Implications and Recommendations for Research, Policy and Practice Research Paper

Implications and Recommendations for , Policy and Practice - Research Paper Example This research paper explores the implication and recommendations for research, policy, and practice. The researcher focuses on the discussing of how findings of recommendations made for research impact his role as an educator. It is stated that the influence of research on practice has always been predominant in educational materials, pre-service and in-service teacher education, public policy, and public opinions. The researcher describes the research findings that will be the most significant to his specific situation, such as the introduction of new assessment technologies and tools to the students. This will enable the researcher to understand how each of his students learn and bring out some of their special learning needs. The researcher also provides additional recommendation for research and discusses how he will apply recommendations for policy and practice in his role as an educator. This will make the education process more effective and ensuring learning among the student s regardless of their special needs. Most valuable recommendation for research on policy and practice were also described in this research paper as well as additional recommendation for research on policy and practice. A research recommendation on policy and practice that the researcher can suggest is a research on the policies governing the assessment of students. This research should be undertaken with the aim of investigating alternative policies that we can introduce to enhance individually based assessments.

Developing Managers in Business Essay Example for Free

Developing Managers in Business Essay Success in the knowledge economy comes to those who know themselves, their strengths, their values, and how they best perform (Peter Drucker) The main aim of this report is to focus on a particular management development programme and by identifying how it works to determine whether it has been effective in developing the manager for its business. The report looks at how certain management development programmes have been used to become shift/duty manager for a particular organisation. It identifies a range of formal and informal approaches that have been used to ensure effective outcomes. It also includes examining the main external and internal factors that have influenced management development. Furthermore the report identifies any shortcomings and changes that are required to improve the process of developmental management. The main method used to conduct this report was obtaining first hand information from a shift/duty manager at a local food industry; however, relevant literature resources have also been used to support views, evaluations and recommendations made. Rosemary Stewart who has been noted for studies of organisations and managers in action. Based on: Managers and their Jobs, (1967/1987) identified four approaches to defining the term management. Theses are as follows: 1. Theoretical approach: this is based on the development of theories of management, using approaches focused on political, economical, sociological, psychological or anthropological theory and philosophy. 2. Descriptive approach: has been given a very simple definition, the job that managers and supervisors do. 3. Comparative approach: based on the hierarchical organisation and structure within an organisation, also focused on comparison and evaluation methods: 4. Action-based approach: this focuses more on the way that those defined as managers spend their time: management as the activities carried out by managers What is management development? According to Lessem, R (1990) developmental management is humanistic in essence in other words the developmental manager values the whole team and values them for their inter-dependence. In order to fully understand the concept of management development it is essential to know of its historical roots. In the workplace individuals and managers unaware of certain behaviour patterns will unintentionally damage their personal effectiveness. When a manager understands the unique differences between individuals then they are in a more powerful position. They are better able to manage, understand, and lead people towards higher level of productivity, lower frustration, higher morale, and better retention rates. The type of management development programme focused on in this report is basic management training from shift/duty managers. The course itself was split into residential and in-store training with a mentor. The total residential training lasted for eight days at a national training centre and head office. The time limit given to complete the modules specified for this particular programme was twelve weeks, in-store with a mentor. However, twelve weeks being a rough guide as some required more time and candidates regularly completed the modules outside this limit. The course was tailored not only for people with experience but also for example graduates who would have had little or no experience in managing a shift. However, as this particular programme was centred towards the duty manager level its main focus was around people management, whereby it would deal with; staff motivation levels, training, receiving and giving feed back, appraisals etc, rather than actual business management i.e. managing a profit and loss account. There were seventeen modules that needed to be completed, below is a table explaining briefly what these modules were: Modules: Programme: 1-3 Orientation and Getting Started. (was completed during residential) 4-5 Cleanliness, Sanitation and Food Safety. Begins by basic training as would be for all members of staff within the organisation, then becomes more involved in how to effectively manage a team to ensure food safety and cleanliness standards are high as they are constantly observed and monitored. 6-7 Safety, Security and Crisis Management. How to ensure the safety of staff and customers on shift, including health and safety. Basically teaches the manager how to deal with anything from a power cut to an armed robbery. 8-9 Product Excellence. Begins quite basic as to how to identify an out of date product, then becomes more in depth regarding basic stock control, ordering procedures etc. 10-12 Basic Human Resource and Labour Management. Dealt with how to effectively manage a team, including exercises on legal responsibilities of a manager with regards to discrimination, grievance procedures and disciplinary action as well as staff training issues, coaching, how to motivate a team and managing cost of labour on a shift-to-shift basis. 13 Service Recovery. How to prevent, anticipate and deal with customer complaints and how to effectively observe and analyse team member performance to reduce the risk of a complaint. 14 Opening the Restaurant. 15 Shift Change. 16 Closing the Restaurant. The above three points (14-16) are self explanatory. Trainee managers were expected to work through these whilst observing the mentor complete the tasks in order to see how the aspect of previous modules were put into practice for example; stock control, security, cost of labour etc. 17 Floor Management. Dealing with problems prior to them becoming formal complaints or even accidents. This included the figure of eight walk, prioritising new unexpected tasks and team member recognition. The modules were very general, however, before putting theory into practice observation played a vital role, whereby trainees were to observe their mentors completing certain tasks in order to learn how to tailor tasks to suit the environment. Upon completing the training there was a test followed by an interview with the Area Manager in which the test results were discussed and the standards of completed modules were assessed. The informal approaches used whilst completing the management development programme was the mentor advising best practices for within the restaurant. The formal approaches used were the completion of modules and work books as well as observations where both candidates were observing the mentor and the mentor observing the candidate. The programme in itself prepared the trainees for a position as duty manager. The programme was learner centred and in some cases lack of motivation or resources meant that it lasted longer than the original given deadline of twelve weeks. There were both external and internal factors that influenced the development of duty/shift managers working. The main external factors were that being a food preparation industry, there were many laws and government regulations pertaining to food, safety and obviously regulations for health and safety and employment laws that needed to be learned and put into practice. The main internal factors that influenced management development were the standards set by the company which every manager and team member were expected to have extensive knowledge of. This covered every aspect of the business from the way tables were set to uniform standards to dealing with complaints in a professional manner, which involved more in depth training for management trainees. Although the training provided to trainee managers was quite extensive, practical experience gained via mentors seemed more knowledgeable, as stated quite clearly in the quote below from a previous trainee manager: I feel that I learned a lot from the course, the modules and the work books as it introduced me to a lot of legal aspects of the food industry which I would not have learned otherwise, but I found that I learned more from the time spent with my mentor about how to be a manager that team members respected. As recognised by A.Mumford (1993) there are five stages in the evolution of thought about what managers do; these are [1] The generalisation stage [2] The scientific stage [3] The management by objective stage [4] The contingency/ realistic stage [5] The competency stage .. Many organizations are turning to behaviour assessments and personality trait testing for both hourly workers and managers. Back in the late 90s, only 5 percent of 500 companies used some type of assessment. Today, that figure is climbing to 65 percent. A year 2000 study by American Management Association showed nearly half of 1,085 employers polled use at least one assessment in their interviewing process. Assessments can help: * Individuals identify their strengths, know which jobs they are best suited for, and design a development plan to overcome shortcomings. * HR managers predict a job applicants success before they are hired. * Business owners understand the temperament and work style of individual employees and managers. * Supervisors can give performance feedback to people in a style they understand and accept for improving performance and accelerating professional development. * People enhance communication, understanding, and improve personal relationships. * Sales managers select, hire, develop, and motivate super sales people. For example a company would use the assessment process to improving their hiring and recruitment process. If for instance, previously they made decisions based on the candidates resume and then hired the person based on their gut reaction. Once hired, many of these new people created friction, had bad work ethics, and their attitudes had a negative impact on their co-workers. Conclusion: Developing people is less expensive than firing them. By understanding behaviour differences an organization can align an employees motivations with the companys mission. Assessments also help individuals reduce conflict and get along better. Furthermore, co-workers appreciate each persons unique strengths and abilities. With this knowledge organizations and managers can maximize the abilities of their workforce in ways to help make all employees star performers. References: Lessem, R. (1990) Developmental Management: principles of holistic business Oxford, Basil Blackwell Managers and their Jobs (Penguin, 1977, new edition 1988); The Reality of Organisation (Penguin, 1972, new edition 1986); The Diversity of Management 1994.

Destiny, Fate, Free Will and Free Choice in Oedipus the King - Impact of Fate :: Oedipus the King Oedipus Rex

Oedipus The King and His Fate Oedipus The King, by Sophocles, is a play about how Oedipus lives up his fate that he will kill his father and marry his mother, both of which are extremely bad in the Greek society, even though he thinks he is getting away from it. Despite the Greek notions of supreme power of the gods and fate, Oedipus' downfall is primarily the result of King Laius' and his own actions and attempts to defy the gods, consequently Sophocles says that prophecies from the gods of someone's fate should not be ignored. Prophecies from the Oracle of Delphi are told to King Laius and Queen Jocasta, and to Oedipus. Sophocles says that prophecies from the gods of someone's fate should not be ignored when King Laius went to the Oracle of Delphi and received a prophecy that his child, Oedipus, was going to kill him and marry his wife, Jacosta. " Shepherd - No! No! I said it before--I gave him the child...It was the son of Laius, so I was told. But the lady inside, your wife, she is the one to tell you. Oedipus - Did she give it to you? Shepherd - Yes, my lord, she did...To destroy it...She was afraid of dreadful prophecies...The child would kill its parents, that was the story. Oedipus - Then why did you give it to this old man here? Shepherd - In pity master. I thought he would take it away to a foreign country-- to the place he came from. If you are the man he says you are, you were born the most unfortunate of men." (86-89) When King Laius heard this prophecy and returned to Thebes to tell of this prophecy to his wife, they planned to kill their child, but neither had the guts to do it. They had a servant shepherd bring their child to Mt. Cithaeron to kill it, but the servant felt pity for the child and gave him to a fellow Shepherd from Corinth in hopes he could take it to a foreign country to take care of it. Sophocles says that prophecies from the gods of someone's fate should not be ignored when he tells that when Oedipus was in the care of his foster parents, Polybus and Merope, he took a journey to The Oracle of Delphi without them knowing.

