Narcotics †Research Paper Essay

Narcotics Thesis Statement: Narcotics have valuable medical uses, however, illegal and excessive use of narcotics can endanger people’s lives because of its damaging effects on the mind and body. I.Narcotics Education A.Narcotics B.Kinds of Narcotics C.Characteristics and Medical Uses II.Narcotics Abuse A.Causes of Abuse B.Tolerance and Withdrawal III.Effects of Narcotics Abuse A.Effects on the Person B.Effects on the Family C.Effects on the Community IV.Treatment of Drug Abuses INTRODUCTION Narcotics play a big role in the field of medicine. It has a capability to reduce pain that you are feeling and even helps you to avoid anxiousness. But these drugs should be use properly or else it can cause a big damage in your health. It is very important for us to know something about these things. The study and findings that I have done regarding narcotics is really an important thing because you will be able to know how bad it can affects you when too much used and you will know how to avoid and fight against it. BODY NARCOTICS EDUCATION There are many kinds of drugs, and narcotics are one of them. Narcotics don’t always have bad results in one’s health. In fact, it’s one of the drugs that help ill people to reduce tension, anxiety and aggression. They are also effective pain relievers, used in cough medicine preparation and can induce sleep. These effects are really helpful when it comes on therapeutic setting but when improperly used, narcotics have adverse effects that may lead to abuse, and it will have a big effect on health of an individual who is involve. It can endanger people’s lives because of its damaging effects on the mind and body. The effects of narcotics abuse is felt not only by the individual but by the family, community, and society as well. NARCOTICS The term â€Å"Narcotic† was derived from a Greek word which means â€Å"to make numb.† Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain and induce sleep by depressing the central nervous system. Narcotics, primarily analgesics, produce several affects that relieve pain and induces narcosis that causes sleep. Narcotics, if administered prior to an operation, can enhance sedation and reduce apprehension and anxiety. These drugs have a very high potential for abuse. KINDS OF NARCOTICS, CHARACTERISICS, AND THEIR MEDICINAL USES 1.OPIUM – It is extracted from the seedpod of the poppy. It produces a gummy resin that creates narcotic effect. It can relieve severe pain, induces sleep, relieve anxiety and depression. 2.MORPHINE – It is extracted from opium in 1805 and later synthesized in its pure form. It is sold as a white powder in the drug market which is also called Dreamer or Miss Emma. 3.CODEINE – This is produced from gum of opium and has much milder effects. The common street name for codeine is School Boy. 4.HEROIN – It is synthesized from morphine but more powerful. It is used to help people to overcome their addiction to morphine. It is commonly called Horse, Junk Smack, and Scag. CAUSES OF ABUSE According to the National Statistics Office (2005), about 56.35% of the cases of drug abuse had friends or peers as the primary source of drugs. The causes of drug abuse are: 1.Pressure from peers; 2.Form of escape from problems and woes; 3.Relief from chronic pain caused by cancer and other diseases; 4.Psychological disorders, such as depression or emotional distress; 5.Use as a way out from stress of family life, work, and other concerns; and 6.Thrill and enjoyment in seemingly routine life. NARCOTICS ABUSE Narcotics abuse is the nonmedical use of narcotics. Narcotics abuse is widespread among the young people and the adults, as well as the poor and wealthy. It is, indeed, harmful and even life-threatening. It can ruin one’s life and one’s family. It can break down a person’s character, thus leading to the commission of criminal acts and even suicide. TOLERANCE AND WITHDRAWAL Tolerance is the condition where the standard doses of narcotics produce less effect or a person develops a state of resistance to the effects if the drug. Because of tolerance, the effect of narcotics diminishes with their chronic use. Thus, to maintain the same level of narcotic effect, a person must take more of it. Withdrawal is the reaction of the body when the regular use of narcotics is stopped. The narcotics dependent person experiences a withdrawal syndrome. In general, the symptoms of withdrawal include cramp, defecation, vomiting, and an increase in systolic blood pressure. A person who is excessively dependent may experience convulsions, respiratory failure, and death. EFFECTS OF NARCOTICS ABUSE The effects of narcotics abuse are similar but they differ in the degree of intensity, rate of onset, and the development of dependence. A.EFFECTS ON THE PERSON 1.Drowsiness 2.Loss of appetite 3.Inability to sleep well 4.May develop diseases such as hepatitis, tetanus, AIDS. 5.Skin abscesses 6.Inflammation of the veins 7.Congestion of the lungs 8.Loss of enthusiasm for work or study 9.Loss of personal care and hygiene 10. Psychological and physical dependence upon the drug B.EFFECTS ON THE FAMILY 1.Neglected responsibilities 2.Difficulty in keeping a job 3.Financial difficulty 4.Shame and embarrassment to the other family members 5.Disorganized and unhappy family C.EFFECTS ON THE COMMUNITY 1.Increased incidence of crime 2.Occurrence of different kinds of accidents, especially if the narcotic dependent is driving a vehicle. 3.Rampant stealing 4.Economic destabilization due to less manpower TREATMENT OF DRUG ABUSES Detoxification is the most common form of drug treatment. This is a process of eliminating a person’s dependent on drugs. Part of the detoxification process is to decrease the daily dose of drugs that the dependent person takes and thus gradually reduce withdrawal symptoms. Another method of dealing with drug dependent people is to form a support group of fellow drug dependents. They share their experiences and learn from one another. Together, they recover from their dependence and get better. 1 Agripino G. Darilag, Enjoy Life with P.E, and Health (Manila: SD Publications, Inc., 2009), pp.192 – 201.s BIBLIOGRAPHY Darilag, Agripino G. Enjoy Life with P.E. and Health. Manila: SD Publications, Inc., 2009.

Importance of the Bungalow

In the transition of the 19th to the 20th century, American families turned their interest to a new style of home; the bungalow. This new style of housing would be smaller than the previously popular living arrangements such as the Victoria style home. The bungalow homes were more uniform with each other, which created a more homogeneous look in neighborhoods. They were also much more affordable home to Americans than previous homes, and promoted efficiency and progressivism. The word bungalow was described by Gwendolyn Wright as â€Å"usually referring to a relatively unpretentious small house†¦ the term implies a one-story or story-and-a-half dwelling of between six hundred and eight hundred square feet. † Bedrooms were very small, and the kitchen was usually only big enough for one person to work in at a time. Edward Bok, the editor of the Ladies‘ Home Journal, promoted a variety of Progressive causes. He used the magazine to publicize the simple bungalow style. He stated that â€Å"we need only to be more natural: to get back to our real, inner selves. He believed the homes at the turn of the century were too cluttered and over-furnished, and many of the homes problems were directly related to nervous breakdowns of women in that time period. Bok thought many women were pressured by social criticism to refrain from simplifying their home, they dreaded the possibility that their rooms would be called â€Å"bare. † But more simp licity in the homes would, in turn, also make lives simpler. Families could have fuller lives because they would have more time. Gustav Stickley was one of the more influential promoters of the bungalow home. Stickley suggested that many social issues and problems could be remedied by the adoption of a more simple home style. Even issues such as divorce rates, lack of servants, crime, and civil disorder. He believed that â€Å"the dominant characteristics of the pioneer yet shape what are the salient qualities in American life. † He went on to say that â€Å"to preserve these characteristics and to bring back in individual life and work the vigorous constructive spirit†¦ is, in a nut-shell, the craftsman idea. Stickley proposed that the seemingly obvious place to begin readjustments was in the home, as it would appear natural that the relief from friction, which would follow the ordering of our lives along more simple and reasonable lines, would not only assure comfort and efficiency to the American workers, but would give children a better chance to grow up under higher degrees of mental, moral, and physically efficient conditions. New innovations in kitchen design would make more people, especially women, receptive to the bungalow style house. At this point, it is clear that women are becoming more active in mainstream society. Before the bungalow, most often employed female domestic servants were the primary workers in the household. These domestic servants were usually black married women rather than live-in workers. The bungalow building designs would allow more and more housewives to cook and create meals in their own kitchens. Between 1900 and 1920, the number of domestic servants declined by half, from eighty per thousand families to thirty-nine. Gwendolyn Wright says builders praised â€Å"the smaller, better-equipped kitchen, planned for the domestic scientist who had no need of a servant. † Women were now more able to experiment in the kitchen, and new appliances allowed for quicker preparation. These new appliances also gave housewives more time, which in turn, made it easier for them to become part of the working world if they chose to do so. Typical jobs that many women held in this era were receptionists, clerical workers, and typewriters. Building corporations also favored the outbreak for new, more uniform, and simpler housing. Most of the country was still available for construction, which gave these companies many opportunities. The simple design also made them easy to construct, which in theory would allow for greater profit. This is similar to the developments popular in today's society. These developments now will be erected just about anywhere there is open land, just as small bungalow's most likely did in the early twentieth century. This type of house was a â€Å"progressive house† in the sense that it had technological advances such as better equipped kitchens, running water, hot water heaters, and machines. The advancement of the bungalow would eventually lead to greater architectural discoveries, including the suburbs that comprise much of this nation's real-estate. The bungalow was widely accepted by society because democratic architecture meant good homes available to all Americans through economy of construction and materials, together with the necessary standardization.

