Critical Perspectives on thechnology and organisation Essay - 1

Critical Perspectives on thechnology and organisation - Essay Example The case study by Scarbrough & Lannon (1989) describes the impact of innovations and technology on the UK banking sector and discusses possible problems and advantages of technology implementation. The authors suggest that innovations and technological change can help to improve knowledge and learning in different service sectors. One reason for this is that once new technical knowledge is acquired, it can usually be embodied in a readily transferable form. The smoothness and slope of the corporate technical learning curve depend on two factors: (1) how well learning about the particular technology is transmitted from site to site and (2) how representative of later sites the first ones that influence developers design decisions are. Scarbrough & Lannon (1989) underline that technology has a great impact on learning and service improvements. It is possible to apply ‘double loop learning’ to the case of the Bank of Scotland to describe learning and knowledge creation infl uenced by technology. â€Å"Double loop learning’ was first developed by Argyris & Schon in their work Theory in Practice: Increasing Professional Effectiveness published in 1974. â€Å"Double loop learning’ can be defined as â€Å"is learning where assumptions about ways of seeing things are challenged and underlying values are changed. Double loop learning, in questioning givens or taken-for-granteds, has the potential to bring about a profound shift in underlying values by cracking their paradigms or ways of seeing the world† (Argyris & Schon 1992, p. 18). Also, ‘Double loop learning’ can be characterized through reflection, particularly with others in dialogue. Applied to the case by Scarbrough & Lannon, it is possible to say that â€Å"double loop learning’ is achieved by means of technology and innovations. Scarbrough & Lannon (1989) state that learning and