The Argentine Economic Crisis 1999-2002 Essay -- Essays Papers

The Argentine Economic Crisis 1999-2002 Basic Information About Argentina Argentina is a nation located on the East coast of the sothern-most tip of South America. It occupies an area of 2,766,890 square kilometers, which is approximately equal to about three-tenths the size of the United States. It has a population of nearly 40 million people with a growth rate of 1.13%. The populace is 97% Caucasian (primarily of Italian and Spanish decent) with various indigenous groups comprising the remaining 3%. Over 90% of the population is Catholic. The primary language of the nation is Spanish. The national literacy rate is around 96% (CIA). Argentina has been a democracy since 1983, before 1983 it suffered from a tumultuous period during which it fluctuated between democratic and authoritarian rule. It is currently a constitutional republic with mandatory suffrage of all citizens over 18 years of age. The current president is Eduardo Alberto Duhalde, who has held power since he was appointed to the position of presidency on the second of January 2002 (CIA). The Argentinian economy enjoys a well diversified industrial sector along with a well developed export-oriented agricultural sector . Argentina also benefits from extensive natural resources and a well educated populace. Major industries in Argentina include food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel. Argentina boasts a GDP of $453 billion (2001) with about 6% devoted to agriculture, 28% devoted to industry and 66% devoted to services. Its primary export partners are Brazil (25.1% of all exports), the United States (18.7%), Germany (5%), and China (4.6%). In spi... ... Norden, Deborah L. and Roberto Russel. The United States and Argentina. New York: Routledge, 2002. Mussa, Michael. â€Å"Argentina and the Fund: From Triumph to Tragedy.† Policy Analysis in International Economics 67 (2002) The Argentine Crisis: Chronology of Events After Sovereign Default Since April 7 June 2002. Standard and Poors. March 12, 2003 The Argentine Financial Crisis: A Chronology of Events January 31, 2002 CRS Report for Congress. March 3, 2003 < http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/8040.pdf> United States Congress, House of Representatives. Subcommittee International Monetary Policy and Trade. Hearing on the State of Argentine Economic Crisis and the Role of the International Monetary Fund. 5 March 2002 The Argentine Economic Crisis 1999-2002 Essay -- Essays Papers The Argentine Economic Crisis 1999-2002 Basic Information About Argentina Argentina is a nation located on the East coast of the sothern-most tip of South America. It occupies an area of 2,766,890 square kilometers, which is approximately equal to about three-tenths the size of the United States. It has a population of nearly 40 million people with a growth rate of 1.13%. The populace is 97% Caucasian (primarily of Italian and Spanish decent) with various indigenous groups comprising the remaining 3%. Over 90% of the population is Catholic. The primary language of the nation is Spanish. The national literacy rate is around 96% (CIA). Argentina has been a democracy since 1983, before 1983 it suffered from a tumultuous period during which it fluctuated between democratic and authoritarian rule. It is currently a constitutional republic with mandatory suffrage of all citizens over 18 years of age. The current president is Eduardo Alberto Duhalde, who has held power since he was appointed to the position of presidency on the second of January 2002 (CIA). The Argentinian economy enjoys a well diversified industrial sector along with a well developed export-oriented agricultural sector . Argentina also benefits from extensive natural resources and a well educated populace. Major industries in Argentina include food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel. Argentina boasts a GDP of $453 billion (2001) with about 6% devoted to agriculture, 28% devoted to industry and 66% devoted to services. Its primary export partners are Brazil (25.1% of all exports), the United States (18.7%), Germany (5%), and China (4.6%). In spi... ... Norden, Deborah L. and Roberto Russel. The United States and Argentina. New York: Routledge, 2002. Mussa, Michael. â€Å"Argentina and the Fund: From Triumph to Tragedy.† Policy Analysis in International Economics 67 (2002) The Argentine Crisis: Chronology of Events After Sovereign Default Since April 7 June 2002. Standard and Poors. March 12, 2003 The Argentine Financial Crisis: A Chronology of Events January 31, 2002 CRS Report for Congress. March 3, 2003 < http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/8040.pdf> United States Congress, House of Representatives. Subcommittee International Monetary Policy and Trade. Hearing on the State of Argentine Economic Crisis and the Role of the International Monetary Fund. 5 March 2002

Outline and Evaluate One or More Biological Explanations to Schizophrenia

Outline and evaluate one or more biological explanations of schizophrenia (8 marks AO1/16 marks AO1) Schizophrenia is classified as a mental disorder that shows profound disruption of cognition and emotion which affects a person’s language, perception, thought and sense of self. The dopamine hypothesis states that schizophrenic’s neurones transmitting dopamine release the neurotransmitter too easily, leading to the characteristic symptoms of schizophrenia.This hypothesis claims that schizophrenics have abnormally high amounts of D2 receptors; receptors that receive dopamine, therefore resulting in a higher amount of D2 receptors binding to the receptors causing more impulses. Dopamine neurotransmitters play a key role in guiding attention, so an imbalance of this neuron leads to problems relating to attention, perception and thought. Amphetamines are a dopamine agonist drug, which stimulates the neurons containing dopamine. According to the dopamine hypothesis, large do ses of the drug lead to the characteristic schizophrenic symptoms, hallucinations and delusions.The development and use of Antipsychotic drugs to treat schizophrenia support the dopamine hypothesis. The drugs work by blocking activity of dopamine and have been shown to alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations, delusions and thinking problems associated with the disorder. This is because by reducing dopamine activity helps to maintain a constant level in guiding attention, leading to a decrease in key schizophrenic symptoms of hallucinations and delusions because they can be caused by being overly attentive.Statistics increase the reliability of the biological explanation of the dopamine hypothesis for explaining schizophrenia; as they show Antipsychotics have a 60% success rate. Therefore, this shows a link between high levels of dopamine activity and schizophrenia, as antipsychotics work by blocking the dopamine activity. This has led to more effective treatment, allowing those with schizophrenia to improve their quality of life, However, a meta-analysis investigation on post mortem studies on schizophrenics has produced contradicting evidence about the dopamine hypothesis.The contradictive evidence by Haracz (1982) showed that those who died whilst on a course of the antipsychotic drugs actually had higher levels of dopamine activity than those not using the antipsychotic drugs. This occurs because the neurotransmitter builds up in the synapse of the neurone whilst the drug blocks to D2 receptors and as the drug wears off, more impulses are initiated by the neurotransmitters, causing the schizophrenic symptoms.This means the dopamine hypothesis lack reliability in explaining schizophrenia because antipsychotics could be responsible for increasing dopamine activity and therefore actually increase the schizophrenic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusion, which decreases the schizophrenic’s quality of life as they live in a const ant psychosis state where they have lost touch with reality. The development of neuroimaging techniques such as PET scans (a 3D image of the brain obtained by a nuclear machine) has led to supporting evidence for numerous explanations, yet has so far failed to provide evidence supporting the dopamine hypothesis.This questions the reliability of the biological approaches claim that increased activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine as the neurologists have closely examined the brain and differences in dopamine activity in schizophrenics and healthy individuals. This lack of evidence means that treatments produced to help those with schizophrenia may not be successful in treating schizophrenia as there may be a possibility that the dopamine hypothesis is not accurate in explaining schizophrenia. The biological explanation of schizophrenia also claims that the disorder can be inherited.The more common the disorder is among the biological relatives and the closer the degree of genetic relatedness increases the risk of the child developing schizophrenia. Gottesman’s research (1991) found a genetic link with schizophrenia when looking at children and their relatives. The research discovered that children with two schizophrenic parents have a concordance rate of 46% compared to children who just have one schizophrenic parent to children who have a concordance rate of 13% and siblings just 9%.The genetic theory of schizophrenia also suggests that monozygotic twins (twins who a genetically identical) should have a higher concordance rate of schizophrenia than dizygotic twins (twins who are not genetically identical) because they have a closer degree of genetic relatedness. Adoption studies support the genetic theory that schizophrenia can be inherited as they provide evidence that the environment does not affect inheritance rate. The supporting study was carried out by Tienari in Finland. He investigated 164 adoptees that biological mothers have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and found 6. % also received a diagnosis, compared to 2% of the control group of adoptees. This means that that there is a genetic liability to schizophrenia, as more of with the biological mother having schizophrenia develop schizophrenia than the control group. As a result, this increases reliability of the biological approaches explanation to schizophrenia as it indicates genetic factors play a major role in the development of schizophrenia and environmental factors such as a different upbringing do not inhibit this.However, Tienari’s research did not produce a statistic proving the majority of those who have biological mothers with schizophrenia developed the disorder later in life. The study showed only 6. 7% of the adopted children with a relative with schizophrenia developed the disorder, yet 93. 3% didn’t develop the disorder. This suggests that environmental factors also play a key role in causing schizophrenia – not just the genetic factors – which inclines a lack of internal validity to the biological explanation.This means that the therapies based on the biological explanation of schizophrenia will not be effective as they do not consider all factors affecting the disorder, leading to those suffering with schizophrenia not able to improve their quality of life. Investigations on monozygotic and dizygotic twins also support the theory that genetic factors play an important role in schizophrenia. The study showed that there was a concordance rate of 40. 4% for monozygotic twins yet only 7. 4% concordance rate of dizygotic twins.A concordance rate shows how many times both twins developed the disorder. These findings supports the genetic position because they show the monozygotic concordance rate, twin who are 100% genetic similar, to be far higher than dizygotic twins, who only have about a 50% genetic similarity. Therefore, this increases the reliability of the biological explanation of schizophrenia as it shows that the closer degree of genetic similarity there is, the increased likelihood of the relative developing the disorder. It can be argued that the biological explanation to schizophrenia is reductionist.This is because it does not consider the environmental factors involves with developing schizophrenia, only what does on inside the brain. For example, the genetic theory states that schizophrenia is inherited, yet research only found a concordance rate of 40. 4% for monozygotic twins. If schizophrenia was caused 100% by inheritance and degree of genetic similarity, the concordance rate for monozygotic twins should be 100% as they are genetically identical. Thereby, this reduces the reliability of the biological explanation as it does not consider other factors affecting schizophrenia, such as the environmental factors.

