Acute Stress Responses For Healthy Individuals May Be...

Acute stress responses in young, healthy individuals may be adaptive and typically do not impose a health burden. The relationship between psychosocial stressors and disease is affected by the nature, number, and persistence of the stressors as well as by the individual s biological vulnerability (i.e., genetics, constitutional factors), psychosocial resources, and learned patterns of coping. Keywords: psychosocial stressors, stress responses, homeostasis, psychosocial interventions, host vulnerability-stressor interactions The actual or perceived threat to an organism is referred to as the stressor and the response to the stressor is called the stress response. Although stress responses evolved as adaptive processes, Selye observed that severe, prolonged stress responses might lead to tissue damage and disease. In contrast, during aversive situations in which an active coping response is not available, mammals may engage in a vigilance response that involves sympathetic nervous system (SNS) arousal accompanied by an active inhibition of movement and shunting of blood away from the periphery (Adams et al. Although various situations tend to elicit different patterns of stress responses, there are also individual differences in stress responses to the same situation. This tendency to exhibit a particular pattern of stress responses across a variety of stressors is referred to as response stereotypy (Lacey Lacey 1958). Across a variety of situations, someShow MoreRelatedThe Social Impact of Drug Abuse24406 Words   |  98 Pagesimpact of drug abuse II. Social implications of drug abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 A. B. C. D. E. Family and community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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The Great Minds Of The Enlightenment Era - 1042 Words

Atifete Jahjaga, the fourth President of Kosovo states, â€Å"When there is information, there is enlightenment. When there is debate, there are solutions. When there is no sharing of power, no rule of law, no accountability, there is abuse, corruption, subjugation and indignation.† At the beginning of the Enlightenment the free market of ideas was open, opinions were appreciated, but most of all, the basic human rights of all people were safe. That all changed at the beginning of the French Revolution. During this time, many people abused their government s power, and often contradicted their own beliefs. Despite the blatant betrayal of the beliefs of the Enlightenment by the Committee of Public Safety, the inspiration driving the†¦show more content†¦During the Reign of Terror, the radicalized committee supported the creation of a new calendar which would eliminate certain religious holidays that France one treasured, but also isolated France from the rest of the world. In the Cahier de doleances, the third estate â€Å"[asked] that the number of religious holidays be reduced† because it could cause â€Å"considerable detriment to the state† also with â€Å"disadvantages of idleness† (Doc. 11). Many felt that the minimizing of religious holidays would provide a more accurate representation of a year while also helping to focus citizens on earthly seasons rather than liturgical. The Committee used these outdated statements to justify creating a calendar that is only being created to make their citizens work more. One concerned citizen, Abbe Sieyes, responded to the proposition of the calendar by stating â€Å"[France’s] customary practices, the many connections [they] have with the practices of peoples in neighboring countries, and the centuries immediately preceding [their] own, all combine, in this respect, to make an obstacle too imposing to overcome† (Doc. 13). Those opposed to the Calendar felt that it would complicate relations with other countries, while also disrespecting what the church has taught. The Committee of Public safety abandoned the values of the Enlightenment era and completely tarnished the Revolution’s purpose. The National Assembly gave every ounce of power they had and devoted it to

Accounting Information System in Disk4U

Question: Discuss about theAccounting Information System in Disk4U. Answer: Introduction: Within the study the details of the development activities that are relate to implementing accounting information system has been assessed in the context of the organization called Disk4U. The accounting information system is responsible for facilitating and providing accuracy in the financial related works. The AIS is involved numerous areas of programming that do the undertaking of individual segments of association and give a complete report and answer for the business (Lipi, Rama and Agaraj 2015). Bookkeeping data framework is a structure that an association uses for gathering, storing, processing, retrieving and reporting information associated to financial processes. Organizational Background: The organization is situated at Sydney. Disk4U sells the CDs and records. The products of Disk4U is mostly access bale to the consumer form their four outlets. The business directs its business through offering the items physically. The association's present goal is to fuse a bookkeeping data framework for upgrading the regions of business accounting and repotting. Business Process of Disk4U: Business to consumer and business to business are the two methods that the organization considers while conducting business. While the products are sold physically then the business follows business to consumer. On the other hand, while the business is conducted through channels like E-bay the organization follows business to business. The association comprises of four outlets. The CDs are straightforwardly sold to the buyer through these outlets. The customer goes to the outlet of the association for buying the CDs physically. The solicitations for every buy are produced at the season of procurement. For that the shoppers demands for items by sending letters to the association with the contact data. The installment is done through the exchanging cash through installment site like PayPal. At the point when the exchange is confirmed the item is exchanged to the buyer area from the store. Online channel such as e-bay is another source for consumer to buy the products of Disk4U. This st rategy of the organization has enabled them to promote their products on popular sites and sell products to the person who stay at a long distance from the outlets, may be in a different state. Consumer name, dates, product name, discounts, purchase amount and contact information are the information that is presented in the invoices that each consumer get after individual purchase. The consumers can also follow another method for buying products that is electronic mail. Regarding these virtual purchasing activities the consumer get the product delivered at their dosed location if the delivery area is available. The charges of the home delivery depend on the channels. If the consumer buys the product through electronic mail then for home delivery at least $200 worth of products has to be purchased. After the buy is effective there are two choices for conveying the item one is customer takes the item to home or home conveyance. As far as immediate buy, the shopper needs to visit the outlets. The buyer may demand to convey the item to the craved area however for that additional sum is require paying by the client. An official records all the data of buys. The assembled data is utilized by the administration of the association for deciding. As the information is gathered and inspected physically there is a decent risk that the current information is defiled or not effective. Developing Business Requirements: Storing records: Strong the records of the transaction made at every type of purchase. as sales records, bank information, receipts, past tax and loan statements are the crucial information that needs to be input in the database. The comports will be used for storing the data by the lower level employees (Luca, Taylor and Prigmore 2014). All the authorized employees must know the use of the application so that the data access can be done efficiently. The information that does not should be put away promptly are likewise fused in the rundown of the data. The information will be put away in a database which will hold the information in a safe area. This will take out the shot of losing information if the PC gets abandoned (Stair and Reynolds 2013). Inventory technique: It is key for Disk4U to number the physical stock. The estimation of stock is considered as an asset for any retailer. On this preferred standpoint the record of the affiliation will depend on. The business data can similarly be insisted through the information of the stock. Despite that, the affiliation can choose the value to markdown as a hardship from theft or damage (Randell et al. 2014). As the cycle checking is strong and suitable the affiliation will coordinate the numbering of stock through this method. The checking system ought to be coordinated in predictable reason. Invoices: It is essential for every business to know the sales. The invoices are the key for delivering the key idea to Disk4U. Hence the data of the buy must be put away and inspected appropriately. The solicitations require to comprise of all the data through which the complete situation of the buy can be caught on (Onaolapo and Odetayo 2012). Accounting expertise: The official with the right learning and ability must be available in the association for overseeing bookkeeping. The matter of Disk4U must have a worker who has significant learning about the items. The incidental bookkeeping necessities can be fulfilled by designating somebody who has foundation in account (Stair and Reynolds 2013). Determining System Requirements: Functional Requirements: Reporting requirements: All the staff of Disk4U will be communicated by the management regarding the work processes through the system. The system should be capable of capturing all the activities done at the time of conversation. Taken for instance, if an item is sold in the outlet then the framework must have the learning of the distribution center from which the item joined the complete data of the purchaser (Ismail and King 2014). This data is exchanged to the approved individuals from the association. The procedure permits the administration checking and following the advancement. Accounting records: The management of Disk4U should get the accurate data in real-time so that effective decision can be made (Rouhani, Ghazanfari and Jafari 2012). It is vital for bookkeeping data framework to have the capacity to store and track the bookkeeping records. Notwithstanding that, the framework must be fit for distinguishing the issues in the bookkeeping records, for example, absent or deficient information. Control, Audit and Reporting: Meeting the regulatory and legal needs of the system is crucial for Disk4U. As catching and putting away the exchanges and ensuring that the gathered information is precise are a fundamental part of the bookkeeping data framework, the framework must be adaptable to handle a few exchanges in the meantime (Azad and Faraj 2013). Non-Functional Requirements: Performance: The reaction time of the framework to give the data of the deal to the administration and the giving the continuous stock data are considered as the most required elements of the framework (Sousa and Oz 2014). Reliability: The system must be capable of offering the accurate and compete data to every personnel all the time ((Rouhani, Ghazanfari and Jafari 2012). Security: Information is the base of any organization. Securing the information from all kind of threats is essential for the system (Sousa and Oz 2014). Software Selection: Disk4U does not include any accounting information currently so the organization has to carry out a complete investigation on the business processes so that all the areas of the organization can be incorporated in the business mostly financial. The framework must be versatile to alter with the business prerequisites and sufficiently productive to give stream of ongoing data (Hall 2012). The primary issue that Disk4U needs to explain through executing bookkeeping data framework is the precise data gathering. It is on account of, without social occasion the exact data, the reports that can have better effect on basic leadership can't be created. The second issue is identified with interfacing the framework with the procedures of the administration and the way toward offering items (Soltani, Nayebzadeh and Moeinaddin 2014). The framework ought to give the right data to the perfect individual. Every one of the information identified with the procedures of the matter of Disk4U must be accessible to the administration continuously so that compelling basic leadership should be possible. The stream of the data in each part of the business will be continuously. In the above section of the study the processes that needs to be incorporated within the system has been discussed. The utilization of the bookkeeping data framework will mechanize the sorting the exchange related data to the database. In addition, producing the reports will likewise be automated (Collier 2015). For making the information and data more secure the database of the organization is connected to warehouse (Hall 2012). Considering the sum, that Disk4U has settled for spending for the usage of the AIS or bookkeeping data framework the best decision for the association is cloud based framework. It won't just fulfill with the dispensed capita a dditionally headquarter, stockroom and outlets will be associated legitimately (Dumais et al. 2016). Vendor Selection: If the financial status of the organization is considered then the XERO, MYOB and NetSuite are the best option for Disk4U. Among the above three XERO can be most effective as it can provide the required solution to Disk4U by making the system within budget (Smith 2015). Conclusion: From the study it is being concluded that Disk4U is facing extensive increase in their business and are currently facing several issues in managing the financial activities. The business procedure of Disk4U helped with comprehension the workplace of the association and also the information stream. Through the advancement of the business necessities, the reasonable thought of the elements that should have been fused with the framework has. The XERO can give the best framework related arrangements. Bibliography: Azad, B. and Faraj, S., 2013. International Journal of Accounting Information Systems.International Journal of Accounting Information Systems,14, pp.120-126. Collier, P.M., 2015.Accounting for managers: Interpreting accounting information for decision making. John Wiley Sons. De Luca, D., Taylor, R. and Prigmore, M., 2014. Rules of engagement: understanding the dynamics of social enterprise and business requirements on academic collaboration. Dumais, S., Cutrell, E., Cadiz, J.J., Jancke, G., Sarin, R. and Robbins, D.C., 2016, January. Stuff I've seen: a system for personal information retrieval and re-use. InACM SIGIR Forum(Vol. 49, No. 2, pp. 28-35). ACM. Hall, J.A., 2012.Accounting information systems. Cengage Learning. Hall, J.A., 2012.Accounting information systems. Cengage Learning. Ismail, N.A. and King, M., 2014. Factors influencing the alignment of accounting information systems in small and medium sized Malaysian manufacturing firms.Journal of Information Systems and Small Business,1(1-2), pp.1-20. Lipi, I., Rama, R. and Agaraj, X., 2015. Implications of Accounting Information System Implementation in SMEs: A Study on Retail Business in Vlore Region.Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences,6(3), p.553. Onaolapo, A.A. and Odetayo, T.A., 2012. Effect of Accounting Information System on Organisational Effectiveness: A Case Study of Selected Construction Companies in Ibadan, Nigeria.American Journal of Business and Management,1(4), pp.183-189. Pearlson, K.E., Saunders, C.S. and Galletta, D.F., 2016.Managing and Using Information Systems, Binder Ready Version: A Strategic Approach. John Wiley Sons. Randell, A., Spellman, E., Ulrich, W. and Wallk, J., 2014. Leveraging Business Architecture to Improve Business Requirements Analysis.Business Architecture Guild Whitepaper. Rouhani, S., Ghazanfari, M. and Jafari, M., 2012. Evaluation model of business intelligence for enterprise systems using fuzzy TOPSIS.Expert Systems with Applications,39(3), pp.3764-3771. Smith, H., 2015.Xero for dummies. John Wiley Sons. Soltani, S., Nayebzadeh, S. and Moeinaddin, M., 2014. The Impact Examination of the Techniques of Management Accounting on the Performance of Tile Companies of Yazd.International Journal of Academic Research in Accounting, Finance and Management Sciences,4(1), pp.382-389. Sousa, K.J. and Oz, E., 2014.Management information systems. Nelson Education. Stair, R. and Reynolds, G., 2013.Principles of information systems. Cengage Learning. Ward, J. and Peppard, J., 2016.The Strategic Management of Information Systems: Building a Digital Strategy. John Wiley Sons.