Nutrition - Obesity Essay Example for Free

Nutrition Obesity Essay Objective: To assess the association between the consumption of fast food (FF) and body mass index (BMI) of teenagers in a large UK birth cohort. Methods: A structural equation modelling (SEM) approach was chosen to allow direct statistical testing of a theoretical model. SEM is a combination of confirmatory factor and path analysis, which allows for the inclusion of latent (unmeasured) variables. This approach was used to build two models: the effect of FF outlet visits and food choices and the effect of FF exposure on consumption and BMI. Results: A total of 3620 participants had data for height and weight from the age 13 clinic and the frequency of FF outlet visits, and so were included in these analyses. This SEM model of food choices showed that increased frequency of eating at FF outlets is positively associated with higher consumption of unhealthy foods (b ? 0. 29, Po0. 001) and negatively associated with the consumption of healthy foods (b ? A1. 02, Po0. 001). The SEM model of FF exposure and BMI showed that higher exposure to FF increases the frequency of visits to FF outlets (b ? 0. 61, Po0.001), which is associated with higher body mass index standard deviation score (BMISDS; b ? 0. 08, Po0. 001). Deprivation was the largest contributing variable to the exposure (b ? 9. 2, Po0. 001). Conclusions: The teenagers who ate at FF restaurants consumed more unhealthy foods and were more likely to have higher BMISDS than those teenagers who did not eat frequently at FF restaurants. Teenagers who were exposed to more takeaway foods at home ate more frequently at FF restaurants and eating at FF restaurants was also associated with lower intakes of vegetables and raw fruit in this cohort. International Journal of Obesity (2011) 35, 1325–1330; doi:10. 1038/ijo. 2011. 120; published online 28 June 2011 Keywords: fast food; overweight; ALSPAC Introduction Childhood obesity prevalence have risen dramatically in the last 30 years in the Western world with the most recent figures for England and Wales show that 17% of boys and 16% of girls are obese. 1 An increase in the availability of calorie dense foods is implicated as one of the factors in the aetiology of the obesity epidemic. Fast food (FF) is one section of the food market that has grown steadily over the last few decades and it was worth d8. 9 billion in the United Kingdom in 2005. 2 FF is typically quick, convenient, cheap and Correspondence: Dr LK Fraser, School of Geography, University of Leeds, University road, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK. E-mail: l. k. [emailprotected] ac. uk Received 6 February 2011; revised 21 April 2011; accepted 12 May 2011; published online 28 June 2011 uniform in its production,3 but FF is often high in saturated fats, energy dense and has low micronutrient content. 4–9 Studies from the United States of America have shown that children who consume FF (when compared with children who do not eat FF) have higher energy intake and higher fat intakes9,10 as well as lower vegetable and milk intake. 10,11 Therefore, the consumption of such foods could possibly result in a positive energy balance; and hence, weight gain. There is some evidence from longitudinal studies in the United States of America that consuming FF as a teenager can result in weight gain in both early12 and middle adulthood. 13 FF is often marketed to children and adolescents through television, internet and movie advertising,14–17 with brand recognition being present from an early age. 18 The addition of toys as gifts with FF meals also attracts children. There is growing body of literature that has assessed the location of FF outlets and has found that areas of higher deprivation Fast food and body mass index LK Fraser et al 1326 have more FF outlets19–21 and that FF outlets are often located close to schools. 22–24 The majority of research to date has been undertaken in the United States of America, but a study that analysed the fat content of a FF meal in McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken outlets in 35 countries showed that the amount of fat varied considerably between countries, within the same FF outlet. 25 This means that results from studies in the United States of America may not be generalisable to other countries. This study aims to assess the cross-sectional association between the consumption of FF and the body mass index (BMI) of teenagers in a large UK birth cohort. Methods The data for this study were obtained from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC),26 which is a birth cohort study where pregnant mothers who lived in the old Avon County in the United Kingdom (the Bristol region) were recruited in the early 1990s. A total of 14 541 mothers completed recruitment. Because of retrospective recruitment the total sample size was 15 224 fetuses and 14 610 live births. This paper presents data on the teenagers who attended the year 13 clinic and completed the year 13 questionnaire. Variables The food frequency data were collected from the questionnaires completed by mother (or carer) and separate questionnaires completed by the teenagers themselves at age 13 years. The data used from the carer questionnaire (collected at the same time point) referred to the questions ‘How often does s/he eat in a FF restaurant? The responses to this question were collected as never/rarely, once a month, once every 2 weeks, once or twice per week, 3–4 times a week, 5 or more times a week. The carers were also asked ‘In total, how many portions of vegetables does s/he eat in a week (do not include potatoes)’, ‘In total, how many portions of raw fruit does s/he eat in a week? ’ These were free numerical responses, which were retained as a continuous variable for analyses. In the food frequency part of the teenager completed questionnaire the teenagers were asked ‘If you ever buy food yourself from outside school, or from school vending machines, how often do you buy and eat each of the following things (include after school and weekends): chips, burger, pizza, sandwich, pies or pasties, chocolate, crisps, fruit and other food. ’ The height and weight data were collected at clinic visits at B13 years. The exact age, sex, height and weight were used to calculate a BMI standard deviation score (BMISDS) for each participant (1990 UK reference dataset). 27 The teenagers International Journal of Obesity were classified as obese if their BMISDS was greater than the 95th percentile (BMISDS41. 64). The physical activity data were collected via accelerometry at the age 13 clinic visit. 28 The participants wore an accelerometer for seven consecutive days and the measure used from this is mean counts per minute, which is a continuous variable. A deprivation score was assigned to each participant by matching the coordinates of their residential address (when carer questionnaire was completed) to the appropriate lower super output area. Each lower super output area has an index of multiple deprivation score (Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007 (IMD))29 assigned from the local census data. This is a continuous variable in which a higher number indicates an area of higher deprivation. Ethnicity was assigned as per the child’s ethnicity into a binary variable of ‘white British’ and ‘other’ ethnicity. Statistical modelling Descriptive statistics were performed in STATA version 10 (StataCorp LP, College Station, TX, USA). A structural equation modelling (SEM) approach was chosen to allow direct statistical testing of a theoretical model. SEM has many benefits over traditional regression techniques, which include the ability to model equations simultaneously and the incorporation of latent variables. 30 SEM is a combination of confirmatory factor and path analysis, which allows for the inclusion of latent (unmeasured) variables. 31 This approach was used to build two models: the effect of FF outlet visits and food choices and the effect of FF exposure on consumption and BMI. The SEM analyses were undertaken in AMOS version 17. 0 (IBM SPSS, USA). The hypothesised model for food choices is shown in the results section (Figure 2). The observed variables are displayed as boxes and latent variables as circles. Each observed variable has an associated random error term and each latent variable has an associated disturbance term, which represents the variance in the latent variable that has not been explained by the observed variables associated with that latent variable. Regression paths are shown by singleheaded arrows and covariances by double-headed curved arrows. The model fit was assessed by two indices; the comparative fit index (CFI) and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). The CFI is a comparison of the hypothesised model compared with an independence model where all parameters are assumed to be independent. The RMSEA gives an indication of ‘how well would the model, with unknown but optimally chosen values, fit the population covariance matrix if it were available’. 32 A combination of CFI40. 95 and a RMSEA of o0. 50 is a sign of good model fit. The w2-test of overall fit is very sensitive to large sample size so has not been used in these models. 30 The two models were constructed a priori using previous research. The nutritional content of chips, burgers, pizza and Fast food and body mass index LK Fraser et al 1327 pies are known to be high in saturated fat and energy and therefore are ‘unhealthy’,4–9,33 whereas fruit and vegetables are known to contain fibre and vitamins and so are classified as ‘healthy’. Exposure to FF outlets is known to be higher in areas of higher deprivation. 19–21 In the food choices model, unhealthy consumption (latent variable) was modelled from the frequency of consumption of chips, burger, pizza and pies (reported by the teenagers themselves), and the healthy consumption was modelled from the number of pieces of vegetables and raw fruit consumed by the teenager (maternal report). The number of times that the teenager visited a FF outlet (maternal report) was regressed on the unhealthy and healthy consumption variables. The model for the effect of FF exposure on consumption and BMISDS is shown in Figure 3. Here exposure is a latent variable modelled from maternal and paternal takeaway frequency and deprivation score. The exposure is regressed on the number of visits to FF outlet. The BMISDS at age 13 years is the main outcome of this model. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the ALSPAC Law and Ethics Committee and the local research ethics committees. Results A total of 3620 participants have data for height and weight from the age 13 clinic and the frequency of FF outlet visits, and were included in these analyses (SEM cannot use individuals with missing data). A total of 1711 (47. 3%) were boys and 456 (12.6%) obese. The descriptive statistics are shown in Table 1. Frequency of visiting FF outlets and food consumption frequencies are shown in Figure 1. The results of model 1 are shown in Figure 2 with regression weights shown in Table 2. This model showed that increased frequency of eating at FF outlets was positively associated with higher consumption of unhealthy foods (b ? 0. 29, Po0. 001) and negatively associated with the consumption of healthy foods (b ? A1. 02, Po0. 001). The CFI for model 1 was 0. 98 and the RMSEA was 0. 05 (90% confidence interval 0. 044, 0. 058). These represent good approximate model fit. Table 1. The results of model 2 are shown in Figure 3 with regression weight shown in Table 3. This model showed that increased exposure to FF increased the frequency of visits to FF outlets (b ? 0. 61, Po0. 001), which in turn was associated with higher BMISDS (b ? 0. 08, Po0. 001). Deprivation was the largest contributing variable to the exposure (b ? 9. 2, Po0. 001). The CFI for model 2 was 0. 98, and the RMSEA was 0. 021 (90% confidence interval 0. 009, 0. 033). These represent very good approximate model fit. Discussion This study shows that teenagers who are exposed to more unhealthy foods at home are more likely to eat at FF restaurants and have a higher BMISDS. The negative association of increased visits to FF outlets on consumption of healthy foods (fruit and vegetables) has also been demonstrated. The FF restaurant use in this analysis was reported by the mother or main carer of the teenager and showed that nearly 60% of all the teenagers ate at a FF restaurant at least once a month. This appears to be less frequently than in the United States of America, where studies showed that 60% of older children and adolescents ate FF more than once per week34 and that B30% of children ate at a FF restaurant on any typical day. 9. As one part of the SEM this study showed that eating at a FF outlet was associated with a higher BMISDS. There were no previous UK studies to compare these results with, but previous studies from the United States of America have not found consistent results. Boutelle et al. 11 found no association between frequency of FF consumption and adolescent BMI or weight status, and an Australian study Descriptive statistics Mean BMISDS Deprivation (IMD 2007)29 Physical activity (c. p. m. ) Raw fruit (portions per week) Vegetables (portions per week) s. d. Median IQR 0. 29 13. 7 541 9. 5 9. 5 1. 14 11. 4 190 7 7 0. 024 10. 6 511 8 8 A0. 47, 1. 06 5. 9, 17. 0 404, 653 5, 14 5, 12 Abbreviations: BMISDS, body mass index standard deviation score for age and sex; c. p. m. , cycles per minute; IMD 2007, Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007; IQR, interquartile range. Figure 1 Food frequency data. International Journal of Obesity Fast food and body mass index LK Fraser et al 1328 Figure 2 Results of SEM model of food choices. Table 2 Results of SEM model of food choices Regression weights a Unhealthy’fast food Healthy’fast food Chips’unhealthy Burger’unhealthy Fruit’healthy Vegetables’healthy Pizza’unhealthy Pies’unhealthy Estimate s. e. CR P 0. 285 A1. 023 1. 000 0. 732 1. 000 1. 157 0. 774 0. 530 0. 021 0. 124 13. 439 A8. 274 o0. 001 o0. 001 0. 016 45. 243 o0. 001 0. 148 0. 018 0. 016 7. 802 42. 483 32. 720 o0. 001 o0. 001 o0. 001 Abbreviations: CR, critical ratio; SEM, structural equation modeling. aAll consumption variables units: never/rarely, once a month, once every 2 weeks, once or twice per week, 3–4 times a week, 5 or more times a week. showed that FF eaten at home (but not away from home) was associated with higher BMI in adolescents (MacFarlane). Two longitudinal studies using data from the CARDIA study found that higher FF intake in adolescence was associated with higher BMI in young adulthood12 and those who ate FF more than twice a week had put on an extra 4. 5 kg of weight 15 years later. 13 The teenagers who ate more frequently at FF restaurants were more likely to eat less fruit and vegetables, as well as consume more unhealthy foods (chips, burger, pizza, pies) than those teenagers who ate at FF restaurants less frequently. This is an indication that the consumption of unhealthy foods may displace healthy food choices. This is similar to previous research in the United States of America, International Journal of Obesity which showed that children who ate FF consumed 45 g less vegetables per day than children who did not eat FF. 10 At age 13 years the food frequency data were a combination of maternal and self-report from the teenagers, but the total macro- and micronutrient values could not be assessed in this study as these data were not yet available at the time of writing. Deprivation was the largest contributor to the FF exposure variable. This could be explained by the fact that those of higher deprivation eat more FF because of the relative cheapness of FF. It has also been shown in many studies in the United Kingdom and the United States of America that areas of higher deprivation have more FF outlets than more affluent areas therefore, FF is more readily available. 35 An interesting economics paper from the United States of America showed that increasing the cost of FF by $1 could decrease BMI by 0. 78 units. 36 The increased consumption of unhealthy foods (chips, burger, pizzas and pies) by those teenagers who ate more frequently at FF outlets was not surprising, but the associated negative effect of the consumption of fruit and vegetables by these participants is important. These teenagers will not only be consuming more of the saturated fat and salt from the burgers, and so on, but at the same time they are not consuming important nutrients from fruit and vegetables. Although many FF outlets now offer more healthy alternatives such as fruit and vegetables, the consumers may still be choosing the unhealthy foods. Fast food and body mass index LK Fraser et al 1329 The FF question completed by the carer did not specify what constituted FF so some respondents may only count large franchises as FF whereas others may use a broader definition that includes independent takeaways. Although the frequency of eating at a FF restaurant was asked, the carers were not asked about the food eaten from these establishments and many FF restaurants now offer more ‘healthy’ alternatives. Although the majority of FF items do not meet the Food Standards Agency nutrient standards for total fat, saturated fat, sugar and sodium there are wide variations in similar products from different FF outlets with sodium content varying by up to four times in fried chicken products. 37 Therefore, having data on which food items were consumed from which FF outlet would further enhance future studies. There was no information on why the teenagers ate at FF restaurants, and key questions for the future include; was there no alternative eating establishments in their neighbourhood? Did they prefer FF to other meals or was the cost of food important? Conclusions This study has shown that the teenagers who ate at FF restaurants consumed more unhealthy foods and were more likely to have higher BMISDS than those teenagers who did not eat frequently at FF restaurants. Teenagers who were exposed to more takeaway foods at home ate more frequently at FF restaurants. Eating at FF restaurants was also associated with lower intakes of vegetables and raw fruit in this cohort. Figure 3 The SEM model of FF exposure and BMI. Table 3 Results of SEM model of FF exposure and body mass index Regression weights Fast food ’exposure. Maternal fast food’exposure Deprivation’exposure Paternal fast food’exposure BMISDS’fast food BMISDS’c. p. m. a Estimate s. e. CR 0. 61 1. 000 9. 20 0. 66 0. 08 0. 00 0. 07 8. 654 1. 07 0. 08 0. 02 0. 00 8. 605 8. 680 3. 586 A3. 351 P o0. 001 o0. 001 o0. 001 o0. 001 o0. 001 Abbreviations: BMISDS, body mass index standard deviation score for age and sex; c. p. m. , cycles per minute; CR, critical ratio; FF, fast food; IMD 2007, Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007; SEM, structural equation modeling. a All consumption variables units: never/rarely, once a month, once every 2 weeks, once or twice per week, 3–4 times a week, 5 or more times a week. Strengths/limitations This is a large dataset with good-quality height and weight data taken at clinic visits by trained staff using validated equipment. There were food consumption data about the teenagers available from both the teenagers and their carers, but this is a cross-sectional study so causation cannot be implied from this data. As expected in a longitudinal study there is attrition and the subcohort used in this study may not be truly representative of the whole cohort. Conflict of interest The authors declare no conflict of interest. Acknowledgements. We are extremely grateful to all the families who took part in this study, the midwives for their help in recruiting and the whole ALSPAC team, which include interviewers, computer and laboratory technicians, clerical workers, research scientists, volunteers, managers, receptionists and nurses. The UK Medical Research Council (grant ref: 74882), The Wellcome Trust (grant ref: 076467) and the University of Bristol provide core support for ALSPAC. LKF was funded by ESRC/MRC studentship. References 1 Craig RS. Health survey for England 2007, 2008. Available from http://www. natcen. ac. uk/study/health-survey-for-england-2007. 2 Keynote.UK fast food and home delivery outlets, 2006. International Journal of Obesity Fast food and body mass index LK Fraser et al 1330 3 DeMaria AN. Of fast food and franchises. J Am Coll Cardiol 2003; 41: 1227–1228. 4 Astrup A. Super-sized and diabetic by frequent fast-food consumption? Lancet 2005; 365: 4–5. 5 Brown K, McIlveen H, Strugnell C. Young consumers and the hospitality spectrum. Appetite 1998; 31: 403. 6 Harnack LJ, French SA, Oakes JM, Story MT, Jeffery RW, Rydell SA. Effects of calorie labeling and value size pricing on fast food meal choices: results from an experimental trial. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2008; 5: 63. 7 Lewis LB, Sloane DC, Nascimento LM, Diamant AL, Guinyard JJ, Yancey AK et al. African Americans’ access to healthy food options in South Los Angeles restaurants. Am J Public Health 2005; 95: 668–673. 8 Paeratakul S, Ferdinand DP, Champagne CM, Ryan DH, Bray GA. Fast-food consumption among US adults and children: dietary and nutrient intake profile. J Am Diet Assoc 2003; 103: 1332–1338. 9 Schmidt M, Affenito SG, Striegel-Moore R, Khoury PR, Barton B, Crawford P et al. Fast-food intake and diet quality in black and white girls the national heart, lung, and blood institute growth and health study. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2005; 159: 626–631. 10 Bowman SA, Gortmaker SL, Ebbeling CB, Pereira MA, Ludwig DS. Effects of fast-food consumption on energy intake and diet quality among children in a national household survey. Pediatrics 2004; 113: 112–118. 11 Boutelle KN, Fulkerson JA, Neumark-Sztainer D, Story M, French SA. Fast food for family meals: relationships with parent and adolescent food intake, home food availability and weight status. Public Health Nutr 2007; 10: 16–23. 12 Duffey KJ, Gordon-Larsen P, Jacobs DR, Williams OD, Popkin BM. Differential associations of fast food and restaurant food consumption with 3-y change in body mass index: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study. Am J Clin Nutr 2007; 85: 201–208. 13 Pereira MA, Kartashov AI, Ebbeling CB, Van Horn L, Slattery M, Jacobs DR et al. Fast-food habits, weight gain, and insulin resistance (the CARDIA study): 15-year prospective analysis. Lancet 2005; 365: 36–42. 14 Sutherland LA, MacKenzie T, Purvis LA, Dalton M. Prevalence of food and beverage brands in movies: 1996–2005. Pediatrics 2010; 125: 468–474. 15 Powell LM, Szczypka G, Chaloupka FJ. Trends in exposure to television food advertisements among children and adolescents in the United States. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2010; 164: 794–802. 16 Hillier A, Cole BL, Smith TE, Yancey AK, Williams JD, Grier SA et al. Clustering of unhealthy outdoor advertisements around child-serving institutions: a comparison of three cities. Health Place 2009; 15: 935–945. 17 Lingas EO, Dorfman L, Bukofzer E. Nutrition content of food and beverage products on Web sites popular with children. Am J Public Health 2009; 99(Suppl 3): S587–S592. 18 Robinson TN, Borzekowski DLG, Matheson DM, Kraemer HC. Effects of fast food branding on young children’s taste preferences. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2007; 161: 792–797. International Journal of Obesity. 19 Cummins SCJ, McKay L, MacIntyre S. McDonald’s restaurants and neighborhood deprivation in Scotland and England. Am J Prev Med 2005; 29: 308–310. 20 Fraser LK, Edwards KL. The association between the geography of fast food outlets and childhood obesity rates in Leeds, UK. Health Place 2010; 16: 1124–1128. 21 Macdonald L, Cummins S, Macintyre S. Neighbourhood fast food environment and area deprivation-substitution or concentration? Appetite 2007; 49: 251–254. 22 Neckerman KM, Bader MDM, Richards CA, Purciel M, Quinn JW, Thomas JS et al. Disparities in the food environments of New York City public schools. A J Prev Med 2010; 39: 195–202. 23 Davis B, Carpenter C. Proximity of fast-food restaurants to schools and adolescent obesity. Am J Public Health 2009; 99: 505–510. 24 Seliske LM, Pickett W, Boyce WF, Janssen I. Density and type of food retailers surrounding Canadian schools: variations across socioeconomic status. Health Place 2009; 15: 903–907. 25 Stender S, Dyerberg J, Astrup A. Fast food: unfriendly and unhealthy. Int J Obes 2007; 31: 887–890. 26 Golding J, Pembrey M, Jones R, Team AS. ALSPAC-The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children – I. Study methodology. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2001; 15: 74–87. 27 Cole TJ, Freeman JV, Preece MA. Body-mass index reference curves for the UK, 1990. Arch DisChild 1995; 73: 25–29. 28 Riddoch CJ, Leary SD, Ness AR, Blair SN, Deere K, Mattocks C et al. Prospective associations between objective measures of physical activity and fat mass in 12–14 year old children: the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Br Med J 2009; 339: b4544. 29 Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007 (IMD 2007). 30 Kline R (ed) Principles and Practice of Structural Equation Modeling. The Guildford Press: New York, 2005. 31 Tomarken AJ, Waller NG. Structural equation modeling: strengths, limitations, and misconceptions. Annu Rev Clinic. Psychol 2005; 1: 31–65. 32 Byrne BM (ed). Structural Equation Modelling with AMOS. Lawrence Erbaum Associates: London, 2001. 33 Astrup A, Dyerberg J, Selleck M, Stender S. Nutrition transition and its relationship to the development of obesity and related chronic diseases. Obes Rev 2008; 9: 48–52. 34 Taveras EM, Berkey CS, Rifas-Shiman SL, Ludwig DS, Rockett HRH, Field AE et al. Association of consumption of fried food away from home with body mass index and diet quality in older children and adolescents. Pediatrics 2005; 116: E518–E524. 35 Fraser LK, Edwards KL, Cade J, Clarke GP. The geography of fast food outlets: a review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2010; 7: 2290–2308. 36 Powell LM. Fast food costs and adolescent body mass index: evidence from panel data. J Health Econ 2009; 28: 963–970. 37 Dunford E, Webster J, Barzi F, Neal B. Nutrient content of products served by leading Australian fast food chains. Appetite 2010; 55: 484–489. Copyright of International Journal of Obesity is the property of Nature Publishing Group and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holders express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.

