Critically evaluate the view that Changing Organisational Culture is Essay

Critically evaluate the view that Changing Organisational Culture is difficult if not impossible and requires a different approach to other types of change initiatives - Essay Example In-depth study of culture change in the corporate and organisational literature reveals it to be centered on human relations management for higher productivity. Edgar Schein (1985) believes that culture is seen as a "hot topic" within the corporate world because it is perceived that organisations can be more effective if they develop the right type of culture. Some may believe that it is possible to change dysfunctional cultures to those that are better adapted to their environments. However, according to Schein, culture is hard to define and even harder to measure, harder still to determine the effects on the corporate world. Organisational cultural change is difficult because it is difficult to assess or measure culture. Schein (1985) three level model appears to provide a meaningful option that is useful for assessing organisational culture. In the model, artifacts are placed at the highest level of the structure. The next level represents values which reflect goals and ideals of the organisation; they are the why behind what people within the organisation do. Finally, at the lowest level of Scheins model we find assumptions. The innermost core of culture, assumptions represent rarely spoken, latent, core beliefs and are therefore the most difficult to assess. It is possible for the three levels of culture to be incongruent. For instance, a company may have an open door policy (artifact) and express a value that everyones opinion is appreciated and sought, but below the surface is the knowledge that the boss is really the only one with whom to share the important information (assumption). Leaders of organisations and the consultants who work with them have learned a lot about behaviour change which is seen at the most superficial level of artifacts but not much about how to create organisational belief and value change. Behaviour change

Explain the difference between a security vulnerability and an exploit Essay

Explain the difference between a security vulnerability and an exploit - Essay Example Exploits encompass a large range of possible attacks, from HTTP domains designed to remove data or imbed malware on Web servers, to bumper overflow assaults that can cause targeted systems to run random software (Secpoint, 2012). An exploit is a way of stage-managing the vulnerability, in addition to using it to manipulate a system or network. Simply because something has been recognized as a vulnerability does not imply that it has been used to control a system. The incidence of the exploit denotes someone has effectively used that weakness and taken advantage of it. A vulnerability is a fault or flaw found in software and operating systems that hazards try to exploit. Threats are malevolent files or programs that assault a functions or operating systems vulnerability to enter a computer. A vulnerability is basically a weakness, found in a program. Threats occur in many shapes, depending on their approach of attack. From bugs to Trojans, spyware along with bots, threats have developed into complex programs meant to damage computer. Whenever an invader recognizes a security vulnerability in a software program like a firewall system, a DNS server, a web server, a ftp server, a mail server, or other appliances the goal is typically to obtain leveraged admission into the intended system. There are many kinds of security faults. Normally, overflow vulnerabilities control the software appliance to do something that it is not destined to. So as to exploit these weaknesses to gain leveraged rights on the target appliances, a hacker requires writing a portion of source code referred to as â€Å"an exploit†. This will exploit of the recognized security vulnerability and push the software to the edge, breaking it and, in the course of breaking, achieving leveraged entry to the target appliance with the identical privileges as the given curriculum that is being assaulted. Vulnerability-centered detection appliances are markedly higher to previous exploit-centered

Ethnic inequalities in the workplace

Ethnic inequalities in the workplace 3. Why, despite Race Discrimination, legislation do ethnic inequalities in the workplace persist? There are a large number of problems including discrimination, human capital and social isolation that mean that ethnic inequalities in the workplace continue. Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and Black Caribbeans suffer the most discrimination, have the least human capital and are most prone to social isolation. This can be seen in that these ethnic groups have the greatest unemployment rates and lowest incomes. Meanwhile the Chinese and Indians do better for themselves in comparison, however are still not on the same levels at Whites in Britain. Since the 1970s Black Caribbeans, Bangladeshis and Pakistanis have continued to have double the unemployed rates that whites do. This is shown in the fact that on average Black Caribbeans earn around 15% less than whites (Hall Carter, 2006). Meanwhile increasingly Indians and Chinese have managed to gain more or less the same levels of works at whites in Britain. Further more Indians, Chinese and Pakistanis have continued to have higher rates of s elf employment than whites or Black Caribbeans since the 1960s, meaning Black Caribbeans do the worst in employment (Clark Drinkwater, 1998). However there is some evidence to suggest the situation is improving in the workplace that will be explored nearer the end of the essay. Discrimination, whether it be conscious or subconscious, is seen as a major factor in ethnic inequalities in the workplace in Britain. The general definition of discrimination is that it is prejudice treatment of a person based on their membership of a group. Often this discrimination is against a religious group or race, even simply due to skin color. A vast amount of research suggests that discrimination against ethnic minorities continues to be a problem when it comes to employers hiring. (Deitch, Barsky, Butz, Chan, Brief Bradley, 2003). Further studies also suggest that prejudice against ethnic minorities has remained at a constant level over the past 40 years (Li Heath, 2008). It is defiantly a valid point that different ethnic minorities experience different levels of discrimination by whites within Britain. Research shows that the British population overall believe there to be similar levels of prejudice against Blacks and as there are with Pakistanis (Verkuyten Brug, 2002 ). There is a common underlying prejudice view with some employers that these ethnics groups are most prone to laziness and crime. The view that racial discrimination is greater in manual labour such as building than it is in the non-manual labour such as office work is certainly a valid one, as it can be argued there are more social boundaries with an office environment than on a building site (Fraser, 2009). The higher an individual goes in the workplace hierarchy, the greater the rules and regulations set in place that prevents discrimination within that environment. Hence this means discrimination is likely to be greatest at the lower end of the manual labour hierarchy. It is fair to say Black Caribbeans and Pakistanis are more likely to be discriminated against than Indians and Chinese as there is a clear education gap between them. Unfortunately due to the similarity in looks between Pakistanis and Indian they may well suffer equal discrimination. Black Caribbeans in particula r will feel obliged to apply for lower pay jobs (Verkuyten Brug, 2002). It is hence easy to see how once you are bracketed into a certain ethnic group, depending on which group that is, an individual is either in a cycle of advantage or disadvantage. Whites would on average be considered to be in a cycle of advantage with regards to ethnicity and work in Britain. The idea of human capital adds to the problem of ethnic inequality in the workplace. An employer will seek to asses how strong or weak an applicants human capital is (their value as worker). For example if you are a graduate from university experience you are far more likely to be employed than someone who dropped out of school at the age of 16. Ethnic discrimination in human capital can be seen clearly in that if a white individual has the same qualification as an individual from an ethnic minority, the white individual is more likely to get the job. This is a sad but true fact, although one would like to think it is becoming less common in this current age. However, ethnic groups are not discriminated against to the same degree as one another, with Indians and Chinese often coming close or surpassing whites in their human capitol. This is due to ethnic groups differing levels of human capital, subsequently created by differing education levels. On average Indians and Chinese have h igher educational levels than Black Caribbeans, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis (Ratcliffe, 2004). This would help explain the pay gaps between the ethnic groups, with Indians and Chinese on average earning more than other ethnic minorities (through better jobs due to their better standard of education). Language is another vital part of human capital. In the first generation of migrants, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis in particular lacked the English language one needs to work. This is less of an issue now, but unfortunately these prejudices carry on into the second generation. Education levels and language skills are therefore crucial to judging an individuals human capital. Unfortunately due to conscious or subconscious discrimination of an employer being white is often an addition to an individuals human capital while often being a member of an ethnic group is seen as a subtraction to human capital. Another reason for ethnic inequality within the workplace is social isolation. This is relevant in particular among Pakistanis and Bangladeshis, as they are the most socially isolated of all the ethnic groups within Britain (Ratcliffe, 2004). Compared to other ethnic groups, in particular whites, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis lack the bridging social skills that are needed to gain work contacts within a predominantly white British society, which is almost essential to finding the jobs. Their social isolation may continue with their lack of good education and English language, which is again essential to networking for jobs. Further more ethnic minorities are often highly concentrated in certain urban areas, with Bangladeshis and Pakistanis having the highest level of geographical segregation from the white population (Solomon, 2003). Due to this they are less likely to mix with the white population of Britain, and therefore less likely to network for jobs. As a result there are very fe w examples of Pakistanis or Bangladeshis marrying into white families. Again, location is essential as to rates of pay or qualities of jobs. The first generation of migrants arrived in Britain with little knowledge and little money, hence they moved into lower class and lower income areas of cities. This is where cycles of advantage and disadvantage are relevant once more. Ethnic groups who live in areas of deprivation are in cycles of disadvantage. Classic examples include areas of Slough, East London and Bradford. Areas of deprivation will entail a poor quality education and poor job opportunities and therefore will in turn create individuals of poor human capital that are likely to be discriminated against due to their geographical location and prejudice opinions that come with living in that area. On top of this, if an individual is of an ethnic minority there is even more discrimination likely to be consciously or subconsciously directed their way. Due to this, an area may beco me less desirable, and therefore only attract more migrants or unemployed due to the cheap standard of living, adding further to the problems of the area. While there is overwhelming evidence to suggest ethnic inequalities within the workplace persist, there is some evidence of the situation improving. Overall racial discrimination is becoming less common due to new rules and regulations, as well as it being frowned upon to the highest degree. In particular, Black Caribbean individuals are marrying white individuals hence bridging the gap between ethnic groups and creating more networking for employment (Hall Carter, 2006). The second generation of migrants are generally doing better with jobs than the first generation due to their greater integration into the education system and greater use of the English language. In particular Indians and Chinese are acceleration in the economy, gaining high earning jobs in law or medicine. In conclusion, there are a large number of problems including discrimination, human capital and social isolation that mean that ethnic inequalities in the workplace persist. Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and Black Caribbeans suffer the most inequality in the workplace, while the Chinese and Indians do better for themselves in comparison, however are still not on the same levels at whites in Britain On average the whites in Britain do better overall in the workplace than the other ethnic groups due to the above problems. Having said this, the second generation of migrants have done better in the workplace than the first generation of migrants.