Its Time to Bust These 5 Content Marketing Myths

While many companies have embraced content marketing as a key marketing strategy, a study by the Content Marketing Institute reveals that only 42% of businesses feel that theirs is effective. What’s holding so many companies back? Well there’s lots of information on content marketing online but not all of it is sound advice. It’s time to lay some of these myths to rest. Myth #1: â€Å"Social media isn’t a big priority† Many brands let their social media presence slide because they don’t think of it as a major priority. But if you want to maximize the reach of your content, you need to be promoting it on social media. Paid and organic social posts can help boost your visibility, drive traffic and increase sales. With an average of 28% of time online spent on social networks, it’s vital that your brand is engaging with customers where they actually are. Myth #2: â€Å"I need to publish as much content as possible† In the world of content marketing, quality trumps quantity. Low-value content doesn’t inspire trust in readers, which will lead to fewer shares, traffic and conversions. Even worse, Google algorithm changes increasingly tend to send weak content plummeting in search page rankings. Myth #3: â€Å"We need to talk about what we do† Many make the mistake of confusing content marketing with copywriting, especially if their background is in advertising. In fact, research shows that most consumers don’t like the amount of promotional content they’re bombarded with on social media. Instead, content marketing is about engaging with your audience and providing value to them. So, figure out what their challenges and pain points are and offer information that can help solve these problems rather than making it all about you. In other words, â€Å"be the best answer on the Internet.† Social media has revolutionized the way people communicate and interact online. However, many have gotten the idea that the growth of social networks has rendered email obsolete. But actually, the opposite is true: email continues to be one of the most powerful ways to promote your content and boost conversions. The numbers don’t lie: one study reveals that the average return for companies for each dollar invested in email marketing is $44.25! Myth #5: â€Å"Anybody can write my content† Everyone knows that quality content is essential for content marketing success, but a surprising number of companies fail to allocate the necessary resources to create effective content for their brand. When it comes to content creation, you get what you pay for. If you want content that gets results, it’s worthwhile to invest in high-quality content writers. Remember – one top-notch piece of content can be more effective than 10 low-quality pieces. Myths Busted Content marketing often involves a process of trial and error, but separating the facts from the fiction can keep you headed on the right track.

GPA, SAT, and ACT Admissions Data for the Ivy League

GPA, SAT, and ACT Admissions Data for the Ivy League The eight Ivy League schools are among the most selective colleges in the country. This doesnt mean that you need a 4.0 GPA and 1600 on the SAT to get in (although it doesnt hurt). All the Ivy League schools have holistic admissions, so they are looking for students who will contribute more than good grades and test scores to the campus community. A winning Ivy League application needs to present a strong academic record, meaningful extracurricular activities, glowing letters of recommendation, and a compelling application essay. Your college interview and demonstrated interest may also help, and legacy status can give you an advantage. When it comes to the empirical part of your application, you will need good grades and standardized test scores to get accepted to an Ivy League school. All of the Ivies accept both the ACT and SAT, so choose the exam that works best for you. But how high do your grades and test scores need to be? Follow the links below to learn more about each Ivy League school, and to see admissions data for accepted, rejected, and waitlisted applicants: Brown University Located in Providence, Rhode Island, Brown is the second smallest of the Ivies, and the school has more of an undergraduate focus than universities such as Harvard and Yale. Their acceptance rate is only 9 percent. The great majority of students who get into Brown University have a nearly perfect 4.0 GPA, an ACT composite score above 25, and a combined SAT score (RWM) of above 1200. Columbia University Located in Upper Manhattan, Columbia University can be an excellent choice for students looking for an urban college experience. Columbia is also one of the largest of the Ivies, and it has a close relationship with neighboring Barnard College. It has a very low acceptance rate of around 7 percent. Students accepted at Columbia have GPAs in the A range, SAT scores (RWM) above 1200, and ACT composite scores above 25. Cornell University Cornells hillside location in Ithaca, New York, gives it stunning views of Cayuga Lake. The university has one of the top engineering and top hotel management programs in the country. It also has the largest undergraduate populations of all the Ivy League schools. It has an acceptance rate of about 15 percent. Most students accepted at Cornell have a GPA in the A range,  Ã‚  SAT scores (RWM) above 1200 and ACT composite scores above 25. Dartmouth College If you want a quintessential college town with its central green, nice restaurants, cafà ©s, and bookstores, Dartmouths home of Hanover, New Hampshire, should be appealing. Dartmouth is the smallest of the Ivies, but dont be fooled by its name: it is a comprehensive university, not a college. Dartmouth has a low acceptance rate of 11 percent. To be accepted, students tend to have A averages, an ACT composite score above 25, and a combined SAT score (RWM) of above 1250.   Harvard University Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with dozens of other colleges and universities nearby, Harvard University is the most selective of the Ivy League Schools as well as the most selective university in the country. Its acceptance rate is just 5 percent. For the best chance of acceptance, you should have an A average, SAT scores (RWM) over 1300, and ACT composite scores above 28. Princeton University Princetons campus in New Jersey makes both New York City and Philadelphia an easy day trip. Like Dartmouth, Princeton is on the smaller side and has more of an undergraduate focus than many of the Ivies. Princeton accepts only 7 percent of applicants. To be accepted, you should have a GPA of 4.0, SAT scores (RWM) above 1250, and ACT composite scores above 25. University of Pennsylvania The University of Pennsylvania is one of the larger Ivy League schools, and it has a roughly equal population of undergraduate and graduate students. Its campus in West Philadelphia is just a short walk to Center City. Penns Wharton School is one of the top business schools in the country. They accept about 10 percent of applicants. To be accepted, you should have a GPA of 3.7 or higher,  a combined SAT score (RWM) of over 1200, and an ACT composite of 24 or higher. Yale University Yale is close to Harvard and Stanford with its painfully low acceptance rate. Located in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale also has an even larger endowment than Harvard when measured in relation to enrollment numbers. Yales acceptance rate is just 7 percent. For the best chance of acceptance, you need a 4.0 GPA, SAT score (RWM) above 1250, and an ACT composite score above 25. A Final Word All of the Ivies are highly selective, and you should always consider them to be reach schools as you come up with your short list of schools to which you will apply. Thousands of extremely well-qualified applicants are rejected by the Ivies every year.