Leadership Styles And Theories

Leadership Styles And Theories Jack Welch Leadership Styles Jack Welch was CEO and chairman of one of the world successful companies, General Electric. He began his career with General Electric Company in 1960 and became the Companys 8th Chairman and CEO in 1981. During his 20-year reign at GE, the market capitalization of company increased from $13 billion to $400 billion, while revenues grew from $27 billion to $125 billion and earnings grew tenfold to almost $14 billion. According to Fortune magazine, he was named â€Å"Manager of the Century† in 2000 (Welch, J Welch, S 2008). Welch had not only brought to company the increasing in profits and financial gains but also brought to GE the creative and innovative theories in the way of operating an organization. Welchs theories on leadership and management were evaluated as perfect principles in organizational effectiveness. One of leaderships theories that Jack Welch successfully applied to General Electric was his own theory of leaders 4E. His theory, which is now called â€Å"E to the fourth power†, is for leaders who have huge personal energy, the capability to inspire and energize others, the edge for being competitive and the ability to execute on these attributes (Byrne, 1998). Firstly, 4E leader has energy. Welch notes that the intelligence and decision making ability are not enough for the leaders, they must have source of energy to convert good ideas into measurable performance. This intellectual energy also called ‘emotional energy that helps leaders build the spirit or morale of an organization. Welch believes that passion is more important for 4E leaders than charisma. Having passion, it is something that comes from deep inside said by Welch. Organization needs people that not only want to feel passionate about their job but also willing to sacrifice their personal goal to achieve company goals. The next important task was to switch energy into results. He had a well-known Work-OutTM that focus on the three key goals: bring more productive, self-confidence to the organization and eliminated bureaucracy (Krames 2005, p. 25-28). Welch recognized that bureaucracy was waste, redundant approvals and eliminated competitive spirit of the company so he cut down the organizational structure by removing management layers, dropped unimportant work and made the workplace more relaxed (Krames 2002, p. 5). He believed that people could work more effectively and positively in a cleaner and filter organization where they were given room to grow and expand their abilities. According to Welch, everything could be changed such as the market share, customers of GE, competitive environment and so on. He convinced people to see change as an opportunity rather than a threat. This could be seen as a source of energy that brought effectiveness and productivity to the organization (Krames 2005, p. 32). Moreover, the way to add energy is through encourage and engage people to donate their new ideas. The Welchs Work-Out initiative demonstrated that he tried to build up a forum for employees to speak out their own ideas and present what need to be done directly to the boss in order to make the organization better (Krames 2005, p. 35-37). Welch had turned the hierarchy down to make leaders and followers more close to each other in exchanging work and sharing ideas. Welch had applied successfully transformational leadership theory in his company. He narrowed the distance between leaders and followers and brought motivation and innovation to the workplace environment in order to make organization better. Secondly, 4E leader has to know how to energize people to act and inspire them to perform well in order to achieve organizations goals. Leader requires having confidence and has to instill their confidence into the spirit of organization. One of important keys to energize people to carry out their jobs is to make sure that followers are engaged in jobs (Krames 2005, p. 49-50). Furthermore, leader must know that the key to inspiring is not to micro-manage, but to sketch a few general goals and let people work with them (Krames 2005, p. 53). Welch felt that managers should not try to micro-manage in details. Workers are anxious to make decision when they work in organization with full of micro-managers. By energize people to think and contribute their own ideas, organizations are well-equipped to battle in global business arena (Krames 2002, p. 23). According to Welch, the 4E leader made sure that there is a place for people to present new ideas and grant credit to those who come up wi th best ideas (Krames 2005, p. 57). The last part of energizing puzzle was GEs reward system. Welch introduced reward system called one-currency: GE stock that managers receive its options every year. He confirmed the different amount of stocks based on the different levels of performance. This system helped Welch to tie every managers and employees at GE on the same boat. People have more responsibility when they get their lives involved in the organization. By establishing this system, Welch had increased the productivity across all GE businesses (Krames 2005, p. 62-63). The third E of 4E leader is Edge. Welch noted that leaders with edge had a competitive spirit and recognized the worth of speed. They were confident so that they know the right time to green light or red light project and when to take an acquisition (Krames 2005, p. 75). The great example for leader with edge was when Welch reinvented GE requiring many actions that gone in paradoxical direction. He cut costs heartlessly and deeply on the GE payroll by firing 118,000 people while spending millions on nonproductive things. In a contradiction of business, Welch said that we have to shrink in order to grow; we have to give things up in order to gain things. By reducing jobs and shutting down unproductive factories, the GEs profit margins and inventory turns increased dramatically. Welch proved that he was a leader with edge who doesnt fear to give hard decision (Krames 2005, p. 77-78). The second and third theory of Welchs 4E leader shows that he is a truly transformational leader who en couraged spirit to reach organization goals and increased market growth for the organization. Reference Byrne, J 1998, How Jack Welch runs GE, Business Week cover story, viewed 4 December 2009, . Krames, JA 2002, The Welch Way, McGraw-Hill, New York. Krames, JA 2005, Jack Welch and the 4Es of leadership, McGraw-Hill, New York. Welch, J Welch, S 2008, Jack Welch Biography, The Welch Way, viewed 2, December, 2009, .

Free Euthanasia and Doctor-Assisted Suicide Essay - Assisted Suicide :: Euthanasia Physician Assisted Suicide

Euthanasia The purpose of this essay is to inform readers clearly and coherently enoughof the terms and issues in the euthanasia debate that they can make sense of the euthanasia question. Descriptions are in relatively simple, non-technical language to facilitate learning. The definition of euthanasia is simple: "Easy, painless death." But the concept of euthanasia proposed by adherents of the euthanasia movement is complex and has profound consequences for all. Because the subject involves the discipline of medicine (diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, medical ethics and so on) as well as the discipline of law, the general public will have difficulty understanding it without some knowledge of these matters. We begin with the definition of terms: * Euthanasia: traditionally, an easy, painless death. Now used to mean "mercy killing," "assisted suicide," or "involuntary euthanasia." * Voluntary euthanasia: death administered to one who asks for it. In practice, truly voluntary euthanasia requests may be very rare, since the patient rarely gives informed consent because the alleged consent is influenced by depression, improperly treated pain or other factors that are not controlled but could be controlled. * Involuntary euthanasia: death administered without the recipient's consent, commonly known as "mercy killing," as in the case of children or incompetent adults. * Active, direct or positive euthanasia: direct killing of the patient by administering lethal drugs or other direct means of ending life, or by withholding or withdrawing ordinary means of sustaining life such as food and water, protection from exposure and so on. * Passive, indirect or negative euthanasia: ambiguous. Can be the decision by patient, parent or guardian and physician to withhold or withdraw extraordinary means of sustaining or prolonging life, such as deciding against high-risk surgery for a patient dying of cancer or kidney failure. When the intent is not to cause death but rather to reject extraordinary treatment, this results in the acceptance of death or continued life, whichever occurs, but it is not true euthanasia. The terms "passive," "indirect" or "negative euthanasia" should not be used since they play into the hands of euthanasia advocates by confusing legitimate actions with euthanasia, thereby desensitizing people to the fact that euthanasia is killing. More importantly, passive euthanasia is sometimes defined by others as the withholding of lifesaving treatment with the intention and result of causing the patient's death. This is the equivalent to active, direct euthanasia.