Which salt should be used to make an effective but economical cold pac

Which salt should be used to make an effective but economical cold pac Mrs. Raihan Honors Chemistry 25 March 2015 Which salt should be used to make an effective but economical cold pack? In accordance to the question above, a claim was developed after a series of experiments and observations, Ammonium Chloride, NH4Cl, is the most effectual but also economical ingredient to make a cold pack because it met the requirements of being an inexpensive salt and lowering the mixtures temperature by 2c. The claim was proved correctly based off of the quantitative and qualitative data that was taken down during the experiment. To find out whether the salt in the cold back is a good substance or not, the change in enthalpy change, which occurs with the process of dissolution, is also known as the heat of solution. At a constant pressure, the heat of solution is equivalent to the heat lost from the surrounding. For this to happen, the energy is absorbed to break the intermolecular bonds of both the water and the solute, energy is gained in this process. Then, energy is released as attractive forces start to form between the broken ions and water molecules, from here, energy is re leased. The heat of solution can therefore be an exothermic or endothermic depending on which one is stronger. In this case, the energy absorbed is stronger than the one being released which means it turns cold, an endothermic. So, one can discover if a cold pack is effective by finding the heat of solution then compare to the other salts tested to find out both economically cheap and most effective salt. Before the investigation commenced, steps were created in order to make sure that everything was going to work out. Using the previously known information, from previous labs made, it was inducted that the following steps would be done to perfect the experiment. First of all the safety equipment was gathered, the materials needed would be gathered and cleaned thoroughly to reduce any human error. The salts that were tested were Ammonium Chloride, Ammonium Nitrate, Magnesium Sulfate and Ammonium Thiocyanate. Then, a calorimeter would be made, two styrofoam cups within one another, a sheet of aluminum between them, a thermometer on top which was struck through the aluminum top to keep the temperature as isolated as possible to have the most accurate information. Then, taking a plastic cup, 30ml of water was measured out then placed into the calorimeter because then 2.5 grams of a salt was measured out. The initial temperature of the water was taken before the ingredients were mixed, i mmediately after, the temperature was taken down every five seconds for two minutes. The information was recorded in a graph and then averages of the time were taken down so there could be an even information for all salts so there would be no mistake made. The steps above were then repeated twice for each salt, all information recorded into a graph as well. The experiment was conducted in this way to include all of the possible experiments previously done to prove that it was successful, which in the end, based off of the claim, it was correct. Based off of the guiding question, Ammonium Chloride is the best salt needed to meet both the requirements of being an economically cheap salt and also effective. Ammonium Chloride fell from 21.25c to 18.65c, it dropped more than 2c. The second part of the question asks to choose the cheapest salt, that is still effective which is NH4Cl at $0.0139 per gram. Thus, the salt that meets the guiding questions needs is Ammonium Chloride because it met the 2c temperature drop along with an economically cheap price. Using the graphs and tables provided, it is easier to identify the change in temperature for each salt. When one observes NH4Cl, it is easy to comprehend that it is the most efficient one since it has around the same information like the more better, but also expensive ones. Finally, after the information was gathered, the magnitude of heat energy change was found by using the following equation: Q=mcT which was then transferred to the heat that the salt let out before dividing i t by the number of moles in the solute. The heat of solution was

An Avian Flus Emergency Scenario in the State of Illinois

An Avian Flus Emergency Scenario in the State of Illinois Pandemics are a source of concern to any society in the contemporary world. They can either be man-made or natural. Regardless of their type, disasters pose a risk to human life and property. Avian flu is one such form of natural disaster that can wreck havoc in the society.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on An Avian Flu’s Emergency Scenario in the State of Illinois specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Also known as the avian influenza, the condition is brought about by naturally occurring viruses. The micro-organisms (Type A virus), are usually found in wild aquatic birds, domestic poultry, and other animal and bird species (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2014). In this paper, the author reviews two emergency scenarios involving avian flu outbreaks. In the first case, an occurrence of the pandemic in Chicago is analyzed. The parties in command of the response to the outbreak, as well as the coordination of activities of the various state and local agencies are some of the issues addressed in this scenario. In the second case, an outbreak in the larger state of Illinois is outlined. The author of this paper recommends several epidemic control steps to deal with the issue. The legal authorities involved in the response plan, as well as various factors that determine the success of the proposed plan, are some of the other areas analyzed in this section. An Emergency Scenario in Chicago, Illinois The Pandemic Under normal circumstances, avian flu does not affect humans. However, the virus can cause a serious pandemic if it finds its way into the human population. Such a case was reported in the 1918 ‘Spanish flu’ epidemic. Healthcare providers in Chicago have noted a growing number of individuals seeking health services as a result of symptoms associated with avian flu. After a careful follow-up, the authorities have determined that an influenza pandemic is de veloping. Taking Charge of the Incident The Illinois Department of Public Health would command the avian flu response initiative. The agency is tasked with the responsibility of addressing health issues in the state.Advertising Looking for term paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would be responsible for the coordination and the overall federal response to the avian flu (Homeland Security Council [HSC], 2007). The commanding status of DHS is strengthened through the appointment of pre-designated Principal Federal Officials (PFO), as well as regional PFOs, responsible for the coordination of influenza responses. Coordinating Resources and Working Together The management of the federal, state, and local resources determines the effectiveness of the response mechanism. The U.S. Government provides state and local authorities with guidance on the best pharm aceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. The federal and state authorities are expected come up with the best interventional measures to deal with the emergency. On their part, the local authorities play the role of implementing these proposals at the community level. The major role of the federal authorities is to fund the program (HSC, 2007). The state and local agencies ensure that the hospitals and the emergency departments have the capacity to handle the large number of patients affected by the condition. There are other issues that the two authorities need to deal with. For example, they need to provide healthcare workers with the necessary protective gear. They should also provide them with the information needed to handle the situation, together with the necessary materials and infrastructure (HSC, 2007). Given this scenario, the state and local authorities would be liable if anything happens to the personnel implementing the re lief programs. Laws, Rules, and Regulations Important for the Response The Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance would be essential in handling the pandemic. The regulation falls under the Justice Assistance Act of 1984 (HSC, 2007). It calls for maximum assistance from the U.S. Government. Other rules and regulations would be specific to the non-pharmaceutical measures of dealing with the pandemic. Addressing a Localized Cluster of Phase 5 Pandemic Recommended Epidemic Control Steps There are several control measures that can be put in place to deal with an outbreak that is restricted to a Chicago cluster. The primary control strategies for addressing the avian flu pandemic include prophylaxis among the individuals exposed to the virus. The strategy can be achieved through the use of antiviral medications, vaccinations, and the adoption of infection control and social distancing measures (Tyshenko, 2007).Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on An Avian Flu’s Emergency Scenario in the State of Illinois specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is not possible to develop a matching vaccine within a short duration to respond to the scenario. As such, social distancing and infection control measures are more appropriate. Voluntary home quarantines, dismissal of students from schools, isolated treatment for the infected, and other non-pharmaceutical interventions are recommended (Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007). Invoking Legal Authorities to Respond to the Emergency Such legal authorities as the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S. Code 264), which falls under section 361, may be evoked to help in dealing with the situation. Applying the laws would facilitate isolation and quarantine efforts by the federal government (CDC, 2014). The act supports the enforcement of measures necessary for prevention of entry and spread of communicable di seases in the country. The federal government, through the various federal agencies, prepares and encourages communities, organizations, and businesses to deal with such outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention might be forced to exercise its authority under section 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CDC, 2014). The code authorizes the agency to detain, medically examine, and release individuals arriving in the U.S. The persons who are taken through these procedures are those suspected of carrying infections. In most cases, travelers from regions hit by the avian influenza are more likely to carry the virus and infect people in other regions (CDC, 2014). Factors Affecting the Success of the Proposed Plan The success of the avian flu response plan would depend on various factors. One of them is the effective coordination of resources between the federal, state, and local authorities. In addition, enhancing the accountability of the various authorities in carrying out th eir mandate would facilitate effectiveness in the response initiative. Failure to synchronizing the activities of the assisting personnel would jeopardize the entire process. Organization is very important, regardless of the level of expertise among the personnel or the complexity of the equipment used.Advertising Looking for term paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The federal government would be expected to provide the necessary support to the individuals and agencies involved in responding to the emergency. For example, the state’s Department of Public Health should effectively manage, supervise, and control the activities of all the stakeholders involved in the initiative. The major responsibility of local authorities would be to enhance cooperation from members of the public. Possibilities of Effectively Controlling the Outbreak Effectual coordination and definition of duties, as indicated above, would help to control the epidemic. Currently, the avian flu pandemic is at phase 5. Under such conditions, the proposed plan is likely to contain the epidemic, making sure that it does not deteriorate to phase 6. The Adequacy of the Government’s Plan The national government’s strategy to deal with the outbreak of, together with the efforts made by the Illinois’ Emergency Management Agency, appears adequate enough to de al with the problem. The authorities acknowledge the need for non-pharmaceutical and social distancing measures as immediate responses. For this reason, the efforts seem sufficient enough. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Seasonal influenza (flu): Information on avian influenza. Web. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2007). Interim pre-pandemic planning guidance: Community strategy for pandemic influenza mitigation in the United States- Early, targeted, layered use of non-pharmaceutical interventions. Web. Homeland Security Council. (2007). National strategy for pandemic influenza: Implementation plan one year summary. Web. Tyshenko, M. (2007). Management of natural and bioterrorism induced pandemics. Bioethics, 21(7), 364-369.

Free Essays on The Price Of Freedom (1984)

The Price of Freedom Living in a society that permits an individual limited freedom is not, in any case, enjoyable. A good example of such a society is labeled a "totalitarian society." Although a totalitarian society provides control for the people, it also denies them of their freedom. In George Orwell’s novel, 1984, he depicts a society in which people have absolutely no privacy or freedom. The Party knows everything; what you are saying, doing, and even thinking. The Party, without the people even realizing it, controls all aspects of a person's life. A contrast of Orwell’s society of 1984 is our current society in America, (but only to a certain level). No other democratic society in the world permits personal freedoms to the degree of the United States of America. Unfortunately, our society has not always been so unconfined. Along with women and minorities, African Americans have been subjected to an excessive degree of alienation all throughout history. White Americans historically have always had ambivalence toward African Americans, while asserting the principle that "all men were created equal." Thomas Jefferson was the first man to quote this phrase, and yet when he died he left his blacks in slavery. Also, America’s hero and first president, George Washington, is guilty of the same act. He was opposed to slavery, but did not release his slaves once he passed on (Cooper, 18). The evils of slavery, segregation, and racial inequality have long been recognized, yet progress toward their elimination has been very slow. African Americans had their lives dominated by the whites for an extensive period of time. They were utilized to serve the whites in their plantations and to obey their every command in fear of being punished. Much like the repressive society of Oceania in 1984, Winston Smith lived a restricted life in which all activities were aimed towards the good of the Party. Political and intellectu... Free Essays on The Price Of Freedom (1984) Free Essays on The Price Of Freedom (1984) The Price of Freedom Living in a society that permits an individual limited freedom is not, in any case, enjoyable. A good example of such a society is labeled a "totalitarian society." Although a totalitarian society provides control for the people, it also denies them of their freedom. In George Orwell’s novel, 1984, he depicts a society in which people have absolutely no privacy or freedom. The Party knows everything; what you are saying, doing, and even thinking. The Party, without the people even realizing it, controls all aspects of a person's life. A contrast of Orwell’s society of 1984 is our current society in America, (but only to a certain level). No other democratic society in the world permits personal freedoms to the degree of the United States of America. Unfortunately, our society has not always been so unconfined. Along with women and minorities, African Americans have been subjected to an excessive degree of alienation all throughout history. White Americans historically have always had ambivalence toward African Americans, while asserting the principle that "all men were created equal." Thomas Jefferson was the first man to quote this phrase, and yet when he died he left his blacks in slavery. Also, America’s hero and first president, George Washington, is guilty of the same act. He was opposed to slavery, but did not release his slaves once he passed on (Cooper, 18). The evils of slavery, segregation, and racial inequality have long been recognized, yet progress toward their elimination has been very slow. African Americans had their lives dominated by the whites for an extensive period of time. They were utilized to serve the whites in their plantations and to obey their every command in fear of being punished. Much like the repressive society of Oceania in 1984, Winston Smith lived a restricted life in which all activities were aimed towards the good of the Party. Political and intellectu...

