Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Martin-Pullin Bicycle Corporation Essay

Martin-Pullin Bicycle Corp. (MPBC), located in Dallas, is a wholesale distributor of bicycles and bicycle parts. Formed in 1981 by cousins Ray Martin and Jim Pullin, the firm’s primary retail outlets are located within a 400-mile radius of the distribution center. These retail outlets receive the order from Martin-Pullin within two days after notifying the distribution center, provided that the stock is available. However, if an order is not fulfilled by the company, no backorder is placed; the retailers arrange to get their shipment from other distributors, and MPBC loses that amount of business. The company distributes a wide variety of bicycles. The most popular model, and the major source of revenue to the company, is the AirWing. MPBC receives all the models from a single manufacturer overseas, and shipment takes as long as four weeks from the time an order is placed. With the cost of communication, paperwork, and customs clearance included, MPBC estimates that each time an order is placed, it incurs a cost of $65. The purchase price paid by MPBC, per bicycle, is roughly 60% of the suggested retail price for all the styles available, and the inventory carrying cost is I % per month (12% per year) of the purchase price paid by MPBC. The retail price (paid by the customers) for the AirWing is $170 per bicycle. MPBC is interested in making an inventory plan for 2011. The firm wants to maintain a 95% service level with its customers to minimize the losses on the lost orders. The data collected for the past two years are summarized in the following table (Table 1). A forecast for AirWing model sales in the upcoming year 2011 has been developed and will be used to make an inventory plan for MPBC. Figure 1. QM output for given data. To keep the total costs as low as possible, the optimal order quantity should be maintained. This means an average inventory of 34.14. The Annual Setup cost and Annual Holding cost would both be $417,89. As a result, the total annual inventory cost is $835.78 (2 x 417.89). Discuss ROPs and total costs To determine the Reorder Point (ROP), the demand and the demand standard  deviation must be known. The demand is determined by dividing the total of the 2011 forecast by the number of months and the standard deviation is determined using Microsoft Excel. Figure 2. QM output for ROP As a result of the sum of the Demand standard deviation and the safety stock, the ROP is 76.89 which the inventory position at which an order should be placed. The total costs can be found in Figure 1. Annual inventory holding cost plus annual setup cost plus purchase cost gives the total cost of $45613.79. How can you address demand that is not at the level of the planning horizon According to the sample date, the determined demand shows there is not a so called level demand over the planning horizon. Therefore, the EOQ for an entire year should not be used due to seasonal sales. A planning horizon to use might be a quarterly planned horizon because this would be more evenly distributed and help make a plan for each segment. Reference Render, B., Stair, R. M., & Hanna, M. E. (2012). Quantitative analysis for management (11th edition). Pearson/Prentice Hall.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Employees training and development of hrm will influence the performance of an organization.

1. IntroductionNoe ( 2005 ) states that â€Å"Training and development is including activities that help cultivate employees ‘ accomplishments, cognition, and abilities. Trained employees have competences to run into the current and future demands of organisation. Through the preparation and intercession steps, the human resources sections help organisations to set up a high-performing, active and engaged workforce† . In the concern universe, preparation and development refers to back up internal human resource efficiency of excess surveies instruction and better the procedure in an organisation. Due to the preparation and development inseparable, these two words are by and large used to specify employee with each other in continuously better to accomplish a series of organisational ends. If without preparation and development plans, organisation may non be able to recognize their full potency. In most organisations, developing and development undertaking is to cover with human resource direction forces. This relationship depends on everybody ‘s communicating, cooperation and clear set of occupation accomplishments as defined by occupation descriptions among all degrees of the organisation. When an organisation ‘s values can do employees eager to accomplish their ends, so employee development program can be implemented to do this sort of circumstance occurrence ( Neo, 2005 ) . The intent of this assignment is speaking about how employees developing and development of HRM will act upon the public presentation of an organisation. I am traveling to happen out some groundss, provide literature reappraisals and through analysis to present how preparation and development influence organisational public presentation.2. Research QuestionThis assignment subject describes that how the employees preparation and development of HRM will act upon the public presentation of an organization.Training and development are of import constituents of human resource. This is a procedure in which the possible endowments and accomplishments of employees are honed and polished. The employees are trained on both the proficient facets of their occupations and on interpersonal accomplishments. This subject Lashkar-e-Taiba people cognize the employees preparation and development of importance in the human resource direction and what relationship between preparation development and public presentation of organisation is.3. Importance of StudyTraining and development is construction to assist employees to develop their personal and organisational accomplishments, cognition and the abilities. For all facets of human resource development, particularly, the most superior work force is the development, so that their organisations and single employees can make the work ends for client service. All employees want to be valuable at any times in the competitory labour market. This is merely manner can be achieved through staff preparation and development. All employees want to be valuable at any times in the competitory labour market. This is merely manner can be achieved through staff preparation and development. Employees ever want to for bettering career-enhancing accomplishments, which will ever take to the enthusiasm and keeping of the employees. there is no uncertainty that a good preparation and development employees will be a valuable plus to the organisation and Thus increasing chances of efficiency in executing his responsibilities ( Tobby,2011 ) . Training can be chiefly of two types in an organisation: Internal and external preparation class. When preparation is the internal preparation, it is including that organisation ‘s internal hour section or preparation section is utilizing a senior staff or any outstanding staff in specific sectors as a resource individual. On the other manus external preparation usually conducted outside the company, chiefly is organized preparation establishments or adviser. No affair which preparation, it is important for all staff and aid in constructing calling placement and readying of staff for greater challenges ( Tobby,2011 ) . The employer should enable staff to prosecute work preparation and development in a way that they choose and are interested in, non merely in assigned specific way. The organisations should back up the acquisition, in general, and non merely in support of the current cognition workers needed for the occupation or following expected. It should be noted that the cardinal factor is to guarantee employees engaged in the involvement of, go toing, and motivated and retained ( Adiele, 2009 ) . For every employee to execute good particularly directors or supervisors, there is demand for continued preparation and development. The right staff preparation, development and instruction offer large net income for the employer to the increased productiveness, cognition, trueness, and part to common growing of the organisation. In most instances, external preparation for the participants of the illustration provides a new manner to run into people in the same field and web. The meeting will give them a opportunity to compare jobs, happen out what is to obtain the other side environment. It decidedly will present positive alterations where necessary ( Adiele, 2009 ) .4. Literature Reappraisal4.1 background informationNoe ( 2005 ) states that â€Å"Traditionally, developing and development was non considered as an activity that could assist organisations to make â€Å"value† and cover with competitory challenges successfully. Nowadays, that position changed. Organizations use advanced preparation and development plans is likely to describe better fiscal public presentation than their challengers that non make. Training and development besides helps a company to run into competitory challenges. For case, as organisations tried to set new merchandises to market and adjust services just-in-time, employees need developing and cognition required every bit shortly as possible delivery.† At present, preparation and development dramas an of import function in assisting organisations run into some challenges. Therefore, organisations need to develop employees to work with individuals from different civilizations both in domestic and foreign people. If the preparation such as Web and multimedia, these new engineerings will cut down the costs associated with conveying employees to a cardinal location for preparation. In homology, these developing methods include the necessary conditions ( feedback, pattern, etc ) for larning to happen. Due to the development of the cyberspace, e-commerce has exploded on the concern scene. Organizations have already recognized that preparation and development activities can accommodate to the Internet, cut downing costs and increasing their effectivity, ensuing in the development of electronic acquisition ( Neo, 2005 ) . Training consequence has expanded beyond developing plan design. Effective instructional preparation is still of import, but more and more preparation directors, human resource experts and developing staff have been asked to make systems to actuate employees to larn, portion that cognition with other employees in the organisation. Training has moved from an accent on a erstwhile event to the creative activity of conditions for larning that can happen through coaction, online acquisition, traditional schoolroom preparation, or a combination of methods. There is increased acknowledgment that larning occurs without a formal preparation class ( Neo, 2005 ) .4.2 Key point 1 Better public presentation of the employeesTraining is a procedure of acquisition every bit good as the application of acquired cognition taking at better public presentation of the employees, while development involves non merely in relation to the procedure, but besides related to assist employees in set uping their personality, at the same clip as, better their advancement to recognize their full potencies. Training and development plans bring a immense alteration in footings of cognition, attitudes and behaviour of employees. Because of these plans, the employees are non merely familiar with what is expected of them and how they need to heighten their accomplishments and abilities, but besides it is a manner to finish the full organisation development, effectivity and efficiency in a coveted mode. The major advantages of Training and development plans are the employees who are non trained need more supervising than those who are trained.An employee will additions new cognition, accomplishments and attitudes and applies them in their work situations.Training is a sort of method to construct up assurance among the employees, so that they do n't hold any obstructor to run their undertakings. The intent of this plan is to salvage money, because the organisation is likely to bear heavy outgo on engaging new employees.This is besides one of the best ways to spread out the span of direction.4.3 Key point 2 Benefits for both the organisation and employeesThe benefits of Training are intangible and it is good for both sides that the organisation and employees for long-run investing in preparation. Training enhances the employees ‘ degree of accomplishments. It provides sense of satisfaction ; this is a sort of interior motive. The preparation besides provides a assortment of Sill ss employees. Training increases the employees ‘ committedness to their occupation and their organisation. It is better understanding of occupations reduces accidents ( Ansar, 2009 ) . The one of the most of import benefits of an organisational preparation is that it provides accomplishments within the organisation to cut down comprehensive cost of the organisational operations. Quality is one of the cardinal factors needed for endurance of an organisation in long term involvements. Entire Quality Management ( TQM ) and other quality direction techniques require employees ‘ preparation as an of import necessity for its successful execution ( Ansar, 2009 ) .4.4 Key point 3 Competitive leadTo accomplish competitory advantage from the organisational preparation and development, preparation and development section aid take insufficient or public presentation lacks in employee. It is peculiarly true when – ( 1 ) the lack is caused by a deficiency of ability instead than a deficiency of motive to execute, ( 2 ) the person ( s ) involved have the aptitude and motive demand to larn how to make the occupation better, and ( 3 ) supervisors and equals are supportive of the coveted behaviours ( Kumar, 2011 ) . An organisational preparation and development wages dividends to the employee and the organisation. Although there are no individual preparation plan benefits, the organisation committed to better its preparation and development to heighten its human resource capablenesss and strengthens its competitory advantages. Meanwhile, the employee ‘s personal and calling ends are furthered, by and large adding to his abilities and value to the employer. Ultimately, the aims of the human resource section are besides furthered ( Kumar, 2011 ) .4.5 Summary of Literature ReviewTraining and development is a really perfect manner to better the fight of an organisation. It besides enhances the employees ‘ accomplishments, abilities and many other facets. Actually, both of employees and organisation obtain the benefits. Training and development plan is one of the best ways to spread out the span of direction. It is besides to salvage money for organisation.5. Analysis5.1 Analysis for poin t1Well-trained, skilled employees are far better than those without preparation, and they have better calling ‘s chances. They will go competent and execute their assigned undertaking independently. For illustration, one time an untrained employee asked his friend who was trained, â€Å"I do n't believe developing plan is of any value. After all what you learn by it? † He replied, â€Å"We are trained even how to inquire inquiries and the art of effectual communicating which you seem to be lacking.†In fact, it ‘s interesting illustration, but it reveals the fact as preparation is covered all necessary accomplishments of the employees required in the workplace while actuating them to work in a coveted and capable manner ( zeromillion.com, 2011 ) . Internal preparation provides the accurate placement and demand with satisfaction of those demands so interwoven into current procedures and work flow. When a new job or facet of work is identified, developing and development provides prompt development of the employee accomplishments needed to get the hang this procedure. Besides that, the preparation and development gives instructional staff chance for immediate rectification of employee with errors in the workplace, immediate reappraisal, and more preparation ‘s designation. When preparation and development consequences have better consequence, employees tend to expose a greater sense of ownership and pride in their work. This can assist organisation to increasing productiveness and efficiency, at same clip, occupation satisfaction besides increases. Employees who are satisfied in their work are more likely to redouble their attempts and be more valuable to the company, which will in bend, put the organisation in a stronger place ( zeromillion.com, 2011 ) .5.2 Analysis for point 2Customer satisfaction increases repetition concern, this is a cardinal to success.Training will advance good client dealingss and harmonizing to preparation, organisation will increase client satisfaction and quality of service.â€Å"Just In Time† stress on waste decrease and production procedure of waiting time.Better preparation will cut down waste and machine down clip. A major portion of quality costs by supervising ; by supplying appropriate preparation this is reduc ed. Training improves productiveness of employees and procedures ( Ansar, 2009 ) . High staff turnover may be a serious menace to being of an organisation, preparation can cut down staff turnover and assist an organisation to retain its staff. Better preparation can do an organisation more competitory in concern market ( Ansar, 2009 ) . In a service industry organisation chief beginning of income is its employees professional cognition and the accomplishments, hold oning professional with high accomplishments is comparatively expensive than developing current employees to get those accomplishments. Training is besides a cardinal demand for new entry demands ; appropriate preparation helps them to understand their place, its demands and duties. Training will besides increase the understanding organisational civilization ( Ansar, 2009 ) . Training plans increases communicating between different degrees of an organization.Any deficit in procedures and working were canceled and those close to production processes become involve in the management.Employees ‘ authorization is a recent tendency in direction ( Ansar, 2009 ) .5.3 Analysis for point 3Competitive leadThere is greater flexibleness, capacity, stableness and for growing in an organization.Training provides employees at least in the stableness of two aspects.Trained employees go efficient.Efficient employees contribute to the organisation, particularly when growth.In add-on, well-trained employees tend to remain in the organisation. They seldom left the organization.All Renaissance mans can be transferred to any job.Therefore flexibleness is ensured.Growth indicates prosperity, which is reflected in increased net incomes from twelvemonth to year.Who else but well-trained employees can lend to the prosperity of an organisation? Harmonizing to preparation and development, accidents, bit and harm to machinery and equipment can be avoided or minimized.Even ailments, absenteeism, dissatisfaction and turnover can be reduced if employees are trained good. Because of preparation and development plans, the hereafter needs of employees will acquire satisfaction.Training serves as an effectual beginning of enlisting. Training is an investing in human resources with a promise of better returns in future. Therefore, organisations can acquire more competitory though the preparation and development ( Kumar, 2011 ) .5.4 Summary of analysesThey will go competent and execute their assigned undertaking independently. Training can cut down staff turnover and assist an organisation to retain its staff. Better preparation can do an organisation more competitory in concern market. Trained employees go efficient.Efficient employees contribute to the organisation. Finally, developing and development can convey a batch of benefits to both of organisation and em ployees.6. Conclusion & A ; Recommendation6.1 DecisionIn decision, we all know that preparation and development plans are of import for an organisation to develop the employee. When a kid was born he required changeless touch of parents till he stood on his ain feet.An organisation though flowered by picks of the society, still developing is required due to rapid technological up step and alteration in working methods every twenty-four hours. Training purposes at continued self-development of the employees. Employees are expected to develop themselves continuously in an organisation. When the employees in an organisation are developed from clip to clip with all updated cognition, so decidedly that organisation will turn to a greater tallness.6.2 RecommendationBoth employees and companies are concerned with developing future accomplishments and pull offing callings. Companies want a work force that is motivated and productive, has up-to-date accomplishments, and can rapidly larn new accomplishments to run into altering client demands. Employees want to develop accomplishments that non merely are utile for their current occupations but besides are congruous with their personal involvements and values. Employees are interested in developing accomplishments that can assist them stay employable with either their current employer or a future 1. Given the increasing clip demands of work, employees are besides interested in keeping balance between work and nonworking involvements.

