Reflection Journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Reflection Journal - Essay Example it comes to understanding corporal social responsibility and corporate citizenship, I must find the elusive answers on how the two concepts relate to the business and society fields. The society fields in this case entails business ethics, stakeholder management, sustainability and growth delivery. This paper gives a personal reflection on corporate social responsibility and corporate citizenship. It is true that corporate social responsibility of an organization is driven by philanthropic aspects such as the commitment to promote or improve the livelihoods of workers and people in a given community. The philanthropic aspects are summarized as a pyramid of corporal social responsibility through moral management of the stakeholders of the organization. However, over years the corporate executives have faced challenges in implementing corporate social responsibility to the society. According to Caroll (1991, p. 40), the economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic expectations have become unattainable in the society and might be considered as a pyramid. This is because the organizations only give credit to ethical and philanthropic functions. However, all the four aspects require close attention since they play various roles in ensuring the organization gives corporal social responsibility is achieved in the society. For the organization to achieve its objectives of reaching out to the society, it should implement the four aspects in the following ways. One of the major aspects to be considered should be the philanthropic responsibilities. Therefore, I propose that each executive member should encourage corporate social responsibility by being a good corporate citizen that contributes resources to the community. Secondly, the executives should adopt ethical responsibilities that consider one to be ethical and bear the responsibility to do the right things and avoid any harm to the society. Also, one should have the legal responsibility of obeying the laws provided

Unbending Gender Essay Example for Free

Unbending Gender Essay Domesticity is a â€Å"gender system† that delineates organization of market work and family work and the â€Å"gender norms that justify, sustain, and reproduce that organization†. This is how Joan Williams defined domesticity in her book entitled Unbending Gender: Why Family and Work Conflict and What to Do about It. Domesticity arose in the nineteenth century and it still remains entrenched in many forms in American Society today. This way of life separated market work and family work in both space and time. It sets up a system that market work is the realm of men while women are delegated to the sphere of â€Å"home making† and â€Å"parenting†. As a gender system, domesticity has two defining characteristics, Williams wrote. The first is that â€Å"organization of market work around the ideal of a worker who works full time and overtime and takes little or no time off for childbearing or child rearing†. The ideal workers in this system are those that can work full time, or in most cases with plenty of overtime. â€Å"Caregivers† or those assigned to the childbearing and rearing (women) cannot, therefore, perform as ideal workers given this structure. Thus the second defining characteristic of this system is â€Å"providing for caregiving by marginalizing caregivers, cutting them off from most of the social roles that offer responsibility and authority† (Williams, 1). This system of structuring market work and family work sustains the ideology of the defined roles of men and women. Men, who are supposedly aggressive and highly motivated, â€Å"naturally† belong to the market work. Women characterized as weak and soft belong to the home. Men provide for the needs of the family, taking very little time to participate in child rearing, leaving this mostly to women. This structure perpetuates the gender norms that define the role and performance of men as â€Å"breadwinner†, and women as â€Å"homemakers†. Before the nineteenth century market work and family work is the not isolated from each other. The rise of industries, businesses, and professionals, however, also created a new definition of the American middle class. It also brought forth new ideology about the home that arose from the new attitudes toward work and family. In article The Cult of Domesticity and True Womanhood the new middle class family is said to be different from the preindustrial family that may partly be the roots of this new ideology. These are: 1. A nineteenth-century middle-class family did not have to make what it needed in order to survive. Men could work in jobs that produced goods or services while their wives and children stayed at home. 2. When husbands went off to work, they helped create the view that men alone should support the family. Men belong in the public sphere or the world of work, and a woman’s place is the private sphere or home. 3. The middle-class family came to look at itself and at the nuclear family in general, as the backbone of society. (From The Cult of Domesticity and True Womanhood) The emergence of the market economy separated work away from home. Unlike before, the home is no longer seen as an economic unit in the community but rather as a self-contained unit separated the â€Å"rough world† of work. This new order of things created gender norms especially on women’s performance of duties as homemakers. They are expected to create a special place, â€Å"a refuge from the world where her husband could escape from the highly competitive, unstable, immoral world of business and industry†. Dubbed as the â€Å"Cult of Domesticity†, it espoused that True Women cultivate four virtues: piety, purity, submissiveness and domesticity. The virtue of piety is based on the belief that women are more religious than men. Religion is within the women’s sphere. Modern young women of the nineteenth century were also expected exercise purity in words, thoughts and deeds. Woman’s sexual purity is highly valued. Virginity is seen as the greatest treasure that a woman can bestow on her husband. Good women are also expected to keep in control men’s sexual needs and desires. The natural order of things also requires women to be submissive to fate, to duty, to God and to men. The Young Ladies Book summarized the passive virtues necessary in women: â€Å"It is certain that in whatever situation of life a woman is placed from her cradle to her grave, a spirit of obedience and submission, pliability of temper, and humility of mind are required of her† (qtd. In The Cult of Domesticity and True Womanhood).

Essay --

Rahim, Sheikh Mr. Seed English III, 6th period 12 NOVEMBER, 2013 In The Zoo If a dwelling place is uncomfortable or people who live there do not like the place, then the house seems like a cage to them. They feel like they are in a zoo which makes a child feel like their own identity is absent. Author Jean Stafford went through this kind of situation in her childhood. Stafford’s personal life was often marked by unhappiness and struggle. Her personal life had a great influence in her stories. â€Å"In The Zoo† by Jean Stafford shows how impactful childhood is to the adult person by using symbolism and characterization. The author uses the zoo to represent a surrounded situation where people are forced to rely on others. In the zoo, animals are kept in cages for entertainment and amusement of people, but the wild animals who are born independent don’t like the environment in zoo. These animals spend most of their existence trying to escape. The author uses the animals in Denver zoo to represent various people from the childhood of the two sisters. In ...

Leche

Sale University and University of Santos Thomas. Linkman eventually returned to the motherland to study Philippine Literature and colonial history at UP Dilemma Some of his novels are Rolling the Or's. Kayak Press (1995) Prime Time Apparitions. Hanging Loose Press (2005) The Evolution of a Sigh. Hanging Loose Press (2008) Lech. Coffee House Press (2011). II. A Summary of the Novel The story is about a Filipino-American named Vince who left the Philippines to live in Hawaii at the age often years old with his siblings Jinn, aged eleven and Alvin who had Just turned nine.The story started when Vine's friend Edgar told him to Join Mr.. Pogo in Hawaii so that he could win a trip back home in motherland Philippines. After winning second place in the said pageant he was able to go back home. In Manila, He meets Bins Boca, Sister Marie and Kuris Aquinas, the daughter of the late President, Carbon Aquinas, who is also known as the â€Å"Massacre Queen†. Having gifted with good looks h e easily gain entrance in the Manila High Society and having the chance to be interviewed Kuris herself but there he realized he doesn't belong there, he doesn't along in the Philippines.Being home sick and all he tried reaching out to his sibling by sending post cards back to Hawaii and there he reconcile with his past – his childhood back in San Vaccine with his Loll, the one person whom he really had emotional connection to. In the end, he eventually goes back to San Vaccine to his hometown after his maid Burnett quite some time been telling him to go back. He eventually came home when he gave in to barbiturate's advice. He was mad at Loll AY for sending him to Honolulu, Hawaii but to his surprise he found out that all those ears he spent in Hawaii Loll AY was sick.All those years he thought Loll AY was healthy and strong. All his questions were answered upon returning home and he asked forgiveness to Loll AY. Ill. Analysis Literature is an art form in a way that it invoke s within each of us a different perceptions that is unique to an individual. Every individual has his own point of view, a window in which we view the world. Therefore, the way we see literature is the same as viewing the same star, however, from different parts of the world. Same star, but a different angle.Art for me is a mouth of a hundred people speaking loudly and differently in sync, because we see art as it is physically but the way we think of it is never the same. We give them all different meaning in our different points of view. I could say that this story is easy to read so I could gladly recommend this to peers. The story is peace and the actions are always interesting. Even I didn't take more than five or six sittings to read it entirety. The book is narrative and is a prose which made it easier to understand than poetry which has deep words and having implied meanings which made it harder to find its real meaning.As we could see on the cover of the book, is a Jeep. It 's not real, it is a wooden engraved Jeep which is usually found in a Philippine gift shops since a Jeep has a big role played in every Filipinos lives. They use this as a mode of transportation but they still have to deal with the traffic. Just this semester I have experienced a sensation of extreme laughter with facts stated in the story, problems of the 3rd world countries. He was able to put witty Jokes within serious situations within our country today.Example: he rotating brown outs and him (Vince) having to resort to alternative ways to get more water for rinsing of; the melted ice and the left over mineral water in the pitcher he found in the refrigerator. Though people in the Philippines have to pump waters in a big bin to prepare themselves for the brownout and water rotation. Or having to ride the Jeep for commuters. We all know that many Filipinos are now migrating to 1st world countries seeking a better future, but! There would always be this feeling of home sickness. M issing those thing grew up with, being far away from your comfort zone.It's not a great feeling. I remember in the story where it's stated that â€Å"you're not a Filipino if you haven't ridden a Jeep before†. This part of the story is another trivia given in the novel. Another fact is that no Jeep is the same as the other. They may be alike in terms of brand, having the same entrance but its decoration differs. This shows the creativity of the pinots. A Jeep was left by the Americans after the world war II and the Filipinos bought them from the Americans, looking dull, the Filipinos thought of decoration it.Up until now this is still practiced Hough in my opinion the Jeep is the least effective mode of transportation, stopping in every possible passengers, having a far rotation and is mainly the cause of traffic because of stopping Just anywhere anytime. Even the thought of Papas City Mall, Harrison plaza, Quip church where Vince and Kuris the massacre queen met gives a lot of memories back. In the things I have shared in my last paragraph I have shown a little about the book. The book describes the contemporary Philippine life which brings up memories and associations of the life lived by our parents not so Eng ago.This book for me is highly relatable because the way I see it majority of professionals, even non-professionals, leave the country seeking a better life. Upon reading this book it could bring back a lot of long forgotten memories of the foreigners once called Filipinos. It is an unfortunate event in the country that almost at least one member in the family leaves for abroad leaving them home sick and depressed. Those who seek being found in a world which you feel you do not belong to this book is the best to, those so called Offs are best audience for this novel.The book Lech is a good book since the author actually wrote it through firsthand experience. Since he left the Philippines he felt homesick and wrote a book about what he could rem ember about motherland. It shows that you should appreciate what you have now until it's all gone. When he was able to step on motherland steps he wasn't getting any of what he is expecting yet he still is feeling happy having to reconnect to his past and remembering the moments he had with his 1010, even those he has with his siblings back when they were still a child.The main point of this story s that even if you've been far from home for a long long period of time there would always be a little of yourself left in that place that you'd long to meet again and someday you'd dream of seeing that place you once knew and loved. Just like everyone says â€Å"there's no place like home† and even though he's attained a lot in his recent location going home is still worth more than anything in the world, knowing that in San Vaccine is once his and his grandfather's domain he would always wonder back to the feelings he had way back with his LOLL.Everyone knew he had this facial con nection with his grandfather a love so strong that they bond by reading books. Even in silence they feel their special connections that they have because his grandfather is all his got after being left by his parents when they went to Hawaii. Another fun fact about it is the tourist tips. It really is a good books for balalaika's who is like Vince who is unable to come back home in a very long time. These tips actually are really useful if you're a foreigner or a balalaikas to give you a heads up if you're clueless of what you might deal with upon returning to the Philippines.It's really interesting how he really expressed those fun facts about the Philippines as well as the people in the place. Many parts of the book shows Vince having flashbacks. Since he was unable to come home in thirteen years he had a lot of recollecting to do. Simply manila gave him a lot of reminiscing but of course it was always in his home town where all his memories are stored. The book is still applicabl e in modern times. Those past experiences shared in the book is still relevant in the lives of many people traversing our 7, 107 islands today.Socialites, lovelier, separation from implies, poverty, government, immigration of professionals still at large. Reading a book where you can relate to is one thing about a book. Reading something and in the middle you'll be saying â€Å"ay lam OK yang! † â€Å"antipodean OK yang! ‘ â€Å"ay tama nag! Gangway nag Yuan! † is a great feeling because you get to know the inner you. You as a citizen of this fair country. One of the main problem is sexuality, the acceptance of the 3rd gender. Another thing is he showed how gays are, for me they are still of the same gender, male/female, who are misunderstood.Is it because they act as the opposite of what the masses think a gender should act they should see it as a wrong doing? This book makes us realize to be more open-minded about serious things happening around us. An epic en d to this epic essay, Lech in Spanish is milk yet in this story it symbolizes many things like the bar where Vince wanted Dante to take him after being drunk or as an expression used when shocked or mad. Though this book means different things, in my opinion like the expression we usually use LECH being a part of our culture, like Vince whatever happens the Philippines will always be a big in his life.