Course of Study for 6th Grade

Course of Study for 6th Grade Sixth grade is an eagerly-anticipated time of transition for most tweens. The middle school years can be both exciting and challenging. Sixth through 8th-grades often mean higher expectations and more responsibility for students academically. They can also be emotionally-challenging years as students reach adolescence. Language Arts A typical course of study in language arts for sixth grade includes components of reading, writing, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. Students will read a variety of genres including fiction and non-fiction; biographies; poetry; and plays. They will also read more complex texts across the curriculum in subjects such as science and social studies.   Sixth-graders will learn to use techniques such as to cause and effect or compare and contrast  to analyze the plot, characters, and central theme of a  text. Writing shifts to more complex compositions regarding the content and length of time spent on assignments. Students may write long-term research papers or spend a week or more developing a more elaborate narrative. Writing assignments should also include expository and persuasive essays,  autobiographies, and letters. As more proficient writers, sixth-graders will learn to vary their sentence structure for more expressive writing and avoid using a passive voice.  They will use  tools such as a thesaurus to include more varied and descriptive vocabulary. Grammar also becomes more complex and should cover, identifying parts of speech such as direct and indirect objects; predicate adjective; and transitive and intransitive verbs. Students will begin to learn Greek and Latin roots to help them analyze and understand unfamiliar vocabulary.   Math Sixth-grade students have a solid grasp of foundational math skills and are ready to move on to more complex concepts and computations.   A typical course of study for 6th-grade math includes working with negative and rational numbers; ratios, proportion, and percent; reading, writing, and solving  equations with variables; and using the order of operations to solve problems. Students are introduced to statistical thinking using  mean, median, variability, and range. Geometry topics include finding the area, volume, and surface area of polygons such as triangles and quadrilaterals; and determining the diameter, radius, and  circumference of circles. Science In sixth grade, students continue to use the scientific method to increase their understanding of earth, physical, and life science topics.   Life science topics include the classification of living things; the human body; cell structure and function; sexual and asexual reproduction; genetics; microbes, algae, and fungi; and plant reproduction.   Physical science covers concepts such as sound, light, and heat; elements and compounds; electricity and its uses; electric and magnetic interaction; potential and kinetic energy; simple machines; inventions; and nuclear power. Earth science may cover topics such as climate and  weather; conservation;  space  and the universe; oceans, geology; and recycling. Social Studies The topics covered in social studies can vary widely in 6th grade, particularly with homeschooling families based on the curriculum they use and their homeschooling style. History topics may include ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Some students may be covering the Middle Ages or Renaissance.   Other common topics for sixth grade include the U.S. government and Constitution; the presidential election process; types of governments; the Industrial Revolution;  and the rise of the United States as a political power. Geography often covers a detailed study of various regions or cultures, including the history, foods, customs; and religion of the area.   Art There is no typical  course of study for art in middle school. Instead, the general guideline is to allow students to experiment with a variety of art forms to discover what interests them. Students may enjoy performance arts such as drama or playing a musical instrument. Others may prefer visual arts such as painting, drawing, or photography. Textile arts, such as sewing, weaving, or knitting, may appeal to some 6th graders.  Ã‚   The study of art can also include art history or the study of famous artists or composers and their work. Technology Technology plays a huge role in modern society. By middle school, most students will have already had a great deal of experience with technology. However, sixth grade is an excellent time to make sure that students are proficient in areas of technology that they will use throughout high school. Students should be competent in their keyboarding skills. They should be familiar with common applications such as those used to produce text documents and spreadsheets.   Students must also understand and follow safety guidelines when using the internet and know how to adhere to fair use rules and obey copyright laws.

Concept Analysis on Pain Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Concept Analysis on Pain - Research Paper Example Pain is the most recurrent diagnosis used in nursing as well as the most common problem through which patients seek help in a clinical setting. Unrelieved pain has an effect on the quality of life of an individual. It affects a person both physically and emotionally, impacts his family as well as the individual and the entire society (Ferrel, 1995). Pain is therefore a vital problem in the health care system. Pain is discussed by four major theories namely; specificity theory, gate control theory, pattern theory and psychological/ behavioral theory. The Gate Control Theory (GCT) is the most commonly used theory in the professional field. The insight of involves three interactive cerebral processes; motivational-effective, sensory discriminative and cognitive-evaluation (Melzack and Wall, 1965). Sensory-discriminative dimension speaks of the nerve transmission to the brain from the periphery through the spinal cord. This neospinothalamic projection system that is found in the brain serves to develop information that is sensory discriminative about duration, location and intensity to the stimulus. The limbic system and the formation of the brain brainstem reticular, which provoke the aversive and motivational drive are referred to as the motivational-affective dimension. Cognitive activities are referred to in the cognitive-evaluation dimension. These cognitive activities include attention , anxiety and cultural values. The cognitive-evaluation dimension places its basis on the analysis of multi-modal information, response strategies and past experience. This dimension also has effects on the other dimensions. According to Melzack and Wall, pain is a continuing process and not a sole sensation and response procedure. Pain includes a series of responses by a system of actions that start with reflex responses and continues with

Maryland Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Maryland - Research Paper Example ack Obama, in proclaiming the $4.35 billion Race to the Top activity a year ago, said the project is dependent upon a basic standard: "whether a state is primed to do what meets expectations." Maryland is prepared, as well as ready and equipped to proceed with the advancement that has been made. MSDE worked with our nearby school frameworks and a mixture of accomplices to assemble Marylands winning arrangement. We are resolved to proceed with our States energy since Race to the Top is an element of the federal governments American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Program. Marylands vision for change is to revise the Prek-12 Maryland State Curriculum, appraisals, and responsibility framework dependent upon the Common Core Standards to guarantee that all graduates are school and vocation prepared. It also has a vision to build a statewide innovation foundation that connections all information components with investigative and instructional instruments to screen and push understudy accomplishment. Another vision is to redesign the model for arrangement, advancement, maintenance, and assessment of instructors and principals. Finally, Maryland has a vision of fully actualizing the inventive Breakthrough Center methodology for changing low-performing schools and

Literary Analysis of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Essay Example for Free

