The idea has received a very positive response from readers meaning that advertisements placed on those articles can also be viewed through these subscriptions. In the United States, research has shown that close to ten million homes have digital video recorders. This means that these people can be able to send and receive images via the net. Companies using this mode of advertising will also be favoured because most people relate to it. It has been estimate that this number will increase by threefold within the next five years. Such statistics from the US give n indication of what is to follow in other developed countries including the United Kingdom. It was also shown that print advertisements have reduced in terms of the kind of profits they generate. Currently they bring sixty six percent of earnings for Companies engaging in advertisement. The remaining percentage has gone to internet advertising. And judging by the looks of things, these percentages are most likely going to increase with time. Online advertising has caused the decline of use of traditional media because there are some advantages it offers that are exclusive to that form of advertising. (Kilter, 2006) The first is that it is now possible to track sales that come from the use of online advertising. In other words, Complies can be able to monitor the effect of their efforts and quantify them. This is because it is very easy to measure the number of people that visit/click through a certain website containing advertising information and it is also easy to track the lead that followed a click on an online... This essay mentiones that economy of the internet continues to increase robustly thesed days. Many companies both new and well established continue getting profits through internet advertising. The researcher provides an analysis of the topic and sums up that internet advertising still has a big market which has not been tapped. As Hoffman & Novak points out, its effects on industrial economy may be compared to what happened when the world shifted from agricultural to industrialisation in the 17th century. Since customers today want more information about a company and their services before buying its products or services then this mode of advertising is quite ideal. However, there are a number of reasons why traditional media was and still is being used by Companies. If it is impossible to get consent from the respective Companies, then another form of research shall be carried out. This does not undermine the importance of web advertising. All these reasons were examined in the sub sequent sections of the essay. The researcher concluds that Internet advertising for businesses has advanced into different sectors over recent years. It is also concluded that one of the most popular feature for this form of advertising today, is that it can offer a simple yet effective way of measuring returns on investments. It is considered that the internet has taken advertising to higher heights in today's business market and this was proved through the many research findings, that were conducted and presented in this essay.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Summarize the importance of a business impact analysis across the Assignment

Summarize the importance of a business impact analysis across the supply chain (value chain) - Assignment Example , production is efficient and time is saving making it beneficial to outsource products from china other than production because the time saved on production is used for making sales, marketing and developing the business. It is important to note that Chinese cost of raw materials and labor is low. On the other hand, the option of shipping raw materials by air might be very expensive while shipping by sea is slower. For instance, the shipment could be too heavy to be shipped by air making it fair for production to be outsourced from China. The benefit achieved in importing products from China is that the inspection is carried out by a third party so as to enable the mistakes in the products to be ironed out before reaching the US markets. Another benefit is that, quality control in the production plant is put in place. The Chinese companies also conduct education for importers (Power et al., 2006). On the contrary, the importers can import a dangerous product which will consequently lower the volume of sales. In this regard, faults in the product can harm the standing of the firm owing to meager quality product. Risks of terrorism and currency fluctuations should be put into consideration. Other risks include; the uncertainty of quality of products and challenges of keeping the Chinese chain

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Should biotechnologies replace traditional agricultural in the future Essay

Should biotechnologies replace traditional agricultural in the future - Essay Example as come to affect the manner through which agriculture is conducted and it has brought about a situation where there has been widespread debate concerning whether these technologies should replace traditional agriculture. Biotechnology should not be allowed to replace traditional agriculture because it will result in more harm than good. One of the reasons why biotechnology should not replace traditional agriculture is that it will neither benefit the farmers in the developed world nor those in the developing world. This is mainly because biotechnology is profit driven and does not have the interests of farmers at heart. As a profit driven industry, biotechnology can be considered to be a means through which major agricultural corporations are attempting to increase the dependence of society on industrial products to the almost total exclusion of products from traditional farmers. The intensification of farmers’ dependence on industrial products through the adoption of biotechnology would ensure that they end up having to endure restrictions based on intellectual property rights owned by major biochemical corporations. The enforcement of these rights would mean that farmers would be denied the right to not only reproduces, but also to share and store the seeds that they have purchased. Such conditions would b e highly detrimental to farmers and would force them to have to purchase expensive industrial products in order to continue practicing agriculture. It should be noted that without the much needed capital in order to purchase biotechnological products, most traditional farmers would be forced out of business, with the market being almost completely dominated by large corporations that are profit driven. Therefore, if biotechnology were to replace traditional agriculture, it would create a situation where it would be difficult for a significant number of people employed in the latter industry to survive the new market conditions. There would be an increase in

