Supply chain management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Supply chain management - Essay Example Earlier, companies were individual entities that gained profit for itself and were based on specified strategy of their production programs, which was not necessarily connected to the external world. However, in the future, companies will either be trading partners where the companies are linked to selected partners through exchange program, or the companies will have integrated supply chain management, which can build relationship with customers and suppliers. Christopher (1998) found competition is not within firms but between the supply chains. The main difficulty is to develop SCM, which not only creates effective relationship with supplier and customers but also is transparent, definable, demonstrable, tangible and communicable for the involved parties. Organizations have been making use of collection of methods, tools, techniques and programs for SCM. Fisher (1997) found two distinctive approaches in supply chain - efficient supply chain and responsive supply chain. The applica tion of SCM improves efficiency of industries and the target is to improve competiveness and profitability (Ellram 1991; Cooper et al. 1997; Persson 1997; Christopher 1998; Mentzer 2001). 2. Supplier Partnerships Working with suppliers provides an opportunity to acquire high quality products and services. Additionally, long term loyalty can be developed. The concept of JIT becomes significant in this regard where the raw materials are delivered on need and not before. Deming (1986) claimed building long-term relationship with suppliers can ensure improved products delivery. For long term commitment, the organization needs to be involved and each party has to contribute to the process of production and manufacturing. The supplier and buyer both need to understand that ultimately the goal is to satisfy the customers and hence, the decision should be made as a team. Various types of sourcing are used for supplier partnership such as single sourcing and multiple sourcing. In case of mul tiple sourcing, the products are delivered through competition. Further, it also reduces the disruption of work. Dr. Kaoru Ishikawa’s (1980) ten principles on supplier and buyer relationship include: 1. Customer and supplier are responsible for quality control. 2. Customer and supplier should respect the independence of other. 3. Supplier is entitled to get complete information from the customer. 4. The contract should be based on quality, price, quantity, method of delivery and payment terms. 5. Supplier should provide the quality desired by the customer to ensure satisfaction. 6. The quality should be determined through mutual consent. 7. The settlement of disputes should be made through agreement. 8. Frequent exchange of information should be promoted to improve the service or product quality. 9. The partner should be involved in procurement, inventory planning and production. 10. The interest of end users should be considered above all. In the case - NOSC has a proposal t o enter into ULV’s partnering agreement for office supplies; offering discounts between 50% and 70% will help to reduce total costs of acquisition of supplies. Additionally, it would provide daily deliveries of supplies to users. In return, ULV will use NOSC exclusively for the purchase of office supplies. It can be concluded the partnership is beneficial for both the parties. 3. Supplier Partnership

Competetive Strategy - Hansen Natural Corporation Essay

Competetive Strategy - Hansen Natural Corporation - Essay Example An US firm Hansen Natural Corporation which markets soft drinks and beverages is considered for the purpose of our analysis. Soft drinks market is a highly competitive market in US and there are numerous small and large competitors already present in this industry. Policies are also suggested which will be useful for the company in the value creation over the next four years. One of the most critical issues regarding a business is the identification and development of a sustainable competitive advantage. It is much more critical when the business in concern is a small and emerging business where the market is already infested with numerous existent competitors. It has been found that many small businesses have often failed to develop competitive advantage over their competitors in the market. The entrepreneur of the business has to take steps in order to gain competitive advantage in their business. It is noteworthy to mention that the business community never welcomes new entreprene urs with open arms rather prevent the new entries from appropriating the market share from them. Thus development of competitive advantage is critical for a firm right from the entry stage to the end of the life of the business (Bressler, n.d., p.192) . Areas where the firms need to intervene in order to develop competitive advantage Small businesses are unable to compete with the large firms in terms of price as the price mechanism behavior remains in their hand due to market reputation as well as historical sales background. A typical behavior of a small firm can be given by an example in this case. Suppose a restaurant is opening and when asked its entrepreneur about the prospective a common answer is that, â€Å"we will offer good food at good prices† (Bressler,n.d.,p.193). Marketing mix elements can be viewed to deliver competitive advantage to the businesses. The elements of the marketing mix include product, price, place, and promotion. The companies have to concentrat e on these variables in order to gain competitive advantage. Cost also plays an important role in the competitive advantage paradigm (Rothaermel, n.d., p. 201). Big companies can negotiate lower costs and have advantages over the smaller companies. However there are possibilities of lowering the costs with the help of less capital equipment, location, overhead, lower distribution cost, lower labor cost, and lower investment cost. Before explaining them in brief with economic theories first of all we will discuss the characteristics of the market of soft drinks in US and its relevance with the Hans Natural Corporation. Characteristics of the soft drinks market in US In the present situation the soft drink industry is highly competitive for all the corporations involved in this business (Davies, n.d.). The soft drinks industry faces pressure from rival seller, new entrants to the industry, substitute goods, suppliers, and buyers. In the US soft drinks industry Coca-Cola, Pepsi Co and Cadbury Schweppes are the largest competitors. In 2004, Coca Cola’s working capital was around $1.1 billion and Pepsico’s total sales were $18.4 billion. Many small companies are also there like Facedrink, Arcadia Brewing Co, Banko Beverage Company, Carolina Canners Inc etc.( Beverage Companies, n.d.). The market is almost saturated and the growth is small. It is pretty difficult prospect for the new entrants in the industry. Another significant barrier