Commanding Lady Fortune: Machiavelli’s Theory of History Essay

Commanding Lady Fortune: Machiavelli’s Theory of History Machiavelli opens his Discourses on Livy by declaring that what will follow will be entirely revolutionary—â€Å"a path yet untrodden by anyone†Ã¢â‚¬â€but then quickly backs down from such assertions, shifting his focus away from his own efforts to the modern views of the ancients, and leaving the nature of this revolutionary undertaking ambiguous (Discourses, 5) . Indeed, the purpose of the whole work is repeatedly skirted in the preface. Machiavelli instead focuses on the distinction between the moderns and the ancients, mourning the superficial modern adoption of ancient ideas in art and law that lacks a deeper understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of ancient thought. He leaves us with only a vague description of his purpose in writing the Discourses—â€Å"so that those who read these statements of mine can more easily draw from them that utility for which one should seek knowledge of histories† (Discourses, 6). What the specific utility of history is, however, and what is so novel about his treatment of it, Machiavelli does not say. However, within the preface, and throughout his subsequent treatment of the idea of history in both the Discourses and The Prince, it becomes clear that he is indeed arguing something revolutionary through his use of history as a guide for politics. He chastises the moderns for â€Å"judging that imitation is not only difficult but impossible—as if heaven, sun, elements, men had varied in motion, order, and power from what they were in antiquity,† that is, for being deceived by Christianity into believing that its inception had fundamentally altered the nature of the world, and that a distinction between the ancients and the moderns is anything... ...lf than of the prince he has been hired to serve, meaning that, because Machiavelli also believes in a human nature that is at its foundation, deeply self-serving, a monarch can have no true advisors and is doomed to failure (Prince, 93). In a republic, however, men like Machiavelli are free to look out for their own good while charting a course for the state, as both goods are aligned (Discourses, 130). While the prince of a republic may himself only possess the second kind of mind and be unable by his nature to come to such a broad understanding of history and the causality of human events that Machiavelli has, it is enough that he has among his advisors such men as Machiavelli. Thus, ultimately, Machiavelli’s â€Å"yet untrodden path† turns out to be the creation of a method for government that is premised on the ability to master every kind of manifestation of fortune. Commanding Lady Fortune: Machiavelli’s Theory of History Essay Commanding Lady Fortune: Machiavelli’s Theory of History Machiavelli opens his Discourses on Livy by declaring that what will follow will be entirely revolutionary—â€Å"a path yet untrodden by anyone†Ã¢â‚¬â€but then quickly backs down from such assertions, shifting his focus away from his own efforts to the modern views of the ancients, and leaving the nature of this revolutionary undertaking ambiguous (Discourses, 5) . Indeed, the purpose of the whole work is repeatedly skirted in the preface. Machiavelli instead focuses on the distinction between the moderns and the ancients, mourning the superficial modern adoption of ancient ideas in art and law that lacks a deeper understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of ancient thought. He leaves us with only a vague description of his purpose in writing the Discourses—â€Å"so that those who read these statements of mine can more easily draw from them that utility for which one should seek knowledge of histories† (Discourses, 6). What the specific utility of history is, however, and what is so novel about his treatment of it, Machiavelli does not say. However, within the preface, and throughout his subsequent treatment of the idea of history in both the Discourses and The Prince, it becomes clear that he is indeed arguing something revolutionary through his use of history as a guide for politics. He chastises the moderns for â€Å"judging that imitation is not only difficult but impossible—as if heaven, sun, elements, men had varied in motion, order, and power from what they were in antiquity,† that is, for being deceived by Christianity into believing that its inception had fundamentally altered the nature of the world, and that a distinction between the ancients and the moderns is anything... ...lf than of the prince he has been hired to serve, meaning that, because Machiavelli also believes in a human nature that is at its foundation, deeply self-serving, a monarch can have no true advisors and is doomed to failure (Prince, 93). In a republic, however, men like Machiavelli are free to look out for their own good while charting a course for the state, as both goods are aligned (Discourses, 130). While the prince of a republic may himself only possess the second kind of mind and be unable by his nature to come to such a broad understanding of history and the causality of human events that Machiavelli has, it is enough that he has among his advisors such men as Machiavelli. Thus, ultimately, Machiavelli’s â€Å"yet untrodden path† turns out to be the creation of a method for government that is premised on the ability to master every kind of manifestation of fortune.

Persuasive Essay on why cancer is preventable Essay

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. This year, over 1.2 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer and about 560,000 will die from it. The rates have doubled in less than forty years. In my opinion, cancer is totally preventable. This may be a drastic statement but I believe the facts will prove it is true. In 1952, Dr. Ernest Krebs proposed a theory that cancer was a deficiency disease, similar to scurvy. His theory was that the cause of the disease was the lack of an essential vitamin in a person’s diet. He identified it as vitamin B17, a part of the nitriloside family which is found in over 1200 edible plants. It is found in the seeds of apricot, cherry, nectarine, peach, apples and others. To prove a theory it must be tested scientifically. The best way for Dr. Krebs to prove his theory would be for thousands of people to eat a diet very high in vitamin B17 and then check the results. This would have been very expensive but, fortunately, the experiment wasn’t necessary because it had already been done naturally. Between West Pakistan, India and China is the remote valley of Hunza. The people of Hunza have 200 times more B17 in their diet than the average American. In fact, in a place where there is no money, wealth is measured by how many apricot trees a man has. Medical teams who have traveled to Hunza discovered that there has never been a case of cancer. The average age of the Hunza people is about 85, but many live to be 100 years or older. Eskimos are another group of cancer-free people that have been observed for several decades. The traditional Eskimo diet is very rich in nitrilosides, or B17, that come from the meat of caribou and other grazing animals and also from salmonberries. There are many other groups of people throughout the world — from all races and all regions. The one thing that they have in common is that the degree to which they are free from cancer is in proportion to the amount of nitrilosides found in their native diets. While it is available in most countries, vitamin B17 cannot be sold in the United States. The reason is because it has not been approved by the FDA. That process takes years of research and costs millions of dollars. The only firms that can afford that are the large pharmaceutical companies. Since you cannot get a patent for a substance found in nature, it is not likely that this vitamin will ever be approved. In fact, since cancer treatment in the United States is a billion dollar industry, pharmaceutical companies have an interest in discrediting the vitamin deficiency theory. The FDA started a false campaign which claimed that nitriloside was toxic and dangerous because it contains cyanide. It does, in minute quantities. If you eat the seeds from a hundred apples in a day you would risk serious side effects, possibly death. If you eat enormous amounts of anything you run serious health risks. Aspirin is twenty times more toxic than the same amount of B17. In the 1970s Memorial Sloan-Kettering, a cancer center in New York, tested vitamin B17. While they publicly came out with a report that said the results were â€Å"inconclusive† and that it did no good, research doctors knew the truth. Years later Dr. Ralph Moss, one of the researchers, confessed that he had been told to give statements exactly opposite of what they were finding scientifically. Scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) was able to be controlled centuries ago. I believe the evidence for vitamin B17 has been scientifically proven to do the same for cancer prevention. Since the American diet is lower than ever in nitrilocides, it is up to each person to try to eat foods that will help us live healthy lives.