A cellular network

A cellular network A cellular network is a radio network made of number of radio cells, each severed by fixed positioned based station. These cells stations cover several different areas and provide large radio coverage. In order for this to happen a variable number of portable transceivers can be used in any cell and moved through one cell during transmission. The use of multiple cells means that if the distributed transceivers are mobile and moving from one point to another point they should change also from cell to cell. This mechanism could be different according to the type of network and change of circumstances. In this case clear coordination between base station and mobile station is must in order to avoid communication interruption. The most common example of cellular Network is a cell or mobile phone, which is a portable telephone that could be dialled or receives calls through base station or transmitting tower. Radio waves transfer signal to and from mobile phone. The coverage area of serv ice provider sometime is split into small cells in order to prevent signal losses and also a large number of active phones in the area. The range of signals could be different in cities and rural areas. All base stations are connected to mobile phone switches centre, which connect to a public telephone network or to another mobile company switch. As the mobile consumer moves from one cell area to another cell, the switch automatically commands the handset and a cell site with a stronger signal (reported by each handset) to switch to a new radio channel (frequency). When the handset responds through the new cell site, the exchange switches the connection to the new cell site. Modern cell phones networks use cell as radio frequencies are limited, shared resource, base stations and handsets change frequency and use low power transmitters in order that limited number of radio frequency can be used at the same time by many users with less interferences. To distinguish signals from a vari eties of different transmitters, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) and code division multiple access (CDMA) has been developed. Advantage of cellular Network over other alternative solutions is: Increase capacity. Power usage reduced. Huge coverage area. Interference from other signals reduced. Reference paper 10 The evolution of the cellular Network started to flourish during the last years in which several different systems were developed; as a result we have first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G) cellular networks and the trend is continuously increasing. The first generation (1G) was used from 1970-1980 and now is retired. In 1990 the second generation (2G) of Networks were launched such as Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Personal Communications Service (PCS), and Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (IDEN) and so on. The second generation (2G) of networks replaced the (1G) and became very popular with digital processing, enabl ing wireless transmission of voice as well as data and have different Variety of new features such as a Push to Talk, Short Messaging service(SMS), caller ID, conference calling, voice mail, email messaging and so on.

Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Article Example It also assists local and state education organizations in advancing their statistical systems, and examine and report on educational activities in different nations. The main focus of this report is to look at gaps in educational participation and attainment between males and females of different races. This report is relevant to my research in that it will also examine children in poverty and minority groups and education. It asserts that postsecondary attendance rates are largely lower for students from various racial and ethnical groups and lower socioeconomic backgrounds in comparison to Asians and Whites. In 2010, as consistently since 1980, a limited number of male than female 18-24 year olds were either enrolled in graduate school or college. There is also a difference in postsecondary attainment for females and males. According to the report, in 2010, 21% of children under age 18 were living in poverty. The poverty rate for people who were non-white was higher than that of t he white population. This prevented the underprivileged population from accessing higher education (Ross & Kena 2012, p. 5). . College Student Alliance, 2011, Breaking barriers: a strategy for equal access to higher education, College Student Alliance. Retrieved from http://collegestudentalliance.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Breaking-Barriers.pdf This is a suitable academic resource because a large number of students from numerous groups are still under represented in colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher learning. According to this resource, students from various groups are not efficiently represented in higher institutions of education in Ontario. In line with the resource, enhancing access to higher education for the underrepresented groups is largely perceived to be necessary in establishing a more equitable society and to challenging in the increasingly knowledge based economy. The last ten years has witnessed a tremendous increase in research on people who are not pursuing higher education, reasons for not attending, and ways to promote their participation. People experience interplay between different complicated barriers. They may be motivational, informational, and financial barriers. Financial barriers comprise debt aversion in an aid system or lack of funds to pursue higher education. Informational barriers entail insufficient information regarding financial assistance, mainly, benefits, and costs. 80% of learners aged between 20 and 24 from households earning more than $100,000 pursue higher education and 60% of learners from households earning below $25,000 pursue higher education. Almost half of youth in the top income quarter attend university in comparison a quarter of the youth in the lower income quartile. Among the recommendations include, one, the Ontario government commit to have secondary school learners visit a campus as part of the curriculum. Two, the government should continue aiding early outreach as a way of acce ssing post-secondary education. Three, the government should set an objective for the education system to augment post-secondary participation rates (College Student Alliance 2011, p. 30). Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission, 2013, Higher education: the fair access challenge,

Why markets generally fail to achieve social efficiency Essay

Why markets generally fail to achieve social efficiency - Essay Example On the other hand, if the marginal cost to society exceeds the marginal benefit, then the social efficiency is low in that case. Whereas, when MSC and MSB are equal, it is referred to be at an optimum level (Suneja, pp.147, 2000). It is very difficult to achieve social efficiency and real markets fail to accomplish it because their marginal social costs do not equal the marginal social benefits. There are a number of reasons behind market failure. Externalities: â€Å"A market is not likely to lead to market efficiency if the deeds of the producers or consumers affect people other than themselves† (Sloman & Sutcliffe, pp.430, 2004). Externalities occur when society fails to make adequate compensation for the production of goods and services as well as for the consumption of these products. This is attributable to the ‘spillover effect’ this leads. Since the pricing system does not account for the marginal social costs and benefits that are attached to the compensa tion of these products, externalities exist, which may often lead to market failure. Social cost is the addition of private cost and the externalities. Let us take an example of a chemical industry. If a chemical industry release by products into a river or atmosphere, it is creating negative externalities that

Hill vs. Bell - Tort Case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Hill vs. Bell - Tort Case - Essay Example Potentially, this case has to be resolved through various legal concepts (especially the doctrines of nuisance and trespass), using various statutes, and case laws. Body Legal Concepts The relevant legal concepts that would be applicable in this case are the doctrine of nuisance and doctrine of negligence that are a part of the English tort laws. Tort is civil wrongs that have to be differentiated from criminal wrongs. A tort remedy would not include damage to the public in general but require action from one citizen who has faced damages due to the act of the owner of the property. Arising from tort several other civil wrongs arises including battery, trespass, and conversion (The Locke Institute, 2011). According to the Concept of negligence, one person owes a duty of care towards another person and any breach of this duty of care is a liability under tort, and damages have to be paid by the person whose act is negligent. Due to the breach of duty to one person, the other person ha s to suffer damages, and this act by the other person would likely to be the cause of the duty of care. However, in this case, since Hill has not suffered significant damages due to the fruits falling into his property, he cannot use the doctrine of negligence. ... Some of the common disturbances that may be present include noise pollution, barking dogs, dumping of wastes, constant domestic quarrels, etc. In this case, Bell’s fruits are a constant source of nuisance as they are falling into the property of Hill and are a potential source of damage. The branch has infringed upon Hill’s property and hence Hill can use the Doctrine of Nuisance to claim damages for the falling fruits (North Carolina Bar Association, 2004). Using the doctrine of nuisance Hill can claim damages in the form of payment of damages or seeking an injunction (Crown Prosecution Service, 2011). In case of damages, Bell has to make do of the loss by payment of any amount that has been lost by Hill from the falling fruits. In case there is a high chance that the infringement act of Bell (for example in this case not cutting the branches) continues, then the court can issue an injunction and provide relief to Hill in the form of ensuring that the tree branches has to be trimmed till the property wall of Hill (British Law, 2011). Another doctrine that could be used by Hill is the doctrine of trespass is the damages suffered by one or one’s property due to the acts of the defendant that are an infringement to the plaintiff or his property. Under British law, the same has been classified as a trespass to one’s land and could be committed intentionally or accidentally (Crown Prosecution Service, 2011). Relevant statutes As per the statutes of UK, The land owner would be the owner of that particular tree, even if the tree has been grown by somebody else, or the branches or the roots of the tree protrude into the neighbouring property. Here, if the branches or the

CONFLICT AND IDENTITY THEME BETWEEN CZECHOSLOVAKIA AND CHECHNYA Essay

CONFLICT AND IDENTITY THEME BETWEEN CZECHOSLOVAKIA AND CHECHNYA - Essay Example Despite the fact that the two superpowers were allies during the World War II, they, however, differed on views pertaining to post-war reconstruction as one was pursuing capitalism, while the other was socialism, and this diversion is said to be the root cause of the world's bipolarity. The USSR sought alliances from its established satellites in Eastern Europe as well as Latin America and South East Asia, influenced these nations towards Socialism and Communism, while the U. S. sought the containment of communism and established several alliances to this end, particularly in Western Europe and the East. The USSR found allies in other communist regimes in Eastern Europe such as Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Poland, Albania, Romania, East Germany, and Finland, making the political machinery and arsenal of Communism spread strongly. Despite informal expression of war between the US and USSR, the Cold War period was characterized by international crises such as the Korean War in 1950-53, the Berlin Blockade in 1948-49, the Berlin Crisis of 1961, the Vietnam War in 1959-1975, the Soviet-Afghan War in 1979-89, and the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 (Wohlforth 1993). However, the potential for mutually assured destruction through deliverable nuclear weapons deterred direct military attacks between the US and USSR. When the Cold War drew close to the period of 1990s, newly appointed Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev introduced glasnost and perestroika, unclothing the real face of classical revisionism, which he called Socialism, while the US increased diplomatic, economic, and military pressure on the USSR. With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 alongside the ideologies of revisionism, the United States was left as the only triumphant superpower in a unipolar world. As this paper intends to present an artifact that would convey a conflict and identity between Prague and another country under USSR during the cold war, such artifact chosen is the ammunition relic. The ammunition relic is so chosen since it fits tremendously in the then existing military and political turmoil caused against the Czech and Chechen people in the spread of communism. Apparently, the two capitals held in focus for this purpose are Prague (Czechoslovakia) and Grozny (Chechen Republic). The ammunition relic has a corresponding significant in terms of the ongoing construction and promotion of the national identity of the two countries in respect of the Cold War conflict. It symbolizes control, power, domination, and repression of people by their governments in the latter's pursuit for world recognition of the government systems that they upheld. The Relationship Between the USSR and Czechoslovakia During the Cold War The beginnings of communism in Czechoslovakia ensued in the post-World War II era. On May 1945, the USSR liberated its capital - Prague - from the Germans after a popular uprising. The mark of the true emergence of communist power in Czechoslovakia began in 1948 upon organized mass strikes by communist party members, leaving the government

Power & Privilege Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Power & Privilege - Essay Example With an eye towards balancing a calculation with relativity, I think a good working definition of poverty is the one Bagdikian offers. As for Ehrenreich’s writings, I found them to be interesting and evocative, but not particularly surprising. It doesn’t take an MIT graduate to figure out that $7.00/hr. for 40 hours a week isn’t going to buy three dollar-per-gallon gasoline while paying rent and groceries. Q2: What makes a person disabled? Similarly to defining poverty, disability can take both an objective and a subjective form. A person with a physical or mental condition that prevents them from functioning in a â€Å"normal† way is disabled. That said, however, it is far easier to recognize an individual imprisoned in a wheelchair than one locked up in her own mental hell; yet both are equally hampered when it comes to interacting with the community. As for my personal observations, the thing I dislike the most is the way that those with obvious disabilities are ignored in social settings, and the way those with cognitive function disabilities are mocked behind their backs. I have seen people in a crowded room act like the person in the wheel chair is not even there. I think everyone has seen people make fun of the mentally retarded. If I put myself in their place, I think I would want to be treated with the same respect and dignity as any other human being. Even if I am in a wheel chair, at least look at me and acknowledge my presence. Talk to me; introduce yourself. You know I am disabled, and I know I am disabled, but I am not invisible.

