Friday, November 29, 2019

Chernobly Essay Example

Chernobly Essay The Causes and Effects of the Nuclear Accident At the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant A meltdown has occurred.Millions will feel the effects of this disaster.An accident has occurred at Chernobyl nuclear power station. One of the atomic reactors has been damaged. Measures are being taken to eliminate the consequences of the accident. Aid is being given to the victims. A government commission has been set up.This was thefirst report given to the Russian people following the worst nuclear accident in history.By the time this report was broadcast, hundreds of thousands of people had already been unwittingly exposed to high levels of radioactivity and millions more would soon be affected.The disaster at Chernobyl was caused by gross human error, which has resulted in catastrophic damage to the environment and to the health of those exposed to the fallout. Many mistakes were made before, during and after the meltdown.It will be shown that if all of the precautions had been taken during the testing of Reactor No. 4, this whole disaster may not have occurred.Because of the lack of safety, millions of curies of radiation have been expelled into the environment.The water supply, farms and animals used for food have been effected by this pollution.The environment is not the only thing that was effected.Many people have suffered from many different types of medical conditions.The three main ones were:radiation sickness, thyroid disease and psychological disorders.Thyroid cancer has become prevalent among those who were children when the accident happened.Many misfortunes have come about because of the meltdown at Chernobyl. The meltdown of the core of Reactor No.4 at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (the actual name of the plant was V.I. Lenin Nuclear Power Station) began as a routine shutdown procedure.It was ordered that a newly installed rundown unit would be tested in conjunction with the shu

Monday, November 25, 2019

Free Essays on Maze Learning In Adults

MAZE LEARNING IN ADULTS INTRODUCTION Around the 1900’s Edward Thorndike attempted to develop an objective experimental method for the mechanical problem solving ability of cats and dogs. Thorndike devised a number of wooden crates which required various combinations of latches, levers, strings and treadles to open them. A cat or dog would be put into one of these ‘puzzle-boxes’ and sooner or later would manage to escape from it. Thorndike’s initial aim was to show the anecdotal achievements of cats and dogs could be replicated in controlled, standardised circumstance. However, he soon realised he could now measure animal intelligence with this equipment. His method was to set an animal the same task repeatedly, each time measuring the time it took to solve it. He was particularly interested in discovering whether his animals could learn tasks through imitation or observation. He compared the learning curves of cats who had been given the opportunity of observing others escaping from a b ox with those who had never seen the box being solved and found no difference in their rate of learning. He obtained the same null result with dogs and even when he put the animal’s paws on the appropriate lever and showed them how to open the box, there was no improvement. He fell back on a much simpler trial and error explanation of learning. He realised that when the animal performed the actions that opened the box they were more likely to perform the same action when put back in the box. The behaviourist position that human behaviour could be explained completely in terms of reflexes, stimulus-response (SR) associations and the effect of reinforcers upon them entirely excluding ‘mental’ terms like desires and goals was taken up by John Watson in his 1914 book ‘Behaviour: An Introduction to Comparative Psychology’. Watson was also involved with the introduction of the laboratory rat to psychology. He was employed ... Free Essays on Maze Learning In Adults Free Essays on Maze Learning In Adults MAZE LEARNING IN ADULTS INTRODUCTION Around the 1900’s Edward Thorndike attempted to develop an objective experimental method for the mechanical problem solving ability of cats and dogs. Thorndike devised a number of wooden crates which required various combinations of latches, levers, strings and treadles to open them. A cat or dog would be put into one of these ‘puzzle-boxes’ and sooner or later would manage to escape from it. Thorndike’s initial aim was to show the anecdotal achievements of cats and dogs could be replicated in controlled, standardised circumstance. However, he soon realised he could now measure animal intelligence with this equipment. His method was to set an animal the same task repeatedly, each time measuring the time it took to solve it. He was particularly interested in discovering whether his animals could learn tasks through imitation or observation. He compared the learning curves of cats who had been given the opportunity of observing others escaping from a b ox with those who had never seen the box being solved and found no difference in their rate of learning. He obtained the same null result with dogs and even when he put the animal’s paws on the appropriate lever and showed them how to open the box, there was no improvement. He fell back on a much simpler trial and error explanation of learning. He realised that when the animal performed the actions that opened the box they were more likely to perform the same action when put back in the box. The behaviourist position that human behaviour could be explained completely in terms of reflexes, stimulus-response (SR) associations and the effect of reinforcers upon them entirely excluding ‘mental’ terms like desires and goals was taken up by John Watson in his 1914 book ‘Behaviour: An Introduction to Comparative Psychology’. Watson was also involved with the introduction of the laboratory rat to psychology. He was employed ...