Autism from Theories to learning

Autism from Theories to learning Since it first identified as a distinct disorder by Leo Kanner (1943), autism studies continued in order to explain its causes. Many theories and clinical studies evolved. However, none of them seems to be conclusive. Although it was interchangeably considered as part of schizophrenia, recently it is defined as a distinct disorder that has its own characteristics. The field of management is still challenging. In this paper, I am going to discuss different theories that explain autism. Then, I am going to summarize different learning approaches that are used for autistic children based on the different theories and ideas. Introduction: What is autism? Autism is part of the autistic spectrum disorders. The name itself is originated from the Greek word autos which means self.1 Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills (ASA).2 There are five autistic spectrum disorders labeled as pervasive developmental disorder (DSM IV).3 Causes of autism: There is no known single cause for autism. Many theories evolved to explain the possible causes. There are many different cognitive and psychological thoughts describe the autism symptoms. On the other hand, new beliefs developed which explain the autism symptoms as results of genetic or environmental influences.4 Controversial ideas like the effect of diet and vaccines on the development of autism symptoms recognized as hot topics for the last few years.5 Autism symptoms: Autism, as per the definition, consists mainly of three main categorical symptoms which include behavioral, communication and social aspects.6 The severity of the symptoms fluctuates from one child to other.7 Treatment methods: Treatment approaches and methods vary widely according to the teaching center and to the autistic child assessment of needs and symptoms.8 There are many behavioral and cognitive modalities in dealing with autistic children.9 Recently, many therapies introduced for the management of autism symptoms such as diet therapy and drugs therapy.10 None of these therapies appears superior to others. It is the child condition and needs that judge. Cognitive models: Since the introduction of autism as a definite disorder by Leo Kanner (1943),11 many theories developed to explain the dilemma behind this disorder. Three main theories expressed the cognitive dysfunction on autism. These are The Theory of Mind Deficit, Executive Dysfunction theory and the Weak Central Coherence theory. Theory of mind deficit: Theory of mind refers to the ability to make full mental states (beliefs, desires, intentions, imagination, emotions, etc.) that trigger action.12 Child with autism has difficulty to understand others thoughts which consider, according to the theory of mind, as the core cognitive deficit in autism.13 Executive function theory: Executive function theory deals with planning, working memory, impulse control, inhibition and mental flexibility.14 Also, it includes the initiation and monitoring of action.14This theory explains some of the autism symptoms. For example, repetitive and restricted behavior observed in autistic children might be explained due to executive dysfunction.15 In addition, the poor social interaction could be due to defect in cognitive shifting which is a vital part of executive function.16 Central coherence theory: Weak Central coherence theory describes inability to understand the context or to see the big picture.17 This could explain common autistic behaviors such as repetitiveness, focusing to parts of objects and persistence in behaviors related to details.18 Other cognitive theory: Autism could be described by Piagets two-factor theory of figurative and operative functions. Several autistic children exhibit an arrest in operative functions at the sensorimotor level while remaining to grow in figurative functions. This arrest limits consequent development of higher-level theoretical, figurative, and social skills.19 Limitations of cognitive theories: Cognitive theories have successfully explained the typical abnormal behavior seen in autistic children. However, cognitive theories have their weakness in explaining the total picture of autism. Also, the deviation in the autistic symptoms between different affected children could not be clarified by the cognitive theories. The other notable limitation in the cognitive theories is explaining autism as a static cognitive impairment rather than studying the developmental approach of the condition.20 Psychoanalytic theories: Psychoanalytic theories have their potency in explaining the developmental attitude of autism. Psychoanalysts perceive autism as a disorder in which the development of self-perception and perception of others is altered significantly. Psychoanalysis has advocated understanding the development, maintenance, and treatment of autism.17 Autism has two main psychoanalytic explanations. One is that it is a failure to an earlier stage of development. Second idea rationalizes autistic behavior as a defense mechanism in response to extremely stressful conditions.17 Reflection of Freud theory on autism: The methods of social engagement, which proceeds to identification as defined by Freud are essential in autistic development. Freuds original ideas of drives have influenced the psychodynamics explanations of the causes of autism.21 In 1975; Donald Meltzer established a model of autism based on three main philosophies: the dismantling of the ego, adhesive identification, and the bio-dimensionality of object relations. The dismantling of the ego represents the idea that autistic children dispersed their ego throughout the various senses, so that they can never appropriately perceive the world around them. Adhesive identification is often seen in autism. It follows the transmission of energy from the death drive and the libido when these drives are being defused. The bio-dimensionality of object relations discusses how the autistic child connects to libidinal objects, with an incapability to see beyond the surface of objects.17 Refrigerator mother theory: Refrigerator mother theory is another psychological theory explaining the cause of autism. Bettelheim was the first who introduce this concept. The theory claims that autism is a defense mechanism against cold, impassive, and detached mothers. Autistic children are been raised to dampening and hardhearted families during the initial stages of development where language and social skills typically acquire. There is limited interaction between mothers and their children, and this is the core cause of autism according to Bettelheim.17 Attachment deficit theory: Autism has been argued as a result of social isolation from parents; hence the attachment deficit theory arises. Rutgers et al. (2004) relates the social isolation noted in autism to the absence of early and secured attachement.17 Ecological theory on autism: Bronfenbrenner described human development in the form of interconnected, nested ecological levels, which can be applied to the environmental circumstance of autistic children. According to the ecological theory, the child with autism behaves in various microsystem structures and processes in the home, school, and community. A collection of interactive microsystems composes a mesosystem. Exosystems have an indirect or secondary impact on the child through their direct influence on the persons who interrelate with the child. The exosystems formal and informal social contexts modify characters in the childs micro- and mesosystems, hence ultimately affect the autistic children themselves.22 Management of autism: Identifying a child with autistic spectrum disorder is a dilemma for parents and caregivers. Different tools could be used to assess the severity and disability. Dealing with autistic children is challenging. Many modalities have been used with different achievements. Using drugs or diet is controversial. Many schools attempt to reflect the psycho-cognitive theories for autistic spectrum disorders in their approach to manage these cases. Learning approaches for autism: Many approaches evolved to teach autistic children. Most of These approaches are based on the different psycho-cognitive theories on autism. I am going to discuss the approaches that are recognized by the American society of autism. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): This method attempts to teach the autistic child different skills and behavior in stepwise approaches. The child get rewards after completing the task, so reinforcing the task or behavior. This method appears successfully beneficial in improving the personal skills and social behavior. However, it required intensive training time at school, and it does not prepare the autistic child to respond to new situations in life.23 Treatment   Education of Autistic and Related Communication of Handicapped Children (TEACH): Based on the sense that the environment should be acclimatized to the child with autism, the TEACH approach uses a structured teaching method to introduce skills and behavior for children with autism. There is no specific technique for this method. The childs learning abilities evaluated, and then teaching strategies are planned according to the childs needs. Although this approach has been criticized for being too structured, it helps the autistic children to understand the environment around them and peoples behaviors.23 Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS): This method intends mainly to teach autistic children, especially those that do not speak. It helps to improve the communication skills. It is a clear and intentional method. The child hands on the picture of interest to communicate with the teacher.23 Pivotal Response Treatment: Pivotal response treatment is aiming to teach the autistic child behavior, communication and social skills. Also, it enhances the skills of self-management and social initiation. This approach uses a multi-task method to teach the child critical behaviors. The child plays a leading role in defining the activity or object to be used in teaching.23 Floor Time: This approach is using a developmental, stepwise method in teaching the child with autism. It is much like play therapy. It does not plan to teach a single task. However, it advanced the child skills to encourage emotional development. The problems with this method are the difficulty in processing the information by the child, the child may under or over react and children with autism may not have control over their body to do different tasks or play.23 Social Stories: Social story method helps the child with autism to understand the expected or appropriate response. Through stories, the child learns how to interact socially and behave appropriately. This method has been adopted in view of the theory of mind deficit.23 Sensory Integration: Occupational and physical therapist implement this method to help autistic children to overcome their hypo or hypersensitivities. Children get desensitized to help them identify the sensory information.23 Facilitated Communication: This method is based on the idea that the autistic children are not able to communicate because of a movement disorder, not the insufficiency in communication skills. In this approach, the facilitator or the teacher supports the child arm helping him or her to communicate through the computer or typewriter.23 Complementary Approaches: Different intended approaches have been tried for autistic children. Using music, playing, models or animals are some of the methods that are not categorized under any of the known approaches.23 Conclusion: Autism is still considered as a mystery for teachers and physicians. Many causes seem to interact together to result in autistic symptoms. Learning the theories behind autism could help teachers and physicians to understand how appropriately approach autistic children. Human development theories help to understand the steps of building up the knowledge for autistic children. Conflicts of interest: none.