Chemistry of Swimming Pool Disinfection Term Paper - 1

Chemistry of Swimming Pool Disinfection - Term Paper Example Of course, if this is the case, then neither should it be surprising that swimming pools need to be maintained in order to guarantee the best possible experience for people who use them. To be more specific, the regular use to which swimming pools are put requires that they be cleaned on a regular basis. Exposed as they are, and frequented by a lot of people, swimming pools are places that are especially prone to infection if neglected. This paper, then, is intended as an explanation of the various measures taken by operators of swimming pools as to how to keep their waters safe, as well as how the public can do their part. As detailed in a report by the World Health Organization (2006), swimming pools are vulnerable to pollutants such as bird droppings or even the rain. And while indoor pools are much safer, even they need to be cleaned at least once in a while just to be absolutely sure. Either way, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2009), pathological contaminants often abound in swimming pools, which can cause a myriad of conditions such as diarrhea. A pool that is cleaned regularly is in effect guaranteed to be safe for the public to enjoy – guaranteed safe for them to swim in. Otherwise, anyone who takes a dip may be in for a nasty surprise somewhere down the line. In order to avert such an unsavory scenario, those in charge of maintaining the pool regularly subject it to chemical treatment in order to make sure that it remains safe and fit for public consumption. In the words of the Division for Environmental Health (2011), the only way to maintain safe and consistent swimming pool operation is through proper water chemistry. The exact process involved is often rather varied, not only in the chemicals that may be used but also in the methods employed. For one thing, disinfectants may be used to rid the water of harmful, objectionable or

Integrated Marketing Communication and Information Technology Research Paper

Integrated Marketing Communication and Information Technology - Research Paper Example This research will begin with the statement that with the development of Internet technology consumer’s behavior, lifestyle and expectations have changed dramatically, thus making marketers and other professionals adjust to these changes. All these changes have been transformed into special subject known as Integrated Marketing Communication. Nowadays, in order to be successful, many companies have successfully adopted the principles of Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC). The American Association of Advertising Agencies defines IMC as a â€Å"concept of marketing communication, which sees the added value in an all-inclusive plan†, whereas the strategic importance of various communication tools (such as advertising, public relations, sales promotion, direct marketing) taken into account. This approach allows marketers â€Å"to ensure clarity, consistency and maximum communication impact†. One of the companies who has adopted IMC to its strategy is global com pany Samsung. In October 2011 Samsung rolled out Galaxy Note – the smartphone with a screen diagonal width of 5, 3-inches. These sizes of the smartphone were quite unusual and made it be perceived as a hybrid between the smartphone and tablet. There were many skeptics who were doubtful about the success of this particular product due to its unusual sizes. However, the company has achieved fabulous success having sold five million units of the Galaxy Note in the first five months. The launch of the second version of the Galaxy Note with 5,5-inches screen also has proved to be successful, as global sales have reached 10 million in the second half of 2012. The success formula of the Galaxy Note was comprised of three main factors, including the following: technological advancement, global operations and branding of Samsung, and unique marketing strategy.

The Protectionist Policies of Developed World Essay Example for Free

The Protectionist Policies of Developed World Essay Globalization is the process of rapid global economic integration by both developed and undeveloped countries. The principle of globalization aims to facilitate lower transaction costs and barriers of the movement of capital and goods (Cable, 1999; in Manning and Baines, 2004), in which the said countries are involved.  Ã‚   It can be said that globalization is the world market and the supply chain is the pipeline that channels the flow of supply. However, globalization may cause smaller and weaker economic role players (such as developing countries) to be at a disadvantage whenever they trade with highly developed and more influential countries.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From the point of view of participating poor countries from Asia, Africa and the Middle East to the world market, the negotiations on economic protectionist policies have been formulated and executed through the GATT-WTO (Government Agreement on Tariff and Trade of the World Trade Organizations). The protectionist policies of participating economies representing the developed countries are embodied in the said organization. The negotiations, as cited, has been framed primarily on: (1) integration of agricultural trade rules of non-agricultural sectors, (2) incorporation of developing countries into the trade system, (3) management of trade impact of cash-out in farm support to countries under OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), and (4) provision of assurance on health and safety for consumers (Josling, 2003). In short, the framers of the negotiations under the GATT-WTO sufficed as the protective principles or safety net to the rules on participating in the world market. However, it is common knowledge within the agricultural and agro-industrial sector that among the impacts of the GATT-WTO to the poor and developing economies is its incapability to meet the volume of supply to the exporting countries, to which the efficiency of production is unable to sustain the given supply contract of exports. In this predicament, the ‘relatively poorer’ or developing countries would then cooperate with direct economic resource managements, exemplified by joint venture investments in the form of import and export—wherein foreign traders’ capital investment in manufacturing basically gains from cheap raw materials and labor. In effect, the poor and developing countries are dictated by the commodity pricing together with the ruling on supply regulation that has affected the domestic revenue generation. Another consideration on the impacts of the GATT-WTO to the poor and developing economies is its incapability to meet the volume of supply to the exporting countries, to which the efficiency of production is unable to sustain the given supply contract of exports. To cite an example, the withdrawal of cotton subsidy to several countries of Eastern and Western Africa has largely affected the production performance, in which cotton production in developing countries has significant role in poverty alleviation (Gillson, Balcombe, and Page, 2004). To cite, the GATT-WTO is taking part in agricultural trade reforms being represented by the rich and developed countries but benefit low-income farm households (Hertel, et.al., 2007). In this regard, it may be said that the protectionist policies of developed countries protect their interest at the global distribution and acquisition of economy. Therefore, despite the continuing negotiation on GATT-WTO, the restriction on agricultural trade has great impact to the poor and developing countries. On the other hand, the oversupplying of imported agricultural equipment and technologies that claim to enhance production efficiency serves the ploy of powerful countries to impose the requirements on exports and imports. The imposition of the so-called efficient and qualitative agricultural products remains a barrier to the poor and developing countries to compete in the world market. Thus, the ultimate impact is the over-dependency of the poor and developing countries to export-import economic orientation and controlling of the rich countries to the overall economic supply chain that amass the domestic distribution of economy and, in effect, leaves the poor countries in extreme poverty. List of References    Gillson, I., Poulton, C., Balcombe, K. and Page, S. (2004). Understanding the impact of Cotton Subsidies on developing countries. Working Paper [29 Febraury 2008] Josling, T. (2003) Key Issues in the World Trade Organization Negotiation on Agriculture.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 85(3), 663-67, American Agricultural   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Economics Association. [29 February 2008] Leclair, M. (2002) Fighting the Tide: Alternative Trade Organizations in the Era of Global Free   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Trade. World Development Vol. 30, No. 6, pp. 949–958, 2002. Available from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   www.elsevier.com/locate/worlddev [29 February 2008] Manning L. and Baines, R.N. (2004) Globalization: a study of the poultry-meat supply chain.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Available from [http://www.emeraldinsight.com/0007-070X.htm [29 February 2008] Steinberg, F. (2008) The Impact of the Emerging Powers on the World Economy. Real Instituto   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elcano (ARI) International Economy and Trade, Issue: 1 January 2008. [29 February 2008] Thomas W. Hertel, T., Keeney, R., Ivanic, M. and Winters, L.A. (2007) WTO agricultural reforms.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Economic Policy, Printed in Great Britain [29 February 2008]

