Quasi-Experimental Designs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Quasi-Experimental Designs - Essay Example S., (1992). Sex Differences in Performance on the Mathematics Section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test: A Bidirectional Validity Study. Harvard Educational Review. Vol. 62(3), pp. 323-337. Reason for choice: Studies like these are part of classic literature on abilities and on psychological testing. The study also provides support for the urban legend that boys (males) are better at mathematics as compared to girls (females). This study also provides a perfect example for understanding quasi-experimental designs, since the selection of subjects in each group can be randomised perfectly; but the actual manipulation of the Independent variable is impossible. Variables: The independent variable for this study is the sex of the participant, and the dependent variable is the score obtained by the participant on the mathematics section of the SAT. Alternate research design: The same study results would be more valuable if the effect of study background was removed. This can be done by using a measuring the extent to which the subject has studied mathematics or mathematics dependent subjects in the two years before giving the exam; and then removing the effect of this variable from the data by using an Analysis of Co-Variance.

Measuring Binding Constant of Ethidium Bromide (EtBr) to DNA

Measuring Binding Constant of Ethidium Bromide (EtBr) to DNA ABSTRACT: The principle behind this lab experiment was to determine the binding constant of ethidium bromide to DNA using the known concentrations and the calculated value of X obtained from the equation. Ethidium bromide is said to have a high affinity to DNA, therefore, the expected value for the binding constant should be large. Two method were implemented in determining the binding constant of EtBr to DNA. The first method was by inputting the absorbance data using a fixed excel worksheet. The main goal was to manipulate the value in cell I24 to be as low as possible. After several trails and error, the final value of cell I24 was 0.00011316 and logK was 3.99. The second method was by simple manual calculation. The two methods yielded two very different results. By manual calculation the obtained value for K was 37,108.63 M-1, which was indicative that the final EB complex of DNA was larger than that of unbound DNA and unbound EB. The high value of the binding constant (K), demonstrates th at there is a high affinity of ethidium bromide to DNA. This correlates to the expected values of EtBr, which are reported to be in between 104 M to 106 M. INTRODUCTION: DNA plays an important role in biological systems being that it contains hereditary materials that is passed on to generations after generations. DNA contains sequences of specific bases within the DNA strands where it stores genetic information that can be readily replicated (Jeremy M. Berg, 2015). It is this sequence that determines the sequence of RNA and other protein molecules and it also transports most of the activities within the cells. RNA synthesis is a key step in the expression of genetic information (Jeremy M. Berg, 2015, p. 859). DNA is more than just a source of sequence information, but it is also the platform where binding proteins collate. This is an important factor for the development of many clinical drugs. The structure and function of drug targets are the basis for designs of effective and specific inhibitors. Though to be considered effective, the target drugs must bind to the enzymes or receptors with great affinity and specificity. Ethidium bromide, (EtBr), is widely used in many scientific laboratories to study the binding properties of DNA. Ethidium bromide is an aromatic dye that slips in between the base pairs of DNA. This binding of ethidium bromide to DNA is a process called intercalation. During this process, the structure of the DNA is changed and the distance among the base pairs in which it directly binds to increases. Resultant in the overall expansion of the dimension of DNA. Ethidium bromide exhibits diminutive base pair partiality containing moderate binding affinity depending on its ionic strength. The intercalation specificity depends greatly on electrostatic interactions and the formation of Van der Waals interactions between base pairs. It has the capability to bind itself to the hydrophobic interior in the stacked base pairs of DNA. However, Ethidium bromide is known to be a very potent mutagen, which is a chemical agent that can cause mutation in DNA cells and other certain diseases such as cancer. It is called an intercalating agent due to its ability to inhibit cell growth, DNA replication and transcription. In this experiment, we will be measuring the binding constant of the dye, ethidium bromide, using herring testes by method of absorption spectroscopy. Herring testes DNA (htDNA) is a natural DNA used in studies of DNA binding agents that modulate DNA structure and function (Sigma-Aldrich, Inc). This method involves titrating a series of solutions varying in DNA concentrations but with a constant concentration of the intercalating agent, ethidium bromide. By implementing this order of magnitude, it is likely to obtain samples with entirely unbound DNA and DNA that is saturated with ethidium. The solutions will run through the absorbance spectrometer at a wavelength of 480 nm. The absorbance measured will be used to calculate the bound ethidium. To determine the amount of bound ethidium the following expressions below is used, given that the information of DÕ†¢ and EÕ†¢ are known; where EÕ†¢ is the total ethidium bromide concentration and DÕ†¢ is the total DNA concentration. This information will allow us to calculate the binding constant of ethidium toward DNA. The equilibrium: D + E à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ C D = DNA E = Ethidium Bromide C = Complex K = [C] / [D][E](1) Solve for K: K = x/[EÕ†¢ x][DÕ†¢ x](2) Kx2 x(K[DÕ†¢] + K[EÕ†¢] + 1) +K[DÕ†¢][EÕ†¢] = 0 (3) Determination of the amount of bound ethidium (amount of complex, C): Aobs = ÃŽÂ µb x + ÃŽÂ µf [EÕ†¢ x](4) ÃŽÂ µb (480 nm) = 2,497 M-1 cm-1 ÃŽÂ µf (480 nm) = 5,600 M-1 cm-1 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES: MATERIALS: 2 mM DNA (bp) stock solution with BPES buffer 2  µM DNA (bp) stock solution with BPES buffer 10  µM stock solution of Ethidium Bromide Micropipettes Microcentrifuge tubes Absorbance spectrometer PROCEDURES: Determine the volume of stock DNA solution and the amount of buffer needed for each of the nineteen samples before proceeding. *Refer to data tables* In the microcentrifuge tubes, make nineteen 1 mL DNA solutions by diluting from the 2 mM, and the 2  µM DNA stock solutions with BPES buffer. Then add 10  µL of ethidium bromide to the nineteen prepared solutions. Mix well and measure the absorbance at 480 nm. Record the absorbance for each of the nineteen solutions and use the information to calculate the binding constant K. RESULTS: DATA TABLE: Absorbance at 480 nm -Log[bp] [DNA(bp)] Volume 2 mM DNA Solution (in  µL) Volume 2  µM DNA Solution (in  µL) Volume of BPES buffer (in  µL) 0.018 3.0 0.001 500.0 XXXXXX 500.0 0.023 3.3 5.01187ÃÆ'-10-4 251.0 XXXXXX 749.0 0.024 3.7 1.99526ÃÆ'-10-4 100.0 XXXXXX 900.0 0.032 4.0 0.0001 50.0 XXXXXX 950.0 0.032 4.3 5.01187ÃÆ'-10-5 25.0 XXXXXX 975.0 0.029 4.7 1.99526ÃÆ'-10-5 10.0 XXXXXX 990.0 0.032 5.0 0.00001 5.0 XXXXXX 995.0 0.031 5.3 5.01187 ÃÆ'-10-6 3.0 XXXXXX 997.0 0.030 5.7 1.99526ÃÆ'-10-6 1.0 XXXXXX 999.0 0.032 6.0 0.000001 XXXXXX 500.0 500.0 0.033 6.3 5.01187ÃÆ'-10-7 XXXXXX 251.0 749.0 0.033 6.7 2.51189ÃÆ'-10-7 XXXXXX 100.0 900.0 0.032 7.0 0.0000001 XXXXXX 50.0 950.0 0.032 7.3 5.01187ÃÆ'-10-8 XXXXXX 25.0 975.0 0.034 7.7 1.99526ÃÆ'-10-8 XXXXXX 10.0 990.0 0.035 8.0 0.00000001 XXXXXX 5.0 995.0 0.035 8.3 5.01187ÃÆ'-10-9 XXXXXX 2.5 997.5 0.033 8.7 2.51189ÃÆ'-10-9 XXXXXX 1.0 999.0 0.030 9.0 0.000000001 XXXXXX 0.5 999.5 DATA GRAPH: CALCULATIONS: Sample Calculation for K: Using sample #4 Known Information: Aobs = ÃŽÂ µb x + ÃŽÂ µf [EÕ†¢ x] Aobs = 0.032 ÃŽÂ µb (480 nm) = 2,497 M-1 cm-1 [E]initial = 10  µM = 1.0 ÃÆ'-10-5 M ÃŽÂ µf (480 nm) = 5,600 M-1 cm-1 [DNA(bp)]initial = log(bp) = -4.0 = 1.0 ÃÆ'-10-4 M Solve for X: Aobs = ÃŽÂ µb x + ÃŽÂ µf [EÕ†¢ x] 0.032 = (2497 M-1cm-1)x + (5600 M-1cm-1)[(1.0 ÃÆ'-10-5 M) x] x = 7.73943 ÃÆ'-10-6 M Plug in value of x to solve for K: K = x/[EÕ†¢ x][DÕ†¢ x] K = (7.739 ÃÆ'-10-6 M)à ·[( 1.0 ÃÆ'-10-5 M) (7.739 ÃÆ'-10-6 M)][( 1.0 ÃÆ'-10-4 M) (7.739 ÃÆ'-10-6 M)] K = (7.73943 ÃÆ'-10-6 M) à · [2.26057 ÃÆ'-10-6 M][9.22606 ÃÆ'-10-5 M] K = (7.73943 ÃÆ'-10-6 M) à · (2.0856148 ÃÆ'-10-10 M2) K = 37108.63 M-1 K = 3.71 ÃÆ'-104 M-1 FINAL EXCEL WORKSHEET: After refinement DISCUSSION: The principle behind this lab experiment was to determine the binding constant of ethidium bromide to DNA using the known concentrations and the calculated value of X obtained from the equation. Ethidium bromide is said to have a high affinity to DNA, therefore, the expected value for the binding constant should be large. However, two methods were used to obtain the value K (binding constant). The first method was by using excel worksheet and inputting our data. The main goal was to manipulate the value in cell I24 to be as low as possible. After several trails and error, the final value of cell I24 was 0.00011316 and logK was 3.99, if you take the antilog of that value K would equal to approx. 9772.37, which is low in comparison to method two which was done by manual calculation. By manual calculation the obtained value for K was 37,108.63 M-1 which indicates that the final EB complex of DNA was larger than that of unbound DNA and unbound EB. The high value of the binding constant ( K), demonstrates that there is a high affinity of ethidium bromide to DNA. This correlates to the expected values of EtBr, which are reported to be in between 104 M to 106 M. Using a buffer that does not contain added NaCl, such as BPE, will have different results than that of a buffer with NaCl, such as BPES. The BPE buffer will yield a lower binding constant than that measured in BPES buffer. It is well known that the interaction within the process of intercalation is driven by electrostatic factors and à Ã¢â€š ¬-stacking with the bases (lab manual). The electrostatic binding of ethidium bromide to DNA has a preference to binding to the phosphate backbone the DNA strand. The DNA-ligand binding is salt-dependent due to the counter-ion release thats carried out during binding. This is indicative that the salt component in the buffer demonstrates a relatively greater stability in DNA due to its preference to the binding site within the GC-rich DNA region. With that said, it is apparent that an outlying positive charge is essential for intercalation. The positive charge on the intercalation diminishes as the aromatic system increases. Like ethidium bromide, Actinomycin D is another known intercalator with a high affinity to DNA. Though the two differ by means of binding sites. Actinomycin D intercalates at GC sites, which indicates that the two intercalators would not compete with one another at the exact binding sites. Therefore, by adding Actinomycin to a solution of herring testes DNA Ethidium bromide, resulting in two different results. An example of the plot is shown below: The plot is simply an example of what it might look like. There are a lot of variables that must be considered in choosing the proper intercalator. Factors to consider are concentrations of solutions and DNA, buffers, whether its a low salt concentration or high salt concentration buffer. The difference in buffers could possibly yield two very different results. Another factor to consider is the magnitude of the absorbance. All these factors combined could hinder the final outcome, so it is hard to conclude exactly how the actinomycin D would react in combination with ethidium bromide to DNA within this experiment. REFERENCES: Jeremy M. Berg, J. L. (2015). Biochemistry 8th ed. Kate Ahr Parker. Eva M. Talavera, Pablo Guerrero, Francisco Ocana, and Jose M. Alvarez-Pez, Photophysical and Direct Determination of Binding Constants of Ethidium Bromide Complexed to E. coli DNA, Appl. Spectrosc. 56, 362-369 (2002) Fuller, W., and M. J. Waring. 1964. A Molecular model for the interaction of ethidium bromide with deoxyribonucleic acid. Ber. Bunsen Ges. Phys. Chem. 68:805-808. Qiao C, Bi S, Sun Y, Song D, Zhang H, Zhou W (2008) Study of interactions of anthraquinones with DNA using ethidium bromide as a fluorescence probe. Spectrochim Acta A 70: 136-143 Graves, D. E., C. L. Watkins, and L. W. Yielding. 1981. Ethidium bromide and its photoreactive analogues: spectroscopic analysis of deoxyribonucleic acid binding properties. Biochemistry. 20:1887-1892. [PubMed] Suh D, Chaires J B (1995) Criteria for the mode of binding of DNA binding agents. Bioorg Mediclin Chem 3(6): 723-728