Friday, November 22, 2019

Technical Communication Sample Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Technical Communication Sample - Essay Example iting under scrutiny here is a White Paper, ‘Building a World Class Online Storage Infrastructure’ (July 13, 2000) from Driveway Corporation, pioneers in the field of online file storage service. The document details how Driveway Corporation developed an efficient 24X7 online storage service. There are certain essential features that are usually present in technical writing. Some of them are title page, disclaimer, abstract, acknowledgement, contents page, introduction, main sections and sub-sections, conclusions, references, and appendices. Now, a look into the Driveway Corporation White Paper proves that it contains many of these essential features that make it a perfect example of technical writing. It starts with a title page, followed by a disclaimer page. As in a technical writing, there is a fully developed table of contents and an executive summary. Thereafter, there are various subsections and finally a conclusion. Evidently, the White Paper epitomizes the conce pt of technical communication. There are some other features too that keep it different from the ordinary academic writing. This technical communication gives no chance for entertainment. In other words, the style of writing is simple, concise and ‘to the fact’. The second point is the total absence of emotive language in this piece of work. As the intention is only to convey information, the language used is as highly objective as possible. Yet another feature is that this work tries to be as concise as possible by avoiding sentences with so many clauses which are confusing to read. The last feature to be mentioned is the clarity presented throughout the work. In technical writing, the presentation should not be ambiguous. The Driveway Corporation White Paper intends to explain the various factors that made the company start its online storage service. It details how its online storage infrastructure works, its design goals, storage capacity, and security. It also explains how the storage

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Freedom of Speech Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Freedom of Speech - Essay Example A very popular case of a Christian student of a public school, wearing a tee-shirt proclaiming ‘Homosexuality is shameful’ was found offensive by the school and illegal constitutionally by the federal court. The main reason cited by the judges was that it offended the sensibilities of the minority, in this case, that of sexual orientation and that ‘it interfered in their learning’. The reaffirmation of the illegality of the student’s case raised many pertinent cases and the main point of the case remained wide scope of free speech. Does declaring one’s point of mind or personal preferences should really be constituted as illegal and if that is so, what is the relevance of freedom of speech as awarded by the 1st amendment of the constitution? In the present time, freedom of speech is being taken as a fashion statement. While exerting their right of expression by words or deeds, people must ensure that their personal freedom does not impinge on somebody else’s rights and in any way violate their sense of self-esteem, religiosity or as stated sexual orientation. Freedom of speech is universally accepted as a right for free expression so long as it is confined to themselves and nonoffensive for others. It is equally true that people have been exercising this right for a long time for peaceful purposes through various means like media, public speeches, and debates etc. The controversial issues, being discussed publicly and hotly debated at public platforms, have produced some highly relevant results, favored by masses. Controversy, at times, becomes necessary for the dissemination of information which is so necessary for the resolution of disputed issues and controversial topics.