Into the Wild Essay

You will have 45 minutes to plan and write an essay on the topic assigned below. Before you begin writing, read the passage carefully and plan what you will say. Your essay should be as well-organized and carefully written as you can make it. I think that Chris McCandless was bright and ignorant at the same time. He had no common sense, and he had no business going into Alaska with his Romantic silliness. He made a lot of mistakes based on arrogance. I don’t admire him at all for his courage nor his noble ideas. Really, I think he was just plain crazy. Shaun Callarman Explain Callarman’s argument and discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with his analysis. Support your position, providing reasons and examples from your own experience, observations, or reading. The sample student essays that follow reflect the EPT Scoring Guide’s criteria for their respective scores. Sample student essay with a score of 6: Life: Not an Episode of â€Å"Grizzly Man† Yes, living alone in the wilderness like Thoreau and London sounds exciting, especially if you fake a big part of your adventures or if you can pack up and go home when you get too hungry. Chris McCandless doesn’t have these options, but Shaun Callarman believes that Chris is full of â€Å"Romantic silliness,† and by this statement I think he means that Chris goes into Alaska seeing only the good parts of the wilderness experience. Like Callarman, I believe that Chris has a head full of â€Å"Romantic ideas† and that he lacks â€Å"common sense† although I would not call him â€Å"plain crazy.† When Chris decides to map some part of the Alaskan wilderness that’s already been mapped, he is definately showing â€Å"Romantic silliness.† Callarman is right about this; it doesn’t seem very courageous to me to waste time doing work that someone else has already done! I would want to spend my time doing something more useful. The wilde rness in Alaska is being ruined with oil pipes and spills. Chris could of taken some of his â€Å"noble ideas† and used them to better the area. By spending his energy for a good cause, he would not have seemed so arrogant and ignorant, as Callarman states. It might have  felt romantic to him to draw his own map, but he was staying in a bus, so it seems pretty clear to me that somebody else had been there already. Also, Callarman says that Chris â€Å"made a lot of mistakes base on arrogance.† I agree; Chris does make a lot of errors. For instance, he brings the wrong kind of gun, the wrong kind of clothes, too many books and not enough food. What is the purpose of his reading and his library research in Alaska if he’s not going to be willing to take advise? So yes, Chris’s mistakes maybe coming from an arrogant brain. On the other hand, Chris did show some â€Å"noble ideas,† in contrast to what Callarman states. He tries to keep other people from getting involved with him by not letting them get too close. In addition, he really did kill a moose and not a carabou, as some people made fun of him for doing. Finally, he lives a lot longer out in the wilderness than most people could! Chris is definately a bizarre mix of qualities, as Callarman argues, but now that I think about it Chris is not really as bad as he looks. Being young (high school and college) is suppose to be the time of our lives for Romantic silliness. Aren’t we suppose to be idealists during this time? I would not want my plans and dreams to be called â€Å"arrogant† or â€Å"ignorant,† because they’re impo rtant to me and I want them to come true. All in all, with his bad family life and sketchy role models like London, Chris did not do too bad. I do feel sorry for his parents and sister and friends, but his life is a lesson for all of us to be careful but to follow our dreams as much as we can. Commentary This essay illustrates the EPT Scoring Guide’s criteria for a score of 6. The superior response indicates that the writer is very well prepared to handle college-level reading and writing. The writer offers a concise and accurate explanation of the Callarman quotation and effectively addresses all aspects of the prompt. The essay demonstrates a thorough, critical understanding of the passage, invoking Callarman both directly and indirectly, integrating quoted material smoothly, and using the Callarman quotation to guide the writer’s response. The essay consistently and insightfully negotiates between Callarman and the writer, even to the extent that the writing itself functions to modify the writer’s position as the essay progresses. With a few exceptions (see the second paragraph, for example) the writer uses transitions appropriately and effectively, both within and between  paragraphs, to guide the reader through the essay. The writer offers specific, accura te, and relevant examples (the map, the insufficient clothing and food, too many books) to support the essay’s points. The writer concludes the essay by referring to London again at the end and bringing the essay full circle. The essay’s paragraphs get shorter toward the end as the writer perhaps begins to rush, yet they are generally unified, focused, and well developed. The writer has learned to write in the literary present tense, with only some wavering of verb tense (especially toward the end of the essay). The essay is generally free of errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics, except for minor slips (such as â€Å"definately† and â€Å"maybe† versus â€Å"may be†) that do not interfere with meaning. Sample student essay with a score of 5: Into the Wild Essay Shaun Callarman does not have much good to say about Chris McCandless. He believes that he, â€Å"was bright and ignorant at the same time,† meaning that Chris was smart; just smart enough to get himself killed in Alaska. Callarman also believes that Chris, â€Å"was just plain crazy,† which I think is taking his argument too far. I agree that Chris was foolish and made mistakes based on arrogance, but I don’t think he was crazy. Chris was just a bad combination of brains and stupidity. A college graduate should know enough to prepare for the wilderness. Who goes to a cold and distant place like Alaska with a backpack full of books and a bag of rice? He had enough money to buy the stuff he needed, why not spend some of his savings on a $5 map? His $24,000 would of bought him a lot of equiptment and food. People kept trying to buy him equiptment but each time he denied them. Is this being independent, or is it being stupid? I vote for stupid. Of course, Chris had a lot of problems that contributed to his decision to go into the wild. For example, his parent’s marriage was awful, and his dad’s double life must of been a huge shock. It seems that Chris did a lot of this to spite his parents, like lieing about his identity, ignoring letters from home, and badmouthing his Mom and Dad. There are lots of people like him that feel they have something to prove, so they go out and do something wreckless. Chris didn’t prove anything by going to Alaska, besides that he was an idiot. If he hated his Mom and Dad so much, maybe he should of just  gone somewhere and started a new life, maybe he should of taken his savings and bought a cabin in Alaska and been alone as long as he wanted instead of starving to death in a bus for innocent hikers to find later. If Chris is crazy, then so are a lot of other people, but he seems more foolish and even mean. For example, what about the way he treated the old man Ron? Ron really cared about Chris and he had already lost his entire family, but Chris tried to tell him how to live. After all that, he hit the road again and left Ron behind. This example shows that he only thinks of himself throughout the book, which just makes him like many others, dumb. Callarman lets him off too easy when he calls him â€Å"crazy†. If Chris was crazy, he could of been helped, but I believe he was mostly foolish and angry. He went to Alaska in a temper tantrum to show everyone, but he paid the biggest price in his death. Commentary This essay illustrates the EPT Scoring Guide’s criteria for a score of 5. The clear competence of the essay indicates that this writer is ready to handle college-level reading and writing. The writer provides a reasonable and clear thesis that responds to the prompt. The writer opens with an accurate summary of the Callarman passage, choosing to focus on the idea of whether or not Chris is crazy to develop a well-reasoned response. The writer shows some depth and complexity by attempting to consider opposing viewpoints in the third paragraph, although the logic wavers somewhat. The essay tends to overuse generalities (largely that McClandless was â€Å"dumb† or â€Å"stupid†), and some sections are underdeveloped. However, the writer does provide some specific examples (McClandless’ refusal to obtain equipment, his abandonment of Ron) to back up the essay’s assertions. The writer’s personal voice is lively and consistent throughout the essay. Transitions are occasionally awkward or missing, but the writer generally succeeds at using transitional language to guide the reader through the essay. The writer is able to reiterate the essay’s position in the final paragraph without being overly repetitive. The essay suffers from some errors of expression, such as spelling (â€Å"equiptment,† â€Å"lieing†), usage (â€Å"would of,† â€Å"should of†), mechanics (â€Å"his parent’s marriage†), semicolon use, pronoun confusion (the use of â€Å"he† in the first paragraph), and style (overuse of â€Å"a lot†), but these concerns do not generally detract from meaning. On the strong side,  this writer has learned to use a comma before coordinating conjunctions that connect independent clauses. Sample student essay with a score of 4: Chris McCandless was a risk-taker. He was a young man that wanted to be independent and live his life without anyone telling him what to do. Some people, such as Shaun Callarman, describe him as ignorant and arrogant. Others admire him for his ability to maintain his independence and live under his own control while maintaining his morals. Shaun Callarman says he was â€Å"bright and ignorant at the same time.† He had to have been bright. He read amazingly difficult books and followed their teachings as well. However, aside from calling him bright, Callarman also calls McCandless ignorant. Was McCandless ignorant for following the teachings of these books? No. He was just curious and obviously determined. Callarman states, â€Å"He had no common sense, and he had no business going into Alaska with his Romantic silliness.† I agree with what Callarman says in this passage. Common sense would have told him to bring the necessary supplies with him before attempting to go in to the wilderness of Alaska. I have been taught from a very young age to not go anywhere without my necessities, whether it be money, food, or water. I also have been taught to not go anywhere alone, especially if it is a huge risk. Chris McCandless ignored, or showed absolutely no common sense. I do not however think he was crazy. I do admire him for his ability to retain his morals and live his dreams out to their fullest potential. He took risks and in doing so was able to achieve what he most wanted. Independence. Commentary This essay illustrates the EPT Scoring Guide’s criteria for a score of 4. This adequate response to the topic suggests that the writer should be able to handle college-level reading and writing. The writer demonstrates a generally accurate understanding of the passage, although the writer struggles to understand some of Callarman’s points (i.e., how McCandless could be â€Å"bright and ignorant at the same time†). The essay delivers its thesis in the first sentence; this thesis is succinct and responds to the prompt. The first paragraph is brief but adequately set up, with the question, Was Chris independent or arrogant? posed through logic and transitional language (e.g., â€Å"Some people . . .† in the third sentence,  followed by â€Å"Others . . .† in the fourth). The writer quotes Callarman both directly and indirectly and attempts to incorporate quoted material smoothly with tag phrases, introductions, and other markers, although the quotati ons after the first paragraph are repetitive in terms of structure and logic. The essay as a whole is somewhat simplistic and repetitive. The final paragraph, for example, basically restates the thesis paragraph (first paragraph), and the body paragraphs tend to repeat their points as well. The logic in the essay is uneven, particularly in the third paragraph, where the essay seems to argue against its own thesis when the writer attempts to acknowledge Callarman’s â€Å"Romantic silliness† comment. The writer offers transitional language, although somewhat simplistic, within paragraphs (â€Å"however† is a prominent transition) but does not provide similar guidance for the reader between paragraphs. The examples from the text (reading hard books, leaving without necessities) are relevant but are general and underdeveloped. The essay generally demonstrates control of grammar, usage, and mechanics; in fact, this essay is a prime example of a paper that handles the English language quite competently but that struggles in other areas, such as organization and development. Sample student essay with a sc ore of 3: Chris McCandless was an adventourous man. Chris McCandless wanted to live his life to the fullest. Chris had changed his name to Alex the Supertramp. Alex wanted to live on the ‘road’. So he packed up all his belongings and burned his money. He unfortunaly died hundred and twelve days after he ‘hit the road’. Many people think of him as inspiration. While Others belived he was Crazy. I personally believe that Alex was an inspiration. An man by the name of Shawn Callarman had written a passage about Alex. Callarman writes â€Å"I think that Chris McCandless was bright and ignorant.† Callarman goes on to say that â€Å"I think he was just plain Crazy.† I disagree I believe Alex had a purpose in life. I believe that Alex had taken some time to think about his journey. Alex had a purpose in his life. I believe he wanted to show people how they can have goals and still acheive them. Even though he died on his Journey he left a ‘track’ b ehind. Alex had many pals along the way and he made a difference in their lives. Chris McCandless was an inspiration to me. Many people have their opinions of Chris. Chris’s story could lean  towards both ways. I believe that Chris MaCandless made a difference in a least one person’s life on his Journey. Chris McCandless was Crazy but he was not just a regular man. Chris McCandless was an inspiration to us all. Commentary This essay illustrates the EPT Scoring Guide’s criteria for a score of 3; however, it is a weak 3. Although the essay suggests developing competence, it is flawed in significant ways that suggest the writer needs additional practice before being able to succeed in college-level reading and writing. The writer makes limited use of the passage, focusing solely on the idea of McClandless’s potential craziness. The essay quotes Callarman by implication and without attribution in the final sentence of the first paragraph. It mentions Callarman directly only in the second paragraph by providing two quotations, the first of which is simply dropped in, then left unaddressed. The writer struggles to choose between two potential thesis statements (â€Å"I personally believe that Alex was an inspiration† and â€Å"I believe Alex had a purpose in life†), both contained in the second paragraph and reiterated but not supported elsewhere in the essay. The body paragraphs are a series of assertions that lack effective transitions. The writer has limited control of syntax and vocabulary, using a highly repetitive sentence structure throughout the essay, with constructions of similar length, grammatical structure, and simplicity (e.g., the first three sentences of the first paragraph open with the word â€Å"Chris†). The writer offers examples from the text that are accurate (McClandless’s changing his name, burning the money, making friends along the way), but these examples are often unspecific and are generally underdeveloped and undersupported. The writer struggles to maintain a consistent and appropriate verb tense throughout the essay. The essay suffers from an accumulation of errors, especially errors in spelling (â€Å"unfortuanly† and â€Å"belived†), punctuation (missing commas and misused single quotation marks), and erratic capitalization (â€Å"Others† and â€Å"Crazy†). Sample student essay with a score of 2: Into the Wild Essay Callarman’s argument is that he thinks that McCandless was bright but a the same time ignorant. He tries to said that he was dum by saying he was  ignorant. Also he try to said that McCandless didn’t have no business to go to Alaska. That he made Mistakes based on Pride. That he was just going there because he was Crazy he didn’t know why he was going there. I also agree with him because why he wanted to go to Alaska. Specialy when he didn’t have the right things to live in a place like that. He also was acting crazy that he didn’t even know what he was doing. He even die because he didn’t have no Food to eat. And he was acting weird with his parents and his brother and sister. Callamar made a good opinion about McCandless by saying that because he didn’t act like a normal person. I think he didn’t act like an adult. Specialy when he sent the Letters to his Family and his Friends. I think he did Miss his people he didn’ t wanted to assume he Miss them. He should to stay with his parents and never went to Alaska. McCandless did it wrong because he went to Alaska just because of his Romantic illness. That was not a good reason to just go away and live to another place were he would not live in good conditions. I think he could Forget about his Romantic illness and he could even get another person. But he even kill his own life which is not a good thing. Commentary This essay illustrates the EPT Scoring Guide’s criteria for a score of 2. The serious flaws here indicate that this writer will need considerable additional practice before being able to succeed in college-level reading and writing. This piece provides a good picture of a student whose ESL writing features are profoundly obscuring what would otherwise be a stronger (that is, a 3-level) essay. The writer demonstrates a basic understanding of the passage but focuses on repeating Callarman’s points without establishing a clear direction for the essay. The writer fails to respond to the prompt with a focused thesis. The first sentence of the second paragraph, â€Å"I also agree with him . . . † alludes to a potential thesis that has not yet been offered and that never appears explicitly in the essay. Although the writer attempts four body paragraphs, the paragraphs are not logically linked to one another. The writer attempts in the second paragraph to use transitiona l language to guide the reader through that particular paragraph, but the essay’s organization both within and between paragraphs is left largely to the reader to discern. The essay offers generalizations (â€Å"he was acting weird with his parents†) without providing specific support. The writer  lacks basic control of syntax (see the first sentence of the third paragraph) and vocabulary (â€Å"Romantic illness†), and some statements make no logical or syntactic sense at all (see the third sentence of the second paragraph and the first sentence of the third paragraph). The writer has serious and persistent errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics (spelling, erratic capitalization) that severely interfere with meaning. The problems many English learners have with idioms (â€Å"because why he wanted to go†), verb tenses (â€Å"he tries to said†), and verb forms (â€Å"he even kill his own life†) are pervasive and profoundly obscure meaning. Sample student essay with a score of 1: I sure do agree with Callarmans argument. She is absolutly right McCandless was bright and ignorant. And He defenatly had no common sense, he was one of those weird people you won’t expect. For my observation she gots the same thoughts as I do. I shure think defining terms allows me to cushion my position. The evidence that I will use is that He was writing all his up and down pants. In my point of view I think that McCnadless was avery unique guy. He even did things that no one would do. An example, work everywhere he stop use his name and give out half of his idenity. That is my point and answere for this paragraph. Commentary This essay illustrates the EPT Scoring Guide’s criteria for a score of 1. The fundamental deficiencies of this essay clearly indicate that the writer needs much additional practice in order to be ready to succeed at college-level reading and writing. The writer agrees with the Callarman quotation without demonstrating any understanding of the passage. The writer fails to use the Callarman passage to develop a meaningful response to the prompt. The essay, at approximately 120 words, is seriously underdeveloped; statements of agreement with Callarman make up a considerable portion of the text. The digression about â€Å"cushion[ing] my position† contributes nothing to the minimal text the writer provides. The writer’s reflective statements about purpose are similarly wasted. The only evidence provided by the writer is McCandless’s evasive attitude toward self-identification at work, but even this example is so poorly expressed as to be nearly incoherent. The writer lacks basic control of syntax and vocabulary. The writer has serious and persistent errors in mechanics that severely interfere with meaning. Spelling and verb form errors are pervasive.