Overpopulation of the World and the Problems It Creates

Overpopulation of the World and the Problems it Creates The world is faced with growing conservation problems daily, most of which are caused by an increasing population. In order to deal with the problems of overpopulation, the world needs to consider minimizing consumption, lowering waste byproducts, and keeping a hand on land management. Consumption is the act of using resources at an uncontrolled rate. It is mainly the result of overpopulation. The population of the world is growing by approximately 212,970 people per day and is said to reach nine billion people by 2040 (World Population). As the population increases at this rapid rate, the demand for food, water, and shelter will also rise just as quickly. Since the demand for goods like electricity and fuels also increase, we should consider using a more conservational method to create these items by using more abundant and replaceable resources. Water is the most abundant resources on the planet. Instead of using petroleum based fuels to run cars, we should use water. Scientists have already developed hydrogen powered vehicles such as cars, busses, scooters, and tractors (NREL). Another alternative for fueling cars are crops like corn that produce ethanol. Electricity is going to one of the most demanded items as the population grows. In some places, fuels are being used to create energy. Instead, abundant resources like sunlight, wind, and water should be used to generate all the electricity that is consumed. But, even with these methods of producing a â€Å"cleaner† energy supply, the general population will have to contribute to the conservation of the energy. Some simple things that people can do is :lower thermostats, use energy efficient bulbs, use drip irrigation to water flowers and fruits, use solar energy to dry clothes, and create a compost to dispose of that waste instead of throwing it away. As the population is growing, the amount of waste that is produced from the consumption will increase at a much more rapid pace. Each person per day produces about 4. 4 pounds of waste. The majority of this waste is thrown away in the trashcan, which is set at the curb to be picked up by a diesel truck polluting the air and using energy, only to end up in a andfill. With the increase in needs of food and other items, more and more trash will result. Recycling is the best way to fix this problem and keep 95% of trash out of landfills. It is projected that Americans will throw away over 11 million tons of glass bottles and jars 1 million tons of aluminum cans and foil more than1 million tons of aluminum cans and foil, over 4 and a half million tons of paper and nearly 10 million tons of newspaper (Center). Almost all of this material could be recycled, saving millions of trees and over 100% combined energy that is used to make new products. Businesses can also play their part in recycling things such as cooking oil that could be used as fuel in a vehicle. If we do not engage in actions to clean up the present landfills and prevent future ones, we could possibly be looking at problems such as contaminated water and soil. Land management goes along side of both consumption and waste. As the population increases, more space will be needed for houses, hospitals, schools and businesses. As a result, we must make room by methods such as destroying forest and filling in lakes, rivers, and streams. To us we may only see trees and dirty, microorganism infested water, but these two ecosystem house millions of species of animals and plants that are vital to our survival on Earth. Research states that the earth was once covered by 5. 8 million to 6. 2 million square miles of forest. Today only 2. million to 3 million square miles of forest still remains (Nielsen). By destroying these bionetworks, plants and animals become endangered and maybe even extinct. As a result, this causes entire ecosystems to collapse. Without plants, animals die and without plants and animals, the human species can no longer eat or breathe, therefore, becoming extinct itself. Humans can take control of this growing problem by considering options like apartment buildings or larger skyscrapers to t hings like online schools and e-shopping. Without a doubt, the population of the world is going to continue to grow, but that does not mean that the problems dealing with consumption, waste, and land management has to also. If we could use nature made goods like sunlight, water, and wind, we could reduce the amount of energy consumed, decrease the amount of waste produced, and decrease the amount of land destroyed that is needed to serve the population. Works Cited 7 Environmental Problems that were Worse than we Thought. 3 Feb 2008. 23 Feb 2010 . Alexander, Kathleen. Tree Benefits. 23 Feb 2010 . Bureau, U. S. Census. â€Å"Global Population Growth. † 2002. 23 Feb 2010 . Center, University of Colorado Environmental. CU Environmental Center. 2008. 23 Feb 2010 . National Renewable Energy Laboratory. NREL – Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research. 29 Sept 2009. 24 Feb 2010. Nielsen, Ron. The Little Green Handbook: Seven Trends Shaping the Future of Our Planet. New York: Picador, 2006. Today's Top Global Environment Issues. 23 Feb 2010 . World Population Prospects-The 2008 Revision Population Database. 2008. 24 Feb 2010

What Is the Distributive Property

What Is the Distributive Property SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips What is the distributive property? Did you go over the distributive property definition in school but still aren’t sure what it is or why it’s important? The distributive property is a key mathematical property you’ll need to know to solve many algebra problems. In this guide, we explain exactly what the distributive property is, why it’s important, when you should use it, what other math rules you need to know for it, and we also work through several examples so you can see the distributive property in action. What Is the Distributive Property? The distributive property, sometimes known as the distributive property of multiplication, tells us how to solve certain algebraic expressions that include both multiplication and addition. The literal definition of the distributive property is that multiplying a number by a sum is the same as doing each multiplication separately. In equation form, the distributive property looks like this: $a(b+c) = ab + ac$ (Remember, in math, when two numbers/factors are right next to each other, that means to multiply them.) Like many math definitions, the distributive property is easier to understand when you look at a few examples. Here’s a simple one: $$5 (2 +7)$$ Normally, if you had a problem like this, you’d add 2 and 7 together to get 9, then you’d multiply 5times 9 to get 45. This is the simplest way to solve the equation, and it also follows the order of operations, which tells you to simplify whatever is in the parentheses first before moving onto other operations like multiplication. Solving that equation using the distributive property would look like this: $$5 (2+7)$$ The distributive property means doing multiplication before the addition within the parentheses, so we’d distribute the 5 to both values within the parentheses: $$5(2) + 5(7)$$ Work out the multiplication: $$10 + 35$$ Then add the two numbers together: $$10+35=45$$ We get the same answer as we did solving the problem with the first method, which shows that the distributive property works. Now, why would you want to use the distributive property when it took longer than the first method? The distributive property comes in handy when you have terms within the parentheses that can’t be added together, such as this equation: ${3/4}(a + 2b)$. Because there are variables involved, there’s no easy way to simplify $a + 2b$. In these more complicated equations, the distributive property can help us get the equation into a form that makes it easier to simplify or solve. We’ll see examples of how to do this later on in this guide. 3 Key Rules Related to the Distributive Property When you’re using the distributive property, you’ll often have to use or be aware of other mathematical rules and properties in order to solve or simplify the equations. Here are three of the most important ones to know. Commutative Laws The commutative laws state that you can swap numbers when adding or multiplying and still get the same answer. So $x + y = y + x$ and $x(y) = y(x)$ These are likely intuitive for you by now, but they’re an important part of the distributive property, which wouldn’t work without them. You can use them when you need help simplifying certain equations in order to get them into a more workable form. Order of Operations When you have a complicated equation that looks like it can be simplified in multiple ways, the order of operations gives you the correct way to work through those operations. The acronym PEMDAS makes it easy to remember which operations to work on first. From first to last, here’s the order you should work out operations: Parentheses Exponents Multiplication and Division (do these at the same time, working left to right) Addition and Subtraction (do these at the same time, working left to right) The order of operations is important to know because you’ll often have to remember it when simplifying equations that include a lot of different operations. It can also help you determine whether to use the distributive property or not. Order of operations states the first step you should take when simplifying an equation is to work out whatever is in a parentheses set, but if what’s in the parentheses can’t be simplified, that’s a sign to use the distributive property. Quadratic Formula The quadratic formula states that, for $ax^2+ bx + c = 0$, the values of $x$ which are the solutions to the equation are given by: $$x={-b ±Ã¢Ë†Å¡{b^2-4ac}}/{2a}$$ When using the distributive property, you may be able to simplify some equations into the $ax^2 + bx + c = 0$ form so that you can use the quadratic equation to solve for $\bi x$. Distributive Property of Multiplication Example Problems In this section we go over three examples of simplifying problems using the distributive property. You’ll notice each of them contain variables in the parentheses, which is a key sign that the distributive property is needed. Example 1 $$\bo4\bi x(\bo5\bi x + \bo6) = -\bo7$$ First, we’re going to distribute $4x$ to both $5x$ and 6. $$4x(5x) + 4x(6) = -7$$ Now, multiply those out: $$20x^2+ 24x = 7$$ Add 7 to both sides: $$20x^2+ 24x +7 = 0$$ This equation is now in the proper formula to solve for $x$ using the quadratic formula (x would equal $-0.7$ and $-0.5$), or you might be able to keep the equation in that form if you were just being asked to simplify it. Example 2 $$\bo3\bi x(\bi x-\bo4) + \bo5(\bo4\bi x + \bo6)$$ For this equation, there are two sets of parentheses, so we need to use the distributive property twice. Distribute the 3x to its set of parentheses and the 5x to its set of parentheses: $$3x(x) + 3x(-4) + 5(4x) + 5(6)$$ Multiply it out: $$3x^2- 12x + 20x^2+ 30$$ Add the two $x^2$ terms together to simplify $$23x^2- 12x + 30$$ Example 3 $$-\bo7(\bi x + \bo4) + \bo8(\bo2 - \bo4\bi x)$$ This example is a bit trickier because the 7 has a negative sign in front of it. When the value just outside the parentheses is negative, the negative sign must be distributed to each term within the parentheses. Distribute the -7 to its set of parentheses and the 8 to its set of parentheses: $$(-7)(x) + (-7)(4) + (8)(2) + (8)(-4x)$$ Multiply those out: $$-7x -28 + 16 - 32x$$ Now simplify: $$-39x - 12$$ Summary: What Is the Distributive Property Definition? What is distributive property? The distributive property of multiplication states that $a(b+c) = ab + ac$. It’s often used for equations when the terms within the parentheses can’t be simplified because they contain one or more variables.Using the distributive property, you can simplify or solve equations that would otherwise be difficult to work with. When using the distributive property, remember to distribute negative signs if they’re in front of the parentheses, and keep in mind other important math rules, such as the quadratic formula, order of operations, and commutative properties. What's Next? Are you learning about logarithms and natural logs in math class? We have a guide on all the natural log rules you need to know. What is dynamic equilibrium and what does it have to do with rusty cars? Find out by reading ourcomplete guide to dynamic equilibrium. Rational numbers are another important math concept you should understand.Read our guide on rational numbers for everything you need to know about them!