Evaluate the performance of Encana Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Evaluate the performance of Encana - Assignment Example From this position, it evolved and became one of the largest independent Oil and Gas Company of the same state. The earlier leadership of EnCana developed a strategy of focusing on extract unconventional or difficult oil gas when 90% of the hydrocarbon needs were fulfilled by conventional sources. Over the years, advanced technology and expertise have been hired by EnCana so that they can acquire substantial land resources and make it one of the largest land holders in the North American region (Manda & Maldar, 2005). EnCana as one of the successor companies to the break-up of Canadian Pacific Limited In 2002, September, the company was separated into five stand alone companies. Here after the break up, the Pan Canadian Energy Corporation merged with Alberta Energy Co. now called EnCana Corp. (Andy, 2002). The striving young part of Canadian Pacific Limited has struggled a lot throughout the time and now because of their effective leadership and strategies, they have been able to be counted as one of the cheapest and largest natural gas producers of the state. Evaluate the performance of the company on the bases of their Strategy and Leadership Instead of following other energy companies, who were moving into more remote or hostile places like Iraq, seabed of Atlantic Ocean, the early leaders of EnCana changed their strategy and spent three and a half year in dumping the almost every faraway asset of EnCana. Initially, this strategy was unusual and was not supported by many of the business intellectuals. As the owners, even offload the collection of Ecuadorean pipelines and oil fields on the Chinese for around U.S. $ 1.2 billion (Stock house, 2008). From the billions they received in the entire deal making, EnCana managed to acquire the right to drill on the land in Western North America, through government auction. Though it was known to the company that this turf was hard to exploit, but it was very rich in hydro-carbon and gas fields. These reserves are hund reds or even thousands of meters below the Earth’s surface (Bloomberg Business week, 2011). Right strategies by the leadership, has helped the company to survive well in the time of crises. For the oil side, they have used different strategy, the minority stake of the company was sold in the Syncrude oil sands, it is the mining operation in Northern Alberta and concentrated more in, in-situ tar sands projects. Now, the business has increased to this extend that these two units of EnCana run as a separate unit (Patch work, 2011). According to the pioneers of EnCana, the road to success was not difficult but an intelligent game. They focused more on the reserves of unconventional type of gas. According to them, EnCana has signed huge checks for the exploration right. These checks were sometimes based on the limited geological knowledge. However, they were convinced that in future they will find unconventional gas there. Since with the passage of time new drilling and fracturing rock methods will be introduced, the gas will move to the surface, will make the unconventional deposits more economic. As the company has spent millions of dollar in such fields now, they do not have to explore more places. This is because some of their reserved fields are so large that, they can produce unconventional gas

HSBC is the world's local bank Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

HSBC is the world's local bank - Essay Example Through an international network linked by advanced technology, including a rapidly growing e-commerce capability, HSBC provides a comprehensive range of financial services: personal financial services; commercial banking; corporate, investment banking and markets; private banking; and other activities. HSBC starts offering its e-banking since several years ago among other pioneers in banking services such as Citibank. Firstly, with regardless of absolute convenience of using online services, many existing clients of HSBC treated with suspicious, but later lots of customers started using it. Besides e-banking helped HSBC to attract new customers, who were pleased of arrange for different payments via Internet, mobiles etc. HSBC specialists analysed, and then approved, that remote e-banking operations were cheaper comparing with using classic method with bank clerks' client servicing at the bank's branches. Surely, reliable and fast-acting e-bank system costs rather expensive, and should be constantly upgraded to reflect the new services, security requirements, the possibility of servicing growing customers' data base. But nevertheless it became bore profitable and allowed customers to have full secure access to their personal accounts. The work entitled: "European Online Banking Strategies" published by Business Insights (2006) states that "eBanking is viewed as a 'must have' by retail banks across Europe. The need to keep up with competitors, retain existing customers and attract new ones has drive the market forward." (Business Insights, 2006) Figure 1 - Total Internet Banking Customers as a Proportion of Retail Banking Population Source: Business Insights (2006) The Business Insights Report 2006 states that: "Overall Internet banking customers will grow from 2% of the European retail banking population in 1999 to 9% in 2004" (Business Insights, 2006) Figure 2 - European e-learning IT expenditures 1999 & 2004 Source: Business Insights (2006) Further related by the Business Insights (2006) report is that: "European eBanking IT expenditure will grow from $302m in 1999 to almost $1.4bn in 2004 a CAGR of 30.9%. The most significant country market in terms of eBanking expenditure in 1999 was the UK which accounted for 27.3% of expenditure." (Business Insights, 2006) Figure 3 - Growth of European ITV Banking Users, 1999-2004 Source: Business Insights (2006) Business Insights also reveals in its report that: "As premium becomes more established, the demand for increasingly indulgent and sensory tastes will become a more important driver, while income-related factors will decline in importance. (Business Insights, 2006) Figure 4 - European e-baking IT expenditures, by project type Source: Business Insights (2006) Finally related by the Business Insights Report (2006) is the fact that: "A key element of expenditure on developing full banking services was the integration of additional lines of business to allow online application, authorization and management. For example online approval in principle for loans, mortgages and

Ford Case (Marketing) Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ford Case (Marketing) Analysis - Essay Example However, according to Sullivan-Diaz, her father was never interested in services part of the business and it was only a necessary adjunct of the business. The problem starts right from here because Sullivan family has been unable to identify the strong interdependency between product sales and services. Nowadays, marketing products and services are interdependent because of the changing consumers’ buying behaviour. Consumers make the purchase after considering how the services later on, will benefit them. However, at Auto World, a huge difference has been noticed between their efforts to market products and providing services. First, the showroom was built in modern building with latest facilities and ambient whereas, the services section was hidden behind the showroom and its building was old and greasy however, the equipment was latest. Second, services section had sufficient capacity to handle more repair work but the capacity was not being achieved because of the requirements of more mechanics and more focus of the staff towards unit sales. The major difference between marketing products and service operations is that services require the personal contact or face-face meeting. At Auto World, the buyers of new cars were given a warm welcome however, whenever the same customer came for car services, he used to wait for many hours. The major reason is that marketing cars was being considered to be a highly efficient process whereas, service operations were very inefficient and even the service layout was not properly developed. Auto World is offering tangible products and services to the customers, and both these components are contributing to create value for the customers. Therefore, company should give great focus towards both marketing cars and services operations. If the company has been able to introduce used cars after ensuring their full repair and maintenance, then it should be also efficient in its services operations.

Business Failures Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Business Failures - Essay Example This does not necessarily means that the organization needs to keep the money locked up in bank or in hand. Instead the organization should invest the money in assets and investment options that can be easily converted into case when required. For example the company can invest the money in a bank’s saving account to earn returns on this amount of money (Whittington, 2012, p.631). Another issue that organization may fail in relation to financial management is overestimation and underestimation of budgeted revenues as well as expenses that the business may incur in future. In order to ensure that the company continues to operate successfully and the company has the required financial resources to pay off its loan, the company should indulge in underestimation of the sales of the company (Etzel, 2007, p.175). In order to estimate the sales the company can conduct interviews with the customers regarding their intention to purchase the goods and services and how often they may do so (Jenster, 2009,

Reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Reflection - Essay Example In such a way, this author will define forgiveness within the organizational context as not only understanding that what was done had unexpected/unintended outcomes but also realizing that people are only human and that such situations occur within life. Additionally, this brief essay will also try to show the ways in which forgiveness within the organization is able to benefit overall efficiency, trust, and further realization of human nature. Finally, the essay will point to two distinct ways in which the ethical leader can try to instill the ideas of love, forgiveness, or trust within the organization, business, family or community. The first benefit that trust and forgiveness can have with regards to an organization is with respect to the greater level of stakeholder appreciation and buy in that it can affect. In such a way, an individual who is a member of an organization that puts a high level of emphasis upon trust and forgiveness will begin to understand that the culture of t his organization and/or business prizes these aspects above personal ego or profitability. All too often in the business world, profitability takes the lead role and other aspects or ethics fall by the wayside. However, if an organization shows that they comprise these aspects, the individual stakeholders will also come to appreciate them as well as. An obvious secondary benefit is with regards to the way in which forgiveness and trust emphasizes and appreciation within the organization that no one is perfect and all can make mistakes. This may seem as something quite obvious, however, by engaging in trust and forgiveness within the culture and human resource practices of an organization, community, or family, a culture of human understanding develops that does not place any ego above error. All too often, individuals within the higher structure of an organization or community set themselves up to have something of an infallible approach. The final level of benefit is with regards t o efficiency. Due to the fact that fewer feelings are hurt and fewer frustrations and anger is exhibited, it is possible for a far greater level of work to be accomplished without personal differences or frustrations aggravating the way in which work takes place. Although it cannot be said that the incorporation of a culture of trust and forgiveness means that full efficiency will be realized, it is an extremely helpful than that by which an organization, community, or family can help to encourage further efficiency without sacrificing any form of ethics or personal rights. With regards to two ways that an ethical leader can hope to encourage a greater level of trust and forgiveness within an organization, community, or family, it must be understood that these are primarily leading by example and by attempting to promote a culture of forgiveness and trust from the top down. Leaders from all organizations have understood throughout management experience that regardless of the level o f controls or guidelines that they engage their employees/stakeholders with, these are all but useless unless leadership by example is engaged. In short, even if a firm has a very solid human resources Department and a good product or service that they are offering, the level to which truth and forgiveness can be encouraged within this entity will be all but nonexistent if this same process is not engaged and shown to be appreciated from

Business Failures Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Business Failures - Essay Example This does not necessarily means that the organization needs to keep the money locked up in bank or in hand. Instead the organization should invest the money in assets and investment options that can be easily converted into case when required. For example the company can invest the money in a bank’s saving account to earn returns on this amount of money (Whittington, 2012, p.631). Another issue that organization may fail in relation to financial management is overestimation and underestimation of budgeted revenues as well as expenses that the business may incur in future. In order to ensure that the company continues to operate successfully and the company has the required financial resources to pay off its loan, the company should indulge in underestimation of the sales of the company (Etzel, 2007, p.175). In order to estimate the sales the company can conduct interviews with the customers regarding their intention to purchase the goods and services and how often they may do so (Jenster, 2009,