Managing Information Essay Example for Free

Managing Information Essay Introduction With nearly 40 years’ experience has seen the industry change many times, and has always kept itself at the forefront of that change. Its reputation is a source of pride for all who work here, and it’s something we’re keen to preserve and develop the only way possible: through satisfying our clients. We have developed into a leading multidisciplinary contractor offering a truly comprehensive, integrated service to clients in development, construction, energy and many other sectors. (See appendix 1 for Organisational chart’s of company) My job role within the organisation is quiet a varied one in that my day to day activities are never quite the same, but to summarise my main duties include submitting monthly applications in line with the various contracts worked on for example NEC and JCT to name but a few, attending site progress meetings with a range of clients from the commercial / technical and construction departments, submitting internal applications and working progress, attending internal financial meetings with the Financial Director / Demolition Director and Management Accountant and producing a report with the inclusion of monthly forecasts, attending meetings with Contracts Managers and Estimating director to discuss and produce budget and target sheets, completion of contract sum analysis and end life forecasts which are then discussed and agreed by the Demolition Director, overseeing a wide variety of sub contractors from different construction disciplines used which requires the need to send out tend er packages, raising and awarding sub contract orders, raising of sub contract payments after assessing applications received. All the above assists in the monitoring of various contracts and ensures projects are delivered on time within budget and the client receives maximum satisfaction to secure future work opportunities. 1.0 Understand the Management of Information within the organisation 1.1 Critically assess information flow through a number of different channels within the organisation Throughout the organisation there is various different types of information used which is transferred throughout the organisation in several capacities. Information generally described as below: Production and Operational – Information on assets / quality / standards Financial Information – Profit / Costs / Margins / Cash Flow / Targets Internal Documentation – Purchase Orders / Delivery Notes / Invoices Applications / Credit Notes / Departmental reports / Department Meetings and minutes / Hire Sheets / Plant Sheets and Information / Allocation Sheets and Plant Returns / Employees Records / Cost Books Tender Information / Applications and Invoices (Client) All the above is aided with an Integrated Management System ‘This Integrated Management System outlines how Cuddy plans to satisfy the: Quality requirement of ISO9001:2008 (Quality Management System Specification) Health safety requirements of OHSAS18001:2007 (Occupational Health Safety Assessment Series 18001) Environmental requirements of ISO14001:2004 (Environmental Management Systems Specification) by operating a framework based on these requirements This Integrated Management System is intended to directly meet the requirements of the following legislation and regulations: Health Safety at Work Act 1974 – Section 2(3) requires organisations to have a Health Safety policy which should include: Statement of Intent (i.e. Health Safety mission) Organisation (i.e. structure, roles responsibilities) Arrangements (i.e. procedure and guidance) Management of Health Safety at Work Regulations 1999 – Regulation 5 requires organisations to have arrangements for undertaking effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of the preventive and protective health and safety measures. HSG65 Successful Health Safety Management – This guidance outlines the management system requirements for implementing the arrangements required within regulation 5 of the Management of Health and Safety Work Regulations 1999. This Integrated Management System will provide the mechanism for managing other legislative, regulatory and other policy requirements (e.g. risk assessment, training, etc).’ Above abstract taken from Cuddy To be read alongside the IMS as an aid is the following: Standard procedures Forms and Guidance Notes Standard Operating Procedures Certificates, Insurances, Licences Policy Statements Standard COSHH and Risk Assessments As touched on there are various different ways in which the information is transferred throughout the organisation with the use of electronic, hard copy and spoken for the various types, all this aids us to capture the different types of hard and soft information we need in order to ensure a project is a successful one. ‘Soft information includes feelings, perceptions, opinions; values on the other hand hard information includes verifiable data and knowledge.’ http://onemind.com/2010/03/07/hard-and-soft-information/ I have touched on how information is transferred internally and specifically in the office and from a manager’s point of view through various different capacities but haven’t gone into depth how information is transferred to the boys on the front line on site. As I currently see it within the company there is clear breakdown in communication from when we tender and win a job to what information is received on site and in particular how the site personnel are managed on that specific job In relation to what exactly we priced. This I believe is impacting on the duration we are taking to complete the job and impacting on the possibility of making the job as successful as possible, also this may have a negative effect on the company as whole whilst tendering for works in the future. As part of the IMS there are procedures in place (listed below), but neither allows for the manner and information to be transferred to site. To summarise from the information that is transferred needs to be clear, simple and set out in the way in which the site supervisor understands what is required in order to ensure the project is successful. Place for Enquiry, tender and contract review Project Delivery As a brief understanding in reference to specifically the Demolition Department we have an estimating director who will visit the sites which require pricing and produce a cost book document which is passed to the  demolition director and managing director for comment before submitting what they believe to be our most competitive tender and or bid. If we are lucky enough to be successful in winning that specific job the cost book along with the tender information will be passed to the relevant contracts manager and quantity surveyor in order to generate a budget / target sheet and an extent of works sheet. This is when the middle managers have the opportunity to raise any queries regarding the job with the estimating director or the demolition director on what exactly has been allowed and priced for. The next step in the current process is for the tender information to be copied and a site file produced and passed to the supervisor in order to carry out the works. The cost book, target / budget sheet is not passed onto site and this is just for reference between the middle managers and directors of the company for the protection of vital information. Therefore I propose we come up with a procedure that will allow the smooth transfer of information to site and give a clear indication of what exactly has been allowed in the tender. In setting this procedure I hope to bridge the gap between site and the information held at the office, and in doing so hold regular meetings with agendas, minutes disturbed. 1.2 Propose improvements to the flow of information within your area of responsibility, based on your organisational assessment Due to my job role being one in which I try to minimise cost and enhance value you for money, I believe in setting clear and simple targets to the Supervisors on site this will empower them and give them incentives and a clear understanding on what needs to be achieved in order to ensure the job awarded becomes a successful and profitable one. As mentioned previously in the current situation the Supervisors are given the tender information and briefly explained the job but in some senses are left to run the job with open ended targets and no clear sense of direction or management, this is turn is causing jobs to run over and us not maximising profitability. Currently the transfer of information from tender stage stops at the middle managers point. The reasons being for this is due to confidentiality of the information contained within the cost book and target / budget sheet and as managers there is information we do not want the site operatives to see. Therefore the first action in the procedure would be to hold a pre start meeting or  initial meeting or the like on site with the following being in attendance. The reason I have listed the below as typically they will be deciding factor on how well a job goes: Relevant Contracts Manager Relevant Quantity Surveyor Relevant Site Supervisor Within this meeting the job as a whole would be discussed briefly only. In demolition for example it is possible to break a general job up into the following categories: Site set up Asbestos Removal Soft Strip Demolition to top of slab Removal of slabs and foundations Crush material Clear Site As you can see from above generally there are a few different categories of work required to be carried out on a typical demolition job. Therefore I believe we should not choose to discuss the whole job in detail but targets given for each individual work activity only, as if we discuss the job in detail this may cause the supervisor to go into his / her shell and be intimidated before the job has even commenced. Therefore within this procedure it will be broken down into the specific work activities and depending on the size of the job these work activates could even be broken up into phases if need be. For example in the first pre start meeting or initial meeting the general site set up would be discussed and particular what is required in respect of cabins / welfare / heras fencing to name a few items and the location of where we intend to site up site. As it currently stands the contracts manager usually sets up the site but I believe if we have the supervisor on board early doors and allow him to have an input of the set up required / location this will give him a sense of pride and authority that he is in charge of the site. What site set up that’s required usually depends on the size of the site but typically this usually takes a week or longer and under current HS and CDM Regulations 2007 no works are to commence unless the following are in place: Flushing toilets and running water and drainage systems. Washing Facilities with hot and cold water. Soap or other suitable means of cleaning. Towels or other suitable means of drying. Sufficient ventilation and lighting. Sinks large enough to wash face, hands and forearms. Drinking Water. Changing rooms and lockers. Rest Facilities and heating. After initial site set up has been completed another progress meeting will be held on site with a specific target laid out for the work activity in question. Generally on a demolition site Asbestos Removal usually has to take place before we can commence soft strip depending on what type of asbestos and in line with the specific site asbestos report in place. But for example if we take the job as a linear project and the soft strip cannot commence until after the asbestos, then within this meeting we discuss in length the asbestos removal and set a clear target with the input from the supervisor. Typical of example of this target could be again depending on size of the site but take for arguments sake we take it as the site is split up into 5 phases. Phase 1 -10 Men x 6 Weeks Phase 2-5 Men x 3 Weeks Phase 3 -8 Men x 5 Weeks Phase 4 -8 Men x 2 Weeks Phase 5 -6 Men x 6 Weeks The groundwork will put in by the middle managers to ensure the target above is in line with the cost book and or target / budget sheet, and in line with this procedure it will attempt to set it out as basic as possible in order to attempt to take as much pressure off as possible. Weekly progress meeting will be held after the initial meeting in order to reflect on the previous week’s activity. Within this meeting it will be an opportunity for the supervisor to assess his performance and the performance of his team on site, in doing so will be a self appraisal tool for the supervisor without knowing. It will also give the middle managers an update of current position in respect of the targets set out and give an opportunity to amend or change  anything that is not quiet working correctly and keep the things that are. The meetings will continue on a weekly basis with clear targets and open and frank discussions with input from all parties to create a sense of a team as I beli eve this will help with the running of the job. Constant communication will be held throughout on a daily basis to ensure all parties are aware of constant ongoing on site. When works have been completed the final action in the procedure would be to have a post contract meeting again with all parties where all the information is discussed /analysed / targets reviewed and the like. This will be handy in going forward and used as a tool to gather date / information. This information could be fed back to the estimating director and demolition director in order to have the full circle should a similar job arise in the future. The above will be written out in a clear procedure therefore should someone leave the company, or the job being transferred to someone else then everyone will be aware what is required of them. See Appendix 4 for proposed new Procedure By putting in place the above procedure it will aid with spoken, electronic and hard information and the transfer of. Spoken – Due to the nature of the procedure it encourages the daily dialogue between managers and the site supervisors. Hard Copies – Agendas and Minutes will be taken of all meetings taken placed, which will be updated electronically and distributed accordingly. Electronic – Targets will be collated and circulated, along with copy of the minutes. 2.0 Gather and Analyse information to make decisions to solve problems in your area of responsibility 2.1 Collect information from a wide range of sources to support management decision-making Site Managers / Supervisors Verbal examples from site managers / supervisors stating that the lack of information in respect of the scope / tender inclusions is having a negative impact on the overall performance of our jobs. As mentioned this is transferred verbally therefore we will have to take into account of its reliability and validity. As mentioned previously there is a clear breakdown in the flow of information  from when we price and win a job to the information passed onto site and the management of that information in order to make the job as successful as possible. This is readily backed up from verbal conversations with the site supervisors themselves who are unsure of what the extents of works are and the possible impact this is having on the duration of the projects? Specifically within the Construction Industry as a manager the below is at the forefront of every decision we make. The triangle illustrates the relationship between three primary forces in a project. Time is the available time to deliver the project, cost represents the amount of money or resources available and quality represents the fit-to-purpose that the project must achieve to be a success. http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/project-management-scope-triangle.html But ultimately the decisions we make from site level up the chain to the managing directors determine the outcome. Below is evidence that everyone makes decisions. Above it shows the impact and importance of decisions with regards to the Cuddy Group it is possible to split the three groups up into the following: High Value -Managing Directors and Directors Medium Value-Middle Managers e.g. Contracts Managers and Quantity Surveyors Low Value-Site Managers and Site Personnel Quiet often when making a decision we use past knowledge in order to aid and assist us. Past knowledge or the information that is generally contained within the brains of individuals is generally known as tacit knowledge. This knowledge is continually getting updated and revised depending on learning, experiences and insight. There are various different types of knowledge and this is summarised in various models. One of the widely accepted approaches to summarising knowledge management is the Nonaka Takeushi, (see appendix 9 for web location) Below are a couple of diagrams showing the matrix. Nonaka Takeuchi model the process of organisational knowledge creation as a spiral in which knowledge is amplified through these four modes of knowledge  conversion. Quote taken from class notes. Along with the specific project management matrix / flow and knowledge diagrams there is general management information available that will aid in decision making see below. Reliability and Validity Model (see appendix 9 for web location) Knowledge Classifications Model (see appendix 9 for web location) Good decisions make good projects, so what makes a good decision (and, hence, a good project)? The answer is, one that’s well planned. But then you run into the question of how long the decision-making process should take. Well, the last thing we need is a new formal methodology for decision-making—nothing would ever get done. Thats why Id like to propose several useful rules you can apply to decision-making: Consider the importance of the decision. To determine the importance of a decision, ask yourself: What are the consequences for both the project and for you? In reality, how urgent is the decision? (Note that theres a difference between important and urgent.) Ask yourself if there are more options. In other words, if youre choosing between three options, ask yourself if theres also a fourth option. Think about stakeholders opinions. Have you listened to the opinions of stakeholders in the decision? You should. Even though they may not like your ultimate decision, theyll have to live with it. Concede the fact that youre going to make some irrational decisions. We often make decisions almost by reflex, using a combination of experience, data analysis, gut feelings, fear, personal preference, and peer pressure. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t take into account your sense of self-preservation, the views of your team, or your recollections about why a previous project caused you grief. You just need to be aware that each new situation demands a clear point of view and a fresh decision; otherwise, the same mistakes will recur. Remember that even some small choices can have big consequences. Don’t underestimate the possibility that major consequences could result from seemingly insignificant choices you make along the way.  http://www.techrepublic.com/article/decisions-decisions-make-them-timely-wisely-and-responsibly/1049740 Along with the information above collated from the web I have also read the following text books / Management books. NLP Pocketbook (see appendix 10) Engaging Employees, A practical guide for busy leaders managers (see appendix 10) Both books aid management and in particular with decision making. In respect of the NLP Pocketbook it produmitaly focus on yourself and your actions, It works on a SMART goal setting strategy. SMART goal setting is Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic and within a defined Time Frame. SSpecific and positive M Measurable and meaningful to you AAchievable and covering all areas of your life, stated in the present tense as if you have achieved it now RRealistic and right for you  TTimes and targeted, towards what you want. In addition to SMART goal setting, NLP incorporates a process called ‘creating a well-formed outcome. Creating a well-formed outcome involves asking a series of questions that will help you clarify your goal. They will help you to ascertain how important the goal is to you, how (if necessary) to revise it and make it more achievable. Well –formed outcome questions: Is the goal stated positively? What do you want? (Eg, wanting to increase company profits rather than a statement about reducing the loss) Can you start and maintain the process of achieving the goal by yourself, and keep it in your control? Does the goal include all the senses? How will you know you have achieved it? What will you feel, see and hear when you have achieved it? What will other people fee, see and say when you have achieved it? Is the context clearly defined? How long will it take? Who will be involved? Where will it take place? How will it be achieved? When do you want it? Have you checked that it is ecological or meaningful for you, ie is it worth the investment in time and money? Does the outcome fit in with your life and who you are? Does the goal keep those aspects of the present situation you want to preserve, ie are there positive elements you wish to maintain? Does it identify the resources you need – those you already have  or those you need to acquir e? What first step must you take? What are the next steps? Abstract directly taken from the NLP Pockebook. But in contrast to the above the Engaging Employees, A practical guide for busy leaders managers text book focuses predominately on how to get the best out of your team. See contents page taken from the text book to back this up. Is starts with you Planning to communicate Understanding your audience Engaging people in change Face to face matters Team meetings; getting it together High Impact presentations Checking you’re getting through Effective email – at last The write stuff. 2.2 Analyse the information collected from a wide variety of sources, to inform decision-making Project Management Models When project managing a job in construction there are various different types of models that we are able to follow some of which I have given examples of but ultimately the primary focus specifically within the construction industry is the triangle between the three primary forces. Delivering the job on time, within budget to a high standard. Decision making model With the triangle in mind we all have to make decisions of variable impact and volume as is set out in the decision making model. With this in mind managing information and the decisions we make are key. ‘By not making a decision you’re making a decision to not make a decision’ taken from the ILM class notes. The decisions we make as a business ultimately determines how successful the outcome is, and in particular the flow of information within the company to aid our decision making is critical. Therefore before we make  any decisions we have to take into account the impact of the decisions we are making. Nonaka takeuchi model When making a decision we usually take into account past experiences / doing otherwise defined as Tacit Knowledge. Under the Nonaka Takeuchi model it explains the relationship and how we can turn Tacit Knowledge into Explicit knowledge which can be readily transmitted to others. Most common forms of explicit knowledge are manual, documents and procedures in our organisation we can relate to the ILM system and the various procedures in place. Please see below which makes good reading. The patent had attempted to be bought by a buyer in other words the tacit knowledge had attempted to be turned into explicit knowledge but due to it possibly not being documented correctly or the manner in which it was presented not being explained correctly it failed. Therefore the tacit knowledge that had been turned into explicit knowledge was little or no use to the buyer. We must bare this in mind if we are relying too heavily on explicit knowledge and in particular how reliable the knowledge is? In the same sense it’s possible to categorise Wikipedia as explicit knowledge but we have to take into account the source and what past experience or where the information originated from before using it to make a decision. ‘Bessemer steel process — Bessemer sold a patent for his advanced steel making process and was sued by the purchasers who couldnt get it to work. In the end Bessemer set up his own steel company because he knew how to do it, even though he could not convey it to his patent users. Bessemers company became one of the largest in the world and changed the face of steel making.[15]’ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tacit_knowledge Measuring Validity and Reliability model When gathering information to make a decision we must take in the validity and reliability of what we looking to achieve. Especially within the construction industry there is specific ways in which to measure or calculate something and this can be best described as the below. Reliability Reliability refers to how consistent a measuring device is. A measurement is said to be reliable or consistent if the measurement can produce similar  results if used again in similar circumstances. For example, if a speedometer gave the same readings at the same speed it would be reliable. If it didnt it would be pretty useless and unreliable. Importantly reliability of self-report measures, such as psychometric tests and questionnaires can be assessed using the split half method. This involves splitting a test into two and having the same participant doing both halves of the test. If the two halves of the test provide similar results this would suggest that the test has internal reliability. http://www.holah.karoo.net/reliabilityandvalidity.htm In respect of validity this refers to the extent of what we are measuring and what we hope to measure. Validity This refers to whether a study measures or examines what it claims to measure or examine. Questionnaires are said to often lack validity for a number of reasons. Participants may lie; give answers that are desired and so on. It is argued that qualitative data is more valid than quantitative data. http://www.holah.karoo.net/reliabilityandvalidity.htm Both the reliability and validity have categories in themselves in which we can use to measure if they are achieving what we set out to achieve. To summarise we need to be mindful if we are using specific data or gathered information if it’s reliable and valid in terms of what we are hoping to achieve and fit for purpose. Information to Knowledge Management With respect of the next model it gives us an insight of how the ever evolving computer industry and in particular the capacity to store and distribute data / information is enabling personnel learning and also the capacity to make correct decision in going forward. Given an example that is relevant to the Cuddy group is the below. We are able to save / store and distribute raw facts and figures on a particular job and in doing so we are able to see if a job was successful in respect of profit? We then can move  on to give meaning to the obtained data in respect of information and give reasons why that job was successful? We then can analyse the derived information and understand what we did well on that job. This will then give us the wisdom going forward to know what to do for the best on other jobs. As mentioned evolving technology is aiding us with the transfer and storing of this information and aiding us with the capability of personnel learning. There are various examples and models that differ slightly some of which I have given examples but all cover the above. General Management Tools As the assignment is targeted at middle managers I have looked into the impact that decisions have and what to consider before making decisions? As a rule the following applies: Consider the importance of the decision Ask yourself if there are more options Think about stakeholders opinions Concede you’re going to make some irrational decisions Remember that even small choice have big consequences I also looked into how SMART goal setting and how to engage with employees. 2.3 Use this analysis of information to make and justify a management decision Using the analysis and the information collated along with the procedure I believe this will better the flow of information throughout the company. The triangle The procedure will aid with delivering the job on time within budget and to a high standard. Delivering the job on time – By having weekly meetings on site and the constant daily dialogue this should enable any problems to be caught at an early stage and thus giving time to nip in the bud the potential to impact on progress and in particular the end date which quiet often is key to a job being a successful one from a clients point of view. Within Budget – Due to the procedure allowing for a review of the target v actual on a weekly basis this will enable weekly monitoring of the budget to ensure everything is on track, atm there if only an allowance of monthly reporting and it’s possible for any job to change dramatically from month to month. High Standard – Again as the procedure allows for the contracts  manager / quantity surveyor to visit site at least once a week with the supervisor having chance to put his / hers views across together this should r aise standards. Decision making model In reference to the procedure this will reiterate the fact that everyone makes decisions especially as minutes will be keep, actions assigned and closed out as and when this occurs. Nonaka Takeuchi Model With the procedure in place it will allow for smoother transfer of tacit knowledge into Explicit Knowledge. This will be done by taking minutes; monitoring progress against targets and reporting this information back to directors / managing directors in order to have the full cycle. Validity and Reliability Under the procedure progress meetings will be held on site this will allow us to audit and monitor the reliability and the validity of the information we are being told by the site manager / supervisor. This will be used as a checking tool before information is transferred around the company to directors and managing directors alike. Knowledge Management With the procedure set in place where minutes are taken / targets are monitored it will allow for us to save / store and distribute raw facts. Also with the weekly minutes we will be to give meaning to the obtained data for example why we missed out specific targets? Why we bettered targets? From this then we can analyse the information and understand how and why? This will then enable us to make the correct decisions in going forward. Along with the analysing the above models and information, I have taking account of why from a managers point of view why the procedure in place will aid with the running of jobs on site and the transfer of information. With regards to the current situation of producing the cost book that is translated to a target / budget sheet, this information will be little or no use to the supervisor for a number of reasons listed below: Information Overload – Due to the nature of the document this may cause confusion in the way the document is set out, therefore as set out in the procedure by breaking things the whole job down into specific tasks this will more than  likely take the pressure off and give a clear understanding of what is required and expected off of them. This is likely to make them less intimated and more confident as if they are clear More hands on and practical – The academic level of a supervisor generally is not the same as what we would normally expect from a middle manager in that the cost book / target and budget sheet will not be fit for purpose if passed onto the supervisor, therefore the information should be broken down so it is easily understood. Team ethos – As it currently stands the information is passed to the supervisor with no clear direction and management give, therefore by employing the proposed procedure this will then bridge the gap and increase the we are in it together approach. Why will meetings be held face to face? Sense of Importance – By making the effort to travel to site, as typically our sites are all of the United Kingdom then this will instil into the supervisor the confidence he needs in that he got your support should he need it. Ability – may not be able to use the computer therefore face to face will enable supervisors to have an opportunity to contribute their input without feeling intimidated Sense of importance – By holding the meetings face to face this will enable them to feel like they got you in their corner and in doing so should create a clear divide from site operatives to supervisors. Meetings more personnel – Generally meetings face to face are more personnel and can be structured better with agendas / minutes and the like assisting Why will the supervisor in respect of the site operatives be the only site member to be part of the meeting? Clear level of management between site operatives / supervisors and middle managers – This will empower the site supervisors and in doing have a clear barrier between the site operatives and himself. Self Worth – It will also give the site supervisor the self worth and mutual respect between himself and the middle manager, hopefully this should increase productivity as he is likely to want to do more for the middle manager if he believes he has the respect. Respect earns respect! Company generally uses agency Labour – As touched on previously due to the company operating throughout the company there is the need to employ agency labour, by having weekly meetings with the supervisor in attendance again this is creating a clear structure. How the meetings should be conducted? Ability – plenty of discussions questions to ensure supervisor gets points you’re making. Allow supervisor to have their say and input – By asking questions this will allow supervisor to have their say and input. Informally rather than formally, don’t want supervisor to feel under spotlight – Due to the nature of the construction industry and especially on site it is rather informal, therefore if the meetings are held in the same manner this should enable the middle line managers to get the most out of the supervisors. From analysing the various different models and combining with general middle management responsibilities I believe the procedure I have put in place will significantly help with the transfer of information from site to board level alike. 3.0 Disseminate information on a management decision, through the right organisational channels 3.1 Communicate information to team member or other colleagues to meet business objectives, using appropriate organisational channels In reference to the procedure set up this should allow for the constant communication of how a specific job is performing from site level to the board of directors and in particular through the correct organisational channel. To elaborate on the above; Site Supervisors will have constant dialogue with middle managers on a daily basis, with a weekly progress held on site to discuss performance. Munities of the meeting with be typed up and performance analysed with knowledge added to explain how performance is operating? Are we going to hit our target? Be on time? Within budget? To name a few of the questions answered? This will then in turn be disrupted to the relevant director, finance director and the management accountant. This will then be discussed on weekly basis in the departmental weekly progress meeting, and the fortnightly Trading Review meeting with finance with the relevant directors. This in turn then can be reported back to the MD by the relevant directors when board level meeting happens. As you can see from the procedure put in place we will allow for the reporting from site to board of directors level to be on a weekly basis rather than a monthly as is currently in place, this in turn will give us every opportunity possible to achieve the best possible  outcome in respect of the construction triangle. Delivering the job on time, within budget to a high standard. 3.2 Communicate information to stakeholders or customers to meet business objectives In reference to the procedure as mentioned previously this will allow for the constant flow of information from site to managing directors (stakeholders) to be done on a weekly basis. In respect of customers or clients quiet the construction triangle is key, therefore by having weekly progress meetings this information will be able to be fed back to the client, giving them the confidence that we are putting their needs first ‘the customer is always right ethos’