Free Essays on Computer Engineering

A Strong Background in Computer Technology Will Benefit Future Engineers Computer technology has advanced dramatically over the past ten years. Technology has advanced from computers the size of a room that can only perform one particular task, to personal computers (PC’s) that will fit on a desk and perform multiple tasks. Understanding computers and their programs and being able to apply that knowledge is very important in today’s workplace. Engineering is a field that requires an extensive background in computer technology. Future engineers will benefit dramatically from having a strong background in computer technology. In order to understand why computers are important, we have to understand what a computer is and what it does. A computer is a device capable of performing a series of calculations or logical operations without human intervention. The computer is characterized by the number and complexity of operations it can perform and by its ability to process, st ore, and retrieve data (â€Å"Computers† 1). The development of computers began in the 19th century by British mathematician Charles Babbage (Eadie 3). Babbage designed, but did not build, a mechanical digital device capable of processing information as a modern computer does (4). In 1930 American scientist Vannevar Bush built a mechanically operated device, called a differential analyzer (4). It was the first general-purpose analog computer. Analog computers will be discussed later in this paper. The first information-processing digital computer actually built was the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator, or Mark I computer (4). Completed in 1944, this electromechanical device was designed by American engineer Howard Aiken (5). In 1946 the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, or ENIAC, was put into operation (5). Using thousands of electron tubes, it was the first electronic digital computer. In the late 1950s transistors replaced electron tubes in comput... Free Essays on Computer Engineering Free Essays on Computer Engineering A Strong Background in Computer Technology Will Benefit Future Engineers Computer technology has advanced dramatically over the past ten years. Technology has advanced from computers the size of a room that can only perform one particular task, to personal computers (PC’s) that will fit on a desk and perform multiple tasks. Understanding computers and their programs and being able to apply that knowledge is very important in today’s workplace. Engineering is a field that requires an extensive background in computer technology. Future engineers will benefit dramatically from having a strong background in computer technology. In order to understand why computers are important, we have to understand what a computer is and what it does. A computer is a device capable of performing a series of calculations or logical operations without human intervention. The computer is characterized by the number and complexity of operations it can perform and by its ability to process, st ore, and retrieve data (â€Å"Computers† 1). The development of computers began in the 19th century by British mathematician Charles Babbage (Eadie 3). Babbage designed, but did not build, a mechanical digital device capable of processing information as a modern computer does (4). In 1930 American scientist Vannevar Bush built a mechanically operated device, called a differential analyzer (4). It was the first general-purpose analog computer. Analog computers will be discussed later in this paper. The first information-processing digital computer actually built was the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator, or Mark I computer (4). Completed in 1944, this electromechanical device was designed by American engineer Howard Aiken (5). In 1946 the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, or ENIAC, was put into operation (5). Using thousands of electron tubes, it was the first electronic digital computer. In the late 1950s transistors replaced electron tubes in comput...

History and Purpose of the Commonwealth of Nations

History and Purpose of the Commonwealth of Nations As the British Empire began its process of decolonization and the creation of independent states from former British colonies, there arose a need for an organization of countries formerly part of the Empire. In 1884, Lord Rosebery, a British politician, described the changing British Empire as a Commonwealth of Nations. Thus, in 1931, the British Commonwealth of Nations was founded under the Statute of Westminster with five initial members - the United Kingdom, Canada, the Irish Free State, Newfoundland, and the Union of South Africa. (Ireland permanently left the Commonwealth in 1949, Newfoundland became part of Canada in 1949, and South Africa left in 1961 due to apartheid but rejoined in 1994 as the Republic of South Africa). Commonwealth of Nations Rebrand In 1946, the word British was dropped and the organization became known as simply the Commonwealth of Nations. Australia and New Zealand adopted the Statute in 1942 and 1947, respectively. With Indias independence in 1947, the new country desired to become a Republic and to not utilize the monarchy as their head of state. The London Declaration of 1949 modified the requirement that members must view the monarchy as their head of state to require that countries recognize the monarchy as simply the leader of the Commonwealth. With this adjustment, additional countries joined the Commonwealth as they gained independence from the United Kingdom so today there are fifty-four member countries. Of the fifty-four, thirty-three are republics (such as India), five have their own monarchies (such as Brunei Darussalam), and sixteen are a constitutional monarchy with the sovereign of the United Kingdom as their head of state (such as Canada and Australia). Although membership requires having been a former dependency of the United Kingdom or a dependency of a dependency, former Portuguese colony Mozambique became a member 1995 under special circumstances due to Mozambiques willingness to support the Commonwealths fight against apartheid in South Africa. Policies The Secretary-General is elected by the Heads of Government of the membership and can serve two four-year terms. The position of Secretary-General was established in 1965. The Commonwealth Secretariat has its headquarters in London and is composed of 320 staff members from the member countries. The Commonwealth maintains its own flag. The purpose of the voluntary Commonwealth is for international cooperation and to advance economics, social development, and human rights in member countries. Decisions of the various Commonwealth councils are non-binding. The Commonwealth of Nations supports the Commonwealth Games, which is a sporting event held every four years for member countries. A Commonwealth Day is celebrated on the second Monday in March. Each year carries a different theme but each country can celebrate the day as they choose. The population of the 54 member states exceeds two billion, about 30% of the world population (India is responsible for a majority of the Commonwealths population).

The Incorporation of Western Faming and Technology in India Essay

The Incorporation of Western Faming and Technology in India - Essay Example This paper illustrates that even though, other Israelite Agricultural technological companies have made entry into India to provide support in the farming of horticultural crops; they have only limited their services to Haryana and Maharashtra. Examining the current situation in India, most locations and farmers remain unaware of the current procedures and technology in agriculture practice. As such, Vickens Inc. targets to sell its product and services to the geographic, demographic, psychographic and behavioral segments of the market. The entire market segments shall benefit from the newly improved agricultural technological solutions provided by the company. The main reason besides the establishment of this new business is to fill the market niche that exists in the Indian Agricultural sector. Gallagher notes that while the country is agriculturally driven the use of new and current technology has been limited. Most farmers in the country still adopt the traditional methods of far ming that yields very little output to the farmers. The mission of Vickens Inc. is to provide the farmers with most current agricultural procedures and technology to increase productions of crops and generate increased revenues in return. This will be achieved through enhancing an eco-friendly environment that does not affect the lives of individuals. With the e-Choupal initiative in India, a lot of information is available to the country’s farmers about the use of new technology in farming. Ideally, this forms a wider customer base for the Vickens Company products and service. The Company targets to sell its products to all the four market segments as proposed by Kerin. In the geographic division, the organization aims to reach all the farmers within the Indian agricultural potential zones.

Multi-Culture Britain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Multi-Culture Britain - Essay Example 144). Therefore, Great Britain is a major destination for immigrants and it is referred to as Multi-Culture Britain today. China has been a major contributor to immigration in Great Britain and it is essential to investigate more about Chinese immigrants in Britain - how the Chinese started their immigration to Britain, what is the current situation of these immigrants, what are the general problems concerning immigration and general racism towards Chinese people and specific problem likes culture shock and people trafficking, etc. There is an important group of British Chinese (otherwise called Chinese British), the oldest Chinese community in Western Europe, including British-born Chinese in Great Britain today and they are of Chinese lineage and were born in or have migrated to the Great Britain. The Chinese immigrants in Britain today, which has been more widespread and decentralized in comparison with most ethnic minorities in the UK, face several severe issues and this paper un dertakes an investigation on their history, their current situation, and their general problems relating to immigration and wide-ranging racism. Tracing the history of Chinese immigration to the Great Britain, it becomes lucid that the first settlement of Chinese people in the United Kingdom started in the early 19th century, though the first recorded history of a Chinese inBritainis that of the scholar Shen Fu Tsong who visited King James II's court in the 17th century and spent time cataloguing the Chinese collection in the Bodleian Library. The first Chinese settlers, who were originally seamen, naturally settled in the port cities of Liverpool and London, and the first Chinatown in Britain was set up in the Limehouse area in East London. "However, the largest wave of Chinese immigration consisted mainly of male agricultural workers from Hong Kong and took place during the 1950s and 1960s Despite restrictions in immigration from current and former British colonies beginning in 1962, significant Chinese migration to Britain has continued, largely by relatives of settled Chinese and those qualified for skilled jobs. Today, a significant proportion of British Chinese are second or third generation descendants of these immigrants." (Chinese Immigration). Most of the immigrants the 1950s and 1960s were employed in Chinese restaurants and laundries, though it is no more the case with recent British Chinese community. Several Chinatowns, where Chinese restaurants and businesses prevail, were also established in numerous British cities and they have become tourist attractions. Significantly, the most important Chinese immigration, characterized by the relaxed Chinese restrictions on emigration, started in the mid-1980s onwards and has continued until today. The present situation of the Chinese immigrants in UK raises serious concerns of national and international characteristics. Along with the general issues of immigrants in the Britain and the issues that arise from the multicultural background of the nation, the Chinese experience several specific issues which distinctive of their immigrant experience in the country. Thus, a major issue is caused by the difference in language and the ensuing isolation and depression are common to the Chinese immigrants in Britain. Though there have been several attempts of support and