College tuition Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

College tuition - Research Paper Example This paper attempts to investigate the economic costs and benefits associated with college tuition. The research will also help administrative bodies and students to identify the key factors affecting the effectiveness of college education. Finally, the conclusion will suggest effective measures to minimize the benefits cost associated with college tuition. COSTS AND BENEFITS OF EDUCATION The Opportunity Costs of College Education A number of opportunity costs are associated with college education. When a student decides to get admission in college instead of earning on a job, the lost earning is the opportunity cost. Since there is large number of applicants than the available seats, the rejection of more deserving students account for opportunity cost to that college. If the enrolled student is not utilizing his capabilities efficiently, the rejected student might have proven more successful to college and the society. Furthermore, the qualified student directly suffered emotional stress and tangible loss. The Economic Costs of College Education The tuition payment made for college education is an investment in student’s future. The cost of college education is increasing with every passing year as illustrated in figure 01. Figure 01. Increasing Trends in College Pricing Source: The College Board, 2010. However, the college tuition cost considerably varies depending on the choice of college. Around 47% of the fulltime undergraduate students are enrolled into four-year colleges with tuition fees less than $9,000 per annum. Comparatively, the private four-year colleges charge students with more than $35,000 per annum. Sometimes, these colleges also offer partial scholarships and financial aid programs attracting more applicants. The average tuition and fees at a two-year college stands around 2, 713 per annum. Few of the colleges may also offer to cover all tuition costs in full scholarships. In the year 2009-10, around $154 billion was spent in providin g financial aid to college students. Benefits College education is quite beneficial investment in terms of developing human capital. The lifetime income potential of a person far increases with education and training. These days, it is vital for a person to be prepared to work in modern economies by getting reasonable education. College tuition is thus an investment in enhancing knowledge, skills, competencies, values and habits of a person. Apart from the monetary awards, various social benefits are also associated with college education. College education has remarkably decreased the public reliance on financial assistance programs leading to the generation of more tax revenues. This also increases the serving capacity of the public sector. The costs imposed by criminal justice system on the society cannot be ignored. Over the past few decades, education has resulted in decrease of crime rates. Thus, the public sector funds spend by the system on prosecution, punishment and probat ion of criminals can be utilized for social welfare. In addition, educated people are capable of forming a more interacting civil society. TUITION DATA According to the Trends in College Pricing 2010 report, increase in grant aid has resulted in decline of average tuition and fees in the recent years. However, a large number of students are still paying full tuition charges that are increasing every year. For instance, Students at four-year public colleges with no financial funding paid 7.9% more in 2010 than they

Eqyptian Culture Essay Example for Free

Eqyptian Culture Essay Ancient Egypt was a fascinating and complex place. Luckily for historians, Egyptians had made great strides in record keeping which have made studying their culture and society easier than some previous historical eras. Ancient Egyptians were a people who were intensely religious, deeply divided by gender roles and a strong hierarchy, and quite advanced for their period in terms of their technological and economic innovations. Egyptians were deeply religious, and religion played a role in nearly all aspects of their daily lives. When the ancient Egyptians experienced periods of peace and prosperity, they attributed credit for the success to their deities (Slaughter, 5). The Egyptians experienced centuries of remarkable stability and considered this state to be the ma ’at, which was Egyptian for the â€Å"natural order† (Slaughter, 5). Even though they considered good order and balance in their society to be natural, it had to be protected by the pharaoh, who was considered to have been born mortal but imbued with godhood upon receipt of the throne, and was expected to be an earthly presence of the divine (Slaughter, 5). His religious standing gave the pharaoh a unique legal and authoritative position in ancient Egyptian culture. The pharaoh was expected to defend the nation, take responsibility for all administrative duties, declare all of the laws, and own all of the land (Slaughter, 5). For practical reasons, much of the pharaoh’s responsibilities were delegated to a bureaucracy (Slaughter, 5). Within this bureaucracy, staffed mostly by men, success was measured by the degree to which a person promoted order and prosperity within their stewardship (Slaughter, 5-6). Ancient Egypt had a strong social hierarchy, where a small group of the population, mostly the male elders, formed an elite class that that tightly controlled the rest of society (Slaughter, 7). This hierarchy was rooted in a wide variety of economic, political, religious and social causes that imbued those in power with authority in almost all areas of society (Slaughter, 7). The nature of most economic and commercial activity at the time created great â€Å"wealth, power, and opportunities† for elite men, while putting other men and all women in a position of submission to or dependence on the elite (Slaughter, 7). The division of labor that arose based at first on survival needs created societal attitudes about the roles, attributes, and abilities of men and women (Slaughter, 7). Men were the rulers and hard laborers, while women were the family caretakers (Slaughter, 7). The fertility and sexuality of a woman was her main contribution to Egyptian society, and these attributes were celebrated throughout the culture (Slaughter, 7). Women were expected to marry at 12 or 13 years of age, and to bear children often within the first year after marriage (Discussion, Ian Falconer). Although women were usually not part of the religious or political ruling elite, they were highly respected for their fertility, and were given most of the same legal rights as men (Discussion, Keako Crill). In some rare instances, women actually did manage to rise to stations of power and privilege, sometimes as priestesses to a God within the pharaoh’s bureaucracy (Slaughter, 5), and in four instances, including the case of Hatshepsut, women actually became the supreme rulers of the land (Slaughter, 6). Ancient Egyptians achieved an impressive level of manufacturing and commercia l capability for their time, which allowed them to achieve great strength and geopolitical dominance. Egyptians took advantage of many opportunities to learn, such as using the mummification process as a chance to learn about anatomy and medicine (Discussion, Katelyn Dreger). The Egyptians also developed a calendar with the same number of days as ours, though more closely tied to the seasons. Their calendar had three seasons, each consisting of four 30 day months, and an extra five days between harvest and planting that brought the total days in a year to 365 (Discussion, Tad Gale). This system allowed them to know when to plant and harvest based on the seasons of the year and the rise and fall of the water level in the Nile River in order to get maximum utilization of their vital lands. They also managed to develop a forerunner to our modern day beer by either fermenting water with bread crumbled into it, or by actually fermenting barley and wheat in a similar fashion to modern methods (Discussion, Tad Gale.) Their engineering feats were also impressive, and ranged from the technical prowess that showed itself in their massive pyramids, to the mastery of physics involved in developing advanced chariots that ran faster, quieter, and more stable than their counterparts created by their enemies (Discussion, Blair Vanderlugt). The nature of ancient Egyptian society was quite unique for its time period. Egyptian culture was distinct from neighboring nations, and Egyptians had many advantages that gave them an edge politically and commercially.

Classical Conditioning Theories And Its Uses In An Educational Setting

Classical Conditioning Theories And Its Uses In An Educational Setting In this paper, we will describe classical and operant conditioning theories and its uses in an educational or work setting. It will begin with differences between classical and operant conditioning, followed by specific examples and applications for each developmental level (infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, or early childhood). A discussion on the use of rewards from a philosophical and practical viewpoint will follow with different developmental and learning theories that can be applied in an educational or work setting. Finally, a brief summary of definitions and terms of the theory, discussing specific examples, benefits, and challenges while implementing this theory. Classical and Operant Conditioning According to Pavlov, learning begins with a stimulus-response which is classical conditioning (p.47). Learning should reflect a change in behavior. The stimulus and response noted within the working setting may not see a change in behavior. The classical conditionings in the work setting include: A customer service representative in a call center receives call quality scores via e-mail. The customer representative experiences anxiety each time the score(s) are given. The departmental potlucks create an atmosphere of food and fun. The departmental service level suffers because the customer service representatives are not adhering to scheduled breaks and lunches. The emergency room receives the charts daily. As the end of the calendar month approaches overtime is required to complete all work received. In operant conditioning, learning occurs because of rewards and punishment. Rice indicated, Satisfying consequences bring about changes in behavior (2001). Operant conditioning is often used in the educational or work setting. His or Her father gives them a credit card at the end of their first year in college because they did so well. As a result, their grades continue to get better in their second year. A professor has a policy of exempting students from the final exam if they maintain perfect attendance during the quarter. The professors policy showed a dramatic increase in his students attendance. Customer service representatives strive daily to meet the quarterly incentive. The adherences to break and lunch schedules are enforced. Examples of operant and classical conditioning are prevalent in the everyday lives of many and are seen in the educational environment. An example of operant conditioning during the infancy stage occurs when a caregiver is effective in comforting a crying infant, the infant stops crying. The removal of the unpleasant crying reinforces the caregivers comforting technique. The caregiver is apt to apply the same method of comforting the next time he cries. As an example of classical conditioning during the infancy stage occurs when a baby bottle is inserted in the infants mouth. This brings out a reflexive unlearned response of sucking. The infant can develop a conditioned to the baby bottle; the sucking occurs as soon as the infant sees a baby bottle. The following will provide examples of operant conditioning and classical conditioning during the early childhood stage in an educational environment. As an example of operant conditioning during the early childhood stage, when a student raises his or her hand and waits to be called on to receive something good as a reward. The rewards come in many forms for example a reward is the student receiving a praise or a piece of candy for his or her good behavior. Another example of classical conditioning during the early childhood stage is, when a student calls a classmate an inappropriate name. The teacher may call the student with the inappropriate behavior aside and reprimand him or her. The teacher would have that student take a time out or write sentences as of why he or she should not perform the action of calling the other student inappropriate names (Tuckman, 2010). The following will provide examples of operant conditioning and classical conditioning during the middle childhood stage in an educational environment. As an example of classical conditioning during the middle childhood stage, when a student who seldom associates with other students is encouraged to associate with others, is given praise by the teacher. As an example of classical conditioning during the middle childhood stage, a student has a fear of test taking. In the past, the student has always performed poorly when taking a test. The teacher is aware the student knows the material. The teacher could work with the student by giving him or her series of tests the student could pass. The teacher would provide positive feedback to the student to reinforce the good grade. The student would associate the test taking with positive feedback, and then the student would no longer have a fear of taking test. The following will provide examples of operant conditioning and classical conditioning during the adolescence stage in an educational environment. As an example of operant conditioning during the adolescence stage, when an above average child is receiving an average grade a parent could use monetary rewards if he or she receives As in school however, if the child receives an undesirable grade, the child would pay the parent as a means of punishment. During the adolescence stage, students enjoy working in groups on assignments and projects. As an example of classical conditioning during the adolescence stage, the teacher advises the students to work with the partner of choice if the class exhibits appropriate behaviors until that point in the lesson. If the class is not well behaved, the class does not get to work in groups. If the class exceeds the teachers expectations of appropriate behavior, the class is allowed to work in groups. The students behavior gives a definite response, w hich is a consistent reaction to the classes actions. Rewards Over the years punishment and rewards have been used to control behavior. The concern is that money, high grades, and even praises may be effective in a persons performance, but performance and interest can only remain constant as long as the reward is continuous. Rewards and punishments are ways of manipulating behavior. These two methods are used in our educational environment. These methods are saying to the child, if he or she does this, we will give him or her this, and if he or she does that, we will take away this. The question that arises is as teachers are we using these methods appropriately and is our children benefiting from the methods as a hold. What is the purpose of punishment? The purpose of punishment is to decrease certain responses. There are two types of punishments. Punishment I represents an appearance of an unpleasant stimulus, and punishment II removes the unpleasant stimulus. Punishment can be effective by immediate reasoning, or infrequent reasoning. The purpose of a reward is to let the student know that he or she has done an impressive job. The reward is used to increase the students ability to perform better or do more because his or her performance is already at or above level. This reward can cause a students desire to fail in his or her ability, and become disinterested because he or she has already reached his or her level of attainment. The purpose of reinforces is to increase desired responses and behaviors. We use these reinforces to receive a positive or negative response. The focal point is not principally on rewards and punishment. It is to create an atmosphere that increases motivation. Learning Theory There is no one perfect option in developing a strategy or theory of what would best to used in a classroom or workplace setting. The human mind has been studied for thousands of years, and there is not one study that can be reproduced exactly when it comes to human thinking. The classroom is set up based on the teachers experiences as well as educational knowledge. Starting with the learning focus model, the classroom is set up in the following way to enhance the learning environment. 1) Self- Regulated students are students who develop goals, monitor goals, practice met cognition, and use effective strategies. 2) Teacher Characteristics is expressed in personal teaching efficacy, modeling and enthusiasm, caring as well as a positive expectation of the students abilities. Promoting students motivation in the classroom involves instructional variables, instructional focus, personalization, involvement, and feedback. In comparing Piaget with Vygotsky, Piaget saw interaction primarily as a mechanism for promoting assimilation and accommodation in individuals. Whereas, Vygotsky developed his ideas based on learning and development, which arises directly from social interactions, which means individuals cognitive developments are a direct result of interactions with other people. The role of language is central to Vygotskys theory, and it plays three different roles in development (Eggen Kauchak, 2007, p.46). The first role is giving learners access to knowledge. Second, language providing the learners with cognitive tools that allows humans to think about their surroundings and resolve problems. The third role that language plays is helping the learner with regulation and reflection of his or her own thinking. According to Vygotsky, learning occurs when people acquire specific understanding, Thomas, 32(3), 656). In reviewing the research of the three different theories of motivationbehavioral theo ries humanistic theories and cognitive theoriesthe researcher has to study the development of the humanistic views of Charles Maslows hierarchy of needs. Looking at Maslows two-step processes, the first step is Deficiency needs, which includes survival, safety, belonging, and self-esteem. The second step, Growth needs, includes intellectual achievements, anesthetic appreciation, and self-actualization (Eggen Kauchak, 2007, p.303). This researcher believes that if the work environment or the classroom environment could combine Piaget, Vygotsky and Maslows theories in to one basic idea, one would have the closest thing to a perfect understanding of human physical and cognitive development.