Improving school quality

The importance of secondary school education in molding learners into responsible citizens of tomorrow cannot be ignored or undermined. Secondary school education is the stepping stone for unlimited opportunities for learners to explore the career choices that they have to pursue further In their lives. Every year the performance of secondary schools In the final examination come under spotlight as soon as the results are published. Many schools in the previously disadvantaged communities perform poorly in the matrix examination each year.The main aim of this paper is suggest what needs to be done in order to ensure that pupils perform well in their final examinations given the knowledge of what teaching and learning means. As a starting point, the paper will define the process of learning and teaching. The factors that affect performance of pupils in relation to teachers will then be given. An outline of the suggestions that would result in improved performance will then lead to the end of the discussion.Quality refers to the standard when compared to other things of the same type. It shows the goodness or the worth. Quality is associated with efficiency, effectiveness, choice, excellence, equity and social Justice among other virtues that are designated as the alms of any system purporting to produce effective learning In good schools (Coleman, 1998). Academic performance refers to the level of attainment of learners In the external grade 12 examination.It refers to the performance of the school as well as the learners in the grade 12 examinations. It reflects both quality and quantity of the results obtained by the learners in the grade 12 examinations (Bastion, 1995). The management of a school has a very important ole to play in the transformation and development of a school (Thomas, 1992). It is the responsibility of the senior management of the school, the principal, to prepare the atmosphere for effective teaching and learning at the school.Within forma l models leadership is ascribed to the person at the apex of the hierarchy. It Is assumed that this individual sets the tone of the organization and establishes the major official objectives. In a school the person who Is holding the highest position Is the principal and has to play an effective role as a leader In the school. At the heart f school or any organizational life are leadership and management. It Is these aspects of school life that ensure that all other aspects are held together and developed.Leadership is the art of facilitating a school to do the right thing at the right time, while management is the discipline required to ensure that the school ‘does things right', or functions well (Thomas, 1992). The development of the school depends entirely on the ability of the leadership of the school. To transform and develop schools into efficient centers of excellence, visionary, hardworking and farsighted leaders are required. Effective organizations tend to be purpos eful and goal directed. The managers, departments, and the individual members work towards explicit goals and have a clear sense of direction.Schools without explicit aims and a Whole-School policy would not meet this criterion of effectiveness. The ability of schools to transform themselves to grow In strength or to have a strong sense of purpose and commitment Is to a great extent dependent on the quality of leadership in the school (Walsh, 1999). The principal provides the leadership to the principal becomes the lightning rod for every change and programmer that is implemented at the school and assumes a much more important role in the scheme of things.More than Just following policy, the position requires that the person be a planner, a leader, and a conciliator in order to be successful (Bastion, 1995). The leadership of the principal takes the anchor role in transforming and developing the school into a successful institution. The task of being the educational leader of the sc hool is one that calls for the best in the area of personal skills and requires the highest order of human and academic skills (Coleman, 1998).The leadership of the school is responsible for facilitating instructional activities and coordinating curriculum across the individual programmer and school levels for ensuring congruence through defining the school mission and goals, managing the instructional programmer s and promoting a positive school learning climate (Morrison, 1998). The core business of a school as an organization is the effective curriculum delivery. Teaching and learning are necessary if young people are to acquire personally enriching, economically necessary and socially desirable knowledge and skills.A school must have a positive environment to facilitate the effective curriculum delivery and the development of skills and values in learners. Without a proper learning environment, effective curriculum delivery cannot take place. The resources that are available at a school can positively influence the quality of the education provided. Our ability to develop the curriculum in the way that we wish to achieve our objectives as a school will, of course, depend on the resources that are available to us.However, it is extremely important that we ensure that the tail does not wag the dog, that the content of the education that we offer is to determined by the resources most easily available to us, as opposed to by the needs of our learners. Resources are everything at the school's actual or potential disposal to enable it to reach its objectives. Resources like human resource, physical resource and financial resource are the most important items required for the provision of quality education. Access to and control of resources are of central concern to any organization.In the school context these resources include finances, administrative equipment and materials, teaching equipment and materials and the school facilities themselves (Morrison, 1998 ). Teachers are invariably regarded as the prime resource in schools because of their central role in the teaching and learning process. The quality of the results produced will depend on the motivation and commitment of the educators who are working in a school. The quality of their work, and their motivation to perform well are related directly to the nature of the human resource management process.Where staff management is skilled and sympathetic, a successful organization is likely to result (Branded & Ginning, 1990). In a successful institution, the educators will be prepared to work beyond the normal required hours ND will be using this extra time for preparation and marking of the learners books. A school, which has no skilled, committed, innovative and resourceful staff, cannot provide quality education to the learners and may not produce quality results in the external examination.Therefore one of the prerequisites for any school to become efficient and to produce quality r esults is to have an efficient, dynamic, skilled, committed and knowledgeable human resource. Teacher is the main change agent necessary for bringing change in teaching and learning so, the school policy should eve provision for professional development program for teachers. Bonging (2001 : 53) also indicates the importance of teachers' concerns and say, â€Å"Change can be more successful if the concerns of teachers are considered†. Collaborative teaching and learning environment is a source of school effectiveness. So, the school management should encourage collaboration in school. The participation of the parents in the management of the education of the learners can positively influence the learning process of the learners. The principal has to utilize this influence and the nutrition of the parents effectively to improve the quality of results that are produced in the previously disadvantaged schools (Solidity & Bull, 1996).The role of parents to influence and persuade t heir children to be mentally prepared, to obtain quality education cannot be ignored or undermined. They are the role players who could lay a strong foundation and passion for quality education in the minds of their children, which will in turn assist the educators largely in providing quality education to their learners.

Writing Articles for SEO

Writing Articles for SEO Writing for publication on the Internet requires a slightly different approach than writing for print media. As Internet marketing and e-commerce continue to grow, businesses are discovering the opportunity to compete in a global market; all that is needed are the right designers and writers to make that happen. Such demand has created a new category in freelance writing, in which writers specialize in writing for publication on the Internet. In addition to understanding Internet trends and e-commerce marketing tactics, writers who publish online must be aware of one of the most common buzzwords in Web development and website administration: SEO, or Search Engine Optimization.The success of a website heavily depends on its visibility to the Internets major search engines, and oftentimes, the sites content is the primary factor that makes such visibility possible. Consequently, site developers incorporate content in the form of articles that are created using specific keywords. When a n Internet user enters a keyword, or keyword phrase, into a search engine, that search engine uses crawlers to find relevant websites containing those words. The mission, then, of an SEO writer is to create content that can be easily found by a search engines crawlers. It is technical writing at its best, and has proven to be one of the more effective methods of increasing traffic, and therefore more revenue, to a website.Article writers, whose primary purpose is for creating SEO content, find themselves in a unique position of balancing the craft of writing with a formulaic approach. Writing effective SEO articles entails an ability to determine the fine line between keeping the reader engaged and distributing keywords both frequently and subtly. Take for example the following passage:If you are seeking for online college degree program options, there are a variety of choices available to meet your specific goals. Many students are happy to discover that earning an online degree ca uses little to no interruption in their already hectic lives, and tend to benefit greatly from the career advancement a college degree offers. Earning your degree online has never been easier! Call us today to set up an appointment with one of our degree program counselors.The above paragraph is considered keyword heavy, with variations of a commonly used keyword phrase: online college degree program. The author incorporates some part of the phrase in each sentence without being too obvious about it, keeping the voice of the article as conversational and natural as possible. An average reader searching online for information about online college degree programs would find the article helpful, without necessarily realizing that it was written with the primary purpose of drawing Internet traffic to a particular website. That website might be one that serves as a portal for online schools offering degrees to nontraditional students, and this segment from an article listed on their site would help to attract a lot of business.In addition to frequently including the primary keyword, or keyword phrase, writing an effective SEO articles includes brainstorming similar keywords to match the original one(s). To do this, it is important to consider the possible Internet search queries of your intended audience. Continuing the above example, if a potential student is searching for schools in which he or she could earn an online college degree, other possible searches might include online degree programs, online universities, online colleges, and degrees from home. The SEO article writer would then incorporate these keyword phrases into the article to maximize the potential for more site traffic. Webmasters use such content-specific writing to attract particular audiences to their site; by doing so, they assure effective leads from Internet users who are looking for precisely what their site or business has to offer.After an author assures that keyword variation and freque ncy is abundant, the next consideration that an SEO article writer must have is concerning the length of the article. As a standard of practice, SEO articles are between 300 and 500 words in length. This number factors in the typical attention span of most Internet users, while allowing for enough keyword distribution to attract the attention of the search engine crawlers.Another consideration, although not the most important one, would be regarding format. SEO articles should contain short paragraphs- preferably two to four sentences in length. Most people tend to skim over material when they are surfing the Internet, and shortened paragraphs make it easier on the eye to do this. Extended-length paragraphs are not as easily read, and therefore are often avoided by the average Internet user. Although research provides multiple possibilities for this fact, some of the more commonly accepted explanations include the stress on the eye involved with reading a computer screen and the ent ertainment element associated with surfing the Internet.The final factor in creating SEO articles is to assure that each article is impeccably edited. In Internet commerce, as with any business, presentation and first impressions are key in attracting and maintaining clients. If an SEO article is poorly written, or contains multiple grammar and spelling errors, the website containing that article could be easily passed over as being unprofessional and amateur- two descriptors most Web designers would like to avoid. Many websites offer excellent pay and a steady flow of commissioned assignments to SEO article writers who can deliver quality content, while helping to build a companys online image and brand. With a knowledgeable and conscientious writer, the resulting SEO article can work to draw traffic and leads to a website for many years to come.

Picking Nits, Not Nicks

Picking Nits, Not Nicks Picking Nits, Not Nicks Picking Nits, Not Nicks By Maeve Maddox Apparently some modern speakers are happily unacquainted with head lice. This lack of knowledge may explain the confusion illustrated by the following examples: If you want to lose a friend, all you have to do is to continue to nick pick and find fault with everything that they do or everything that they say. My husband and I nick pick at everything at each other. How can I stop this? Gamers are great at nickpicking while avoiding actual analysis. Not sure if I’m only seeing negative stuff or I’m just nickpicking. What should I do? I feel Teacher is nickpicking on my son. The verb forms for the actions being described in these examples are nitpick and nitpicking. To nitpick is to find fault with every little thing, no matter how inconsequential. The expression derives from the literal act of looking for nits, which are quite small. As a former volunteer school â€Å"head checker,† I know what it is to comb through a child’s hair, strand by strand, looking for nits. nit (noun): The egg of a louse or other insect parasitic on humans or animals; specifically, the egg of a head louse when attached to hair. From the mid-1600s until the late 1700s, ostentatious wigs were fashionable among the wealthy. One of the most memorable passages in the diary of Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) references the pitfalls of patronizing a wigmaker who failed to boil the merchandise before delivery: â€Å"I did go to the Swan; and there sent for Jervas my old periwig-maker and he did bring me a periwig; but it was full of  nits, so as I was troubled to see it (it being his old fault) and did send him to make it clean.† Note: A periwig is a highly stylized wig still worn by British barristers and judges. (The adjective old is not a typo for own. This wasn’t the first time Jervas had sent Pepys an infested wig.) It’s not necessary to hyphenate nitpick or nitpicking. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Creative Writing 101Rules for Capitalization in TitlesHow Do You Determine Whether to Use Who or Whom?