Past and Present Politics and Development Research Paper

Past and Present Politics and Development - Research Paper Example In his tour, he learnt that the natives were always hostile to the new people who purportedly brought in new blood into the political organization and development practices of the natives. In the early years, missionaries played a predominant role in changing the political and organizational scenario of the places where they went. The traveling of missionaries to places that had not developed economically marked the beginning of civilization and modernization in most undeveloped or underdeveloped societies. It was only after the insurgence of missionaries that native undeveloped societies began to embrace peace, governance, professionalism such as teaching, soldiers, doctors and bureaucrats all of whom contributed to the common good of the societies. Diamond (1999) believed that the first step to the true development of the society was through the practice of agriculture on commercial basis. Given that the ancient people and not so long ago the undeveloped states had no regular econo mic specialization and land was subdivided among group members and subgroups, the political organization was considered egalitarian. ... d since Eurasia which was blessed with local/indigenous domestic able grain cereals and animals that facilitated traction animals like the donkeys and bulls. This encouraged the development of commercial large scale agriculture which enabled economic growth and also stratified societies such that there emerged social classes. Reasons for Lack of Single or Complex \political Organizations Although Diamond argued that states â€Å"expand and develop based on their level of agricultural practice and that this happens in a virtuous circle† (1999, p. 266), there have been occurrences that counter his argument which in Diamond’s view was assumed and therefore needs to be added to the theory of why states develop and expand. Therefore, it implies that, instead of states eventually growing to large and more complex organizations, there is either unequal growth of societies into becoming on single large complex organization or eventual stagnation of states. This lack of large an d more complex organizations are attributed to internal factors within the States themselves; a fact Diamond does not incorporate in his theory. The first reason is based on the fact that political organizations are slowly, but steadily emerging that is not necessarily egalitarian in nature. In other words the states themselves are greedy and are often unwilling to distribute public funds that are supposed to facilitate growth of complex organizations. Secondly, given the divergent states interests, it is hard or perhaps impossible for the world to attain a single world or complex organization that Diamond proposes (Diamond 1999, p. 290). In the face of democracy and human rights, political organizations and by far autonomy is slowly revolving into a new era of leadership and political authority. In the

Weekly post Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Weekly post - Assignment Example These global cycles involve the circulation of elements and nutrients that sustain both the biological and physical aspects of the environment. For example, all known organisms on this planet depend on water to sustain them.   They are constantly cycling water, consuming it on a regular basis either by itself or with nutrients, while expelling water (with waste products) at the same time.   Besides being critical for the biosphere, water is also an extremely important part of the physical environment. When water vapor condenses to form clouds, more of the Suns rays are reflected back into the atmosphere, usually cooling the climate. Conversely, water vapor is also an important greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, trapping heat in the infrared part of the spectrum in the lower atmosphere. Water is also involved in other biogeochemical cycles.   The hydrologic cycle intersects with almost every other element cycles, as well as some of the geological cycles such as the sedimentary cy cle.  Ã‚   In this and other activities, we are going to study how carbon cycles through our ecosystem and how mankind affects this cycle.   It is important that we understand how carbon cycles through the ecosystem for two reasons. The first of these reasons is that all organic material contains carbon.   From the smallest vitamin molecule all the way up to the long polymer chains of proteins and DNA, carbon provides the basis of all organic compounds.   The second reason why we need to understand the carbon cycle is because of its effect on the physical environment.   Carbon, in the form of carbon dioxide, is released as a waste product of oxidation.   This means that it is released during the combustion of fossil fuels, as well as the respiration of organisms.   As we will see later, this can have a tremendous effect on our climate, since carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. Carbon has two phases in the carbon cycle: gaseous and solid.   Its gaseous phase is mostly in the

Gender In The Media Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Gender In The Media - Movie Review Example The main focus of the paper rests on presentation of female characters relative to male characters. The analysis demonstrates how the female characters adapt the lead roles within Television series, as well as male characters. Television shows adopts several perceptions on society and can be employed as a reflection of reality, depicting the world as external to the text meaning. Introduction Sociologists assert that gender is more of a social performance rather than a biological fact. The sitcom Big Bang Theory relies on individual choice as the possible explanation of the shortage of women within science rather than highlighting institutionalized sexism among scientists. The show largely draws from general stereotypes found in the Sci-fi/fantasy genre in which men are perceived as heroes and women depicted as skimpily dressed and depicted as helpless (Gauntlett, 2008). The show projects the assumption that women do not subscribe to nerd culture and that the cultural stereotypes of the desperate, antisocial, Sci-Fi obsessed video game addicted hacker is unappealing to women’s feminine sensitivities. Role of the Media in Socially Constructing Gender The media mirror and construct the social world. The media that people consume including movies, news stories, music, videogames, and TV shows deliver subtle (and no-so-subtle) messages that largely shape and inform people’s attitudes on race, gender, and class. Comprehension on the impact of the messages on the audience is essential to developing supportive media and industry practices (Gauntlett, 2008). Past studies have demonstrated that representation of women within media tends to reinforce the patriarchal hegemony with the portrayal of women as subordinate to men. Being born a man or a woman within any society is bigger than a simple biological fact bearing social implications. Women can be considered as a creation of the masculine gaze, whereby masculine conception of woman gave rise to idealiza tions and norms, which strongly impacted on the behaviors of women lacking power to challenge the male views of their sex. The social construction framework highlights that there is no essential, universally distinct character which is feminine or masculine behaviors impacted by a broad range of factors such as ability, religion, class, body shape, and sexual preference (Ross, 2012). Gender theory argues that both men and women actively engage in constructing their gendered identities. The construction of gender identities can be perceived as dynamic, changeable, and ongoing rather than fixed or static (Campbell & Carilli, 2005. How Television Shows Construct Gender The concept of gender identity is diverse from gender stereotypes influencing perceptions of personality traits frequently tied to one’s gender, such as expressiveness in women and instrumentality, in men. In most cases, the products of narration of popular culture emanate from the collective and inscribed in it, whereby their deconstruction and analysis uncover the ideological background of gender and social hierarchies overriding the period of creation. Gender norms have been undergoing changes within the last three decades with an unprecedented reach and speed. The boundaries of gender as a social structure may be shaped by taboos that define social power relationships via prohibition on transgressions and violations of the binary gender code, or heterosexist gender discourse. Patriarchal gaze is at the

Weekly post Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Weekly post - Assignment Example These global cycles involve the circulation of elements and nutrients that sustain both the biological and physical aspects of the environment. For example, all known organisms on this planet depend on water to sustain them.   They are constantly cycling water, consuming it on a regular basis either by itself or with nutrients, while expelling water (with waste products) at the same time.   Besides being critical for the biosphere, water is also an extremely important part of the physical environment. When water vapor condenses to form clouds, more of the Suns rays are reflected back into the atmosphere, usually cooling the climate. Conversely, water vapor is also an important greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, trapping heat in the infrared part of the spectrum in the lower atmosphere. Water is also involved in other biogeochemical cycles.   The hydrologic cycle intersects with almost every other element cycles, as well as some of the geological cycles such as the sedimentary cy cle.  Ã‚   In this and other activities, we are going to study how carbon cycles through our ecosystem and how mankind affects this cycle.   It is important that we understand how carbon cycles through the ecosystem for two reasons. The first of these reasons is that all organic material contains carbon.   From the smallest vitamin molecule all the way up to the long polymer chains of proteins and DNA, carbon provides the basis of all organic compounds.   The second reason why we need to understand the carbon cycle is because of its effect on the physical environment.   Carbon, in the form of carbon dioxide, is released as a waste product of oxidation.   This means that it is released during the combustion of fossil fuels, as well as the respiration of organisms.   As we will see later, this can have a tremendous effect on our climate, since carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. Carbon has two phases in the carbon cycle: gaseous and solid.   Its gaseous phase is mostly in the

Sustainable Management Futures. Free Markets and Governments Essay

Sustainable Management Futures. Free Markets and Governments - Essay Example Some scholars go to the extent that the government shouldn’t even engage in public spending on health, education and other necessities. ( Reisman, J., 1998) With such a non-egalitarian orientation, the government’s role in a free market system is confined to the role of a spectator while the market ensures that the efficient businessmen are rewarded with profits. -THE SOCIAL COSTS OF THE INVISIBLE HAND Classical economists such as Adam Smith claim that a free market is bound to create growth, that the invisible hand in an unregulated market fosters growth of efficient market mechanisms. Even after almost three centuries having passed by after the evolution of this notion, the free market is still deemed as an ideal model, but its promised benefits to society are now being viewed as rather utopian in nature. The dynamics of an unregulated free market are seen as quite reminiscent of Social Darwinism. The market favors the efficient few who own the means of production. ( Stiglitz, J., 2011) The free market functions in such a way that formation of separate classes is inevitable. Much attention has been paid to the rise of the industrial bourgeoisie and the proletariat. The former owning the means of production and making profits, while the former providing labor and earning wages. While the free market is said to have provided opportunities for both, the sheer magnitude of the unequal share of rewards has raised skepticism to the social benefits of a free market. -FREE MARKETS IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD The recent global economic crisis is said to have been the result of unregulated free markets. The role of governments is now being brought into perspective again, as the government is the very entity that is assisting in stabilizing the markets with massive bailout packages. The enormous growth rates exhibited during the pre-recession period were phenomenal, but a retrospective analysis suggests that they were unsustainable. The major fuel for recent economic growth has been the availability of capital. Lenient credit policies have paved way for expanding markets but not much attention has been paid to the costs of such confidence based growth. The common man, encouraged by growth-driven corporations has increased consumption, with the assumption that incomes will rise simultaneously. This spiral might exist for a limited time, but when it stops, the market eventually collapses. Unregulated economic growth has led to the resurfacing of a plethora of subprime lending and major Ponzi schemes. (Stiglitz, J.,2011 ) Economic growth does in fact lead to improving social indicators. Ever since capitalism has become the popular form of economic governance around the world, per capita inflation-adjusted income has risen from $5,400 in 1980 to $8,500 in 2005. (Shleifer, A., 2009) While educational and health figures have improved, the north-south orientation of this growth has been noticed as well. While social indicators have improved i n some areas and strata of the population, other portions remain unaffected. For instance, the top 1% of the income earners in United States have 24% share in the overall incomes generated. (Timothy, N. 2010) -THE NEED OF A MEDIATOR- THE GOVERNMENT: The concept of a welfare state arises from the notion that the

