Innovation and Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Innovation and Change - Essay Example Innovations are established from both the internal and the external environment. There is need for organizations to scan the environment constantly in order to determine the threats and opportunities. Different strategic approaches to management exist. These include environment led approach and the resource based view approach. Regardless of the extent of innovation, the need for new knowledge, new markets, and new employees will have significant impact on the organization Goffin and Mitchell (2005). Hence, change has to be considered when dealing with innovation. The advancement of technology in the 21st century has resulted in increased productions in organizations. Today, the economies of scale concerns have become irrelevant. Supply surpasses demand hence increased competition, and the requirement of enhanced continuous innovation. For successful innovation process, an organization has to establish appropriate structures, processes and culture. Through this the workforce, the par tners and the customers will know what is valuable to the organization. In the whole process of innovation, the organization will be forced to make difficult and complex changes. Innovation is defined as a process in which ideas are transformed in organizations into superior processes, products or services. This process involves new ideas or reforming the existing ones. Through this, organizations are able to successfully progress, compete and distinguish themselves in the market. Most successful organizations like Google have allowed the workforce to pursue their interest of creativity. The company has become more than a search engine through innovations such as Google maps. In the current markets where the patterns of production are changing, innovation is of great significance. In the Fordist and post-Fordist development path of learning economy, the global competition is based on the dynamic principle of competitive advantage. This relies on the exploitation of the available inp uts hence continual innovation is necessary. Organizations face increased international competition, increasing deregulation in industries, increased workforce diversity, decreasing product life cycles, rapid technologies evolvement in communication and information. Turbulence in environment has resulted in changes in the information age. In such an environment, organizations have to be innovative as they face different opportunities and challenges while trying to enhance the operations in existence (Burnes, 2004). Innovation is categorised into 4Ps namely, product, process, position and paradigm. Product refers to things that are physical, while process is the way things are done or delivered. The definition of products and processes is known as positioning. Paradigm refers to viewing the world in a new aspect and living in it. Industrial laboratory and the present call centre creation are considered as innovation processes. Positioning involves re-branding a product in existence a nd giving it a different identity. An example of positioning is the changes that took place on the Lucozade drink. Initially it was known be convalescents drink. Later it was transformed to be dynamic booster for wellbeing. Paradigm change is key radical innovation. It has substantial impact in a given society. An example of this is the steam engine created during industrial revolution. It was versatile, it drove; pumps in