Effect of Microhardness on Chemical Degradation

Effect of Microhardness on Chemical Degradation Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chemical degradation media associated with brushing on surface roughness (Ra) and Knoop microhardness (KHN) analyses of different composites. Material and Methods: Eighty specimens were prepared for each composite: Grandio SO (Voco), Amaris (Voco), Filtek Supreme (3M/ESPE), Filtek LS (3M/ESPE). The specimens were divided into four groups according to the immersion in chemical degradation media for 7 days: artificial saliva (control), heptane, 0.02M citric acid, 70% ethanol. The surface of specimens was submitted to 10950 brushing cycles (200g load) in an automatic tooth-brushing machine with abrasive slurry. Surface roughness and microhardness measurements were obtained at baseline, after immersion in chemical degradation media and after brushing. Data were submitted to three-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey’s test (pResults: The KHN means for composites were: Grandio (153.5 ±35.9)a, Filtek Supreme (87.0 ± 24.9)b, Amaris (64.5 ±24.5)c, LS (69.0 ±15.3)c; for storage media: artificial saliva (97.3 ±46.7)a, ethanol (93.3 ±49.9)a, citric acid (95.8 ±42.1)a, heptane (87.6 ±36.7)b; and after treatments: after chemical degradation (104.8 ±49.7)a, baseline (93.8 ±42.5)b, after brushing (81.9 ±36.5)c. The Ra results for composites were: LS (0.15 ±0.25)a, Grandio SO (0.19 ±0.24)ab, Filtek Supreme (0.20 ±0.22)ab, Amaris (0.23 ±0.37)b; for storage media: artificial saliva (0.18 ±0.31)a, heptane (0.18 ±0.25)a, ethanol (0.20 ±0.26)a, citric acid (0.21 ±0.28)a; and after treatments: brushing (0.11 ±0.14)a, after chemical degradation (0.23 ±0.32)b, baseline (0.24 ±0.32)b. Conclusions: Brushing after chemical degradation reduced surface roughness values. In general, chemical degradation did not affect composites roughness, but microhardness was significantly reduced. Heptane produced the biggest reduction in composites microhardness. Clinical Relevance: The food-simulating solutions and brushing simulating alter the composites properties, and these alterations are material-dependent. Keywords: composites, chemical degradation, brushing, Knoop microhardness, surface roughness. Introduction Improvements on the composition and mechanical properties of resin-based materials along with increased esthetic demands have resulted in the enlarged use of direct composite restorations in anterior and posterior teeth [1,2]. These improvements provided more strength and durability to the composite restorations under the conditions of the oral environment. Most of the available composites contain a polymer matrix of dimethacrylate monomers, such as Bis-GMA, UDMA, and TEGDMA (organic phase), inorganic filler particles (dispersed phase) coated with a methyl methacrylate-functional silane coupling agent to bond the filler to the organic matrix, a photoinitiator system to allow photoactivation by light units and other minor additions including polymerization initiators, stabilizers and coloring pigments [3-5]. However, the critical oral environment conditions (pH changes or humidity) may increase the composite biodegradation over time [6]. Under oral conditions, dental materials may be exposed either intermittently or continuously to chemical agents present in saliva, food and beverages [1]. Previous studies have shown that some dietary foods and beverages can cause surface degradation of restorative materials [7-14]. Their constituents can soften the organic phase and promotes disintegration of the dispersed phase, altering the surface hardness [1,15]. Besides of chemical environment, the toothbrushing is another condition that influences the longevity of composites restorations in vivo. Although toothbrushing plays an important role in oral hygiene, the effects of abrasion constitutes another important issue on dental materials wear processes, which can result in alterations in surface roughness, loss of contour, staining and plaque retention [16]. There are several types of composites nowadays, such as nanohybrid, nanofill and microhybrid, which have the similar polymer matrix composition. However, the inorganic phase (size, type and distribution of filler particles) are different. Therefore, the effects of chemical degradation liquids and toothbrushing on surface roughness and microhardness of these types of composites must be reported. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chemical degradation associated with toothbrushing on surface roughness and microhardness of different composites. The null hypothesis tested was that the immersion in chemical degradation media and brushing are not able to modify the surface roughness and microhardness of the tested materials. Material and Methods Specimens preparation Eighty cylindrical specimens of each composite were fabricated (shade A3) using a metallic matrix with 2 mm in height and 3 mm in diameter. A mylar strip was placed over the composite and pressed with a glass plate to provide a flat surface, being removed after curing. The composites were applied in increments of 2 mm and cured on the top surface using LED photocuring unit (Elipar Freelight 2, 3M/ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) at 1200 mW/cm2 power density, activated for 40 s. After curing, they were stored in individual containers with deionized water for 24 h. Then, they were polished using a sequence of 1200, 2400 and 4000 grit aluminum oxide abrasive disks (Extec, Enfield, CT, USA) in a polishing device (DP-10, Panambra, Sà £o Paulo, Brazil). After polishing, all the specimens were immersed in deionized water at 37  ºC for 24 h. Four direct restorative materials were tested, as described in Table 1. Knoop microhardness measurements The microhardness measurement was performed with a microhardness tester (FM-700, Future-Tech, Tokyo, Japan), Knoop tip, under 25 g load for 10 s. Three indentations were performed 100  µm apart from each other, at the surface of the specimens. The means were determined as Knoop Hardness Number (KHN). Surface roughness analysis The mean surface roughness (Ra) was evaluated using a profilometer (MaxSurf XT 20, Mahr, Goettingen, Germany). The diamond stylus moved 2.5 mm long starting the first measurement 0.2 mm from the lower area of specimen. Three profile measurements were performed for each specimen at intervals of 0.25 mm and a final average was used. The mean Ra values were determined with a cut-off value of 0.8 mm, a transverse length of 0.8 mm, and a stylus speed of 0.1 mm/s. Chemical degradation media immersion The specimens of each composite were randomly divided according to the food-simulated substances tested (n=20). The solutions tested are mediums recommended by FDA (1976) to be used as food-simulating liquids [17]. Heptane P.A. (Synth – Labsynth, Diadema, Sà £o Paulo, Brazil) was used to simulate butter, fat meals and vegetable oils. Citric acid 0.02M (Synth) simulated beverages, vegetables, fruits and candies. Ethanol 70% (Zulu Hospitalar 70% Companhia Nacional de à lcool, Piracicaba, Sà £o Paulo, Brazil) simulated alcoholic beverages and mouthrinses. Artificial saliva was used as control and prepared according to Gohring et al. [18] using 22.1 mmol/l hydrogen carbonate, 16.1 mmol/l of potassium, 14.5 mmol/l sodium, 2.6 mmol/l hydrogen phosphate, 0.8 mmol/l boric acid, 0.7 mmol/l calcium, 0.4 mmol/l thiocyanate and 0.2 mmol/l magnesium. The specimens were kept in individual vials with 2 ml of each solution for 7 days at 37  ºC. After this period, the specimens were washed thoroughly, and stored in deionized water at 37  ºC, for 24 h. The microhardness and surface roughness were evaluated. Brushing protocols Subsequently, the experimental units were subjected to brushing abrasion in an automatic toothbrushing (TB) machine (ODEME Biotechnology – Joaà §aba, Santa Catarina, Brazil) which imparted reciprocating motion to 6 soft bristle toothbrush heads (Sanifill Ultraprofissional, Hypermarcas – Sà £o Paulo, Brazil). This apparatus provides linear brushing movements across the specimens at a speed of 120 cycles per min at 37 °C, with a double pass of the brush head over the surface. The top surface of resin composites cylinders were submitted to 10950 brushing stokes under a vertical load of 200 g with abrasive slurry, simulating one year of clinical situation [19]. The abrasive slurry consisted of fluoridated dentifrice (Colgate Tripla Aà §Ãƒ £o, Colgate-Palmolive, Sà £o Paulo, Brazil) and artificial saliva, in a ratio of 1:3, by weight [20]. Toothbrushes were replaced after the completion of each brushing cycles. After brushing, the specimens were kept in deionized water at 37 ºC, for 24 h. At the end of this protocol, the microhardness and surface roughness was obtained. Statistical analysis This experiment followed a factorial scheme of the 4x3x4 type. The experimental variables under study were composites [Grandio, Amaris, Filtek LS, Filtek Supreme], time [baseline, after chemical degradation (CD) and after brushing (TB)] and the food-simulating media [artificial saliva (AS), heptane (H), citric acid (CA) and ethanol (E)]. The variable responses were the mean roughness measurement value obtained in profilometer, and the average of three microhardness readings. Data were submitted to statistical analysis using the computer software Statistica for Windows (Statsoft, Tulsa, OK, USA). The inferential statistics consisted of three-way repeated measures ANOVA (composites, time, and chemical degradation media), in which the variable time was considered as a repeated factor, followed by Tukey’s test. The level of significance was the conventional value