American National Politics essays

American National Politics essays In the game Clue a murder is committed. The object is to dismiss the myriad of possible people, places, and weapons to finally discover the true identity of the killer. Just as in this game politics offers a number of different alternatives. The key is to choose a political ideology that seems to make the most sense and support decisions based on this idea. Being a liberal, I support the bill passed in the House of Representatives that amends the current requirements of the welfare program. To understand why this bill has my support I will first describe the ideology of liberalism, next explain how I interpret these ideals, so that finally I can express how this bill supports the liberalist movement. Liberalism is a political ideology which supports government intervention is the society in which it runs. Beyond this seemingly communistic sentence, liberals hope to increase government in order to further benefit those in society. More specifically liberals desire an action directed at those who suffer from poverty or other social diseases, hoping to find a cure in a more moderated social fabric. This is not to say that the ideology dismisses any form of individuality or freedom. On the contrary, liberals hold individuality as highly important. A more involved government is not meant to limit those on the upper portion of the social and economic ladder, but instead is designed to help the lower half in the climb. The term liberal is not always flattering, and is at times assigned to those who seem to want others to make decisions for them. And yet I still deem myself as such for three reasons: societys need for help at times, the ability of government as an outgrowth of the people to have better insight into social problems, and the individuals need for a support system. It is impossible to say that no society faces problems. Be them large or small wh...

Emotion Versus Rationailty Essay

Emotion Versus Rationailty Essay Emotion Versus Rationailty Essay Allen Black V June 12, 2013 PHL 453.01 Efficient Decision-Making As human beings we are gifted with the characteristic of decision-making and in order to perfect it we must master the two methods that are involved. At the same time, we must use both methods in a compromising manner in order to become efficient decision-makers. For various reasons, some would argue that only one of the two methods should be consulted. The two views will be fully explained in detail after the decision-making methods have been made clear. This skill that we humans have developed over thousands of years has been heavily researched to our advantage. We have found that decision-making is one of the qualities that are found in leadership roles. In order to be a great leader, you must be able to decide quickly and make wise decisions that produce favorable outcomes. This kind of person also knows when they have the luxury of time to gather information and when they must decide based on a limited amount of time. For example, the president of the United States must be confident that he can make the decisions necessary to sustain our country. Decision-making is also a necessity when trying to survive in the world. In the past when civilizations were less developed and relied on hunting, the hunter must act quickly when danger is present to stay alive. There are various ways to explain decision-making. One could use philosophy to explain moral decisions and why some people make the decisions they do. Another way involves biology to prove that as humans we have evolved or have been naturally selected due to our decision-making that has developed over centuries and saved our lives. Psychology may also be used by using principles such as addicting behavior, rewards, memories, and the conscious and unconscious decisions that we make. One last practice that helps explain decision-making is neuroscience. With the help of this area of science, we can document the reactions of neurons and signals in the brain and how they relate to actions made by a subject. We can also study how brain damage, along with the areas of the brain itself, affects a subject’s decision-making. These various practices used to explain decision-making are also used to explain the two methods used in the process: emotions and rationality or logic. The question concerning decision-making is whether or not emotions and rationality must be used together, or if only a single method is properly efficient enough to master decision-making. To gain a better understanding of the research that will be presented, emotion and rationality will both be explained. To begin, emotions can be defined simply as what a person is feeling when assessing a situation. The concept is at the same time difficult and simple to understand but differs from rationality in a simple way. When we are given a situation or problem we immediately react. This reaction, in the psychology field called an automatic or unconscious response, is what we feel and does not need to follow an interaction of thought. Neurobiology is an excellent method of explaining emotions because when we feel these emotions specific chemi cal reactions are taking place in the brain. This type of science has determined that areas of the brain, like the amygdala, control our emotional responses; this relates to a topic that will be discussed later on involving a lack of emotional responses due to brain damage. Rationality, the second method in decision-making, differs from emotions specifically because it involves thought and extensive cognition. Here we rely on knowledge and information acquired over time in order to compare decisions that we eventually choose from. It is not something that is literally felt in the brain but in our mind. Several theories of rationality have been developed by economists and philosophers. Epistemic rationality involves reaching the truth in the matter while avoiding what is