Mini Usa Essay Example for Free

Mini Usa Essay Although there is millions of people watch the ads in TV, the most of â€Å"right† viewers miss it. For example, if only 1% of total viewers are potential consumers, the ad is not cost effective. Recall or hold the information. It is difficult for people to recall or hold the information if they are interested in the product currently or in future. Internet advertising and online customization Emphasize on internet advertising and make an online customization service to potential consumers to design their own unique motors. MINI USA may take full advantage of customization of cars. This may also find some unknown consumers. Pros: -Huge viewers. Internet advertising can be viewed by a lot of viewers. -Internet advertising had reached a tipping point and was about to enter a period of accelerated growth. -Low cost Cons: -Senior citizens are not online in the same numbers as younger generations. -People may ignore ads when they are browsing webpages. Most people do not browse webpage aimless and they have a goal to find what they want, so they may ignore the ads. Recommendation Internet advertising and online customization would be recommended due to several reasons. Firstly, internet advertising is cost effective since it has a lower cost and can be viewed by a lot of people. Secondly, the television advertising and printed ads are declined. However, internet advertising was about to grow. Thirdly, online customization would be interesting, so consumers may send their customized motors to their friends and it may create more participants and discover more potential consumers. Finally, the potential buyers of MINI are

Less Effective Form Of Communication Media Essay

Less Effective Form Of Communication Media Essay Communication is the key thing that sets human beings apart from all the other animals. The human ability to communicate at a very sophisticated level has enabled us to build civilizations and to develop advanced technologies. Technology has increased incrementally since then and there have been huge leaps in communications technologies, such as the Internet. Whereas, the quality of the communication deteriorated as our ability to communicate rapidly via technology. The world today is a global world; we live in a global village and the world as we know it keeps decreasing due to the rapid growth of technology. The ever increasing speed at the development of new technology creates innovative ways of communicating and in more ways than one has changed the way people communicate. It will be argued here that although modern communication has some advantages, which include convenience, speed, dissemination, the disadvantages cannot be neglected, such as lack of content, language confusion . The role of modern technology provides methods that hinder interpersonal communication. This essay briefly provides a critical opinion on the potential disadvantages and possible dilemma with the use of electronic communication in interpersonal communication by provides examples of some interpersonal communication that rely on new technology . First, a rapid increase in communications technology has led to increased quantity of communication, but decreased quality. Technology is constantly changing the way we communicate. Although technology has made peoples life easier to communicate with others, it has caused the potential problem that the forms of communication to become less effective and less formal. Advances of communication technology have reduced the effectiveness of modern communication. The only forms of communication in many years ago were face to face, letters, and telephone. The switch to digital technology, like the invention of the internet has been the major influences on the form of how people communicate. (Boddy. 1) Communication is important to humans and a vital part of our world;. Human is a social animal and therefore requires communication as an essential tool for socializing. Focusing on interpersonal communication skills, Eunson (Eunson. 286) defines this as the processes that help, distort or bloc k communication of messages between individuals but communicating effectively requires some basic skills such as active listening, usage and interpretation of body language and facial expressions. However, technology has created different channels to enhance interpersonal communication, invention such as mobile phones, emails, social networks, has made for easier, faster and smarter ways of communicating. John Boynton Priestleyà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s Paradox suggests that the rapid increase in communications technology has reduced effective communication (Eunson. 4-5). It is the growth in all aspects of life in the twenty-first century that have increased the emphasis put on interpersonal communication. As the world continues to experience more growth, expands its horizons and even becomes more and more connected through technological advances, this has continued to call for the carrying out of effective interpersonal dialogue. As a result of advancement in technology an d the associated rise in businesses where transactions in faraway countries get involved, the call to have and maintain quality conversation has become a reality now. The question that therefore rises here is whether quality communication existed at one point in time and was eliminated by technological advancement or it is the technology itself that has made people realize the importance of quality during interpersonal communication? The former could be more true than the later as argued by Priestley (McEvoy. 48). Effective communication has been categorized as one that would only involve a small group of people who have the ability to interact exclusively with each and therefore have the chance and ability to adapt their messages to suit their recipient specific needs and get immediate interpretations and response from them (Eunson: 6). Technology is turning things around and Priestleys paradox cannot be held in doubt. It is possible today to send an email within minutes to thousan ds of people all over the world. This is fast and good but the problem with this kind of communication is that it does not meet the criteria for effective communication. The thousands of people who receive these emails do not have a chance to react directly to the sender. To be noted also very well is that it is not possible to customize this kind of communication to suit the specific needs of every recipient. A general message would thus have to be sent to all people irrespective of their needs. There is no doubt here that quantity of messages sent is a guarantee but quality remains questionable. Nowadays, the Internet has been the biggest technological advance in communication since the invention of the telephone. The Internet has allowed a worldwide network that is accessible by anywhere, anyone, and anytime(Kraut et al. 49). The internet had a negative effect, which is a paradox, on social involvement and psychological wellbeing with new internet users.(Kraut et al. 52). Modern technology has had its benefits as well as disadvantages on communication. Priestley felt that it has reduced quality and increased quantity while there are opponents to this theory who feel otherwise. There is no doubt that technology in communication has increased quantity but the concern of quality remains to be concluded as per the specific case that would be considered. In some cases it may reduce quality while in other cases, quality has been shown to be enhanced. Moreover, electronic communication also has negative impacts on language skills. In the struggle to educate the next generation, literacy, creativity, and thinking are all being impacted by technology communication. Language is shortened and cannibalized. It becomes acceptable to employ shortcuts that can spill over into the workplace. Impatience may result when folks fed on sound bites are forced to confront lengthy books, complex texts and journal articles. Literature and the English language both suffer as evidenced by declining reading skills and compromised rules of grammar. This decline has the potential to diminish performance on all sorts of challenges, including critical job-qualifying exams and assignments. Another drawback to communication technology is that many people feel more isolated than connected even as we are now allow to communicate with more and more people through various technologies. Life has a lot of dramatic changed. through the socializing among people. the frequency of social meetings has reduced. An increasingly number of people are more care and concern about their online life rather than their real social life. Technological means have also affected nonverbal communication. The current generation is beome more lacks essential interpersonal skills, such as the ability to express the ideas and thoughts to others face-to-face. The increased frequency of communication through texting and chatting on websites is a major reason for this tendency. In face to face communication and nonverbal communication, like facial expressions and body language, reinforces peoples message. Nonverbal communication is not allow for peoceed via communication technology . The Internet has m ade it possible to keep in touch with people from anywhere in the world. Pelople also can communicate on text messaging and cell phones. This has led to some complaints that such technology has led to a decrease in face-to-face interactions. Communicating with someone face-to-face allows people to watch their nonverbal cues, such as a smile or a frown, and this is another layer of communication. Technology doesnt allow people to catch these sorts of nonverbal cues. As Dr. Pam Hayes, an Alaska psychologist said, I think there is the potential for greater richness in face-to-face interaction because you lose the facial expressions and body cues when youre doing work on the Internet. The subtle forms of communications are lost over the Internet.Lack of face-to-face interaction has reduced the nonverbal grasping power of individuals. Communication technology creates laziness of some people. For example, people who use electronic communication to contactt somebody in the same place are d isplaying lazy behavior. The from typically involves the social networking web sites like Facebook or MySpace. These sites not only create huge distractions to peoples everyday lives but also keep people have ultimately replaced face-to-face socializing and from doing what theyre supposed to do. One more negative impact which cannot be neglected is that not everyone has the same level of access with electric communication. Digital divide refers to the difference in communication technology skills within groups of people. Electric communication makes the gap between people who possess regular access to technology, such as computers and their related functions like ability to get on the Internet Communication technology makes the digital divide of people who do not have this access . In conclusion, although technology has made life easier to communicate, it has caused the forms of communication to become less formal and less effective. Along with the rapid increase of technological innovations, people are more and more connected in the globalized world of today. However, as a result of the new technologies from this information agebut are ironically more isolated from family and friends. Although the alleviate of communication may have been improved, our lives have become more impersonal consequently. Technology has indeed made potential negative impact on society and made interpersonal communication less effective. Work sited Boddy, William. New Media and Popular Imagination: Launching Radio, Television, and Digital Media in the United States. Oxford University Press, 2004. Print. Eunson, Baden. Communicating in the 21st Century. John Wiley Sons Australia, 2008. Print. McEvoy, J. G. Enlightenment and Dissent in Science: Joseph Priestley and the Limits of Theoretical Reasoning. Enlightenment and Dissent 2. 1983. Print. Robert Kraut, Michael Patterson, Vicki Lundmark, Sara Kiesler, Tridas Mukopadhyay, and William Scherli.sInternet Paradox: A Social Technology That Reduces Social Involvement. Carnegie Mellon University,1998.

Fire in the Lake :: essays research papers

Fire in the Lake By Gerard Chretien  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  English:Vietnam 2002   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Prof:Morgan Shulz Twenty-eight years after publication, and 25 after the war's end, Fire in the Lake remains one of the very best books on the Viet Nam war. Sadly, Americans are woefully ignorant of the rest of the world. We have little real knowledge of our own history; but for the rest of the world's history and culture, we have neither knowledge nor regard. We do not even do the Vietnamese people the courtesy of respecting the name of their country--Viet Nam, not Vietnam; Sai Gon, not Saigon. Fitzgerald helps to correct some of this ignorance and arrogance. She begins examining the U.S. in Viet Nam from the perspective of Vietnamese history and culture; and in the process, demonstrating the tenacity and courage of the Vietnamese people, as well as their determination to rid themselves of any foreign invaders, even if, as with the Chinese, it takes 1,000 years. Another great strength of Fitzgerald’s book is, with her attention to Viet Nam's history and culture and their 20th century struggle against the French, she demonstrates, in an almost matter of fact way, a fundamental tenant of U.S. foreign policy which has been repeated numerous times in the post World War II era. That central tenant is to support thugs over patriots, to elevate to power those who will sell out their people for 30 pieces of silver rather than work with those committed to the well being of their people. Ho Chi Minh was our ally during WWII; his hero was Thomas Jefferson, not Karl Marx or Stalin. He was very pro-American; yet he was a nationalist and a patriot first, which meant, from the perspective of the U.S., he was not only unreliable, but someone who had to be destroyed. And though Fitzgerald does not carry her analysis beyond Viet Nam, an informed or a curious reader quickly can draw the parallels between U.S. policy in Viet Nam and U.S. policy in Africa, the Middle East, the Pacific rim (Indonesia specifically), South America, the Caribbean, and most obvious of all, Central America. Thus F itzgerald gives us not only the means of understanding the war in Viet Nam, and why we were doomed to lose, but also a point of departure for understanding the travesty of U.