Literary Analysis of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Essay In Huckleberry Finn there are several themes. There are themes of racism and slavery, civilized society, survival, water imagery, and the one I will be discussing, superstition ( SparkNotes Editors). Superstition is a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation (â€Å"Merriam-Webster†). Superstition was a very popular theme in Huckleberry Finn that you saw throughout the story. Huck was somewhat superstitious, but Jim speaks a wide range of superstition and folk tales. In the story it makes Jim seem as if he is unintelligent, when really his superstitions and beliefs come true and shows he is a wise person. At first, Huck thinks Jim’s superstitions are foolish and silly, but he eventually starts to appreciate Jim’s outlook and knowledge on life. Jim’s superstition was accepted as social teachings as well as being the adult figure in Huck’s life (SparkNotes Editors). One of the first times I saw superstition in the story was Huck’s superstition of bad luck. â€Å"Pretty soon a spider went crawling up my shoulder, and I flipped it off and it lit in the candle; and before I could budge it was all shriveled up. I didn’t need anybody to tell me that was an awful bad sign and would fetch me some bad luck, so I was scared and most shook the clothes off me. I got up and turned around in my tracks three times and crossed my breast everytime; and then I tied up a little lock of my hair with a thread to keep witches away ( Twain 110). † Another time Huck’s superstition of bad luck was shown in the story was when he accidentally spilled salt at breakfast. â€Å"One morning I happened to turn over the salt cellar at breakfast. I reached for some of it as quick as I could, to throw over my left shoulder and keep off the bad luck, but Miss Watson was in the ahead of me, and crossed me off ( Twain 117). † Because Huck was not able to throw the salt over his shoulder, he was very worried and nervous all day because he knew he would encounter bad luck sooner or later. The first time Huck went to get superstitious advice from Jim is when he went to ask Jim when his father would be returning in his life. He had already seen his father’s tracks in the snow and knew he would be coming real soon. He wanted to know what his father was going to do and how long  was he going to stay. Huck heard Jim had a hair ball that was taken out of a stomach of an ox, that he used to do magic with. The hair ball supposedly had a spirit in it that knew everything. The hair ball told Jim about Huck’s father and Jim told Huck, â€Å" Yo’ ole father doan’ know, yit, what he’s a-gwyne to do. Sometimes he spec he’ll go ‘way, en den agin he spec he’ll stay. De bes’ way is to res’ easy en let de ole man take his own way ( Twain 119). † He then began to tell Huck his father had two angels over him. A white, shiny angel that tells him to do right and a dark angel that tells him to do wrong. He told Huck that he also has two angels over him that does the same, and that nobody knows which one is going to get you in the end. This part of the story showed me Jim wasn’t as foolish and stupid as everybody thought he was, he was actually wise. That night when Huck returned home his father was waiting for him in his bedroom. Once Huck ran away to the island and found Jim ran away too and they discovered the dead man, who happened to be Huck’s father, Huck wanted to discuss the dead man but Jim warned him it was bad luck for them to talk about a dead man. â€Å" He said it would fetch bad luck; and besides, he said, he might come and ha’nt us; he said a man that warn’t buried was more likely to go a-ha’nting around than one that was planted and comfortable ( Twain 139). † Huck thought Jim made sense and respected him enough not to bring it up again. Huck then brought up to Jim, when he found the snake-skin the other day, Jim said it was the worst bad luck to touch snake skin. Huck did not believe they would experience any bad luck because they had experienced so much good luck with finding the house with all the goods and money they came across. Jim told him not to speak of it and he said the bad luck would still come, and it did come later that week. Huck decided to play a trick on Jim and put a dead rattlesnake in Jim’s blanket to scare him. When Jim laid down that night the snake’s mate was in his blanket and bit Jim on the heel. Jim was sick in bed for four days and Huck never told him he was the one who played the trick on him. He swore to himself he would never pick up a snake skin again, and Jim said to Huck maybe he would believe him next time and there might still be some bad luck to come. The theme of superstition in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is related to hope and fear. Jim’s hope and fear was that he would finally be free and his fear was that he would be captured and forced back into slavery. Huck’s hope was that he would be able to live his life without having to be in fear of his father and also that he would not have to live a â€Å"sivilized† lifestyle with the widow and Miss Watson. Everybody has hope and fear about something, and deals with it differently. Jim and Huck dealed with it by believing in superstition. Work Cited Page Twain, Mark. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The Norton Anthology American Literature. Seventh Ed. Vol. C. Nina Baym. New York: W. W. Norton Comapny, Inc. , 2007. Print. SparkNotes Editors. â€Å"SparkNote on The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. † SparkNotes. com. SparkNotes LLC. 2002. Web. 5 Feb. 2011. www. merriam-webster. com/dictionary/superstition. Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, 2011. Web. 5 Feb 2011.

king henry college essay :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A Changed Man  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although my 2.0 grade point average during my first two years of high school does not indicate that I would be an Oxford candidate, I can assure you that I am. I was lacking perfection in most aspects of my life. In my first years of high school I experimented with some non- productive self destructive life styles, but I have changed for the better. So much, that my father, on his death bed, proclaimed me king of England. As king I learned many valuable lessons and made very important decisions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As a freshman and sophomore the only thing i was concerned with was being with friends and partying. At that time I believed that I would be king whenever my father past away. When I was an immature partier, my father said he would not make me king because I was so irresponsible. Just before my junior year I had an epiphany. A revelation that changed my entire thinking about school and life. Ever since that moment I have strived for excellence. To go from a 2.0 grade point average my freshman and sophomore years to a 4.0 my junior year, I had to discard the ways that were holding me back. I would no longer drink, party, or stay out late with friends. I even lost interest in old friends.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When my father saw the change in my life he knew that i was ready to step up to be king. I have had to make some very risky decisions as king. Not only have i put my county into battles and won, but i have also expanded my kingdom, and even brought peace to other countries. The better i put my people through were for greater good of my kingdom. At the battle of Harfluer my kingdom was on the verge of expanding and Harfluer was a place that we desperately needed. Even though skirmishes like Harfluer were not common, I wanted my kingdom to be the greatest. The next battle I put my country though was Agincourt. Although we were tired, dirty, and out numbered by the french, it was necessary that we fight. I led my country to an overwhelming

Make a Wish Foundation Essay

Specific Purpose: To inform the audience about what the Make-A-Wish foundation does for children with life-altering conditions. Thesis Statement: The Make-A-Wish Foundation’s mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish experience has on children, families, and entire communities. Introduction . I. Attention-getter: â€Å"A wish granted has a deep, life-affirming impact on the wish child and family, creating the hope, strength and joy so greatly needed. What makes each wish even more remarkable is the power to enrich so many others’ lives – from friends, volunteers and donors to sponsors and even entire communities.† –David Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. (Make-A-Wish, 2006) . II.Establishment of Ethos: I joined the sorority Chi-Omega this August. Chi-Omega has many great things to offer one being the opportunity to work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I will work with children with life altering diseases and watch them get their wishes granted. . III. Preview (each main point): First†¦ I will discuss what Make-A-Wish Foundation is all about Next†¦ I will talk about the steps included in granting a wish Finally†¦ I would like to share what Chi-Omega does for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Transition: I will begin by telling you about the Make-A-Wish Foundation and telling a few stories of wishes. Body: I. Main Idea 1: Make-A-Wish Foundation has evolved into an organization that grants a child’s wish in the United States and its territories every 40 minutes. (Make-A-Wish, 2006) 1. Point: Since 1980 Make-A-Wish has enriched the lives of children with life threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. (Make-A-Wish, 2006) `. a.Sub-point: The Foundation was founded after a little Boy named Chris Greicius realized his wish in life was to become a police officer. Little did he know his wish would be the inspiration for the largest wish-granting organization in the World. (Make-A-Wish, 2006) `. b. Sub-point: Since then, the organization has  blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, reaching more than 193,000 children around the world. (Make-A-Wish, 2006) 0. 2. Point: The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes like going to Disney World, being a police officer for a day, shopping sprees, etc. (Make-A-Wish, 2006) 0 a. Sub-point: 17 year old Susana Romero has had extreme kidney problems since she was born and is severely hearing impaired. She was given the chance to make a wish. Since her condition caused her to be in her room most of the time she chose to have her room redone into something for a teen queen. She stated, â€Å"Now it looks beautiful—better than beautiful.† (Edwards) * â€Å"Because of her medical condition, Susana has to spend a lot of time indoors and it is very important for her room to be one of her favorite places.† Stated Mark Pilon president of the local Make-A-Wish Foundation. (Edwards) b. Sub-point: 11-year-old Karina Valverde has received two heart transplants, her first one when she was 11 months old and her second at age 9. She found out she was able to make a wish after seven months in the hospital. â€Å"Karina’s wish is quite unusual.† Friyana Shah, a volunteer, said. She asked to visit the State of Liberty in New York. The trip touched her and her entire family. (Perez, 2010) Transition: Since I told you about what The Make-A-Wish Foundation and a few wish stories I would like to explain the steps in granting a wish. . II.Main Idea 2: The Make-A-Wish website explains four simple steps to granting a wish. Each and every step builds on the next to create amazing experiences that please the kids and their family. 0. 1. Point: The first step in granting a wish is the referral step. `. a.Sub-point: The organization relies on referrals from medical professionals, parents and the children themselves. b. Sub-point: Children between the ages of two and a half and eighteen who have not received a wish from another wish-granting organization may be eligible for a wish. 2. Point: The second step is Medical Eligibility. a. Sub-Point: Make a wish determines a child’s medical eligibility with the help of the treating physician. b. Sub-Point: The child must be diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition that has placed the child’s life in jeopardy. 3. Point: Step number three is finding the true wish. a. Sub-Point: Make A Wish finds one of their enthusiastic wish teams to learn all about the child’s one very important wish. b. Sub-Point: These passionate  volunteers connect with the children and help explore their imaginations for the experience that will inspire them. 4. Point: The Fourth most important step is creating joy. a. Sub-Point: The wish-granters create an unforgettable experience driven by the child’s creativity. They make it an incredible experience that will enrich not just the lives of the children and their families, but often an entire community. (Make-A-Wish, 2006) Transition: The four steps of wish granting cannot be completed without the help of volunteers such as Chi-Omega. III. Main Idea 3: One of Chi-Omegas six purposes is their philanthropy, The Make-A-Wish Foundation. Since the start of their alliance they have made a difference in a huge number of children’s lives through volunteering time, talents, and raising money. 1. Sub-Point: Chi-Omegas have organized and sponsored very successful events through volunteering and fundraising. With both they have raised financial support and public awareness. 2. Sub-Point: The Chi-Omega chapter at the University of Arkansas became a Gold Level Sponsor with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 3. Sub-Point: Since 2001 Chi-Omegas at the U of A have raised over $3.8 million and completed over 238,000 volunteer hours. (Make-A-Wish, 2006) Transition: Now that I have told you about Chi-Omega and what I can do to help out with this great organization I will conclude my speech. Conclusion: I.Summary: This wonderful organization touches the hearts of everyone involved through fundraisers and volunteering. . II.Review (each main point): During my speech I discussed what The Make-A-Wish Foundation is all about, the steps in granting a wish, and what Chi-Omega does for the organization. . III.Creative Concluding Thought: Now that I have informed you about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, I hope you can take this in consideration to volunteer and help change children’s lives with life-threatening conditions. References Brooke Edwards. (17 July). A ROOM OF HER OWN: Wish comes true for Apple Valley teen with surprise bedroom makeover 17-year-old has kidney problems. McClatchy – Tribune Business News, Retrieved September 13, 2010, from ABI/INFORM Complete. (Document ID: 2082473241). Make-A-Wish Foundation of America (2006). Retrieved September, 2010 Perez, C. (2010, August 26). A Dream Come True: Foundation makes girl’s New York trip possible. Dodge City Daily Global.