Revive a Verb for Conciseness

Revive a Verb for Conciseness Revive a Verb for Conciseness Revive a Verb for Conciseness By Mark Nichol One simple method for making a more compact, efficient sentence is to clear the way for the primary verb to do its job. In each of the examples below, other parts of speech obstruct a verb. Discussion after each sentence explains the problem, and a revision offers a solution. 1. As much as we love kids and pets, they are unpredictable and can cause a driver to be distracted. In this sentence, cause is positioned as the key verb, but the action at the core of the statement is distraction, so tighten the second half of the main clause by replacing cause with distract and omitting the weak phrase to be distracted, thereby reducing the sentence by three words: â€Å"As much as we love kids and pets, they are unpredictable and can distract a driver.† 2. Funds targeted toward treatment and prevention of these behaviors saw an increase of $2.55 billion to $3.6 billion. Here, a buried verb is unearthed to produce a more concise sentence- saw is deleted, and the noun increase is converted to a verb, reducing the tired four-word phrase â€Å"saw an increase of† to a single active verb: â€Å"Funds targeted toward treatment and prevention of these behaviors increased $2.55 billion to $3.6 billion.† 3. However, there is additional language that has suggested alternative ways to avoid the extrajudicial ban on personal data transfer. In this case, omit the weak expletive â€Å"there is† and the associated conjunction that so that suggested stands out more prominently as the first verb in the sentence, cutting the word count by three words: â€Å"However, additional language has suggested alternative ways to avoid the extrajudicial ban on personal data transfer.† 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 Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Creative Writing 101"Have" vs "Having" in Certain ExpressionsInspiring vs. Inspirational

Benefits of Diversity in the Workplace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Benefits of Diversity in the Workplace - Essay Example 1. Greater share of the consumer market A diverse workforce is able to seize a larger segment of the consumer market. This is because it enables a company to bring in people from diverse backgrounds and as a result it allows the organization to better understand the various cultures, races or genders that make up the consumer market. Understanding the consumer market allows the organization to directly cater to the preferences of the consumer market, moreover it also lets the organization market their products or services more efficiently. In addition, understanding different languages, cultures and ethics allow an organization to operate on a global basis. 2. Recruiting from a diverse pool of candidates means a more qualified workforce Companies who do not bias their selection of employees will find that they are able to select employees from a bigger pool of candidates. This allows them to select only the best and also selection is strictly based on talent and their abilities inste ad of culture, generation or gender. 3. Fosters a more creative and innovative workforce Diversity promotes a more â€Å"creative and innovative† workplace (Dolly 1). Companies who incorporate a more diverse workplace are able to foster a more diverse range of ideas and viewpoints. As a result, employees are able to contribute more into the pool of ideas that a company uses to perform its business tasks. In a 2011 study by Forbes study, 85 percent out of 321 global companies that generate annual revenues of at least $500 million, agree â€Å"diversity is crucial to fostering innovation in the workplace† (Dolly 1). 4. Increased adaptability Companies who promote diversity within their employee population will find increased adaptability. Having the capability of the diverse workforce means that companies are able to pool in a larger variety of solutions to business-related problems that the company may encounter. Employees are able to bring in ideas or personal talents that come from different walks of life. 5. Increased Customer Relations Customers in an existing organization can come from extremely diverse backgrounds. Employees with akin natural diversity in any organization help significantly increase customer relationship and connection. This is boosted by sharing organization vision with the employees. In return, it allows employees reach out to customers and handle their needs in their desired manner. This makes the customers develop a feeling of assimilation to the organization thus becoming part of the organization (Laura 1). 6. Enhanced Reputation The promotion f diversity, talent and inclusion within a company create a favorable viewpoint from the customer, partners, and media. This attracts talented individual for it is usually viewed as a good place to work. The positive environment creates successful breeding ground thus attracting the brighter and best employees from all spheres of the world. Gender: Organizations who actively promo te gender diversity in the workplace will increase the company’s understanding of preferences for women and children.  

Using and interpreting statistics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Using and interpreting statistics - Essay Example Statistics and biostatistics enabled medical practitioners to take apart authenticity from randomness and fiction as it steered organized reasoning, evaluation and decision-making, a vital component in the scientific sphere of medicine. Coupled to this are the advances in informatics' which made possible the treatment of huge quantity of data by highly developed and multifaceted analytical methods, refined samplings, or superior medical data linkage.Informational data from a study associated with childhood diabetes, informational data from a heart and lung surgery, and informational data from transfusion orthopaedic surgery were collected, tabulated and statistically treated with 95% confidence interval, risk ratio, probability, chi square, mean, standard deviation, standard error, regression.No category have a value of 4 or 13.33 percent gene A present while Yes category have a value of 14 or 46.67 percent. This means that there are minimal numbers of diabetics with gene A. The Sens itivity study of gene A is equal to 0.22222, which means that respondents with gene A and true gene A rate is quite low. Specificity is equal to 0.38095. This is almost one third of the probability of without gene A in health and true negative rate. The findings reveal that there is a 30% or 0.30 probability of gene A. This is also called the risk of gene A or the estimated probability.The probability of the exposed cases is equal to 0.4667 while the probability of the exposed in control is equal to 0.1333. The overall or total exposed has a value of 0.3000. With 95% confidence, the interval 1.410185 to 27.15574 contains the unknown mean . a) Based on the given informational data, the study design used is randomized controlled trial design. This is because it involved the random allocation of different interventions (or treatments) to subjects . b) The risk of childhood diabetes for individuals with gene A compared to those without gene A can be calculated using proportion statistics treatment of the data on Table 2. c) Yes, the data suggest evidence to support Ho: gene "A" is associated with childhood diabetes because 14 or 46.67 percent though indicating minimal numbers of diabetics with gene A, the Sensitivity study of gene A is equal to 0.22222. Thus, despite the low number of respondents with gene A its Specificity is equal to 0.38095. This is almost one third of the probability of without gene A in health and true negative rate. The findings reveal that there is a 30% or 0.30 probability of gene A in childhood. This is also called the risk of gene A or the estimated probability. d) This study aimed to find out if gene "A" is associated with childhood diabetes. The findings revealed diabetics under the No category have a value of 4 which is 13.33 percent gene A present while the Yes category have a value of 14 which is 46.67 percent. This means that there

Financial Analysis for Managers II Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Financial Analysis for Managers II - Essay Example It is a fixed amount paid on annual basis (Myers & Allen, 2005). This amount might be constant for a certain period of time or may have a steady trend for some time and may fluctuate otherwise. The annuities and the time value of money are related and affected by certain factors. These are as follows; Interest rates are the prevailing charges of availing the facility of the capital that might have been invested in an interest generating instrument or a bank account. The interest rates of advancing loans and paying on the deposits are different and that the difference is actually the monetary reward of utilizing that capital. However, the actual value of money, even when the principal amount is added up with the total interest amount received as an annuity, is normally different from what it was at the time of blocking that money into the respective reserve under question. This may have a different affect on the compounded interest approach. Since the interest is compound, therefore it yields a higher amount at each step and thus even the actual value of the total of that amount might be more than the amount actually invested depending on the terms, policies and interest rates. This introduces the concept of the present value of future payments and/or income(s) that are expected to be received (Myers Allen, 2005). This means that the present value always differs from the future value. The idea is also related to the fact about the future value of any of the long term and/or even short term investments that were made. They will seldom be equal in real terms, even when they seem to be equal as an annuity. The most commonly applied model of the time value of money is our same old compounded interest model. An amount of money 'C' for 't' years at a rate of interest of 'I'% (where interest of 15 percent" is expressed also as 0.15) compounded on annual basis, the present value of the receipt of C, t years in the future, is: Ct = C(1+i)-t = C/(1+i)t The expression (1 + i)t is a generic form of calculating almost al sorts of present value. Where the interest rate is deemed to be something which is not constant figure over the period of the investment(s), different values for 'I' may respectively be used; an investment over a two year period would then have PV (Present Value) of: PV = C(1+i1)-1.(1+i2)-1 Present value is additive. This means that the present value of a bundle of cash flows is the sum of each individual's present value. If there are no risks involved in the project i.e. the project is deemed to be risk free, the expected/forecasted rate of return from the project must equal or exceed this rate of return or else it would be better to rather invest the capital investment in these (potentially) risk free assets. If there are risks involved in any such investments or a project ventures this can be reflected through the use of a 'risk premium'. The risk premium that is required can easily be found by comparing the investment with the rate of return required from other similar projects with similar risks (Ross & Westerfield, 2007). Thus it is possible for almost all investors to take account of any uncertainty or risk factor

Developing a Conceptual Framework is an Impossible Possibility Essay

Developing a Conceptual Framework is an Impossible Possibility - Essay Example According to the paper the financial statements of different companies must be able to satisfy the needs of a variety of users who mostly want to compare one company with another. When a standard is followed by all the companies, the financial statements become reliable for the users as they can safely compare all the companies and make important financial decisions. Accounting, therefore, entails a statement of accepted accounting rules. These rules form the structure of reference for the financial reporting. The conceptual framework forms the foundation for expansion of new accounting criteria and the assessment of those standards that are already in place. Further, it forms the basis for establishing which events should be accounted for and how the same should be released to the accountants. Functions of conceptual framework Conceptual framework lays out the objectives of the financial statements. Financial statements are meant to reflect the financial standing of institutions. Co nceptual framework of accounting therefore offers the foundation and the guidelines that should be followed to reveal the economic situation of an institution at a given period of time. Financial statements include the balance sheet, the income statements, statement of cash flow and the statement of shares holders’ equity. Conceptual framework also identifies the qualitative characteristics which establish the importance of the information in the financial statements. Financial statement reveals the financial situation of an institution; they are very important for the stakeholders of the institution. Shareholders and other interested parties in an institution are guided by the financial information of that institution From this discussion it is clear that the conceptual framework offers guidelines to framing of financial statements. Conceptual framework requires the financial statements of a company to provide a true and fair view. This means that all the information provide d in the financial statements must be free from fraud or material misrepresentation. The framework requires the financial statements to have four qualitative characteristics which ensure that they give a true and fair view of an entity’s financial position. Firstly, the statements need to be understandable which means that they must be free from any ambiguity that might mislead a user. Secondly, the financial statements need to be relevant. Information is relevant when it is able to influence the economic decisions of the users. It should be predictive in the sense that a user must be able to make reliable predictions about an entity’s future by using the information. It must also be confirmatory which is achieved when it confirms the previous predictions of users regarding an entity. Thirdly, the information needs to be reliable. Information that is free from material errors and bias is regarded as reliable. Reliable information is faithfully represented, neutral, pru dent, and complete and substance is given priority over legal forms of various elements.  