Monday, November 18, 2019

A Critique of the Site StarFall.com Design and Content Research Paper

A Critique of the Site StarFall.com Design and Content - Research Paper Example Parents find Starfall useful as it prepares their children for school, and supports them even after they join the school. The content of the website focuses on that method of learning that emphasizes the relationship between letter and sound, skills for recognizing words, and strategies for reading and comprehension. It does this with the help of activities like animated stories, movies and games. The site consists of four major units.The "Get Ready to Read" section is about the alphabet and the alphabets are pronounced in a child’s voice. The "Learn to Read" section which is for early readers and for those who are just beginning to read has fifteen different modules consisting of games, stories and movies that teach the child various letter sounds and skills. The third section, "Its Fun to Read,† designed for intermediate readers consist of activities related to art and music. The last section, â€Å"I’m Reading† is for advanced readers and has online storybooks that include well-known folktales and myths. The website also has an active bulletin board that can be used for dis cussion by parents. When students complete a program they can obtain a feedback of their performance and also give a feedback. The reading level of the text and stories is according to the grade levels it was designed for. The content of Starfall.com helps the learner to go beyond basics into a higher level of thinking. It enhances a student’s curiosity Starfall.com is well designed and the animation used compliments and enhances the process of learning. Starfall.com uses a variety of media that includes texts, graphics, video and audio narration. The main aim of a web profile is that it must be most attractive, says Stephanie Ruth (2009). In Starfall.com the colorful graphics and easy-to-read text make it attractive for children. Cartoon characters are also used in interactive stories and activities. The graphics on this website are appropriate to the goals of this program.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Inflammatory Mediators Of Asthma Health Essay