Charles Dickens Essay

How has Charles Dickens put forward to us a sense of the hardtimes as shown in the town and education system? A main theme in the Charles Dickens book, ‘Hard times’ is the Industrial Revolution, how technology had advanced drastically, yet the standard of peoples lives were decreasing and getting ever harder. No more is this emphasised, than through the basic layout and look of the, appropriately named, ‘Coketown’. The town was supposed be evolving both technology wise and money wise, yet each building was as plain and as dirty as the next, closely resembling most of the people who work and will work in the town, those being the young machinists – the children of ‘Coketown. ‘ Although the standard of living was supposedly better through the Industrial revolution, with new communication, transportation, and manufacturing methods, it meant there was an even greater demand for workers to work the machines. The life of a worker in the Revolution was, monotonous, and could kill the spirits of even the most imaginative of people. As a result, from a fairly young age, the children were taught not to have imaginations. ‘Only facts’ were to be learnt and applied to everyday life. Thomas Gradgrind is the patron of the school in which this process is highly used and believed in. Gradgrind himself was bought up believing there was nothing more to, ‘this life’ than facts. Imagination would only get in the way of the children when they started working in the factories. We are introduced to the method of teaching immediately at the beginning of the story. ‘What I want is Facts,’ and the opinion of the Gradgrind, being that, ‘Facts alone are wanted in life. ‘ To emphasize this, ‘facts’, has a capital F. According to this theory, there is no religion, no clear identity, and only one belief and purpose. This is ironic because most of the people of the time were quite religious Christians and it shows a contradiction between their beliefs and views. The first paragraph is almost a monologue with Gradgrind, because no one interrupts him. This shows his importance, the slight fear he inflicts on people, when the children spoke to him with a, ‘trembling voice’, and the respect they have for him. With these aspects in mind, it is easy to see how he influences the children’s minds and opinions. Gradgrind’s ambition is to, ‘plant nothing else and root out everything else,’ but facts. The children are not even to, ‘fancy’ anything. So much so, the room in which the children are being taught is just a, ‘plain, bare, monotonous vault,’ of a classroom. The word vault, indicates the children are trapped in the education system. Every bit in the room is the same, boring and dull and in no way creative – so the children would get no mental stimulation from it. It leaves little to the imagination, as with Gradgrind himself. Dickens uses technical and geometric words, like ‘square,’ and, ‘plain’ to put forward to us his rigidity in his belief as though the whole education system was personified through Gradgrind. In addition, the subject of facts also helped Dickens to describe Gradgrind. Through his, ‘inflexible,’ voice. Unchangeable, like the childrens futures. Also, his necktie, wrapped around his neck, ‘like, a stubborn fact. ‘ With the inspector watching the class, this style of education was enforced on the teachers. As a result, they themselves were ready to teach the children in such a way, it would blow the children, ‘clean out of the regions of childhood. ‘ Gradgrind himself, believes that this is the right way of teaching. Consequently, he has learnt little about the complexity of human nature, causing him to believe that everything about people can be simply reduced to science, and that by training the, ‘vessels’ in the way he is, he is giving them a future and a chance in life, when really he is removing them. The metaphor, ‘vessels’ is the word Gradgrind uses for children. It shows first hand how he thinks about his children. A class comes in, he fills them with facts like a bucket, then they go to work in a factory. A new class comes in, and so on, all the time, them learning nothing about morals and principles of life. Chapter two is metaphorically named, ‘Murdering of the Innocents’. It shows what the education system is potentially doing to the children in it. It is not only killing the children’s imagination and identity, but also deprives them of a decent future. With the education currently received, the children will be both physically and mentally, ‘deformed’. The true impact on the education system to the children, is shown in chapter when two children are juxtaposed. One child, by name of Sissy has just moved to the school, and another child, Bitzer, has been taught at the school for most of his life. Our first introduction to Sissy, is by her being called, ‘number 20,’ by Gradgrind. This is because a name shows a personality, and imagination, along with nicknames. As a result, Gradgring calls herself, ‘Cecilia’. Anything in the children’s lives which requires imagination, a unique style, is removed by Gradgrind, quite easily because of the respect the children have for him. He rejects Sissy’s father belonging to, ‘the horse-riding’. He then gives the job the title of a, ‘veterinary surgeon’. This is ironic, because Sissy has dealt with horses all her life, so understands them more and probably knows more about them than Gradgrind does, yet he doesn’t want understanding, he wants facts. That is why Sissy cant give the definition of a horse.

Environmental Protection and Conservation Research Paper Example

Environmental Protection and Conservation Research Paper Example Environmental Protection and Conservation Paper Environmental Protection and Conservation Paper Environmental Protection and Conservation of the Ecosystem We, the human beings, are living in a polluted environment, and It Is getting worse day by day. There is nothing else to blame but ourselves. We are suffering from our own negligence. God has given us everything we need but all we do Is to ruin HIS beautiful creation. If we do not want to see the future to suffer, It Is not yet too late to act. By Just doing the simple ways, we can help protect the environment. Every one of us has a responsibility. God has given us free will to do whatever we want, but It does not mean that we forget about our environment. The blue sky, the sun shining, and the vehicles we ride on every day everything we encounter Is part of our environment. We think of the environment as the trees, sky, (Yean, and everything natural. When in fact, everything we see around us is environment. We may not realize it yet, but the environment is screaming for our help. There are many things we can do to prevent the destruction of our nature. Just think of the animals, the plants, and the humans what will happen to them if we just sit down and do nothing? If all of us participate in preserving our environment, our future will be better. Imagine that there will be no waste around us, and sickness due to environmental issues; how wonderful, isnt it? If this eventually happens, all of us will be benefited. On the other hand, there are plenty of environmental organizations our country has implemented. Our government is systematic on having this laws and organizations showing that our country is aware on environmental issues. But, it does not stop there. We cannot Just give the responsibility to the government. As a civilized society, all of us have concern. We can contribute as a community. Indeed, there are no considerations on who to participate. Whether you are rich or poor, you can make a difference. In result, we are not only helping the environment but also the people around us. Our environment provides us material things we need; like papers from trees, medicines from plants, and many more. Therefore, we must return something more as the environment has given us. Though, the question Is: how can we protect the environment? This Is a question which Is easy to say but seems Like hard for us to do. We all want to protect our environment, but we are too busy or too lazy to do so. One of the simplest ways Is to throw your litters at the right place. You can also separate them from biodegradable to non-beleaguered, so that others can use It as a recycled material as well. By doing this, you are contributing to the environment. However, we can also conserve water by saving it. According to research, water will be scarce in 2025. So, if we are having bath or washing dishes, let us make sure that the amount of water will be enough for us to use and not wasting it. We do not want to lose water in early years. Our generation has multiple technologies at present. Indeed, all human beings are using technology every day. Television, cellophane, oven, refrigerator, computers all f these are examples of technology. Hence, it is important to unplug or turn off these appliances if necessary. As a result, we are conserving energy and making ourselves free from radiation. Additionally, expose ourselves from recycling. Recycling has a big impact on the environment. If there is a material or clothes we do not use anymore, we may recycle and do creative things for it. Otherwise, we may give or donate it to persons who need or lack of those things. Good things happen for people who give and support. More importantly, coordinate with the community, neighbors, or families in planting Reese. Trees have many contributions on our lives. We may want to replace the trees that have been used for our needs. By planting trees, not only we, the human beings will be benefited, but also the animals in our environment. There are many ways in protecting and conserving our environment. Therefore, we must encourage and reach out to other people. As a result, their perspective and point of views will be changed. Simple and little things mean a lot. Moreover, all of us can make a difference. The more we are concerned and environmentally conscious, the more peaceful mind and happier lives well have.