Weapons and Arrest Authority of U.S. Federal Agencies

Weapons and Arrest Authority of U.S. Federal Agencies More than a few eyebrows were raised in 2010 when the U.S. Department of Agriculture bought 85 fully automatic submachine guns. However, the USDAÂ  is just one of 73 federal government agencies employing full-time law enforcement officers who are authorized to carry firearms and make arrests in the United States. Brief Overview According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics latest (2008) Census of Federal Law Enforcement Officers, the combined federal government agencies employ about 120,000 full-time law enforcement officers who are authorized to carry firearms and make arrests. That is roughly the equivalent of 40 officers per 100,000 U.S. residents. By comparison, there is one member of the U.S. Congress per 700,000 residents. Federal Law Enforcement Officers are authorized by law to perform four specific functions: conduct criminal investigations, execute search warrants, make arrests, and carry firearms.From 2004 to 2008, the number of federal law enforcement officers with arrest and firearms authority grew by 14% or about 15,000 officers. The federal agencies also employ nearly 1,600 officers in the U.S. territories, primarily in Puerto Rico. The Census of Federal Law Enforcement Officers does not include data on officers in the U.S. Armed Forces, or the Central Intelligence Agency and the Transportation Security Administrations Federal Air Marshals Service, due to national security restrictions.The number of Federal Law Enforcement Officers has increased rapidly in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Since the 9/11/2001 attacks, the ranks of Federal Law Enforcement Officers grew from about 88,000 in 2000, to about 120,000 in 2008. Front Line Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Excluding 33 Offices of Inspectors General, 24 federal agencies each employed more than 250 full-time personnel with firearm and arrest authority in 2008. Indeed, law enforcement is the main function of most of these agencies. Few people would be surprised to see field agents of the Border Patrol, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service or the Secret Service carrying guns and making arrests. The complete list includes: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (36,863 officers)Federal Bureau of Prisons (16,835)Federal Bureau of Investigation (12,760)U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (12,446)U.S. Secret Service (5,213)Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (4,696)Drug Enforcement Administration (4,308)U.S. Marshals Service (3,313)Veterans Health Administration (3,128)Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (2,636)Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (2,541)U.S. Postal Inspection Service (2,288)U.S. Capitol Police (1,637)National Park Service - Rangers (1,404)Bureau of Diplomatic Security (1,049)Pentagon Force Protection Agency (725)U.S. Forest Service (644)U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (598)National Park Service - U.S. Park Police (547)National Nuclear Security Administration (363)U.S. Mint Police (316)Amtrak Police (305)Bureau of Indian Affairs (277)Bureau of Land Management (255) From 2004 to 2008, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) added more than 9,000 officers, the largest increase at any federal agency. A majority of the CBP increase occurred in the Border Patrol, which added more than 6,400 officers during the 4-year period.Officers of the Veterans Health Administration need arrest and firearms authority because they provide law enforcement and protective services for over 150 VA medical centers located nationwide.At the Cabinet department level, component agencies of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, employed about 55,000 officers or 46% of all federal officers with arrest and firearms authority in 2008. Agencies of the Department of Justice (DOJ) employed 33.1% of all officers, followed by other executive branch agencies (12.3%), the judicial branch (4.0%), the independent agencies (3.6%) and the legislative branch (1.5%).Within the legislative branch, the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) employed 1,637 officers to provide police services for the U.S. Capitol grounds and buildings. With full law enforcement authority in the area immediately surrounding the Capitol complex, the USCP is the largest federal law enforcement agency operating wholly within the nations capital.The largest employer of federal officers outside of the executive branch was the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AOUSC). The AOUSC employed 4,696 probation officers with arrest and firearm authority in its Federal Corrections and Supervision Division in 2008. The Not-So-Obvious Federal Law Enforcement Agencies In 2008, another 16 federal agencies not so typically associated with police powers employed fewer than 250 full-time personnel with firearm and arrest authority. These included: Bureau of Engraving and Printing (207 officers)Environmental Protection Agency (202)Food and Drug Administration (183)National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (149)Tennessee Valley Authority (145)Federal Reserve Board (141)U.S. Supreme Court (139)Bureau of Industry and Security (103)National Institutes of Health (94)Library of Congress (85)*Federal Emergency Management Agency (84)National Aeronautics and Space Administration (62)Government Printing Office (41)National Institute of Standards Technology (28)Smithsonian National Zoological Park (26)Bureau of Reclamation (21) * The Library of Congress Police ceased operation in 2009 when its duties were assumed by the U.S. Capitol Police.Most of the officers employed by these agencies are assigned to provide security and protective services at the agencys buildings and grounds. Officers employed by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors provide security and protective services only at the Boards Washington, D.C. headquarters. Officers serving at the various Federal Reserve banks and branches are hired by the individual banks and were not counted in the Census of Federal Law Enforcement Officers. And the Inspectors General Finally, 33 of the 69 federal Offices of Inspectors General (OIG), including the Department of Educations OIG, employed a total of 3,501 criminal investigators with firearms and arrest authority in 2008. These 33 Offices of Inspectors General represent all 15 Cabinet-level departments, as well as 18 other federal agencies, boards and commissions.Among other duties, officers of the Offices of Inspectors General often investigate cases of improper, wasteful or illegal activities, including theft, fraud and wrongful use of public funds.For example, OIG officers recently investigated the General Services Administrations outrageous $800,000 team-building meeting in Las Vegas, and a series of scams being perpetrated against Social Security recipients. Are These Officers Trained? Along with training they may have received in the military or other law enforcement agencies, most federal law enforcement officers are required to complete training at one of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) facilities. In addition to training in basic to advanced law enforcement, criminology, and tactical driving, FLETCs Firearms Division provides intensive training in the safe handling and justifiable use of firearms.

Radiographer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 7500 words

Radiographer - Essay Example LPCP developed systems to enable patients, registered with a London GP and who were approaching six months on the waiting list with a London NHS Trust, to be offered a degree of choice over when and where they received treatment. Patients who accepted choice of another hospital would be treated earlier than if they remained with their existing hospital and earlier than the government target waiting time. LPCP activity commenced in October 2002 and by June 2004, 22,500 patients had been offered choice and 15,000 had accepted treatment at another hospital. From the beginning of the Project, it was decided there should be an independent evaluation of performance against objectives. The evaluation focused on three areas, the patient experience (Picker Institute Europe), organizational change (Royal Holloway) and system wide impacts (University of York). In addition, a discrete choice experiment was conducted (King's Fund/RAND Europe) to examine patient attitudes toward different elements of choice". Thus Electronic Health Records (EHR) can bring about multifarious improvements in the healthcare efficiency which would lead to patient's satisfaction in the ultimate analysis. However time efficiency of physicians and nurses is the targeted variable in assessment of the system of collection of electronic records and the use of such a database. Associated variables are the safety and the overall quality of the offered healthcare. Literature has placed on record that EHR use is enhanced if the EHR system is capable of attaining high speed, ease of use and value added services such as the generation of the reports in a variety of desired formats. (Ammenwerth E,et al,2001;Bates DW et al,2003; Herbst K et al,1999; Rotman BL, et al., 1996). However the EHR systems are most evaluated through the user characteristics (Littlejohns P, et al, 2003; Rotich JK et al, 2003) and the training ease that is possible in such systems. Literature variedly emphasizes the need for the EHR systems to be f ormed after a through understanding of the underlying clinical structure and systems. (Ammenwerth E et al,2003);Beuscart-Zephir MC et al,2001; Kuhn & Giuse,2001;LaDuke S.,2001;Staccini P, et al,2001) In order to achieve a good fit of the information system with the clinical settings extensive documentation is required to be made. This documentation needs to take into account all possibilities and eventualities before it is put on steam. (Lau F, et al, 1998; Tierney WM et al, 1993; Tierney WM et al, 1994) While the above has been stated with the field of medical and health care in general in view; the same can be stated of even the evolving field of radiography where the information and electronic records

Informative abstract one page on the 8 of a mechanical heart with MLA Research Paper

Informative abstract one page on the 8 of a mechanical heart with MLA formatted work cited - Research Paper Example The task involves not just mimicking the mechanics of the heart but its interaction with the brain. The significance of heart is no less profound today, but now it assumes an aura of pragmatism with concern for healthfulness which has resulted in the development of the mechanical heart. In patients with advanced heart failure, their heart isnt strong enough to pump sufficient blood for normal activities, leaving them greatly fatigued and frequently bedridden with difficulty breathing. Mechanical heart pumps are designed to help the heart pump blood from the left ventricle to the aorta, increasing flow throughout the body. A mechanical heart is designed to reduce the total work load of a heart that can no longer work at its normal capacity. These hearts consist of equipment that pulses the blood between heart beats or use an artificial auxiliary ventricle (left ventricle assist device, LVAD) that pumps a portion of the normal cardiac output. Because such devices usually result in complications to the patient, they have generally been used as a temporary replacement until natural he arts can be obtained for transplantation. Two artificial hearts have been invented in the US, the Jarvik 7 and the AbioCor, but both have drawbacks: the first has wires that protrude through the skin, and the second can produce blood clots that can lead to stroke. The mechanical heart restores hemodynamic stability; raising blood pressure and helping vital organs recover, as much as possible, in preparation for a heart transplant.  For persons who are not heart transplant candidates, the mechanical heart has allowed prolonged time with family and friends, and time to enjoy desired activities.  Patients can even go home with a fully implanted mechanical heart. Advantages of the mechanical heart are that it is readily available and there is no need for immunosuppressive drugs, which can compromise renal