Walmart :: essays research papers

http://laplaza.org/~totem/econ.html Retail Business, Jobs, Taxes and Prices in Taos Support your friends and neighbors and local businesses. Say NO to an SS Wal-Mart! Since Wal-Mart came to Taos, the number of retail businesses decreased from 438 to 231. In the last five years alone, retail jobs decreased from 3156 to 1500. (US census, pub 1/2003) Those closed businesses and the lost jobs supported community members, their children, their employees, and the stores in which they shopped. More local businesses will close after a Wal-Mart superstore comes to town. If businesses close at the same rate, Taos will lose 47% of its current retail stores and 54.5% of its retail jobs in a few years. What do we tell the families who have lost businesses or jobs that pay a living wage? Will as many tourists visit when we have fewer restaurants and shops because Taose�os can't afford to support them during the year? Can local banks stay open with fewer local business and worker deposits and when Wal-Mart deposits its money at night and withdraws it in the morning? How long will Wal-Mart remain profitable and open when fewer people have money to spend? Gross Receipts Taxes In 1998 Wal-Mart accounted for only 4.6% of the total taxes due Taos from all industries. (NM Taxation & Revenue Dept. and Wal-Mart) Do we change our land use code because Wal-Mart wants to blanket the country? What do we say to the hundreds of people who worked three years to produce Vision 20/20 and our land use code? Do we change our code that would support a local economy of thriving tourist and local-serving businesses, cottage industries and home businesses, agriculture and small sustainable industries that do not negatively impact the environment? What do we leave for our children and grandchildren? Food Prices Wal-Mart tells shoppers that they have low prices. However, a comparison of prices between the Taos food stores and the Wal-Mart superstore in Espanola shows:

Apple Company swot analysis Essay

This is an analysis of the Apple Company which is one of the leading Phone companies in the world. This analysis looks into the strength, weaknesses, opportunities and the threats of the company. The major strength of Apple Company is its creative and high ranking leaders who facilitate quality leadership and creativity in the Apple Company. The products of Apple are of high quality and unique compared to rival products from Microsoft or Google; this enhances customer loyalty. Apple has an opportunity of entering new markets such as TV, which will still perform as good as the existing products because Apple consumers may purchase an additional product from the company as a result of the company loyally. However, the company’s major weakness is the pricing effect it has on the market. Consumers perceive the apple products to be expensive even when the price is actually similar to that offered by other companies. The main threat of Apple is the upcoming android system from Google which has managed to tap into the youth market which apple had dominated longer and the closed system of offering their system. Strength of Apple Company It may be believed that it is the individuals who determine the strength of a company and not he products that are produced by the company. One may think that the demise of Steve Jobs may make Apple weak; this is not the case as Apple still has got its strength rooted in the uniqueness of the products they produce. With a leader such as Tim Cook, who is ranked among the top among the CEOs in the USA, with a staff approval of 98%. According to CNN Money, (2012) the inventory of Apple Inc has been drastically cut to days with channel supplies that are ultra sufficient and leads the fair wage movement in Asia- China. India Times, (2012) reports that not only Tim is the creative personnel in apple Inc, there is still Johnny Ive who steers creativity behind apple INC. This is the major strength which Apple has that  poses a competitive hand ahead of their rivals. The product’s ecosystem is strength of Apple Company. Apple icloud, OS and iOS make up an evolution of apples’ product ecosystem. According to Thomas (2010) each new product is enhanced by the ecosystem making the ownership of the products of the company to be worth more than the total sum of their parts. The system goes past the internet thought which makes it evolutionary. It is a unique system in that it is closed, maintains a store of its own including the software and hardware applications. This has enabled the company to have total control over the users’ experience hence they have been able to maximize profits as a result of elimination of third party costs. The system offers its users an environment which is free from viruses, it would be therefore said that the products of apple are the major competitive tool against their rivals. According to David (2011) with each considered as a bench mark product, iPad, iPod, iPhone, iTunes store are among the best selling Apple products in the market of their category. Diversity is greatly enhanced in Apple Company due to the depth of their assets which includes their liquidity position, their branded stores and professional and consumer applications which are leading. Weaknesses The main weakness of Apple Inc is their ideology; the internet has been made a powerful tool by the systems that are open which is the most used tool by Microsoft and Google. According to Colby (2011) this has created a specialized competing strategy in open products. If an individual is not already been attached to the Apple products, they can easily find what hey are looking for by any other brand. Another weakness of Apple Company is the pricing of their products. Consumers have a perception that Apple products are high priced even though some products may have moderate pricing. Electronics consumers do not have prior knowledge in the comparisons made concerning Apple products value and the value of a poorly made product brand from another company which would be cheap. Opportunities There are high chances that the creative minds in Apple Company may penetrate the TV market with a brand name of iPanel. According to Johnson (2011) there is the usual kept secret which would be made public to anticipate  product offering. As a result of the announcement the TV market has undergone major innovations in order to stay ahead of the anticipated Apple TV launch. Market analysts predict that even though the new TV may not perform really high as the iPad and iPhone, the buyers of the two may as well pick the Apple TV along with their iPad and iPhone purchases. Another major opportunity which Apple has is that the already existing products of Apple such as iPod create a gateway for purchase of other Apple products. With every single new product, there is an expansion in the ecosystem of products and as a result a new created gateway increases the consumer choice of using another Apple product. Threats Even though there is a major Apple lead in consumer computing products, there are tensions between Google and Apple Inc. the balance between open systems and Apple’s closed product would easily shift back to Google. This is so as there was a time when Google controlled almost all the PC product market back in the late 90s. Such a threat could be expected from the way open OS functions just very well. Windows 8 by Microsoft was highly anticipated and used by consumers and Google would easily advance its android operating system to support the desk top. Android is the greatest competitor of Apple’s product ecosystem since android has tapped the market of the youth; a market that has been dominated by Apple for more than fifteen years. Another threat would be a form of virus which would harm the Apple’s computing products from a perspective of public relations. In conclusion, Apple Company competes in the battle of ideologies. The competition is essentially between apple and other companies such as Google and Microsoft. However, apple has managed to be ahead of other companies in the consumer computing product market. The competition between Apple and other companies is quite sensitive because a mistake in the strategies of Apple would imply huge losses as the other companies are likely to top the market. The apple company has a management that is scientifically controlled to enable it maintain the lead with highest profit margin. Apple continues to grow as a result of the quality leadership which facilitates the purchase of new apple products by the consumers. References CNN Money, (2012). The analysis Weight In. retrieved, October 15, 2013, from: http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2012/11/14/apple-shares-fallen-wall-street-analysts/ Booker, L. (2012). A little less Sam Sung in Apple Sourcing, Journal OF Strategic Management, 12, 34-37 Colby, N. (2011). Strategic Management Review- Apple Inc, Business Analysis, 4, 26-28 David, R. (2011). Strategic management: concepts and cases. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice-Hall. India Times (2012). Apple Once Again Crowned World’s Most Innovative Company, Retrieved, October 15, 2013 from; http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/enterprise-it/strategy/Apple-once-again-crowned-worlds-most-innovative-company/html†¦ Johnson, G. (2012). Apple on the Forbes Most Innovative Companies, Retrieved, October 15, 2013 from: http://www.forbes.com/companies/apple/.. Thomas, M. (2010). Managing brand performance: aligning positioning, execution and experience. Journal of Brand Management, 16, 65-68