Future of Our Education

Future of Our Education An average tablet filled with thousands of e-books weighs a billionth of a billionth of a gram more than if it were empty of data, rather than a single book that's manually read, cannot be updated, and contains only a specific published topic. Manufacturing a single tablet requires extraction of 33 pounds of mineral, 79 gallons of water, and 100 kilowatt hours of fossil fuels resulting in 66 pounds of carbon dioxide while a single tree cut only produces an average of 17 books.Proponents of tablets say that these are supported by teachers and students alike, because they re lighter and convenient to use than print textbooks. It can hold as many books as the owner wishes to have, plus homework, quizzes and other files, and actually improve one's ability to understand and learn. They say that tablets can save the environment by lowering the amount of printing and increase not only students' learning abilities but also their creativity. If there are Pros to tablet s, there are also Cons.Opponents say that these advanced technological necessities are far too expensive and can be a distraction for students. It can easily break and is time, energy and money consuming to fix. They say that these cause various health problems and other things that increase students' excuses for not doing their homework. Above all, it requires mostly of Wi-Fi connection to be able to update its data, since it becomes quickly outdated as new kinds of technology are released in the market.Some opponents of tablet may even use their practicality to counter the rapid escalation of the technologys popularity. But let's face it: who wouldn't want to use one? Generally speaking, it is obvious that there a lots of things a tablet has to offer than a plain old textbook. Using it is so intuitive that it makes learning more fun and easy. At the same time, it enables students to cut on corners instead of patiently browsing a textbook for meanings. Just one click and Voila!Ther e's your homework, your project, etc. Using a tablet has advantages and disadvantages. For an instance, it is slowly wiping out the textbooks existence since the world is on its way down the lane of modernization. But do we really need to have one in order to study? Replacing the use of textbooks in order to improve the quality of learning is a dire need but let's not forget what we did in the past and where we came from, for it is where we will predict the future of our education. By mynameismacey

Learning Review Essay

Introduction Learning Logs are more or less like personal diaries which helps you to record, structure, think about and reflect upon the evidence of your own learning. The difference between a learning log and personal diaries is that a learning log contains your conclusions about how what you have learnt is relevant to you and how you will use the new information or knowledge in the future. Development I used the Learning Log to record the courses I went on, Internet sites I had looked at, and television programmes I watched. My first experience I had when I was writing the first learning log was quite interesting and very difficult, being that I have never done anything like that before. I would say it is sometimes hard for someone to talk about oneself and feelings about something. Before I started writing the log, I asked myself a couple of questions like (What I did? , my thoughts and feelings? , what I learnt? , and What I will do differently next time? ). At first it seemed difficult to critically reflect upon my own learning’s, but over a period of time after much practising, it became a little easier and understandable. The more often I practiced the skill of self-reflection, the easier it became. Most of my learning logs were more or less focused on my personal life as it seemed easier to reflect on my personal life than reflecting on my academic life. Although talking about my personal life can get difficult as I sometimes did not know how to express my feeling toward what I was writing on. I encountered many difficulties and questions in writing my third log. At first, I thought I knew how well to write learning log, but later, I realised I was not so good. I asked myself, do I need to write every learning log referring to all my previous lecture or tutors? I cannot apply them so quick and see if they work for me. Then I realised it is easier to write about my daily life although it is harder to reflect on personal life. The content of one of my lectures (principles of marketing) was quite hard for me to write about and apply in my daily life. Apart from the above mentioned problem, I also have a question of what I learnt from an online marketing intelligent tutor program. At that tutor session, it was focused on the main issues of marketing. Evaluating the lecturers tone and works, the choice of evidence, the validity of the evidence, I think these points can be tried only when I read more commentary or article about the topic. The third lecture from my economics class was on critical reading. In the part of defining critical reading, I found myself always reading books passively and recklessly. When I have to read textbooks, this will happen easily. Some contents of those textbooks are quite long and boring. Just as now I am studying Microeconomics, I should read the whole chapter to get more information and concepts about this subject. But I don’t think it is easy to read. The sentences are long and hard to understand. When I read this textbook, I often cannot get concise concept and write summaries to be able to reflect on them One of the interesting logs I wrote was on a book I read titled â€Å"Good Decisions†. This particular log gave me a better idea on how to perfect my log writing skills because I was able to reflect on it. This book made me understand the different ways to approach ethical problems. I learnt that I have two core values, upholding harmony between people and doing the right thing, and this makes my decision-making difficult. I think I am not alone though, most people probably have similar problems and the reason why we cannot agree on some ethical issues is based on the fact that we approach them from different perspectives, rather than that we disagree on the fundamental values we have. I realised that if we share these values, our decision will depend on how we define caring for others and what things are the right things in different situations. I would also assume there might be a gender difference, with women being more likely to prioritise well-being of others and men finding it more important to uphold the rules. I decided that when next I am faced with any ethical dilemma with someone, I will try to identify what methods they are using to make the decision and see if that extra insight would help us solve the problem at hand quicker. Conclusion Overall I believe that the learning logs have helped me understand the importance of self-reflection. After I completed the amount of logs required weekly, I was able to achieve certain goals. Learning logs have made me tolerant, Analytical, Diplomatic, Become more open to learning, reflective in all I do and Self-Aware.

Discuss the causes of World War I Essay

The most prominent factors which led to World War 1 were nationalism, militarism, imperialism, the Balkan and Morocco crises, and the alliance system. As luck would have it, these factors either started in response to, or because of each other. The alliance system was one of the last factors to emerge before the war. The alliance system was a main cause of World War 1; it came into play because of a few factors, and did not cause the war alone. Nationalism, the love and support of one’s country, has always existed. During this time, nonetheless, it took part in the culmination of one of the most famous wars in history. As so much pride was devoted to countries, it made the potential for peace between past rivals less likely. It also meant that most nations, particularly the great powers, would rather fight a war than back down from a rival’s diplomacy. Since no country felt easy about fighting in a war alone, nationalism was a contributing factor to the alliance system. Allies provided a lot of ease with the growing militaries in almost every country. Militarism, a policy of aggressive military preparedness, in this period of time gave all countries great reason to feel the heavy weight of a looming war. Great Britain had a naval policy to have the largest military force hands down. That, along with the predominate feeling of war, provided countries with a strong reason to create an incredibly strong military force. This led to an arms race, which made the impending war seem certain. The military planning in some countries also caused an increased fear of war. Military machines were being developed; each country was appointing a staff of experts. The greatest problem with this was the fear that the expert would precipitate war under a looming timetable. The alliance system was born from these two factors. If two or more countries are allied with each other they have a better chance of defeating their common enemy if war was declared. They also have a higher likelihood of winning if they have alliances providing support. Imperialism is defined as the control of people by another politically, economic exploitation, or the imposition of culture on another group. This not only played a large part in the creation of the alliance system, but it  also created enemies for many countries, which were grounds for war. For example, Austria wanted to dominate the Balkans in order to check for propaganda coming from Serbia. Germany supported Austria in its Balkan policy because it wanted to exploit the rich resources of Asia Minor, and had to have a peaceful route through the Balkans to get there. In this way, it led to the alliance of Germany and Austria when war was in the near future. Imperialism led countries to have conflicting national interests as well, which also led to war. Each country thought they were right and wanted to convert other cultures to be more like their own. With nationalism, militarism, and imperialism all showing a large presence at the same period, a solid ground was formed for the alliance system to build itself on. The Dual Alliance between Germany and Austria was formed, the Triple Alliance between Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Italy was created, and the Triple Entente was created between France, Russia, and Great Britain. Although the Triple Entente was not an official alliance, they all maintained a very close understanding, and were viewed by many as a threat. The crises in Morocco and the Balkans had a devastating result because it was one right after the other. The 3rd Balkan crisis led to what most would say was the immediate cause of the war. It was what caused the most damage, possibly only because it was followed soon after the first two. On June 28, 1914, the Black Hand, a Bosnian revolutionary, assassinated the heir to the Austrian throne, Archduke Francis Ferdinand. In retaliation, Austria decided to end the South Slav separatism, and issued an ultimatum. Austrian officials must be allowed to collaborate in the investigation and punishment of the assassinators. Austria, with the support of Germany, then declared war against the Serbs, since they had refused the ultimatum. Then, on August 1, 1914, Germany demanded that Russia’s military mobilization cease, and when Russia refused, Germany declared war. Russia then declared war on France, convinced that it would enter anyway. Germany was devastated when Great Britain entered the war. As one country declared war on another all alliances were brought into the war, and the First World War soon took place, thus, the alliance system  holds the greatest responsibility for the breakout of a world war. However, the alliance system might have never occurred had it not been for nationalism, militarism, and imperialism. Furthermore, the Morocco and Balkan crises did not directly cause the war, but they were used as justification for the war to begin. That’s why, many factors contributed to the formation of the alliance system, which led to tension between enemy countries, and the third Balkan crisis paved the way for the Great War to begin. Western Civilization: Since 1500, Chapters 13-29, Vol. 2 : Jackson J. Spielvogel (Paperback)Wikipedia

Information Processing Theory Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Information Processing Theory - Research Paper Example   Therefore, the system of information processing of a person may be advanced when rules and preceptors are altered. This theory is, therefore, a system of theoretical frameworks addressing how information is received, thought about, modified mentally and remembered, and the manner in which such process of cognitive changes in the course of development. The theory involves components such as working memory, sensory register, and long-term memory. New information is received by the sensory register, processed at the working memory, and transferred to long-term memory. In his article, Thadani refers to these components as rehearsal, attention, and elaboration. Without these factors, people will not be able to understand, perceive, use and remember anything got every day.The information processing model follows a fixed structure of components as mentioned in the above paragraph. The structure of the model is as follows:†¢ The store model: this states that any information received can be kept at any unit of processing or channels it goes through. These channels are short term memory, sensory register and long-term memory.†¢ The sensory register: this makes part of the unit of mental processing receiving all information which is then stored permanently or temporarily.†¢ Short-term memory: this is a part of sensory register in which information can be temporarily stored. The information is then transferred to long-term memory once a decision has been made concerning such information. Long term memory: this is where information is stored permanently. Such information can be recovered as need arises. The use and application of information processing theory is something seen in our daily learning. The use and application of this theory can be explained as follows; at any given point when people perceive information, encode, store, retrieve, or represent information, it’s taken as thinking. Where a dilemma or problem arises, people must always encode critical information on the dilemma and then the stored information can be used in solving the dilemma. The steps involved include encoding, automization, strategy construction and