The Concrete And Fibre Reinforcement Construction Essay

The Concrete And Fibre Reinforcement Construction Essay CHAPTER 1 Within the following dissertation I aim to study the use of Fibre Reinforced Concrete within the construction industry. Over the last decade, fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) has become widely used in different structural and non-structural applications such as pavements, floors, overlays, industrial slabs and shotcrete linings etc where the major concern is toughness and first crack in flexure. It is estimated that more than 150 000 metric tonnes of FRC has been used throughout this duration of time. Particular focus will be made as to FRC within the construction industry whilst trying to identify what the future hold for this composite material. The question will be posed at to what the general consensus is within the construction industry in regard to the use of fibre reinforcement within concrete. 1.2 Concrete and Fibre Reinforcement Concrete is a material that is very strong in compression although is comparatively weak in tension. To compensate for this imbalance in the concretes behavior, an appropriate reinforcement must be cast into the concrete to help carry the tensile loads. Two forms of reinforcement commonly used are Steel Fabric (Rebar) reinforcement and Fibre reinforcement. Steel Fabric Rebar/Mesh has been used for many years in the construction industry to reinforce concrete and is usually made of carbon steel which is incorporated with ridges to help provide a better bond and adhesion to the concrete. As the rate that both steel and concrete expand and contract is the same this assists in eliminating any possible issues relating to any early signs of cracking within the concrete which could occur if the materials expanded and contracted contradictory to each other. This will assist in enhancing the overall strengthening of the structure. Rebar comes in various lengths and thicknesses to accommodate different types and sizes of jobs. These bars can be tied together to form a grid or cage, this is extremely effective for larger projects or alternatively mesh can be delivered in a variety of standard sheet sizes to site. An exciting alternative product to the above which could be used would be that of fibre reinforcement. The idea of using a fibrous material to provide tensile strength to a material strong in compression but brittle loses itself in the mists of time; in ancient Egypt straw was added to clay mixtures in order to provide brick with enhanced flexural resistance, thus providing better handling properties after the brick had dried in the sun. Fibre reinforced concrete is a composite material which entails a cementitious hydrated paste which is mixed with small reinforced filaments for instance glass, steel, polymer or carbon fibres which come in various shapes and sizes. The multiple fibres restructure the energy within the concrete, preventing the procedure of formation and extension of cracks. This helps to increase the ductility within the concrete whilst sustaining the residual capability during the post cracking period The fibres within the concrete literally bond the sides of a forming crack together at the same time as preventing any visual damage from becoming apparent Although FRC is an application that has been used extensively throughout Western Europe and beyond, its use within the UK has been somewhat restricted to the purpose of reinforcement within industrial floors as its main application. The absence of a recognizably accepted design standard may have an influence on the situation although calls are currently being made for clear industrial guidelines to be certified. The Concrete Society Technical Report 63 concentrates on any problematic issues and provides guidance for current and future design. All information and design aspects associated with fibre reinforcement are incorporated within the British Standard Institution. BS EN 14889, Fibres for concrete Part 1: Steel Fibres Definition, specifications and conformity. Part 2: Polymer Fibres Definition, specifications and conformity. 1.3 Aim The main aim of the following theses is to investigate and evaluate the various properties and functions of Fibre Reinforced Concrete (FRC) throughout the construction industry whilst giving consideration as to what lies ahead for the future of FRC. 1.4 Objectives To provide a historic overview of Concrete and Fibre Reinforcement. To identify and analyze the various types of fibre products available for concrete reinforcement. To establish possible concrete mix performance enhancements associated with FRC. To explore the Construction Management criteria within the industry in relation to the use of FRC. To highlight the future possibilities and potential that FRC has within the construction industry whilst seeking the views and opinions of various construction professionals. 1.5 Rationale for Research There are three main reasons why this particular topic has been chosen for this theses along with the required research which has been carried out, these are: A personal interest in the material of concrete along with its various functions and applications due to work experience gained in this field. An interest in new innovations being made available to the construction market which will enhance the overall application of the material. An aspiration to investigate whilst enhancing my current knowledge on the theory of FRC 1.6 Methodology Due to the nature of the topic to meet the aims and objectives previously set out for this thesis and to establish the direction for this piece of work information has been obtained from the following sources. Primary Literature Academic Research Journals (Refereed) Conferences / Seminars (Referred) Government Publications Technical Report Papers Secondary Literature Construction Journals Construction Textbooks Library Search Indexes and Abstracts Internet / World Wide Web Library Catalogue Case Study A case study of fibre reinforcement with regard to Construction Management criteria will also be analyzed via various site visits prior and during any works being carried out. This will provide a valuable insight as to how this product is perceived whilst strengthening the case for use in the future. Questionnaire Questionnaires will also be distributed to various Professional bodies influenced by the use of FRC within the construction industry. The methodology adopted is fully discussed afterwards in Chapter 4 along with the analysis of the research findings in Chapter 5. 1.7 Chapter Overview Chapter 1: Introduction Provide a brief introduction into the areas of study which has been identified by the author whilst outlining the main aims and objectives to be achieved in order to fulfill the research criteria. Chapter 2: Background for Study (Literature Search) A review of the relevant theory and recent / current publications associated with Fibre Reinforced Concrete will be used to obtain the necessary information required to establish the Aim and Objectives which have been prepared by the author. Chapter 3: Case Study On site Case Study (tbc) Chapter 4: Methodology An evaluation of the types of research and methodology methods carried out in order to achieve the aims and objectives previously stated. This will describe how and why the chosen research methods had been adopted. Chapter 5: Data Interpretation and Analysis This will consist of an analysis of the data and information generated from the questionnaire returns using relevant diagrams, tables and text to illustrate all findings. Chapter 6: Conclusions and Recommendations All findings from the research process will be compiled and it will be observed as to whether the main outlined objectives have been realized. Recommendations will also be given on areas of further research to enhance the material within the theses. CHAPTER 2 A REVIEW OF FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE 2.1 History of Concrete and Fibre Reinforcement. The history of composite materials started in ancient Egypt over 2000 years ago with mud bricks, reinforced with straw fibres. (Crowther, 2009) Concrete is the second most widely used material on earth after water (The Economist, 2006) Concrete is a building material composed of cement, aggregate sand and water, often with chemical admixtures and other materials (Stanley Bond, 1999). Its modern development spans less than 200 years with 1824 being the patent date associated with the first Portland cement, according to Binns (2002), which is one of the most important milestones in concretes history. Concrete is an ever present material and its versatility, comparative cheapness and energy efficiency have ensured that it is of great and increasing importance for all types of construction throughout the world. Many structures have concrete as their principal material, albeit as a composite with steel to give either reinforced or prestressed concrete, even in those structures where other materials such as steel or timber form the principal structural elements, concrete will normally still have an important role, for example in the foundations. In its simplest form, concrete is a mixture of cement, water and aggregates in which the cement and water have combined to bind the aggregate particles together to form a monolithic whole. (Illston Domone, 2001) (Sutherland, 2009) explains that even though our knowledge and understanding of the material is far from complete, and research continues, concrete has been successfully used in many cultures and in many civilisations. It is not just a modern material; the oldest concrete discovered so far is in southern Israel, and dates from about 7000 BC. It was used for flooring, and consists of quicklime, made by burning limestone, mixed with water and stone which set into a hardened material. Fibres mixed into the concrete can provide an alternative to the provision of conventional rebar or steel fabric mesh in some applications. The concept has been in existence for many years (the first patent was applied for in 1874) and it has been used in a range of applications: amongst the first major uses was the patching of bomb craters in runways during World War 2. However, it was during the 1970s that commercial use of this material began to gather momentum particularly in Europe, Japan and throughout America. (Clark, 2007) Crowther (2009) reiterates that throughout the 1960s research by various scientists which included Romauldi and Mandel who were industrial scientists, In the 1960s, studies by Industrial scientists Romauldi, Mandel and others, created the hypothetical and experimental foundations to help realise the development of a steel fibre product which could be used to as a means of reinforcing and strengthening concrete. In the early 1970s, James Romauldi who was initially involved in establishing the creation of the steel fibre patented the philosophy of steel fibre reinforced concrete, essentially inventing a new material for use within the construction industry. Throughout the 20th century the appliance of asbestos fibre cement was extremely common and extensively utilised whilst more recently it has continued with the use of highly developed carbon fibre substances which have previously been more associated within the specialised aerospace and automotive industries. Glass fibres were introduced and research continued into harnessing the properties of synthetic fibres such as polypropylene along with various other plastic materials. By 2000, the first macro fibre, concrete was ready for production from various suppliers. (Tarmac, 2009) Fibre reinforced concrete is employed around the world on major construction projects which involve infrastructure works, tunnel linings, marine environments, pre cast and insitu walling systems, low shrinkage thin screeds, sprayed concrete applications and significant reinforcement structures. Throughout the UK, its general application is in the use of large industrial concrete floors. Characteristics which are extremely beneficial following the installation of the floors is the improved in impact resistance, this helps minimise any possible unnecessary damage where high volumes of belligerent traffic is expected. The table below Figure 2 clearly shows how concrete is affected by the addition of fibres in various application fields: Table 1 Concrete improvement by fibres Application field Strength Cracking Wear Closure systems  Ã‚  Tunnels  Ã‚   Ã‚  Sole plates / cellar walls  Ã‚   Ã‚  Sewer systems / pipes  Ã‚   Ã‚  Precast elements  Ã‚   Ã‚  Toppings / wear layers  Ã‚   Ã‚  Roads / airfield paving  Ã‚   Ã‚  Industrial floors  Ã‚   Ã‚   Ã‚  Figure 1 2.2 Types of Fibre Products used For Concrete Reinforcement Although there are numerous fibre products on the market the most commonly used fibre types are shown and discussed below giving information on the producer of the fibre, its properties, fibre content in appliance along with the effects of the fibre type within the concrete matrix. 2.2.1 Steel Fibres Concrete containing steel fibres has been shown to have substantially improved resistance to impact and greater ductility of failure in compression, flexure and torsion. (ACI Special publication sp-44) (Bentur Mindess, 1990) claim that it was throughout the early 1900s that steel fibres were first introduced into being mixed with concrete to provide the required reinforcement. The early design of steel fibres was relatively simple and consisted of a rather plain round and smooth design which was cut to the necessary lengths. Only more recently has the introduction of hooked end, indented etched roughened surface, crimped and new polygonal twisted modern fibres have been introduced whilst the original smooth fibres have mainly disappeared. More up to date fibres which are available commercially are contrived from drawn stainless steel wire or by a melting and moulding process which produce fibres which have a crescent profile cross section. (Concrete Society TR 63, (2007)) points out that steel fibres are produced by various processes as discussed above and are supplied in many different shapes and sizes as is shown below in Figure 2. They may either be straight or deformed, however most are round in cross section with diameters between 25 and 60 mm. Steel fibres have a tensile strength typically 2-3 times greater than that of traditional fabric reinforcement and a significantly greater surface area (for a given mass of steel) to develop bond with the concrete matrix. Figure 2 (Neville, 1995) points out that the configurations of fibres can be either straight, continuous-deformed, or end formed as shown previous. Initially, straight fibers were the only configuration of steel fibers available. After further investigation it was quickly learned that there bonding potential was limited which restricted there expected contribution to the engineering properties of concrete. New products were developed to increase the bond between the fibre and concrete, the two best configurations which emerged were: A hooked end, draw wire fibre and a continuously deformed, slit sheet steel fibre. It was determined that the continuous deformed, slit sheet steel fibre provided better micro macro cracking performance as well as flexural strength enhancement, whereas the end deformed, drawn wire steel fibre performed best post first crack. As a feature of steel fibre reinforcement concrete its improved ductility helps to greatly enhance the application where impact resistance is important. The characteristic of fatigue resistance within the concrete is highlighted a being increased by up to 70%. (Clark, 2007) explains that the addition of steel fibres as supplementary reinforcement in concrete minimise the possibility of spalling of the concrete surface due to any inclement temperatures or weather conditions Some of the physical characteristics of fibres directly affect key aspects of concrete performance while others are less important. The factors considered to have the strongest influence on the performance of the steel fibre in concrete are: Bond and Anchorage mechanisms (e.g. straight or deformed shape, end cones or hooked ends) Fibre length and diameter. Dosage used in concrete pours. (kg/m3) Fibre count (number of fibres per kg of fibre), which is a function of fibre size and dosage. Tensile Strength Elastic Modulus (Hannant, D 2002) outlines that fibre reinforcement in concrete act in various ways. Firstly they can remove the formation and development of cracks due to early age plastic settlement and drying shrinkage. Secondly, they may provide a degree of post cracking load carrying capacity. The mechanisms are as follows: Steel fibres, being randomly distributed in the concrete, intercept micro cracks as they form, inhibiting the tendency for them to form into larger cracks. After cracking, the fibres spanning the crack will provide a residual load carrying capacity. The capacity can be considerable, depending on dosage and the type of fibre used. Following a shrinkage case study carried out by Propex concrete systems the photos below evaluate the initial 24 hours of curing time comparing a traditional reinforced slab with wire mesh against a fibre reinforced slab. The traditional (control) slab started to crack within 3 hours whilst the fibre reinforced slab continued to perform whilst maintaining its integrity, this is shown below in Figure 3. Cracks within the concrete which occur at an early stage will only endanger the reliability whilst preventing the concrete from ever attaining its maximum performance capability. Figure 3 The explanation for this early age damage to the slab is relatively simple traditional mesh refrains from functioning until there is movement within the slab and the concrete cracks, for there to be any possibility of the fibre mesh to work the slab would have to be designed ensuring that the mesh had been placed In the top third of the slab. As has been previously mentioned there are various shapes and sizes of steel fibres which are used two examples which are used within the construction of industrial floors are shown below in Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 4 shows four different shapes and sizes of fibre products which include smooth surface, indented etched, roughened surface and round with hooked ends which are the most commonly products used in regards to steel fabric reinforcement. Whereas Figure 5 gives a more in-depth description on the bundled hooked end product. 2.2.2 Synthetic Fibres Straight or deformed pieces of extruded, orientated and cut polymer material, generally polypropylene, that is suitable for mixing in concrete. Macro fibres have a diameter greater than 0.3mm; micro fibres have a smaller diameter (ACIFC, 2007) (Concrete Societys TR66, 2007) considers that polymer fibres can be described and categorised into the following: Macro synthetic fibres which are generally greater than 0.3mm in diameter and are used where an increase in post cracking flexural strength is required. Macro synthetic fibres can be incorporated within the design of structural concrete. Micro Synthetic Fibres are relatively similar to the previously mention Macro synthetic fibres although they are smaller in size along with the inability to fulfil any structural role within any concrete design. Characteristics of this type of fibre include the ability to reduce the instance of plastic shrinkage cracking along with acting as an enhancement for freeze thaw resistance. References: Illston, J.M. and Domone, P.L.J. (2001) Construction Materials There Nature and Behavior 3rd Edition. P91. Spon Press. Sutherland, M. (2009) Concrete Engineering International Volume 13 Number 2. Summer 2009. The Concrete Society Romtech. (2009) Technical Support Products accessed 30th October at http://www.rom.co.uk/products.aspx Crowther, D. (2009) Concrete for the Construction Industry Journal Volume 43 Number 3 April 2009. The Concrete Society. Clark, J. (2007) Technical Report No. 63 Guidance for The Design of Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete. Camberley Hannant, D, Fibres in concrete A Perspective. Concrete, Vol. 36, No 8, September 2002, pp 40 43. Tarmac. (2009) Topforce Fibre Reinforced Concrete accessed 12 November at www.tarmaconline.com//0982%20Tarmac%20Fibre%20Reinforced%20Concrete%20Brochure.pdf. Propex. (2006) Propex Concrete Systems accessed 13 November at www.CS-500_Propex%20Concrete%20Systems%20Brochure_Jul%2006 (1).Pdf. Anon., (2006). Concrete Possibilities. Economist Technology Monthly. The Economist, 380 (23 September), p32. Anon., (1972). American Concrete Institute, an International Symposium: Fibre Reinforced Concrete, Detroit: ACI, 1974. (ACI Special Publication SP-44)

Developmental Changes in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Essay

Developmental Changes in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn      Ã‚   In the novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, the protagonist, Huck, undergoes a series of developmental changes in his character. He is often torn between the ideas of society and those of his friends.   This can all be very confusing for a boy who is about 14 years old.   Huck also has a drunken pap who doesn't care at all for him.   Huck is then forced to live with Widow Douglas and Miss Watson.   Throughout the story we see Huck represent the morals of the innocent prevailing over those of society.   In his "adventures," he learns the meaning of true friendship and what's really important in life.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the story, Huck makes the decision to escape from his "family."   This is a decision that goes against the morals of Huck's society, church and state. Children aren't supposed to run away from their parents.   Also, his decision to help Jim escape goes against the same morals.   In his "adventurous" escape down the Mississippi, he begins to feel truly free.   This is a feeling that is contrasted acutely of society's "oppression" of freedom, basically when he is on land.   In Jim's and Huck's escape, they are able to build their trust and friendship for each other.   However, at the same time he must leave behind societies ways...   getting "sivilized, money, and "family."      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Along Jim's and Huck's "adventure," they have many conversations along the way.   These conversations consist about their freedom, money, and superstition. In the story, they both have their own opinions about various things, like Solomon.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "'Well, b... ...against his society.   Huck had left his "family" and avoided getting " sivilized."   In his quest for true "freedom," Huck was able to grow considerably and mature, yet, he was still not mature enough to formulate ideas of his own. Nonetheless, no matter how Huck's ideas and morals change, he will always remain a true friend to Jim.   Adventurous or not, this book was great in showing that the white's weren't always right and blacks could also be great in many respects.    Works Cited and Consulted Adams, Richard P. "The Unity and Coherence of Huckleberry Finn". Tulane   Studies in English, VI (1956), 89-103. Rpt. "Twentieth Century Interpretations of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" Ed. Claude M Simpson. Englewood Cliffs,N.J. 1968. Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2001.