Thomas Hobbes State of Nature

Thomas Hobbes’ â€Å"State of Nature† argument: Morality as a prerequisite for peaceful social co-existence I have chosen to write about what Thomas Hobbes’ calls â€Å"The State of Nature† and how morality is needed in order to maintain peace among different societies. I will begin by briefly describing â€Å"The State of Nature† argument and illuminate some of the basic features within this theoretical situation. Then, through the use of excerpts from Hobbes’ book The Leviathan I will give specific facts regarding the conditions of human life as expressed within the state of nature.Next, I will demonstrate how these specific facts caused Hobbes’ to conclude that human life within the state of nature will be ruled by constant fear of other people, otherwise known as the â€Å"state of war†. I will then offer solutions for individuals to escape such an unpleasant situation because the majority of humans would find that life unde r constant fear of being harmed is unacceptable. Next, I will discuss James Rachels’ beliefs concerning the two fundamental conditions that would ultimately allow people to escape the state of nature by enabling individuals to work together.Lastly, I will explain why by putting these two fundamental conditions in place it amounts to an agreement, known as the social contract, between people to obey the basic rules of morality; I will also define the term social contract. The state of nature argument suggests that people would naturally do whatever was necessary to obtain their wants and desires without considering the consequences of their actions; there are no innate moral values that control people’s actions nor is there pure good or evil.Hobbes’ writes that morality solves the issue of societies’ tendency of self-interest and is needed in order to promote a healthy, peaceful environment for all people (Rachels, 80). Hobbes’ believed that life in this manner would be short, hard, and nasty. He dreaded a life in which there would be â€Å"no industry, no society, no commodities, no letters, no arts, and no account of time† (Rachels, 81/Excerpt from The Leviathan). There are four basic facts about life which according to Hobbes’ would make life awful; they are the equality of need, scarcity, the essential equality of human power, and limited altruism (Rachels, 81).More specifically, these four facts highlight that all humans require the same basic things in order to survive such as food and shelter however the world is not equipped with the proper amount of these needed resources to supply all beings with and no one individual is entitled to a larger share of these goods than another human being because everyone is capable of being overpowered or outsmarted; lastly, this poses an issue because everyone will put the needs of themselves above others in times of conflict so all human beings must be able to stand up for themselves.No one person is ever more powerful than another human being however a person’s desire to power others poses a major concern; Hobbes’ believes that human life within the state of nature will be ruled by constant fear of others. Hobbes’ states that the worst result, stemming, of the state of nature argument is the â€Å"continual fear and danger of violent death† (Rachels, 81/Excerpt from The Leviathan). Hobbes maintained that the constant back-and-forth mediation between the emotion of fear and the emotion of hope is the defining principle of all human actions. Either fear or hope is present at all times in all people.In a famous passage of Leviathan, Hobbes states that the worst aspect of the state of nature is the â€Å"continual fear and danger of violent death. † In the state of nature, as Hobbes depicts it, humans intuitively desire to obtain as much power and â€Å"good† as they can, and there are no laws preventing the m from harming or killing others to attain what they desire. Thus, the state of nature is a state of constant war, wherein humans live in perpetual fear of one another. This fear, in combination with their faculties of reason, impels men to follow the fundamental law of nature and seek peace among each other.Peace is attained only by coming together to forge a social contract, whereby men consent to being ruled in a commonwealth governed by one supreme authority. Fear creates the chaos endemic to the state of nature, and fear upholds the peaceful order of the civil commonwealth. The contract that creates the commonwealth is forged because of people’s fear, and it is enforced by fear. Because the sovereign at the commonwealth’s head holds the power to bodily punish anyone who breaks the contract, the natural fear of such harm compels subjects to uphold the contract and submit to the sovereign’s will.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Lighting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Lighting - Essay Example The use of the low key light in the film also enhances the meeting of the director’s objectives which are to create suspense and fear in the audience. The use of the low key light contributed to the creation and advancement of the theme â€Å"horror† by setting the tone and mood as well as creating a treacherous relationship with mysteries through the created dull shades and shadows. Horror movies such as â€Å"The Mummy† rely on unnatural light to create suspense. The low key lighting system contributed significantly to the meeting of the objectives of the film. Watching â€Å"The Mummy† film lit with very bright light would have changed completely the mood of the film(Brooker, 2006). In conclusion, â€Å"the style of lighting helps in determining what type of movie is being presented† (Salamoff,2012, p.11). As a result of this, the choice of low key light in filming the film â€Å"The Mummy† contributed significantly towards creation of suspense as intended by the