Monday, September 9, 2019

APP5HintonN Epi2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

APP5HintonN Epi2 - Essay Example If the margin of error, for instance, is pegged at minus five in the high exposure areas, that will be twenty one units less five units. The result will be a low exposure at sixteen units. Upon the other hand, if the margin of error is assumed at plus five units in the areas with low exposure to pesticide, the result will be a classification of high exposure at twenty four or nineteen plus five. It will therefore be a case of a high becoming a low and a low becoming a high. The allowance for error given here cannot render validity to the result of the sampling. Margins of error can affect the validity of statistical researches. In the afore-stated situation, the given margin of error seems to be high at plus or minus twelve. Bigger margins such as this one here will more likely be unreliable. (Fontaine, Beth. How to Calculate Margin of Error. eHow. [internet]) The error though will not change the measure of association because the margin is either a plus or a minus. In the study of association between patients diagnosed for HIV and the number of their lifetime sexual partners, a confounding factor can result into an error.

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Asthma Management Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Asthma Management - Annotated Bibliography Example Follow ups are recommended to ensure that the patients and their caregivers receive patient education and reinforcement on the correct use of the prescribed drugs. In earlier intervention studies conducted, results showed that patient education provided by asthma nurses resulted in better control of childhood asthma. The authors, in a previous study, have already demonstrated and suggested that the effectiveness of outpatient management led by a nurse is comparable to that of a pediatrician in terms of airway hyperresponsiveness and quality of life. . However, because of the encumbrance asthma has on healthcare utilization, the same authors deemed it necessary to further conduct a study on the costs associated with the said utilization for both approaches thereby producing an appraisal of the two. The study aimed to assess and determine the difference in costs between outpatient management of asthma rendered by a pediatrician and a nurse. All costs related to the management of asthma provided by either a pediatrician or nurses were calculated. Results of the study showed that costs of nurse-led outpatient management of asthma are generally lower than that of the medical option. Moreover, time spent by nurses with patient contact is more than that of the pediatrician. During this time, they discuss asthma management issues and provide patient education.

Saturday, September 7, 2019

Tocqueville's Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Tocqueville's Philosophy - Essay Example Tocqueville observes that the society’s change from a feudal aristocracy to a democracy only serves to deepen and sharpen the democratic man’s psychological state. Both the underlying equality logic and the impacts of the disintegration of the feudal aristocratic state serve to fan the anxiety that is latent in the man’s situation by contributing onto the status obsession (Tocqueville, 124). Tocqueville argues that the aristocratic period placed horizons and boundaries around and before all by linking everyone from the lowly peasant to the highly placed king in one single chain. This system served to permanently place men in both their social and historical place. This is because aristocratic men always preserve an overall historical awareness of their ancestors as well as their descendants. In this kind of society, each of the existing classes is permanently firmly limited and each subject is assigned a fixed station that is often in a hierarchical manner that serves to ensure that there will always be a person above him who will accord him the necessary protection as well as another one underneath him whose help may sometimes be required (Tocqueville 173). Democracy serves to radically impose itself, breaking the preexisting links thus freeing each and every link available. In the equality age, men do not have to contend with any preexisting boundaries instead the new system opens newly available opportunities that accord them a chance at wealth accumulation and social mobility. The French philosopher Tocqueville embarked on a very ambitious task when he decided to pen a book on Democracy in America. He gave himself this task having seen the unsuccessful attempts to have democratic governance in his native home so he wanted to gain valuable insights on how democracy works by studying a prosperous and stable democracy.