The Modified Market Economy :: essays research papers

The Modified Market Economy What is a modified market economy? What factors have been responsible for the emergence of this kind of economic system? How do governments influence economic decision making in such systems? Use Australian examples to illustrate your answer. A modified market economy is a market economy in which there are varying amounts of intervention and property ownership by the government. The Australian economy would be classed as a modified market, as we have a certain degree of government intervention, and this is something we should feel lucky for in our country, because due to this we are able to experience the free, fair lifestyle which we enjoy. The emergence of this kind of economy is mainly due to weaknesses in the market economy which, with out regulation, becomes an economy mainly concentrated on the wealthy people. The basic reason for the modified market economy is that the free market does not produce an efficient allocation of resources, and that the free market does not distribute output in a socially desirable way. For example in a modified market, the government regulate the flow a income a bit so that not only the rich make money. In a market economy the rich get richer and the poor get poorer as there is no regulation in terms of income distribution. The intervention by the government, in forms such as social security nets, which is present in a modified market, makes society more evenly spread rather than everyone being one of two things, that is, very rich, or very poor. In such economies as these, the government influence economic decision making much to our advantage in terms of them providing many of the resources needed to satisfy collective wants, making restrictions upon what can and can not be done, in the interests of our health, the environment, impacts upon society etc. Through this they regulate much of the possible ‘bad' economic decisions that could be made. The Australian government does place some limitations on freedom of enterprise, but generally encourages private business activity as it is an advantage to our whole economic growth in terms of employment etc. The Australian government also encourages the idea of fair competition. To keep the consumer choice less restrictive the government might not allow certain take overs that may limit the number of choices available to the consumer. Competitive prices that come from businesses are also good for the economy in general, for example if an Australian owned company, such as Uncle Toby's,

Case Study Toys

Principal of Management Case Study: Toys Galore The Case Toys Galore is a major manufacturer of toys which faces uncertainty about demand for its toys during the Christmas season. If there is a high demand for toys, and if Toys Galore: * Is fully able to meet this demand, then it makes additional revenue of $4m. * Is partly able to meet this demand, then it makes additional revenue of $3m * Is able only to supply at a low level, then it makes no additional revenue. If, however, there is low demand, then it makes no additional revenue.In July, Toys Galore has the option of expanding production. An expansion will cost $2m. If it expands in July, then it will be fully able to meet a high demand at Christmas. If it decides not to expand production in July, then it has another chance to expand in October. An expansion in October also costs $2m, but this late expansion does not leave the company sufficient time to fully meet high demand at Christmas; it can only partly meet any high demand . In October, however, the ABS announces the latest national income figures.Past experience suggests that income figures are high half the time and low half the time. Past experience also suggests that if there is a high national income figure, then there is a 80% probability of high demand, and if a low national income figure, a 80% probability of low demand for toys at Christmas. To summarize: by expanding production in July, Toys Galore is able to fully meet high demand for Christmas toys, if that occurs. By waiting until October, however, it can make the expansion decision on the basis of better information about Christmas demand. Abstract:In the above case study we see that the management of Toy Galore, a major manufacturer of toys faces uncertainty or a dilemma as how to cope up with the demand / supply and at the same time keep an eye on the expected revenues generated for/during the Christmas season. Moreover the company has to choose whether if they want to expand their pro duction during the month of July or October with low and high risk associated with the respective months. Factors affecting our decision: Before going on and making the decision the company has to look into the following important factors ) Calculated Risk Vs Returns: As mentioned in the case as there are many options that the company can opt for but all the options are to be looked in to with respect to the Risk associated with them and The Revenues / Returns generated with each of the option. Options of both expanding and Producing in the month of July or October to meet the Christmas Demand for toys and also the uncertainty or speculation that the income pattern might as well change which may / can affect the sales and the demand for the Toys produced. ) Certainty vs. uncertainty: As seen in the case study there is uncertainty that the demand of the toys may increase or decrease based on the historical trends and income patterns. Assuming that the production meets full demand the n the company makes maximum revenues i. e. Rise in the income results in the rise of the Demand, Rise in the Demand results in the rise of the Production and the Supply thus, Resulting in the Rise in Revenues. But one cannot ignore the uncertainty factor associated and present in the market environment.If the Income decreases then the whole scenario changes i. e. Decrease in the Income results in the decrease in Demand and supply, thus low revenues. 3) Market Competitors: Knowing that we are the major producer and Manufacturer of toys, we still can’t ignore the competition that exists or is entering the market. Any opportunity lost can prove to be a big opportunity for the competitors in the market. Suggestions with Reasoning: Based on the above factors I would advise the Toy Galore to; Invest and expand their production as it will not only help them in the short run but also in the long Run. Taking the decision to expand its production capacity doesn’t only means that it now has the capacity to produce more now and also in the long run but it also conveys a message of stability, strength and overall market dominance to our competitors * Start the production early i. e. in July and incase of any uncertainty or unforeseen event there should always be a backup plan or a contingency. * Play safe.There is a likelihood that revenues may increase more in October but again there is an old saying â€Å"Sometimes your best investments are the ones you don't make. † So I will advise the management to start production early in July. * Keeping the ABS reports at hand in case the income and the demand decrease during the Christmas season (keeping both directly proportional) resulting in low sales or stock pileup , we always have the option of after Christmas sales, which not only attract more buyers due to more discounts and decrease in the prices but also boost the revenues i. . ^Revenue = v Price * ^quantity. * Those who forget or ignore the past are doomed to repeat it. Market Speculations play an important role while making any managerial decision. The Company instead of ignoring the signs and news prevailing in the market should keep a close eye on the market, Historic Trends and keep in touch with the Statistical and Financial sectors so to keep on collecting the latest facts and figures which will always be helpful when it comes to making important decisions.

Colour Blindness

Colour blindness is a very well known deficiency that affects approximately 8% of the population worldwide (Fluck 2006). People who are colour blind are not technically blind, they have a decreased ability to identify colours and in the most extreme cases, not able to see colours at all. The technical term for being colour blind is achromatopsia which means the inability to see any colours at all. However, most people are only colour deficient and not fully color blind therefore they can be classified as monochromatic, which means the ability to see one colour, or dichromatic, the ability to see two colours.Colour blindness is a congenital and permanent mutation of the X chromosome, which is passed on to an offspring by the mother. The most typical case of this deficiency originates from a fault in the development of sets of retinal cones that perceive colour in light and transmit that information to the optic nerve. Men are more likely to have a form of colour blindness due to the f act that the only have a single X chromosome compared to women who have two. For a woman to become colour blind both of her X chromosomes must be mutated compared to only one for a man.At first glance one would think that being colour blind would have no evolutionary advantages at all, however, that is not the case. US Military studies have shown that soldiers who are colour blind are much better at distinguishing camouflage compared to soldiers without the deficiency (Boring 1945). Even with this skill, most people would consider being colour blind to be a disadvantage on everyday life. Boring, Edwin G. (ed. ) Psychology for the Armed Services Washington: The National Research Council – The Infantry Journal, 1945. http://www. straightdope. com/columns/read/3037/is-colorblindness-an-evolutionary-advantage