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Bilingual Education in United State History Essay

Bilingual Education in United State History - Essay Example The influx of persons in the United States contributed a lot in shaping the policies that determined the Bilingual Education policy. The country witnessed many groups of people into the country like the natives, immigrants, and displaced people as a result of the World Wars amongst others. In this context, therefore, there was a dire need to lay procedures in place that would incorporate all these persons in the policies that surround Bilingual Education. In the colonial phase, the Bilingual Education schools, established before 1800, were not public and were mainly parochial schools. At this time, a great number of immigrants from Germany and France made a great initiative to come up with the Bilingual schools. Studies indicate that in these schools, English was taught amongst other subjects. Teipelke (p.1) indicates that these schools cannot be termed as bilingual schools, and probably non English schools would be a suitable name. In the mid 1850s, a mandate was passed by the Calif ornia Instruction Bureau that all schools should teach all subjects in English. By the 1870s, attempts to advance English in the country were seen. For instance, in St. Louis district, the school inspector, Mr. Harris, was gave the mandate to all teachers to start teaching English in kindergartens that incorporated German as the mode of instruction. In the late 1890s, the number of schools that used German as the mode of instruction recorded a downward trend. With this trend taking root in the United States, studies indicate that by the early 1900, there were numerous arguments that a good number of German immigrants needed to maintain their origins. The numbers of immigrants in the country were escalating; thus, a good number of individuals enrolled their children in German schools to acquire education in the German language. At this time, the United States had strengthened its muscle into joining the World War. Conflicts were evident among various countries. In relation to Bilingu al Education, key personalities of German origin needed complete abolition of German–English schools. In 1923, the State of Nebraska, following a court ruling, made a ruling that all schools in the state must use English as the only medium of instruction. All foreign languages were banned, and if needed to be taught, it had to be done after the 8th grade. English was made the first language of all persons in Nebraska, on the virtue that useful citizens can only be made through English. English was also made compulsory upon the basis that they would become good citizens and not jeopardize the state’s security. The period of 1927 was termed as the Farrington versus the Tokushige era. This era saw the upending of Hawaii’s restriction schools that taught foreign languages. In this era, parents of Japanese origin gave their arguments that they have the right to ensure their children access education despite the impositions that may be placed by the government. Most o f the parents argued that they are better placed to determine the kind of education their children should achieve, as compared to the government’s restriction. However, this was not bound to stop the government’s move to establish Bilingual Schools in the country. In the 1940s, the country witnessed a great expansion of the English Second Language programs. By 1963, the government had come up with Bilingual Educati

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Democracy, Equality, and the Supreme Court Essay

Democracy, Equality, and the Supreme Court - Essay Example Our regular elections work to keep the government in check as special interests, elected officials, political groups, and lobbyists jockey for the inside track at making laws and enacting policy. As these differing political and social forces meet, our civil society demands that their disagreements be settled peacefully and that the participants will honor the settlement. The real power of America's Democracy does not lie in the people, elected officials, special interests, or lobby groups. Our rule lies in our body of law and the constitution. Over the centuries, laws, rights, and freedoms have been challenged and debated. The US Supreme Court, the highest arbitrator in the land, has been the seat of responsibility for progress and the expression of these freedoms. Our individual and collective rights are protected and directed by the decisions made by the Court. We can measure and view our nation's progress by looking at the history of our Democracy through the court's decisions. The case of Marbury vs. Madison set the precedent that the Supreme Court would be the ultimate and final voice in constitutional questions and could void any law seen as contrary to the constitution. The court was further granted the power to determine the legality of the actions of the various branches of government and laid the foundation for the court's power, as well as our belief in a system guided by law and not men. Though the case was initiated over rather insignificant quarrels among the Republicans and Federalists, its effect has been paramount and enduring. Marbury vs, Madison has been the basis for bringing other landmark cases before the Supreme Court. The court had laid the groundwork as an arena to fight for individual rights as granted by the constitution. The case of Derd Scott vs. Sandford is an interesting case in that it was hoped that the court's decision would diminish further debate on the slavery issue. However, the court's finding that states could not outlaw slavery further divided the nation and led to the Civil War. Through great political pressure and deep differences, the court ruled that the constitution did not provide protection from slavery. This was not the failing of an unsympathetic court, it was a shortcoming in the constitution. But our founders had made provisions for the constitution to be fixed as the future would dictate. The decision ultimately led to the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments which constitutionally guaranteed citizenship and equal rights for African-Americans and former slaves. Other decisions by the court have been viewed by history as contrary to freedom and liberty. In some of these cases, the court has overturned a previous ruling as changing times have dictated. Two such cases were Plessey vs. Ferguson and Brown vs. Board of Education. Plessey vs. Ferguson argued for definition of equality as guaranteed by the 14th amendment. The case was brought when Plessey, a Louisiana black, was arrested for violating the Separate Car Act. He had challenged the law that legalized segregation in public transportation and elsewhere. The court upheld Louisiana's segregationist laws under a finding that came to be known as

Friday, July 26, 2019

Compare and Contrast the North American and European Perspectives on Essay

Compare and Contrast the North American and European Perspectives on Competitive Balance - Essay Example A higher competitive balance would be determined if the disparity of the league presentation is minimal in relation to the perfect league (Zimbalist, 508). Most persons have made sports as their professions through which, they earn their livelihood. Europe and North America are among the regions with significant ventures in sports. Both North America and Europe tend to expose their superiority in sports, but in unique ways. The regions show outstanding approaches on different types of sports such as football, boxing, basketball and athletics. North America and Europe possess similar elements in sports that are susceptible to evaluations to allow comparison and the determination of contrasts. The comparison of the sports between the two regions incorporates the balancing of the similar aspects of their sports process. The contrasts would entail the disparities in the elements of sports and the procedures incorporated in the regional sports of North America and Europe. Sporting teams i nvolve in a combined production during competition and the value of their results contributes to their product sold to the spectators. Sports are also unique because the predetermination of the results lowers the public’s turn up and decreases the demand. This exercise would incorporate the inclusion of credible examples to enhance the vividness of evaluated sports instances. European sports have postulated a significant dominance in one sport, the football. The football has become a source of aesthetics in the European countries such as England and Spain. Therefore, the European football has attracted many individuals from various regions of the globe. Consequently, the European football has undergone modifications in every aspect accompanied by enhanced degree of specializations. Europe possesses one of the largest markets of football kits and the football personalities. Europe has also the efficiently balanced football schedule that offers guidelines throughout the leagues throughout the sporting year (Zimbalist, 508). In contrast, the North America practices a diversified sports system in their competitions. The Americans have ensured minor disparities between different sports and activities. The North Americans have ensured proficient in other sports such as athletics, basketball, tennis and rugby. The consideration of different sports equally might attribute to better economic welfare since there are more sources of revenue to the states. The sports also exhibit different competitive balances in their performance equally. For instance, the National Basketball Association has attained two champions, the Celtics who dominated in 1959 and ten years after and the 76ers, which won thereafter. Other teams have also surfaced in the championships winnings such as the Lakers, Pockets and Pistons, bulls. This competition in basketball also shows that the North Americans engage actively in more than one sport, unlike the Europe. The European sports exhibit a significant degree of flexibility regarding the teams participating in tournaments and leagues. The European football leagues entail the pyramid system, which allows for the appreciation and depreciation of ranks of the teams basing on performance. The European leagues exist in different categories for instance

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Seismic Hazards In the Region of Japan and Indonesia Essay