Obesity Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5500 words

Obesity - Dissertation Example Obesity is defined in the American Heritage Dictionary as a condition of increased body weight that is caused by an excessive accumulation of fat. Obesity has also been termed the new â€Å"epidemic† in both adults and children. In 1998 the World Health Organization (WHO) designated obesity as a global epidemic (Anrig, 2003). Healthcare professionals can measure the percent of body fat in children by using Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated from a person’s height and weight and provides a reasonable indicator of body fatness and weight categories that may lead to health problems. Establishing healthy habits in youth can help prevent many health problems later on in life which will drastically reduce the costs of healthcare. For this reason many public health professionals are interested in working with school systems to reach children in school settings. If we look back over the past 50 years we can see dramatic changes in the way children play, eat meals, and soc ialize. Today lifestyles are busier but less active. (See table 1 in appendix A). Since 1950, the amount of nutritional information available to the public has roughly doubled every seven years. In the years between 1950 and 2000, â€Å"obesity rose by 214% until today, where 64.5 percent of adult Americans (about 127 million) are categorized as being overweight or obese† (Weiss, n.d.). Even though technology has taken away the need for most physical activity, there must be steps taken to provide cost effective solutions and provide a healthier lifestyle for children that will lead to healthy adults. The good news is that schools nationwide are becoming aware of this epidemic and are working with health professionals by taking steps to provide a healthy lifestyle for children. Schools can play an important role in improving the health of children and the adults they will become. Children generally attend school 5 days a week throughout the calendar year. During childhood and adolescent years habits develop that determine physical activity and eating habits. These health habits will determine the development of such diseases as cardiovascular, cancer and diabetes which are now major causes of premature death and disabilities in the United States and the Western World. Public Health professionals are very interested in funding school based programs that can provide a foundation for lifelong healthy behaviors and greatly reduce the burden of these preventable health conditions for both individuals and society as a whole. There is largely an unmet need for effective school-based programs that promote healthy behaviors. It has not been an easy task engaging these partnerships for many reasons, one being funding. With the embracing of these school based programs by public health professionals, it is imperative that these programs be rigorously evaluated to show effectiveness. To be considered effective these programs must undergo systematic measurement and an alysis using solid research methods and study designs. The Center for Disease Control’

Five structural differences between the farmhouse in Tales from the Assignment

Five structural differences between the farmhouse in Tales from the Green Valley and the medieval cruk house - Assignment Example The Tipi in both accounts is a conical shape; however, several material differences prevail. The animal skin and wooden poles in Green Valley presents a much difference from medieval Cruck, which takes a more nomadic pastoralist perspective. The skills, tools and technology used in both explorations presents a structural replication in thatching. The primitive dwelling pit house in Green valley has a grass roof meant to protect belonging from any environmental harm. The extreme weather in the medieval period; however, brings into light a series of materials such as wood and sticks that represent cultural beliefs. The dazzling social appearance of igloo in the contemporary world presents digital imagination. Nevertheless, in Green Valley igloo and earth lodges only shape presents a notable difference. Apparently, both have the same materials to put up the structure. Arguably, both accounts have the best proclamation of past construction features. Most importantly, the tales can form a primary step to counter faulty digital discoveries (Suggett

BHP Billiton Limited Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

BHP Billiton Limited - Essay Example The concept of corporate governance can be defined as the procedures which are used to direct and control an organisation in alliance with its determined mission and vision. The extended role of corporate governance further exhibits a proper structure specifying the delegation of rights as well as the responsibilities bestowed upon the participants of an organisation including its board members, lower and middle level managers, stakeholders, shareholders and other interest groups (OECD 2005). The corporate governance comprises the three basic factors. In this context, it provides with adequate transparency in its decision-making process. Transparency in turn provides scope for accountability that entails the responsibilities of the decision makers within an organisation. It also provides accountability for the conservation of the concern with respect to the shareholders’ interests as well as the commitment of the organization towards its stakeholders. Indeed, accountants and o ther financial decision makers play a vital role in determining organizational effectiveness to mitigate such concerns through high degree of ethical commitments. Thus, it can be stated that the accounting theories and the corporate governance are interrelated as the underlying function of the corporate governance is to control organizational activities and the utilization of the corporate resources (Clark 2011). Based on this understanding, the objective of the paper reflects the corporate governance practices of BHP Billiton Limited (BHP) to alleviate the risk related to the corporate factor with further reasons to such conventions. Areas of Corporate Governance in BHP Billiton Limited to Alleviate the Risk of the Corporate Failure The corporate governance system practiced in BHP entails the approaches to provide the value that has been created on a long term basis complying with a high-quality governance framework (FRC 2012). The company believes that the governance must not be l imited to the Board, but it must be spread within the organisation. Through its governance system, BHP aims to foster a culture that values as well as awards the ethical standard prevailing in the organisation along with the personal and the corporate integrity and the standard to have respect deciphered aptly for its stakeholders on the whole. The company hereby aims to establish an appropriate ‘Code of Business Conduct’ for the employees, the suppliers and the customers constituting a major proportion of its stakeholders group. The application of these approaches related to the governance further attempt to foster the long-term goodwill of the company playing a major role to alleviate the risks of the corporate failure on the basis of accounting discrepancies (BHP Billiton 2012). Notably, the corporate governance structure of the company entails the diversified perspective of the Board of Directors. The structure in BHP comprises of the shareholders, the Board of Dire ctors, the functional committee, the Chief Executive Officers and the group management committee. The framed structure helps the company to

Film Close Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Film Close Analysis - Essay Example The next clip is also edited. 4 seconds Camera closeup of Douzi’s mother, Douzi is standing in the frame too but his image is blurred. His mother refuses to raise him at the brothel. She is crying and making sniffing sounds. Then she smiles and tried to cajole him. 5 seconds Long-shot of all three characters, Douzi’s mother sits down on her knees. Guan is seated far right of the frame across the table. He rises so his back is to the camera and asks her to leave. 2 seconds. Camera takes a close-up of Douzi and his mother. There is a loud clicking sound of the sharpening blades in the background. She covers his face with a scarf. Douzi tells her he can’t feel his hands they are so cold. 4 seconds Camera shows a medium shot of Douzi bent on a bench with this mother on the opposite side holding a knife. There is a loud clicking sound of a butcher’s knife. Douzi shivers several times and then removes the scarf. He looks at his decapitated hand. 5 seconds Medium shot of doors bursting open as Douzi’s mother rushes in carrying him. She has blood on her face, both are screaming and crying as she carries him. The camera stays focus on them as they move across the school. Other students rush after her. 3 seconds Next is a clip from the same room where they were holding a meeting with Guan. Douzi has escaped his mother’s grasp and is hiding under the table. He runs when she tries to reach for him. The camera shows a long shot of Douzi jumping across stairs and running into the veranda of the school. Other boys follow him. Boys try to grab him as Douzi runs. The finally catch him. Loud music plays. In this scene the character Douzi is introduced in the film, previously he was a by-stander to a street performance. From this point forward Douzi’s take up the main role in the film. In this scene, Xiao Douzi is taken to an Opera school by his mother. The teacher Master Guan spots his superfluous finger and refuses to admit him as his student. His

BHP Billiton Limited Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

BHP Billiton Limited - Essay Example The concept of corporate governance can be defined as the procedures which are used to direct and control an organisation in alliance with its determined mission and vision. The extended role of corporate governance further exhibits a proper structure specifying the delegation of rights as well as the responsibilities bestowed upon the participants of an organisation including its board members, lower and middle level managers, stakeholders, shareholders and other interest groups (OECD 2005). The corporate governance comprises the three basic factors. In this context, it provides with adequate transparency in its decision-making process. Transparency in turn provides scope for accountability that entails the responsibilities of the decision makers within an organisation. It also provides accountability for the conservation of the concern with respect to the shareholders’ interests as well as the commitment of the organization towards its stakeholders. Indeed, accountants and o ther financial decision makers play a vital role in determining organizational effectiveness to mitigate such concerns through high degree of ethical commitments. Thus, it can be stated that the accounting theories and the corporate governance are interrelated as the underlying function of the corporate governance is to control organizational activities and the utilization of the corporate resources (Clark 2011). Based on this understanding, the objective of the paper reflects the corporate governance practices of BHP Billiton Limited (BHP) to alleviate the risk related to the corporate factor with further reasons to such conventions. Areas of Corporate Governance in BHP Billiton Limited to Alleviate the Risk of the Corporate Failure The corporate governance system practiced in BHP entails the approaches to provide the value that has been created on a long term basis complying with a high-quality governance framework (FRC 2012). The company believes that the governance must not be l imited to the Board, but it must be spread within the organisation. Through its governance system, BHP aims to foster a culture that values as well as awards the ethical standard prevailing in the organisation along with the personal and the corporate integrity and the standard to have respect deciphered aptly for its stakeholders on the whole. The company hereby aims to establish an appropriate ‘Code of Business Conduct’ for the employees, the suppliers and the customers constituting a major proportion of its stakeholders group. The application of these approaches related to the governance further attempt to foster the long-term goodwill of the company playing a major role to alleviate the risks of the corporate failure on the basis of accounting discrepancies (BHP Billiton 2012). Notably, the corporate governance structure of the company entails the diversified perspective of the Board of Directors. The structure in BHP comprises of the shareholders, the Board of Dire ctors, the functional committee, the Chief Executive Officers and the group management committee. The framed structure helps the company to

Management Capacity Resume Essay Example for Free

Management Capacity Resume Essay The purpose of this letter is to express my interest in working with your company in a management capacity.   I have over 15 years experience working for a major bottling company utilizing my Sales and Operations management skills which would be an asset to your organization. My diverse background includes serving in the United States Army Reserve.   In both my military and professional career, I have demonstrated excellent leadership abilities and exceptional customer service skills.   I successfully built a solid sales team consistently mentoring and motivating staff to meet and exceed company sales quotas. In addition to the skills noted on my resume, I can also offer your company: An enthusiastic individual seeking new endeavors, accomplishing personal and professional goals. A multi-tasking individual leveraging sales and marketing skills to exceed sales quotas. Excellent analytical ability with solid verbal and written communication skills. I look forward to speaking with you further to discuss my skills and qualifications.   You can reach me at the number listed above.