Ge Transformation Case Study Jack Welch Notes

GE Transformation notes: Founded in 1878 Focus on Communication: Used initiatives such as training programs to increase communication Organizational Culture:   Welch’s Core Idea: the only way to shift a company’s culture is to change the habitual thinking and behavior of its fast-track executives. Initiatives * Work Out * Began 1988 * Groups of 40-100 employees involved * Removing unnecessary bureaucratic work out of the system * By 1992 200,000 GE employees participated in Work-out Began as a driving force for improving productivity and became a tool for cultural change. Best Practices * Program to Increase Productivity * Focus more on how things got done rather than what got done * Focused on customer satisfaction *These two initiatives helped refine GE’s organizational culture, characterized by speed, simplicity and self-confidence. * Globalization * 1986- corporate executive council meeting during * 1987- GE agreed to exchange consumer electronics business for the French medical imaging business. 1989- Welch appointed Paolo Fresco as head of international operations in 1992. * 1998- International revenues at $42. 8 billion. Company expected to do almost half its business outside the USA by year 2000. Global Best Practices Program opened communication channel for GE with outside companies * Session C HR planning * Adapted HR system to his goals, and began keeping tabs on upper management. GE management expected feedback, which they used as the basis for coaching and developing their staff.Increased communication between CEO, and top managers, increased communication between top managers and lower employees, became means for training of new employees * Crotonville Management Development Facility * Managers learn about GE, and experience debating and problem solving Used as a hub for communications * 360 ° Feedback process * Became means for training needs, coaching opportunities, and career planning. * â€Å"A Players† Managers with vision, leadership, energy, and courage * Performance Appraisal System: Managers rated employees on a scale of 1-5, 5 being the lowest on effectiveness * All 5’s were to be let go, and all 1’s were to be rewarded with stock options, and higher promotional probability * In the new culture, role of the leader is to express a vision, get a buy-in and implement it. Increased feedback communication and expectations in the organization * Boundaryless Behavior * Purpose was to strengthen GE ‘s individual Business. There would be no distinction between domestic and foreign operation. Remove labels which get in the way of working together. Eliminated unnecessary communication filters, encouraged input from every employee, open communication channels gave employees the ability to speak about their concerns. Eliminated middle management that stood in the way of direct communication * Stretch * Created an atmosphere that asked everyone â€Å"How good can you be? † * Managers not held accountable for these goals, but were reward for achieving them. Mid 1990’s established as part of GE’s culture, stretch targets increased employee values, attitudes and confidence. Service Businesses * Reduce dependence on traditional industrial products Changed internal mindsets from selling products to â€Å"helping our customer win† * Six Sigma Quality Initiative * Learned the program from Lawrence Bossidy (left GE in 1991) who borrowed it from Motorola, which improved quality for AlliedSignal Inc. * Goal was to increase quality * 30,000 Six Sigma projects were initiated in 1998 Required change in culture of the organization: employees would need technical training, and there was need of communication of the importance to the company’s strategic objectives.

Railroad history Essay

The reasons why Villard failed to build a profitable railroad was that he never bothered to study much about railroads so he made many mistakes such as, he rushed to the wilderness to collect his subsidies he thought that by building the rail on an area with a beautiful view he would attract tourism in the area and so they would pay handsomely to tour, so he chose to build in the northwest because of its beauty. This increased the cost of building the railroad because he had to increase the bends, the steepness and the length of the railroad to be able to take in the rocky Mountain View. Villard also did create in areas around the hot springs in broad water county, Montana and at Bozeman costly health spas. This and more expensive buildings and structures made Villard go broke because the tourist opted to visit else where. Though the federal aid and foreign investors had given Villard some space for mistakes he made way too many. He was so eager to rush to the coast that he built when the cost of materials and construction in whole was very stiff. High cost amounts to high rates and this hindered the tourists from traveling through the NP. Railroad acted as an alternative mode of transport which farmers used to travel from rural areas to the urban market whenever they had need, they also used the railroad to transport their produce thus interacting with people from other parts of the country. As the railroad changed people’s experiences, it also changed the time concepts. If a person wanted to travel from point A to point B it became more faster than pre railroad days where one had to use horses on bad road, board a steamboat, Railroads decreased the cost of distance and increased the value of time.

Stethacanthus - Facts and Figures

Stethacanthus - Facts and Figures Name: Stethacanthus (Greek for chest spike); pronounced STEH-thah-CAN-thuss Habitat: Oceans worldwide Historical Period: Late Devonian-Early Carboniferous (390-320 million years ago) Size and Weight: Two to three feet long and 10-20 pounds Diet: Marine animals Distinguishing Characteristics: Small size; strange, ironing-board shaped back structure on males    About Stethacanthus In most ways, Stethacanthus was an unremarkable prehistoric shark of the late Devonian and early Carboniferous periodsrelatively small (a maximum of three feet long and 20 or so pounds) but a dangerous, hydrodynamic predator that posed a constant menace to small fish as well as other, smaller sharks. What really set Stethacanthus apart was the strange protrusionoften described as an ironing boardthat jutted out from the backs of the males. Because the top of this structure was rough, rather than smooth, experts have speculated that it may have served as a docking mechanism that attached males securely to females during the act of mating. It took a long time, and a lot of fieldwork, to determine the exact appearance and function of this spine-brush complex (as the ironing board is called by paleontologists). When the first Stethacanthus specimens were discovered, in Europe and North America in the late 19th century, these structures were interpreted as a new type of fin; the clasper theory was accepted only in the 1970s, after it was discovered that only males possessed ironing boards. (Some paleontologists have suggested a second use for these structures; from a distance, they look like giant mouths, which might have scared away larger, near-sighted predators). Given the large, flat ironing boards protruding from their backs, Stethacanthus adults (or at least the males) couldnt have been particularly fast swimmers. That fact, combined with the unique arrangement of this prehistoric sharks teeth, point to Stethacanthus having been primarily a bottom-feeder, though it might not have been adverse to actively chasing down slower fish and cephalopods when the opportunity presented itself.

Impact of plastics on the environment

Impact of plastics on the environment Many people are exposed to dangers associated with plastic production every day. Wastes resulting from plastics products find their way into water bodies where they act as transport means for microorganisms which end up in marine habitats such as seas causing infections to organisms living in water.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Impact of plastics on the environment specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More When plastic degrades, it produces plastic dust which causes pollution to aquatic animals. In addition, this dust causes contamination of human consumer goods especially food products posing a great threat to human health. Aquatic animals that feed on fish may mistake plastics for jellyfish and consume them and this may lead to death of such animals. In other cases, plastics that have been disposed in landfills may cause leaching of chemicals which end up in water bodies causing contamination (Uciha, 2010, p. 1). Imprope r disposal of plastics may have physical impacts on birds where they entangle them to death. The entangled birds may as well be deposited in water bodies alongside the plastics during which they may chock the fish. Impact of mercury on the environment Mercury is one of the most important life threatening chemicals to humans. Mercury exists in many products especially scientific ones. When released through degradation, it is referred to as methylmercury and finds its way into water bodies from where it is ingested by man (Uciha, 2010, p. 1). It has adverse effects such as reducing the capability of the human immune system and affecting the normal functioning of human enzymes, genes and the nervous system. Animals that feed on fish are also affected in a similar manner. However, mercury resulting from broken thermometers is not as much toxic although it may cause gingivitis to those who inhale it. Impact of natural gas and oil production on the environment Extraction of oil produces t oxic substances that may be lethal to aquatic life. Humans may also suffer cardiovascular problems due to such toxic substances. Pathways of photosynthesis may as well be blocked especially where dynamite is being used for extraction, leading to low production of food (Uciha, 2010, p. 1). Reference List Uciha, A. (2010). Environmental impact. Web.Advertising Looking for essay on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More