Choose one a particular subject from the book Essay

Choose one a particular subject from the book - Essay Example The book was written by Linda Diebel who is known for working in order to uncover the human right abuses that are covered by a glossy lie which sabotage the democracy and the freedom. Investigation in the book is linked with a great historical event which was assassination of a great and internationally well known human rights lawyer Digna Ochoa during the year 2001. Book starts with an extensive survey of the political landscape of Mexico which unfolds the upsetting development of death squads which are based in a Canadian tourist destination. The inquiry which was linked with Ochoa’s murder is a very important controversy in the history of human rights and people protecting human rights. Her murder which on the surface was declared a suicide was an obsession for Diebel who knew Digna Ochoa. They were together for about seven years while they were working in Star’s Mexico City bureau. The said book narrates about all the horror and mysterious stories which came out of Central America’s history in. There is a suspicion drawn by Diebel towards government authorities linked with asking too many questions which are an integral part of history. Diebel talks about all the important historical events linked with Ochoa’s death where she herself was present and she recorded the events first hand. Digna Ochoa was demanded dead, on 19th October 2001, she was found shot twice, once in the thigh and once in the head at the office on Mexico City’s Zacatecas street which was located in the rundown Colonia Roma neighborhood. People who were close to Ochoa were not that surprised when they got to know about her sudden death as they were well aware of her practice of law which was extremely risky. She was a scorching and minuscule ex nun who was a pain for the political establishments for several years along with the Mexican army. She had a strong say on the court and was an integral character in the arena of international human rights. She wa s associated with many human rights campaigns on behalf of the accused Zapatistas who were ill treated and tortured by the Mexican army and other cruel clients. Ochoa was an Indian descent and she has a special feel for the Mexico’s indigenous poor and she was an important and crucial character in the cases that were challenging and against the nation’s new post NAFTA economy along with all the impact it was having on the poorest classes negatively (Diebel, n. p.) One week before her murder, Ochoa was in the rugged hill country of Guerrero which was beneath the brooding peaks of the Sierra Madre where she met peasant activists working for the organization of peasant ecologist of the Sierra Petatlan. It talks about the fact how all these people were locked in life and death struggle with the politicians and also the American logging companies. The book clearly reveals how the peasants wanted to stop the forest clearing which was covering the Sierra forest which was extr emely profitable and important for the powerful and the rich class as the trees disappeared throughout the mountain road but it was extremely important peasant ecologists as it was like a life sustaining base for them. Many group members were already arrested on various charges along with many hiding in the caves of Sierra and also the canyons (HarperCollins, n.

SD # 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

SD # 2 - Essay Example An image of a product is a very effective communication tool that makes lasting impressions among the viewers. In one way or the other, the customers are likely to respond to the market offering which shows that they have developed interest in the product. This enhances marketing communication between the marketers and the targeted consumers. 2. It is better to post an image that conveys an emotional response rather than a simple advertisement since it is likely to influence the customers to respond positively. Such images appeal to the emotions of the customers such that they can act when they come across products that may be of interest to them. Essentially, the aim of marketing is to stimulate the interests of the targeted customers so that they can buy the products offered. This can be possible if the image is designed in such a way that it will appeal to the emotions of the consumers. In most cases, customer response to a particular offering is mainly influenced by their emotions towards it. Therefore, it is imperative to design the images of the products that will appeal to the interests of the customers such that they can make a decision to purchase them. Thus, an image that evokes memories helps to stimulate the interests of the customers and consequently help them to make decisions to purchase the products being sold. Simple advertisements may fail to appeal to the interests of the targeted customers. 3. Pinterest acts as a customer relationship management tool in that the marketers are in a position to interact with different people on a personal level due to the fact that the images pinned by people to their boards reflect personal interests. As such, the marketers and the consumers can exchange information about a particular product. The consumers for instance can constantly get feedback from the marketers and this helps to develop

Developing a Conceptual Framework is an Impossible Possibility Essay

Developing a Conceptual Framework is an Impossible Possibility - Essay Example According to the paper the financial statements of different companies must be able to satisfy the needs of a variety of users who mostly want to compare one company with another. When a standard is followed by all the companies, the financial statements become reliable for the users as they can safely compare all the companies and make important financial decisions. Accounting, therefore, entails a statement of accepted accounting rules. These rules form the structure of reference for the financial reporting. The conceptual framework forms the foundation for expansion of new accounting criteria and the assessment of those standards that are already in place. Further, it forms the basis for establishing which events should be accounted for and how the same should be released to the accountants. Functions of conceptual framework Conceptual framework lays out the objectives of the financial statements. Financial statements are meant to reflect the financial standing of institutions. Co nceptual framework of accounting therefore offers the foundation and the guidelines that should be followed to reveal the economic situation of an institution at a given period of time. Financial statements include the balance sheet, the income statements, statement of cash flow and the statement of shares holders’ equity. Conceptual framework also identifies the qualitative characteristics which establish the importance of the information in the financial statements. Financial statement reveals the financial situation of an institution; they are very important for the stakeholders of the institution. Shareholders and other interested parties in an institution are guided by the financial information of that institution From this discussion it is clear that the conceptual framework offers guidelines to framing of financial statements. Conceptual framework requires the financial statements of a company to provide a true and fair view. This means that all the information provide d in the financial statements must be free from fraud or material misrepresentation. The framework requires the financial statements to have four qualitative characteristics which ensure that they give a true and fair view of an entity’s financial position. Firstly, the statements need to be understandable which means that they must be free from any ambiguity that might mislead a user. Secondly, the financial statements need to be relevant. Information is relevant when it is able to influence the economic decisions of the users. It should be predictive in the sense that a user must be able to make reliable predictions about an entity’s future by using the information. It must also be confirmatory which is achieved when it confirms the previous predictions of users regarding an entity. Thirdly, the information needs to be reliable. Information that is free from material errors and bias is regarded as reliable. Reliable information is faithfully represented, neutral, pru dent, and complete and substance is given priority over legal forms of various elements.  

SD # 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

SD # 2 - Essay Example An image of a product is a very effective communication tool that makes lasting impressions among the viewers. In one way or the other, the customers are likely to respond to the market offering which shows that they have developed interest in the product. This enhances marketing communication between the marketers and the targeted consumers. 2. It is better to post an image that conveys an emotional response rather than a simple advertisement since it is likely to influence the customers to respond positively. Such images appeal to the emotions of the customers such that they can act when they come across products that may be of interest to them. Essentially, the aim of marketing is to stimulate the interests of the targeted customers so that they can buy the products offered. This can be possible if the image is designed in such a way that it will appeal to the emotions of the consumers. In most cases, customer response to a particular offering is mainly influenced by their emotions towards it. Therefore, it is imperative to design the images of the products that will appeal to the interests of the customers such that they can make a decision to purchase them. Thus, an image that evokes memories helps to stimulate the interests of the customers and consequently help them to make decisions to purchase the products being sold. Simple advertisements may fail to appeal to the interests of the targeted customers. 3. Pinterest acts as a customer relationship management tool in that the marketers are in a position to interact with different people on a personal level due to the fact that the images pinned by people to their boards reflect personal interests. As such, the marketers and the consumers can exchange information about a particular product. The consumers for instance can constantly get feedback from the marketers and this helps to develop