Impact Of Theories Relating To Risk Social Work Essay

Impact Of Theories Relating To Risk Social Work Essay To what extent do theories relating to risk inform our understanding of an aspect or aspects of contemporary social work? I am going to briefly discuss the meanings of risk. Whilst I am aware that there are many theories of risk, I have identified three main themes and will be exploring these in relation to contemporary social work, the themes of governmentality, cultural theory and risk society. Present day social work is concerned with matters of vulnerability and risk (Kemshall et al, 1997), (Dalrymple and Burke, 2006), (Parton, 1996), (Titterton, 2005), (Hothersall and Mass-Lowit, 2010). Media coverage of serious case reviews regarding the deaths of children have led to an onslaught of criticism into social work practice. In looking for definitions to define risk, I found several meanings. Traditionally risk was defined neutrally as a chance or likelihood a behaviour or event will occur (Lishman, 2002: 154), (Munro, 2002:64), for example the possibility of a gain as well as a loss. Kemshall (2002) discusses the uses of risk to insurance and a mathematical probability approach to risk. In postmodern society, risk is now attributed to the terms of danger or hazard (Lupton, 1999 a: 12). The concept of Governmentality was developed by the French philosopher Michel Foucault in the later years of his life between the late 1970s and his death in 1984. His concept provides an understanding of power, not just in terms of the power of the state from a top-down approach, but in the more subtle forms of power exercised through a network of institutions, practices, procedures and techniques which act to regulate social conduct (Joseph 2010:225). Power is noticeable in a positive way through the production of knowledge and discourses that are internalised by individuals, guiding the behaviour of populations and leading to more efficient forms of social control. Parton (1994) cited in Pease (2002) writes how individuals permit government at a distance through being encouraged and supported to exercise freedom and choice. Because power is de-centred individuals play a role in their own self-governance. Criticisms of Foucault argue that he fails to recognise that power is not equal to all. It can also be argued that he lacks reference to the exercise of power in relation to race, age, gender and class, especially how accessible power is between different social groups. Cooper (1994: 450) argues about the character of the technologies of power regarding racist and gendered discourses being used. It was argued that Foucault was not attentive to how people respond to discourses in their daily lives (Lupton: 1999 b: 102). Critics also believed that Foucault lacked awareness in the power institutions had over individuals and that individuals behaviour in society was down to following rules of conventions (Hoy: 1986:151). Feminist critics such as Hartstock (1990:171-172) believe Foucaults understanding of power diminishes individuals to objects of power than individuals able to resist. Foucaults work on defining the relations and mechanisms of power like governmentality can support social workers to think about their position of power within the structures (that maintain the oppression of service users) in their work. Empowerment uses social science to solve social problems and is a social justice discourse in social work. It allows social workers to redistribute power and knowledge in their practice, whilst challenging and combating injustice and oppression. Empowerment develops capacities of individuals, whilst emphasising individual responsibility. Pease (2002:137) argues that there is an assumption that power is something that can be given and empowering someone is to confer. Therefore as Braye and Preston-Shoot (2003:100) discuss, empowerment is about oppressed people taking the power and demanding to be heard. Because knowledge is central to understanding power within society, in order to empower service users there must be a reallocation of knowledge, an ins urrection of subjugated knowledge as indicated by Foucault (1977). Listening to service users and allowing them to have more control over seeking solutions to their problems or identifying their needs within the wider social context, is another example of empowerment. We belong to many social groups, some by choice and some because they are forced upon us. Within these groups, some have more or less power over others. Social workers need to be aware of difference and diversity and develop a greater sense of self awareness about the risks of labelling, stereotyping and holding subjective beliefs. The term Risk Society describes a society that is exposed to harm as a result of human activity. German sociologist Ulrich Beck (1992) first used the term, although British sociologist Anthony Giddens has also written on the same subject matter. Both authors argue humans have always been subjected to risk, e.g. natural disasters but these are seen as being caused by non-human forces. Modern society is now exposed to risks such as terrorism, chemical pollution and nuclear power. Giddens (1999) defines these as external and manufactured risks, external being risks arising from nature (e.g. flooding) and manufactured risks being the result of human activity, e.g. developments in science and technology. As humans are responsible for manufactured risks, both Beck and Giddens argue that societies can assess the level of risk being produced in a reflexive way that can alter the planned activity itself. People are now more wary of what professionals tell us, which is different to the view of the older generation. We are more critical of professionals and more likely to question them They believe there is an increase in reflexivity (the idea that society can adapt to new risks) as a response to risk and uncertainty in postmodern soci ety, but Beck (1992:21) relates this to more risks and hazards being produced, where Giddens (1999:3) believes in human subjectivity being more sensitive to risk. Criticisms of risk society question the level of risk in postmodern society. Turner (1994: 180) questions whether life has become more risky in the present day, than how it affected individuals in the past. Ungar, cited in Goode and Ben-Yehuda (2009: 82) argues that the threats of today infuse fear as well as, not instead of the past fears. Culture, race and gender do not feature in both Beck and Giddens writings and it could be argued that it would be difficult for an individual to be reflexive regarding conflicts of this nature. Joffe (1999) argues that there had been a failure to recognise emotion in respect to how people cope with living in a risk society. Delanty (1999:171) draws from the criticisms by Lash, arguing that Beck and Giddens do not recognise the cultural dimension of reflexivity, due to disregarding collective agency such as the community in favour of individualism. Social work has changed from a concern with need to one of risk (Kemshall, 2002). The media perception of social workers failing in their duty to prevent the deaths of children or protect the public from individuals known to be mentally ill, has led to more bureaucratic solutions, through legislation, procedures and guidelines (Ferguson, 2004). Blame is allocated due to the emphasis in risk (Douglas, 1992). The regulation of risk replaces need as a focal point and reasoning for social work intervention. Lishman (2007: 164) writes how working with risk will always remain a risky business, but with the assistance of sound methods and defensible decision-making it can be well managed. Titterton (2005:50) argues there is no such thing as a risk free option: all options hold potential risks. Lishman explains further that in the climate of the blame culture, risk assessments need to be of a standard that contain defensible decisions that can hold up in cases where there has been a risk failure (2007:157). There is the danger that in using risk assessments to check availability for a service, there is the potential for the social worker to be distanced from the service user. Involving the service user to do their own risk assessments and explain what they believe are the risks is a form of empowerment, which places them at the centre of the process. Clutton et al (2006: 18) links the involvement of the service user to empowerment, Risk assessment may be empowering if it allows the service user to take an informed decision on future action. Social workers have to be able to asses the predicted outcomes of a potential risk to a service user but this is not always easy. Differing interpretations of a situation due to the cultural and social background of people and groups can make understanding risk and risk management difficult in decision making (Reed et al, 2004:149). Service users have started to make choices in how they interact with social services e.g. self-referral. In order to make plans about their lives, social workers need to interact with families in new ways that recognise their disadvantage and oppression in society. It could be asked if service users really have choice or do they have options within choice? Harris and White (2009:100) consider choice to be a key element of the governments modernisation agenda and are established in services such as direct payments and choice of hospital. Labelling of service users in assessments as disturbed, at risk, in need, describes behaviour from a value perspective (Dalrymple and Burke, 2006). Slovic (1999) writes how risk assessments are coloured by subjective judgements of the social worker at every stage of the assessment process. Hall et al (2006:23) argues however that categorisation of service users in reports, meetings and in the court is an expectation of social workers as a practical and professional duty to provide assessments and provide a course of action or services. The notion of Culture Theory developed by Mary Douglas (1966, 1798) and Douglas and Wildavsky (1982) has been influential in looking at perspectives on risk. Cultural theory aims to explain how personality and cultural traits influence risk perceptions and why different people and social groups fear different risks. Douglas argues the relation of risk to politics and its link to accountability responsibility and blame (Lupton, 1999:39). Douglas and Wildavsky (1982) introduced the grid/group concept to explain how cultural proportions can compare society. It defines how people can be divided into four types that predict how they react to different types of hazards- Individualist, Egalitarian, Hierarchists and Fatalist. Thompson et al (1990:5) explain group as referring to how much the individual is integrated into enclosed units and grid to how much a persons life is restricted as a cause of exterior compulsory instructions. Douglass theory is not without criticism. Lupton (1999:7) questions the medias contributory role to the risk knowledge of their audience. It can be argued that you cannot foresee how anyone will behave in response to a particular circumstance and that cultural theory is opaque, not taking into account the complexities of modern society (Rayner, 1992, Boholm, 1996). Tansey and O Riordan (1999) argue the theory is deterministic and takes no account of the free will of individuals. Ostrander (1992) makes a prominent argument, suggesting that cultural theory should apply to social environments in order to distinguish social systems as a whole. It could also be argued that as Douglas does not explain how risk perceptions regarding to individuals and organisations change over time, her theory could be seen as static (Bellaby (1990). Gross and Rayner (1985:18) argue that Douglas fails to explain, what economic inducements or deprivations dispose persons to change their social position. Accountability means being answerable to others for the quality and efficiency of ones efforts. Social workers are accountable to service users, the community, their department and their supervisors. They must be able to explain what it is they do, how it is done and that their work meets professional standards for competence. Mishra (1984), cited in Wilson et al, (2008:39) writes how there is a reduction in professional autonomy and control due to accountability and structural demands being placed on agencies. Social workers, through fear of miscalculating a situation can undertake cautious and defensive practice which falls short of considering the implications, risks and benefits to the service user of the decisions made and measures taken. Bamford (1990) writes how social workers must develop a system of accountability which does not lose sight of the needs of the clients and their support systems. O Hanlon, cited in Parton and O Byrne (2000: 88), separates blame from accountability in that accountability features responsibility, is empowering and promotes self agency. Blame does not invite co-operation, is alienating and closes down possibilities. An example of the links between risk and blame is the case of baby Peter, who was killed by his mothers partner and was the subject of a multiple amount of media attention, proportioning blame on the social workers in his care. The description of harm and danger portrayed by the media, the government and organisational responses to complaints and legal action, resulting in a blame culture is a consequence of risk aversion employed by some social workers (Furedi, 2002). This could leave social workers feeling the need to protect themselves and hesitant, leading to passing the blame onto other people. Webb, (2006:70) links blame culture to risk avoidance being the main priority, resulting in tighter measures of accountability and trans parency being involved. Kemshall (2002: 94) suggests blame serves to strengthen accountability, but also subtly to control information flow and usage and to reinforce loyalty and solidarity with particular viewpoints on risk. Responsibility of the social worker is linked to accountability. These are sustained in codes of practice, the law and daily verbal exchanges. Hall et al (2006: 16) describes how professionals are mindful of their interactions, should their speech causes their conduct to be accountable. Parton and OByrne (2000: 183) discuss the ethics of responsibility in which service users are able to talk freely about themselves, their situation and the best way to solve their problems. Social workers are supporting service users to take responsibility for their own actions, which replaces concepts of cause and determination Howe (1986), cited in Parton (1996:88). The responsibility of the social worker is to the well-being of service users, but there are times when they work in situations that are conflicting. Dominelli (2009:11) offers one explanation of this in a care-control dilemma, when there is a need to balance the determination of the service user with harm. The social workers responsibil ity to the wider society and adherence to the law mean that at times the well-being of the service users may not take priority. In conclusion we have considered the impact of risk in the field of social work. In doing so we have identified three main theories, that of Govermentality, Risk Society and Culture Theory. We have analysed the impact of social work on these theories. Govermentality Theory helps us to understand power and the production of knowledge that enables individuals to govern themselves. Empowerment, as discussed previously enables service users to gain control over decisions that affect their lives. Risk Society Theory helps us to understand how communities are organised in its response to risk. This has been discussed in relation to social work in the media and the bureaucratic defensive practices that have developed as a result of extensive coverage of high profile service failings. Culture Theory seeks to explain how the social context in which we operate affects our responses to risk. As considered earlier, accountability is a means for social workers to explain their actions and the rea soning behind them, blame culture leads to social workers feeling apprehensive and self-preserving of their role. The social worker also has responsibility to the service users, but also to the wider society. Word count 2563