Inflammatory Mediators Of Asthma Health Essay Once IgE binds to mast cells (or activated eosinophils), an amplification system operates since the cells not only release the spasmogens and other mediators specified but also can stimulate ÃŽ ² cells to produce more IgE. Furthermore, the production of IL-5, IL-4 IL-13 and IL-9 amplifies the Th2-mediated events. It is believed that asthma symptoms are manifested because of Th2 mediated immune response. Pulmonary allergic inflammation in mice lead to decrease in pulmonary IL-5 concentration, specific IgE, IgG1, and eosinophil and T cell recruitment in wild type mice in the absence of T cells. T cells are important in IL-4 dependent IgG1, IgE and Th2 cell mediated lung inflammation, further more there is evidence that CD4+T cells have a role in asthma process. For example, in murine model external protein induced T cells increases IL-5 production and produces airway eosinophilia. (Larche et al. 2003) Asthma is a complex chronic inflammatory airway disorder that involves the activation of the inflammatory and structural cells. These released inflammatory mediators cause typical pathophysiological changes of asthma (Peter et al., 2003). There are several lines of evidence that may implicate a mediator in asthma. Firstly, it may mimic features of clinical asthma. Secondly, the mediator may be produced in asthmatic patients. Thus, mediators or their metabolites may be detected in plasma (e.g. histamine), urine (e.g. LTE4), or more likely, the airways in biopsies, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, induced sputum or exhaled air. 1.8.3.1. Histamine Histamine was the first mediator implicated in the pathophysiological changes of asthma (Barnes et al., 1998). Histamine is one of the important mediator of allergy, inflammation and bronchoconstriction. Histamine is synthesized and released by mast cells in the airway wall and by circulating and infiltrating basophils. Antigen-induced histamine secretion is initiated by the bridging of the adjacent IgE receptors on the mast cell surface. Histamine receptors are among the thousands of members of the 7-transmembrane-spanning family of receptors that couple ligand binding to intracellular reactions through interactions with another large family of guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding heterotrimeric proteins. H1-receptors mediate a host of intracellular events most readily characterized by changes in free cytosolic calcium levels. Histamine show different response in mammalian tissue depends upon presence of receptor on that tissue Kulkarni, (1976). 1.8.3.2. Adenosine Adenosine can act as an autocoid cause bronchoconstriction in asthmatics and increase immunologically induced mediator release from mast cells of human lung (Cushley et al., 1984; Peachell et al., 1988). Mast cells also release adenosine in response to IgE cross-linking and other stimuli for mast cell activation. 1.8.3.3. Lipid-Derived Mediators Leukotrienes Leukotrienes are potent lipid mediators produced by arachidonic acid metabolism in cell or nuclear membrane. Several types of airway inflammatory cells, like eosinophils, macrophages, mast cells, neutrophils, and epithelial cells, can synthesize LTs in response to a variety of stimuli. Leukotrienes are important inflammatory mediators involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. All the Cys-LTs are potent constrictors of bronchial smooth muscle. On a molar basis, LTD4 is 1000 times more active than histamine and constrict bronchioles (Dahlen et al., 1980). Cys-LTs, acting on Cys-LT1 receptors produce bronchospasm, airway hyper-responsiveness, proliferation of airway smooth muscle, excess production of mucus and mucosal edema and eosinophilia in the airways, and other features in asthma (Sundeep et al., 2001; Peter, 1998). Platelet Activating Factor (PAF) PAF is ether-linked phospholipid. The synthesis of PAF occurs in inflammatory cells, including platelet, neutrophils, basophils, macrophages and eosinophils. PAF induces airway smooth muscle contraction by releasing other mediators. PAF-induced bronchoconstriction is not inhibited by H1 receptor antagonist Ketotifen. However, PAF-induced bronchoconstriction can be inhibited by LT antagonists, because of involvement of LTD4 in this response. PAF stimulate chemotaxis and adhesion of eosinophils and neutrophils in-vitro (Peter et al., 2003). Prostanoids Prostanoids include prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxane (Tx), which are generated from arachidonic acid, usually by the action of COX. In general PGF2 and PGD2 contract and PGE relax tracheal muscle. Asthmatic individuals are particularly sensitive to PGF2ÃŽ ±, which may cause intense bronchospasm. Although both PGE1 and PGE2 can produce bronchodilatation when given to such patients by aerosol, bronchoconstriction sometime is observed. Tx analogue U 46619 is a potent constrictor in asthmatic patients, and this effect is mediated in part via acetylcholine release. Prostanoids stimulate airway mucus secretion in various animal species. It inhibits the release of mediators from mast cells, monocytes, neutrophils and eosinophil inflammatory cells (Peter et al., 2003). 1.8.3.4. Cytokines Cytokines are small protein mediators that play an integral role in the coordination and persistence of inflammation in asthma. Many inflammatory cells macrophages, mast cells, eosinophils and lymphocytes) are capable of synthesizing and releasing these proteins. Th2 lymphocytes produce a panel of cytokines, including IL-5, IL-4, IL-13 and IL-9 (Barnes et al., 1998). 1.8.3.4.1. Interleukin-4 IL-4 is critical for the synthesis of IgE by B-cells and for eosinophils recruitment. IL-4 is also involved in Th2 cell differentiation. IL-4 is a key factor in the development of allergic inflammation, and they may also play a major role in exacerbating asthmatic symptoms (Adcock and Caramori, 2003). Figure 11. Role of CD4+Th2cells and Various cytokines in asthma pathogenesis. 1.8.3.4.2. Interleukin-5 It play important role in allergic asthma. IL-5 promote the maturation of eosinophils from bone marrow processor, prolongs their survival by inhibition of apoptosis, activates mature eosinophil recruitment to tissue via synergistic effect with chemoattractants such as eotaxin and promote eosinophil adhesion of vascular endothelium.IL-5 can also promote basophils to release exaggerated amounts of histamine and leukotrienes, mediators that contribute to allergic bronchospasm and congestion in asthma (Fred et al., 2000). 1.8.3.4.3. Interleukin-9 Its major actions include maturation of eosinophils, airway inflammation, airway hyper-responsiveness and mucus over production (Adcock and Caramori, 2003). 1.8.3.4.4. Interleukin-13 IL-13 is critical for the synthesis of IgE by B-cells. Activates eosinophils, monocyte. IL-13 is a key factor in the development of allergic inflammation and they may also play a major role in exacerbating asthmatic symptoms (Barnes et al., 1998). 1.8.3.5. Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) GM-CSF is one of the colony-stimulating factor that acts to regulate the growth, proliferation and maturation of hematopoietic cells.GM-CSF can enhance the release of superoxide anions, also induce eosinophil apoptosis and activation, induces release of LTs, endothelial cell migration (Barnes et al., 1998). 1.8.3.6. Reactive Oxygen Species in Asthma Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated by various enzymatic reactions and chemical processes or they can directly be inhaled. ROS are essential in many physiological reactions and are important for the killing of invading microorganisms. However, when airway cells and tissues are exposed to oxidative stress elicited by environmental pollutants, infections, inflammatory reactions or decreased levels of anti- oxidants, enhanced levels of ROS can have a variety of deleterious effects within the airways thereby inducing several pathophysiological conditions. It has been shown that ROS can damage DNA, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates leading to impaired cellular functions and enhanced inflammatory reactions. ROS are known to play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of various airway disorders such as adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), cystic fibrosis, idiopathic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and asthma (Gillissen and Nowak, 1998; Repine et al., 1997).