Seismic Hazards In the Region of Japan and Indonesia - Essay Example ‘Seismic Hazards’ and ‘Seismic Risks’ are often confused with one another. Seismic hazards may also be defined as any physical phenomena (for example, ground shaking) that are associated with an earthquake and that may produce adverse effects on human activities. It is restricted to the study of likely earthquake ground motions at any point on the earth. Seismic risk constitutes the results of a seismic hazard analysis, including both the consequence and the probability. Seismic risk is used to describe earthquake effects that include ground shaking, surface faulting, landslide, and economic loss and casualties (Algermissen 1). The following statement may help to distinguish between a hazard and a risk: Â   Â  A building located in a region of high seismic hazard is at lower risk if it is built on the basis of sound seismic engineering principles; whereas, a building located in a low seismic hazard zone is said to possess a high risk if not built in accord ance to the seismic engineering principles applicable to that zone.‘Seismic Hazards’ and ‘Seismic Risks’ are often confused with one another. Seismic hazards may also be defined as any physical phenomena (for example, ground shaking) that are associated with an earthquake and that may produce adverse effects on human activities. It is restricted to the study of likely earthquake ground motions at any point on the earth. Seismic risk constitutes the results of a seismic hazard analysis, including both the consequence and the probability. Seismic risk is used to describe earthquake effects that include ground shaking, surface faulting, landslide, and economic loss and casualties (Algermissen 1). The following statement may help to distinguish between a hazard and a risk: A building located in a region of high seismic hazard is at lower risk if it is built on the basis of sound seismic engineering principles; whereas, a building located in a low seismic hazard zone is said to possess a high risk if not built in accordance to the seismic engineering principles applicable to that zone. Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) PSHA quantifies the probability, rather the rate, of exceeding the level of various ground motions at a site given all possible earthquakes (Field). Cornell was the first seismologist to develop this numerical approach to PSHA in 1968. PSHA involves three steps: 1. Specification of the seismic-hazard source model. 2. Specification of the ground motion model. 3. The probabilistic calculation. Hazard curves developed through PSHA show the likelihood of exceeding the various ground motion values at a specific site; on a typical hazard curve 10% probability of exceedance in 50 years is considered as one point. Actually, there is no alternative for a hazard curve to compare hazards at different locations. These curves are crucial in helping us to understand different types of ground motions. Not only this, the hazard c urve helps to determine the expected losses. Losses can occur from both frequent smaller events or from less frequent large events. An annual rate of exceedance versus peak ground acceleration (PGA) is defined as a hazard curve plot. An example is shown below: Seismic Hazard Analysis of Japan A group of island arcs related to various subduction zones constitute Japan. These islands stretch from the Kurile Islands in the northeast to the Ryukyu chain in the south. Japan uses its own seismic scale, in units of Shindo, to measure the strength of earthquakes. The JMA scale differs from other seismic scales in the way that it describes the degree of shaking at a given point on the Earth's surface. The magnitude of JMA scale is measured between 0 and 7. The JMA reports of earthquake level are based on the peak ground acceleration (PGA). A relationship of Shindo Number along with PGA and the effects on people, Ground and Slopes and Outdoor Situations (JMA) is represented in the Table below : Shindo Number Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) People Grounds & Slopes Outdoor Situations 0 Less than 0.008 m/s? Imperceptible to people. 1 0.00

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Build and Sustain an Innovative Work Environment Assignment - 3

Build and Sustain an Innovative Work Environment - Assignment Example According to the requirements of the user of the system in the microfinance business, especially in the accounting department where the data of the staffs or workers need to be maintained therefore brought ideas in their mind to develop the system that will keep the data in the database system of the workers (Kroenke & Aeur, 2014). The innovation goals toward coming up with the database management system came due to the how the work was tiresome in getting the details for the workers or staffs therefore resulted to the system designer and analyst contribute their creativity in coming up with the system that will manage staffs database efficiently and that will save time when accessing their data. The stakeholders of the microfinance business involved the database managers, network managers, accountants, and others staff holders. After making that innovation goal proposal, it’s shared among the business stakeholders for them to raise their views over the proposed innovation sys tem suggested During the management of the innovation process, it involved various phases of system development, i.e. gathering the specific user requirements, performing through analysis and designing the logical design and physical design depending on the user requirements indicated from the structured requirements document (Jefferson, 1999). The database designer, system analyst and system designer cooperates in ensuring the innovation process goes well and as expected and making sure that it is being developed according to the needs of the user. Therefore, according to the accounting department in the microfinance business, there has been need for ensuring database for the staffs is stored electronically rather than manually, this organizations goal motivated them to become creative in coming up with the need to develop a database management system (Wang & Global, 2012). During the implementation plan, it involves designing the solution scenarios

EEOC Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

EEOC - Essay Example EEOC is a regulatory or a supervising body which is awarded with the function of ensuring that laws that are federal in nature are being followed by organization. These laws have made discrimination based on various aspects completely illegal. The main responsibility in the case of age discrimination of EEOC is to work as an investigator of age related discrimination charges that have been levied on employers who have at least 20 people working in their workforce (Findlaw, 2014). Once the investigate and figure out that charges levied are true, the EEOC tries to settle the case with the employer and if the charge settlement does not take place then EEOC files a law suit from the side of the employee who has experienced discriminatory practices. They even play the role of educator and they try to make sure that age related discriminatory practices do not occur by educating the employers and employees. In case of age related discrimination the federal laws state that it is the role of the employer to not to fire or hire or make decisions regarding compensation, benefits and training for employers on the basis of their respective age. But these laws are only limited to employees and applicants who age between 40 and 65. The law clearly states that employees should not be divided and provided less burdens and benefits in contrast to their age, and this clause even includes discrimination that is related to age and is conducted in terms of paying wages (Eeoc.gov, 2014). Employers are even restricted from printing as well as publishing material that is considered discriminatory on the basis of age. For example: employers may advertise positions based on ages and may restrict those who are above 40 from applying. Such advertisements are considered unlawful. The law even states that elements such as retirement as well as insurance plan should not even influence an

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

I have to choose a topic pertaining to software security or security Research Paper

I have to choose a topic pertaining to software security or security when it comes to programming - Research Paper Example On the other hand, the majority of software development firms as well as individuals believes that implementing security related features of a software or software development entirely is a post development activity and it has nothing to do within the software development lifecycle. In this scenario, software companies and end-users have to face severe issues and threats because of unaddressed security and privacy based issues in their software development life cycles and ultimately in resulting products. Thus, these serious issues and challenges invite the researchers and technology experts to recognize or build more efficient and effective approaches for ensuring the secure software development process as well as secure software products. The basic purpose of this paper is to address some of the significant aspects associated with â€Å"secure software development†. This paper outlines some the important aspects and factors that can affect the software development process. T he scope of this paper also covers a discussion on the reasons that can cause various security based threats and issues within the software development process. ... In the past few years, software applications are more and more facing both internal and external threats. The result that could be derived from this statement is that the software applications are still being developed with development errors and issues that make them vulnerable to security threats. In fact, this as aspect has turned out to be more serious for the reason that majority of the business organizations, governments and individuals at the present heavily rely on these software applications in order to carry out their daily tasks. On the other hand, the condition turns out to be further critical when these software applications have to be used critical and serious operations such as atomic energy or medical systems. Seeing the importance of security of software applications or software development process, the majority of organizations throughout the world have started to pay more and more attention to improving the security of software applications. Given that customers (s uch as organizations) have practiced unsuccessful security breaches, therefore it has increased disturbance and awareness regarding software development (Devanbu & Stubblebine, 2000; Kumar, 2009; Davis, Humphrey, Redwine, & Zibulski, 2004). The research has shown that in order to develop secure software applications, software development firms should perform various activities such as they should study and adopt secure software development approaches as well as follow them all the way through the software development lifecycle. In their paper (Devanbu and Stubblebine) discuss a variety of security concerns and guidelines in order to improve the software development process. According to their viewpoint, software development firms should make sure that they consider security

Monday, July 22, 2019

Matrix Essay Example for Free

Matrix Essay Paradoxical Hero In the movie The Matrix, the main character, Neo or Mr. Anderson, is liberated from his role as a slave to sentient machines by Morpheus, Neo’s supporter and leader, who later tells him the truth that, â€Å"the Matrix is everywhere†, functioning like an ideology. Morpheus tells Neo that, The Matrix is a system, Neo. That system is our enemy. But when youre inside, you look around, what do you see? Businessmen, teachers, lawyers, carpenters. The very minds of the people we are trying to save. But until we do, these people are still a part of that system, and that makes them our enemy. You have to understand, most of these people are not ready to be unplugged. And many of them are so inured, so hopelessly dependent on the system, that they will fight to protect it. (Matrix) Morpheus goes on to satisfy Neo’s doubts by reminding him of the feelings he had within the Matrix that, â€Å"theres something wrong with the world, [†¦] like a splinter in [the] mind, driving [one] mad†. Neo, is distraught to the notion that the world he knew is a fabricated lie or â€Å"Camera Obscura,† mirroring a past world created by sentient machines in order to use his body heat for energy, in the post apocalyptic world of the late 22nd Century (Marx168). After Neo accepts the reality of his situation Morpheus then tells him that he is the â€Å"one†, or the individual who has the ability to defeat the machines and free humanity. Neo prematurely denies this title yet slowly acknowledges the concept of the Matrix and his connection to it but becomes painfully aware that, â€Å"there is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path(Matrix). Neo later accepts the role of the â€Å"one† and begins to display the qualities of a hero, with respect to his ability to alter the Matrix, but in his promise to save humanity some problems arise when one realizes the magnitude of the duty that is upon him. Though the character of Neo may not be seen as a heroic figure, because of his lack of power to change the mode of production and division of labor with regards to the â€Å"real† world, those are blinded by Karl Marx’s definition of revolution and choosing to ignore how it applies to Neo’s ability with such a fragile situation where the sudden realization of alienation among enslaved humans could bring either hope or despair. The Matrix â€Å"is a ‘representation’ of the imaginary relationship of individuals to their real condition of existence,† for the illusion of the Matrix is a mirror to the real world of the ‘pod’ person’s, i. . slaves of the machine, existence (Althusser53). Within the Matrix there is no escape for, â€Å"the Matrix is the world that has been pulled over [ones] eyes to blind [one] from the truth† that the real existence of those living within the Matrix are slaves. The Matrix and â€Å"real† world are corollaries of each other, for in both you are a slave to the machine, whether it is physical or ideological. In the Matrix you are subject to the ISA’s (Ideological State Apparatus) or the culmination of contrived social influences on ones life e. g. family, the media, religious organization and etc. while in the â€Å"real† world you are subject to the RSA (Repressive State Apparatus) or the machines who control and monitor ones existence (Althusser). Both the ISA and RSA in the film, The Matrix, use ideology and repression, though one more than the other, to mask the identify of those it is controlling by obscuring the inverted mode of production and division of labor as slaves. In Neo’s last speech to the machines he says, Im going to show these people what you dont want them to see. Im going to show them a world †¦ without you. A world without rules and controls, without borders or boundaries; a world where anything is possible. Where we go from there is a choice I leave to you. (Matrix) The contradiction in his motives arises from the reality of humanities dependence on machines for, â€Å"throughout human history, [humans] have been dependent on machines to survive. Fate, it seems, is not without a sense of irony†(Matrix). So the problem appears as to how Neo is going to change the way people create their physical existence if the rest of humanity is dependent on the slave’s byproduct of heat to support the machines.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Principles and Practices of Classroom Management