Reading Comprehension Worksheet 1

Reading Comprehension Worksheet 1 In order to get really good at reading comprehension (understanding vocabulary in context, making inferences, determining the authors purpose, etc.), you need to practice. Thats where a reading comprehension worksheet like this one comes in handy. If you need even more practice, check out more reading comprehension worksheets here. Directions: The passage below is followed by questions based on its content; answer the questions on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage. Printable PDFs: Escaping Adolescence Reading Comprehension Worksheet | Escaping Adolescence Reading Comprehension Worksheet Answer Key From Escaping the Endless Adolescence by Joseph Allen and Claudia Worrell Allen. Copyright  © 2009 by Joseph Allen and Claudia Worrell Allen. As 15-year-old Perry shuffled into my office, with his parents trailing tentatively behind, he glanced at me with a strained neutral expression that Id found usually masked either great anger or great distress; in Perrys case it was both. Although anorexia is a disorder most often associated with girls, Perry was the third in a line of anorexic boys I had recently seen. When he came to see me, Perrys weight had dropped to within 10 pounds of the threshold requiring forced hospitalization, yet he denied there was any problem. He just wont eat, his mother began. Then, turning to Perry as if to show me the routine theyd been enacting, she asked with tears in her eyes, Perry, why cant you at least have a simple dinner with us? Perry refused to eat with his family, always claiming he wasnt hungry at the time and that he preferred to eat later in his room, except that that rarely happened. New menus, gentle encouragement, veiled threats, nagging, and outright bribes had all been tried, to no avail. Why would an otherwise healthy 15-year-old boy be starving himself? The question hung urgently in the air as we all talked. Lets be clear from the outset. Perry was a smart, good kid: shy, unassuming, and generally unlikely to cause trouble. He was getting straight As in a challenging and competitive public school honors curriculum that spring. And he later told me that he hadnt gotten a B on his report card since fourth grade. In some ways he was every parents dream child. But beneath his academic success, Perry faced a world of troubles, and while he took awhile to get to know, eventually the problems came pouring out. The problems werent what Id expected, though. Perry wasnt abused, he didnt do drugs, and his family wasnt driven by conflict. Rather, at first glance, his problems would seem more like typical adolescent complaints. And they were, in a way. But it was only as I got to understand him that I realized the adolescent problems Perry experienced werent just occasional irritations, as theyd been for me and my cohort as teens, but rather, had grown to the point where they cast a large shadow over much of his day-to-day world. Id later come to realize that Perry wasnt alone in that regard. One big problem was that while Perry was a strong achiever, he was not at all a happy one. I hate waking up in the morning because theres all this stuff I have to do, he said. I just keep making lists of things to do and checking them off each day. Not just schoolwork, but extracurricular activities, so I can get into a good college. Once he got started, Perrys discontent spilled out in a frustrated monologue. Theres so much to do, and I have to really work to get myself motivated because I feel like none of it really matters... but its really important I do it anyway. At the end of it all, I stay up late, I get all my homework done, and I study really hard for all my tests, and what do I get to show for it all? A single sheet of paper with five or six letters on it. Its just stupid! Perry was gifted enough to jump through the academic hoops that had been set for him, but it felt like little more than hoop-jumping, and this ate at him. But that wasnt his only problem. Perry was well loved by his parents, as are most of the young people we see. But in their efforts to nurture and support him, his parents inadvertently increased his mental strain. Over time, they had taken on all his household chores, in order to leave him more time for schoolwork and activities. Thats his top priority, they said almost in unison when I asked about this. Although removing the chores from Perrys plate gave him a bit more time, it ultimately left him feeling even more useless and tense. He never really did anything for anyone except suck up their time and money, and he knew it. And if he thought about backing off on his schoolwork...well, look how much his parents were pouring into making it go well. Sandwiched between fury and guilt, Perry had literally begun to wither. Reading Comprehension Worksheet Questions 1. This passage is narrated from the point of view of(A) a college professor studying the effects of bulimia on young males.(B) a young male named Perry, struggling with the effects of anorexia.(C) a concerned therapist who works with struggling young adults.(D) a doctor who treats eating, compulsive, and sleeping disorders.(E) a college student working on a thesis about eating disorders in young males. Answer with Explanation 2. According to the passage, Perrys two biggest problems were(A) being an unhappy achiever and his parents increase of his mental strain.(B) his poor attitude toward school and his consumption of everyones time and money.(C) his fury and guilt.(D) drug abuse and conflict within the family.(E) his inability to prioritize and anorexia. Answer with Explanation 3. The primary purpose of the passage is to(A) describe one young mans struggle with anorexia and, in doing so, provide possible reasons a young person may resort to an eating disorder.(B) advocate for young males who are struggling with an eating disorder and the decisions theyve made that have brought them to that struggle.(C) compare one young persons fight against his parents and the eating disorder that is ruining his life to the life of a typical teenager.(D) relate an emotional reaction to the shock of an eating disorder, such as that of Perrys, a typical young adult.(E) explain how todays youth often develop eating disorders and other terrible issues in their overactive lives. Answer with Explanation 4. The author uses which of the following in the sentence starting paragraph 4: But beneath his academic success, Perry faced a world of troubles, and while he took awhile to get to know, eventually the problems came pouring out?  (A) personification(B) simile(C) anecdote(D) irony(E) metaphor Answer with Explanation 5. In the second sentence of the last paragraph, the word inadvertently most nearly means(A) steadily(B) monumentally(C) incrementally(D) mistakenly(E) surreptitiously Answer with Explanation More Reading Comprehension Practice

Porter Novelli or Southern Company Case Study Term Paper

Porter Novelli or Southern Company Case Study - Term Paper Example Southern Company aptly exemplifies the manner in which organizations triumph by adopting proper performance management strategy. Proper performance management strategy in turn is successful to the extent that its exercise will be centered on the welfare of the personnel. 1. Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Roles That the Strategic Leaders Played In the Formation of the Performance Management Strategy Goldsmith and Carter (2010) point out that strategic leaders for Southern Company have played effective roles in the formation of the performance management strategy, based on several yardsticks. One of the ways in which this success is visible is the manner in which the Southern Company has hired employees at the entry level and continued to promote individual employees internally, thereby helping these employees occupy leadership positions that are available within the organization. This is directly connected to the observation of proper management strategy since the intra-organizat ional promotion of individuals to higher offices is usually a culmination of employees' culture of meeting performance target. Similarly, the same is a culmination of proper setting of feasible yet dynamic performance targets, supervision and bridging of performance gaps. The same also demands the exaction of workshop drives, training programs, and mentorship programs. The setting of performance target, supervision, the bridging of performance gaps and the extension of rewards to outstanding performers [by giving promotions] are all very important facets of performance management strategy. According to Fegley and Society for Human Resource Management (2007), another indicator of the effectiveness with which strategic leaders have contributed towards the formation of its performance management strategy is the low turnover rate that the company has had. This characteristically low turnover rate has enabled the Southern company to possess older, more seasoned and more tenured personnel . It is against this backdrop that over the years, Southern Company has been able to nurture a group of leaders that are in possession of a profound depth of business knowledge and who are strongly aligned with Southern Company's organizational culture. The maintenance of a low turnover is in turn a complex result of performance management strategy. This is because performance management strategy involves proper determination of performance goals, correctional measures to seal performance gaps and the extension of incentives. All these factors are important in extirpating high turnover. The drawing up of proper performance goals ensures employees are provided with the right of amount of work [and therefore reducing the risks of overworking or underperformance] while the sealing of performance gaps have to be humane enough to inculcate both a sense of belonging and challenge. The extension of incentives such as promotions, higher emoluments, grants and acts of acknowledgement directl y dissuade employees from seeking greener pastures, and thereby abating high turnover. Another way in which Strategic leaders for Southern Company h

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Container Shipping and Chinese Stability - Essay Example A positive development and a spread of container-based shipping industry are supported by its ability to provide different countries in-time with required goods. This industry has made China a rapidly industrialised country. Still, there are several uncovered issues in the container-based shipping industry. Currently, China is rapidly developing as the world’s leader on several fronts. The mechanisms of China’s enrichment evoke a vivid discussion among modern experts, researchers and scientists. Figure 1 China in the world maritime economy. This figure shows the Chinese contribution to 6 key areas of world economic and maritime activity. (Stopford 2007, p.2) Container shipping operates out the general society’s sight. That’s why this ‘secret’ industry is interesting for the modern society. ... Nearly 75% of international cargo volume is involved in shipping industry. China is on the upswing and shipping industry in this country is a rapidly developing industry. It is a well-known fact that China is steadily moving to position itself as the world’s greatest power (Stopford 2007) . Consequently, the development of a potential country-world leader and shipping industry, which is responsible for the major part of trade operations in the international market, makes this research relevant to the field of China’s economy. Different aspects of China’s development, social peculiarities, influence of EU regulations on shipping in China makes a context of the study rather complicated. Nevertheless, it is relevant to conduct the research on the basis of available literary sources and empirical data from recent studies. Background of Chinese shipping industry development China is economically fortunate, because of its geographical position and abundant shipping re sources. Nearly 40% of Chinese workers live near coastal regions, the GDP in the country increases 50% and the shipping sector carries out 80% of national import and export activities (Talley 2000). Figure 2 Chinese imports and exports activity steadily increasing (Stopford 2007, p.5) Starting from 1970s, China’s shipping industry has been steadily developing under conditions of continuous development of international trade. International shipping operations are the most relevant operations and well-known on the international arena for China’s business partners. Current perspectives of China’s shipping industry development International cooperation opens impressive perspectives for China.  