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Gun Control Control Laws Decrease Crime Essay -- Second Amendment The R

Gun Control Since the days of the pioneers of the United States, firearms have been part of the American tradition as protection and a means of hunting or sport. As we near the end of the 20th century the use of guns has changed significantly. Because of fast and steady increase in crime and the fight for the right to own a hand gun, the introduction of legislation for gun control, to try to reduce the crime in the United States, has been a hotly debated issue in recent years. Although many people feel that gun control violates the right of the people, given in the second amendment "the right to bear arms", controlling distribution and sales and the registration of guns and gun owners is necessary because of the homicide rate involving guns and the violence by criminals using guns. Many people feel that gun control violates the right of the people given in the second amendment the right "to bear arms". Opponents of gun control, including the National Rifle Association, better known as the NRA, argue that the "right To bear arms" is guaranteed in the second amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America and licensing restrictions penalize law-abiding citizens while in no way preventing criminal use of handguns. It is also argued that by making it difficult for guns to be bought and registered for the American public there is a threat to the personal safety of American families everywhere. However controlling the sale and distributi...

Monday, November 11, 2019

Venus of Willendorf: the Image of Beauty and Survival

Venus of Willendorf: The Image of Beauty and Survival The Venus of Willendorf illustrates the characteristics of a woman in a utopian society because her figure demonstrates a society in which there is a stable food supply, and her most feminine features, breasts, hips and buttocks, are accentuated as a symbol of beauty and survival. According to PBS, â€Å"It was discovered on the banks of the Danube River, in Austria, and it was most likely made by hunter-gatherers who lived in the area. † During ancient times, food was scarce.People would eat whatever food they could get their hands on. When there was food available, dopamine, which is a neurochemical that plays a mojor role in reward driven learning, motivated the people to eat as much as they could. Dopamine triggers the chemical DeltaFosB. This chemical is also known as the binge chemical, â€Å"A ‘binge mechanism’ is an evolutionary advantage in situations where survival is furthered by overriding normal s atiety. Think of wolves, which need to stow away up to twenty pounds of a single kill at one go.Or our ancestors, who needed to store high-quality calories as a few extra pounds for easy transport to survive hard times. Or mating season, when there's a harem to impregnate. In the past, such opportunities were rare and passed quickly† (Yourbrainonporn. com). The Venus of Willendorf is a depiction of how human nature takes control of the brain in the presence of a food surplus. The Venus of Willendorf is a symbol of vitality, for she would survive during famine.Additionally, the artist who created the Venus of Willendorf was influenced by environment in which he or she lived in. â€Å"The people who made this statue lived in a harsh ice-age environment where features of fatness and fertility would have been highly desirable. In neurological terms, these features amounted to hyper-normal stimuli that activate neuron responses in the brain. So in Paleolithic people terms, the par ts that mattered most had to do with successful reproduction – the breasts and pelvic girdle.Therefore, these parts were isolated and amplified by the artist's brain† (PBS). Thus, the Venus of Willendorf was an attractive sight for it left its possessor daydreaming of a happier civilization where children survive beyond childbirth and food is unlimited. The Venus of Willendorf was the ideal woman in a successful society at the time of its creation, for her figure evokes two very important parts of maintaining a civilization: food and offspring. Because of DeltaFosB, our brains are chemically geared to eat when there is food around.James Kettlewell describes this phenomenon without science in regards to The Venus, â€Å"Consider when and where this Venus of Willendorf lived, when all food had to be gathered or killed, and its availability was never guaranteed. In her age corpulence would have made the most positive kind of statement. † The Venus of Willendorf†™s large figure represents food and the process of feeding. The