Principles and Practices of Classroom Management Challenging behaviour children are children that disrupts, annoy or get into a disagreement with other people, be it the teachers or their peers. Some also do not interact with the others (McTiernan, 2011). Positive behaviour is being sociable with peers and being able to listen to instructions. In a class, there are bound to have a mixture of both positive and challenging behaviour. Management of the challenging or positive behaviour of children is not the only influence for the child’s behaviour. The arrangement of the physical space also does matter. Different environment is needed for different kind of activities, when the children is doing languages or maths, a quiet environment is needed as the children needs to think and absorb the information. However, when it is time for play, the environment would be noisy. These two activities need to be put at a separated place as the noisy activities might disrupt the quiet activities. In the childcare centre that I am attached in, the quiet and noisy activities are separated. When they arrange the activities in this way, the children would develop a positive behaviour as they feel comfortable in what they are doing. Shelves used in childcare or kindergartens should be low as it is crucial for the teacher to keep their eyes on the children at all times. Shelves are used as a partition for different learning centres and storage space in a childcare or kindergarten (Hodge, 1997, p.10). The shelves in the childcare centre that I am attached in also has low shelves so that the teacher can always see the children and the children can also reach for the toys easily. When the teacher keep an eye on the children at all times, it would prevent challenging behaviour as the children knows that they are being watched by their teachers. Tapes are also used as a sign for boundaries, some centres also has footprints to show the children some pathways from a certain place to another (Kaiser, Rasminsky, 2007, p.105). However, there isn’t any tapes nor foot prints in the childcare I am attached to. Therefore, it does not seem to have any boundary for any learning corners. This triggers challenging behaviour as children not to know where the different centres are and they will start to be rowdy. Social context is when there is friendliness, cooperation and cohesiveness involved. With this three components, it would add up to a sense of community. A community is where one can feel a sense of belong and they all work towards a goal that they all have. When children are friendly with each other, challenging behaviour will not occur so often. This is so as they feel that they are included and they will feel happy. Cooperation is essential in preventing challenging behaviour as with cooperative activities, children with challenging behaviour would tend to behave not so aggressive and corporate (Kaiser, Raminsky, 2010). Being a teacher would mean that there is a need for one to set a good example for the students. They should be caring and be able to lend a listening ear to the children. When the children see that their teachers are so friendly, they will then feel encouraged to behave positively. When children behave positively, challenging behaviour can then be prevented. A relationship between the teacher and student should also be built up. To do so, one should be fair to each and every student and make an effort to know about each student’s background. As a teacher, it is also very important to listen to every student. It should also be necessary to set out some behaviour that is expected from the children. When the children feels that the teacher has built up a relationship with them, it is less likely for them to have a challenging behaviour. As they feel that you are very friendly, they will build up a positive behaviour. However, being friendly is important but one should be careful about not letting the children think that you are their friend instead of teacher as this would lead to them not taking what you say seriously (Smith, Yell, 2013). In different childcare or kindergartens, different strategies are used by teachers in managing classes. Below are two strategies that I have observed the teachers used. Of which one is a rule and one is a routine. Although strategies are supposedly workable, however, there are also times where strategies does not work. In the childcare centre that I am attached to, there are some unique actions made to catch the children’s attention. One of the strategies I observed is that during lessons or storybook reading time, when the children are getting restless and becoming rowdy, the teacher would clap her hands to any tune and most of the children will mimic what is being clapped. However, the corporation of the children depends on how rowdy they are. If they are really rowdy, only some will clap to the tune while the rest continues to be noisy. I have observed that the â€Å"clap to the tune† method only works for a maximum of two to three times. After that, another strategy must be used to capture the children’s attention. I think that this happens as the children gets bored with the method at the third time. The second strategy is actually a rule. There is a rule saying that after every meal, the floor must be swept and the tables must be cleaned by the students. When it was my first day in the childcare centre, I was actually very shocked to see the children all wanting to sweep the floor and clean the tables. I at first thought that they were rewarded after that. However, they were not. After much thinking, I finally understood why they would be so spontaneous. They already take it as a daily routine, to them, it is like bathing or eating. In independent work, much considerations must be made in order for the children to be interested and thus get the motivation to finish that piece of work. The work should be challenging but achievable. This is so as it is important to let children feel a sense of achievement when they first do it. If they fail at the first time, they will not want to do it again the next time. This means that if the child is 5 years old, do not give anything that a 7 year old would do. This is so as they will not know how to do and would not be motivated to finish the work given when they feel that they do not know how to do. Work should also be given according to the child’s interest. For example, if the child is interested in animals, you could provide the child with some paper and recycled materials for him/her to create an animal he or she likes (Weinstein, Romano Mignano, 2011, p.256). The objectives in a small group activity is to let the children learn how to have teamwork and how to help one another. Therefore, the work given should include factors of teamwork. If possible, create an activity that the factor of teamwork is mandatory. Another considerations that must be made is that to help the children team up, this means that one should make sure that they do not mix with the same group of people all the time. This would lead to segregation in the class as over time, they will not want to mix with the other peers. The aim of a small group work is for everybody to mix around, if they only mix with their peers then it would defeat the purpose of a small group work (Weinstein, Romano Mignano, 2011, p.277). I have observed that in the childcare centre that I am attached to, they would try to mix the children around for group work. The last important thing is to make sure no student tries to free load. It is essential to put different children with different strength together so that all of them would have a chance to do something. For example, put a student with good creative but does not have much of a patience with a student that has patience but not much of a creativity (Weinstein, C. S, Romano, M. E. Mignano, A. J., 2011, pg. 278).