of 5%. Results Microhardness evaluation The mean KHN values of the composites after chemical degradation media are shown in Figure 1. The application of RM-ANOVA showed significant differences for the factors composites (p=0.0001), time (p=0.0001) and chemical degradation (p=0.0001). Grandio SO composite presented the highest KHN values for all times tested. Amaris and Filtek LS exhibited values significantly lower than Filtek Supreme and Grandio SO (Table 2). For the chemical degradation media factor, the immersion in heptane produced the lowest microhardness means, compared to the other tested media (Table 3). Regarding the different times, the microhardness (KHN) values significantly increased after immersion in chemical degradation media and decreased after brushing, compared to baseline means (Table 4). Surface roughness analysis The means of roughness surface (Ra) for the composites are shown in Figure 2. The application of RM-ANOVA showed no significant differences for composite (p=0.034) and time (p=0.626) factors. The roughness means obtained for Amaris composite were significantly higher than Filtek LS. Grandio SO and Supreme exhibited intermediate means (Table 2). For the chemical degradation media, no significant differences were obtained for surface roughness (Table 3). The Ra means after brushing were lower than at baseline and after chemical degradation CD (Table 4). Discussion The chemical environment is one aspect of the oral conditions which has an appreciable influence on the in vivo degradation of composites [21]. Some chemicals substances from food and drinks can lead to surface degradation of composite restorations, resulting in unaesthetic appearance and increased surface roughness, accelerating the wear of dental materials [22,23]. This degradation is mainly due to the softness of composite matrices with exposure to organic acids and various food and liquid constituents [24,25,12]. Previously published studies have reported that acidic conditions show a tendency to degrade glass ionomer cements, polyacid modified composite resins, and composite resins [9,26,10,27,11]. The present study was performed to investigate the Knoop microhardness and surface roughness of four composites, before and after simulating oral conditions. Hardness is defined as the resistance to permanent indentation or penetration [28,1]. It is used to predict the wear resistance of a material and its ability to cause abrasion opposing tooth structure [28]. The composites exposed in food-simulating media can suffer chemical softening, reducing their physico-mechanical properties. Changes in the composite hardness usually occur within the first 7 days after exposure to chemical solutions [21]. Therefore, this study conducted the initial readings of the hardness in the specimens after post-cure [1], and another reading after the exposure period of immersion. In the present study, specimens stored in heptane showed significantly reduction in microhardness, as also observed previously [14,28]. Heptane simulates butter, fatty meals and vegetables oil [14,1] and may damage the resin matrix,[12,28] producing cracks in the interface, and consequently, weakening the material.[14] It is questioned if alcohol-containing beverages may compromise the longevity of composites restorations [29], since it presents the potential of damaging polymers [1,12], by fully penetrating the resin matrix and promoting the release of unreacted monomers [13]. The partial dissolving of the resin matrix may result in the degradation of the filler-matrix interface, thereby impairing the flexural strength and hardness [14]. In this study, the concentration of ethanol solution (70%) was used according to previous [28] but it showed no significant effect in the microhardness of composites. The differences in hardness values compared to previous studies could be related to the surface characteristics of the composites, filler distribution and conversion rate [30]. Furthermore, the period of 24 h of storage before immersion in ethanol may lead to complete polymerization of the composites, reducing the presence of unreacted monomers on the surface [1,14]. The effects of intraoral organic acids, as citric acid, besides producing tooth erosion, can cause surface degradation of composites [9], favoring the breaking of bonds in Bis-GMA molecules of composites [24,11]. Despite of others studies that citric acid reduced the hardness of composites [7,9], in this study no differences were observed in the microhardness of the composites when immersed in citric acid for 7 days. Nevertheless, the period of storage may have been insufficient to promote differences in the mechanical properties of the specimens’ surface [7,14]. Differences in microhardness means among the composites exposed to the tested solutions were found and are related to their composition and particle content [14,29]. Grandio SO, Filtek Supreme and Amaris have similar matrix composition (Bis-GMA, UDMA, TEGDMA), however, differ in size and amount of filler particles (Table 1). The higher resistance of Bis-GMA to the degradation effects of immersion media can be explained by the fact that bis-acryl resin composite materials contain bifunctional acrylates, which cross-link to provide increased mechanical strength and resistance to weakening in the presence of solvents [28,31]. Grandio SO and Filtek Supreme present nanoscale particles, which provide better mechanical resistance compared to hybrid resins, superior polishing than microfilled resins, higher strength and reduced polymerization shrinkage [32]. Due to their nanoscale, these materials showed the highest microhardness values in this study. By the other hand, Filtek LS is constituted of silorane, with quartz and yttrium fluoride as inorganic filler, which increased hydrophobicity and reduced water sorption [33]. Differences in microhardness among Filtek LS and others composite could be attributed to the lower filler content (76% w/w), as observed by Yesilyurt et al. [14]. Therefore, the differences in composites compositions could have contributed to the differences in hardness. After simulated toothbrushing, there was a reduction in microhardness values. This fact may be due to changes on the surface of the resin matrix when immersed in the solutions before brushing. According to a previous study [2], the immersion in food-simulating media increased the exposure of filler particles by softening the matrix. Additionally, toothbrushing can change the surface of composites [2,34,35]. In clinical situation, the consumption of food or beverages occurs before brushing habits, making this association clinically relevant. Although an increase of the composite surface roughness and degradation after brushing have been previously reported,[2] significantly lower roughness means were obtained after brushing in this study. Likewise, previous studies showed that most of composites did not present significant changes by the immersion on chemical degradation media in surface roughness over time [2,9,15]. This study found differences on surface roughness of mycrohybid, nanofill and nanohybrid composites, as results of their differences in their compositions. Filtek LS, myycrohybrid composite, had the lowest surface roughness, probably due to low filler content. Filtek Supreme e Grandio SO had an intermediate smoother texture, whereas Amaris showed the roughest surface. Nevertheless, despite of these initial differences, the immersion in chemical solutions did not interfere in the final surface roughness. However, interaction between immersion in food-simulating media and simulated brushing decreased surface roughness, as observed by Turssi et al. [20] This may be attributed to the reaction of the solutions with the polymer matrix. Toothbrushing after the immersion on food-simulating media resulted in the removal of part of the organic matrix around the loosen fillers [2]. Then, the softened matrix have become mixed with the abrasive slurry, decreasing its abrasive potential [20]. Roughness surfaces of composite favors the accumulation of plaque, gingival inflammation, superficial staining and secondary caries. It is noteworthy that the effect of brushing on the composites depends on several factors, such as the type of toothpaste, type and shape of the brush bristles, the proportion of deionized-water solution, as well as speed and weight applied during simulation process. As these parameters were standardized for all groups, it can be suggested that the surface roughness varies with the size, hardness and percentage of composite particles, as reported previously [20,36]. The different treatments tested resulted in alteration of composite properties, and these alterations were material-dependent; thus, the null hypothesis tested was rejected. The present study is important for guiding the improvements of the present composite resins against the challenges they will face during clinical service. It is also relevant to state that esthetics represents only one of the reasons for composite resin restorations failure. Improvements in other areas such as bonding degradation, material deterioration and ability to prevent caries progression/activity should be also considered. Conclusion According to the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that: The microhardness means of the tested composites were influenced by the material; Toothbrushing reduced Ra values of the materials tested, but the solutions used for chemical degradation did not affect the results. Conflict of Interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Uniting the Nation: Everyone Needs a Tattoo :: Solutions Papers Proposal Essays