Creon and The Four Greek Concepts

Creon and The Four Greek Concepts Free Online Research Papers Sophocles was born in Colonus, Greece and was considered one of the most successful poets of all time. He wrote one hundred and twenty three prize winning plays and acted in a number of them; He stopped acting due to his loss of voice which forced him to choose other men to play all parts in the play, since women were not allowed to act. In the play Antigone, written in 441 B.C., he used Greek concepts such as arà ªte, hubris, ate and nemesis to exemplify Creon’s personality. Without the use of these four Greek concepts, the play would not have been as strong and would have lost a lot of detail that helps us feel connected to the play and not see the heroine in the character. Creon was a man of power, a man of excellence and that was probably the main reason Sophocles included the theory of arà ªte in the play. Arà ªte is described as a particular type of excellence usually when speaking of a hero. One reason why Creon can be considered a type of excellence is simply due to the fact that he is the king of Thebes. After the sons of Oedipus, Eteocles and Polynices kill one another in combat, he was crowned the king. â€Å"The two of us were robbed our brothers.† (Line 17) Another reason he is portrayed of having excellence is because people are afraid to speak out or disobey him. He is made everyone live in fear and has brainwashed the people of Thebes into believing that he is always right and no one may disagree. In this quote, said by Ismene, it proves the fact that she lives in fear of the king; â€Å"What? You’d bury him-when a law forbids the city?† (Line 52) â€Å"I’d do them no dishonor†¦but defy the city? I have no strength for that.† (Line 94) Both points made prove that Creon has a particular excellence about him that is shown throughout the play. When Creon was crowned king, power was an aspect expected with the title, but with power comes pride. Hubris, which is defined as having and excessive degree of pride, and is shown throughout the play. One part in the play that shows hubris is when the blind profit comes to give advice and Creon is open ears until he starts to hear what he does not expect and then turns hostile quoting, â€Å" This slander of yoursare you aware you are speaking to the king?† (Line 1172) Showing that his pride allows him to believe he is right no matter what. The main conflict in the play, which was Creons choice to not bury Polynices, shows the king’s pride of choosing to make whatever decisions he pleases. Creon argues his reasoning for the refusal of the burial by saying, â€Å"Tell me, was it for meritorious service they proceeded to bury him, prized him so? The hero who came to burn their temples ringed with pillars, their golden treasures-scorch their hallowed earth and flings the ir laws to the winds. This angers Antigone which leads to the climax of the play. The third concept is known as ate which is when one acts with blind recklessness. The most obvious form of this is when he chooses to put Antigone to death due to her actions of burying her brother. She remains strong and fearless as he orders to the guards â€Å"Take her away, quickly! Wall her up in the tomb, you have orders. Abandon her there, alone, and let her choosedeath or a buried life with a good roof for shelter.† This shows his rash decisions that are parallel with his acts of blind recklessness. The last and most devastating of all the concepts presented in the poem was nemesis, which is known as a disastrous retribution. The tragedy happens because Creons son, Haemon, was planned to marry Antigone and when she was sentenced to death he chose to take his own life. The messenger delivered the message of â€Å"Haemon’s gone, his blood spilled by the very hand.† This endured him in immense pain and showed how his selfish ways came around to affect him in the end. I would classify Creon based on his style and characteristic as a typical ruler for this period. He proved to show all concepts of the Greek literature of arà ªte, hubris, ate, and nemesis throughout the play which is emblematic when describing someone with power or heroic aspects. Creon made choices based on excellence, pride, recklessness and retribution that were not, in my opinion, worth the price of being king. Research Papers on Creon and The Four Greek ConceptsComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoHonest Iagos Truth through DeceptionCanaanite Influence on the Early Israelite ReligionAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropeBringing Democracy to AfricaCapital PunishmentThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationQuebec and CanadaEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm X

ACT Test Dates Full Guide to Choosing (2019, 2020)