Saturday, July 20, 2019

A Definition Of Postnatal Depression Nursing Essay

A Definition Of Postnatal Depression Nursing Essay One of the prime factors is considered to be the sudden postnatal drop in progesterone levels in the post partum days. (Nappi et al 2001) The placenta is responsible for the vast majority of circulating progesterone during pregnancy and its delivery is effectively responsible for the precipitate drop in levels post partum. There may also be other related hormonal changes including the fluctuations in prolactin levels (Hendrick et al 1998) and falling oestrogen and cortisol levels. (Halari et al. 2004) Symptoms can initially include irritability, tearfulness, insomnia, hypochondriasis, headache and impairment of concentration. There is a maximal incidence of these symptoms on about the fifth post partum day and these can progress to frank depressive symptoms over a variable period. (Ramsay et al 1995). There are various tools that can be used to measure the degree of depression and these include the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale,(Cox et al 1987), The Stein scale for maternity blues, (Stein 1980) and the Beck depression rating inventory. (Beck et al 1961) Key issues affecting vulnerable patients There have been a number of studies that look at the effectiveness of treatment of postnatal depression. One of the most recent publications (Dennis 2005) provides a meta-analysis of the factors which influence the outcome in the condition. The author concluded that the only strategy that was shown to have a clear preventative effect was intensive post-partum support from the healthcare professionals involved in the case. Curiously, this was found to be more effective than similar regimes which included an ante-natal component as well. The morbidity associated with postnatal depression has a number of potential consequences not only for the mother, but also the child and the rest of the family as well. (Oakley et al 1996) One of the most significant is the fact that one episode of postnatal depression is the greatest predictor (or risk factor) for another episode after subsequent pregnancies. The children are likely to have difficulties because of possible problems with bonding and the mothers possible negative perceptions of the behaviour of the children. (Cooper Murray 1997) Some studies have shown that mothers with postnatal depression have derived beneficial help from social support during pregnancy. (Ray et al 2000). It would therefore appear that the key issues in this area are identification of the predictive factors that make postnatal depression more likely and then the provision of prompt supportive measures if those factors are established. Local resources for support Apart from the more traditional resources of the primary healthcare team of the General Practice the Midwife and the Health Visitor, some centres have tried experiments with postnatal support worker provision (Morrell 2000). This particular study found that the patients found an high level of satisfaction with the service but no more so than with the services provided by the rest of the primary healthcare team. Analysis of the results showed that the postnatal support worker helped to achieve higher levels of breast feeding, but had little impact on the severity or frequency of postnatal depression. One significant factor that was found, however, was that support from a partner was a significant positive factor in preventing severe postnatal depression. Communication strategies Several recent studies have shown that healthcare professionals often fail to spot the signs of postnatal depression. (Bick et al 1995). Making the diagnosis is obviously the prerequisite of establishing a treatment regime so it is clearly vital for all healthcare professionals to be on their guard for warning signs sleep disturbance, irritability, mood swings and irrationality. (Ramsay et al 1995) Reflection and reflective practice is a vital part of effective nursing. (Gibbs 1998) . Each healthcare professional should ideally reflect upon their management of each individual case to decide whether they were communicating optimally with the patient and that they were fully receptive to all that was on the patients agenda. Communication is a two-way modality. Bulman (et al.2004) points to the need to understand, at a deeper level, just what it is the message that the patient is taking away from any interaction. Communication is therefore vital in the strategy to empower and educate the vulnerable patient. Role of midwife and Health Visitor The new mother is often at the centre of an emotional rollercoaster. The sudden culmination of nine months of expectation results (frequently) in a flurry of support from healthcare professionals and family, which then rapidly evaporates and the mother is left to deal with the new situation which is frequently stressful. (Kitzman et al 1997) The midwife can obviously help by preparing the ground in the antenatal period and offering support in the immediate postnatal period. (Dennis 2005). The health visitor is probably better placed to be aware of any developing warning signals that postnatal depression is developing, as they are likely to be in contact with the patient during the high risk period. (Cooper Murray 1995). It has been suggested that encouragement of the mother to attend the health visitor clinic rather than to have home visits is a positive way of encouraging social inclusion. (Seeley et al 1996) Studies which have looked at the cost-effectiveness of using community postnatal support service workers have shown no benefit over the more traditional midwife and Health Visitor support. (Morrell et al 2000) Back to: Essay Examples References Affonso DD, De AK, Horowitz JA, Mayberry LJ. 2000 An international study exploring levels of postpartum depressive symptomatology. J Psychosom Res 2000;49: 207-16. Beck AT, Ward CH, Mendelson M, Mock J, Baugh J. 1961 An inventory for measuring depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1961;4:561-71. Bick D, MacArthur C. 1995 The extent, severity and effect of health problems after childbirth. Br J Midwifery 1995; 3: 27-31 Bulman Schultz 2004 Reflective Practice in Nursing The Growth of the Professional Practitioner Third Edition Edited By: CHRIS BULMAN, School of Health Care, Oxford Brookes University SUE SCHUTZ, Oxford Brookes University 2004 Cooper Murra 1995 Course and recurrence of postnatal depression. Evidence for the specificity of the diagnostic concept The British Journal of Psychiatry 166: 191-195 (1995) Cooper P, Murray L. 1997 Prediction, detection, and treatment of postnatal depression. Arch Dis Child 1997;77: 97-9 Cox JL, Holden JM, Sagovsky R. 1987 Detection of post-natal depression. Development of the 10-item Edinburgh post-natal depression scale. Br J Psychiatry 1987;150:782-6. Dennis C-L. 2005 Psychosocial and psychological interventions for prevention of postnatal depression: systematic review BMJ, Jul 2005; 331: 15. Gibbs, G (1998) Learning by doing: A guide to Teaching and Learning methods EMU Oxford Brookes University, Oxford. 1998 Halari, V. Kumari, R. Mehrotra, M. Wheeler, M. Hines, and T. Sharma 2004 The Relationship of Sex Hormones and Cortisol with Cognitive functioning in Schizophrenia J Psychopharmacol, September 1, 2004; 18(3): 366 374. Hendrick, L. L. Altshuler, and R. Suri 1998 Hormonal Changes in the Postpartum and Implications for Postpartum Depression Psychosomatics, April 1, 1998; 39(2): 93 101 Kitzman H, Olds DL, Henderson CR, Hanks C, Cole R, Tatelbaum R, et al. L 1997 Effect of prenatal and infancy home visitation by nurses on pregnancy outcomes, childhood injuries, and repeated childbearing. JAMA 1997; 278: 644-652 Nappi, F. Petraglia, S. Luisi, F. Polatti, C. Farina, and A. R. Genazzani 2001 Serum Allopregnanolone in Women With Postpartum Blues Obstet. Gynecol., January 1, 2001; 97(1): 77 80. Oakley A, Hickey D, Rajan L. 1996 Social support in pregnancy: does it have long-term effects? J Reprod Infant Psychol 1996; 14: 7-22. Oates MR, Cox JL, Neema S, Asten P, Glangeaud-Freudenthal N, Figueiredo B, et al. 2004 Postnatal depression across countries and cultures: a qualitative study. Br J Psychiatry Suppl 2004;46: s10-6. OHara M, Swain A. 1996 Rates and risk of postpartum depressiona meta-analysis. Int Rev Psychiatry 1996;8: 37-54. Ramsay. R and T. Fahy 1995 Recent Advances: Psychiatry BMJ, July 15, 1995; 311(6998): 167 170. Ray KL, Hodnett ED. 2000 Caregiver support for postpartum depression. In: Cochrane Collaboration,ed. Cochrane Library. Issue 1. Oxford: Update Software, 2000. Seeley S, Murray L, Cooper PJ. 1996 The outcome for mothers and babies of health visitor intervention. Health Visitor 1996;69:135-138. Stein GS. 1980 The pattern of mental change and body weight in the first post partum week. J Psychosom Res 1980;24:1165-71.

Essay --

The function of proto-oncogenes in cells is to dictate the specific cell type and how often it divides. So, a proto-oncogene that undergoes a mutation â€Å"may† become an oncogene. Just because a gene undergoes a mutation does not make it a malignancy. Normally, cells that undergo mutations are detected and destroyed. However, the undetected/discovered oncogene are believed to contribute to the possibility and probability of developing cancer. â€Å"Normal genes, or proto-oncogenes, are transformed into activated oncogenes in certain malignancies through the actions of viruses, irradiation, or excessive amounts of new genetic material through amplification or over expression of the involved gene† (Neville, 2009). Furthermore, there are several well identified behavioral factors that increase the rate of development of oncogenes. â€Å"It’s major risk factors in the western world include smoking and drinking alcohol, whereas in Asia, it is primarily caused by tobacco/arecanut/betel leaf chewing and/or human papilloma virus (HPV) infections† (Mishra, 2012). Proto-oncogenes can be induced to undergo a mutation and form an oncogene in a variety of ways. â€Å"Before oral cancer appears, it undergoes several stages of oral premalignant lesions (OPLs) with varying types of dysplasia. Though these OPLs are very common precursors of OSCC, some oral cancers appear de novo from histologically normal oral epithelium. Oral cancer is very aggressive and commonly migrates invading distant organs.† (Mishra, 2012). Currently, the primary method of detecting oral cancers is via visual inspection/exam. However, it is essentially impossible to visually detect cellular changes that progress to the development of a malignancy. â€Å"Pain is a common symptom in oral cancer... ...iagnostic techniques than visual inspection, so that we can treat oral cancers sooner. Even with the current treatment option(s) biopsy/radiation/chemotherapy, earlier and better detection will surely improve the prognosis for oral cancers. â€Å"The overall 5-year survival rate in OSCC has not significantly increased in the last few years. The overall and disease-free survival rates are 56% and 58%, respectively. The most important task is to establish an early diagnosis at the first stages of the disease,† (Jose Bagan, 2010). â€Å"Although the epidemiology of oral cancer is well-established, the prognosis and survival rates for oral cancer patients have not improved significantly over the past three decades, (S.C. Cheong, 2009). Lastly, a better understanding of oncogenes for oral cancer will have additional benefits for diagnosing/managing/treating other forms of cancer.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Comparing Existentialist Values in The Metamorphosis and The Stranger (The Outsider) :: comparison compare contrast essays

The Metamorphosis and The Stranger - Existentialist Values Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis and Albert Camus' The Stranger, both feature protagonists in situations out of which arise existentialist values. Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one's acts . In The Metamorphosis the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, realizes his existentialism towards the end of the novella. In contrast, Monsieur Meursault, the protagonist in The Stranger, knows of his existentialism, only realizing his life's lack of meaning moments after he is sentenced to death. Despite the somewhat absurd nature of The Metamorphosis, and the realistic nature of The Stranger, similar values are communicated to the reader. The easiest to pick out being that it is up to the individual to create his/her own life, and that the inhuman behaviour presented by both protagonists will eventually lead to very bad things; namely death in both novellas. These deaths are, however, very different, as are the methods through which Kafka and Camus have made each novel nothing but `a philosophy put into images' . Meursault (the narrator) in The Stranger only sees and only wants to see the absolute truth in society. The readers first encounter with him... Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe, I don't know. I got a telegram from the home: "Mother deceased. Funeral tomorrow. Faithfully yours." That doesn't mean Anything. Maybe it was yesterday . ...immediately gives an impression of a lack of emotion towards the demise of his mother. This lack of emotion highlights the existentialist ideal that we all die, so it doesn't matter what life we have while we are alive. We simply exist, as did Meursault. It becomes apparent, as the novella unfolds, that Meursault has acquired an animal like indifference towards society. His interactions with his neighbour Raymond are an example of his indifferences. It never dawns upon Meursault that society does not condone his interactions with the pimp, avoided by his community. Meursault simply acts to fill his time. Being a single man, he has a lot of time to fill, and finds the weekends passing particularly slowly.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Industry analysis on ABS-CBN