Titler Article Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

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Corporate Social Responsibility Environmental Disclosures Philosophy Essay

Corporate Social Responsibility Environmental Disclosures Philosophy Essay In many nations debates over current global issues such as climate change and poverty are sites of educational, social and political conflict. This paper explores the academic attempt made by Human Development (HD) model, to address Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) environmental disclosures in annual reports. Also this essay seeks to examine the impact of the notion of social contract and legitimacy upon corporate responsibility and Environmental Disclosure Policies. Discussion then shifts to an ecocentric critic on Marx and an ecofeminism critic on Frankfurt school on ecological crisis. As a way forward, an ecocentric outlook is introduced. The paper ends with conclusion. Introduction There is a growing understanding that the current crisis we face is both ecological and social furthermore the global challenges of poverty, that are foreseen to grow in many ways through Climate Change demand constructive, innovative and forward looking approaches between development sectors (World Bank, 2003). In recent years, there has been a proliferation of corporate social and environmental disclosures in business practice (Coles and Murphy, 1999). This study goes further than accepting the achievements in voluntary environmental disclosures in (CSR) annual reports, into actual commitment by the industrialized world in tackling environmental degradation. It critically evaluates the impact of mainstream notion of social contract and legitimacy in (HD) literature upon corporate responsibility disclosure policies theoretical arguments a way forward, an ecocentric perspective is introduced, one that draws leading an ecologically informed philosophy of internal relatedness to narro w the gap between (CSR) environmental disclosures and actual commitment to environmental protection. Description of a New Sustainability view Ever since the Bruntland Commission introduced the concept of Sustainable Development in its seminal report, Our Common Future, (UN, 1987). Governments and their development partners at the national, regional and international level have struggled to operationalize the concept of sustainability in development policies, programs and plans (World Bank, 2003). Part of the reason for this struggle is because sustainability is a highly complex concept that over time has come to mean different things to different people (Pepper, 1996). Sustainability actually describes several different approaches as well these approaches carry with them different visions of society and different political commitments to action (Pepper, 1996). Although, the sustainability defining roots come largely from environmental-economic fields (Constanza et al, 1992) the concept of Sustainable Development incorporated other aspects questioning justice, poverty, inequality, and peoples aspiration for a better life, only to mention a few (Naess, 1990). As a result, cultural, technological, ethical ambits have been most recently introduced in various innovative ways to better picture a multidimensional and integrated perception of the sustainability notion in an attempt to achieve progressively, what has called; a public relation response between business sectors and environmental organizations (Coles and Murphy, 1999). Like many critical theorists, we are strengthening corporate responsibility as fact that must be taken into account when talking of people and their environment, not only on the things that affect them but also on things on which they have an effect (Naess, 1999). Under this idea, sustainability has been recently define d in Human Development model with rather different and new terms and further characterizations demonstrating levels of interaction between business sectors and nature originating thoughts from many authors; such as Coles and Murphy, 1999), who has for instance defined it as: a proactive environmental management. CSR- Corporate Social Responsibility Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in (HD) has emerged largely since the 1950s, but its origins in the UK can be traced back to nineteenth century and early twentieth century philanthropists, many of whom left a lasting legacy; for instance, William Cadbury, who became a leading philanthropist as a result of successful business endeavors at the turn of the twentieth century (the William Cadbury Trust). Since then Businesses sectors has been engage in (CSR) for diverse reasons, driven by economic, ethical and other considerations. The conception of (CSR) is closely related to the conception of the social accountability in Human Development (Coles and Murphy, 1999). It is evident in this post-modern world that the business (CSR) annual reports have moved away from narrow financial disclosures to the disclosure of a number of broader social issues for a larger audience on a voluntary basis ranging from information about employees, political and charitable donations, environment pollution, social audit and other social information (Coles and Murphy, 1999). Perhaps this is one of the attempts to building what literature now describes as social accountability in Human Development (Coles and Murphy, 1999). The (CSR) annual reports are already advancing future concern for peoples ´ welfare foreseen as a long run problematic issue, but certainly is not yet questioning environmental havoc as one key aspect to analyse within. Most recently though, UNDP ´s Human Development notion began to question the fact that yet through elaborated definition and examination (CSR) is not really focusing enough on people and environment. Defining CSR eco-social unsustainability Defining current patterns of (CSR) and corporations as eco-social unsustainability is one way of making transparent human-nature connections (Williams, 1980). One needs to question the reasons for a sudden increase in these broader disclosures. Some may argue that such procedures on the part of the preparers of corporate annual reports may be nothing but a giant public relations campaign. From a more critical perspective the above may be seen as celebrations by environmentalists and researchers in sustainability. As Coles and Marphy, (1999) point out (CSR) Annual report of corporations these days are filled with information that celebrate successful social accountability actions but negative consequences of their actions such as externalities from pollution as costs to the society are never highlighted, thereby silencing injustices. The difference between voluntary environmental disclosure practices and the actual tackling or commitments to environmental performance of corporations cannot go unaddressed for long. A study by Perlo-Freeman in Nigeria (2002) reports a significant negative relation between sustainable development performance and Shell (CSR) annual reports. The findings support the argument that companies with worst environmental performance records (highest levels of toxic releases) provide most extensive environmental disclosure. Given the widespread variation in social and environmental disclosure, it is not surprising that a number of narrow, human-centred overlapping theories of such disclosure have evolved (for example, social contract, legitimacy theory, stakeholder theory and progressive market) (Pepper, 1996). We argue that a (CSR) approach thorough ecocentric theory on environmental issues is capable of providing a more comprehensive theoretical framework to the (HD) current ecological cris is. A Critique of Social Accountability Mainstream Theoretical Arguments Mainstream theoretical arguments for environmental in (CSR) comprise the Social Contract Theory approach and Legitimacy Theory. Social Contract Theory approach is the base of managerialist school of thought in addiction Social Contract Theory hypothesizes that the foundation stone of morality are uniform social accords that best serve the interests of those who make the agreements. Legitimacy Theory is closely related to the conception of the social contract. The theory posits that businesses are bound by the social contract in which the firms agree to perform various socially desired actions in return for approval of its objectives and other rewards, and this ultimately guarantees its continued existence (Guthrie and Parker, 1989). Legitimacy theory is essentially a systems-oriented theory, i.e. organisations are viewed as components of the larger social environment within which it exists (Dowling and Pfeffer, 1975). As this paper demonstrates these approaches favour an anthropocent ric (CSR) stance and concur with the arguments of the critical school in relation to the limitations of such approaches. Critique of Social Contract Theory approach Firstly, it is evident that the traditional (CSR) model, although dependent upon a range of conventions, has restricted itself to a dominant principle: value of goods and services also non human perception (Ormerod, 1994). This attitude is in line with the concepts of objectivity and profit that enhance shareholders and creditors welfare. They are seen as the primary users in the managerialist model, their needs are known (wealth maximisation), and are paramount, and the needs of other users are secondary. This observation, from an ecocentric (CSR) environmental perspective, ignores the information of the environment impact furthermore is just an ideological cloak to protect corporations. With this line of argument, (CSR) under the managerialist approach becomes important only if it affects the survival and continuity of an enterprise. Critique of Legitimacy theoretical arguments Legitimacy Theory is closely related to the conception of the social contract. The theory posits that businesses are bound by the social contract in which the firms agree to perform various socially desired actions in return for approval of its objectives and other rewards, and this ultimately guarantees its continued existence (Guthrie and Parker, 1989). This theoretical arguments for environmental (CSR) are ineffective according to the eco-socialists school (Pepper, 1996), largely due to the fact that social responsibility and profitability are at odds as a result of the neoclassical economics foundation on which the social accountability model is based. In spite of severe criticisms, legitimacy theorists defends their thought by questioning whether progress could be made under the critical approach by think that is possible to somehow reconcile the destructive tendencies in neoclassical, capitalist economics with radical sustainable development (Pepper, 1996). They state that while it is acknowledged that present practices (CSR) are far from perfect, one must work within the system and slowly refine it to be reflective of social and environmental issues rather than completely accepting or completely rejecting current systems which have been widely accepted for centuries as a decision useful tool in (HD) paradigm (Pepper 1996). Ecophilosophical point of view of Social Accountability From an ecophilosophical (HD) point of view, the most fundamental division in eco-social theory is between those who adopt an anthropocentric perspective and those who adopt a nonanthropocentric (ecocentric) perspective (Pepper, 1996). The distinction could be best understood as representing a spectrum of thought rather than separate and distinct positions. The first approach focuses on human freeing and fulfillment in an ecologically sustainable society, while the second examines the notion of emancipation in a broader context emancipation that also recognises the moral standing of the nonhuman world (Dobson, 1990). We are of the view that an ecocentric philosophical orientation provides the most comprehensive, promising and distinctive framework to study todays environmental problems. This is not to claim that ecocentrism would solve all our environmental social responsibility problems. Instead, emphasis is on providing sufficient details of an alternative model that could improve the present practice of (CSR) for the environment and provide a basis for a sustainable future in Human Development. An Ecocentric Critique of