Cold Weather Reduces Hybrid Fuel Mileage

Cold Weather Reduces Hybrid Fuel Mileage It’s not just the frozen toes and icy temps that can get ya down at this time of the year. It’s filling up at the pump too. Yet even if you drive a hybrid- and love its feel good fuel mileage, they also take a hit in fuel economy when the mercury dips. Why does hybrid fuel economy drop in winter weather? Well, not only do hybrids suffer many of the same cold weather fuel economy losses of a conventional vehicle, but the hybrid electrical systems lose efficiency toowhich equates to a drop in mileage. Hybrid System Temperature – Just like the vehicles internal combustion engine, its hybrid system components (especially the battery) work best when they are warm. The onboard hybrid battery depends upon a chemical reaction to both release energy to the electric drive motor and accept charge during regenerative braking. This reaction is severely hampered when the battery is cold, so the engine runs longer and more frequently to make up the deficit while the battery warms up. Passenger Compartment Heat - Hybrids, just like conventional cars, rely on hot engine coolant circulating through the heater core (heat exchanger) to keep the cabin warm. Obviously, the engine needs to run more frequently to keep up with heater demand. The higher the heater setting, the longer the engine runs. Heavy Defroster Use - Running the defroster can also pull down the mileage. When the defroster is on, not only is it dispensing heat from the heater core, but it also runs the AC compressor to remove moisture from the air. Though its good for the compressor to run periodic cycles in the colder weather (to preserve the integrity of the internal seals), excessive use does reduce fuel economy. In most hybrids, the compressor is run by its own electric motor instead of a belt from the engine, but this doesnt allow the compressor to run penalty-free. That extra electric discharge will require more frequent recharging of the hybrid battery. Running the compressor does hurt fuel mileage. The following two points hybrids share with conventional vehicles: Unburned Fuel – Gasoline just doesn’t atomize and burn as well in a cold engine- tiny droplets of unburned fuel remaining in the cylinder are evacuated with the exhaust. That unburned fuel tallies up to a loss in power- using more fuel to go the same distance- not to mention, substantially increasing the your engines emissions. Tire Pressure Drops – It’s just a law of physics. Colder temperatures cause the pressure in those tires to drop, about 1 to 2 psi for every 10 degrees in temperature drop. Low tire pressure creates extra rolling resistance and friction, and hence, lost fuel economy. How to Improve Hybrid Fuel Mileage Watch that Thermostat - Just as youd turn down the heat in your house to save fuel, set the vehicles heater to the lowest comfortable level.Heat the Seats - If your hybrid has them, take advantage of the electrically-heated seats. The heat from the seats keeps you comfy and reduces the need to heat the whole cabin.Beat the Defroster Penalty - Setting the heater in defrost mode is the easiest way to quickly clear heavily frosted windows (especially the windshield). However, once the cabin is warm and the windows are clear, turn the defroster offin most cases, cabin heat will keep the windows fairly frost-free. Turn on the defroster and cycle only as needed.Garage It – If it’s available, use it. Even if it entails giving that extra junk to the local thrift shop first, parking your vehicle in a garage will keep it warmerand that means a shorter warm-up to reach optimum operating temperature.Get Your Act Together – Yes, organizing and pre-planning your errands will m aximize your time and fuel, since a warmed up car utilizes fuel more efficiently- in addition to making the most of your time as well. Ease Up With the Lead Foot – With black ice and slushy roadways a wintertime reality, not only is it safer to go easier on the accelerator, it’s a smart (and easy) way to save fuel.Check That Tire Pressure - Keep those tires inflated at (or even a bit above) the recommended range. Many manufacturers recommendations for tire pressure are suited for ride comfort while forsaking fuel economy. We usually run our tires several pounds higher for an extra bit of economy.

Volunteer Internships and Internships for B-Schools Article

Volunteer Internships and Internships for B-Schools - Article Example This article, â€Å"Volunteer Internships Benefit Local Governments and Students† by Robin Popik is about how local governments can attract interns both as a way of recruiting potential candidates to the positions in the local government as well as a means of giving the students the experience of working for a government. The article starts off by describing who an intern is and what are the roles and responsibilities that a typical intern should have when given an internship in a local government office. The article focuses on why it is a great idea for local governments to advertise for positions of internships to prospective students and then introduce them to the concept of a government job. The point here is that many students think of government jobs as not attractive enough when compared to those in the private sector. This perception is mainly because the government is seen as bureaucratic in nature and not serving the purpose of a fast-paced job that brings challenges and offers attractive remuneration for the students. As the article states, â€Å"Government organizations that need temporary staff for special projects are a great place to use internships. Challenge the intern to bring out the value of the project† (Popik, 2009). Hence, the author’s point is that the concept of government service must be made attractive to the students and they should be made aware of the potential benefits that a government job can bring in its wake. The article then goes on to describe the methods in which internships in the government sector and local government offices, in particular, can be structured by the local government officials. To quote from the article, â€Å"Local governments can champion this concept by using interns to teach about the governmental process and politics in a way most textbooks miss.  

Disadvantages and Tax Consequences of Partnerships Essay

Disadvantages and Tax Consequences of Partnerships - Essay Example This paper discusses that  a partnership has some tax benefits in comparison to other different business entities. Thus, for example, loss or income distribution or allocation should be proportional to the ownership stakes of the stakeholders of a given corporation, whereas for a partnership, it may allocate cash flow or income amongst the partners that suits them best. In addition, a partnership allows resource pooling, needs basic filling requirements, avoids double taxation like that of corporate profits together with being reasonably easy to suspend operations. A partnership can therefore liquidate tax-free, but a corporation is usually taxed at the entity point whenever it liquidates. The other tax break for a limited partnership concerns limited partners. Normally, general partners usually pay self-employment taxes since they are involved actively in the daily running of their business operations.This essay stresses that  self-employment taxation comprises of Medicare and S ocial Security taxes put together and normally accounts for 15.3% of the total income of a partner as of 2013.It is important to note that a limited partner who does not take part in the operation of the business is not entitled to self-employment taxation.  A conventional partnership usually has authority distributed equally between the partners, and thus, no hierarchy of authority exists.  Inflexibility is particularly undesirable when the partners have existing disagreements amongst themselves.

The Experience in Working at Various Organizations Essay

The Experience in Working at Various Organizations - Essay Example I have grown up with the ideology that education and religion are two aspects that are very influential in life. Before joining college, I worked hard in order to raise enough finances to cater for my school fees. It was not simple since I had to work during the day and at night. Even though I am working hard to raise my school fees, I still require financial support in order to continue with my education without any difficulties. Sometimes even after the hard labour, I have to support my family as I save the rest. It reaches a moment where one feels exhausted and ready to surrender, but, Dr Packer’s quote, 'it is always too soon to quit† pops into my mind and I encourage myself to go on with the hard work. In my academic life, I have encountered many challenges and tribulations that nearly put me off, but I have this spirit of trying again. This is a driving force that has kept me going. Withal, my intentions are not to stop at the college level, but to attain a doctora l program, and this is the reason why I am applying for a scholarship. As an average student, I have been committed and dedicated to raising my performance in school, most offering voluntary services in my community. I also participate in various campaigns with important information about managerial development skills. Lately, I took part in the Hunger strike campaign which had an encouraging message of feeding the poor and bridging the gap between the poor and the rich. I was honoured to present a speech in Berkeley college where I emphasized the significance of applying classroom knowledge into real life situation.

Conscientious Objection Response Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Conscientious Objection Response - Essay Example Every health care provider has a unique personal philosophy. For some, this personal philosophy is more important than what their religion dictates while others given their religious dictations extreme importance and number one preference. A health care provider’s experience also plays a decisive role in his/her willingness or refusal to provide the patients with a certain kind of treatment. For example, let’s suppose a health care provider gave an individual euthanasia in a state where it was legal. Later, the health care provider might feel guilty because of any reason including religion’s condemnation of euthanasia, his/her moral values, culture, or just the health care provider’s outlook on life. Thus, he/she might refuse to give euthanasia to any other individual for the rest of his/her practicing career. Money has always served as a main motivational driver for people in different professions. Many health care providers accept the patients’ pr oposals to provide them with a medical treatment in private for money even if the treatment is illegal

Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 37

Leadership - Essay Example This paper compares and contrasts the trait and situation approaches of leadership in terms of applicability and leadership competence. Certain types of qualities make leaders more successful while others deteriorate the effectiveness of their leadership. With the trait approach, leadership concerns itself with the leader’s ability to lead others at utmost efficiency. Examples of traits that include a leader’s decisions are intellect, self-assurance, integrity, and strength of mind. As a result, leadership applicants frequently take personality evaluation exams to identify their best qualities. The primary premise of the situational approach is the influence of leadership processes and skills by situations. Developed by Hersey and Blanchard in 1969, the situational approach is a product of the three-dimensional management style hypothesis. The following paper argues that the trait approach of leadership is more applicable than the situational one because the leader’s qualities matter more than the situation or followers in terms of leadership successfulness. The trait approach is most applicable and helpful because it backs the overall image of leaders being a special type of individuals in society (Daft, 2014). This image popularizes the notion that leaders do extraordinary things, which is important. Society has to view leaders as talented individuals, and the trait approach facilitates this view. Another reason is that the trait approach has extensive scientific literature to support its credibility (Daft, 2014). I find research findings more reliable sources of support than mere uncited information. The trait approach also concerns with just the leader and comprehensively analyzes his or her qualities in the leadership procedure. A fourth reason is the criteria set by the trait approach that new leaders can easily adopt. Fifthly, I find the trait approach a naturally agreeable

The Cash Flow of ABC Limited Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Cash Flow of ABC Limited - Essay Example The cash flow statement provides valuable information on the quality of income and sales, dividend and interest covers, the cash available per share and the cash returns generated by the assets. These are discussed in the following sections. In addition to the quick ratio or current ratio (Monetary Assets / Current Liabilities) and the liquidity ratio (Current Assets / Current Liabilities), another very useful ratio to analyses a company’s performance is the quality of income (Net Cash Inflow from Operations/ Net Profit before Interest and Tax). The quality of income ratio helps understand the company’s income a little better. The net cash inflow for ABC Limited is  £155 and the Profits before interest and tax totals to  £67, thus making its Quality of Income Ratio as 2.313. This ratio helps analyze the amount of free cash that has been utilized to increase the capital expenditure. It computed as Retained Cash Flow (After Div. Paid) / Cash Paid for Acquisition. For the case of ABC Limited, the amount of money that has been invested to capital expenditures is  £ 115 and the total amount of free cash is  £134 (i.e. Net cash from Operating Activities less the tax paid less the dividends paid = 155 - 15 – 6). Thus the capital expenditure ratio totals to 1.165%. It is clear that ABC limited has invested a high amount in capital expenditures and still there is a net increase in cash, indicating that the company has performed very well in terms of collecting the cash from the customers. The cash owing cover signifies the total amount of free cash (i.e. Net Cash income from operations less the tax, less interest and fewer dividends) that is used to settle the total owing of the company. Calculation of the cash owing cover can be done by dividing the total owing by the retained cash from operations (after dividend). ABC Limited has a total owing of  £72 m and the net free cash after dividends totals to  £134 m (155 – 15 – 6 ) thus making the cash owing cover to total to 0.537. Therefore the number of years to pay off debt is 0.5years or 6 months. This indicates that ABC limited can pay off the debts in a very short period.

Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 37

Leadership - Essay Example This paper compares and contrasts the trait and situation approaches of leadership in terms of applicability and leadership competence. Certain types of qualities make leaders more successful while others deteriorate the effectiveness of their leadership. With the trait approach, leadership concerns itself with the leader’s ability to lead others at utmost efficiency. Examples of traits that include a leader’s decisions are intellect, self-assurance, integrity, and strength of mind. As a result, leadership applicants frequently take personality evaluation exams to identify their best qualities. The primary premise of the situational approach is the influence of leadership processes and skills by situations. Developed by Hersey and Blanchard in 1969, the situational approach is a product of the three-dimensional management style hypothesis. The following paper argues that the trait approach of leadership is more applicable than the situational one because the leader’s qualities matter more than the situation or followers in terms of leadership successfulness. The trait approach is most applicable and helpful because it backs the overall image of leaders being a special type of individuals in society (Daft, 2014). This image popularizes the notion that leaders do extraordinary things, which is important. Society has to view leaders as talented individuals, and the trait approach facilitates this view. Another reason is that the trait approach has extensive scientific literature to support its credibility (Daft, 2014). I find research findings more reliable sources of support than mere uncited information. The trait approach also concerns with just the leader and comprehensively analyzes his or her qualities in the leadership procedure. A fourth reason is the criteria set by the trait approach that new leaders can easily adopt. Fifthly, I find the trait approach a naturally agreeable

Gated Communities and Segregation in The Tortilla Curtain by T.C.Boyle Essay

Gated Communities and Segregation in The Tortilla Curtain by T.C.Boyle - Essay Example Though segregation based on race, ethnicity, religion, etc., is now illegal, there are still some practices among the citizens like the existence of gated communities that cause segregation and racism. Although, one section of people views gated communities as a feasible and practical way of living, other sections view it as ‘islands’ which promote segregation. This issue of gated communities forms a subtle but a key part of the novel, The Tortilla Curtain written by T.C. Boyle and published by Viking Press in 1995. Boyle is a ‘Distinguished Professor’ of English at the University of Southern California and lives in the Santa Barbara. He has written over 12 novels as well as more than 100 short stories winning, with many of his works reflecting the issues and lifestyle of people living in California including The Tortilla Curtain. â€Å"The Southern California writer T. C. Boyle captures the separation that marks daily life in Los Angeles.† (Fuller, B ridges and Pai 145). Boyle sets his novel in the Topanga Canyon where the lives of two couples, who live an entirely different lifestyles, cross each other with tragic and at the same thought-provoking results. The main protagonist couple, Delaney, a sensitive writer about nature and Kyra Mossbacher, an obsessive real estate agent, move in to a newly gated community nestled among the natural surroundings called Arroyo Blanco. The other couple is the Mexican illegal immigrants, Candido and his pregnant wife America Rincon, who enter the American borders illegally wanting to achieve the American Dream of a prosperous life, but live in an awful condition in a makeshift camp deep in the Topanga Canyon. When a freak car accident involving Delaney and Candido happens, it leads to further interactions between the couples with their opposing worlds intersecting in a problematic and tragic manner. The interactions between the couples mainly arise due the setting of the gated community. Boyle paints the picture of a strictly conforming gated community, where all the houses were white with orange roofs. â€Å"†¦lay the massed orange tile rooftops of Arroyo Blanco† (Boyle 74). The private community gives a sense of exclusivity. The concept of a gated community, with a homeowners association, is to provide a safe neighborhood with all the facilities. However, when viewed from another perspective, by facilitating families of similar races and class to live closer together, while ‘ignoring’ other sections of the people, it is leading to segregation. Part 2: Gated community is the term given to the residential neighborhoods which have a surrounding wall and a main gate for entry. This form of residential living has become a key part of the new housing market, particularly in the urban areas. It is viewed as a new form of urbanism, under which public spaces in various geographical territories are being privatized. They have thus become a â€Å"symbol of metropolitan fragmentation and social segregation†, with segregation happening mainly along economic and racial lines (Le Goix 76a). Le Goix (9) further states that â€Å"gated communities are located within every kind of middle class and upper-class neighborhoods, with half of them are located within the rich, upper-scale and mostly white neighborhoods, and one third are located within

Diagnosing Co-Morbid Substance Use Disorders (SUDs)