America in the 1950’s

McCarthyism, which found its main thrust in the Alien Registration Act of 1940, made difficult for immigrants because of its stringent requirements that they declare their political beliefs. These statements were rigorous disclosures of the status of these immigrants—which included current employment status and previous political affiliations. McCarthyism was also responsible for the purging of the Motion Picture industry in Hollywood of persons suspected of being communist sympathizers or activists. In the government’s efforts to upset the position of the Communists in the United States, it succeeded in terrorizing many innocents. This was occasioned in many courts by the accepting even inconclusive evidence brought against citizens. People loss their jobs and became imprisoned on charges that were non-substantial and that in later years would be deemed unconstitutional or otherwise actionable. Mistrust was bred among immigrant colleagues and members of the motion picture or other industries (Davidson, 2002). Dynamic conservatism is described as a tendency within a population to struggle for the maintenance of the status quo. This status quo maintenance is found desirable for the sake of stability within a state. The phenomenon is considered dynamic, as it is based on an active attempt to fight against forces that seek to overthrow or change the established order. Dynamic conservatism is more than mere resistance to change, as it includes mechanisms that learn from situations and make targeted efforts at strengthening the forces within the organization (or state) that are concerned with preservation of the status quo. With regard to the activities of the 1950’s, dynamic conservatism refers to Eisenhower’s domestic policy that supported and strengthened the New Deal giving it more legitimacy. It involved scaling down of the budget and the removal of federal influence in certain aspects of the country’s running (Davidson, 2002). Politics of consensus represented a form of agreement within the governmental, economic, and societal bodies. It involves a widespread understanding that consultation among these actors will take place regarding issues that are of national importance. It sought to create a harmonization of the ideas and desires of the influential and representative bodies in the country (such as trade unions and political parties). The party in power creates a system by which it seeks out the input and suggestions of all the involved entities. This provokes consideration of all the interests that attach to certain political decisions and seeks to ensure the inclusion of these interests in the final solution. The politics of consensus, as is implied by the term â€Å"consensus† seeks to identify a solution that is created by all and accepted by all involved. Therefore, rather than decisions being representative of the triumph of one party or group over another, it would reflect the cooperation of all groups in the taking of a political or socio-economic decision. Before Dwight Eisenhower came to the presidency, Americans faced uncertainty in an economy that was recovering from the depression of the 1920’s and 1930’s while being in the middle of a war (World War II). Consumer confidence was low, as resources were scarce and tapped. However, recovery came during the Eisenhower administration, when the American society entered an era of consumerism in which the values and actions of the consumer played a dominant role in the country’s economics. The economy was growing vastly, and income levels were increasing. This created not just more money in families, but also more leisure among Americans. Consumer confidence was high, as was confidence in the state of the American economy. This led to increased spending, and the resultant materialism. From the president, Americans no longer required specific action but the assurance that such prosperity would continue, and the moderation that defined Eisenhower’s administration reflected the surface contentment of the American society (Davidson, 2002). While the exact beginning of the Civil Rights Movement is unclear, a major revolutionary marker was the Supreme Court decision that maintaining and mandating separate facilities for different races was inherently unequal. This occurred in the 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education case, which overturned the Plessy vs. Ferguson case over a half century earlier. This was followed hard upon by the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, which took place in Alabama. It represented a more concerted effort on the part of black persons to garner the recognition of their rights to use the facilities provided by their country in an equal way. This event, which was triggered by the refusal of Rosa Parks to move to the back of a bus, led to an explosion of civil rights demonstrations in the South and around the country. The United States became interested in helping France to retain hold of its territory in Vietnam. The problem of communism was related to this, as the doctrine of communism containment heralded by Harry Truman targeted the communist stronghold region—South East Asia. This region was made up of many small communist countries, and their size made it more likely that they (rather than larger communist counterparts) should fall. The domino effect was considered by Eisenhower as how such a fall should occur. He proposed to target one country in that area, and expected the subsequent fall of the others. The initial communist party was begun by Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam, who sought independence from the Vichy French. Warlike relations only escalated when the Americans entered into the dispute in order to aid the French, and this assistance only increased upon the invasion of the South Korea by North Korea in 1950. McCarthyism enabled distrust among the ranks of many political, social, and economic entities in the United States. This distrust fueled not just underground activity and disgruntled feeling toward the United States government, but fierce sentiment against communism also has been considered as a factor in the assassination of later United States presidents and congressmen. It has therefore caused a lot of citizen distrust of the government. Dynamic conservatism. Dynamic conservatism has impacted such areas as civil rights movement, gay rights and women’s rights, as this tendency defines the actions of such groups that would have preferred that the minorities remain unrepresented and repressed. However, the Civil Rights movement of the 1950’s and 1960’s has led to an increased level of equality not just for African Americans, but also for other racial minority groups in the United States. It has been the fore-runner of such policies as affirmative action, which grants places within key organizations and key opportunities for minorities. Politics of consensus has been a method through which harmony has been restored somewhat to the political and social climate of the United States. This form of government has sought to create an open forum in which dialogues now take place regarding issues of great importance to many groups within the country. Consumerism allowed for the expansion of the United States economy, as it boosted consumer confidence, which increased spending and stimulated further economic growth. The involvement of the U.S. in Southeast Asia led to further involvement and was in the Korea and subsequently in Vietnam. This has had a negative impact on the image of presidents in the White House and upon the government as a whole, especially during the Vietnam War period. Anti-war sentiment regarding this was has continued very far beyond that period. This Southeast Asian involvement led to presidents’ refusal to run for a second term and indirectly contributed to Nixon’s resignation. Reference Davidson, J. W. (2002). Nation of nations. New York: McGraw-Hill.   

3 Cases of Confused Connections

3 Cases of Confused Connections 3 Cases of Confused Connections 3 Cases of Confused Connections By Mark Nichol Relationships between sentence elements are sometimes obscured by suboptimal syntax. In each of the following examples, ordering of phrases is an obstacle to comprehension. Discussion and revision of each sentences explains and provides a solution. 1. Despite encouragement from regulators, financial institutions experience mixed results ranging from prompt responses to requests, at best, to requests that are never addressed, at worst. Here, though the sentence’s parallel structure is sound, clarity is improved if the parenthetical phrases â€Å"at best† and â€Å"at worst† precede rather than follow the pertinent wording so that the reader knows before the fact, not belatedly, that a scaled comparison of results, not just random examples of them, are being introduced: â€Å"Despite encouragement from regulators, financial institutions experience mixed results ranging from, at best, prompt responses to requests to, at worst, requests that are never addressed.† 2. Once executive management and the board agree on the drivers of, and strategic, operational, and financial parameters around, opportunity-seeking behavior, the resulting risk-appetite statement is a reminder of the core risk strategy arising from the strategy-setting process. This sentence is technically correct, but the complexity of the parenthetical phrase â€Å"and the strategic, operational, and financial parameters around,† and the distance it places between the parallel phrase â€Å"drivers of† and the phrase â€Å"the resulting risk-appetite statement,† which applies to both parallel phrases, renders the sentence difficult to digest. A better solution is to relocate the second parallel phrase to follow the key phrase, introducing a more complete portion of the main clause before the interruption and reducing the number of commas: â€Å"Once executive management and the board agree on the drivers of opportunity-seeking behavior and the strategic, operational, and financial parameters around it, the resulting risk-appetite statement is a reminder of the core risk strategy arising from the strategy-setting process.† 3. Even though the program contains all the same components, the level of rigor and detail, and the amount of automation through workflow, changes with the size and risk profile of the company. Readers may get the impression that the phrases â€Å"the same components,† â€Å"the level and rigor and detail,† and â€Å"the amount of automation through workflow† are parallel elements of a list. But â€Å"the same components† is part of an introductory subordinate clause, and the second and third phrases constitute a complex subject of the sentence. To make the sentence clearer by breaking up the false list, recast the final phrase as a parenthetical: â€Å"Even though the program contains all the same components, the level of rigor and detail- and the amount of automation through workflow- changes with the size and risk profile of the company.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Style category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Writing a Reference Letter (With Examples)30 Baseball IdiomsA "Diploma" is not a "Degree"

The Benefits of a Post-Graduate Year

The Benefits of a Post-Graduate Year Did you know that each year, a number of high school graduates opt to spend another year at high school? A private high school to be exact, and the enroll in a program known as the post-graduate year, or PG year. Over 150 schools worldwide offer postgraduate programs. Admissions standards vary as do the objectives of the postgraduate programs themselves. It probably makes a certain amount of sense to have a student stay on at his old school for the postgraduate year. If he wants to attend another school, he may find the  admissions process  almost as intimidating as applying to be a first-year student. On the other hand, admissions to a post-grad year at his old school will be a mere formality. Postgraduate years are particularly useful for boys who want an extra year to mature before moving on. The postgraduate year gives young men that little extra confidence which they might lack at the end of 12th grade. A  PG or postgraduate year  is a popular option for many students. Personal Growth/Maturity A post graduate year gives students some extra time to strengthen academic skills, to participate in sports and to prepare for college admissions testing. For many students, it also gives them a little extra time to mature. Not every student is ready for the independent lifestyle at college, nor are they always prepare to live on their own for the first time. A post-graduate year at a boarding school gives students a chance to get used to an independent lifestyle in a supportive and nurturing environment. It can be a great stepping stone to prepare a student for college. Improve College Admissions Chances Many students choose to do a post-graduate year to improve their chances for admission to a particular college. College admissions can be fiercely competitive. If a student has his heart set on getting into a certain college, he may, in fact, be better off waiting out a year in the hopes that his application might be more favorably received. Most private schools offer experienced college counselors to help with the admission process and guide students to craft a personal path to excellence.   Perfect Athletic Skills Other students want to take a year before heading off to college to perfect their athletic skills. From a chance to play on a top team and get noticed by college sports recruiters to strength training and agility preparation, a post graduate year can really give students a leg up on their competition, and get a student noticed by scouts who can get them into top schools. And, many elite athletes earn college scholarships, and a post graduate year can make a student a more desirable candidate.   Schools That Offer a PG Year There is only one school which offers a PG program exclusively. Thats Bridgton Academy in North Bridgton, Maine. All the other schools on the list below offer their PG year as a kind of 13th grade if you will. Here are some schools which offer PG programs: Avon Old Farms School, Avon, CTBlair Academy, Blairstown, NJBrenau Academy, Gainesville, GABrewster Academy, Wolfeboro, NHBridgton Academy, North Bridgton, MECamden Military Academy, Camden, SCCanterbury School, New Milford, CTChapel Hill-Chauncy Hall, Waltham, MACheshire Academy, Cheshire, CTChoate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, CTChristchurch School, Christchurch, VACulver Academies, Culver, INCushing Academy, Ashburnham, MADarlington School, Rome, GADarrow School, New Lebanon, NYDeerfield Academy, Deerfield, MAEmma Willard School, Troy, NYEthel Walker School, Simsbury, CTFlorida Air Academy, Melbourne, FLFork Union Military Academy, Fork Union, VAThe Forman School, Litchfield, CTFryeburg Academy, Fryeburg, MEGould Academy, Bethel, METhe Gow School, South Wales, NYGrand River Academy, Austinburg, OHGrier School, Tyrone, PAThe Gunnery, Washington, CTHargrave Military Academy, Chatham, VAHebron Academy, Hebron, MEHill School, Pottstown, PAHoosac School, Hoosick, NYHotchkiss School, Lake ville, CT The Hun School of Princeton, Princeton, NJIdyllwild Arts Academy, Idyllwild, CAIndian Springs School, Indian Springs, ALKents Hill School, Kents Hill, MEKimball Union Academy, Meriden, NHThe Kiski School, Saltsburg, PALake Forest Academy, Lake Forest, ILThe Leelanau School, Glen Arbor, MILeysin American School, Leysin, SwitzerlandLinden Hall School, Lititz, PALoomis Chaffee School, Windsor, CTMarine Military Academy, Harlingen, TXMercersburg Academy, Mercersburg, PAMiller School, Charlottesville, VAMissouri Military Academy, Mexico, MOMontverde Academy, Monteverde, FLNew Hampton School, New Hampton, NHNorthfield Mount Hermon School, Northfield, MAOldfields School, Glencoe, MDOrme School, Mayer, AZThe Peddie School, Hightstown, NJPerkiomen School, Pennsburg, PAThe Phelps School, Malvern, PAPhillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, NHPomfret School, Pomfret, CTRandolph-Macon Academy, Front Royal, VASaint Johns Preparatory School, Collegeville, MNSt. Timothys School, Stevenson, MDSouth Kent Scho ol, South Kent, CT Stoneleigh-Burnham School, Greenfield, MASuffield Academy, Suffield, CTThomas Jefferson School, Saint Louis, MOTilton School, Tilton, NHVerde Valley School, Sedona, AZWasatch Academy, Mt. Pleasant, UTWayland Academy, Beaver Dam, WIThe Webb School, Bell Buckle, TNWentworth Military Academy, Lexington, MOWest Nottingham Academy, Colora, MDWestern Reserve Academy, Hudson, OHWestminster School, Simsbury, CTThe White Mountain School, Bethlehem, NHWilbraham and Monson Academy, Wilbraham, MAWilliston Northampton School, Easthampton, MAThe Winchendon School, Winchendon, MAWyoming Seminary Upper School, Kingston, PA Article edited by Stacy Jagodowski