ACT Test Dates Full Guide to Choosing (2019, 2020) SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Looking for info on the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 ACT test dates? Knowing the most accurate ACT test dates is crucial for a solid test-taking plan. Though you might be tempted to go ahead and register for the next possible test date, what you should really be doing is finding a date that works well for you and your schedule. In this guide, we offer an overview of upcoming ACT test dates, registration deadlines, and score release dates. We also give you tips on how to choose an ACT test date and go over which test dates work best for juniors, seniors, and more. ACT Test Dates and Deadlines for 2019 and 2020 ACT test dates are generally on Saturdays, but you might be able to take the ACT on a different date if you have a religious exemption or are taking a special school administration of the test. Here, we give you all ACT test dates, normal registration deadlines, late registration deadlines, and score release dates for 2019 and 2020. The dates are organized into two tables: one for the 2019-2020 school year test dates and one for the 2020-2021 school year test dates. ACT Test Dates 2019-20 The test dates for the 2019-2020 school year have all been confirmed by ACT, Inc., as have the registration deadlines and score release dates. Test Date Normal Deadline Late Deadline Online Score Release* July 13, 2019** June 14, 2019 June 24, 2019 July 23; August 6, 2019 Sept 14, 2019 Aug 16, 2019 Aug 30, 2019 Sept 24; Oct 8, 2019 Oct 26, 2019 Sept 20, 2019 Oct 4, 2019 Nov 12; Nov 26, 2019 Dec 14, 2019 Nov 8, 2019 Nov 22, 2019 Dec 24, 2019; Jan 7, 2020 Feb 8, 2020 Jan 10, 2020 Jan 17, 2020 Feb 19; Mar 5, 2020 Apr 4, 2020 Feb 28, 2020 Mar 13, 2020 Apr 14; Apr 28, 2020 June 13, 2020 May 8, 2020 May 22, 2020 June 23; July 7, 2020 July 18, 2020** June 19, 2020 June 26, 2020 July 28; August , 2020 *The first date is when multiple-choice scores come out; the second date is when complete scores (with the Writing section) come out.**No test centers scheduled in New York or California on this date. ACT Test Dates 2020-21 While the 2020-21 ACT test dates have been confirmed by ACT, Inc., registration deadlines and score release dates have yet to be confirmed; thus, the ACT deadlines and score release dates below are estimates based on the patterns of previous testing years. Test Date Normal Deadline Late Deadline Online Score Release* Sept 12, 2020 Aug 14, 2020 Aug 28, 2020 Sept 22; Oct 6, 2020 Oct 24, 2020 Sept 18, 2020 Oct 2, 2020 Nov 10; Nov 24, 2020 Dec 12, 2020 Nov 6, 2020 Nov 20, 2020 Dec 22, 2020; Jan 5, 2021 Feb 6, 2021 Jan 8, 2021 Jan 15, 2021 Feb 17; Mar 4, 2021 Apr 3, 2021 Feb 26, 2021 Mar 12, 2021 Apr 13; Apr 27, 2021 June 12, 2021 May 7, 2021 May 21, 2021 June 22; July 6, 2021 July 17, 2021** June 18, 2021 June 25, 2021 July 27; August 10, 2021 *The first date is when multiple-choice scores come out; the second date is when complete scores (with the Writing section) come out.**No test centers scheduled in New York or California on this date. In the tables above, there are two dates in the "Online Score Release" columns. The first date is for multiple-choice scores- your composite ACT score and your individual section scores for English, Math, Reading, and Science. The second date is for complete ACT scores; these are your multiple-choice scores plus your Writing (essay) score. If you take the ACT without Writing, you should generally receive your full ACT score report within two weeks after your test. If you take the ACT with Writing, note that the essay usually takes an additional two weeks for scoring, meaning you won't receive your full ACT score report (with your essay grade) until about four weeks after your test date. Also, be aware that any colleges you put down to get your scores won't have access to your official ACT score report until your essay has been graded as well. ACT Test Dates 2019-20: Visual Calendar and Trends To help you plan your test-taking schedule, we've created a handy visual representation of the 2019-20 ACT dates. This calendar shows us how ACT tests are staggered throughout the year, as well as where the overlapping of score release dates and registration deadlines often occurs: (C) 2019 PrepScholar Inc, Use with Link to PrepScholar.com Allowed You probably noticed right away that ACT test dates are clustered closely together in the fall and more spread out in the spring. This is done to give seniors more chances at attaining their ACT goal scores before college application deadlines (typically in the late fall and early winter). The tests in the spring target juniors and students studying for the test early. Of course, you don't have to be in a certain grade level to take any of the administrations- you're welcome to sign up for whichever ACT dates you want, regardless of where you are in high school. ACT scores generally come out right around the registration deadline for the next test. This can make it tricky to take two back-to-back exams, but you will usually get at least your multiple-choice scores before the late registration deadline, so it's still possible (though not necessarily advisable) to sign up for the next test. In addition, registering for back-to-back ACTs doesn't give you sufficient time to prep for your retake. With such a short amount of time to study in-between tests, you'll likely see only minor (if any) improvement in your scores. Warning: ACT / SAT Test Dates May ChangeSign up to Receive Free Updates // Choosing the Best ACT Test Dates for You: 5 Key Factors Which ACT test dates you choose is ultimately up to you. But whether a test date is the right test date for you depends on five primary factors, which we go over here. #1: When Are Your College Applications Due? One of the most important factors is your college application deadlines. Generally, ACT scores are released 10-14 days after the exam. After that, ACT, Inc. sends score reports in batches to schools as often as schools choose to receive them (usually this is at least once every two weeks). This time frame, however, does not include the processing time for ACT scores, which can vary significantly for each school. So what does all of this mean for you? Basically, you must take the ACT well in advance of your college application deadlines so you can ensure your ACT scores get to your schools in time. I suggest taking the ACT at least four weeks (ideally more) before your applications are due. If you're taking the ACT with Writing, give yourself even more time- at least six weeks. Common deadlines are January 1 for regular decision and November 1 or 15 for early action/early decision. Don't forget: if your scores arrive late or aren't processed until after your school's application deadline has passed, your application could get disqualified. So the earlier, the better! #2: Are You OK With Ordering Priority Reports If Necessary? If the ACT test date you want is extremely close to your college application deadlines and the four free score reports don't cover all of the schools you're applying to, make sure that you're OK with having to fork out extra money for priority reports. With priority ACT reports, your scores should face little difficulty getting to your schools before the deadlines. Priority reports cost $16.50 and deliver ACT scores (once they’re released) within three to four business days after your request has been processed (which takes one to two business days). #3: How Many Times Will You Take the ACT? You should also be thinking about how many times you're willing to take the ACT in order to reach your goal score. Is there a chance you’ll want to retake it? At PrepScholar, we recommend taking the ACT two or three times in total: First, as a junior in your fall semester Second, as a junior in your spring semester Third, as a senior in your fall semester (or the summer before fall semester) If you didn’t take the exam at the beginning of your junior year, try to take it for the first time in February. This way you’ll get your scores in March and will have plenty of time to study and decide whether you’d like to retake the ACT in June, July, or later. Try to avoid registering for back-to-back dates in the fall of your senior year. You likely won't get your scores until the regular registration deadline for the next test has already passed. Furthermore, it'll be a struggle to prep efficiently and with such little time in-between tests; you'll probably be pretty busy with college applications as it is! #4: How Much Time Do You Want to Dedicate to ACT Prep? Another huge factor is time. How many months will you be able to devote entirely to ACT prep? How many points do you need to improve your baseline score by to reach your goal score? (Your baseline score is the score you start with before you begin any prep. You can find yours by taking an official ACT practice test.) Our usual recommendation is to study for the ACT for three to six months. This amount of time should allow you to hone your test-taking skills and strategies without burning you out. However, what's more important than months is the total number of hours you put in. Here are our estimates for the numbers of hours you’ll need to study for the ACT based on how large of a point improvement you want: 0-1 ACT point improvement: 10 hours 1-2 ACT point improvement: 20 hours 2-4 ACT point improvement: 40 hours 4-6 ACT point improvement: 80 hours 6-9 ACT point improvement: 150 hours+ Clearly, the bigger the point improvement, the more hours you’ll need to study. This is why it’s helpful to craft an ACT study plan as soon as possible- ideally, long before your test date! But not everyone has ample free time they can spend studying for the ACT. At a minimum, try to commit to 10 hours of ACT prep. If you only have a month or so before test day, our in-depth guide will show you what steps to take to get the score you want. #5: Do You Have Any Obligations You'll Need to Work Around? Lastly, before choosing an ACT test date, consider how your desired test date fits into your overall schedule. Will you have any obligations on that date or in the time leading up to it? Do you have any commitments that might prevent you from being able to study effectively for the ACT? I suggest using a planner to keep track of major events and tests you have coming up. Include all major school and extracurricular activities, such as school plays, AP exams, school projects, family vacations, weddings, etc. If there are any conflicts with your desired test date, you can then look for an alternate date that'll better fit into your personal schedule. Quick Guide: When Should Juniors Take the ACT? When Should Seniors? We can’t tell you which exact ACT test date will work best for you, but we can give you some advice on which test dates best suit certain situations. Below are four common scenarios with quick tips on the ACT test dates you'll want to prioritize for each. Scenario 1: You’re a Junior Best Dates For 1st Test: September, October, December For 2nd Test: February, April, June There are no risky ACT dates if you’re a junior since all your college applications won't be due until sometime during your senior year. Really, you can take the SAT whenever you want! That said, I recommend taking the test at least twice: once in the fall of junior year and once in the spring. This way you’ll have the entire summer to finalize your college plans and decide whether you want to take the ACT again. If you didn’t take the ACT your fall semester, aim to take it as soon as possible in the spring, ideally in February or April. Either of these dates ensures you'll have June and July to consider for retakes before your senior year. Scenario 2: You’re a Senior Best Dates: July, September, OctoberRiskier Dates: December September and October are popular test dates for seniors because they offer you one final shot at getting the ACT score you want before college applications are due. Incoming seniors also have a July test date, which I strongly recommend opting for if you're worried about carving out time for ACT prep in the fall. December is risky. If you've got deadlines in early January, December ACT scores might not get to your schools in time. (This partly depends on whether you're taking the Writing section.) But if your deadlines are in late January or later, December should be OK. Scenario 3: You’re Applying Early Action/Early Decision Best Dates: June, July, SeptemberRiskier Dates: October Most early action deadlines are November 1 or 15, so it's important to take the ACT as early as possible, preferably in June or July before senior year. Taking the test over the summer ensures you’ll have one final chance to retake it your senior year in September (should you still want to raise your scores). Just don't rely on the October test date. Only if your deadlines are on or after November 30 (as is the case with the University of California system) would I suggest possibly opting for the October test date. But this is playing it extremely close, so stick with September if you can! Scenario 4: Your College Application Deadlines Are in February or Later Most schools require applications to be submitted by November, December, or January. But those whose applications aren’t due until February or later offer seniors more options for ACT dates. Below are various late college application deadlines and their latest recommended ACT test dates and riskier ACT dates. Recommended dates should have little to no trouble in getting your scores to schools in time, whereas riskier dates are less reliable and might fail to get your scores in by the deadline. Choose wisely! College App Deadline Latest Recommended ACT Test Date Riskier ACT Test Date February December - March December February April February - May February April June April - July April June August June July September July - ACT Test Dates: Summary The ACT is offered seven times a year: September October December February April June July Note that the July test date is only be available within the US (though it's not administered in New York, much like the February test date). When choosing an ACT test date, it's important to consider the following factors: When your college application deadlines are Whether you’re taking the Writing section or not How much time you’re willing to dedicate to ACT prep Once you've answered these questions, you'll be on your way to picking out a surefire ACT test date! What's Next? Ready to register for the ACT? Use our in-depth walkthrough to help you sign up for the test, and read our guide to find the best test center for you! Need additional help choosing an ACT test date? See our factors you should think about before setting a test date. It's also important to consider the time you have to study and the advantages of taking the ACT multiple times. Wondering whether to take the SAT or the ACT? Check out our complete guide to which test will be easier for you. Want to improve your ACT score by 4+ points? Download our free guide to the top 5 strategies you need in your prep to improve your ACT score dramatically.