Diagnosing Co-Morbid Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) What do the following have in common: alcoholism, obesity, smoking, drug abuse and compulsive gambling? Until recently, there were thought of as relatively independent and separate problem areas. Psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other mental health professionals have previously specialised in the treatment of one of these behaviours, but few had attempted to extend their therapy and research efforts to cover more than one or two of these disorders. As well as their expertise, specialists in these areas have not worked in concert with one another, or communicated with each other about treatment and research issues. However, several changes have been induced in recent times with the concept of addictive behaviours, and this has led to possible commonalities among these seemingly diverse problems. There is also the increased awareness that workers in each of these areas have much to learn from one another, and that there may be significant and instructive similarities i n aetiology, process and treatment. The interesting similarity among the above mentioned problems has collectively come to be known as additive behaviours. According to Miller (1980) addictive behaviours involve some form of indulgence for short-term pleasure of satisfaction at the expense of longer-term adverse effects. The various substance abuse disorders all involve significant health risks as various chronic diseases. There are enormous social costs of addictive behaviours, both in personal expenditures as non-essentials and costs to the public as health care, crime control etc. The following essay aims to critically review DSM-IV guidelines for diagnosing co morbid substance use disorders (SUDs), the factors that undermine definitive diagnosis of co morbid disorders, and the potential diagnostic changes that could address these issues. In particular this essay shall examine alcoholism which is one form of substance abuse. Attempts shall also be made to investigate the types of research that would act as a support for the criteria and guidelines for diagnosing SUDs and psychosis. Substance use disorder is caused due to psychoactive drug use and may be referred to as a condition arising from the abuse of alcohol and psychoactive drugs. Alcohol and other substances can have varied physiological and psychological effects. Although the effects of alcohol and drug consumption may appear as desirable, prolonged and heavy usage may result in physical harm, dependency and withdrawal problems and long term psychological damage or social harm. For the diagnosis of patients with co morbid psychotic symptoms and substance use disorders (SUDs) the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th ed. (DSM-IV), makes clear distinctions between independent psychotic disorders (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) and substance-induced syndromes (delirium, dementia etc.). Most substance-induced psychotic symptoms are considered to be short lived and that it subsides with sustained abstinence along with other symptoms of substance intoxication and withdrawal. One of the m ost frequent situations in psychiatric diagnosis are challenges posed by patients who experience the onset of psychotic symptoms during episodes of current or recent psychoactive substance use (Rosenthal Miner, 1997). All major categories of non-organic psychotic disorders in DSM-IV have an exclusion criterion for symptoms that are not caused due to the direct physiological effects of a substance. For patients with SUDs, psychotic disorders can be diagnosed as either independent or having one of the many substance-induced mental disorders. Psychosis forms a feature of this categorisation. When changes occur relating to the pharmacological effects of different categories of substances, the symptoms include – acute intoxication, intoxication delirium, withdrawal, substance-induced psychotic disorder with hallucinations etc (caused due to the use of substances such as, alcohol, stimulants etc.). The only exception is for alcohol-induced pathological dementia. All other substance-induced psychotic mental disorders are considered as time limited (Rounsaville, 2007). Alcohol dependence syndrome according to DSM-IV (APA,1994), is characterised by the presence of three or more of the following symptoms – a strong compulsion to drink; difficulty in controlling either the onset or termination of drinking or the levels of alcohol use; a physiological withdrawal state on the stopping of alcohol consumption or the use of alcohol to avoid withdrawal symptoms; increasing tolerance to alcohol (i.e. the need to consume larger quantities of alcohol to achieve a similar effect as produced originally from smaller amounts); digressive neglect of other interests; and persisting use of alcohol despite awareness of the harmful effects from consumption. Alcohol-related psychosis is a secondary psychosis with hallucinations occurring as the predominating feature in many alcohol-related conditions. These include but are not limited to acute intoxication; withdrawal, after a major decrease in alcohol consumption, and alcohol idiosyncratic intoxication. According to Larson (2008), alcohol is a neurotoxin that affects the brain in a complex manner through prolonged exposure and repeated withdrawal. This results in significant morbidity and mortality. Larson further argues that, alcohol-related psychosis is often an indication of chronic alcoholism. As such, it is associated with medical, neurological, and psychosocial complications. The discontinuation of alcohol rapidly clears alcohol-related psychosis but may continue on later alcohol related exposure. Although distinguishing alcohol-related psychosis from schizophrenia through clinical presentation often is difficult, the general consensus is that alcohol-related psychosis suspends wi th abstinence, unlike schizophrenia. Larson (2008) has also noted that, alcohol-related psychosis lacks the in-depth research needed to understand its pathophysiology, demographics, characteristics, and treatment when compared to alcoholism. According to Rassool (2006) psychoactive drugs are substances which have an effect on the central nervous, as they alter mood, cognitive processes and behaviour. Rassool (2006), states that, the uses of psychoactive drugs are considered illegitimate depending on the social customs and laws of different cultures and societies. In most societies, no adjustments are made in the interest of the use and misuse of tranquilisers, heroine, volatile substances, and stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine. Legal drugs such as alcohol, caffeine and nicotine are used as a social lubricant and as self-medication, as a means to relieve tensions and anxieties of everyday life. They are also used as a mechanism to ease social intercourse. He further agues that, although there is an increased risk of morbidity and morality, alcohol is actively encouraged and socially reinforced in some societies. There have also been observations that consumption levels are on the rise in most countries and hence , statistics have been obtained for the UK to demonstrate this fact below. According to the NHS Information Centre (2009), an estimated 863,000 alcohol related admission in hospital in 2007/08. This is an increase of 69% since 2002/03 when the alcohol related admission was at 510,200. The statistics bulletin further states that, in England in 2007, the number of individuals who were on prescription items for the treatment of alcohol dependency were 134,429. These were prescriptions that were dispensed in primary care settings or NHS hospitals and those dispensed in the community. This shows a marked difference since 2003 when there were 102,741 prescription items (an increase by 31%). Further findings from the bulletin indicate that, there were 6,541 deaths in England in 2007, and these were directly related to alcohol (an increase by 19% since 2001). Of these alcohol related deaths, majority of the individuals died from alcoholic liver disease (estimate of 4,249). Alcohol misuse related harm is estimated to cost the NHS in England approx. Â £2.7 billion i n 2006/07. As an attempt to ensure a moderately even account of the statistics on alcohol misuse in UK, the Audit Scotland report has been reviewed and provides further evidence of Scotlands growing problem with drug and alcohol misuse. The Audit Scotland (2009) report presents that Scotland has a higher level of drug and alcohol misuse compared to the rest of the UK. According to the report, the levels of alcohol dependency are three times higher than that of England. The report states that estimating the size of Scotlands alcohol problem is not accurate due to lack of national data and under-reporting of consumption. Based from findings from the Office of National Statistics (2002), an estimated 4.9% of the population in Scotland aged 16 and over are dependant of alcohol. The higher prevalence of alcohol dependency is Scotland has been argued to be found due to high rates of alcohol dependency in Scottish women. There were 42,430 discharges from acute general hospitals with an alcohol-related diagnosis in 2007/08. When compared to statistics from the past five years, there has been an increase by 5% in discharge rates (Alcohol Statistics Scotland, 2008). In Scotland, 11% of all accident and emergency attendances are considered to be as a result of alcohol. The busiest time of alcohol-related attendances are recorded as Friday night of Saturday morning ranging between midnight and four in the morning (NHS Quality Improvement Scotland, 2006). Scotland has the highest alcohol-related death rate in the UK with 1,399 alcohol-related deaths in 2007. This is a 75% increase over ten years and over 100% increase over fifteen years (General Register Office for Scotland, 2009). A report from Strathclyde Police in 2007 showed that between April 2006 and March 2007, two-thirds of those in custody at three Glasgow police stations were for violent offending under the influence of alcohol. The reasons for highlighting the statistics on alcohol misuse in UK as well detailed statistics from Scotland is not just to emphasise the ever growing alcohol and drug consumption in the country, but also to understand the common co-occurring psychiatric disorders related with the misuse of these substances. The recent recognition of this co morbidity can be attributed to a number of reasons. Abou-Saleh Janac (2004), state that, the development of drug abuse services was separate from that of the development of general psychiatric services, with little interference between them. Furthermore, the move from hospitals to community care of individuals with severe mental disorders has exposed these individuals to the risk of developing alcohol and drug problems, thereby merely heightening their psychopathology and disability. There is also the high risk of self-harm not just to individuals who are within general psychiatric services, but also those with severe personality disorders with in addiction services. A number of etiological models for co morbidity have been introduced in research. These include – common factor models, secondary substance misuse models, and secondary psychiatric illness models (Mueser, Bellack Blanchard, 1998). According to Mueser et al (1998), the common factors models include common genetic factors and antisocial personality disorder. However, Abou-Saleh Janac (2004) argue that studies have not supported the existence of a common genetic factor in the causation of substance misuse and psychiatric disorders. At the same time, the presence of antisocial personality disorder was shown to be a common factor in substance misuse. They further go on to argue that, patients with sever mental illness and antisocial personality disorder are morel likely to have substance misuse than those with no antisocial personality disorder. Adversity in childhood can seem omnipresent in patients with alcohol misuse who are co morbid with psychiatric conditions. A study condu cted by Langeland, Dralijer Van der Brink (2004), found that childhood detrimental influences such as early loss of a parent, witnessing domestic violence and parental alcoholism, exemplified as variations in types of co morbid psychiatric disorders in men with alcohol dependence. A further study by Mueser et al (2000), in a cohort study involving 325 patients with co morbid psychiatric disorder and substance misuse distinguished the predictors of co morbidity as male, young age, lacking education, involved in criminal activity, conduct disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. Secondary substance misuse models include those of self-medication, alleviation of depression, and super sensitivity. Abou-Saleh Janac (2004), further state that the self-medication model depict psychiatric patients as using specific substances to alleviate specific symptoms. However, this argument has not been supported and psychiatric patients who use alcohol or drugs have worse outcomes. As depression can be associated with a general proneness to addiction and not the use of a specific substance, the alleviation of depression model is more acceptable. According to the super sensitivity model, patients with severe mental illnesses react in a highly sensitive manner to low doses of alcohol and drugs, in particular amphetamines leading to a hasty relapse in the individuals illness. The secondary psychiatric illness model alcohol and drug use disorders are viewed as causing the co morbid mental disorder (Abou-Saleh Janac, 2004). An interesting note about the above stated models is t hat, causality is one-directional. In clinical practice, substance abuse may form both a cause and a consequence of another mental disorder. A mental disorder at the same time may be both a cause and a consequence of substance abuse, thereby creating a vicious circle. In individual cases, multiple pathways of association between substance abuse and other mental disorders may act simultaneously in both directions. A review of certain factors (bio physiological and genetic, socio cultural and psychodynamic) as well as a detailed review of other models (social learning and behavioural) which all put together helps formulate what is known and thought about why human beings come to abuse themselves by abusing alcohol. When split apart, each model explains a part of every abusers problem, together they provide a comprehensive etiological perspective. According to Miller (1980), one of the most obstinate theories of the bio physiological model of alcoholism is that alcoholics and non-alcoholics differ in the rate at which they metabolise alcohol. Identifying such a difference would suggest that the etiological factor resides in the rate-limiting mechanisms involved in the metabolism of ethanol. However, no metabolic studies of alcoholism indicate the existence of such a rate difference (given that the alcohol consumption is kept constant) (Mello Mendelson, 1978). Charles Lieber, claims that alcohol ics have two metabolic routes by which they break down alcohol while non-alcoholics have one (Korsten Lieber, 1979). According to this theory, alcoholics metabolise alcohol differently from non-alcoholics and thus gain the capacity to consume larger amounts of alcohol for longer periods of time than non-alcoholics. Even if such proof were available, there still lie the important roles of environmental, behavioural and socio-cultural factors in alcoholism. Numerous studies have been carried out, suggesting that alcoholism runs in families (Goodwin, 1979). Evidence that genetic factors play an important role in the development of alcoholism has been derived from twin studies, family studies, adoption studies, observations of ethnic differences, and studies of biological risk factors (Goodwin 1979, 1985). Studies of monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (fraternal) twins generally suggest that there is some degree of heritability in the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumed (Schuckit 1987). Monozygotic