Friday, September 6, 2019

Six Sensitive Periods Essay Example for Free

Six Sensitive Periods Essay 1. What are the six sensitive periods? Describe each briefly. Sensitivity to order: From the age of one to the age of three, the child expresses their need for stability. At this time the child is extremely sensitive to order. The child will in some cases be distressed or very upset if there is a slight change in the environment, since children is formed by their surroundings they have the need to accuracy and control. Refinement of senses: The young child has a strong desire to know and learn, at this stage the child is beginning to bring the different elements of actions and influence between all his separate senses. During this time the child have to fully apply all the senses in order to develop them as much as possible. From a very young age children will decide what they want to hear, see, touch, taste and smell. Sensitivity to language: From the moment of birth, language plays a vital role in accompanying mental growth. During this phase the child distinguishes the sound of the human voice and is able to recognize the mouth movement. The child continues to learn more sentence structure during primary school years, on condition that basic language has been achieved. If a child is not exposed to language during sensitive period, it can lead to permanent damage. Sensitivity for walking: From the first time the child starts walking, he has a big need to practice and perfect this skill. Once the child starts walking, he is constantly on the move and practicing the movement and control. The child makes great efforts to achieve the quality in his motion capability. Sensitivity to small objects: At around the age of two years children have an urge to pay attention to detail, the child develops the ability to focus on certain tasks. When the child is out for a walk the child will stop numerous times to explore and investigate and examine small objects and his surroundings. Sensitivity to social aspects of life: At this stage, children can develop friendships and learn how to play in groups. It is important to teach them during this phase how to interact and have consideration for others.