JavaScript Execution Order Code and Guide

JavaScript Execution Order Code and Guide Designing your web page using JavaScript requires attention to the order in which your code appears and whether you are encapsulating code into functions or objects, all of which impact the order in which the code runs.   The Location of JavaScript on Your Web Page Since the JavaScript on your page executes based on certain factors, lets consider where and how to add JavaScript to a web page.   There are basically three locations into which we can attach JavaScript: Directly into the head of the pageDirectly into the body of the pageFrom an event handler/listener It doesnt make any difference whether the JavaScript is within the web page itself or in external files linked to the page. It also doesnt matter  whether the event handlers are hard-coded into the page or added by the JavaScript itself (except that they cant be triggered before they are added). Code Directly on the Page What does it mean to say that JavaScript is  directly in the head or body of the page?  If the code is not enclosed in a function or object, it is directly in the page. In this case, the code runs sequentially as soon as the file containing the code has loaded sufficiently for that code to be accessed. Code that is within a function or object is run only when that function or object is called. Basically, this means that any code inside the head and body of your page that is not inside a function or object will run as the page is loading  -   as soon as  the page has loaded sufficiently to access that code. That last bit is important and impacts the order in which you place your code on the page: any code placed directly in the page that needs to interact with elements within the page must appear after the elements in the page on which it is dependent. In general, this means that if you use direct code to interact with your page content, such code should be placed at the bottom of the body. Code Within Functions and Objects A code inside functions or objects is run whenever that function or object is called. If it is called from code that is directly in the head or body of the page, then its place in the execution order is effectively the point at which the function or object is called from the direct code. Code Assigned to Event Handlers and Listeners Assigning a function to an event handler or listener does not result in the function being run at the point at which it is assigned -   provided that you are actually assigning the function itself and not running the function and assigning the value returned. (This is why you generally do not see the () on the end of the function name when it is being assigned to an event since the addition of the parentheses runs the function and assigns the value returned rather than assigning the function itself.) Functions that are attached to event handlers and listeners run when the event that they are attached to is triggered. Most events are triggered by visitors interacting with your page. Some exceptions exist, however, such as the load event on the window itself, which is triggered when the page finishes loading. Functions Attached to Events on Page Elements Any functions attached to events on elements within the page itself will run according to the actions of each individual visitor - this  code runs only when a particular event occurs to trigger it. For this reason, it doesnt  matter if the code never runs for a given visitor, since that visitor has obviously not performed the interaction that requires it. All of this, of course, assumes that your visitor has accessed your page with a browser that has JavaScript enabled. Customized Visitor User Scripts Some users have installed special scripts that may  interact with your web page. These scripts run after all of your direct code, but before any  code attached to the load event handler. Since your page knows nothing about these user scripts, you have no way of knowing what these external scripts might do  -   Ã‚  they  could override any or all of the code that you have attached to the various events to which you have assigned processing. If this code overrides  event handlers or listeners, the response to event triggers will run the code defined by the user instead of, or in addition to, your code. The take home point here is that you cannot assume that code designed to run after the page has loaded will be allowed to run the way that you designed it. In addition, be aware that some browsers have options that allow disabling of some event handlers within the browser, in which case a relevant event trigger will not launch the corresponding event handler/listener in your code.

South And East Asia - Environment And Society Essay

South And East Asia - Environment And Society - Essay Example The people belonging to the Austronesian family who originated from the southern part of China and Taiwan began to move into the islands of South and East Asia around four thousand years ago. The original inhabitants were either displaced or absorbed by the wave of migrations. Nearly all the languages that are being spoken in the insular South and East Asia belong to the Austronesian family group. Cultural variations began to affect the regions as a result of increased influences from the expansion of the South by the Chinese controlled regions leading to the colonization of Vietnam. The Buddhism and Taoism arrived in the region of Vietnam from China resulting in a remarkable cultural influence. The expansion of trade across the Bay of Bengal resulted in increasing Indian influences that were well represented in large populations where the people were deeply involved in rice growing activities that were being supported by irrigation. These were seen in regions such as Vietnam, Cambod ia, Myanmar, and Java. The aspects of local societies were linked up with the various forms of Buddhism and Hinduism to form part of the laws that government leadership and court systems. The variations in the environmental conditions greatly affected the political structures of the region. In cases where the people were mainly nomadic or semi-nomadic, it was a major challenge to be able to come up with a proper means of governance that were to be marked by reliable tax systems as well as stable bureaucratic approaches.

The movie, Secretary and masochism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

The movie, Secretary and masochism - Essay Example The main heroine of the movie is Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who is a weirdo woman. The plot shows us that Lee Holloway is a rather smart woman, who returns back to her hometown in Florida after a brief stay in a special mental hospital where she was treated from suicidal inclinations. In search of everything that surrounds Lee, we see that she takes a job as a secretary at a little local law firm. Some spectators can suppose that Lee is not only a masochist, but also a perverted woman, but it is not true because Lee Holloway is so closed and oppressed person that she just cannot throw out her inner pain otherwise than through the physical pain. She cannot accept any scandal or hysterics, but she begins torturing herself, when she has some problems. Being the secretary Lee falls in love with her boss, Mr. Grey (James Spader), and pain already appears as a manifestation of his love for her, but at the same time, the pain loses its value for Lee, she needs Edward Gray to inflict her pain. Analyzing the movie Secretary from the position of human sexuality and masochism we can understand that masochism, like sadism, goes beyond human sexuality, and being associated with a person shows a very complex and diverse sources of its development. Thus, this form of deviation very rarely becomes a subject of litigation. Sexual needs are usually met within a partner’s union for a psychological standpoint to implement manifested expectations. Various psychological observations show that unions between persons endowed with sadistic and masochistic traits are very strong and complementary. They usually do not seek help and advice, but they feel good together, mutually satisfying their needs. This film demonstrates us that both Lee’s and Edward’s sadistic and masochistic traits occur simultaneously. In this case, main characters have more complex combinations of individual features and