twin pairs also tend to show a significantly higher level of concordance compared with dizygotic twin pairs (Schuckit 1987; Agarwal and Goedde 1990). Family studies indicate that approximately 40% of alcoholics have an alcoholic parent (Institute of Medicine 1987), and that the alcoholism rate is significantly higher in relatives of alcoholics than in relatives of non alcoholics (Cotton, 1979; Guze et al, 1986). Alcoholics with a fami ly history of alcoholism tend to begin drinking earlier in life. They also tend to have more alcohol-related problems than those alcoholics without a family history of alcoholism (Cloninger et al. 1981). These data, taken together, suggest that there may well be a genetic component to alcoholism, though its extent and influence of inheritance is not a simple one, as both genetic and environmental factors may be involved (McNeece DiNitto, 2005). The pharmacology and physiology of physical dependence and tolerance to the drugs of abuse continue to be explored, but this model alone cannot adequately define alcoholism. As mentioned earlier, cultural patterns have a profound impact on drinking and rates of alcoholism. Miller (1980), states that although cultural influences can predispose a person to alcoholism, social variables play a major role in translating that predisposition to actual addiction. He further states that cultural influences can operate to maintain alcoholic drinking. For e.g. peer pressure, has a powerful influence on the development of deviant drinking among adolescents (Jessor Jessor, 1975). Social historians have argued that the pervasiveness of social setting-related influences on persons to drink heavily (Zinberg Fraser, 1979). Psychoanalysts explain alcoholism in several ways. Alcoholism is seen by some psychoanalysts as fundamentally suicidal, trying to destroy bad, depriving mothers with whom the person has identified with. Others claim that alcoholics are defining themselves against underlying depression by drinking to oblivion (Williams, 1976). Critics of the psychoanalytic approach to alcoholism, argue that there is no empirical data to support these hypotheses. They also argue that psychoanalysis does not help alcoholics who seek treatment (Schuckit Haglund, 1977). Dynamic theories of drug addiction, describe the addict as a person whose habit represents a return to the oral stage of psychosexual development. As such, dependency needs being paramount, the addict is frustrated with their inability to derive satisfaction of these needs. Inability to meet their oral dependency needs in more appropriate ways, leads the addicts to use drugs or alcohol to obtain gratification. Although the complex psychoa nalytic theory has been simplified to a great extent, it has relatively little impact on the prevailing views of aetiology and treatment. The cognitive behavioural approach views any type of psychopathology as a maladaptive learning process. As such, the central goal of cognitive behavioural approaches is to design techniques through which maladaptive responses can be disentangled and replaced with adaptive responses. The first behavioural explanation for alcoholism was that of tension-reduction. Tension-reduction is based on the hypothesis that, alcohol appears to reduce anxiety. Hence, alcohol is presumed to reinforce drinking by alcoholics. Empirical support for the theory came from earlier studies of experimentally-induced conflict in animals (Conger, 1951, 1956; Masserman Yum, 1946). However, tension reduction has not received universal support (Cappell Herman, 1972; Brown Crowell, 1974). The behavioural effects of alcohol involve a complex interaction of factors. The expectations an individual holds about alcohol effects their behaviour (Pliner Cappell, 1974). Expectancies themselves are complex because it is based on belief systems, prior drinking experiences, the immediate social and physical setting of drinking, dosage levels etc. Such complexity suggests that the potential reinforcing capabilities of alcohol remain uncertain. The social learning model views alcohol and drug abuse as socially acquired, learned behaviour patters that are maintained by numerous anticipatory causes (classical conditioning) and consequent reinforces (operant conditioning). The causes and reinforces may be of a psychological, sociological or physiological nature (Miller Eisler, 1975). The relationship between SUDs and psychiatric disorders pose commonplace diagnostic challenges for both clinicians in treatment settings and researchers in community settings. This is because both SUDs and psychiatric disorders are intermeshed with resemblance of intoxication and withdrawal effects to the symptoms of psychiatric disorders in most patients who come for treatment. Research findings suggests that there are high rates of SUDs amongst individuals with schizophrenia (Regier et al 1990), and even higher rates were reported among samples with first episode psychosis (FEP) (Sevy et al, 2001; Kavanagh et al, 2004; Wade et al, 2004). Addressing co morbidity is clinically relevant because SUD in schizophrenic patients is associated with poorer clinical outcomes (Swofford et al, 1996) and contributes significantly to their morbidity and morality (Rosen et la, 2008). The reasons for high co morbidity between SUD and schizophrenia although poorly understood, are considered to be a n involvement of brain pathways and is likely to be a shared feature in co morbidity that is common to all drugs of abuse (Volkow et al, 2007). The co morbidity of SUD and schizophrenia could also be a direct consequence of the underlying neuropathology of schizophrenia. This may contribute to enhanced addiction vulnerability in individuals by disrupting the neural substrates that mediate positive reinforcement (Chambers, Krystal Self, 2001). The challenge has been to design measures to differentiate three conditions. Firstly, differentiating between expected intoxication and withdrawal symptoms; secondly, being able to distinguish between psychiatric disorders occurring during periods of active substance use. The third measure includes being able to differentiate between psychiatric disorders that are clearly independent from substance use. Prior to the publication of DSM-Iv, there existed no specific criteria for making these differentiations in substance abusers. This gave rise to a number of reliability and validity problems, including low levels of agreement between study groups, even when the same measures were used (Hasin, Samet, Nunes, Meydan, Matseoane Waxman, 2006). Eventually, DSM-IV clarified the guidelines to a considerable extent for differentiating independent and substance-induced disorders. According to DSM-IV, if a psychiatric episode occurs when substance use is insufficient to produce persistent intox ication or withdrawal, it would be diagnosed as primary (independent). Subsequently, substance-induced psychiatric disorders are defined as those that occur during periods of heavy substance use (or remitting shortly thereafter) and that have symptoms that exceed the expected effects of intoxication or withdrawal listed in DSM-IV. Hasin et al (2006), also argue that no study has yet addressed the reliability of the DSM-IV system of differentiating between intoxication/withdrawal symptoms. Disorders whose symptoms exceed intoxication/withdrawal effects and psychiatric disorders that is temporally independent from periods of substance use. In order to create a diagnostic instrument that was reliable and valid for assessment of psychiatric disorders in substance abusers, the Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders (PRISM) was developed (Hasin, Trautman, Miele, Samet, Smith Endicott, 1996). The pre-DSM-IV PRISM included standardised guidelines and probes to differentiate between organic and non organic syndromes and was administered by experienced clinical interviewers. Hasin et al (1996) conducted a study involving 172 dual-diagnosis or substance abuse patients. The result showed good to excellent reliability for many diagnoses, including SUDs, primary affective disorders, eating disorders, some anxiety disorders, and psychotic symptoms. The need to incorporate the new DSM-IV criteria (including the criteria for substance-induced disorders), to shorten and simplify the interview, and to add assessment of specific psychotic disorders led to the development of the PRISM-IV (Hasin et al, 2006). The PRISM-IV is a semi structured interview. The covers the diagnosis for current and lifetime time frames. These include abuse and dependence (by substance), major depressive disorder, mania, schizophrenia, mood disorder with psychotic features, delusional disorder, brief psychotic disorder, personality disorders etc. The most fascinating feature of the PRISM-IV is that, diagnostic modules can be selected to suit specific research needs. Apart from this, substance use disorders that are unimportant to the research question can be omitted as well. Other than PRISM-IV and DSM-IV, there are various other assessment tools that can be used for the assessment of psychiatric disorders in substance abusers. One such tool is the International Classification of Diseases Diagnostic Criteria (ICD-10). ICD-10 provides specific criteria to differentiate between primary disorders and disorders resulting from psychoactive substance use, but only for psychotic disorders. ICD-10 excludes psychotic episodes attributed to psychoactive substance use from a primary classification similar to DSM-IV. Unlike DSM-IV, ICS-10 does not provide a separate psychoactive substance-related category for any other type of psychiatric disorder. In ICS-10, organic mental disorders exclude alcohol or other psychoactive substance-related disorders. Furthermore, organic mood disorders and organic delusional disorders cannot be used to diagnose episodes co-occurring with heavy psychoactive substance use (Torrens, Matrin-Santos Samet, 2006). Different interviews for psychiatric diagnosis based on DSM-IV or ICD-10 criteria are available for clinical and research studies. These include Structured Clinical Interviews for Axis I disorders (SCID-I) for DSM-IV (First et al, 1997). There exists the Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) (Janca et al, 1994) and the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) (WHO, 1998). The SCID-IV is a semi-structured interview that allows diagnosis of primary or substance-induced disorders. However, it does not provide any specific guidelines other than those stated in the criteria. The differentiation of primary and substance induced disorders is made on a syndrome level in SCID-IV (Torrens, Matrin-Santos Samet, 2006). A range of clinical phenomena can be assessed by SCAN. A core instrument of the SCAN is the Present State Examination (PSE-10). PSE ratings are coded on score sheets and based on these ratings, a computer program generates ICD-10 and DSM-IV diagnos es. The PSE is a semi-structured clinical examination. The interviewer uses clinical judgment to attribute specified definitions to clinical phenomena using the SCAN Glossary. The glossary consists of a list of definitions of clinical symptoms and experiences (Torrens, Matrin-Santos Samet, 2006). Finally, the CIDI is a fully structured interview design. The interviewers read the questions as written without interpretation (Robins et al, 1988). CIDI relies heavily on the subjects opinion for primary substance-induced differentiation. The CIDI generates ICD-10 and DSM-IV diagnoses. Symptoms attributed to alcohol, drugs, or physical illnesses are eliminated for consideration when making psychiatric diagnoses in CIDI. The method of evaluation used in CIDI is very varied in comparison to SCID-IV, SCAN or PRISM-IV. Torrens et al (2006) argues that, currently, most DSM-IV psychiatric disorders can be assessed in substance-abusing subjects with acceptable to excellent reliability and validity by specifically using the PRISM assessment tool. Having reviewed the statistics, aetiology and assessment of co morbidity in alcohol abuse, the next section is going to analyse the different treatment approaches. One of the biggest problems in the treatment of SUDs is preventing a relapse after abstinence or controlled substance use has been achieved. Whilst there is no general theory of relapse, Marlatt Gordons approach to treatment is based principles of social learning theory, and draws heavily on the concepts of self-efficacy (Bandura, 1977). The approach emphasises on the methods to enhance confidence in individuals to enable them to perform activities leading to an effective outcome. According to self-efficacy theory, individuals who possess a high self-efficacy on their ability to perform a particular task are more likely to initiate and maintain that behaviour (Wilson, 1996). Wilson (1996) argues that the self-efficacy theory has been criticised on a number of conceptual grounds including difficulty in distinguishing betwe en response-outcome expectancies and performance self-efficacy (Lee, 1989). The Stages of change model by Prochaska DiClemente (1983), suggest four stages in the process of change. These include: pre-contemplation (not thinking about cessation); contemplation; action (attempting to engage in cessation); and maintenance (stopped using drug, and attempting to remain abstinent). Wilson (1996) argues that, although this model cannot be considered to be a general theory of relapse, there are opportunities different types of interventions for different individuals. He further argues that theory helps make specific and testable predictions about the matching of individuals for treatments. Other than the theoretical explanations for prevention of replace in individuals with alcohol abuse, there also exists medical treatment and social treatment approaches. Detoxification is an abrupt stop of alcohol drinking coupled with the substitution of drugs that have similar effects to offset the withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification treats only the physical effects of prolonge d use of alcohol, but does not actually treat alcoholism. There is a high chance of relapse without further treatment. Various forms of group therapy or psychotherapy can be used to deal with underlying psychological issues that are related to alcohol addiction, as well as providing relapse prevention skills. Miller (1980) states that when problem drinkers are treated, approximately one-third become abstinent and an additional one-third show substantial improvement without abstinence. He has based his findings from short-term studies; however, data from long-term studies suggest that on average only 26% of those treated remain abstinent or improved after one year. A few other treatment strategies for alcohol addiction include aversion therapies, family therapies, controlled drinking therapies etc. To conclude, while progress is apparent in the study of substance abuse; more research is needed on the commonalities and differences among the addictions. Numerous theories have been developed to help explain the causes of addiction, but it is important not to lose sight of essential differences among substances and their effects. Individuals with recurrent or severe and enduring mental illness and co morbidity with substance-misuse have complex needs. This requires the continuing care of specialist mental health services and substance-misuse services. It has been reported that around 30% of those seeking help for mental health problems have current substance misuse problems, and of individuals seeking help for substance misuse, more than half have had a mental disorder in the previous six months (Department of Health, 1998). According to Appleby (1999), individuals with substance-misuse and psychiatric disorders find it hard to engage with appropriate services. He further states th at suicide is a high risk factor amongst this group. The different assessment tools that have been devised by DSM-IV for the diagnosis of co morbidity in SUDs, whether in primary or specialist care should consider how to access appropriate specialist input. Recent studies have examined the relationship