Thursday, September 5, 2019

Issues in Social Work and Mental Health Quality Issues

Issues in Social Work and Mental Health Quality Issues An Analysis of a Range of Issues in Quality Frameworks, Processes and Methods of Measurement in Mental Health Work and Social Work Practice Introduction In equating the various range of issues with respect to quality frameworks, processes as well as methods of measurement in mental health work and social work practice it is important to understand the meaning of these terms as well as their respective applications in the United Kingdom, which represents the subject focus for the aforementioned. Mental health is defined as (Houghton Mifflin, 2006): â€Å" A state of emotional and psychological well-being †¦Ã¢â‚¬  whereby individuals are able to utilize their respective â€Å"†¦ cognitive and emotional capabilities †¦Ã¢â‚¬  to function as members of society as well as to â€Å"†¦ meet the ordinary demands †¦Ã¢â‚¬  which are a process of daily living† In the context of mental health services it relates to â€Å"A branch of medicine that deals with †¦ achievement and maintenance †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Houghton Mifflin, 2006) of the psychological well-being of individuals. The International Federation of Social Workers (Bouldertherapist.com, 2006) defines social work as a profession that â€Å"†¦ promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships †¦Ã¢â‚¬  as well as giving individuals the empowerment and liberation â€Å"†¦ to enhance their well-being†. The profession, as maintained by the International Federation of Social Workers utilizes â€Å"†¦ theories of human behavior and social systems †¦Ã¢â‚¬  in a context whereby the profession intervenes and interacts with individuals at the areas where they â€Å"†¦ interact with their environments† and whereby the principles of both human rights as well as social justice are underpinnings in the field of social work (Boulderthe rapist.com, 2006). These two fields have a denominator in common, which is that they exist to serve people and help them to improve, as well as cope with their aliments and to ultimately return to a healthful state. The process of serving individuals in this capacity represents some of the most challenging professions in that the analysis of effectiveness, quality, processes and the methodologies utilized in measuring the aforementioned with respect to the varied issues arising from the active practice can be subjective in most instances. This examination shall look at the mental health and social work professions from the context of a range of issues representing quality frameworks, processes and methods of measurement to determine the progress made in providing better service and quality to patients and carers. Total Quality Management Deming (Aquayo, 1991, pp. 138, 248), Crosby (1980, pp. 212-223) and Juran (1992, pp. 171) are all proponents of ‘Total Quality Management’ which is a strategy dedicated to building into an organization the awareness of thinking in terms of embedding quality in all phases of an organization’s processes. The International Organization for Standardization (2006) defines ‘Total Quality Management’ as being â€Å"†¦ a management approach †¦ centered on quality †¦ which is †¦ based upon the participation of all its members †¦ that aims at long-term success †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Wikipedia, 2006) achieving the foregoing through customer and or client satisfaction that generates â€Å"†¦ benefits to all members †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Wikipedia, 2006). The preceding includes the organization itself as well as society. In equating quality, the usual context in which one thinks of this word is in products, rather than services such a those prod ucts which are made with a minimum of problems, of good materials and which work properly and achieve this through consistent operation. However, quality as an end result is an organizational mind set, and as referred to in the International Organization for Standardization (2006) definition as a process â€Å"†¦ that aims at long-term success †¦Ã¢â‚¬  achieving the foregoing through customer and or client satisfaction that generates â€Å"†¦ benefits to all members †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Wikipedia, 2006). Deming (Aquayo, 1991, pp. 6-10) is an American consultant who exposes the importance of implementing a quality oriented organization that permeates every facet of an organization’s structure and culture, regardless of department or function. Deming (Aquayo, 1991, pp. 8) states that organizations must produce â€Å"†¦ products and services that help people to live better† and that the preceding â€Å"†¦ is the raison d’etre †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Aquayo, 1991, pp. 8) of the organization. His philosophy is that through the adoption of quality products and services, which is a function of management inculcating its staff in quality and innovation measures, the end product and or service improves as does its relationship with its customers and or clients. Crosby (1980, p. 1-5) indicates that mistakes or poor organizational habits and or policies are costly in terms of corrections and the damage to reputation and morale and that all members of an organization have the responsibility to perform their jobs which enhances the performance of other functions thus becoming a synergistic effect. Crosby (1980, p. 4-8), as does Deming (Aquayo, 1991, pp. 6-10) and Juran (1992, pp. 171) all emphasize the importance of quality in increasing an organization’s ability to provide services that meet and exceed client expectations through the effect that quality orientation has on internal interpersonal relationships and openness to ideas. The heart of the work level philosophies held by Deming (Aquayo, 1991, pp. 138, 248), Crosby (1980, pp. 212-223) and Juran (1992, pp. 171) is the contribution of ‘quality’ to the equation of improved services and innovation in heightening organizational standards. The term ‘quality’ can thus mean in this context (Wikipedia, 2006): the excellence and or achievement of an object or service, meaning that it is not inferior or sub-standard, a meaning of excellence in its own right ‘Quality’ is a term in this context that is synonymous with good, which represents