overconsumption of food leads a concentration of DeltaFosB in the brain; when people of hunter and gatherer societies ate, DeltaFosB stimulated them to eat as much as possible.If there were an abundance of food, the DeltaFosB response from dopamine would produce figures like Venus of Willendorf. Venus of Willendorf’s large figure stimulated the thought of food in 22,000-24,000 BC when she was erected. Advances in food storage and childbearing techniques has made The Venus of Willendorf less of idolized figure, for there is social stigma with being fat in western society, but many countries in impoverished societies idolize fat. As a rite of passage in Nigeria, girls spend time in a fattening room.At the end of the three-month process, the women are believed to be more beautiful. Ann M. Simmons, a reporter for the Los Angeles Times visited Nigeria to write an article about the female lifestyle, â€Å"The fatten ing room is at the center of a centuries-old rite of passage from maidenhood to womanhood. The months spent in pursuit of poundage are supplemented by daily visits from elderly matrons who impart tips on how to be a successful wife and mother. Nowadays, though, girls who are not yet marriage-bound do a tour in the rooms purely as a coming-of-age ceremony.And sometimes, nursing mothers return to the rooms to put on more weight† (1). The Nigerian Gross Domestic Product per capita in 2011 was $1,452, while in the U. S. the Gross Domestic Product per capita was $48,422. It seems that poverty directly affects a societies’ perception of fatness. Tonga, Samoa, and Micronesia, countries that celebrate fatness, have GDP per capitas of $4,168, $3,532 and $2,852 and overweight percentages of 90. 8, 91. 1 and 80. 4, respectively. According to toptenz. net, â€Å"Excessive fatness continues to be embraced by many countries as a sign of health, wealth and happiness. Additionally, th is website continued to use Tonga and Samoa as exemplar countries that acknowledge this type of beauty. Could it be that the development of western civilization has changed the ideal citizen? In America fitness is seen as a necessity for fitting into the culture. Those who can afford a gym membership and are able to use it have more influence over the perception of beauty and fertility, for the fit citizens are often wealthier. The countries that celebrate fatness maintain a semblance of the hunter/gather society that created the Venus of Willendorf.An archaeologist in a special for PBS said that the Willendorf is, â€Å"Indicative of a general human tendency-wishful thinking. What you are seeing is altered or modified in order to give you a heightened experience†¦If what’s important to is the breast, hips and buttocks, then you’re stretching them out to get more gratification from the statue than the woman sitting next to you. † These eloquent words apply not only to the Venus, but also to the young women in the feeding huts in Nigeria. The aspects of a woman that are considered beautiful are exaggerated in order to make them more beautiful.Besides beauty, The Venus of Willendorf is well equipped for childbearing, for she has wide hips, and her breasts are well stocked for feeding a child. In times of famine, The Venus would survive. In Nigeria, elders who give advice about being a good mother and wife accompany women who spend time in fattening huts. Being fat is part of being a good mother in Nigeria. The Venus of Willendorf is a symbol of the same traits demonstrated in Nigeria, but the image of the Venus was only a pipe dream for the Paleolithic people.Their ideal woman would have been a spitting image of Venus, but the citizens of the long gone civilization did not have the technology to live the fantasical lifestyle of the Venus of Willendorf Words:1126 Works Cited Kettlewell, James. â€Å"Rethinking Classic Themes in Art Hist ory. † James Kettlewell:The Venus of Willendorf. N. p. , n. d. Web. 24 Sept. 2012. . Wilson, Gary. â€Å"Start Here for an Overview of Key Concepts. † Your Brain On Porn. N. p. , 12 May 2012. Web. 24 Sept. 2012. . Simmons, Ann M. â€Å"Where Fat Is a Mark of Beauty. Editorial. Los Angeles Times 23 Sept. 1998: 1-2. PROFESSOR SCHUTZER'S WEB PAGE. Pierce College. Web. 23 Sept. 2012. . Duvall, Susan. â€Å"Top 10 Countries Celebrating Female Obesity. † Top 10 Lists. N. p. , 17 Nov. 2011. Web. 23 Sept. 2012. . â€Å"GDP per Capita (current US$). † Data. The World Bank, 2012. Web. 23 Sept. 2012. . Streib, Lauren. â€Å"World's Fattest Countries. † Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 8 Feb. 2007. Web. 24 Sept. 2012. . â€Å"Venus of Willendorf: An Exaggerated Beauty. † PBS. PBS, 2006. Web. 24 Sept. 2012. .