Roman Gladiators Essay examples -- Roman History

Gladiator Gladiatorial events were a token of the Roman civilization. A brutal form of sacrifice adapted from the earlier civilization of Etruscans, who believed when a person dies, his spirit relies on a blood sacrifice to survive in the afterlife. The first event to take place in Rome was in 264 BC, when Decimus Brutus held a sacrifice to honor his dead father (Roman Gladiator). Soon after these events became an undeniable part of the Romans lives, used for political power and general entertainment. A gladiators life was far from easy. Most were slaves, prisoners of war, or hardened criminals, therefore they were not free men. Often times they were trained and forced to take part in the events, hoping for their freedom if they were to conquer their grim fate and survived for a few years (wik). This was depicted in the most recent movie GLADIATOR. In this film Russel Crowe ‘Maximus' starts out as an army general under Marcus Aurelius, until Commudus murders his own father out of spite for his fathers loyalty to Maximus and not him. He then inherits the title of king, and condemns Maximus to a gruesome fate as a slave/gladiator. Though this doesn't sound like the ideal life, to some at the time is was an appealing, so much so that some free men degraded themselves so they could battle in the games. Was it for basic living? Possibly but more than likely it was for the Fame and Prestige of a Gladiator. These free men were known as Professional gladiators. Training was hard for these great warriors, they often trained at special gladiator schools, the largest of which was connected to the great Coliseum by underground passages. Here they learned how to fight skillfully with swords, daggers, nets, chains, and an... ...m. This huge circular arena was the pinnacle of the Roman Gladiatorial games, and though it isn't fully intact, it is a great reminder of ancient culture. Though today these games seem inhumane and unnecessary, to their ancient culture it was a vacation from everyday stress. Even the Emperor was said to understand that though money and grain would satisfy and individual, large spectacles were necessary for the ‘contentment of the masses' (wes civ). Works Cited 1. Gladiator. Dreamworks Video. 2005. Directed by Ridley Scott. 2. Gladiators. Wikepedia, 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladiator 3. Jackson J. Spielvogel. Western Civilization Third Edition, A Brief History volume 1: to 1715. 2005 Belmont CA. Wadsworth Publishing 4. The Roman Gladiator. Classics Technology Center. 2005. http://ablemedia.com/ctcweb/consortium/gladiator1.html

Themes Of Change :: essays research papers

Themes of Change   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When you are born people are there to take care of you, love you, and guide you through life. As you grow up and life changes, you must take charge of your own life and not become so dependent on others. Throughout the course of life a person will encounter many changes, whether good or bad. In 'A&P';, 'The Secret Lion';, and 'A Rose for Emily';, the main characters in the stories are Sammy, the boys, and Miss Emily who face changes during their lives. All of these characters are in need of change. Because of their need for change, their lives will become much better. They are filled with wonder and awe about the world around them. No matter what type of person, everyone will encounter changes. It is part of the natural process. A person is encouraged to make these changes for the good. Sammy, the boys, and Miss Emily all encounter changes in their lives that fulfill their need to become something different.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 'A&P'; by John Updike a young cashier named Sammy is very confused about the concept of life. In the beginning of the story Sammy is very passive and ignorant about life. His passiveness and ignorance are brought upon by his mother sheltering him during most of his life. Sammy compares himself to another cashier who works at the A&P, Stokesie. Stokesie is twenty-two and Sammy is nineteen. Sammy sees a reflection of himself when he looks at Stokesie because of his lack of ambition and wanting to become nothing more than a manager of the store. When Queeny comes into the store, showing all of her leadership abilities, he sees the total opposite of himself. Queeny is like a shepherd leading a flock of sheep; she is in control. Sammy recognizes Queeny's headstrong attitude and he admires it very much. Queeny is just how Sammy would like to be, a headstrong person, a leader, and a person with ambition. After the conflict at the register with Queeny and the manager, Sammy decides to take charge of his life and do something for himself. Because of Sammy's huge change, he is no longer passive and ignorant. He is now active and realistic toward the world and its changes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 'The Secret Lion'; by Alberto Alvero Rios, the young boys are filled with wonder and fascination about the world. Throughout this story everything in these boys' lives changes.

My Favourite Lecturer

Each lecturer has its own style, techniques and strategy to the lesson. Also different students prefer different types of lecturers and as the saying is â€Å"there is no disputing about tastes†. However it is obvious that lecturer who uses right techniques of teaching will be popular with majority of students and vice versa also true. Every person during his life was in a huge number of lectures, starting from school lessons and ending with scientific seminars. Some of them make bright impression and a person will remember them for a long time. I am not exception and I have my favorite lecturers.One of them is Mister X. He was taught me physics only during 9th grade but I still remember how enthusiastically attended his lectures. I never liked physics before his lectures, because I didn’t like a lot of formulas which you should remember and I think that using only them you can solve the problems. Lectures were also boring. Monotonous voice of teacher and a lot of naked facts about some topic were only things which I got at the end of each lectures. Mister X was my teacher but topic of this essay is â€Å"My favorite lecturer† and unfortunately I will not write about his practical lessons.As I wrote in previous paragraph I presented physics as the science about naked facts and formulas. But from Mister X’s lectures I started understand origins of those things and from that point they didn’t seems to me like naked facts or formulas. I understand that everything complex in physics based on fundamental simple phenomena. After his lectures I haven’t to remember formulas I can derive them by myself. It was wonderful for me because I never like remember and I started to think that remembering without understanding bases of something is not best way to gain new knowledge.Yes, it takes less time than looking inside of something, but also you remember them only for short period of time. Second difference of his lectures was way of explaining lectures. It was not monotonous voice, carefully written formulas in blackboard or synopsis from book. He distinctly highlights key points, gives examples from real life and visualizes a lot of things. His pictured cars were different in every lecture. He can draw a little car, write â€Å"Zhiguli† at the bottom and say: â€Å"Teacher from school drives car with velocity 50km/h†.Next he can draw a big car, write â€Å"Ferrari† and say: â€Å"Son of some office-holder drives Ferrari with velocity 120km/h† and gave information about physical problem itself. It was very funny for class and immediately attracts attention of all students. I described only some of his techniques used during lectures. He had full arsenal techniques and he can easily create a great atmosphere in the classroom. Of course I cannot convey atmosphere of the lesson here, but believe me it was fascinating and memorable.