the criteria utilized as the standard being applied. Deming (Aquayo, 1991, pp. 138, 248), Crosby (1980, pp. 212-223) and Juran (1992, pp. 171) equate this word in the following manner: Deming (Deming, 1988) states that improved quality helps to reduce operating costs through less error and correction measures. He indicates that to attain the preceding a consistency of purpose needs to be inculcated throughout the organization with an overall plan that is maintained. Deming (Deming, 1988) stresses the need for improved consistency on an ongoing basis and to remove the barriers between various departments to increase and improve communication, feedback and intra-company working processes. Deming’s (Deming, 1988) thirteen point program stresses that it is management that leads and sets the example as well as supports ongoing quality through active participation that involves everyone within the organization as well as suggestions and contributions from working partners and clients. Juran (1992, pp. 154-198) states that quality application in organizations is defined by crafting them to be utilized in context with the organizations purpose to improve performance. Crosby (1980, pp. 189-216) also trumpets the application of quality throughout the organization as a management down function that must be maintained, taught as well as communicated to bring the staff not only on board, but committed to the adoption of quality and improvements as an organizational way of thinking. Moullin (2002, pp. 2-7) advises us that quality in health and social care fits within these fields as it is important to: patients as well as service users, staff, and the application of quality can aid in the reduction of costs as well as provide better service in the context of budgetary and cost constraints. It is interesting to note that Moullin’s (2002, pp. 2-7) points are the same as those emphasized by Deming (Aquayo, 1991, pp. 138, 248), Crosby (1980, pp. 212-223) and Juran (1992, pp. 171) in the general context of total quality management, and that the application in the health and social care fields is the same as for manufacturing, banking, or any other industrial sector. Moullin (2002, pp. 2-7) points out that quality in the health and social care fields is important in that not only do patients as well as service users benefit in that their differing requirements are met in a better, more comprehensive and complete fashion, the benefit of quality also affects both these groups each time they come into contact with the organization(s) and thus their individual confidence levels rise with the expectation that they will receive good service and be well treated. Moullin (2002, pp. 5) advises that patients in need of health and social services are usually stressed, worried, v ulnerable as well as frightened with respect to the outcome of their need(s) and that long waits on the telephone, in lines, for responses, little or insufficient information, poor facilities and insensitivity exacerbate the preceding. He (Moullin, 2002, pp. 6-8) indicates that quality in these fields, health and social care, is important in that: The staff benefits as the vast majority elected for a career in these fields out of a desire to help others, rather than for monetary gains and that poorly organized staffing functions contribute to frustrations for employees reducing their morale as well as effectiveness. Moullin (2002, p. 6) adds that quality is important in the reduction of costs as he advises that the correlation between resources and quality represents a strong relationship. And while the amount and number of staffing is important, quality can be improved irrespective through the application of new innovative techniques, technology, work flow planning, scheduling and other means. Moullin (2002, p 6) indicates that reduction in costs sometimes means increasing services and or staffing in one area whereby the work load flow will thus lessen the impacts on another thus either balancing out or reducing costs through flow adjustment. While it is difficult to place an exact date or year on when quality became an active force in the health and social care sectors, the concern over spiraling health care costs, inefficiencies and deteriorating services began to surface in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s in the United States, as well as a result of the increasing costs burdening the governments in Europe’s socialized medicine schemes (Bennett et al, 1999). The era of unlimited access and treatment as the foundation of quality oriented services in the health and social care fields began to give way to the spiraling costs of advancements in diagnostic techniques and therapeutic modalities, with the rising costs of health and social care exceeding the rise in the costs of living in the United States as well as Europe and the expenditures for socialized medicine threatened the economies of many nations in Europe (Lighter, 1999, p. 265). In addition to the foregoing, the aging of the world’s po pulation as better medical care has increased life spans, and this combined with the fertility transition has increased the proportion of older adults and has contributed to the concern for quality in health and social care (Demeny et al, 2003). Health care spending in most OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries, such as (OECD, 2006): Australia Austria Belgium Canada Czech republic Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Japan Korea Luxembourg Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Norway Poland Portugal Slovak Republic Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey United Kingdom United States, amounts to in excess of eight percent (8%) of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with health related spending in the United States projected at fourteen percent (14%) (World Trade Organization, 1998). The public’s concerns over increased costs for health and social care services prompted the privatization wave on the mid 1980’s in the expectation that the measure would increase efficiency as well as reduce costs, but those expectations from this initiative have been elusive (Bach, 1989). The preceding created a climate whereby governments in Europe under socialized medicine, as well as the private health care structure and governmental social care system in the United States began to look for measures to control and reduce costs while increasing quality. In 1998 the Department of Health in the United Kingdom issued a ‘White Paper’ titled â€Å"Modernising Social Services† (Department of Health, 1998) which represented the United Kingdom governmental response to public opinion as well as mounting social care costs to introduce quality frameworks into the system. The White Paper set forth a framework at the national level that called for (Department of Health, 1998): the establishment of â€Å"†¦ clear objectives for social services†¦Ã¢â‚¬ that created a â€Å"†¦ clear expectation of outcomes †¦Ã¢â‚¬  which social services would be â€Å"†¦ required to deliver.