Marxism In this section we present an ecocentric challenge to Marxism and the critical theory of the Frankfurt School. A complete overview of these works remains beyond the scope of this paper, and only key ideas/issues in ecological context have been considered. Pepper (1996) argues that literature is far from clear about the extent to which Marxian analysis can be said to be compatible with or at conflict with environmentalism. Marx focused on capital, labour, surplus value, class conflicts and so on, and this placed him closer to liberal economics than to environmentalism (Pepper 1996). As for Marx, environmental problems, like social problems are traced directly to the exploitative dynamics of capitalism and solution to such problems require revolutionary transformation of the relations of production (Pepper, 1996). Marx was only marginally concerned with environmental degradation with no systematic theory of humanitys relationship to nature. The dominant sense in which Marx characterised nature was as a medium for human labour (Mellor, 1992). The above arguments seek to demonstrate that an ecocentric perspective on environment cannot be wrested out of Marxism without seriously distorting Marxs own theoretical concepts. Social Ecofeminism Critique of Frankfurt School The critical theory of the Frankfurt School is not a single doctrine or a unified worldview. Sharp differences have existed for long time among critical theorists at the Frankfurt School, as evidenced by the increasingly heterogeneous nature of their works. The first generation of Frankfurt theorists focused on different levels and dimensions of domination and exploitation through critique of instrumental reason, which also included critical examination of the relationship between humanity and nature (Mellor, 1992). First, early Frankfurt Schools critical discourse was pessimistic in outlook towards nature romanticism and was increasingly preoccupied with theory instead of practice. Secondly, a more fundamental explanation lies in the way critical theory developed in the hands of Habermas, who has, by and large, focused on social and political rather than personal aspects, thereby marginalizing green movement (Warren, 1990). Critical scholars in corporate responsibility have drawn up on Marxist and Habermasian themes to think and act about environmental (HD) pathways. Yet to date, critical theory has not had a major direct bearing in shaping the theory and practice of the green movement, except in indirect ways (Pepper, 1996). An Ecocentrism Critique of Frankfurt School There are two other problematic aspects of Frankfurt Schools theses that deserve attention. One is that it separates and privileges good life for humans concerning the emancipation of nonhuman world. And the other is the claim that we know nature, through science and technology ignore the reality of biological and ecological (Mellor, 1992) only insofar as we can control it, thus legitimising continued exploitation of the nonhuman world. In this way Frankfurt Schools endorses rather than challenges dominant anthropocentric prejudices towards the nonhuman world. As Eckersley (1992) argued that according to Habermas schema, a norm is considered right if it is achieved via a consensus reached between truthful and rational human agents. Thus the principal objection to Habermas social and political theory has been that it is human-centred, insisting that the emancipation of human relations need not depend upon the emancipation of nature. Alternative Ecocentric Arguments for (CSR) Environment There is no intention on our part to offer a detailed proposal on what an ecocentric corporate responsibility might look like as this will amount to putting the cart before the horse. Instead, we argue in support of a broad, thoroughgoing framework, sensitive to both human and nonhuman world, and one that seeks emancipation which will provide a better and more meaningful theoretical basis for environmental (CSR) and related environmental disclosures. Anthropocentricism and ecocentricism represent two opposing poles on a continuum, with different orientations towards nature, and major streams of modern environmentalism fall between these poles. It is argued that this classification enables an evaluation with regard to the kind and degree of anthropocentricism or ecocentricism that is manifest in green political discourses. Eckersley (1992) discusses at least four positions (resource conservation, human welfare ecology, preservationism, animal liberation and ecocentricism) on the continuum, moving from an economistic and instrumental environmental ethic towards a comprehensive and holistic environmental ethic (Pepper, 1996). The latter conforms to key ecocentric beliefs that recognise human and non-human interests, present and future within a more encompassing framework for human development. Ecocentrism draws upon an ecologically informed philosophy of internal relatedness that advocates that all organisms are not only interrelated with their environment, but also constituted by those environmental interrelationships. Ontologically, under this perspective, the world is an intrinsically dynamic, interconnected web of relations in which there is no absolutely discrete entities and no absolute dividing lines between the living and the nonliving, the animate and the inanimate or the human and the nonhuman (Eckersley, 1992). Ecocentric theorists emphasise on the absence of any rigid and absolute dividing line between humans and nonhumans to point out the logical inconsistency in anthropocentric models that justify exclusive moral considerations of humans and their superiority (for example, language skills, reasoning skills and technological skills). Some may argue that there are countless things that nonhumans do better (see for example, Fox, 1990) and to single out special attributes of human simply tantamount to human prejudice. To criticise ecocentric orientations as anti-science, ecocentric theorists have pointed out how new scientific discoveries have served to challenge long standing anthropocentric prejudices (Eckersley, 1992), and further argue that the philosophical premises of ecocentrism are actually more consistent with modern science than the premises of anthropocentrism. The concept of internal relatedness upon which ecocentrism stands, equally applies to relations among humans, in a biological, psychological, and social sense. In other words, we are all constituted by our interrelationships between other humans, and our economic, political and cultural affiliations (Eckersley, 1992). Since birth, humans are constituted by, and co evolves within the context of such relations and cannot be separated from them. Based on this social interactionist model, which is not new in social sciences, humans are neither completely passive and determined nor completely autonomous and self-determining, rather, are relatively autonomous beings, who by their knowledge, thought and action help constitute the very relations that determine who they are ( Anderson, 1996). Further, it needs to be pointed out that ecocentric theorists are not against the central value of autonomy as depicted in Western (CSR) political thought; they are concerned with the revision of the notion to incorporate into it, a broader ecological framework a framework that incorporates individuals and social aspects in a more encompassing way. Eckersley (1992) argues that while the liberal idea of autonomy as independence from others can be seen as philosophically misguided, socialists tend to adopt a more relational model of self, but both are deeply embedded in anthropocentrism. The ecocentric reformulation of autonomy at no stage implies that the boundary between the self and others is removed, it rather seeks to emphasise the soft and flexible nature of line between them. Ecocentric foundation requires psychological maturity and involves a sensitive mediation between ones individual self and the larger whole with a view to having a sense of competent agency in the world (Ec kersley, 1992). On the contrary, the quest of radical independence from others or power over others leads to an objectification of others, and a denial of their own modes of relative autonomy or subjectivity. What is new and adds strength to an ecocentric perspective is that it extends the notion of autonomy to a broader and more encompassing pattern of layered interrelationships that extend beyond personal and societal relations to include relations with the rest of the biotic community (Pepper, 1996). In this way the nonhuman world is not posited in the background but recognised as having their relative autonomy and their own modes of being. Zimmerman (1988) made this comment: the paradigm of internal relations lets us view ourselves as manifestations of a complex universe; we are not apart but are moments in the open-ended, novelty-producing process of cosmic evolution. Some critiques are cynical of ecocentrism, as it interprets nature selectively, something that is essentially h armonious, kindly and benign, providing and all too convenient framework for human relations (Eckersley, 1992). But there is no need to depict the nature as such, and to judge the nonhuman world by human standards, we will invariably find it wanting, for nonhuman nature knows no human ethics, it simply is (Livingston, 1981, Eckersley, 1992). Conclusion While voluntary environmental disclosures in corporate annual reports throughout the world are on rise, we have argued that these disclosures do not provide sufficient grounds for celebrations. One needs to go deeper and examine the silences in those successful stories in order to understand better the motives for such disclosures and more so, the extent to which corporations are actually tackling the environmental problems. It is the actual commitment to environmental performance that matters the most, for (HD) and (CSR) disclosure of such information will fall into its appropriate place when the former is taken care of. In seeking emancipation an existential attitude of mutuality needs to be adopted simply because ones personal fulfillment is inextricably tied up with that of others. The gap between voluntary environmental disclosures in corporate annual reports and lack of firm decisive actions to protect environmental by the industralised world will continue, as long as environme ntal philosophical enquiry favours human interests over the interests of the nonhuman world. Theoretical contexts: Anderson, E.N. 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(1992) Environmentalism and political theory: towards an ecocentric approach, State University of New York Press, New York. Fox, W. (1990) Towards a transpersonal ecology: developing new foundations for environmentalism, Shambhala, Boston. Guthrie, J. Parker, L.D; (1990) Corporate Social Disclosure Practice : a Comparative International Analysis Advances in Public Interest Accounting, Vol. 3, pp. 159-175 Habermas, J. (1981) New social movements, Telos, Vol. 49, pp. 33 37. Livingston, J. (1981) The fallacy of wildlife conservation, McClelland and Stewart, Toronto. Mellor, M. (1992) Dilemmas of essentialism and materialism. Capitalism, Nature, Socialism, 3(2), 43-62. Naess, A. (1990) Sustainable development and deep ecology . Extract from Engel, J. R. and Engel, J. G. (eds) Ethics of Environment and Development, pp. 87-96. Belhaven Press. ISBN 1 85293 251 1 Ormerod, P. (1994) I see, said the blind man, Independent on Sunday, 13 March, 21, extract from The Death of Economics, London: Faber and Faber. Pepper, D. (1996) Radical materialism: changing the economic base. In Modern Environmentalism: An introduction, pp. 301-305. Routledge. ISBN 0 415 05745 0 Perlo-Freeman, S. (2002) Militarism and Sustainability. A paper for the Education for Sustainability conference, November. The World Bank (2003). Extract from The world development reporter 2003: Global problems and local concerns, pp. 162-173. Oxford University Press ISBN 0 8213 5150 8 Warren, K. (1990) The power and the promise of ecological feminism, Environmental Ethics, 12, 125-46. Williams, R. (1980) Ideas of nature. Extract from Problems in Materialism and Culture, pp. 67-85. Verso. ISBN 0 86091 028 8 Zimmerman, M. (1988) Quantum theory, intrinsic value, and panentheism, Environmental Ethics, 10, pp. 3 30.