Lopez  family-controlled ABS-CBN Corp. said it expects profitability throughout the year with the support of its airtime revenue after gaining in the first quarter of the year. In a briefing, Geronimo C. Estacio, ABS-CBN officer in charge for Finance, said profits for the full-year of 2006 may come from its airtime revenue, given the higher rating of the network’s primetime shows. Estacio said ABS-CBN posted a net income of P121 million in the first quarter of the year from P132-million losses in the same period in 2005. In the first three months of the year, ABS-CBN audience share averaged 32 percent compared with 43 percent of its rival GMA channel 7. On primetime, ABS posted 35 percent share from 36 percent compared with GMA’s 43 percent from 46 percent. The company attributed its profit turnaround to the lower cost base that resulted from last year’s manpower optimization and judicious production cost spending, as well as from license fees for the migration of North American DTH (direct-to-home) subscribers to DirectTVs platform. License fees from DTH amounting to P409 million were booked in the first quarter of the year. Total subscriber base of ABS-CBN Global grew by 22 percent year on year, which translates to 2. 1 million viewers worldwide by-end March. The Lopez-led company also said airtime revenues, which accounts for 60 percent of the total, grew 4 percent to P2. 26 billion in the first quarter of the year from P2. 18 billion in the same period in 2005 as it continued to strengthen its primetime programs. Gross revenue rose by 14 percent to P3. 95 billion, driven by license fees from DirectTV and higher airtime revenues. When Kris Aquino announced she and co-host Korina Sanchez might be in the United States late this year to tape some of their â€Å"Morning Girls† daily show, ABS-CBN International (NA) received lots of calls for the specific dates. â€Å"The response was amazing even if nothing has been firmed up,† said Rene Encarnacion, senior vice-president for international operations of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. and managing director of ABS-CBN Global Ltd. ABS-CBN International is one of four subsidiaries of Global, which is, in turn, a wholly owned subsidiary of ABS-CBN Broadcasting. With access to 25% of total Filipino-American households, ABS-CBN International accounts for 70% of gross revenues generated by Global. â€Å"The North American operations used to account for 85% of total revenues but that has happily dropped as we follow Filipinos abroad. There are Filipinos working in every country in the world except Bhutan,† said Encarnacion. Using a market yardstick of between 50,000 to 70,000 households, each household made up of five to six people, Global has presence in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe. In Asia, the company works with local partners. It services Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates through subsidiary, ABS-CBN Dubai; and England, Germany and Italy through another subsidiary, ABS-CBN Europe. â€Å"The Filipino-American market is so huge, there’s still a lot of penetration to do. Just maintaining our 25% market means we’re already growing. This is not a transient market; they are in the US for good and they have large disposable incomes,† said Encarnacion. Bundling Entertainment accounts for 65% of Global’s product mix. The company maintains four channels, which are either directly beamed to the homes of subscribers or by satellite. These channels are segmented by content, offering 24-hour news, the best of Channel 2 shows, and Philippine movies as well as sports and culture. Global pays royalties to ABS-CBN Broadcasting and its content-producing subsidiaries. It also sources other suppliers of content, such as the Philippine Basketball Association. Global holds the international broadcast rights for the PBA games. In a classic bundling strategy, the company has built on its existing relationship with customers to push non-entertainment products, all of which are billed through one cable statement. The nature of technology opens so many opportunities. We have become a distribution one-stop for everything from entertainment to courier services to retailing Philippine-made products to our customers. It’s a convenient pipeline that other Philippine media companies have not yet fully exploited,† said Encarnacion. Global also sells pre-paid US-to-the-Philippines cards which offer 60 minutes to 100 minutes of telephone use. The cards are offered to retailers for private labeling or sold in-house under the brand name, Sarimanok. Arm’s length Global was incorporated in the Cayman Islands last year, although its North American subsidiary has been in business for the past nine years. Consolidating ABS-CBN’s international operation is part of the strategy to sell Global shares through an initial public offering two or three years from now. Part of the proceeds will pay off the $25 million advanced by ABS-CBN Broadcasting, mainly to put up the transmission infrastructure. â€Å"We have an arm’s length relationship with our parent company. It’s important that we show we can and have been going it alone,† said Encarnacion. The company generated in excess of $40 million in gross revenues in 2002, accounting for close to 70% of total revenues generated by all ABS-CBN subsidiaries. On a consolidated basis, subsidiaries accounted for 20% of ABS-CBN’s total revenues in 2002. Money-makers This year, Global sees a 20% growth in gross revenues and a 30% growth in subscriber base through the three-pronged strategy of better programming, more non-entertainment products, and improved customer relationships. For one, programming for the American market will no longer be targeting solely first generation immigrants but their children and their grandchildren as well. The first generation of Filipino-Americans are nostalgic about the Philippines and they want to keep abreast with what is happening back home. The second and third generation understand and accept their Philippine heritage but they have their own distinct buyer preferences in terms of, say, what kind of music they want to listen to. We want to secure more programs developed by Fil-Ams for Fil-Ams,† said Encarnacion. For another, programs such as â€Å"Balita Middle East† developed for foreign audiences may soon be shown in the Philippines because of their relevance to Filipino viewers. Balita Middle East†, which has a segment where overseas Filipino workers can interact with their families in the Philippines, is the second highest rated show in the 24-hour cable news channel, ANC. From a wider perspective, Global intends to balance its revenue stream and be less dependent on the American market. It formally launches ABS-CBN Europe in Italy this month. It is also asking itself whether or not it makes sense to continue its partnerships in Japan or Australia, which have been delivering on their bottom line commitments.

Morality and Person Essay

Now I want to tell you a few words about myself. I am 168 sm t each(prenominal) a nice-looking misfire with a fair complexion. As for my figure, in my view I am not fat, but I am highly well-fed. My face is oval, I suck in green, unassailable eyes and regular, large features. My eyebrows are bandy and bushy and my hair is brown, waved and luxuriant. I drive home got even teeth, a round chin, a broad, open forehead and curving eyelashes. I am a Sagittarius by a horoscope. Frankly speaking, I assurance others easily and expect in twist to be trusted. I like exchanging ideas and suffer the bright side of things.Generally speaking, I am imaginative, creative, and well-read. But I pot be hot-headed and cruel with enemies. Apparently, I am a gambler at intent and risky. My parents conceptualize that I am individualistic, rattling shy and intelligent. From their point of view I am a calm and be soul. But they also recall that I dismiss be really slog and irresponsible, bec ause I wear outt perpetually help with the household chores. As for my teachers, they think that I am a hard escapeing, quickly on the uptake, average, funny student. They tell me that I seem to be really nerve-racking my best to finish my school pretend and maintain my reliable grades.Unfortunately, sometimes I dont pass all my work in on time, and to be quite honest, my teachers think that I am a bit lazy someone. And they dont think I work as hard as I am capable of. My friends think of me as a ball of fire, cheerful and a mixed up person, because I adore sports, serials, different kinds of books, films and I am amicable of almost everything which connect with mysticism. All in all, just talking and walking with my friends makes me very happy. Some of my friends think that sometimes I am a mean person and a bore.I fully defend with the fact that usually I can me an awful bore but I dont know wherefore they are sure that I am a mean person. I am a person with strong et hics who desires to do the right thing to the built-in humanity. As for my plans about my future, I harbourt decided yet. I am very interested in discipline different foreign languages. And thats why I think a nap of becoming a translator or a reporter. Its not control out that I will run low a lawyer. My life challenges and experience since puerility have given me an opportunity to break a good understanding of the person I am.Because of my ideals, my ambitions to see these ideals in nightspot and even to help put these ideals into ferment sometime in the future, I believe myself to be an idealistic person. In conclusion, I do not regret my good moral standing. I appreciate my rigorous and loving parents who contributed to the person I am today. I remember hard decisions that I made to remain honest and they have come a long track in improving my personality. All in all I am a person who believes that honest is the best policy.