Motivation in the Play Essay Example for Free

Motivation in the Play Essay Villains and why they do their villainy is always justified or explained in any literary work. Even those childhood fairy tales with the villain’s formulaic and predictable evil deeds will always do things that have a purpose or will do those things because they were compelled to do it caused by a negative feeling: jealousy, revenge, envy, greed, a childhood without someone to love them or support them, etc. William Shakespeare’s plays are not an exemption to this case as he even creates characters that are capable of not only of evil; they embody evil in their totality as a person—if you may call them that. An example of this would be Iago, touted as the most villainous of all villains in the literary world because of the simple reason that he was guiltless, conscienceless and definitely purposeless in his strategic deeds that destroyed Othello and the people close to the tragic hero. This analysis will focus on this villain and scrutinize his character, villainy and most of all, his purpose (or the lack thereof) on why he did the things he has done that aimlessly ended to other people’s lives. In fact, there is already an answer to this query for Iago is just plain evil, nothing less and definitely more. His motivation lies in the fact that he wants to end other people’s happiness and takes simple delight in causing other people pain and grief which makes him not just a villain but a very mysterious and most terrifying one. In Othello, the Moor of Venice, a man’s capacity to do evil is magnified as Iago is overcome with rage as Othello gives a position to another less qualified man that was originally intended for Iago. Iago takes this in deep and plots against Othello, a Moor in Venice that holds such high position, influential power and great riches. Iago uses jealousy to destroy Othello and the people around him by making it appear that Othello’s loyal wife, Desdemona, is having an affair with another man. In rage, Othello kills his own wife and when he realizes that it was all Iago’s evil plan, he kills himself out of grief and guilt. Iago confesses to no one and does not explain his actions; instead, he keeps mum about what he has done and the purpose in them. Thus, as the play concludes, it is only the audience who are witnesses to Iago’s malice and the extent of his wickedness—but there is a possibility that Iago also leads the audience into believing that they know the entire truth when in fact, he has been dishonest the whole time to everyone—even that of the audience. Iago acts as the villain in the play even if he was not really the one who did the bad deeds. He is the sole villain because he was the master plotter in the whole thing that even innocent people like Roderigo and Emilia were implicated as bad people when they were not wholly that capable of evil. Roderigo and Emilia were simply pawns to his plans and he used them and easily discarded them. In the book of Dobbs Wells entitled The Oxford Companion to Shakespeare, they sum up the villainy of Iago (and pretty much, the entire play) in a few words: He skilfully convinces Othello that his wife Desdemona has been adulterous with Cassio. He wounds Cassio, murders Roderigo, whom he has involved in his plots, and also kills his own wife Emilia. (211) The extent of Iago’s villainy does not merely end in his acts and plans but in an entirely different context and case because his villainy was unjustified and unexplainable. He did not have a purpose and an aim in ruining Othello’s life and soul. For even if it seems that Iago was motivated by the anger he felt over Othello’s passing over the position that was rightfully his to another man that was very much unqualified (according to Iago that is), it still seems not enough motive. In the first part of the play (act I, scene i), Iago insists that he does hate Othello and does a lengthy monologue on why he hates the Moor. However, it can be later learned that maybe Iago was not really motivated by that trivial act done by Othello since Iago has never really revealed the real reason on why he hates Othello. This is because in the same act, he declares that he will never say what he feels and thinks because it is dangerous and it is laughable: For when my outward action doth demonstrate / The native act and figure of my heart In compliment extern, ’tis not long after / But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve For daws to peck at. I am not what I am. (Shakespeare 1. 1. 63-7) His supposed reason on hating Othello may not be his true reason for the vendetta he so chillingly instills on the Moor because Iago will never disclose his real reasons. Thus, even though Iago was transparent with his feelings and thoughts to the audience and some characters like Roderigo and Emilia, he actually lied to everyone since he could never â€Å"wear his heart† on his sleeve. Moreover, even if the rage he felt over Othello’s actions propelled him to do/plan such things, it was not enough to completely destroy the life of one man and the lives around that man. To think that Iago even killed his own wife with his own hands—without a second thought on doing it or a guilt overcoming afterwards. As what Dobbs Wells wrote, Iago was a â€Å"motiveless evil† and that lack of motivation in him makes him a superior proponent of evil (211). In conclusion, Iago is most villainous not just because of the things he has done but also because of the lack of motivation in them, the absence of purpose, the incapacity to be guilty over the success of his evil plans and most of all, the mockery he throws to the characters and the audience at the end of the play with his silence. This silence is eerie as it has a purpose—to make everyone shiver at what other havoc and damnation he could have done with that evil mind of his. Works Cited Dobson, Michael and Wells, Stanley. â€Å"Iago†. The Oxford Companion to Shakespeare. New York: Oxford University Press, Inc. , 2001. 211. Shakespeare, William. â€Å"Othello, the Moor of Venice†. Ed. Russ McDonald. New York: Penguin Group, 2001. Print.

Safety Report on Pipelines

Safety Report on Pipelines This report is intended [NH3]to let readers know that pipelines are not [NH4]simply put into the ground and ignored. It will briefly describe some of the procedures and practices that are in place today to ensure that pipelines are operating safely. The medias influence often drives a negative perception about pipelines and this report will provide a more facts-based approach to educate the reader as they draw their own conclusion on pipeline safety. Background The safest and most effective way to remove[NH5] our natural petroleum [NH6]resources is by way of pipelines. Pipelines in Alberta have been around since the early 1900s(CEPA, 2016a). Over the past few years there has been a lot of controversy over pipelines. A big factor driving this controversy is the medias methods in providing information to people who are often not well-educated on pipelines or their safety systems. The reality is that media outlets will often use sensationalism to engage their audience. News stories about petroleum products getting safely to market or updates on companies practicing their emergency response plan drills are not exciting! However, a rare glimpse [NH7]at a company spilling product by way of an oil spill, paired with images of coated birds-that is what the media wants to show. That fear-driven reality is what our society believes to be common. Research for this project involved looking for facts on non-biased websites. Prior to attending college, I worked in the oil gas industry educating residents in rural areas about pipelines, the systems in place to protect the public and what to do in the unlikely event of an incident. The majority of my knowledge about pipeline safety comes from AER Directive 71: Emergency Preparedness and Response Requirements for the Petroleum Industry Control Centers [NH9] Large midstream pipeline companies operate their own control centers (CEPA,2016b). These control centers are operational 24/7, 365 days a year (CEPA, 2016b). Control rooms are equipped systems that collect information from the pipeline and associated facilities along the pipeline route. Some of the data that is monitored is temperature, flow rate and pressure from sensors along the route (CEPA, 2016b). If a leak is detected, alarms are triggered to indicate a possible problem. Block Valves A block valve is defined as a mechanical valve device installed in a pipeline that can be closed to block the flow of oil or gas through the line (Pipeline Association for Public Awareness, 2013). These valves are placed at various lengths along the pipeline route. If there was a leak along a section of pipeline, the block valves at either end of the leak would be closed. This would ensure only the product between those two block valve points emptying from the pipeline. Pipelines that cross rivers or creeks are equipped with block valves at both sides of the crossing that can close quickly to stop product flow (CEPA, 2016c). These block valves may be equipped with an emergency shut down (ESD) device that can close automatically with a decrease in pressure. The closing of a block valve by ESD would send an alarm back to the control center. Cathodic Protection When a pipeline is built, laid into the ground, and covered up with soil, corrosion can happen over a period of time. Before burying the pipeline, a protective coating is applied to the pipeline. As a back up to the protective coating, another form of protection is utilized called cathodic protection (Pipeline Association for Public Awareness, 2013). Through replicating an electrolytic action, additional corrosion prevention can be achieved via electrochemical processes (Pipeline Association for Public Awareness, 2013). This safeguarding helps to ensure the pipeline does not leak underground. [NH10] Emergency Response Plans While control centers, valves and protective coatings are all important to the pipelines safety systems, incidents happen and its vital to have a plan to address issues before they occur. The Alberta Energy Regulators (AER) Directive 071: Emergency Preparedness and Response Requirements for the Petroleum Industry Section 2.1 dictates that The licensee must have a corporate level ERP with preplanned procedures that will aid in effective response to an emergency. (2017, p. 12). Aerial Surveillance[NH11] A quick way to conduct a visual of a pipeline right of way is by use of aircraft. Great distances can be covered in a short amount of time. Depending on the product in the pipeline and classification of pipeline, that will depict how often aerial surveillance will have to occur[NH12]. While conducting this patrol, the pilot or spotter is looking for any visible signs of a possible leak, such as a sheen on the water or dead vegetation[NH13]. Spotters also look for encroachments to the pipeline [NH14]or any activity near or on the pipeline right of way. Training Exercises Companies operating pipelines in Alberta must[NH15] conduct annual training exercises (Alberta Energy Regulator, 2017). Oil companies must test its emergency response plans annually with a tabletop or communications exercise (Alberta Energy Regulator, 2017). Every three years a major exercise must be conducted. In this exercise, resources are usually deployed to the field in a mock incident (Alberta Energy Regulator, 2017). [NH16]Spill Response Cooperative In western Canada, a spill response cooperative was established. The name of this cooperative is Western Canadian Spill Services. The cooperative owns equipment that can be deployed to a spill. The equipment is strategically placed throughout western Canada in ready to go trailers. Some of the equipment in the trailers includes booms, skimmers, and wildlife deterrents (Western Canadian Spill Services, 2017). In addition to this equipment the cooperative also owns barges and airboats (Western Canadian Spill Services, 2017). The spill cooperative holds training exercises with its members to ensure a quick response to the spill and to stop further environmental impacts as a result of a spill. Though it is not mandatory for companies to join the spill cooperative, the AER highly recommends it (Western Canadian Spill Services, 2017). If a company wants to opt out of the cooperative, under AER Directive 071, Section 10.3.1., they will have to provide their own spill response plan to the AE R for their approval (Alberta Energy Regulator, 2017). Conclusion From my years working in the oil and gas industry, and from my research for this project, I feel pipelines are still the safest way to move petroleum products. There are approximately 3.4 million barrels [NH17]of oil moved through pipelines daily in Canada (CEPA,2016d). Between the years of 2002 and 2015, 99.999% of all product (crude and natural gas) was safely transported via pipelines (CEPA,2016d). With the safety protocols that were briefly discussed in this report, the oil and gas industry works hard to ensure that there are no pipeline leaks. These practices, coupled with the regulations, ensure pipeline spills are a rare occurrence. [NH19]Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA). (2016d). About pipelines. Retried from https://www.aboutpipelines.com/en/pipeline-101/pipeline-facts/ Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA). (2016c). Environmental protection. Retrieved from https://www.aboutpipelines.com/en/environmental-protection/water/ Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA). (2016b). Pipeline control rooms and safety. Retrieved from https://www.aboutpipelines.com/en/blog/pipeline-control-rooms-and-safety/ Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA). (2016a). Pipeline history. Retrieved from https://www.aboutpipelines.com/en/pipeline-101/pipeline-history/ Government of Alberta[NH20]. (2015). Pipeline Act; Pipeline Rules. Queens Printer. Pipeline Association for Public Awareness. (2013). Glossary of terms. Retrieved from http://www.pipelineawareness.org/residents-businesses/glossary/ Western Canadian Spill Services. (2017). The WCSS Purpose. Retrieved from http://wcss.ab.ca/index.asp [NH1]I changed your font to Calibri because I have a personal hatred for Times New Roman à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ LOLà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ you can change it back if you want. [NH2]Main headings are centered and bold. [NH3]Too passive, so I changed it [NH4]Never use the word just. Ever. [NH5]Move or remove? MOVE [NH6]Added petroleum because all I could think about was giant ass trees being fed into a pipeline for transport. [NH7]I took some liberties with your wordingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ hope thats okay! I used track changes, so just decline anything you dont like, or if I misinterpreted it. YOURE THE BEST SWEETIE [NH8]Can that part be deleted? YUP [NH9]Secondary headings are left-adjust, and bold. [NH10]Yiiiiiikes, what was all that? The rest of your paper is not quite this scientificà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ so it kind of stands out like a sore thumb, I took a stab at summarizing what those deleted sentences were saying. But thats too much detail for your paper, I think!! [NH11]You have no references for this sectionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ PIPELINE ACT [NH12]Pretty specific to leave without a citation. [NH13]These specifics need a citation. THIS WAS MY KNOWLEDGE [NH14]Again, citation required. THIS WAS MY KNOWLEDGE [NH15]This sentence indicates an obligation, thus needs a citation. Is it AER Dir 071? YES D71 14.10 [NH16]I think youre implying that the training exercises are a requirement of the Dir. 071 so I cited that. [NH17]Facts need citation. Always! https://www.aboutpipelines.com/en/pipeline-101/pipeline-facts/ [NH18]This always goes onto its own page. [NH19]Make sure none of your hyperlinks are active when you submit your page. Thats a no-no. [NH20]This doesnt show up in your paper anywhere? THE AERIAL SURVEILLANCE