The Best Jobs for Recent College Graduates

The Best Jobs for Recent College Graduates it’s rough entering  the job market after college these days, and a rough market regardless. candidates with experience are almost universally privileged in the hiring process. it can take a while to find your opening and grab it. that said, recent grads have the advantage of being (usually) single and flexible. you might consider moving across the country for a job, where someone more entrenched would not. if you’re that flexible, consider the states on this list, by field, where recent grads and gen y-ers will have the best luck getting a great gig.industry: airlinepossible jobs: engineering (aerospace, flight, electrical, mechanical design, etc.), pilot, customer service rep, officer, flight attendant, pricing analystbest place to be: minnesota. younger workers in their  20s  make up a much larger percentage of the work force there, and the median annual salary for employees of this age group wasn’t any lower.industry: ambulatory health carepossible jobs : physical therapy, personal training, dental hygienist, case manager, office manager, pa.best place to be: connecticut, with median salaries for employees under 30 at 21% above the national average.industry: bankingpossible jobs: teller, assistant branch manager, analyst, customer service rep, loan officerbest place to be: utahindustry: beverage and tobacco marketingpossible jobs: account manager, sales manager/rep, event coordinator, financial analyst, designer, marketing managerbest place to be: new york. try first at pepsico and phillip morris.industry: broadcasting (tv/radio)possible jobs: account executive, advertising film/video editor, graphic artist/designer, reporter, producer-director, radio show host, etc.best place to be: new york. try: viacom, cbs, nbc, abc, fox, turner broadcasting, or mtv.industry: clothing and accessoriespossible jobs: assistant buyer, designer, assistant designer, retail department manager, graphic artist/designer, retail salesbest place to be: new yorkindustry: computer and electronic manufacturingpossible jobs: electrical or mechanical engineer, film/video editor, graphic artist/designer, software developer/programmerbest place to be: virginia. try qimonda, micron technology, and genesic.industry: constructionpossible jobs: manager, commercial estimator, marketing coordinator, project engineer, staff accountantbest place to be: washington,  d.c.industry: educationpossible jobs: admissions counselor, elementary school teacher, financial aid counselor, high school teacher, non-profit program coordinator, special education teacher, teacher’s assistantbest place to be: washington,  d.c.industry: electrical, appliance, and component equipment manufacturingpossible jobs: account manager, sales, customer service rep, electrical or mechanical or manufacturing engineer, inside sales rep, operations manager, outside sales rep, sales engineerbest place to be: new jersey. try tyco, cn burman, sea gull, and griffith electric supply.industry: executive, legislative, and other general government supportpossible jobs: accountant, administrative assistant, auditor, cpa, financial or intelligence analyst, senior tax accountant, software engineer, developer/programmer, staff accountant, data entry specialistbest place to be: washington,  d.c.industry: servicepossible jobs: barista, cashier, supervisor, restaurant manager, marketing, grocery staff accountantbest place to be: new york. the higher-end the place, the better your paycheck.industry: funds, trusts, etc.possible jobs: benefits or business or research analyst, financial/securities/investment analyst, fund accountant, pension administration, staff accountantbest place to be: massachusetts. surprising though it may be. try watson wyatt worldwide, putnam investments, fidelity investments, and harvard management first.industry: heavy and civil engineering constructionpossible jobs: accountant, administrative assistant, civil engineer, financial analyst, mechanical engineer, petroleum engineer, project engineer, staff accountantbest place to be: utah. try questar!industry: hospitalspossible jobs: rn, medical/clinical laboratory tech, occupational therapist, physical therapist, pabest place to be: nevadaindustry: hotelspossible jobs: assistant general manager, front desk clerk, guest services manager, night auditor, sales manager, shift managerbest place to be: washington,  d.c.industry: internet service providers, web search, and data processingpossible jobs: graphic artist/designer, marketing coordinator, it project manager, web developer, software engineer, web designer developerbest place to be: maryland. try bay broadband communications and comcast.industry: legal services, accounting, and scientific researchpossible jobs: paralegal/legal assistant, certified public accountant (cpa), civil engineer, graphic artist/designer, information technology (it) consultant, interior designer, staff accountantbest place to be: washingto n,  d.c. try booz allen hamilton, corporate executive board, ibm, bearingpoint, accenture, and sra internationalindustry: miscellaneous manufacturingpossible jobs: biomedical or manufacturing or medical device quality engineer, biotech research associatebest place to be: nevada. try international game technology and aristocrat technologies.industry: museums, historic sites, etc.possible jobs: art gallery curator, graphic artist/designer, program coordinator, recreation coordinator, special events coordinator, zookeeperbest place to be: new yorkindustry: national security and international affairspossible jobs: aerospace engineer, contract administrator, electrical engineer, financial or intelligence analyst, mechanical or software engineerbest place to be: massachusetts. try raytheon in waltham and general dynamics in quincy.industry: oil and gas extractionpossible jobs: accountant, chemical engineer, financial analyst, mechanical engineer, oil gas landman, petroleum engineer, an d geologistbest place to be: utah. try questar and chevron. or louisiana as an alternative.industry: online publishingpossible jobs: copy editor, graphic artist/designer, news reporter, software engineer/developer/programmer, web designerbest place to be: new york. try nytimes.com, yahoo!, aol, and fox interactive.industry: performing arts, spectator sports, etc.possible jobs: copy editor, event coordinator, executive assistant, film/video editor, graphic artist/designer, marketing coordinator, producer-director, tv/cable broadcast, special events managerbest place to be: new yorkindustry: pharmaceutical/chemical manufacturingpossible jobs: chemical or mechanical engineer, biotech research associate, research scientist, pharmaceutical sales representativebest place to be: maryland. try otsuka maryland medicinal laboratories, bowles fluidics, and millennium inorganic chemicals.industry: print publishingpossible jobs: assistant editor, copy editor, editorial assistant, graphic artist/ designer, managing editor, marketing coordinator, newspaper reporter, software engineerbest place to be: washingtonindustry: securities, commodity contracts, financial investmentspossible jobs: associate in investment banking, banking analyst, financial/securities/investments analyst, financial adviser, fund accountantbest place to be: new yorkindustry: social workpossible jobs: case manager, child care/day care worker, child, family, or school social worker, director, child care, nanny or au pair preschool teacher, (not special education) program coordinator, nonprofit organization social workerbest place to be: washington,  d.c.industry: sporting goods, hobby, book, and music storespossible jobs: customer service rep, store department manager, graphic artist/designer, inside sales representative, marketing coordinator, retail sales associate/assistant manager/manager, and wholesale and retail buyerbest place to be: new jersey. try toys ‘r’ us, sports authority, hein o’s sky cycle, barnes noble.industry: transportation equipment manufacturingpossible jobs: aerospace engineer, electrical engineer, financial analyst, industrial engineer, manufacturing engineer, manufacturing process engineer, mechanical design engineer, mechanical engineer, product development engineer, automotive senior mechanical engineerbest place to be: maryland. try alcore.