Goal of education Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Goal of education - Research Paper Example Education begins when a person is born. The initial education in a person’s life is acquired from the mother or the guardian. After which, a person advances to other formal education stages. The steps include preschool, primary, secondary, and higher level education. There are those in the society who benefit from special education such as the mentally handicapped (Arnove, 2007). Apart from the formal methods of education mentioned above, there are other forms that people use to acquire knowledge. Among them are alternative forms, indigenous forms, informal learning and self-directed learning (Schlosser & Simonson, 2010). There are many stakeholders’ to education. There are important roles assigned to each stakeholder in order to attain the goals of education. Among the stakeholders are students, parents or guardians, teachers, government, community, and businesses among others (Whitehead, 1967). The theory stipulates the purposes for the educational persuasion. The theory discusses in depth particular issues such as goals of schools, educational psychology, learning modalities, philosophy and curriculum (Collins,

Epidemiologic Analysis and Preventable Disease Essay

Epidemiologic Analysis and Preventable Disease - Essay Example One of such disease is heart disease. Heart disease is already an epidemic and threatens to become pandemic if not proactively prevented. It is not a communicable disease, but yet it is one which threatens a huge portion of the population. The purpose of this discussion is to approach the issue of heart disease from an epidemiological standpoint in order to analyze how data relating to the topic may be used in a healthcare setting with regards to decision making concerning limited healthcare resources. When saying that heart diseases is not communicable, it is meant that it is not like a bacterial or viral infection which is transferred from host to host or in an airborne manner. It is however, a disease which is more likely to occur in those who have a genetic predisposition for it. This does not necessarily mean that an individual with a family history of heart disease which actually get it. In fact, preventing heart disease is most important among those who have a family history of it. Some individuals may have more than one family member who has suffered form CHD, which elevates that individual’s CDH risk factor along with the ages of onset within the person’s family. By looking at a few different factors regarding patient history and lifestyle, physicians may establish a personal score for that individual which represents their likelihood of contracting CHD. The benefit that we have over CHD is that it is manageable and predictable (Supino et al, 2002, p.130). Heart disease can be prevented by following the guidelines of a healthy lifestyle which are balanced between diet and exercise as well as avoiding alcohol and tobacco. The chances of acquiring heart disease, are associated with overeating or high fat, high cholesterol diets. Those who live a sedentary lifestyle are also at a higher risk for heart disease. Stress or the improper handling of stress is also linked to heart disease. Certainly, lowering

Vermont Teddy Bear Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Vermont Teddy Bear - Case Study Example According to the report findings there are also orders which are placed by women. They whether buy present for their loved ones, relatives of children. Speaking of value, we should note that the prices of Vermont Teddy Bear are not only competitive, but they are also reasonable as the company provides a great deal of customization. Of course, the customers might find lower prices, but they may not find the same level of commitment and special care for their gifts. The financial model of the company is a rather simple one. It capitalizes the nostalgia of the people over simple gifts and offers something that is traditional and easily understandable. Indeed, teddy bears, pajamas and flowers do not contain any electronics and are suitable for the majority of the holidays. Speaking of the latter, there are three peak seasons in the year with roughly a month apart. However, sales are not very successful during the rest of the year due to a general shortage of demand.From this study it is clear that  the employees call it the rush and indeed the number of orders that are placed is tremendous. That is why there is no wonder that the system cannot process all and shuts down. There is even an internal moniker that is given to men who place their order at the very last moment: â€Å"Late Jack†. The biggest challenge that occurs during the peak experiences is the loss of orders and, consequently, bad reputation among the customers.

Cross Cultural Transitions Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Cross Cultural Transitions - Research Paper Example Le Ly Hayslip then made up her mind to divert all her energy towards her career, to establish a restaurant and to supervise all the rental properties in her possession. After she had accumulated her assets, she made up her mind to support her own native land using the wealth she had acquired. She managed to set up medical clinics after establishing a foundation that was known as the east meets the west. In addition, Hayslip was determined to end the existing hatred and to heal wounds that had resulted from the war. The earlier war completely separated Hayslip whole family. One of her brothers lost touch with the family for 20 years after fleeing to Hanoi. Another brother lost his life in a landmine. Her father, on the other hand, received great pressure from the Viet Cong. They wanted him to take the initiative to persuade her daughter Hayslip to become a saboteur.In trying to understand, the real meaning of culture shock our reference mainly is the life and experiences of Le Ly Hays lip during her childhood and the early adulthood stages. She was forced by the then existing hostility and insecurity in her own homeland, Vietnam to seek for safety in different countries. In trying to link up the transition experienced by Le Ly Hayslip, culture shock meaning has to be well understood. Culture shock is the difficulty experienced by individuals when they are forced by certain circumstances to adjust to another culture that varies from that in their native land.... Out this marriage, Le Ly Hayslip bore a second son. Her main objective was to get an opportunity to move to America and she did a few years later. Her husband died after they had relocated to America and she remarried Dennis Hayslip in spite him being an alcoholic and abusive. Their marriage took place after Dennis Hayslip had assisted Le Ly’s sister to flee from Vietnam. However, after formalizing their union, their differences escalated and Hayslip filed for a divorce. Their marriage ended after the death of Dennis through carbon monoxide poisoning. Le Ly Hayslip then made up her mind to divert all her energy towards her career, to establish a restaurant and to supervise all the rental properties in her possession. After she had accumulated her assets, she made up her mind to support her own native land using the wealth she had acquired. She managed to set up medical clinics after establishing a foundation that was known as the east meets the west. In addition, Hayslip was d etermined to end the existing hatred and to heal wounds that had resulted from the war. The earlier war completely separated Hayslip whole family. One of her brothers lost touch with the family for 20 years after fleeing to Hanoi. Another brother lost his life in a land mine. Her father on the other hand, received great pressure from the Viet Cong. They wanted him to take the initiative to persuade her daughter Hayslip to become a saboteur. Hayslip father however, opted to commit suicide instead of yielding into the pressure. In trying to understand, the real meaning of culture shock our reference mainly is the life and experiences of Le Ly Hayslip during her childhood and the early adulthood stages. She was forced by the then existing hostility and

Response to a Midsummer Nights Dream Essay Example for Free

Response to a Midsummer Nights Dream Essay I grew interested in the play’s conflict, since it seems modern day typical. I, for one, enjoy watching love stories and dramas. This play, served just that purpose. Reading of the avenged lover’s, Hermia and Lysander, plan to run into the forest to marry seemed likely to be seen on a Wednesday night, 9:00PM, drama series. Which, I absolutely love! Then, the play takes a twist from reality. Helena acquires information related to Hermia and Lysander’s plan to marry, which provides her initiative to tell Demetrius. She intends on winning back the love of Demetrius. The two of them go out in search of the Lysander and Hermia, and find that they’ve all landed themselves in a forest filled with â€Å"fairies. † When introduced to the idea of fairies, I was a bit distraught. I was filled with enjoyment because the plot seemed so realistic! Discouraged from reading the play, I found myself wondering, what on earth could be the position of these fairies in the forest? Noticing that I was wondering about the fairies, made me realize that I actually was interested; otherwise I wouldn’t be thinking about it. What a premeditated man Shakespeare is! These fairies were passionate about disrupting the love affairs of surrounding humans. Ha! He just made it more interesting. By entrance into the fairy-infested woods, the romantic lives of these couples converted to very complicated. Oberon, the King, and Titania, the Queen of all the forest fairies lead and direct Puck, or Robin, as he achieves his mischievous tactics. Oberon, decided upon mismatching the lovers as a consequence for their disturbance. He refers Puck to the power of a magical, love-bringing flower. A flower that can literally teach someone to love, why can’t we have that in real life? Puck, being clumsily skillful, uses the magic against the wrong person! He played the magic trick on Lysander instead of Demetrius, the intended target. As a result, he falls in love with the first person he see’s after awakening, Helena. Trying to undo his mistake, Puck makes Demetrius fall in love with Helena as well. Hermia is now very upset. He created pure chaos, and just the way I like it. Firstly, I am not a fan of the comedy in this play. However, Shakespeare casually, yet competently, creates a mix of humor and love. The artisans are portrayed as foolish while imitating the play of â€Å"Pyramis and Thysby. They mock words in the play, for instance when Bottom says, â€Å"Thisbe, the flowers of odious savors sweet—,† Quince corrects him with, â€Å"Odors,† â€Å"odors. † â€Å"Odious† is another word for unpleasant, while â€Å"odors† pertains to the fragrant smell of â€Å"sweet† flowers. It makes me snicker at the th ought of messing up a line so simple and a word so ironic from it’s original. Yet it feels unrelated and sort of disconnects my thought from the play. I will however say, the thought of the Athenian’s head turning into that of an Ass is a bit amusing. I find that humor is necessary when writing works filled with such seriousness and drama, it just happens to be that I am not a fan. I found this play exciting and pleasantly full of drama. Shakespeare’s works of literature are all fabulous in many different ways through use of common themes such as love and dreams. The love of these couples was at first true, but then foolishly played around with. Hermia felt mocked by Lysander and Demetrius, a feeling that most females often feel when men act in this manner. She was accustomed to these men being in love with her, and then they suddenly were in love with Helena. By morning Puck is able to undo all the spells, making all well again. They engage in a group wedding, marrying Helena and Demetrius, and Lysander and Hermia. The end of the play involves the fairies sprinkling dust to protect these couples in the future. Puck also remains to ask for forgiveness and to remember the play as though it was all a dream. The theme of love and dreams combine in this play making it an excellent eye-opener. Sometimes, things must happen for all to go the way one pleases. I enjoyed this play from beginning to end because of its realistic encounters mixed with the ideas fantasy.