† (Department of Health, 1998), the publication of a â€Å"†¦ National Priorities Guidance†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Department of Health, 1998) that set up key targets that social services would achieve in the intermediate term, and putting into place â€Å"†¦ effective systems †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Department of Health, 1998) via which to monitor as well as to manage performance. The Department of Health’s White Paper in 1998 clearly set forth that the government of the United Kingdom was putting into place â€Å"†¦ new resources to support †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Department of Health, 1998) the programme, and in return for these added resources, pegged at  £1.3 billion over 1999/2000 – 2001/2002, and the United Kingdom government made it clear that it expected â€Å"†¦ to see improvements in quality and efficiency †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Department of Health, 1998). The Best Value framework represented another name for Total Quality Management in the context of health and social services care in the United Kingdom. Under the â€Å"Best Value† framework indicated under this White Paper, the government set forth that (Department of Health, 1998): Local authorities were mandated to establish â€Å"†¦ authority wide objectives for performance measures† (Department of Health, 1998) in consort with the national objectives as well as government set standards and or targets. Local authorities were also provided with the responsibility to conduct and â€Å"†¦ carry out fundamental performance reviews †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Department of Health, 1998) concerning all their services in a five year framework utilizing these reviews for assessment and the establishment of â€Å"†¦ local performance plans†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Department of Health, 1998). That the local planning process will be underpinned and supported via data obtained â€Å"†¦ from a new statistical performance assessment framework† (Department of Health, 1998). â€Å"†¦ Local Performance Plans †¦Ã¢â‚¬  will be utilized to identify the targets for improvement compared against performance indicators on a local level and â€Å"†¦. The National Best Value Performance Indicators †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Department of Health, 1998). Annual reviews of the aforementioned local performance plans will be conducted by the Department of Health utilizing Social care Regional Offices to assess progress and identify problem areas (Department of Health, 1998). The White Paper put into place an independent inspection system utilizing data from the performance assessment framework (Department of Health, 1998). And lastly, the ‘Modernisation’ programme set forth a system of Joint Reviews reducing the time table to five years from seven (Department of Health, 1998). The new programme set forth a performance assessment framework that specified performance areas defined by (Department of Health, 1998): cost and efficiency, effectiveness of service delivery and outcomes, quality of services for users and carers, and fair access. Analytical Methods of Quality Measurement and Standards Balanced scorecards represent a top-down hierarchical set of management tools that link long-term financial goals with performance targets (Kaplan et al, 1996, pp. 75-84). The United Kingdom’s National Health Service utilizes what is termed a ‘Star Rating’ system which is an example of the balanced scorecard (British Library, 2002). Kaplan et al (2001) advise that this methodology, specifically designed for the public as well as voluntary sectors has a link between performance measures and strategy, and thus the method should represent one of benefit in these regards. The caveat is that there are varied difficulties arising from its use by organizations as the financial perspective measurement is not the defining factors of organizational purpose in the public sector (Dickson et al, 2001, pp. 1057-1066). Kaplan et al (2001, pp. 135) agree with the foregoing and add that in utilizing the balanced scorecard governmental agencies should consider the utilization of an overarching objective at the head of their respective scorecards which is reflective of the long-term objectives (Kaplan et al, 2001, pp. 135). The difference in the utilization of the balanced scorecard in a not for profit and governmental agency mode as opposed to business is the way stakeholders are considered. In a business atmosphere stakeholders are involved as it represents the best means to conduct business, however in a not for profit and governmental agency sense, these organizations usually exist for the benefit of the users of the service as well as other stakeholders thus changing the emphasis whereby stakeholder contribution is more fundamental (Moullin, 2002, p. 167). Moullin (2002) adds that user involvement takes place at two levels, one represents helping to develop the service to meet their needs and the second entails the involvement of users and carers in the decisions concerning their health as well as the care given and received. Benchmarking, as a term, has numerous definitions, however at its core it represents a process of â€Å"†¦sharing information, learning and adopting best practices †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (PSBS, 2006). The European Benchmarking Code of Conduct states that it is a process of making comparisons against other organizations and thus learning from the lessons these comparisons reveal (The European Benchmarking Code of Conduct, 1998). In the context