The Founding and the Constitution Research Paper

The Founding and the Constitution - Research Paper Example s required given the absolute nature of laws written into the Constitution, so the document is laying out a requirement that seeks a high standard of judgment. Also, the Constitution requires super majority votes from both the Senate as well as the House because, in theory, the two parts of the legislature were meant to represent different interests and different people (the Senate representing more of the small, rural states, which get to send two Senators in all cases whereas the House representing more of the populous states, which get to send representatives on the basis of population) (Alder). The second procedure (the â€Å"informal method†) for proposing amendments to the Constitution provides protection for states to an unresponsive Congress. If two-thirds of states agree to call for a convention, the Congress is obliged to call a convention. This method has neither constitutional instruction for how to complete the convention nor precedent to be relied upon. It is not clear whether the states would be represented equally or by population. With that said, all amendments to the Constitution have been carried out through the first procedure described. The Founders may have wanted this second procedure as a way of empowering the states and protecting against an intrusive, federal government (Mount). 2. â€Å"Loose construction† refers to a loose or liberal interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, thus expanding federal powers beyond those explicitly mentioned in the document. In contrast, â€Å"strict construction† refers to the opposite: it is a legal philosophy that requires the interpreter of the Constitution to apply the text only as it is written. In other words, powers not enumerated in the Constitution are invalid (Welch). As was described previously, the formal method of amendment has a clear process described in the Constitution, which maps onto the normal procedure for business of the Congress in creating laws. Therefore, the formal method of

The effects of Honda Motors financial status on the stock market Research Paper

The effects of Honda Motors financial status on the stock market - Research Paper Example He started his company from a garage workspace. Honda went onto retirement on the year 1973 and left a man named Kiyoshi Kawashima to continue with his legacy. The company witnessed the birth of another successful corporation in Ohio called Honda of America Manufacturing. The company has also grabbed several awards in the business field including the motor trend import of cars of the year selections. Today the company with its headquarters in Japan is the world’s first and largest motorcycle producer (Carrier 1). The company, like most other companies, has had its periods of strong and weak financial status. However, during this period, with the current economic downfall, many of these companies are not getting favorable financial status. Honda motors are currently and surprisingly at the top of their game. The company recently registered a high financial status. This is, however, coursing ripples in the stock market (Carrier 2). The best and most common way of measuring a company’s performance, in the stock market, is by looking at its total returns over a given period. When a company is performing well it means that people have high expectation on the company to continue performing, in the same manner. People will then come out and start buying shares. The share price of the company in the market will thus grow and affect the whole stock market (Teweles & Edward 97). A company’s stock price is a matter of considerable concern, if the performance in the stock market is ignored, then the management and the company all bound to face adverse consequences, these may include the unhappiness of investors and the company will then experience future capital deficits (Teweles & Edward 56). . Honda has posted a profit of 234.4 billion yen, in the first reporting quarter for the financial year 2011. This represents an increase of 830% when compared to the 25.2 billion for the past financial year. In the second quarter

The Dopamine Hypothesis of Schizophrenia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Dopamine Hypothesis of Schizophrenia - Essay Example Besides, several hypothesis are also proposed to explain the etiology of schizophrenia. Freud and Bleuler believed that schizophrenia was caused by a biologic abnormality. In the mid twenties it was believed that schizophrenia was caused by disturbances of child-rearing. A few of the researchers believed the cause of schizophrenia to be a communication deviance between the parents and the schizophrenic child. Twin studies points at the genetic links of schizophrenia. Studies have found a concordance rate of 40% in monozygotic twins and a 15% concordance in dizygotic twins. Another breakthrough that reinforced the biologic bases of schizophrenia is the discovery of the first antipsychotic medication - Chlorpromazine in the 1950's. This has enabled many people with schizophrenia to live a better life. Psychosocial stressors influence relapse and possibly determine the timing of the first episode and may even determine whether the disorder will occur or not. It seems more and more likely that a specific set of biological predispositions is necessary (even if not sufficien t) for the disease to occur. Although the exact cause of schizophrenia is still unknown the disease seems to be partly related to increased dopamine activity in certain neuronal tracts. The dopamine hypothesis is the most widely accepted hypothesis in the development of schizophrenia. The original dopamine hypothesis proposed a hyperactivity of dopamine transmission in the limbic brain areas, especially the nucleus accumbens, but also in the stria terminalis, lateral septum, and olfactory tubercle that is responsible for the symptoms of schizophrenia. There is some consensus among researchers that over activity of dopamine systems in the mesolimbic pathway may contribute to the 'positive symptoms' of schizophrenia, whereas problems with dopamine function in the mesocortical pathway may be responsible for the 'negative symptoms'. Evidence to support this hypothesis comes from the fact that most antipsychotics that are successful in treating schizophrenia are dopamine receptor antagonists. In addition, researchers also found that drugs that increase dopamine activity such as cocaine and amphetamines can lead to schizophrenic-like symptoms. This paper mainly focuses on the relevance or irrelevance of the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia. Evidence in favor of the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia There are two main points in favor of the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia. The first one comes from evidence that most antipsychotics that are successful in treating schizophrenia are dopamine receptor antagonists. The second evidence comes from the fact that, dugs that increase dopamine activity like cocaine and amphetamines can lead to schizophrenic-like symptoms. Evidence for the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia is partly based on the observed effects of drugs such as amphetamine and cocaine. Both of these drugs increase levels of dopamine in the brain and can cause psychosis, especially after large doses or prolonged use. Amphetamine psychosis and cocaine psychosis may produce symptoms that are indistinguishable from the positive symptoms associated with schizophrenia. A review by Lieberman and colleagues demonstrated that up to 75% of patients with schizophrenia have exacerbated the signs and symptoms of their psychosis when given moderate doses of methylphenidate, amphetamine or other dopamine-like

My Funeral Plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

My Funeral Plan - Assignment Example Wakes are overnight stays held at funerals especially on the eve of the burial day. This is a practice that is only common among Christians, Muslims bury their dead immediately after they are pronounced dead. Wakes were initially meant to be moments when the friends and family came together and commemorated their lives with the dead. With the spread of Christianity, Christians started using these moments to have services in which they prayed for the souls of the late and to pray for guidance for those they left behind by them. The services have become so common that others carry them out in churches while others carry them out in homes and places designated for them by the families of the late. Egyptians believed that the bodies of their dead were to be used again by the very dead in their eternal rest. This way, they thus devised a way, of preserving the bodies; mummification. They drained the bodies of all possible liquid and air then covered them tightly in strips of sheets. The b odies survived for millions of years in good shape and this was the origin of body preservation. Given the differing funeral schedules, some people may have their programming running for weeks, a time within which the body of the dead should still be fresh and in good shape. The modern societies came up with ways of preserving their dead with such chemicals as formalin being used to keep the bodies fresh for longer. Electrocuting the dead drains all moisture and air from the bodies thus making them to last remarkably long.

Article Summary and Reaction Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Article Summary and Reaction Paper - Essay Example There were attempts to make the customers satisfied with the services that the company will offer. The hearing of the case occurred on November 30, 2011 after the company had filed the protection plea through its lawyers and other legal advisors. The airline had fought to escape the filing for bankruptcy and hoped that the court would help it to regain its status in the industry. The article expounds on the term bankruptcy. It also introduces Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, 2015). The chapter provides for reorganization under bankruptcy situation, mainly involving partnership or cooperation. The chapter helps in the reorganization of businesses that have seriously high burden of debts. Under the chapter, the debtor proposes a plan to that would ensure profitability after bankruptcy. The article outlines the best case in which Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code. The article outlines the applicability of the code in helping organizations restructure and present a plan for profitability. Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. (2015). Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code. Retrieved April 13, 2015 from

Closed Forms by Borwein and Crandall Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Closed Forms by Borwein and Crandall - Essay Example Third section deals with detailed examples on closed forms. Next, recent examples of advanced research on closed forms are discussed. Then there is the fifth section titled â€Å"profound curiosities† (Borwein and Crandall 2010, p. 24) followed by the concluding section of the article. In the concluding section, several open questions have been discussed. The first section of this paper is particularly important because it explains the very significance of this article. In this section, the authors attempt to furnish a definition of closed form. But in doing this, the authors revisit a basic concept of mathematics, that is the concept of rigorous proof. The authors wish to furnish a rigorous definition of closed forms with the help of the concept of rigorous proof. However, the problem is that the general notion of rigorous proof is a kind of â€Å"community-varying and epoch dependent† concept (Borwein and Crandall 2010, p. 1). Consequently, even a potential rigorous d efinition of closed forms is likely to provide an exhaustive treatment to the matter. 2. Discussion The authors have adopted seven different approaches to define a closed form. The first three approaches are very basic and theoretical in nature. The fourth approach chiefly utilises set algebra with particular focus on exponential and logarithmic functions. Using this approach, Chow (1999) remarks that the term closed form must imply explicit in the sense that the expression in closed form is meaningful, clearly open to all calculations and standard mathematical operators can be applied (Borwein and Crandall 2010, section 1.0.4). Although most algebraic functions do not have a simple explicit expression, scientists and mathematicians are trying to introduce concepts like hyperclosure and superclosure. The fifth approach is again elementary in nature with emphasis on theory rather than correlative analysis with respect to sufficiently complicated equations and identities (Borwein and Crandall 2010). In discussing the sixth approach, the authors have put their own input to refine the understanding of this concept as deduced from previous research works of experts like Bailey, Borwein, and Crandall (2008). First, the Borwein and Crandall (2010) consider any convergent sum given by the following expression: x = ?cnzn (where x is a member of the set X) †¦ †¦ †¦ (1) Explaining the different variables and operators that are seen in (1), we must mention that c0 is rational; z is algebraic; and n ? 0. Furthermore, for n > 0 we have: , where B and A are integer polynomials such that deg B ? deg A. Also, the set X contains generalised hypergeometric evaluations as established by the authors (Borwein and Crandall 2010, section 1.2.2) as a part of the ring of hyperclosure denoted by H (which is begot from all generalised hypergeometric evaluations). Now according to the authors: â€Å"Under these conditions the expansion for x converges absolutely on the ope n disk |z| < 1. However, we also allow x to be any finite analytic-continuation value of such a series; moreover, when z lies on a branch cut we presume both branch limits to be elements of X. (See ensuing examples for some clarification.) It is important to note that our set X is closed under rational multiplication, due to freedom of choice for c0. † (Borwein and Crandall 2010, section 1.2.2) The merit of this approach is that it introduces us to the concept of hyperclosure.

Article Summary and Reaction Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Article Summary and Reaction Paper - Essay Example There were attempts to make the customers satisfied with the services that the company will offer. The hearing of the case occurred on November 30, 2011 after the company had filed the protection plea through its lawyers and other legal advisors. The airline had fought to escape the filing for bankruptcy and hoped that the court would help it to regain its status in the industry. The article expounds on the term bankruptcy. It also introduces Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, 2015). The chapter provides for reorganization under bankruptcy situation, mainly involving partnership or cooperation. The chapter helps in the reorganization of businesses that have seriously high burden of debts. Under the chapter, the debtor proposes a plan to that would ensure profitability after bankruptcy. The article outlines the best case in which Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code. The article outlines the applicability of the code in helping organizations restructure and present a plan for profitability. Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. (2015). Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code. Retrieved April 13, 2015 from

Business Process Recommendations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business Process Recommendations - Essay Example   Process planning is another area that requires improvement. Improved process planning will allow for the implementation of more efficient production processes. Since the products contain many similar parts and sub-assemblies, we recommend designing a revised assembly process that includes elements of both mass production and batch production. A production line for standard subassemblies will feed the other lines that will produce the four different models.An improved inventory management system is required to allow for adequately meeting customer demands, efficient assembly operations, and cost control. We recommend implementing a continuous inventory system at GTNT. With proper implementation, it is a valuable tool that will control inventory levels, eliminate stock outs, and also minimize risk and total cost.   The various parts for the four models should be located directly adjacent to the production line, so they are easily accessible.   Once all the necessary improvement s are implemented there will be neither more finger neither pointing nor bickering amongst team members, in contrary, the communication and workflow will improve.   After having an accurate forecast, a better inventory system process and making parts accessible to the team next to the production lines will allow the team members to work cohesively with each other.   For example, the new forecast will allow for better planning and management that will communicate to the team member’s daily, weekly and monthly expectations.     