Even Sigmund Freud participated Essay

Today the medical sphere may offer us good examples of how the existing diversification of approaches and methods towards the treatment of people is related to the fundamental shifts in our perception of the old problem of finding the connection between the human body and the mind. In fact, on one hand medicine as such is on the most fundamental level an inherently conservative filed of knowledge and practice because what is at stake for a doctor is often the very human life, the value of which overthrows any possible dubious methods of treatment that may lead to the lack of positive results, or even to negative ones. On the other hand, as we are constantly learning new things about such an intricate structure as the human body is, it becomes clear that phenomena that had been thought understandable in reality have a much more complicated nature, which requires elaboration of existing scientific approaches, or even demands refusal from some of the traditional medical postulates. To grasp challenges that arise from such shifts in our understanding of mind-body connection we may consider perhaps too extreme examples – numerous schools of the so-called New Age medicine which under the pretence of the break-through knowledge all too often advance simply untenable and absurd claims based on mere speculations (Reisser, Reisser, and Weldon, 1988, pp. 147-52), and the overly sceptical defenders of the traditional Western medicine who may tend to be too inflexible in their admission of the validity of alternative approaches to medical treatment of people. More specifically, the matter of the influence of human psychological processes on what has traditionally been considered purely physiological disorders is one of the most inflaming causes of disagreements between the mentioned approaches. This tension that in one form or another is ongoing between representatives of different medical camps to a large degree defines the modern discourse of approaches to the medical treatment (Miller, 2003, pp. 185-187). In this regard, it would be interesting to closely investigate the existing literature that represents the current state of affairs in the perception of the connection between the mind and the body. As a suitable object of our analysis may serve the book written by Doctor of Medicine John E. Sarno, a Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine at the New York University School of Medicine, and attending physician at the Howard A. Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine at the New York University Medical Center. His best-selling work â€Å"The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain† belongs to the list of the most popular books that highlight academic and practical achievements in the field of psychosomatic medicine, a school of medicine which is based on the principle of unity of the mind and the body, and which aims to examine the mechanisms of the interdependency between emotions and bodily functions and to promote psychological methods of medical care (Levenson, 2004, pp. 3-66). The combination of the academic approaches of the author to the support of his material and the popularity of the book among lay people to whom it is largely addressed suggests that on the example of this work we may judge the level of penetration of what could unanimously be perceived alternative medicine not long time ago into the modern medical discourse. With all this in mind, let us examine the volume of John E. Sarno in the context of its connection as of a textbook of applied psychosomatic medicine with the modern medical paradigms. For this purpose, we will briefly outline the history of psychosomatic medicine, then will try to link it with the book of Sarno, and in the main body of the paper will provide the book report with relevant comments on the book`s contents. Background on psychosomatic medicine The origins of the psychosomatic medicine can be found in the teachings of early Western philosophers and physicians who acknowledged that emotions played an important role for the human health (Cacioppo, 1989, p. 589). Still, the Western medicine has traditionally been more inclined towards the study of the significance of bodily functions (Loudon, 1997, p. 238). However, by the middle of the nineteenth century the level of attention to the involvement of emotions in diseases development grew as the observational evidence was accumulating that had suggested that some disorders were not always accompanied by organic affections (U. S. National Library of Medicine, 2005). For example, only since the seventeenth and the eighteenth centuries such a neurosis as hysteria began to be linked with emotional factors and the nervous system in general. Even Sigmund Freud participated in the study of symptoms of hysteria, and one of his conclusions was that they are based on memories linked to mental traumas which under certain conditions may intrude in the processes of somatic innervation. In this way, a possible mechanism for the interaction between mind and body was offered that was reminiscent of mechanisms that Sarno would be describing in his book. The German psychoanalysts Georg Groddeck even went as far as claiming that psychological mechanisms engendering hysteria can be applied to all somatic diseases which from this point of view are the bodily manifestations of unconscious psychological processes. In the 1930s psychoanalyst Franz Alexander attempted to find a compromise between the Freudian theory, such views as those of Groddeck, and existing knowledge of physiology. He was against excessively psychological interpretations that ignored the automatic mechanisms in the body that to a large degree directed emotional expressions. The theoretical basis developed by Alexander contributed in the United States to the invigorated extensive research of psychosomatic mechanisms, and psychosomatic medicine as a separate field of study was formed in 1939 when the medical journal dedicated to this branch of medicine was published. After that time, psychosomatic medicine was only gaining momentum. For example, World War II spurred the interest to it due to numerous manifestations of psychosomatic symptoms in soldiers. Eventually, by the 1950s interest to psychosomatic medicine and its scientific background grew so much that its concepts entered the popular culture as media started to publish numerous articles and thus popularized psychosomatic theories (U. S. National Library of Medicine, 2005). Now, fast forward to today, and we can witness that many of the postulates of psychosomatic medicine are already among the undisputed popular opinions of many people, and for instance the maxim that in order to stay healthy a person should avoid excessive stresses and disturbing emotional states is among the most frequently heard ones in both media sources and in our everyday interaction. However, after the surge of academic interest to it half a century ago, psychosomatic medicine, in contrast to its successful penetration into the public perception, somewhat lost momentum within scientific circles in the second half of the twentieth century (Kennedy, 2004, p. 400). So, it is in such circumstances that the book of John E. Sarno â€Å"The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain† saw the light of the day. The book of John E. Sarno in the larger social and historical context â€Å"The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain† builds upon themes from Sarno’s previous book â€Å"Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection† that advanced the idea that the cause of back pain, headache, slipped discs, and other chronic forms of pain is actually rooted in our psychology (Sarno, 1991). In â€Å"The Mindbody Prescription† Sarno adds new knowledge about the psychology of emotionally stimulated physical manifestations, and elucidates how such emotions as anger, anxiety, guilt, and other negative mental states can cause mental stimulation of negative physical symptoms. Thus, in both of those books the author touches upon very urgent topics for the modern American society in which an increasing number of people are plagued by back, neck, or limb pain. In fact, this is a serious economic problem as well, as industries in which large percentage of people are working at computers bear significant health insurance burden due to a variety of similar disorders causing pain, like fibromyalgia or repetitive stress injury (Sarno, 2005). More generally, pain as such in its different forms is a crippling problem for many individuals in both their professional and private lives (Margoles, 1998, pp. 9-32). So, â€Å"The Mindbody Prescription† addresses precisely this disturbing epidemic as it analyses clinical data to find the main cause of the pain disorders, and elaborates methods to treat those disorders. Importantly, in doing so the author tries to fill the gap existing in the traditional methods of chronic pain treatment that are apparently unable to stop this pain epidemic. From the very beginning of the main body of the volume it becomes clear for a reader that the author adopts a holistic approach to his subject. More specifically, Sarno opens the first chapter of the book with construction of various typical and stressful scenarios that in one form or another take place in lives of many of us and contribute to chronic physical pain that people experience. What is untypical, though, is that Sarno from the very beginning of the book begins to draw our attention to what could be considered as a minor element of those scenarios, but what in reality, according to the author, underlies the different manifestation of the pain disorders. This significant element is the factor of unconscious anger or outright rage that Sarno envisions as inevitably accompanying all of the scenarios that he delves in, like our troubles with private life, or within family, or career-related frustration, and many other different â€Å"or† that Sarno repeats in succession to bring home to us his case of unconscious mechanisms that generate anger in so many people. Now, this initial attention to the emotional side of our life is in a good agreement with our above observations about the widely acknowledged role that our mind plays in our health, and the author as if resumes that the existence of the definite connection between our emotional experiences and our bodily health is factual. But, judging from the way he begins his work, what we can expect from Sarno is the elaboration on the exact mechanisms that keep the mind-body connection running, especially as the author immediately claims that the disorders that he is about to discuss â€Å". . . are neither illnesses nor diseases, but rather symptomatic states induced by the brain to serve a psychological purpose† (Sarno, 1998, p. 3). After all, while general public does not always bother to verify its views, practitioners of classical pathophysiology would surely expect solid support of any claim related to the emotional aspects of diseases and illnesses and to the connection between pain problems and stress. At the same time, having chosen the non-technical style of presentation Sarno procured the easiness of reading for common people whose pain-related problems are the actual target of the book. The structure and the contents of the book â€Å"The Mindbody Prescription† consists of three parts preceded by an extended preface and an introduction that deals with a historical perspective of the book`s theme. The preface and the introduction of the book summarize theories and experience of Sarno with treatment of back pain and other types of musculoskeletal disturbances. Naturally, already in the opening parts of the work the emotional foundation of the pain is emphasized. In the end of the book we can find a thorough appendix, which provides supportive citations for conclusions of Sarno, and a bibliography which refers to articles that cover physical and psychoanalytic issues related to chronic pain and its treatment. In the first part of the book Sarno reflects upon concepts underlying mind-body medicine, and exemplifies influences that physical stress and such psychological states as feeling of guilt, anxiety, depression, or personality disorders have on the range of symptoms manifested in patients. Sarno categorizes the range of painful symptoms that may arise due to psychological processes as belonging to what he terms Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), which is a painful condition that develops in the back, shoulders, neck, or buttocks, and may equally arise in other parts of the body, and which throughout the whole book would be the main object of study for the author. But before shifting to investigation of concrete instances of TMS-related maladies, in order to justify his principal claim that chronic pain symptoms are in reality a kind of a defense mechanism used by our brain to distract our attention from our unconscious emotions of anger, Sarno copiously refers to the prominent figures whom we have discussed – Sigmund Freud, Franz Alexander, and some other defenders of the theory of psychoanalysis like Stanley Coen and Heinz Kohut. I believe that this approach is beneficial as it helps readers appreciate the historical inheritance that underlies basic conceptions of the psychosomatic medicine, and thus provides a firmer footing for beliefs held by many people who have had successful experiences with psychosomatic approaches to treatment of illnesses. Aside from the references to important figures in the history of psychosomatic medicine, the first part of the book also elaborates a distinct and well-structured explanation of the concepts constituting the basic principles of mind-body interaction. In the process of such explanation the author mentions such fields of study and such medical and psychological notions as neurophysiology of psychogenic disturbances, problems of psychosomatic origin, and reactions of conversion (which is one of the types of interaction between the mind and the body when unconscious elements of human psyche intrude into somatic processes) (Sarno, 1998, pp. 173-174). Sarno also mentions the findings of Candace Pert, a neuroscientist who found opiate receptors in the human brain, and who greatly contributed to the growth of our knowledge of links between biochemical processes in the brain and physiological phenomena. In this way, Sarno anchors the theme of his book in the history of psychosomatic medicine, and, even though he is mentioning some radical concepts that may be critically perceived by adherents of traditional pathophysiology, the style of Sarongs presentation is lucid and definitely absorbing. All in all, the first part of the book serves as a bridge between the general discussion of the psychological mechanisms of emotional influence on physical disorders and more detailed investigation of psychoneurophysiology that underlies psychogenic processes. In the second part of the book Sarno closely examines his clinical experience with emotionally caused physical disorders, and is primarily concerned with various manifestations of TMS and with the possibility to extend his theory of the mechanisms of TMS emergence to other diseases and illnesses. In fact, many of the clinical problems that he examines have already been known to have a connection to stress, which either produces them, or aggravates their effects. However, what makes the work of Sarno special is his approach to explanation of these disease states from the point of view of unconscious working of repressed anger and rage. To prove his case, Sarno has combined physical medicine with psychoanalytic theory in order to give what he believes is a proper account for TMS, which, according to his practice, is the main cause of musculoskeletal and back pain. For Sarno, the origin of painful manifestations of TMS lies in repressed emotions. And the pain in various parts of body as such is theorized by the author as being caused by a diminution of blood flow to the corresponding tissues. This process of blood flow reduction is mediated via the autonomic system as a stressful reaction of brain to repressed emotions. We may chart the TMS pathophysiology in the following way: The formation of unconscious repressed emotions (anger/rage); ? Abnormal patterns of autonomic system`s