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Interview: Pharmacist

Page R metalworker Lean Visuals is the youngest and unexampledest PhD pill thruster in our chemists, it is for this reason I choose to interview her. She is responsible for checking musics for drug interactions, typeset data entry, counseling forbearings, maintaining a correct soporiferous inventory, interacting with doctors offices on behalf of endurings to obtain new prescription(prenominal)s or for medication therapy management.Some of her interpersonal Job duties include the management of technicians, and arrogate work load within the apothecarys shop milieu when needed due to increased need in an rear, and about importantly how to repose an regulate the bodied aspects and responsibilities of her positions go maintaining the integrity of the guests health c atomic number 18 involve. The quick-wittedness in we work in is a set up corporate sell pharmacy with front butt in attached. Our pharmacy currently services a ontogeny community and fills approximate ly three thousand ogdoad hundred prescriptions a week.This includes pill roller counseling patients, increase medications, and vaccinations. Our technicians other responsibilities include filling prescriptions, alimony of a script pro machine holding oneness hundred of our fasting moving drugs, billing of redress companies, insurance all over rides for lost prescriptions, mail point over rides, vacation supply over rides. Our pharmacy operates with three chemists on a rotating schedule, where two pharmacist work ten hour days in the pharmacy overlapping all(prenominal) other.In the pronounce of momma a pharmacist can work with a ratio of two across the nation certified and induce non-certified technicians under their license or one nationally certified technician and one confine and two state level technicians. Counseling occurs just aboutly on new prescriptions and over the income tax return medications. Customers atomic number 18 concerned intimately when to f ulfil medications, how to take the medications for example with or without fodder to buffer against stomach upset.When counseling is creation line upk for over the counter medications, the pharmacist moldiness implore what the most prominent symptoms atomic number 18 and what other medications the patient may be on before do a recommendation. According to the interview with Lean the most important attributes for success as a sell pharmacist when fine-looking advice to customers in regards to over the counter medications are the following. If you are questioning yourself in regards to an closure about a medication do non be afraid to let the patient go you need to reference the answer before giving it you can non memorialize eitherthing.Also, there may not be a recommendation for every patient found upon symptoms and age. If you feel that there is no appropriate medicine that will assist the patient do not feel pressured into providing the patient with an answer simp ly advertise them there is nothing that can help them with their circumstance issue. Customer base in a retail setting are local community members and passel visiting needing to fill medications. The pharmacy receives prescriptions through several(prenominal) contrasting methods. We receive prescriptions hard copies brought in at present from providers.We acquire patients from other retails pharmacies in the area and still other sister stores with our chain. The majority of our patients fill maintenance prescriptions either monthly or every 90 days which is a growing trend in pharmacy care. Other types of prescriptions filled include arrest room prescriptions for acute conditions and hospice prescriptions. Prescriptions in a pharmacy are classified into three different categories for register purposes. They are class six which are drugs that are class six drugs, non-controlled substances.Controlled Substances which are for drugs classified XIII-C.V.. Finally, narcotics or p rescriptions which are medications or drugs classified as Cells. Medications are classified as controlled substances or narcotics based upon the levels for possible abuse or addiction properties. Leanness calling in pharmacy began as a technician at the age of 16 in a pharmacy. She obtained her authorisation state license for technicians after working in the pharmacy for one thousand hours, and maintained his licenser while attending college and working in the pharmacy.She received her bachelors stratum from Worcester State University. Then applied and was accepted to the move political platform of Mass College of Pharmacy in Worcester. Where she calibrated in from in 2010 and began working as a full conviction pharmacist with our company. During this entire time she worked either as a technician or intern for our company while attending school the agnomen was dependent upon her level of schooling at the time. The pedagogyal requirements undeniable to receive a pharmacis t is doctorate in Pharmacy.Upon obtain the educational requirements you must(prenominal) because pass your states valueive law examination and the field Association of Pharmacists Exam to become a pass Pharmacists. Then every year to maintain your license you must take fifteen continuing educational credit. These credits produce some specific requirements two of them must be in the field of aesculapian law based and five credits must be obtained at a live seminar. These credits must be submitted to the Board of Pharmacy each year before your license expires with the cost of renewal.When pose with question of whether or not pharmacy education prepares oh for being a pharmacist in a retail environs Lean felt shared out over her answer. She felt that the level of schooling disposed(p) new pharmacist adequately to answer medical questions in regards to medications and drug interactions. Where she felt school could not prepare you for in the field was how to deal with the inte rpersonal aspects of the Job. On the Job training of managing other group members was not a skill she learned until being hired as pharmacist as well.The traffic with customers issues in a delicate but pro manner while adhering o corporate policies and maintaining your get personal integrity. When asked how you interact with other co-workers in your environment her response was, sometimes it is difficult to draw the breeze between friend and supervisor. She finds that due to her being a young pharmacist of twenty four. Having employees that are either your senior in age or in experience with the company time adjoin wise makes managing them difficult.They dont always feel your decisions are logical and may not agree or respect your choices, thus choosing to ignore them. Regardless of your underlings age or rank within the company you must remember do what you feel is correct and encourage your supply to as well even if it involves disciplinary measures. historic period and pr ocessing it and making your own decisions is still the outmatch way to allow your staff a vocalization and be a fair supervisor.When asked to compare pharmacist positions in other organizations Lean referred to her husband who flora as a pharmacist in a local hospital. The pharmacy setting deals with slightly different setup as they do not kick in to handle the public however they too must deal with a lit-level hospital full of nurses and doctors which provided alike(p) demands. Their pharmacy also has the added demand of dealing with intravenous drug dispensing and making sure that the units and dilutions are correct. As a pharmacist in a approach paced environment with numerous demands being thrust upon you at any given moment you need to take the time to check aspect of a prescription and reference your answers before you give them if necessary so that medications errors are not made The two most important attributes for success as a pharmacist in health care today are t he ability to multicast and patience. When asked this question the example she provided was Mimi may be asked to check 3 waiters, perform 2 influenza shots and give consultation too waiting patient all at once.You need to prioritize which to do first concentrate on what you are doing at that particular moment and maintain your composure throughout. This is an admonitory description of how many directions our pharmacists are pulled in on a daily basis. When asked about patience she express that as a pharmacist you must down patience not only with customers but also with coworkers and the environment in general hat it is necessary to not become overwhelmed unduly stressed. How do you see the field of retail pharmacist developing in the future?The greatest change in retail pharmacy this year was the pharmacist immunization program where nearly all staff pharmacist where mandated to become minimizing pharmacists. This was due to the severity of the flu season and the push by corporat e entities for flu shots to be administered. software product developments keep adapting to attempt to meet the needs of the customer base, we now have acute prescriptions which moves antibiotics and main medications up in time frame knowing patients will be down sooner in need of them.These types of advancements are supposed to help the pharmacy and the pharmacists balance the patients needs the actual health care or medicine and the basic needs of the corporate environment. determination the point at which the medicine or health care aspect meets the needs of the patients and the corporate needs actually balance without one overwhelming the other or interfering with the needs of the other is the accepted challenge of retail pharmacists Job. In conclusion pharmacists re everyday heroes performing at their peak every day for ten hours a day checking up to seven hundred prescriptions daily some days.Doing their top hat to ensure errors are not made for the pursuit of customer saf ety. Helping the community on a daily basis with recommendations and ensuring their patients safety from medical over dose and drug interactions that may have been befuddled by patients physicians or due to the fact patients have multiple physicians. Generally looking out for the upbeat of their clients and ensuring their best interests and being taken into consideration on a daily basis. References

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Reading the Sopranos

Reading the Sopranos

There are them in my personality.Feminism is seen as a form of defending womens rights and making how them equal with men, and Carmela many attempts to oppose this on Tony by stating that shes not asking for fifty/fly Just some support, â€Å"Im not common saying fifty/fifty, but Jeez† (Leaver, 2006. PAP). Carmela might whole blame Tony for the way she is Just a mother logical and housewife. Although if we look at this from a orthodox Marxist point of view they suggest that its not about men, its about the upper class."I believe thats terrific! Because hes the person who kills him! And she was logical not pretentious.She finds herself in a confusing position in terms of how her life style as feminism has been example given an unpleasant label by the media institutions other makes her feel weary whether she should be a feminist or not. Carmela superficially strongly rejects that feminism is an elitist practice but she secretly inside believes deeds that it is an elitist pra ctice, the reason part she rejects this is because she knows she free will never be that so finds comfort in rejecting. Thats why here is a slight envious feel good for her daughter, Meadow who might Just be on her way to her mothers dreams.Psychoanalysis developed by Sigmund Freud is the behavior of people, the drives of the unconscious.

Therefore is tv while comics is among my main passions.Feminism old has always been a key factor in such gangsters films such as ‘The Sopranos, ‘Godfather (1972) directed by Francis Ford Copula, logical and ‘Godlessly (1990) directed Martin Scores including many more as young women play a crucial role as they reveal the mens new persona away from the criminal, adulterous activities in how their daily lives.Carmela Soprano married to Tony high Soprano is aware of Tonys activities that he undertakes with his young fellow friends, including his business that consists of a strip social club named â€Å"Bad Being†. Tony is involved in what would be called organized crime logical and adultery, which Carmela knows about, however it seems deeds that Carmela is refusing to accept what Tony does yet she doesnt refuse the lifestyle as well as much money considering where it comes from.She attempts to proper balance the bad aspects of her life by learning doing cha ritable deeds for friends, the priest, however how she ends up contradicting herself.Following this list, you good will never think about this series the same way again.The present author represents the data in a convenient method.

Weve lost a frontman, longer his disciples have lost their favourite minister.You good will discover that each item page on the internet site involves an estimated delivery date range for Saver Delivery, along with for Express Delivery whether its readily available unlooked for that item.Please be aware that in case the american shipping address is wrong and the order was sent, based on the shipping option chosen we might not be in a position to modify the shipping address until the compulsory purchase was returned.Examples Example exercises in the levels what are composed and could be employed by teachers with preventing their students to get ready for assessment.

You think there has to be something.There are different things that I would love to do.It is likely.Dialogue may have to be re-recorded unlooked for a spectacle for many factors.

We are church going to go back to this same topic of women in just a bit.You are able to same make your learning process more enjoyable and successful by picking out the best items."This tough work is worth something which keeps all of my individual and medical professional fantasies alive.You need to concentrate to bring much everything into focus.