History of Light Gauge Steel

History of Light Gauge Steel History and Development of Light Gauge Steel Within the Construction Industry At the end of World War Two, many countries, including the United Kingdom, Japan, France and Germany were suffering from an acute housing shortage. It was at this time that the use of light gauge steel was introduced into the construction industry by using it as a cladding system within the building of steel framed pre-fab houses. These pre-fabs were poorly designed with little insulation causing cold bridging and ultimately condensation and dampness within the interior of the buildings. This has led to many of these buildings being demolished and traditional brick homes constructed in their place. Despite this, with improved insulation, light gauge steel has continued to be used as an infill structure on multi storey buildings built from hot rolled steel or concrete frames. Commercial and retail buildings in particular continued to benefit from its diverse capabilities, using it as a cladding system which can be formed into many different shapes. In the USA, since 1990 over 20% of a ll affordable homes are now built using this method and it is still growing year on year (Koones, 2006). However, in the UK, we are not using advances in technology as we should be, meaning the buildings that we construct are responsible for almost half of our carbon emissions, half of our water consumption, around a third of our landfill waste and a quarter of all raw materials used in the UK (Smith R A, et al. 2003). This means that the UKs sustainable development targets cannot be met without a fundamental change to the way in which buildings are constructed. The national targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions and the drive for buildings that generate zero carbon in operation present a huge challenge to the building industry (Corus. Sustainable Steel Construction). These drivers have forced the industry to radically change the way in which it constructs its buildings developing other forms of construction to comply with new building regulations and sustainability issues. Advances in technology have led to improved building designs enabling many of the problems that were associated with light gauge steel in previous buildings to be overcome. Other forms of construction have also evolved, most of which are now capable of being manufactured in a factory and shipped to the site ready for assembly. These are known as Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and their use has been encouraged by Government and the Building Research Establishment (BRE) due to their impact on the environment and benefits to the end user. In 2006, the MMC market split was: Â £414 million for volumetric (based on manufacturers selling price), 52,797 timber frame units (houses and commercial), Â £61 million for light gauge steel frame (which equates to around 6,100 units), 750 SIPS units (estimate) (BRE 2nd March 09). Today the properties of light gauge steel are being utilised, not only as a cladding system but as a complete building product, replacing bricks and blocks with thin studs of steel fixed together to form non-load bearing or load bearing walls. The studs that are used are formed by folding the strips of galvanised, light gauge steel into the required shape, of which there are many. The most common shape being C sections which are usually formed for use within walls. These vary in size from 40 225 mm and between 0.56 3.2mm in diameter depending on whether or not they are to be used in exterior, interior, load bearing or non-load bearing elements of the building. The steel used is galvanized, providing it with a protective coating for internal applications and has a standard coating of G275 (275 grams/m2). As it is only suitable for interior applications then the entire light gauge steel structure has to be enclosed within a protective covering. This is referred to as the envelope or a warm frame structure and is formed using insulation and a protective vapour barrier. The warm frame structure enables the building to have excellent thermal properties, surpassing the minimum U-Value levels of the Building Regulations 2000. Within the UK the design code for light gauge steel is BS9590 part 5; European design code is Eurocode 3 part 1.3 these are intended to be set of technical rules for the design of buildings using this method of construction. Light gauge steel has the best strength to weight ratio over any other building material and these high strength to weight ratios equate to six tonnes of steel achieving the same performance as 120 tonnes of concrete (SCI, 2007) and as a consequence of its light weight, dependant on ground conditions, less substantial foundations, even the use of prefabricated ground beams assembled to form the foundations may be suitable. Its light weight also inevitably means fewer deliveries to site, in turn causing less disruption to the local community. There are a number of ways in which the elements of a light gauge steel building can be constructed, one of which has taken its name from timber framed buildings where each element of the building is cut to length and fixed together on site. This is referred to as stick building and is a very labour intensive method which, along with a carpenter for timber frames, requires several years of training. This is similar to traditional construction but instead replacing the bricks and mortar with light gauge steel, a good method for one off buildings but it also prevents the benefits gained by off site manufacture to be achieved. The opposite to stick building is the volumetric system. This is the most factory based form of construction and involves the delivery on site of, usually, a complete room fully fitted out with all fixtures and fittings. This minimises on site installation work and only requires the individual pods to be fixed together increasing the rate of construction of the bu ilding. This form of construction is very good for buildings where a repeated style of room is required such as student accommodation blocks or a hospital. When the design of a building is more complex then the cost of producing individual pods significantly rises. The factory based fabrication of the pods ensures a high standard of workmanship with a precision of +0 to -2mm tolerance being achievable and also minimises the traffic, waste, labour, and time spent constructing the buildings resulting in savings for the developer whilst minimising the impact on the environment. The open panel method is another design used with light gauge steel structures. It involves the assembly of the walls, floor or roof within a factory based environment and delivered to the site when needed. All insulation, services, cladding and internal finishes are then fitted on site. The direct factory based savings for the open panel method is reduced due to the fact that the superstructure of a building only amounts to about 15% of the total construction costs. Any savings made using the system would be modest but the reduced time spent on site related to the use of this method would be where the savings would be made. The closed panel method also involves the production of the elements of the building within a factory but will also have the insulation and vapour barrier fixed to it. The services, internal finishes, doors, windows etc may also be in place and the different elements of the building would only require fixing together on site which is usually achieved, as in other methods, by welding, riveting, screwing or crimping. Costs of MMC have been muted as a barrier to the progression of their use and the Barker Review of Housing Supplies (2004) stated that At the present time, traditional brick and block methods of construction remain cheaper, in many cases, than modern methods of construction, including off-site manufacture (OSM). Only four years later a 2008 BRE report (SmartLIFE Lessons Learned), published its findings on a pilot project in the Fenland district of Cambridgeshire. It found that light gauge steel construction was in fact, cheaper than the traditional method of brick and block and also that of other MMC used, including timber framed and insulated concrete formwork. According to the SmartLIFE report the advantage of an ongoing partnership and understanding between the light gauge steel manufacturer and the main contractor was a factor in the methods cost effectiveness. The SmartLIFE project was undertaken to find the best ways the UK can deliver a greater volume of sustainable, affordab le and high quality homes in less time, using both traditional and innovative methods of construction. In comparison to other MMC, light gauge steels long roof and floor span capabilities also add to its diversity. Rooms can be changed around within the building by simply moving interior walls which do not require demolition as opposed to other methods. They can also be disassembled and reused or recycled unlike, for example, insulated concrete formwork walls. Whilst there are benefits to using light gauge steel there are also disadvantages including the metals thermal conductivity. Unlike a timber framed building, heat can quickly conduct across a metal stud and with many studs in a wall this can reduce the temperature within a room ensuring the u value of the wall is reduced. To rectify this additional exterior insulation is required at extra cost to the developer. There are also fears about corrosion problems. If the building is not kept within its warm envelope then deterioration of the metal could be a problem. A counter argument is that timber rots far easier and quicker than me tal and timber can also be a food source for a variety of animals. The electric conduciveness of the frame also means that extra work is needed to ensure the wiring does not come into contact with the frame. In modular and closed panel construction this would be undertaken in factory conditions and would be easily overcome but with on site installation it inevitably means further responsibility falls on to the sub-contractor electrician. Perhaps the most serious of its disadvantages is the thermal conductivity of the metal frame and its ability to cause the structure to collapse. To tackle this problem the fixing of two layers of gypsum plasterboard at staggered joints gives the metal frame a fire resistant time suitable to exceed the minimum fire safety requirements of Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations 2000. The acoustic performance of light gauge steel has also been questioned but the necessary double layer of plasterboard also takes the level of acoustic performance past the necessary requirements outlined in Part E (Resistance to the passage of sound) of the Building Regulations 2000. The high embodied energy of light gauge steel is also a disadvantage to people who have no knowledge of its reusability and recyclability. To calculate the embodied energy within construction components the World Steel Association uses the system expansion method of lifecycle assessment, which is the preferred approach of the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) 14040 series of environmental standards. Although it is high in proportion to other MMC it is its ability of indefinite re-use and recycling without its qualities ever decreasing which differentiates it from all other methods of construction. Unlike traditional forms of construction light gauge steel benefits from low waste, adaptability, off site manufacture, re-usability, recyclability and resource efficiency making it one of the most sustainable building methods available within the UK. The buildings that can be produced by this method are light, open and very adaptable meaning old buildings would not have to be demolished when they are deemed unsuitable. The interiors would be simply rearranged to meet the end users requirements thus prolonging the life span of the building. Light gauge steel can and does exceed the requirements of todays low level building requirements and in conjunction with other methods of construction its benefits are also widened to medium and high rise buildings. However, a number of barriers will have to be overcome if light gauge steel is to become a prominent method of construction. Consumer confidence and the stigma of pre-fab buildings will have to be improved upon which can only be achieved by educating the consumer on the benefits of light gauge steel, including its whole life cycle properties. Finally financial aspects will have to be challenged including mortgage lenders and insurers who will essentially become a part of the education system. Their own education in the use of light gauge steel will enable them to encourage the use of and be involved in the progression of Modern Methods of Construction. Bibliography AMA Research Ltd, Current Practices and Future Potential in Modern Methods of Construction, waste and resources action programme. (2007) Barker K, Review of Housing Supply, Delivering Stability: Securing Our Future Housing Needs. Final Report and Recommendations, (2004), HM Treasury. BRE, Assessing the Sustainability of Prefabricated Construction Techniques: Building Research Establishment, (2003) BRE, Designing Quality Buildings, HIS BRE Press, (2007) CABE. Design and Modern Methods of Construction: Commission for the Built Environment, (2004) Communities and Local Government, Code for Sustainable Homes, Technical Guide, Department for Communities and Local Government, (2009) Corus BCSA. Sustainable Steel Construction, Building a sustainable future, (date unknown) Corus. Start Building With Fnished Rooms, Modular Building System, (2006). Currie D M, The use of Light- Gauge Cold Formed Steelwork in Construction, developments in research and design, Bre report, IHS BRE Press, (1989) Davison B Owens G, Steel Designers Manual, Blackwell publishing, Sixth Edition, The Steel Construction Institute, (2003) Dye A et al, Environmental Construction Handbook, RIBA, (2008) GRUBB P J et al, Light Steel Framing in Residential Construction, SCI Publication P301, (date unknown) GVA Grimley, Cities, Commerce Carbon: The Role of Property, (2009) Koones, S. (2006), Steel Frames Enter the Mainstream, Free Press, Smart Home Owner, May/June 2006. ODPM, Sustainable Communities: Building for the Future, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, (2003) Perkins M Z, The Utilization of Light Gauge Steel In Residetial Construction In The State Of Utah, Thesis, (2009) Ross Keith et al, A Guide to Modern Methods of Construction, NHBC Foundation, HIS BRE Press, (2006) ROSS Keith, Modern Methods of House Construction. Building Research Establishment, (2005) Sir John Egan. Rethinking Construction, Report of the Construction Task Force, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. (1998) Sir John Egan, Egan Review of Skills for Sustainable Communities: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, (2004) SmartLIFE Lessons Learned, (2008), HIS BRE Press. BRE Report BR500 Smith R A, et al, The Construction Industry Mass Balance: resource use, wastes and emissions, Viridis Report VR4 (Revised), 2003, ISSN 1478-0143 Steel Construction Sector Sustainability Committee. Sustainable Steel Construction Building a Better Future. (2001) The Steel Construction Institute, Handbook of Structural Steelwork, 4th Edition, The British Constructional Steelwork Association Limited, (2007) TRADA, Manual for the Design of Timber Building Structures to EuroCode 5, (2007) Modern Methods of Construction, Evolution or Revolution? BURA, (2005) Unknown author, http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ (2009), Her Majestys Treasury, accessed 9th December 2009. Unknown author, http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/public/ (2009), HMSO, accessed 9th December 2009 Unknown author, http://www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/, (2009), accessed 3rd December 2009 Unknown Author, http://www.hexaport.com/ (2009), Hexaport International, accessed 7th December 2009 Unknown author, http://www.bre.co.uk/ (2000 2009), The Building Research Establishment Trust, accessed 9th December 2009 Unknown author, http://www.azobuild.com/ (2009), AZoM.com Pty Ltd, accessed 8th December 2009