NFL and NASCAR Sponsorships Essay -- advertising, finance, sports

Abstract The National Football League (NFL) and NASCAR thrive on sponsors and vice versa. An NFL game is by far the most watched single game event in the country and gaining popularity exponentially worldwide. Their championship, the Super Bowl, is arguably the most watched television program in that particular year. In NASCAR, the Daytona 500 is their â€Å"Super Bowl† and is a very large event in its own right. Corporations all over the world jump on these mega advertising vehicles with the hope that their name is popularized which will result in profitability. In many cases, most of those who do buy airtime during NFL games, the Super Bowl, and during the major NASCAR races are very visible names and products that we already know about. Most of the time, these companies are trying to market new products or products that have been enhanced. â€Æ' NFL Sponsorships Sport is one of the largest mediums that corporations can utilize to get that mass message out to their customers. Many of us have different ways that â€Å"tickle† our fancy so to speak. What interests one does not necessarily interest another, but, even if one person can convince others to try a product or service a domino effect may occur. Corporations are always trying to â€Å"spice† up their advertisement. They probably do this to see if they can manipulate a consumer to try their service or product. For example, Budweiser has been running beer ads for many, many years and incorporated comedy into their commercials. They went from frogs to lizards to obnoxious acting. In my opinion, people are swayed by these tactics and tend to try a Budweiser beer more often than they had. I believe all sports are good vehicles or tools to market and advertise, but, none is... ...d July 15, 2009, from www.promomagazine.com Ross, Brian, Chuchmach, Megan, Eslocker, Asa, and Rhee, Joe, (2009, Feb 2). Bailed Out Bank of America Sponsors Super Bowl Fun Fest. Retrieved July 15, 2009, from www.abcnews.go.com Lefton, Terry (2009, Jan 19). NFL close to adding P&G to sponsor list. Retrieved July 15, 2009, from www.sportsbusinessjournal.com Bibliography Cotsonika, Nicholas (2009, Jun 9). Sponsor logos may show up on practice jerseys. Retrieved July 15, 2009, from www.freep.com Krantz, Matt (2005, Feb 20). NASCAR sponsorship revs stocks' engines. Retrieved July 15, 2009, from www.usatoday.com Paul, Peralte C. (2009, Mar 25). AFLAC upgrades its NASCAR sponsorship. Retrieved July 15, 2009, from www.ajc.com Associated Press, (2009, Jun 2). NASCAR: GM Sponsorship Will Continue. Retrieved July 15, 2009, from www.cbsnews.com

Humorous Wedding Speech for a Groom in Sales :: Wedding Toasts Roasts Speeches

Humorous Wedding Speech for a Groom in Sales Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen - Today, I'd like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to a man who personifies intelligence, ambition, tact, generosity, and integrity. But it is John’s wedding so it's only fair that I talk about him as well. Laughter Now, I only met John a few years ago at university, meaning that I’ve had to rely on him perhaps more than I would have liked to get the details of his past. But apparently, the young John Cervoni was an exceptionally gifted child. After publishing his first novel at 15, John tells me that his English teacher was left in tears when he opted for the Sciences at A Level. He then reluctantly turned down offers from Harvard and Stanford, in order to study at that other great beacon of learning – State University. But between leaving school and going to State, where I met John, I can only assume that something far too terrible to enquire about must have happened to transform him into the mediocre bum that I know. While at State U. John spent so much time skipping lectures they almost changed his degree to home economics. And when he left, his head of department gave him this reference: ‘Any company who gets Mr. Cervoni to work for them will be very lucky indeed’. So not surprisingly, John has done absolutely nothing to help with the planning of this wedding. At one stage, Melissa got so desperate for help she had me search him for a socket. She wondered if maybe she had to plug him in. Believe it or not, I wasn’t John’s only friend at university. Laughter John developed a close relationship with an African exchange student, named Chimaka. Their relationship was close in the sense that John admired Chimaka’s essay writing abilities and John was kindly always on hand to help Chimaka tidy up his written English. Now Chimaka, who’s father was a tribal elder in Chimakaya and who’s village had donated money to send Chimaka to England, was rather shocked to find himself called into the Dean of Faculties office one morning to explain similarities in his essay to those of John. Two hours later, finding Chimaka on his doorstep threatening suicide, or murder, John's future skills as a salesman came into play. Quoting statistical probability, quantum mechanics and astrology with a straight face, John managed to save both university careers.

Federal Reserve Paper

Federal Reserve Paper Alex Layer Macroeconomics On October 23 and 24 the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee held a meeting to discuss what they need to do or continue to do to stimulate the economy. According to the statement consumer spending has increased, but investment in companies has continued to decrease. They also said that inflation has increased which causes energy costs to go up, but the expectations are looking good. The Fed decided that continuing to buy securities would be a good idea since they are trying to lower the long-term interest rates.Their plan is to continue purchasing these mortgage backed securities until the labor markets improve. They will also plan on purchasing more assets if that is the case. The Committee wants to continue extending the holding of Treasury securities, and it is keeping the policy of reinvesting principal payments from the holding of agency debt and agency mortgage-backed securities. Their goal by doing this is to keep the Federal f unds rate between 0 and . 25%. All of this will increase securities held in the long run. They influence the interest rates by buying securities through open market operations.The Committee decided that the economy is getting better but too slowly so that is why they decided to take these actions to try and increase the speed. According to The New York Times article , they want to max out employment and price stability, which will help stimulate the economy. After reading the Committee’s statement I have concluded that they are using expansionary policies or â€Å"easy money policies†. I figured they are doing this since they are buying and holding their securities in an attempt to raise the aggregate demand.I do agree with what the Fed is planning to do in an attempt to stimulate the economy. I this it is a good idea since our economy is still in somewhat of a slump to use the easy money policies to increase the aggregate demand by changing the interest rates. Overall I agree with what they plan to do seeing that it should give us a positive outlook on the economy in the time to come. Sources http://www. nytimes. com/2012/10/25/business/economy/fed-affirms-low-rates-and-sees-moderate-growth. html? hp&_r=1& http://www. federalreserve. gov/newsevents/press/monetary/20121024a. htm