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Comparisons between medeval and modern life essays

Comparisons between medeval and modern life essays I would like to focus my response paper on the similarities, as well as some differences between the world of Cecilia, and the world today. I found that there are many similar aspects with slight twists. Farming was then, and is now one of the major aspects of daily life for many people. Like Brigstock, Montana, is an area dominated by an agricultural economy. The ownership of land is still today thought of as a symbol of wealth, or power. However just as in Brigstock, most people have no land. One similarity however for those who do own land, it is usually passed down to them by their fathers, and so on. The only reason there arent more farmers is because of the simple fact of changing times, and the necessity for other jobs. The idea of shared public lands for grazing, foraging, and gathering firewood, still exists today. The BLM or Borough of Land Management, controls state lands which are leased out to farmers, and can be used freely by the public. The National Forest Service lands are open to farmers who are allowed to let their livestock graze there during certain times. Cecelia, and her fellow townspeople were aloud use of the kings forest. The only difference between his forest, and ours is private, versus public ownership. However, both are managed and controlled by government officials. In Brigstock, the forest guards were the Foresters, today there Forest Rangers. Legally there are some very similar aspects of life then and now. As I understand it during Cecilias time if you did not report a crime that you witnessed by raising the Hue. Granted, today we dont go around reporting every minor offence, however it is today still illegal to not report a crime. Also, during that time if you were wronged, you could bring legal action against those that wronged you. The modern day equivalent is the law-suit. Also, the idea that people were selected randomly from the community when a jury was needed. Howe...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Free Essays on Teams

Self-directed work teams are defined as a small number of people with complementary skills, who are committed to a common purpose, performance goals and approach, for which they hold themselves mutually accountable. (Katzenbach & Smith,2001). Collaborative self directed work teams can get complex projects done at faster rates than the traditional boss-worker arrangement, because the decision making process is made faster and more effective in a team. Empowering teams to make decisions about their work also enhances satisfaction and reduces turnover. (Berger, 1998). Self directed work teams involve employees in a specific area, or those who are working on a specific product or process. Self directed work teams can be any size, but are generally not more than 12 to 15 employees. The work team makes the decisions that would normally be made by a supervisor or manger, and might interact with the company’s suppliers and customers, whether they are inside or outside the company. In some companies, self-directed work teams will also take over many of the human resource functions as well (Cotton, 2003). Self directed work teams have also become one of the more changing approaches to employee involvement and has been increasing in popularity within the last several years. Companies such as Proctor & Gamble, Digital Equipment, General Mills, Federal Express and other well known companies are reorganizing their employees into self directed work teams. In a recent survey, 476 Fortune 500 companies found that although only 7% of the work force is organized into self directed work teams, management at half of these companies said that they will be relying on them more in years ahead. (Cotton, 2003). There are nine basic steps in establishing self-directed work teams: 1) Developing a shared vision, 2) Empowerment, 3) Training, 4) Presence of supportive culture, 5) Developing performance expectations and feedback, 6) Establishing boundaries, 7) De... Free Essays on Teams Free Essays on Teams Self-directed work teams are defined as a small number of people with complementary skills, who are committed to a common purpose, performance goals and approach, for which they hold themselves mutually accountable. (Katzenbach & Smith,2001). Collaborative self directed work teams can get complex projects done at faster rates than the traditional boss-worker arrangement, because the decision making process is made faster and more effective in a team. Empowering teams to make decisions about their work also enhances satisfaction and reduces turnover. (Berger, 1998). Self directed work teams involve employees in a specific area, or those who are working on a specific product or process. Self directed work teams can be any size, but are generally not more than 12 to 15 employees. The work team makes the decisions that would normally be made by a supervisor or manger, and might interact with the company’s suppliers and customers, whether they are inside or outside the company. In some companies, self-directed work teams will also take over many of the human resource functions as well (Cotton, 2003). Self directed work teams have also become one of the more changing approaches to employee involvement and has been increasing in popularity within the last several years. Companies such as Proctor & Gamble, Digital Equipment, General Mills, Federal Express and other well known companies are reorganizing their employees into self directed work teams. In a recent survey, 476 Fortune 500 companies found that although only 7% of the work force is organized into self directed work teams, management at half of these companies said that they will be relying on them more in years ahead. (Cotton, 2003). There are nine basic steps in establishing self-directed work teams: 1) Developing a shared vision, 2) Empowerment, 3) Training, 4) Presence of supportive culture, 5) Developing performance expectations and feedback, 6) Establishing boundaries, 7) De...