of social care, benchmarking entails the understanding or and utilization of knowledge gained across a range of services and compilations to utilize in formulating standards of measurement as a guide to rating and understanding the performance of services in individual local authorities. The weakness of benchmarking is that it can not stand as a total measurement without revision and modification as newer and more effective techniques and methods prove themselves. Thus as a standard in a state of flux, benchmarking represents a system that is base d upon existing methodologies, that are changing, being modified and or amended. Thus benchmarking represents a useful, yet temporary methodology whereby the practitioners must be mindful that existing standards are subject to change, which in conjunction with other measurement methodologies has contributed to improving quality and performance in the health and social care sectors. Quality Approach The utilization of balanced scorecards, and benchmarking fall under the concept of Total Quality Management which is termed Best Value under the Department of Health’s Modernization Programme and is illustrated by an example provided by Gillian Crosby (2004, pp. 7-8), the Director of the Centre for Policy on Ageing. She indicates that the problem in the social services arena, is wrongly based in concentrating on the solving of their problems as well as users of services rather than as their being active contributors to society. Crosby (2004, pp. 7-8) indicates that the NHS views social care as well as society’s older individuals as a â€Å"problem† which in what Crosby (2004, pp. 7-8) terms a â€Å"†¦ very narrow approach †¦Ã¢â‚¬  thus creating a focus on delivering intensive services which thus â€Å"†¦ excludes †¦ older people and their careers†. She further states that in the aspect of quality as it relates to social services the s ystems of initiatives, pilots, and projects that have been created and put into place to audit, evaluate, monitor and investigate service development and provisions have been in place for years. Crosby (2004, pp. 7-8) maintains that the problem is the â€Å"†¦ sustaining and maintaining †¦Ã¢â‚¬  these areas and â€Å"†¦ building them into effective †¦Ã¢â‚¬  provisions through utilizing these collective findings and synthesizing that information. Crosby (2004, pp. 7-8) indicates that this void causes good ideas to stagnate rather than permitting them to be explored and utilized where warranted and she cites that quality thus suffers as a result of duplication and what she terms as â€Å"†¦ pilot fatigue †¦Ã¢â‚¬ , indicating that the system needs to implement as well as create and find more innovative ways in which to service elder citizens in a manner whereby these initiatives are â€Å"†¦ developed and maintained.† Crosby (2004, pp. 7- 8) that there are numerous examples of individual cases whereby instances of good practice have been demonstrated through partnerships that have improved service provisions for elder citizens, citing the â€Å"London Older People’s Service Development Programme† as an example. The preceding utilized a collaborative model that promoted optimized care and independence and grew into a tool implemented by the National Service Framework for Older People in London with the hallmark being its â€Å"†¦ single assessment process† (Crosby, 2004, p. 8). The foregoing example is an instance whereby the practice of Best Value and allied tools need improvement to respond to the specialized needs of a segment of social care services, but this example does not indicate that system wide the measurement has not produced results. The system has shown â€Å"mixed progress† as reported by the BBC (2005) as the quality of care has improved since the adoption of the Modernization Programme, but as the BBC (2005) reports, â€Å"†¦ there are still worrying gaps †¦Ã¢â‚¬  with regard to service as reported by inspectors. The BBC (2005) report indicated that three quarters of the council departments received ratings â€Å"†¦ in the top two categories †¦Ã¢â‚¬  as opposed to slightly â€Å"†¦ over two thirds in 2004†. Thus progress has been made as a result, yet there is still sufficient room for further improvement. The NHS Mental Health sectors foundation for improvement in its quality of services was set forth under the National Service Framework in 1999 which established a blueprint for care throughout the United Kingdom †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Department of Health, 1998). The initiatives established for a modern NHS resound with the word ‘quality’ as its foundation (Appleby, 2000, pp. 177-291). The process filters down into every job description utilizing the word â€Å"quality agenda† (Appleby, 2000, pp. 177-291) which is composed of six elements: treating patients as well as service users with the dignity they deserve, the creation of the proper environments via which patients can recover and utilizing their views to accomplish how services should be developed, recognition of the skills of families in the roles of carers, linking service activities to needs so acutely ill individuals receive urgent care access through a comprehensive range of services, making the best as well as most effective treatments available, and emphasize patient safety The success of the system is contained in the regional rating system which measures the number of ‘Local Implementation Plans’ in red, amber and green (Appleby, 2000, pp. 177-291). The National Service Frameworks set measurable goals as follows (Department of Health, 2006): the setting of national standards and the identification of key interventions with respect to defined service and or care groups, placement of strategies that support implementation, establishment of means via which to ensure progress in defined time frames, introduction of the new NHS and A First Class service that re-emphasized the position of NSF’s as the key drivers in the deliverance of the modernized agenda. The success of the NSF is assessed by what are termed interface indicators which are a part of the performance assessment frameworks which has seen demonstrated improvement throughout the system as a result of the Department of Health Modernization Programme and as contained in the Mental health NSF Performance Report of July 2005 rated all ongoing programs as meeting the