Why is freedom important Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Why is freedom important - Essay Example Society has lived this way for eons and, although there have been efforts from certain sectors to try to curb these logical and natural freedoms, we have always lived our lives free of any constraints. Unfortunately, we oftentimes fail to acknowledge this fact which is why we end up taking the freedoms that we have in our lives for granted. While other countries struggle for a semblance of democracy and their people are crying out for freedom, we simply go about our free lives without a worry or care in the world. That is why there is a need for us, as a collective society, to come to an understanding as to what the true meaning of freedom is and why it is important to all of us. It is perhaps best to begin the discussion of the importance of freedom on the basis of the Harm Principle. According to Oliviera (2006), under this principle, the actions of individuals should only be limited once it is proven that the person will cause great harm to those around him. This is the basis of t he laws that govern our land. I cannot stress the importance of the Harm Principle in our daily lives for this is the principle upon which all our other freedoms are based upon. I do not doubt that this is also the principle upon which arrest and imprisonment of people doing harm to others comes from. After all, if you cause harm to another human being, you end up in jail. That is what the Harm Principle is all about and that is why it is the most important basis of our most basic freedoms in our society today. The Harm Principle presents us with a maxim that has allowed people to develop their sense of freedom in a responsible manner. This is known as the Liberty Principle which, allows people to develop their individuality through freedom of choice. By allowing people to have options in life, a person is forced to view the pros and cons of his possible decisions and then go with the decision that he feels will best serve his individual identity. He has the freedom to choose from a ny number of outcomes, hence the Liberty Decision. He makes his decision free of guilt and responsibility to others. His sole responsibility in this respect, it only to himself thus making his decision absolute. Without the Harm Principle to consider, we would not have encountered the need for positive and negative liberty among our people. Carter (2011) thoroughly explains that the Harm principle is possibly what gave way to the emergence of the positive and negative liberties of man. Simply put, the negative liberty is one that offers no obstacles to living a life secure in the freedom that he is experiencing. It was Isaiah Berlin (Carter, 2011) who explained that negative freedom is simply the absence of obstacles in life that prevent one from living life. Negative freedom is a sense of liberty that we all experience if there are no external interferences from groups that could hamper our freedom of movement and choice. Whereas positive freedom is one that exists due to need to c ontrol a certain situation or event due to the internal factors being the basis for individuals and groups to act independently of each other. Having said that, it seems only logical, after having developed an understanding of the importance behind positive and negative liberty, we come to a discussion Rousseau's Theory of freedom. As per Simpson's (2006), understanding of Rousseau's Theory of Freedom, there are actually 4 kinds of freedom that should be deemed relevant to politics. These freedoms are: 1. Natural freedom 2. civil freedom, democratic freedom, 3. moral freedom. This is supposed to be the social contract that supposedly binds us all to humanly treating each other regardless of personal sentiment. It is believed that the aforementioned freedoms are the basis that we as a people use to

An Overview of the Economy of Bermuda Research Paper

An Overview of the Economy of Bermuda - Research Paper Example The country has enjoyed steady economic superiority since the end of the Second World War, although it has been affected by recession since 2007 following the global recession. The country enjoys the fourth highest per capita income, which is 50 percent higher than that of the US. The industrial sector mainly focuses on construction, and there is little agriculture since only 20 percent of the island is arable. Bermuda has a robust financial regulatory system making it an important regional and global offshore financial center. International business is the major foreign exchange generating industry in the country (Anderson, 2011). Bermuda is a reinsurance center and an insurance region with firms writing significant business from USA and U.K. In 2010, 15,078 international companies were registered in the island, many of which are U.S owned (Reinsurance Association of America, 2011). These companies spent approximately $2 billion in the country in 2009, making them an important sourc e of foreign exchange. This sector provided $1.5 billion in its total output corresponding to 26.1 percent of the total GDP. International business is also the third largest employer in the country. The sector had 4,287 jobs in 2010, a reduction from 4,431 in 2009. This reduction has made tourism the largest employer in Bermuda. ... Other countries involved in the import chain are the UK, Canada, and Caribbean countries. Bermuda’s exports are mainly re-exports of pharmaceuticals. These exports are valued at $783 million and export partners include Spain, Germany, Denmark, and the UK. Duty on imports and exports is a major source of revenue for the government (Fabian, 2011). Duty rates in the country are high and are reflected in the consumer retail prices. High prices are countered by high wages that keep up with the cost of living and poverty is practically nonexistent. The government generates approximately 24 percent of its revenue base equivalent to $225.4 million from import and export duty. The government does not impose income, sales, or profit taxes, but levies real estate tax (Fabian, 2011). Bermuda’s tourism industry is the second largest employer with over 4,349 jobs in hotels and restaurants. The industry has been experiencing declining numbers of visitors, which currently stands at 585 ,266 visitors (Ministry of Finance, 2011). The decline can be attributed to the declining travel industry particularly the airline sector. The tourism industry generated approximately $383.9 million in 2011. The cruise and yacht front have reduced the gap created by the failing airline sector. The number of visitors arriving by air grew to 236,038 in 2011 and cruise visitors were 415,711. Three quarters of visitors to Bermuda are from the US, and the slowdown experienced in the country has significantly affected tourism (Government of Bermuda, 2011). Tourism sponsored events such as the Bermuda International Invitational Race Week increased the number of visitors to the island. Hotel occupancy rates have increased with large hotels enjoying the highest occupancy rates. The 2010 census

During the 1980s and early 1990s recessions, British manufacturing Essay

During the 1980s and early 1990s recessions, British manufacturing management restored profitability, sacked employees, and tra - Essay Example Britain, United States, and China are the most competing nations that have experienced economic recessions since the 1980s. The cause of the 1980 recession in Britain is believed to have been due to the government monetarist policies to reduce inflation; this led to an increase in unemployment rate from 5.3% to 124% of the working population in 1979 to11.9% in 1984. It took 18 quarters for the GDP to recover to the start of the recession. The early 1990s recession is attributed to the US savings and loan crisis, which led to a decrease of company earnings from 25%and 55% increase in unemployment rate from 6.9% of the working population in 1990 to 10.7% in 1993, which took 13 quarters for the GDP to recover to that at the start of the economic recession. The unemployment rate between the 1980s and 1990s shot up to a level not seen since the great depression this in turn affected Britain’s economy badly to the point that even after the recession, many Britons were still unemploy ed. This led to the stagnation of the industrial sector leading to increase in losses and low profit making affecting Britain’s economy. ... Very few people came to live in Britain during the reign of Thatcher. Acceptances for settlement went down from 69,670 in 1979 up to 53,200 people in 1990 the time Thatcher resigned as the prime minister. During this time of economic recession, there were many people leaving Britain than coming to Britain. This trend led to a decrease in the population of Britain. During the economic recession, there was an increase in divorce rate with many babies being born outside marriage. The rate of people getting married also decreased. In the 1980s, many businesses faced the challenge of restoring the spirit of competitiveness with the problems they experienced in the 1970s where British industrial sector was struggling with industrial relations, poor productivity, and low profitability (Haslam, Neale & Sukhdev, 2000). Under the reign of Thatcher, manufacturing decreased. During the 1970s, manufacturing accounted for 20.57% of the UK GDP. This dropped to 17.62% of GDP in 1979 and again droppe d to 15.18 % with the exit of Thatcher. There was a pay gap during her reign with men receiving more pay than women. On house rent, there was an increase of house rent across Britain especially with the privatization of counsel houses. This led to distress across Britain with many people being unemployed, retrenched, and underpaid. With low income, it forced some of the people to move out of Britain and reduced the number of those people who were coming to Britain. Interest rates also sky rocketed to 17% these affected investments in Britain discouraging investors from expanding their investments. Property repossession also increased. For instance, in 1991, 75,500 properties were repossessed and over 186,649 cases reached the court.