Allegory for War in Battle of the Ants by David Thoreau Essay example -

Allegory for War in "Battle of the Ants" by David Thoreau The reading journal that I chose was "Battle of the Ants" by David Thoreau. I chose this essay because I felt that it was a strongly written piece about a somewhat interesting topic. When I first read it I was taken aback by its seemingly uninteresting nature of topic, but after I read it a couple more times I began to see its true beauty. The story is about government and war and depicted by ants battling to the death. "The legions of Myrmidons covered all the hills and vales in my wood-yard, and the ground was already strewn with all the dead and dying, both the red and the black," the ants represent humans struggling for freedom and power. There are two types of ants: the red ones who represent the rebellious soldiers fightin...

AA Meeting :: essays research papers

Open AA meeting Since this was my second AA meeting, I was still open but didn’t know what to expect. The last meeting was at a church is an African American neighborhood. To get a different experience I wanted to change the nationality. So even though I was a little nervous I decided to attend a meeting in Ridgewood, Queens. It was still at a church however the population consisted of Caucasian. When I came into the room, everyone looked at me, however this was expected because I was the only African American in the room. The meeting started with a prayer and then everyone introduced themselves to each other. The issue that most concerned me was that half of the people in the room was younger than 25 years of age. That let me know right there that this was a global issue and not a issue concerning one race. As one of the young men began to share his story, I almost began to cry. He grew up in a household in which his father was an alcoholic and also was very abusive towards his mother. He sh ared with us that after his father used to beat his mother, he and his dad use to drink together. Therefore he drank with his father 3 times out of a week. As sad as it may sound he looked forward to his father beating his mother because he liked to drink. So that is how he began with his father and that was at the age of 12. He was now 24 and a alcoholic and he began to see the traits of his father in him. Therefore he needed to get help and that was the reason why he came to AA. Another person that touched me was a young girl who was 18 who wanted to be in the crowd. She began to drink because all of her friends drank however she was not able to control her and her drinking. She stated to us that on numerous occasions from being drunk that she was raped. It was sad because a lot of people want to be in the crowd and that is how they get hooked.

Dr. Maya Angelou (personality theory) Essay

Dr. Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri. Her father, Baily Johnson, was a doorman, and, later a dietician for the navy. Her mother, Vivian Johnson, was a registered nurse. When Angelou was three years old, her parents were divorced. They sent her and her four-year-old brother, Baily, Jr., to live with their paternal grandmother, Annie Henderson, in Stamps, Arkansas. Henderson ran a small general store and managed to scrape by. She continued to do so after her grandchildren joined her. Angelou’s grandmother was one the many strong who trained her, helped her, and provided her with role models. The people of her church also nurtured her and gave her a sense of belonging to a community. But her child hood in the south was a nightmare. In 1982, Maya Angelou told Ebony Magazine about Stamps. She said: â€Å"When I was taken to California by my grandmother, I vowed never to return to the grim, humiliating south. Except for a tentative trip to visit when I was eighteen, I didn’t break my promise until I was forty years old.† When she was seven and a half, Angelou left Stamps to visit with her mother. While there, she was raped by her mother’s boyfriend. He was tried, found guilty, and kicked to death in prison. The confused little girl felt responsible for his death and withdrew into herself. â€Å"I was mute for five years, I wasn’t cute and didn’t speak. I thought he was killed because I spoke his name that was the only logic I was able to employ. So I thought if I spoke, anybody might die.† In frustration, her mother sent her back to Stamps. Her emotional withdrawal caused many to think of her as backward, but her grandmother did not give up on her. â€Å"My grandmother told me all the time, ‘Sister, Mama don’t care what these people say about you being a moron, being a idiot. Mama don’t care. Mama know, Sister, when you and the good Lord get ready, you’re gonna be a preacher.'† Angelou was also helped by a woman named Bertha Flowers, who i ntroduced her to literature. By the time of her graduation from eighth grade, she was at the head of her class. While attending high school, she took drama and dance lessons. She then decided that she wanted to be a streetcar conductor in San Francisco. Although San Francisco had never had a Black conductor and was not eager to hire one, she persisted and, with her mother’s support managed to attain her goal. At sixteen Angelou gave birth to her son, Guy. She did not plan her  pregnancy but has always been grateful that it happened. â€Å"The greatest gift I’ve ever had was the birth of my son. Because when he was small, I knew more than he did, I expected to be his teacher. So because of him, I educated myself. He began to ask questions I didn’t have the answers to, so I started my lifelong love affair with libraries . . . I’ve learned an awful lot because of him. â€Å" Still, her life at this time was not easy. In addition to teaching her son, she also had to support him. She was a cook and a nightclub waitress and, for a short time, â€Å"madam† for two lesbian prostitutes. She began doing drugs but then quit after seeing what they had done to her brother. When she was twenty-two, Angelou married Tosh Angelos, a white former sailor. Two years later she left him and became a professional dancer. She then moved to New York to pursue a career and study with Pearl Primus. In 1954, she was cast in a production of Porgy and Bess that toured Europe and Africa. When she came back to the United States, in 1960-61, she was northern coordinator of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). In 1961 she also appeared in an acclaimed off-Broadway production of the Blacks, by Jean Genet. The show was highly successful and ran until 1964. By this time, Angelou was writing poetry, short stories, and songs. Her reputation was growing. In 1970, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was published. It became a best seller and an instant classic, and became a made-for-television movie. In 1971, her screenplay Georgia, was made into a film, making her the first Black woman to have an original screenplay produced. The four other volumes of her autobiography are, Gather Together in My Name (1974), Singin’ and Swingin’ and Gettin’ Merry Like Christmas (1976), The Heart of a woman (1981), and All God’s Children Need Travelin Shoes (1986). She also published several volumes of poetry and has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for one of the, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘fore I Diiie (1971). In 1973, Angelou appeared on Broadway in Look Away and was nominated for a Tony Award. In 1977 she received an Emmy nomination for her performance in the mini series Roots. She was appointed to the Bicentennial Commission by President Gerald Ford and to the Commission of International Women’s Year by President Jimmy Carter. For many  Americans, one of the most memorable moments during the inauguration of President Bill Clinton, on January 20, 1993, came when Maya Angelou recited the poem, â€Å"On the Pulse of Morning† not since 1961, when Robert Frost read his work at the ceremony for president John F. Kennedy, had a poet taken part in a presidential inauguration. Dr. Angelou is best known for the first volume of her autobiography, in it, she bravely speaks of her battle to overcome abuse, rape, and poverty. For thousands of young Black women reading the book, it is a way of passage for those who have been similarly victimized, it is like a soothing ointment that helps heal the wounds. Angelou gives a voice to the voiceless; she says, â€Å"You’re not alone. In happened to me too. You are not to blame. You will survive.† The Humanistic approach can be applied to Dr. Maya Angelou’s biography in a number of ways. In order to do so, I attempted to take each piece by piece to gain a clear understanding of both. Beginning with the four elements of the approach: it is obvious that she accepts personality responsibility for her life, and doesn’t blame anyone else for anything bad that may have happened to her. She hasn’t allowed anyone else to make her decisions. Her need for personal growth doesn’t seem like it has been met due to the fact that she continues to work and strive for more. I would consider Dr. Angelou to be a fully functioning person because she trusts her own feelings, and experiences them very deeply. It is easy to tell that she really cares about other people and is a true humanist (motivation by growth need). When looking at Manslow’s hierarchy of needs, it is obvious that her physiological needs have been met, simply because, she is still alive. Since her life as a child was very chaotic and her future was unpredictable, her safety needs were not met at that time. Statements such as â€Å"All my life, everything has been about survival. All of my words are meant to say. ‘You may encounter many defeats but you must not be defeated. In fact the encounter may be the very experience which created the vitality and the power to endure, â€Å"‘ lead me to believe the she has, however, managed to find a way to stabilize her life and have those needs met. â€Å"What I would like said about me is that I dared to love.† She said to Essence Magazine. â€Å"By love I mean the condition in the human spirit so profound it encourages us to develop courage and build bridges and learn to trust those bridges and cross the bridges in attempt to reach other human beings.† This shows that her belongingness and love needs have been met because she knows that they are important and has allowed them to be. I believe that the kind of love adopted by Angelou is B-love because she is really concerned with the well-being and growth of others. I could tell that her self-esteem needs have also been met because if they weren’t, she wouldn’t be as successful as she is. One statement in the book that really stood out to me about self-actualization was made by Manslow†: An artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be. He must be true to his own nature.† I feel that although Angelou is doing something that makes her happy, and that she loves, her self actualization needs have not been met because she continues to do more. I personally believe that if these needs are met, then people lose their motivation and drive to live, because there is nothing to achieve, no goals to reach, which results in nothing to look forward to anymore. Maya Angelou is a psychologically healthy person because she does posses self-actualizing creativity, which is shown in her writing, she accepts herself, and expresses herself freely. I think her life seems to be full of optimal experiences, one of which is writing. She has stated that she â€Å"can write for eighteen hours straight in complete solitude and not notice it.† She also seems to have no problem with disclosure, which is obvious because she is a writer. She continuously puts her feelings and emotions on display. She discloses events that are traumatic as well as those that are not, which seems to be good for her self-development because it is a great release. I’m not really sure if Dr. Angelou has experienced loneliness, but it is possible because everyone has felt that way at one time or another. â€Å"One would say of my life-born loser-had to be: from a broken family, raped at eight, unwed mother at sixteen . . . in fact but that’s not the truth. In the Black community, however bad it looks, there’s a lot of love and much  humor.† This statement shows that there are many ways in which race, and sex have affected Angelou’s life because she would not have gone through a lot of the experiences that she has if she simply were not a Black woman. â€Å"You’re going to be famous,† Billie Holiday told Maya Angelou in 1958, â€Å"but it won’t be for singing.† The first part of this prophecy was fulfilled. The second part, in the most superficial sense, was true as well. Angelou’s fame did not grow from the nightclub singing she was then doing to support herself and her son. But in a way Holiday was wrong. Since she first put paper to pen, Maya Angelou has been singing. In closing, by taking all of the aspects of the Humanistic approach into consideration, I believe that it does, give a few possible explanations about Dr. Angelou’s personality when directed to the little information that is given about her in her biography. By writing this paper I feel that I have gained a deeper insight on how to appreciate and apply this approach to the life and personality of anyone. I understand how this approach can apply to many people that I come into contact every day and possibly explain why they behave in the manners that they do. If they are writers and all that they put forth are sad pieces, if they are singers and mostly talk about sex. Whatever the case may be, there is a reason behind the things that people do. The humanistic approach can apply to all areas of life with no exclusions based on race, class, or gender.