prescribed targets of achievement (Mental health NSF, 2005). In 2005 26 councils received the three star top rating, which represented an increase of six councils over the prior year (BBC, 2005). The total results indicated (BBC, 2005): 83 councils received two starts as opposed to 78 in the year 2004, 31 received one star, which represented a decrease from 36 the year before, 3 received zero stars, which decreased from eight in 2004. The foregoing indicates that the Modernization Programme has demonstrated progress and as a result of the varied programmes and measurement systems there is in place a means to equate progress. Clinical Governance is a term and process which grew from the commercial arena under standards for financial management for companies in the private sector (Palmer, 2002, pp. 470-476). In the framework of the NHS it represents a methodology and framework whereby organizations are accountable for the continuous improvement in the quality of their services as well as high standards of care through the creation of a climate and environment whereby excellence with regard to clinical care grows (Department of Health, 1998, p. 33). Since the implementation of the Department of Health’s modernization programme NHS community and acute trusts have been charged with the creation of established structures as well as processes for clinical governance which is monitored by the CHI. It represents a comprehensive approach comprised of four areas (Palmer, 2002, pp. 470-476): definitive and clear lines of responsibility for overall clinical care quality, programme of quality improvement regarding activities that includes a clinical audit, development and utilization of clear policies that manage risks, procedural methodologies for all groups to identify as well as correct poor performance areas The heart of the system is the clinical audit which places accountability on the managers and utilizes performance management as the process of delivering the objectives throughout organizations to filter down to each individual and job description thus providing management with clear roles and set priorities. The programme has been rated as successful in terms of it providing a clear set of measurement data to gauge and compare progress through point in time comparisons under its clinical audit segment which represents a new system that did not exist (Palmer, 2002, pp. 470-476). As such it has aided in the achievement of measurable improvements in the field of patient care, making such an established routine. The Commission for Social Care Inspection utilizes a framework of fifty performance indicators that when assessed as a whole provide an overview of the manner in which local councils are serving the needs of their residents concerning social care service delivery (East Sussex County Council, 2006). Inspections are carried out a minimum of once in a three year period and can be conducted at any time and is comprised of three types of inspections (Commission for Social Care Inspection, 2006): Key Inspections: These are comprehensive and through inspections that are unannounced and are conducted at least once for all adult social care services during a year period. It represents on sire as well as documentation reviews and inspections of all areas of service categories without any prior notice. Random Inspections This type represents targeted specific issue inspections conducted in addition to key inspections in the follow up of complaints and or progress from an earlier inspection calling for specific areas of concern. Thematic Inspections These inspections represent follow up to regional and or national issues concerning medication, nutrition or similar areas and are also in addition to key and random inspections which can be conducted at any time. The preceding inspections provide the formulation for ratings and represent a gauge on progress, standards and adherence to established policies. The performance indicators represent fifty differ areas ranging from (National Statistics, 2005): Children’s Pls placement stability employment, education and care leavers education unit cost of residential care unit cost of foster care children reviews core assessments long term stability children in need Adult Pls emergency admissions drug treatment program participation unit costs of residential and nursing care adults at home services for carers client reviews carer assessments waiting times The methodology has been successful in terms of providing a measuring device via which the CSCI can assess progress and improvements as well as backward movements in services. The audit commission’s role promotes the utilization of performance data to fuel improvements in services provided to the public (Audit Commission, 2006). The Audit Commission works with varied governmental departments, agencies and local authorities to define a broad array of performance indicators applicable to their circumstances. As a department the Audit Commission’s success is represented by the performance indicators it assists in the development of for the aforementioned and is a success as these varied programs have improved the ability of these agencies, departments and local councils in assessment of the services under their charge. Conclusion The NHS Modernization framework has been devised to oversee and create improvement in the world’s largest government public sector health and social care programme which stands in excess of  £9 billion and is responsible for delivering a huge variety of services to every corner of the United Kingdom (Department of Health, 2006). Serving individuals in these sectors represents a demanding subjective function whereby the standards of quality and service delivery are defined by consistently improving services and new methodologies which change the standards as innovation introduces newer and improved techniques. Total Quality Management represents a technique that under the NHS Best value programme and Modernization plan of 1999 offers a means via which the system can monitor itself as well as agencies and local authorities with the foregoing fluctuating basis and improve its quality of service delivery in keeping with changes and improvements in care. The preceding is important as a result of the lessons learned in spiraling health and social care costs that surfaced in the late 19