Uniting the Nation: Everyone Needs a Tattoo   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I think I was sixteen when I first wanted to get a tattoo, but then again I also wanted to get my ear pierced and die my hair blue. Well I'm eighteen now, my hair is red, well the red it’s been since I've had hair and neither of my ears are pierced but I did end up getting that tattoo. In fact I also got him a friend. Now I'm stuck with two of them, but I don't have any regrets, not yet anyway.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The plan for getting a tattoo was mine and my friend's. We said that on graduation night we'd do it, but I wasn't eighteen yet so we never did. My friend’s desire faded, but mine seemed to stay constant. I always planned on it but never had the bucks or the time. That's what I said atleast. The truth was I never had the nerve. But who can blame me? That's quite the plunge. There is no going back with this one. So I came up with a plan. A plan to make sure I wouldn't back out again. I told a girl. I invited her to come and ogle me while I get my body marked for life. With a chick looking on what am going to do? "No I'm sorry. I decided not to purchase." I don't think so. So I picked her up and we were off to the tattoo parlor.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   We got in and looked around for a good long while. Finally some one came up and asked if he could help us. It was pretty good customer relations for the type of business. I told him that I wanted to get a tattoo, and had a design that I drew up. The day before that same guy gave me an estimation of eighty dollars for my design, so I made sure to mention that so that the price wouldn't rise while he was looking at it. He said okay, and went behind the counter to trace the design on special paper that puts an ink on your skin. When that happens the artist can trace the pattern instead of just doing something free hand.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   My pattern was something very close to me. Something that I thought about long and hard. Its a red spider on a black web.

Moderate Drinking and Reduced Risk of Heart Disease :: essays research papers

Alcohol use has been widely studied and documented, as I have found in my research. One article in particular, "Moderate Drinking and Reduced Risk of Heart Disease" by Arthur L. Klatsky, appears to be a good source that I will be able to use in my final research paper. This article will be a good source for two main reasons: first, Klatsky's article adds to my knowledge of my research topic, and second, Klatsky provides good evidence for his claim. Thus, Klatsky's article will help me write my final research paper. I learned from this article that moderate drinkers have the lowest risk of coronary artery disease and death from cardiovascular disease when compared to lifelong abstainers and heavy drinkers. According to Klatsky, alcohol has "protective" effects. It raises the level of HDL (artery-clearing, high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and lowers the level of LDL (artery-clogging, low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the blood stream (18). This information about a specific disease and its relation to alcohol is the kind I need to write a good research paper. In addition, Klatsky does a good job of defining "moderate" drinking, a definition that is essential to the article and to my research. He defines moderate consumption as one or two drinks per day (15). A "drink" equals one five-ounce glass of wine, twelve ounces of beer, or one and a half ounces of liquor, all of which contail one half an ounce of alcohol (15). I will use Klatsky’s definitions in describing "moderate" drinking. Klatsky also provides sound evidence to support his claims. He claims that moderate drinkers are at the lowest risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cites a study from the American Cancer Society. This nine-year study of 490,000 people showed a 30-40 percent lower mortality rate from cardiovascular disease among those who consumed one to two drinks per day (20).

Graduation Speech -- Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

Fellow graduates, honored guests, faculty, administration: Minna-san, Konbanwa Dobri Vecher Buenos Noches Bon Soir Good evening. We, of Cedar Community College, are many nations. We are men and women, husbands and wives, parents. We are young and not-so-young. Behind the face of every graduate, and just as distinct, is a different story, a different reason, and a different use for the education for which we have assembled this evening to recognize. We serve to enrich the campus community, as we are not just a cross-section of this nation, but of the world. Displayed in the Brier Hall cafeteria are 50 national flags to signify our cultural heritage here at Cedar. Yet regardless of our diverse origins, we come here bound by a common thread: to acknowledge to ourselves and to others that we met and overcame the challenges needed to achieve this milestone. This great gift of education we entitle ourselves better prepares us for challenges yet ahead. There isn't one among us who hasn't made sacrifices, or know of someone who made them on our behalf, so we could be here thi...

Woman and Young Girl

An old man is lying on a cardboard box in the middle of the park with no blanket to cover him. A young girl approaches him) YOUNG GIRL: Excuse me sir†¦ Are you k? WSDL you like a hot beverage? (The old man opens his eyes and smiles) OLD MAN: (in a soft voice) Oh, yes I would, young lady. YOUNG GIRL: It's freezing†¦ Come with me. There's a restaurant Just across the street. Let me help you stand up. (The young girl helps the old man to stand up. They walk slowly toward the restaurant.They enter and sit on a table. The waitress approaches them. She has a notepad and a pencil. There Is a a man and a woman sitting on a nearby table) WAITRESS: What would you like to order? YOUNG GIRL: Do you have any suspended coffees? WAITRESS: (smiling) I am afraid we do not†¦ But we do have a suspended meal If you want one. YOUNG GIRL: Well, that's great! Bring It to the gentleman, please. Oh†¦ And a cup of coffee, too. WAITRESS: (writing on a notepad) And what would you like to eat ? YOUNG GIRL: I'd like a sandwich, and a cup of hot chocolate. WAITRESS: would that be all?YOUNG GIRL: yes, please. WAITRESS: Your order will be ready In a few minutes. (The Waitress leaves) YOUNG GIRL: (to the Old Man) I am Sandy. What Is your name? OLD MAN: Hello Sandy, my name Is Craig. You are a very generous girl. WAITRESS: Enjoy your meal! YOUNG GIRL: Thanks: (The old man starts to eat) OLD MAN: (smiling) Thank you! This is Just what I needed. YOUNG GIRL: Let's eat before it gets cold! (The Man and the Woman on the nearby table call the Waitress. She approaches them) MAN: Excuse me, but we couldn't avoid listening to the conversation.That young RL asked for a suspended coffee, and we were wondering†¦ WOMAN: What is a suspended coffee? WAITRESS: (smiling) It's simple. People pay in advance for a coffee meant for someone who can not afford a warm beverage, but they can also order a sandwich or a whole meal. WOMAN: Oh, I see. It's a simple but amazing cause . MAN: So people pay in advance for one or several coffees without drinking them. WAITRESS: That's right. Then, a customer-in-need asks if there is a suspended coffee available and have a hot drink without having to pay for it. WOMAN: A nice hot cup of goodwill!What a marvelous idea. We're definitely going to do this! MAN: Please, bring us the check, and add two suspended meals, and two suspended coffees. WAITRESS: That is very nice of you! I'll be back in a minute. WOMAN: It's a good tradition which I think we should adopt. I am going to tell all my friends and relatives. (The Waitress comes back and gives them check to the man. The man takes out his wallet from his pocket, and pays the Waitress) WAITRESS: Thank you. It's a great way to help homeless in the freezing cold. WOMAN: (looking at the Young Girl) We are very touched and impressed for what he did.WAITRESS: A single act of kindness can change a person's life. (The man and woman stand up) MAN: Oh, and by the way†¦ The food was delicious ! MAN: Thanks, you too. (The man and woman leave. The waitress approaches the Young Girl and the Old Man) WAITRESS: Is everything fine? WSDL you like something else? YOUNG GIRL: Yes, bring us two cups of hot chocolate. We're having a real nice conversation here. OLD MAN: (smiling) And she's a good listener, too. WAITRESS: That's great! Two hot chocolates are on their way! (The waitress leaves) The End