Reflect on the physical and social factors of vulnerability

Reflect on the physical and social factors of vulnerability I have recently undertaken a student nurse placement in a community hospital in North Wales. I was mainly employed on the care of the older person ward. This ward dealt with older people awaiting or recovering from surgery or awaiting re-housing into care facilities or their own modified house. Many of the patients could be considered vulnerable. Normal aging, illness and life experiences had increased the vulnerability of many of the patients and the coping skills of many had been severely diminished. In this essay, I will examine one of the patients I came into contact with regularly. In accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Code of Conduct (NMC 2008) all names and placement details will be concealed, and I will refer to the patient as Mr. A at all times. I will discuss Mr. As medical conditions and how and why these medical conditions have led Mr. A to be regarded as vulnerable, covering physical, social, psychological and environmental factors. Mr. A was a 67 year old gentleman who was morbidly obese. He had a BMI of over 40  kg/m2 and was bed bound. He also suffered with Aspergers Syndrome which is a type of autism mainly affecting social and communication skills. Both of these in addition with being an older person would have led to him to be vulnerable in various aspects. Vulnerability  is the susceptibility to physical or emotional injury or attack. Vulnerability refers to a persons state of being liable to succumb to  manipulation,  persuasion  or  temptation. (Bankoff, et al. 2004). A vulnerable adult is one who due to Age, Physical injury, Disability, Disease or Emotional or Developmental disorders is unlikely to be able to provide for their own basic necessities of life; they may also have an increased risk of harm or injury. This would include, but is not necessarily limited to adults who reside in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, adult family homes, boarding homes, assisted living facilities or those who receive health care or other assistance in providing for the basic necessities of life while residing in their own home. Roper, Logan and Tierney(1980) published a nursing model outlining 12 activities of daily living that are crucial to a person basic needs, some of which are essential such as breathing, eating and drinking and others which enhance the quality of life such as work and play and expressing sexuality. When an individual becomes old, frail, ill and immobile they may be dependent on others to help them with the 12 ADLs. This can result in people feeling vulnerable. Fernandez LS et al (2002) states that impaired physical mobility, diminished sensory awareness, chronic health conditions, and social and economic limitations can result in vulnerability of the elderly to disasters such as falls or accidents. Frail elderly with serious physical, cognitive, economic, and psycho-social problems are at especially high risk. Mr. A was 67 and according to the Geriatric Pharmacology Research Group in Newcastle upon Tyne, The frail elderly are individuals, over 65 years of age, dependent on others for activities of daily living, and often in institutional care. As with Mr. A, he was 67 years old and was reliant on carers for many if not all of the Activities of Daily Living. He was also in institutional care for pressure sores. Due to all of these points Mr. A would be classed as frail elderly. Mr As problem with weight was the main cause of his hospitalisation, he stated he had weight consistently put on more and more weight over the years. He felt very responsible for his weight gain but was reluctant to do anything about it even though he was classed as morbidly obese. Obesity  is a  medical condition  in which excess  body fat  has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced  life expectancy  and/or increased health problems.  Body mass index  (BMI), a measurement which compares  weight  and height, defines people as  overweight  when their BMI is between 25  kg/m2  and 30  kg/m2, and obese when it is greater than 30  kg/m2. Mr. As obesity led him to be largely bedbound and incapable of maintaining his health, his home or personal hygiene. When Mr A was living in his own home district nurses would regularly come in to tend to his pressure sores. Pressure sores are  lesions  to the skin caused by many factors such as unrelieved  pressure and friction. These pressure sores were the result of Mr A being unable to move so constantly having to stay in the same position and thus having unrelieved pressure on different parts of his body. As Mr. A was bedbound he could not tend to his own housekeeping and his house became so untidy the district nurses found it too hard care for him in the chaotic surroundings so referred him to a community hospital. While he was in a community hospital a council funded cleaning team organized his house in order for him to be discharged back to a manageable house. Another reason that district nurses were finding Mr. A hard to manage was that he suffered from Aspergers Syndrome and would often be aggressive with the district nurses. Aspergers syndrome  is a type of autism that is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests. It differs from other autisms as sufferers linguistic  and  cognitive development are often fine and develop well. The exact  cause of Aspergers  is unknown.  There is no single treatment but interventions are used to improve sufferers symptoms and functions. The main treatment used is  behavioural therapy, focusing on the specific insufficiency of the patient. These tend to consist of poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness.  Most individuals improve over time, but difficulties with communication, social adjustment and  independent living  can exist and continue into adulthood.  Some people with Aspergers syndrome may become angry and aggressive, either to themselves or to other people. Sometimes when a person with Aspergers feels angry, they cannot easily pause and think of alternative strategies to resolve the situation. The rapidity and intensity of anger, often in response to a relatively trivial event, can be extreme and can get so intense, they may go into a blind rage and unable to see the signals indicating that it would be appropriate to stop. (Attwood, 2006). At the community hospital Mr. A would often get aggressive or rude when more than one nurse would be in the room. If he felt he wasnt being listened to not being involved enough he would become very agitated and start shouting. The nurses took this into account and made sure Mr. A was involved at all times with anything going on in his room. I feel this condition may have led Mr. A to inadvertently isolate himself from people and people to him. When people do not understand something they can take a negative approach to it. Mr. As outbursts would have offended some people and cause them to detach themselves. This would quite possibly be due to the fact they did not understand or know about the condition and fear of the unknown leads to negativity in some cases. (Campbell, 2006) A person who is vulnerable to isolation or social pressure may be considered as suffering from social vulnerability. When people become isolated due to illness or reduced mobility they may find it difficult to access essential services. Mr. A had a job translating books from various foreign languages into English. He did this from his laptop every day and when he was transferred to hospital he left his laptop at home. This made his feel low all the time as he said he had no purpose to his day. The nursing staff through Multi Disciplinary Team meetings reviewed his situation and decided to let him have his laptop delivered to the hospital along with internet connection and had his mail transferred, this all to allow him to continue to work which elevated his mood greatly for the remainder of his stay. He reported he was much happier at the community hospital now that he could continue with his day to day life. Mr. A also said he felt isolated due to his obesity. As people age, they often become more vulnerable, their social circumstances particularly impact their health. As with Mr A, due to his obesity he was confined to his bed and this impacted on his social circumstances. It limited anything he wanted to do socially, for example, he could not venture out of the house, and could only find small ways of interacting with society. One of these ways was through his online job; this allowed him to interact through the internet without having to leave his bed. This had both a positive and negative side. Although it allowed Mr. A to interact with people, all be it virtually, which was important in developing his social skills it did however mean he did not have to move and so made little effort in changing his lifestyle. Mr. As lifestyle choices were undoubtedly the main cause of his hospitalization. He refused to try to diet at the hospital and stated he had always been this way, never wanting to diet. Family members would bring in unhealthy food for him; they were advised against doing this but made no attempt to stop. A dietician came to evaluate Mr. A and a plan was made but not stuck to by Mr. A. He was also offered physiotherapy in the form of help to start doing small movements with his arms and legs daily but he declined. This weight problem made him vulnerable to all sorts of illnesses; one in particular that was being managed at the hospital was his pressure sores. In hospital a special bed was required to accommodate his weight and relieve his pressure sores, along with bariatric chairs, wheelchairs and hoists. Mr. As weight and inability to move made him physically vulnerable. Many of the elderly are admitted to hospital due to something caused by a physical vulnerability. A physical vulnerability is when a person has an increased risk of injury. E.g. easily brakes bones, has reduced strength, reduced movement or dexterity. Many of the patients in the community hospital were there as a result of such vulnerability and had suffered injuries resulting from falls. Some had reduced mobility which meant they needed assistance in performing one or more daily tasks such as getting in and out of bed, preparing meals and eating them, doing housework, dressing, and performing personal hygiene. According to Holden and Smeeding sixteen percent of the elderly need help with at least one of these conditions. Elderly persons subject to two or more of the five they deemed insecure; those facing three or more were considered extremely insecure. Those people who are totally dependent on social services for survival are already economically and socially marginalized and require additional support at all times. Mr. A needed help with all physical activities, he was washed, dressed, fed, and cared for all by nurses and carers. He stated that because he could not do anything for himself he had no quality of life in the community hospital and although he was bedbound at home as well, he did have home comforts and had developed methods of reaching things he needed and wanted, such as a pik-stick. These new surroundings may have made Mr. A feel environmentally Vulnerable. Environmental vulnerability is when a person suffers reduced quality of life caused by external conditions and surroundings. The transfer to the community hospital was a major change of environment for Mr. A as he had to get used to new surroundings, new methods, and new people and as he has limited movement he stated he all the new goings on made him feel rather helpless as all he could do was press the bell and wait if he needed something. This was understandable and it was explained to Mr A in great detail the goings on, routines and layout of the hospital to try and overcome his worries. Brubaker (1987) tells of how having a major lifestyle change such as having to come to hospital for a long period of time can make the patient feel as though there dignity is being taken away from them. This was noticeable with Mr. A. When he was first admitted to hospital, he resisted being washed on many occasion. This may have been due to there being many new nurses and carers that he was not used to. He may have felt shy and undignified having to be washed in his hospital bed my many different workers. This was overcome by making sure his door was always closed, windows and curtains shut, nurses and carers would also introduce themselves, ask for consent and talk Mr. A through the procedure, all in order to make him feel more comfortable. This seemed to cease his worries and he started to allow the staff to wash him on a daily basis. One major concern of Mr. As was the time it took from when he pressed the bell in the hospital or the emergency bell in his house to the time a nurse or carer got to him. He would panic during this period and this impacted greatly on his psychological well being leaving him psychologically vulnerable. Psychological Vulnerability is when someone is vulnerable to emotional or behavioural harm. While Mr. A was in the community hospital calming and relaxation techniques were taught to him to try and overcome his anxiety. He was taught deep breathing techniques and stated he found this particularly beneficial. Every time he started to feel anxious and worried he could now use these new techniques which take his mind of the worry and keep him calm. While I was working at the hospital I saw a huge change in Mr. As behaviour in terms of anxiety. He became much less aggressive when having to wait for a nurse.   There were many elderly residents at the community hospital that suffered many different types of psychological vulnerability. Many of the frail elderly who had suffered falls lost their confidence completely. One female patient told me that she did not want to go home as she did not feel she could cope. She did not feel safe in her home but would not want to move to a residential home. This must be a very distressing time and it is hard to reassure patients in this mind set. Through the MDT meetings it was decided that Mr. A would have to go to a residential home as it would not be safe for him to go home. Mr. A felt he would not enjoy being in residential and was completely opposed to the idea. However, three workers from the residential home came to speak to Mr. A, he was taken to view the residential home and his room, the Doctors and Nurses at the community hospital spoke to Mr. A at length and gave him time to voice his questions and concerns. With time Mr. A seemed to come around to the idea and realise it was the best option for him and by the end of my student placement Mr. A told me he was looking forward to moving out of the community hospital and into the residential home. I have outlined Mr. As conditions and how he was affected by physical, psychological, sociological and environmental vulnerability. Over the seven weeks I was in the community hospital alot was done to conquer Mr As vulnerability and re-merge him into society. Community hospitals are designed to reduce the risks to people who are vulnerable to social, physical, environmental and psychological injury. Hospitals have special floors, showers, seats and beds. They have controlled heating, lighting, diets, they encourage interaction between patients and with visitors (at certain times during the day) thus reducing social isolation. Highly trained staff monitor and review patients regularly to ensure they are receiving the best care and the support needed to leave hospital and to prevent their return. This all minimises the risk of patients feeling vulnerable and helps them to have a fast recovery and rehabilitation.