Assisted Suicide :: essays research papers

Assisted Suicide   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jill Allene, RN, visited Gus, an elderly patient at a hospice clinic. The next day Gus swallowed a lethal mixture of medications that had been prescribed by his physician, and fell into a deep sleep. He died soon after. Because it was his decision to take his own life, doesn’t mean that he wins the battle with his disease, but he did win the war - a war of control. He wished simply to die on his own terms, under circumstances he chose. Like others in Oregon who have opted to use that state’s legalized physician-assisted suicide (PAS). It wasn’t the unrelenting surges of pain or incapacitating waves of nausea that encouraged Gus to call it quits; it was an unquenchable thirst for autonomy. Pulmonary disease didn’t kill Gus – Gus killed himself. (Nursing Spectrum 6)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Assisted suicide is a very controversial issue, which always seems to be a topic at hand. Because this topic causes quite the up-roar, there have been very strong opinions form both for and against assisted suicide. Each side having justified reasons of why they believe that it should or should not be allowed. But the fact is, that some patients have respectable reasons for their request in their passing. There are people out there have very little of their life left to live, and like Gus would like to move along based on their own terms.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Like Gus, a terminally ill person with a sickness, leaves them with no choice but death. On the other hand, why not give these innocent people the right to make the decision themselves. These terminally ill people should be able to keep their dignity of life, and choose terms of their own and not have to live with the ones given to them unwillingly.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  On the other hand the action of assisted suicide is already occurring especially in the United States today. It deals with basically the same thing as assisted suicide, when a doctor consoles the patient’s family, and come to a decision of pulling the plug. The patient cannot help but lay there, helplessly, until total body failure. In this situation here the life of a person is placed in the hands of the family and doctor. In both situations here a life of a person is being place on the line. Which option sounds more just, the option of a person’s life being taken form them based on the decision of someone else, or the option of a terminally ill person choosing to die based on one’s own decision.

Some Tips On Car Restoration Essay example -- essays research papers

Some Tips on Car Restoration   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Whenever someone decides to take the initiative to restore a car, it requires a serious commitment. I have seen too many people begin work and never finish. The successful car restorer chooses a car that fits his/her personality and budget, and follows the job through to the end. One must have a love for the process as well as the product, or the project will be rushed and end up to be worthless. I learned this tedious process when I was just fourteen years old, barely able to perform the difficult and sometimes dangerous tasks that are required to complete a show car. I would not recommend taking the steps I did my first time, so I will outline the best method I have learned through experience.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Most restoration projects are simple vehicles to begin with, so it isn't very difficult to know what's what. For those of us who don't know all the tricks or don't like to write things down I think a book is very helpful. I recommend one from the Chilton's Automotive Guide series. These guides are available for almost any car, so finding one for your project should not be a problem. They feature blown up diagrams of the complicated systems of the car like the distributor, under-dash wiring, and engine internals. This can be very helpful in those frustrating times when there are parts strewn from wall to wall in no particular order. Mine was an integral part of the process on my 1969 Chevy project.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Most people who are new to the project car scene tend to begin the project with cosmetics such as paint, interior vinyl and carpeting, and chromed accessories. This will not pay off in the end. The place to start is with the engine and suspension. In doing this at the beginning, you will minimize the chance of damaging expensive cosmetics and having to redo your work unnecessarily. For example, I was doing some major engine work after my car had been painted, and a slight shift of the hydraulic engine lift spelled disaster for a section of my newly coated fender. If the suspension components of your car are badly worn, consider replacement. A good way to check for broken or worn components in the front suspension is to lift the frame of the car until the front wheels leave the ground; then put one hand on each side of the tire and try and move it back an... ...ork you have done and it will transform the car's appearance drastically. Painting a car is an extremely delicate art, and equipment such as a spray booth and compressors are absolutely necessary to do the job right. After putting on a good set of tires and wheels that have been painted and polished and adding a few more personal touches, your project car is ready to drive. I went to a car show in Hershey, Pennsylvania and picked up a set of four 1973 Buick wheels that resembled the 1969 Chevy's. A little polish and touch-up paint made them look like new. If you buy used wheels, pay very close attention to the edges to make sure there are no irregularities to cause a vibration at high speeds. Common sense is the only thing you need to refer to when picking up used parts. If the time is taken to do each step correctly, the result is phenomenal. The work is never done, however. An antique is always in need of attention and maintenance, and you cannot afford to let your restoration work and money go to waste. These projects have proven to be some of the most rewarding hobbies in my life, as well as for countless other people who enjoy hands-on work and a thrilling driving experience.