activity; ? Decrease of the level of local blood circulation; ? Development of mild oxygen deprivation; ? The resulting pain in muscles and other possible symptoms (for example pain in tendons, tingling, numbness, weakness). Having established such a mechanism of the emergence of pain, Sarno surmises that this approach from the TMS formation theory can as well be applied not only for the fixed number of cases of muscle and back pain, but to a wider range of physical disturbances. In this light, Sarno earlier pointed out that in a 1975 survey it had been found that â€Å"88 per cent of patients with TMS had histories of up to five common mindbody disorders† (Sarno, 1998, p. 29). And, indeed, Sarno manages to extend his theory of the emergence of pain disorders to migraine, to such various conditions as carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, colitis, peptic ulcer, post-polio syndrome, infections, skin disorders, and even to more unusual instances like the chronic pain that accompanies Lyme disease, which is caused by bacteria transmitted through ticks. The author also mentions disorders in which emotions might be involved, among which are atherosclerosis, hypertension, one of the most common heart problems termed mitral valve prolapse, and even cancer. Of course, with such a broad scope of concern at hand Sarno has to offer an adequate methodology for unambiguous diagnosing of emotionally induced pain. For this purpose, his requirement is that the TMS diagnosis can be ascribed to a patient only if traditional physical exam failed to uncover existing abnormalities. However, according to the author, even in the presence of an abnormality TMS still can be working in a patient and exasperate the pain to the higher level than the found abnormality itself would be capable of. In the third part of the book Sarno discusses approaches that may effectively treat TMS and related physical disturbances. From what we have observed before it should already become clear that Sarno essentially assigns to the pain the function of a defense reaction that aims to divert our consciousness from the need to face repressed anger or other unbearable forms of emotional strain. On ground of this, as the only possible way of treatment of the real cause of TMS symptoms Sarno postulates the examination of the physical origins of repressed negative emotions as the way for the deliverance from pain. Generally speaking, a person has to find ways to single out those harmful emotions and roots of the unconscious anger that are undermining his or her psychological well-being. And what also makes the theory of Sarno special is that, according to him, the mere acknowledgement of certain emotional concerns, and not of any bodily abnormalities, as the ground of the deteriorated physical state is in many cases already a sufficient condition for healing. One may not even have to remove the psychological problem itself in order to procure a visible clinical improvement. This contrasts with some of the New Age schools of psychotherapy that also associate unconscious repressed emotions with various maladies, but which require that before the healing can take place such unconscious `problem spots` must be dissolved, like is proposed, for instance, by the so-called primal therapy, a school of psychotherapy elaborated by psychologist Arthur Janov (Janov, 1999). For Sarno, the identification of a problem is the main task for people suffering from emotionally induced physical disorders, and such identification can normally be implemented by means of an insightful self-examination, perhaps with the help of such techniques as meditation or self-affirmation (a method of compensation for the lowered self-esteem in one area by consideration of one`s proficiency in other areas (Sarno, 1998, p. 22; Nezu and Nezu, 2004, pp. 182-188). In this regard, from the point of view of Sarno it is also very important that a patient should have no doubts about the correctness of the TMS diagnosis, and that he or she fully realizes the exclusively psychosomatic origin of pain. To bolster this indispensable perception in patients, after the mentioned thorough physical examination needed for the elimination of possibility of the presence of real physical problems, Sarno accentuates the need to educate people and to assure them that the influence of repressed emotions is a sufficient condition for the reduction of the flow of blood to the affected areas of the body which leads to the pain and other troublesome symptoms, which nevertheless should not be viewed by people as those inflicting permanent damage to the body. Even if some structural abnormalities related to ordinary changes due to physical activity or aging are found, the patient should have a clear understanding of their nature. Basically, what is demanded from a patient is in no way the denial of the presence of the pain but rather the acceptance of its genuine origin. To help maintain such an attitude to chronic pain, Sarno recommends to patients who know that they have no physiological abnormalities to suspend physical therapy and to return to normal physical activity. In addition to that, patients should on the daily basis remind themselves the following points: I only have a mild oxygen deprivation and not structural abnormalities; my condition stems from repressed negative emotions and is not physically harmful; TMS exists to divert my attention from emotions; there is nothing to be afraid of for me; the physical pain is not dangerous; I will not allow pain to trouble and intimidated me; I will change the object of my concern from pain to emotional experiences; it is my conscious part that will have control, and not my subconscious mind; I have to think about psychological aspects of my life, and not so much about physical. When such a set of attitudes towards the role of one`s unconscious emotional experiences and towards one`s own body is obtained, Sarno believes that the brain that aims to contain the repressed emotions will no longer be able to fool us by drawing our attention to body. To illustrate how psychological relief may have a radica l influence on the chronic pain, the author offers examples of some practical cases. In one of such cases a patient knew about the most probable origin of her back pain but still did not have an improvement, and even had increased level of pain. According to Sarno, the worsening of the pain was brought about by the last efforts of the brain to keep hidden emotions unconscious, but when the feelings finally burst into the patient`s consciousness the pain, as if miraculously, went away. Sarno documents the account of this patient: â€Å". . . in an instant, I started to cry. . . Out of control tears, anger, rage, desperate tears. And I heard myself saying things like, Please take care of me, I don’t ever want to have to come out from under the covers, I’m so afraid, please take care of me, don’t hurt me, I want to cut my wrists, please let me die, I have to run away, I feel sick-and on and on, I couldn’t stop . . . And as I cried, and as I voiced these feelings, it was, literally, as if there was a channel, a pipeline, from my back and out through my eyes. I felt the pain almost pour out as I cried . . . I knew . . . that what I was feeling at that moment was what I felt as a child, when no one would or could take care of me . . . the feelings were there and they poured over me and out of me† (Sarno, 1998, p. 13). However, as in order to get rid of pain we have to use our insight to understand its foundation, one may wonder that if the real cause of the pain is the repressed anger, how helpful psychotherapy may be in the healing of TMS symptoms? The author says: â€Å"The therapists to whom I refer patients are trained to help them explore the unconscious and become aware of feelings that are buried there . . . When we become aware of these feelings . . . the physical symptoms . . . go away† (Sarno, 1998, p. 161). Still, according to Sarno, the need for psychotherapy should not arise too often. The author reports numerous cases when people did away with pain simply after having read the book and having followed suggestions contained there. In fact, Sarno claims that the percentage of those who report the improvement of their condition is as high as 90-95 percent, and that many of his patients had been living with physical disorders and pain for a large part of their lives and could not be treated by the traditional medical approaches. General critical observations Even though the belief that emotions and stressful circumstances are related to physical conditions of people is today generally accepted, the extent to which Sarno emphasizes the role of psychological factors will nevertheless surely seem too extreme for many clinicians. Indeed, formally speaking, the author of â€Å"The Mindbody Prescription† gives some reasons to relate him to those practitioners who denounce the traditional medical approaches as outdated ones, as he says that â€Å". . . poor medical advice . . . keep[s] your attention riveted on your body, which is your brain’s intention† (Sarno, 1998, p. 147), or that â€Å"Modern medical science studies the details of maladies but rejects unconscious emotional processes as the cause†¦ † (Sarno, 1998, p. 117). On the other hand, the effort of the author to extend the validity of his TMS theory to a range of disorders which in combination are shared by significant fractions of Western societies` populations may also seem to be too ambitious and at the same time not sufficiently verified according to strict scientific standards (Wilson, 1991). In this light, while Sarno rightfully remarks that â€Å". . . proper management [of TMS and related disorders] would alleviate much suffering and reduce the enormous cost of medical care that now burdens modern society† (Sarno, 1998, p. 126), he perhaps should also pay more attention to the fact that the majority of physicians still have doubts about the ability of psychological processes to cause chronic pain in the first place, and are more ready to agree that emotions may only aggravate physiological problems, but still in most cases should not be considered as their primary causes. In his turn, Sarno disputes that such processes as osteoarthritic changes and herniated vertebral discs are always the immediate sources of the pain and suggests that very often they may just be coincidentally present close to affected areas that due to emotional causes are deprived of oxygen. Such views further distantiate him from the conventional approaches to treatment of these disturbances. Moreover, Sarno insists that traditional medicine has no valid methods of TMS treatment because â€Å"If you thwart that purpose by taking away the symptoms without dealing with its cause, the brain will simply find a substitute symptom† (Sarno, 1998, p. 39). In any case, despite the unconventional elements of his methods of treatment, Sarno has numerous adherents who attest to the practical applicability and effectiveness of the theory of connection between psychological processes and manifestations of TMS. Therefore, I believe that even if Sarno is not able to provide a completely reliable from the academic point of view account of the mind-body connection, he may be practically exploring the mechanisms of the human body that the fundamental science is only beginning to test experimentally (Brush, 2005, p. 259). For example, consider the recent finding related to the famous placebo effect in which it was again confirmed that such a purely psychological factor as our expectations has not only psychological but as well physical effects on health. But in this particular research a new variety of the placebo effect was found, actually a kind of an anti-placebo effect, as it turned out that â€Å". . . once Alzheimer’s disease robs someone of the ability to expect that a proven painkiller will help them, it doesn’t work nearly as well. . . † (Neergaard, 2005). This fact testifies to the power of our psychology to intervene in the what might seem as purely physiological realm of our bodily functioning, and the data is being gathered to prove that at least such a psychological factor as the placebo effect â€Å". . . actually is physical, and that expecting benefit can trigger the same neurological pathways of healing as real medication does† (Neergaard, 2005). Now, this conclusion is in a perfect agreement with the principles underlying the theory of TMS origin advanced by Sarno. However, quite ironically, the specialists involved in the mentioned research were quick to point out that positive expectations â€Å"aren’t a substitute for real medicine† (Neergaard, 2005), which contradicts the reliance of Sarno on psychology as not only the cause of many physical disorders but at the same time as the only means of their healing. But I suppose that if Sarno produces an impression of being too confident in the self-sufficiency of his conclusions it could only mean that due to his extensive observational experience he may just be a little bit ahead of the vanguard of the mainstream medical science. And, after all, if we want to find what unites Sarno with the conservative part of the medical establishment it is his traditional recommendation for his patients to resume full activities of daily life, including physical exercises. Critical observations about Sarno`s view of migraine as an equivalent of TMS While Sarno devotes a large portion of his book to back pain, among other painful physical disturbances related to mechanisms that lead to TMS he mentions migraine, which is a very common condition that causes headaches, and physiological mechanisms of which are currently quite poorly understood (Cochran, 2004, p. 156). Sarno confesses his personal experience with migraine as he had had this condition for quite a long time before he was introduced to medical research which suggested that â€Å"migraine headache was the result of repressed anger† (Sarno, 1998, p. 111). As he was already amassing evidence in support of the significant influence of psychological factors on many widespread medical problems, he was inclined to test that idea. After trying to find out what anger that he could be repressing was causing his migraine, Sarno allegedly got rid of migraine headaches for the rest of his life. However, he himself acknowledged that some symptoms of migraine still continue to happen to him, which brings us to a question whether the method of the author of the book can be applied without reserve to all the types of chronic pains that seem to have no accompanying physical abnormalities. Indeed, it may be that our lack of understanding of the causes of migraine simply leaves us ignorant of possible physiological mechanisms that underlie it, and even though approaches borrowed from TMS treatment may often be effective for removal of painful symptoms, purely psychological vision of the migraine origins may hide from us its genuine cause. Besides, it may be somewhat alarming that the definition of migraine that Sarno advances is different from the one offered for example by the National Migraine Association. Sarno says that migraine is supposed to arise from â€Å". . . sudden constriction of a single blood vessel within the substance of the brain† (Sarno, 1999, p. 111), while on the website of the National Migraine Association it is stated that: â€Å"Migraine is disease, a headache is only a symptom. Migraine pain is caused by vasodilation in the cranial blood vessels (expansion of the blood vessels), while headache pain is caused by vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels). During a migraine, inflammation of the tissue surrounding the brain, i. e. , neurogenic inflammation, exacerbates the pain† (Coleman and Burchfield, 2006). Therefore, at least in the case of migraines it seems warranted to say that physiological mechanisms may be working to produce migraine independently from psychological processes, and that without knowing the exact causes and possible consequences of migraine-related tissue inflammation it is perhaps risky to adopt a strategy of assuring oneself that the pain is not physically harmful. The National Migraine Association again confirms this worry by pointing out that â€Å"The Migraine disease is a serious health and disability problem that affects approximately 11 to 18 million Americans .