Monday, November 4, 2019

Mesopotamia Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Mesopotamia - Research Paper Example Sumerians used the rivers to irrigate their lands, ensuring that there was a constant supply of food for their citizens. The economies of these societies were despotic, with one central figure having a control on all manner of productions. Sumerians is one of the societies found in Mesopotamia. These people used barley, wheat, and silver as the various means of currency (Muntone, 2012). The economic system in Mesopotamia was very easy to control by the leaders of the Sumerians. For example, if a leader was able to control the production of wheat, then the economic control of Mesopotamia will follow. The Sumerians did not have an economic and social stratification system. On this basis, egalitarianism was the major social organization that was seen throughout Mesopotamia. The Sumerians symbolized deities into the various elements that they had authority over. On this basis, there was the god of the moon, of the sun, of fertility etc. Sumerians were aware of the different properties of the earth, and they modeled these properties in a manner that would make the world to be more personable (Muntone, 2012). Some of the religious beliefs of the Sumerians are similar to that of the Christians and Jewish religion. For instance, the Sumerians believed that mankind was removed from paradise as a punishment of eating a forbidden fruit. Sumerians also had some knowledge in writings, and much of the knowledge concerning ancient Mesopotamia is found in their clay tablet writings that have survived until now.

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Barrack Obama as a Favorite Political Leader Essay

Barrack Obama as a Favorite Political Leader - Essay Example Obama has brought about significant changes since he took over as the president of the US, these changes have made the US so much better than what it earlier was as a country. People may point to the ever increasing unemployment rate but he is trying his best to keep it under perfect control, he is against outsourcing and it is good for the people of the US and it is also good for those who are unemployed. The following part of the paper will shed more light upon the changes that have taken place since Obama took over as the president of the US. â€Å"America is a place where all things are possible† this was how Barrack Obama started off at Grand Park in Chicago. He said if any American had any doubts about the above statement then he would clear all their doubts. This paper will throw light upon the speech delivered by Barack Obama at Grand Park in Chicago. The paper will also present the promises made by the President of the USA and some pros and cons which would present a clear picture of what the USA can expect from their new President. Obama gave focus on the power of democracy in his speech, the opening lines especially placed emphasis upon the democracy in the USA. He pointed that the people of America were not individuals but they are united and that’s what makes United States of America what it is. He assured the people that this election is going to bring a lot of positive changes in the country. He promised the people that he would renew the nations promise working with the other people in the office. He thanked his wife for standing by him and he thanked his daughters too and joked that the new puppy is coming to the White House along with them. He assured the people that the new government is of the people, by the people and for the people and he also congratulated them on their victory. He addressed the financial crisis which has affected almost all the major economies in the world and promised the people he would take suitable step s to counter the same. He promised the people that he is very hopeful and the journey of all the Americans is very long and steep but he believes that he will get there. He promised the people that he would listen to them and he would do so especially if they disagree with him. He asked the people what change would our children live to see and motivated the people to work towards the growth and development of the USA. He referred to a 106 year old black lady in his speech and said that there have positive changes taken place in the country. He referred to the period when there was slavery and the blacks were exploited but he said that everything has changed for better now, the 106 year old black lady was free to cast her vote and this is what bringing change means. He told the people that they have to build the USA block by block by their efforts and hard work. He reaffirmed to all the people that they have certainly made the right decision by choosing him and said that the developm ent process of the USA is going to be a long and a tough one but he motivated the people to work hard to make the USA a better country. Barack Obama is an influential leader who is a now the President in the