Human factors in aviation accidents Essay

As a result of researches that recognized the existence of human factors in error management, the aviation industry also began to take initiatives to reformat aviation organisations. The aviation industry shifted to a more open culture that valued communication and at the same time recognized that human error will always be present but through time and more advanced studies can be reduced further (Sexton, Thomas & Helmreich, 2000). Almost all aspects have been looked into. Selection and training processes were raised to a different level. While technical skills were highly valued before, they have been found to be inadequate in dealing with safety concerns. Selection of aircrew now includes processes that determine their ability to learn from errors and to become team players. There also has been a new approach for training – not only the pilots, but the entire crew is trained. There are also a mounting number of interventions that are being tested for their effectivity to modify behavioral patterns that could injure a system’s safety. Because crew resource management (CRM) failure is implicated in most aircraft accidents, CRM training programs, which began as a part of a National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA] program in 1979, began to be widely received by aviation organisations. Now on its 5th generation, CRM trainings for the crew have been conducted by major airlines and even the navy. The CRM training program encompasses many aspects of aviation safety such as situation awareness, task management and communication (Thomas, 2004). The 5th generation CRM programs can be viewed as a tool to effectively manage errors. CRM combats errors in three ways: obviously, the first one is the avoidance of error; the second Human Factors in Aviation Accidents 10 one is the â€Å"suppression† of the error before it happens; and third, the mitigation of the effects of the errors should it not be avoided (Helmreich, Merritt & Wilhelm, 1999). The focus of the 5th generation CRM is the normalization of errors – whether due to active or latent failures – and the development of strategies to manage these errors (Helmreich, Merritt & Wilhelm, 1999). Although CRM programs focus on human errors and its effects on aviation safety, it is never entirely a behavioral training. After all, if you recall, a â€Å"productive system† is an interaction of human and technological factors. Therefore, CRM is not to be taken as a stand-alone program. It is meant to be incorporated to technical trainings where the crew has to be adept in the operation of modern aviation technology and at the same time has to learn non-technical skills such as effective communication, coordination and teamwork. Despite the fact that intervention programs like the CRM has been introduced and conducted for crews in major and regional airlines for the two decades, the percentage of CRM failures in aviation accidents remained relatively flat (Wiegmann & Shappell, 2001). Although initial results of CRM programs have been found to be encouraging such that positive results were seen almost immediately after the conduction of the program, it was soon obvious that such results were short-lived (Taneja, 2002). What could have happened that prevented such interventions to perform as expected? Helmreich & Merritt (2000) offers an explanation – at least for CRM. First, not everybody responds to CRM training. Some may have become less accepting of CRM after the training. Although attitudes do not necessarily define behavior, it has been a well-known maxim that those who reject a concept are more likely not to follow the principles that it imparts. (Helmreich, Merritt & Wilhelm, 1999). Human Factors in Aviation Accidents 11 Culture – national, professional and organisational – is also a significant factor that determines the level of acceptance for a CRM concept (Helmreich & Merritt, 2000). When CRM was introduced to other national cultures, it soon became evident that certain CRM concepts can either be readily accepted or rejected depending on the national culture. Cultures such as China and many Latin American countries that stress the importance of absolute power and authority of their leaders will necessarily be less receptive to the idea of subordinates questioning the decisions of their leaders, than cultures that are less hierarchical (Hofstede, 1980 as cited by Helmreich, Merrit & Wilhelm, 1999). While CRM programs encourage subordinates to be more assertive in questioning their leaders, junior crew members in these cultures are quite disinclined to do this because of fear of showing disrespect. These same cultures are also collectivists who stress interdependenc and the necessity to work together for a common goal. In contrast, American and European cultures, which are highly individualistic, give more value to independence and more priority to individual goals. The value of teamwork and the need for coordination will most likely be readily accepted in the former than in the latter. There are also High Uncertainty Avoidance cultures like Greece, Korea and many Latin American countries that prefer CRM concepts already specifying required behaviors. Cultures that are low in Uncertainty Avoidance tend to be more flexible when it comes to behaviors but have difficulty adhering to standard operating procedures. Furthermore, this kind of culture, along with non-collectivist cultures are more questioning with regards to the usage of automation while High Uncertainty Avoidance and collectivist cultures accept the idea of automation usually without, or relatively less, questions. Intervention programs such as CRM should therefore not be patterned after a single national culture. From the discussion it can be seen above that autocratic cultures can also Human Factors in Aviation Accidents 12 value teamwork and interdependence than non-autocratic cultures (Helmreich, in press). Cultures exhibiting difficulty of adherence to SOPs may be more innovative when dealing with novel situations not covered by procedures. In contrast, cultures who stress strict adherence to rules may find it difficult to be more flexible in new situations. Although CRM programs require behavior modification, certain beliefs ingrained into a culture are quite difficult to modify. If CRM has to attain widespread global use, it has to design programs that are congruent to national culture and yet still enhances safety. Error management should therefore be embraced as a culture in itself. Focusing on threat and error management as goals, training programs should not aim for a total reversal of norms and beliefs but rather for a drawing out of positive behaviors without directly confronting national culture. Many professions, including aviation, have strong cultures and develop their own norms and values (Helmreich, in press). Each culture encompasses both positive and negative aspects. Aircrew for example has a high level of motivation and a strong sense of professional pride. The negative component, which is seen to be universal, is the inability to admit vulnerability to stressors. Majority of pilots in almost all national cultures agree that their decision-making abilities are not hampered by personal problems and that it is as good in emergency situations as in normal situations. Furthermore, most of these pilots have indicated that they do not make errors even while under stress. This â€Å"macho† culture, when left uncorrected, can lead to risk taking, failure to coordinate with other crew members and error. Indeed, one focus of the 5th generation CRM program is to help pilots acknowledge that human error does occur and they are more vulnerable to it if they continue to deny the existence and effect of stressors. As stated earlier, the organisational culture determines the principle of the organisation towards safety. One reason why CRM does not deliver results when it should is Human Factors in Aviation Accidents 13 the organisational context on which the program was delivered (Helmreich & Merritt, 2000). Organisations may have a highly evolved safety culture and possesses a positive outlook on safety. Such organisations will most likely benefit from CRM and other intervention strategies. Others react only to safety threats once they are looming while some organisations give perfunctory attention to safety issues without really embracing a safety culture that works towards a highly effective accident prevention program. The current process of investigating errors during accidents also contributes to the apparently limited success of intervention strategies. Most accident reporting systems are primarily technological and have been designed with little regard to human factors. Such systems are on their way to being perfected in terms of identifying mechanical failures but in itself is also a bit of a failure when it comes to assessment of human errors (Wiegmann & Shappell, 2001). An examination of an accident investigation process may help drive down the point. When an accident due to mechanical failure happens, investigators examine objective and quantifiable information such as that obtained from the flight data recorder. The data is processed and the probable causes of the accident are recorded so that safety recommendations can be identified. After the investigation, the data obtained is entered into a database which can be periodically accessed to provide feedback to investigators. The information in the database can also be used by funding organizations to determine which researches to fund. As a result, intervention strategies are further developed to prevent mechanical failure from happening or mitigate consequences once they do happen (Helmreich & Merritt, 2000). Either way, the number of accidents due to mechanical failures has been greatly reduced. Human Factors in Aviation Accidents 14 In contrast, investigations of accidents due to human errors produce results that are not tangible and are difficult to quantify. And because the studies of human factors came later than studies of mechanical failures, investigative techniques used in human error analysis are less refined than those used to assess engineering and design concerns. When these techniques are used to analyze accident data, the results are rarely very useful and safety issues cannot be readily addressed. Therefore any intervention strategy designed using this data is not assured of success. Taneja (2002) echoes this concern stating that human errors have been implicated in 70-80% of aircraft accidents demonstrating the very limited success of current intervention strategies and also proposes a solution: a holistic approach to intervention strategies. To date, most researches on human factors in aviation have focused on specific aspects of aircraft accident prevention. Sarter and Alexander (2000) have observed that current researches on human error focus mainly on three key aspects: the development of error classification schemes, the design of error-tolerant systems, and error prevention through improved design and additional training (as cited by Taneja, 2002). Because accident prevention is such a wide field of study, it is very possible that certain aspects have been missed out or overlooked. Error framework also abound as almost every human factor researcher comes up with his own error framework. With so many intervention strategies proposed by researchers and some even practiced in the industry, there have been inadequate attempts to integrate these strategies into a holistic solution. A holistic approach to intervention strategies involve looking at all the possible links to an aircraft accident in order to come up with an intervention that best fits an organisation. Basing on all the links, an organisation must assess in what area their weaknesses lie and determine if these need intervention. The intervention strategy to be used in a certain Human Factors in Aviation Accidents 15 organisation will therefore be customized according the weak links in the organisation’s system. The two links that are directly related to aviation accidents are the aircraft and the aircrew. Although accidents due to mechanical failures have been greatly reduced to advancement in technology, there needs to be constant assessment of the aircraft in general and the human factors affecting the man-machine interface in particular (Taneja, 2002). Intervention strategies that can be applied to aircrew can be divided into two broad categories: selection and training. Ever since the knowledge that human factors contribute to aviation accidents, the selection process have been amended such that the pilots are not chosen based on technical skill alone but more so on their ability to coordinate with fellow aircrew, recognize their own errors and be willing to work with others to deal with these errors. Once chosen, the pilot’s training will have a great impact on his proficiency and possibly, on his ability to avoid accidents. Possible interventions on these two main links can have a major influence on the number of accidents encountered by the organisation. The process of accident investigation, although a secondary link, should also be looked into in for possible intervention strategies. To date there is no benchmark as to the training and expertise a safety investigator must have. In order for a standardised level of investigation to be achieved, there needs to be a minimum with regards to the exposure an investigator must have. The investigative tools that the safety investigator uses could also be subject to an intervention. As discussed earlier, investigation techniques for human errors are inadequate at present and needs further researches in order the reach the level of refinement of evaluative techniques for mechanical failures. The kinds of human errors as discussed by Wiegmann and Shappell (2001) while developing HFACS, are also links that could be used to come up with more effective Human Factors in Aviation Accidents 16 intervention strategies. Furthermore, autopsy results during aircraft accidents, although unable to prevent future accidents, can be used to design intervention strategies that will make an aircraft accident more survivable. Upon carefully assessing the links just mentioned and determining the areas that need intervention, it is recognized that the success of any strategy ultimately depends on the Organisational Safety Culture (Taneja, 2002). Toft (1989) defined an organisation’s safety culture as â€Å"the set of norms, beliefs, attitudes and roles, social and technical practices that minimizes the exposure of the managers, employees and the general public to conditions considered dangerous or injurious† (as cited by Taneja, 2002). Discussed in brief earlier, the way an organisation handles errors and error management strategies depend on its safety culture. A safety conscious organisation will not treat an accident as just another unavoidable circumstance but rather will focus its efforts in preventing future accidents from happening. A careful investigation that searches for the possible factors leading to the occurrence of the accident will be performed. Ideally, an organisation with a highly effective safety culture will aim to plug the hole in the Swiss cheese model before another opportunity for a catastrophe will be created (Reason, 1990 as cited by Taneja, 2002). Even organisations that have a sound safety culture however can still be plagued by errors caused by human limitations such as fatigue, severe workloads, inadequate training, poorly-maintained equipment and errors caused by the air traffic control which would consequently affect the aircrew and the organisation. Even if the organisation has tried to remove every conceivable active and latent failure, chance errors can still take place (Heimrich & Merritt, 2000). But every organisation is bound to have a loophole. Thus, constant monitoring of all aspects in the organisation , whether directly related to safety or not, is essential. Human Factors in Aviation Accidents 17 Because errors can arise from a variety of sources, any single intervention strategy, such as the CRM must not be taken as a panacea for eliminating error. CRM is only a tool that organisations use to perform error management. All intervention strategies have its limitation – the effects it will have on an organisation depends on the national culture, the strengths and weaknesses of the professional culture, and the organisational safety culture. Furthermore, the way the people at the frontline perceive the intervention strategy will affect the outcome of such a strategy. In summary, the study of human factors affecting aircraft accidents has fostered an abundance of researches in this field. With the conception of CRM almost three decades ago, numerous error frameworks and intervention strategies have been proposed and used. Unfortunately, such a plethora of studies have not created a significant reduction on human error-related aircraft accidents. Presumably because it is still a relatively young field, the researches need more focus and the intervention strategies need more refinement. Intervention strategies have to address differences in national, professional and organisational culture. It is also important that intervention strategies be customized to a certain organisation to ensure a greater amount of success. With the continuous development and improvement of researches in this field, there will bound to be a breakthrough in time, and the success that has long been sought will finally be at hand. Human Factors in Aviation 18. References Helmreich, R. L. (in press). Culture, threat and error: Assessing system safety. In Safety in Aviation: The Management Commitment: Proceedings of a Conference. London: Royal Aeronautical Society.Retrieved October 2, 2007 from http://homepage. psy. utexas. edu/HomePage/Group/HelmreichLAB/Publications/pubfiles/Pub257. pdf. Helmreich, R. L. & Merritt, A. C. (2000). Safety and error management. The role of Crew Resource Management. In B. J. Hayward and A. R. Lowe (Eds. ), Aviation Resource Management. Aldershot, UK: Ashgate Publishing Ltd. 107-119. Helmreich, R. L. Merritt, A. C. & Wilhelm, J. A. (1999). The evolution of Crew Resource Management training in commercial aviation. International Journal of Aviation Psychology, 9(1):19-32. Reason, J. (2000). Human error: Models and management. BMJ, 320(7237): 768-770. Sexton, J. , Thomas, E. J. & Helmreich, R. L. (2000). Error, stress and teamwork in medicine and aviation: cross sectional surveys. BMJ, 320:745-749. Taneja, N. (2002). Human factors in aircraft accidents: A holistic approach to intervention strategies. Retrieved October 1, 2007 from www. humanfactors. uiuc. edu/Reports&PapersPDFs/humfac02/tanejahf02. pdf. Thomas, M. J. W. (2004). Error management training: Defining best practice. ATSB Aviation Safety Research Grant Scheme Project 2004/0050. Retrieved October 1, 2007 from www. atsb. gov. au/publications/2004/pdf/error_management_training_best_practice. pdf. Wiegmann, D. A. & Shappell, S. A. (2003). A human error approach to aviation accident analysis. Aldershot, UK: Ashgate Publishing Ltd. Human Factors in Aviation Accidents 19 Wiegmann, D. A. & Shappell, S. A. (2001 February). A human error analysis of commercial aviation accidents using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System [HFACS]. Office of Aviation Medicine. Retrieved October 2, 2007 from www. hf. faa. gov/docs/508/docs/cami/0103. pdf.