Ciara Favorite Artist Music

My most appreciated song on this earth today is â€Å"Gimme Dat†, by Ciara. This is my most appreciated song because this song fits my personality. It has a combination and a justified amount of both dancing and singing. The song itself puts on a certain performance toward the listeners, and it gives meaning to the singer/songwriter. The style of this song is a very up-beat tempo; it’s a hip-hop song. It’s a song that Deejays would play in clubs and at parties; because people can actually feel the beat of this song and turn it into one of their own. The artist of the song (Ciara) is a very well known artist. Ciara is one of the â€Å"sexiest† female hip-hop & R&B artist that are alive and in action today. She has been making music, singing music, and even choreographing music with her artistic styles ever since 2002. Ciara is a great artist and I think that all her fans would agree with me on that. The song titled, â€Å"Gimme Dat† is about Ciara coming back into show biz. Ciara has been away for a while creating her new album, and when she got herself back into the spotlight, she started with this song to let people know that she’s back and ready to do anything. My favorite part of the song is when Ciara says: â€Å"I been gone for too long, but its time to bring it back; gimme dat bass†! When Ciara uses these words together and then begins to dance right along with it it brings so much power to her video, song and performance. That’s what I really like about music; the performance, the power of the song, the meaning, the routines to the song, etc. This is my favorite song because Ciara really puts joy and a shining light into my heart. She makes me feel like I can come right out and do what I want to do, make whatever I want to make and just give my fans the performance they need. I feel inspired when I listen to this song; because I love dancing, I love singing, I love goofing around and giving my audience/listeners something they would want to hear. The song says: yeah, yeah, you like it when I move it to the beat like dat, got that bong up in your trunk, drop them speakers and turn it up, gimme dat bass†! This song just keeps me in my hype mode; it keeps me going every day. Every single moment I listen to it I’m either always dancing to it, singing to it or fantasing about how great it would be to have been in that video or created my own, that’s similar to it; but of course I would try to have the best song ever; and even though Ciara is great I think I can beat her to that one Grammy!

“A Grain of Wheat” by Ngugi wa Thiong’o Essay

The idea that sacrifice is required before Kenya attains true nationhood, is one of a range of ideas – others being birth, betrayal, heroism and forgiveness – in the novel â€Å"A Grain of Wheat†, by Ngugi wa Thiong’o. It is conveyed through the words and actions of many characters (especially Kihika, Mugo and to a lesser extent Gikonyo), rather than through the author telling us, since the narration is that of a third person. Ngugi explains that sacrifice is needed for the greater good of the nation, and of the people. The author insists that all members of a community must individually and collectively accept responsibility for its growth and well-being. The person in the novel, who epitomises the theme of sacrifice, is Kihika, the past leader of the Movement. Kihika is, for better or worse, the leader most associated with the Christian qualities including sacrifice. Although at first he merely thinks of himself as a saint and a leader, he later talks, and is talked about, in clearly Christ-like terms. General R, for example, refers to Kihika’s death, as a â€Å"crucifixion†. Kihika believes in sacrifice for the greater good of national liberation, and regards it as Christ-like. This is emphasised when Kihika says, â€Å"I die for you, you die for, we become a sacrifice for one another.† Ngugi wa Thiong’o also uses the character of Mugo to present and convey the theme of sacrifice, through his death and betrayal of Kihika. Initially, the villagers of Thabai ask Mugo to lead the Uhuru celebrations, in recognition of what they take to be his â€Å"heroic sacrifice†, by housing Kihika â€Å"without fear†. This in fact is false, when Mugo was the one â€Å"that betrayed the black people everywhere on the earth†. Furthermore when Kihika at a Movement meeting in Rung’ei, calls for sacrifice upon hearing â€Å"the call of a nation in turmoil†, Mugo sits in disgust and thinks to himself â€Å"he could not clap for words that did not touch him†. This shows that Mugo is not willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good of Kenya, unlike Kihika. Mugo at the end of the novel opens his heart and repents, and his act of betrayal be ritually cleansed from the earth by his sacrificial death. Two more characters that the author uses to convey sacrifice in the book are Gikonyo and Githua. Gikonyo betrays and sacrifices his loyalty to the Movement, by confessing to the oath in the detention camp. He does this, in order to secure a quick release from the camp, and re-unite with Mumbi and continue their marriage. But this does not occur, as Mumbi betrays Gikonyo, by making love to Karanja the day that she knew that Gikonyo was coming back. Githua represents the personal effects on individuals of British rule, he says his left leg was amputated because of British bullets (though doubt is cast on this later – it is said he lost his leg in a lorry smash). Ginthua emphasises his sacrifice for his people and doesn’t recognize any benefits from the struggle because of personal misfortune. The individual dramas become more prominent as the narrative progresses, but the rebellion is its point of reference. Mugo, Gikonyo, and Karanja betray the cause of freedom in their different ways, but they also betray themselves, as does Mumbi. Through the guilt they suffer, they arrive at a point of understanding and self-knowledge, and so in the end, the novel offers a possibility of sacrifice, regeneration and birth. The connection between sacrifice and birth is first suggested by the title of the novel, which is explained by the quotation from Corinthian’s at the start of the novel. The presentation of the theme of sacrifice in â€Å"A Grain of Wheat† is put across through a variety of individuals. Kihika’s selfless sacrifice depicts this belief that the unity of the black people is imperative for the country to move forward. Mugo’s deed of treachery as well as his demise at the end of the book also helps putting across the idea of sacrifice in the novel.

Subtle Expressions of Patriotism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Subtle Expressions of Patriotism - Essay Example It is not the cultures of the Irish, Hispanics, and Germans that dot this continent. America is a set of principles, values, and ideals that have remained unchanged for over two centuries. Giving our continual vigilance and support to these abstract concepts is what patriotism is. A colorful hat or a flag on the lawn does little to strengthen our nation or bind us together as a people. Living the principles and ideals of our founding fathers is a subtle, yet powerful, way to not only show our patriotism, but to put it to work to strengthen our nation. Practicing the founding principle of equality binds us together in a nationalistic environment that creates the strength of numbers with the peace of individualism. We practice equality in our day-to-day lives by acting on the immortal words "We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights" (Declaration of Independence). We live up to this ideal by treating our fellow citizens with dignity and respect. This calls us to do more than simply profess to be fair and equal in our treatment of minorities, religions, and opposing political opinions. It means that we must also accept them as legitimate and equal in terms of allowing them to exist, flourish, and grow. The practice of equality is a subtle expression of patriotism that is built upon the foundation of our nation's beliefs. Equality helps our nation assure that we are allowed to remain free and have the liberty that our independence granted us. Founding father Thomas Jefferson warned us that, "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance" (qtd. in Quotation Page). Our subtle patriotism is shown by our continued watch over our government, its excesses, and its direction in forming our domestic and foreign policies. As with equality, this expression of patriotism also requires action on the part of the citizenry. It requires us to stay informed of the issues that affect America. It demands that we participate in government when possible and whenever necessary. This may mean taking the simple action to vote, or may require running for public office. In addition, as Mark Twain said, we need to support our government when it deserves it. Freedom is a right that must be lived and watched over to assure it remains a part of our American tradition. As a nation that is built on equality and liberty, we have a patriotic obligation to support our country when we can, and criticize it when we can't. While we see our brave soldiers as true patriots, some patriots may be subtler in their approach. Visiting a veteran's hospital to thank the courageous men and women that have placed their life in harms way for our freedom is a quiet, yet forceful, show of patriotism. In addition, we must be willing to criticize our government when our conscience tells us that the government is taking action that is not in the best interest of the people. Civil disobedience can be as patriotic as enlisting in the armed forces. In both cases we are defending the principles and values that make this nation America. In conclusion, patriotism is an action that must be lived and incorporated into our daily lives. It isn't displayed by our once a year display of flags and fireworks. Patriotism is an

Biological psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Biological psychology - Essay Example Biological psychology also looks at genetics and their influence on the chances of a person getting a disease. For example, theories on phobias look at heritability. It is believed that phobias run in families, and that if someone has this specific phobia there is a 64% chance a first degree relative will also have it. Examples of this are phobias of blood, injury and injection (Biopsychology, 2006). Studying monozygotic/MZ (identical) and dizygotic/DZ (un-identical) twins is also a method used by biological psychologists. With MZ twins, if one twin has a disorder, there is the likelihood that the other has it than DZ twins. This is explained as the MZ twins sharing 100% of their genes with DZ twins sharing only 50%. Adoption studies are also of interest to biological psychology. They help to rule out environmental factors, since these children have a genetical link to the disorder, but reared in an environment free from the contended disorder. In a way, this facilitates setting aside nature influences from nurture influences on the development of psychological disorders. Biological psychology is also interested in neurotransmitters, particularly on whether a specific neurotransmitter in some large or small amounts has an effect on a disorder. Depression, for example, is associated with low levels of norepinephrine and serotonin, a link established by studies looking at what drugs have curative effect on depression (Biopsychology, 2006). The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a diffusion barrier, which impedes entry of most compounds from blood to brain (Ballabh, Braun, & Nedergaard, 2004). Its general properties are such that large molecules do not pass through the BBB easily. Low lipid (fat) soluble molecules do not penetrate into the brain, and molecules that have a high electrical charge are slowed. The BBB is semi-permeable such that it allows some materials to cross, but prevents others from