White Noise (by Don DeLillo) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

White Noise (by Don DeLillo) - Essay Example I can remember the traffic, Babette humming, the never-ending sounds from the supermarket and TV fragments and commercials, which interfere constantly with the storyline. Jack and his wife ponder that may be death is nothing more than just a continuous stream of white noise. These noises are the very ingredient of life, which fills our mundane existence. One of the themes the novel gravitates around is the existential question - â€Å"who will die first?† Jack and Babette debate this with zest. They depict their endless fear of death, compare their eventual grief, and how each of them would prefer to die first, because they would not bear live without the other. The theme of death sheds lights into Jack and Babettes relationship. Both of them are actually terrified of death to such a degree that they can hardly lead any kind of life, right here, right now. The novel is abundant in various symbols - such as objects, figures, or colour. All these I noticed are used in order to convey or strengthen certain concept or idea. One of the symbols is Hitler - a figure of imminent terror and hatred. The other overwhelming symbol is the sunsets. They dominate the landscape of the novel, as a sublime

During the 1980s and early 1990s recessions, British manufacturing Essay

During the 1980s and early 1990s recessions, British manufacturing management restored profitability, sacked employees, and tra - Essay Example Britain, United States, and China are the most competing nations that have experienced economic recessions since the 1980s. The cause of the 1980 recession in Britain is believed to have been due to the government monetarist policies to reduce inflation; this led to an increase in unemployment rate from 5.3% to 124% of the working population in 1979 to11.9% in 1984. It took 18 quarters for the GDP to recover to the start of the recession. The early 1990s recession is attributed to the US savings and loan crisis, which led to a decrease of company earnings from 25%and 55% increase in unemployment rate from 6.9% of the working population in 1990 to 10.7% in 1993, which took 13 quarters for the GDP to recover to that at the start of the economic recession. The unemployment rate between the 1980s and 1990s shot up to a level not seen since the great depression this in turn affected Britain’s economy badly to the point that even after the recession, many Britons were still unemploy ed. This led to the stagnation of the industrial sector leading to increase in losses and low profit making affecting Britain’s economy. ... Very few people came to live in Britain during the reign of Thatcher. Acceptances for settlement went down from 69,670 in 1979 up to 53,200 people in 1990 the time Thatcher resigned as the prime minister. During this time of economic recession, there were many people leaving Britain than coming to Britain. This trend led to a decrease in the population of Britain. During the economic recession, there was an increase in divorce rate with many babies being born outside marriage. The rate of people getting married also decreased. In the 1980s, many businesses faced the challenge of restoring the spirit of competitiveness with the problems they experienced in the 1970s where British industrial sector was struggling with industrial relations, poor productivity, and low profitability (Haslam, Neale & Sukhdev, 2000). Under the reign of Thatcher, manufacturing decreased. During the 1970s, manufacturing accounted for 20.57% of the UK GDP. This dropped to 17.62% of GDP in 1979 and again droppe d to 15.18 % with the exit of Thatcher. There was a pay gap during her reign with men receiving more pay than women. On house rent, there was an increase of house rent across Britain especially with the privatization of counsel houses. This led to distress across Britain with many people being unemployed, retrenched, and underpaid. With low income, it forced some of the people to move out of Britain and reduced the number of those people who were coming to Britain. Interest rates also sky rocketed to 17% these affected investments in Britain discouraging investors from expanding their investments. Property repossession also increased. For instance, in 1991, 75,500 properties were repossessed and over 186,649 cases reached the court.

Pipeline Systems Essay Example for Free

Pipeline Systems Essay Drawbacks of the Pipeline for Alberta Oil mining is the pillar industry in Alberta and building pipeline system is the most efficient way to transport oil into other areas. However, whether pipeline systems are appropriate technology has been debated for many years. Appropriate technology means the ‘technology that is designed with consideration to the environmental, ethical, cultural, social,political, and economical aspects of the community it is intended for. ’ [1] Many people believe that the Conduit System pipeline is not appropriate technology. The reason is that though it is profitable , it decreases the motivation of developing new environmental-friendly power systems. Also some of the First Nations think it is so ridiculous to sell the precious resources which is given by our ancestors and nature. Moreover it is not a environmentally beneficial system. This paper will support the point of view that the conduit system is actually an inappropriate technology by illustrating examples in such three perspectives. In the first place,the project is certainly â€Å"a tremendous display of the short sighted thinking†[2] because it only thinks about the short-time economic gain without considering the environmental problems. Also the construction of Pipeline system decreases the motivation of developing new environmental-friendly power systems. Once the conduit system pipeline is built up,more and more companies would follow and build more of the pipelines, since it is a profitable and a most easy way to transporting oil. However, once the pipelines are set up, the companies has to run it rapidly, otherwise the construction cost would never be recovered. Under this situation, it limits the sustainable economy development . Thus the construction of pipeline system are strongly discommended. Furthermore, the conduit system pipeline leads to disagreements and conflicts with the Canadian society, especially between the First Nation and the government. Every individual and social group has their own belief and way of life. We do not support this pipeline project. We believed that the project has the potential to harm our environment ,as well as our way of life. We hope that our voice is heard and taken into consideration. †[3] said by the First Nations leaders. It contradicts the economy growth valued by the Conduit company, as well as the government, therefore confits appears. Therefore, it is obvious that the Conduit company pipeline would trigger dispute between First Nations and other social grou ps. Lastly, it is not environmentally beneficial for the human race to build the pipeline system in the long term. Oil spilling is a serious challenge for oil transporting industry, especially for long distance pipeline system. The Enbridge oil spill [4] is a strong example, over 190000 liters oil seeped out. The impact of oil spill is catastrophic. Carbon dioxide will be released to atmosphere increasingly, the green-house-effect will be more serious. At the same time the eco-system will be ruined, the fields can not be grown in 10 years or more. It is a disaster for both human and nature. â€Å"An oil spill from this pipeline will have major media coverage, which would effectively destroy Canada’s reputation. †[5] said the politician. Furthermore the oil of Alberta is non-renewable energy resource, it can not be produced in thousands years. Though the pipeline system is the most efficient way to transport the resources, what we can leave to our next generations if the oil is exhausted. Overall, it is obvious that the conduit system is actually not an appropriate technology for Alberta. According to the examples and analyses above, the pipeline system is a immature technology which creates social conflict,damages the planet and leaves even more environmental issues to the younger generations. [6] Consequently, the applying of the conduit system still needs more consideration. (1)Engineers Without Borders -Case Study Conduit Systems https://eclass. srv. ualberta. ca/mod/resource/view. php? id=551299 (2)http://www. cbc. ca/news/canada/story/2012/07/28/enbridge-wisconsin-spill-pipeline-closed. html (3)Engineers Without Borders -Case Study Conduit Systems https://eclass. srv. ualberta. ca/mod/resource/view. php? id=551299

Effects of Waterborne Diseases

Effects of Waterborne Diseases Bacteria are a huge group of single cellular microorganisms known as prokaryotes. Prokaryotes are collection of organisms whose cell has no nucleus and are mainly unicellular. Bacteria are just a few micrometers long in size and on the basis of shape are classified in three basic groups: cocci, bacilli, and spirochetes. The cocci are rounded, bacilli are rod like in shape, and spirochete are spiral shaped. Some bacteria are pleomorphic, which means that they are variable in shape and can change their shape (Levinson 2008).Not all the bacteria are harmful some bacteria are harmless or even beneficial. They can help in promoting good health, some digestion and some serve medicinal purposes. Lactobacillis is a family of bacteria found in the human digestive tract. Acidophilus is a member of lactobacillis and it is the best known bacteria of this family aiding in the breakdown of lactose to lactic acid and also the breakdown of other sugars. The production of lactic acid in the body prov ides acidic environment in the body which can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Acidophilus is also used in certain drugs. Bifidobacteria is also a beneficial group of bacteria and is present in the human digestive tract and helps in digestion as well as ; it has also shown some anti-tumor qualities. Some bacteria are beneficial in other ways like they are used in agriculture for plant growth and some are used for cleansing of water. (Jeremy Simon 2004). Waterborne Pathogens Many of the emerging pathogens nowadays are waterborne i.e. they take birth in water. Cholera has been a known disease in the world and two emerging waterborne pathogens are Vibrio cholerae O139 and Escherichia Coli (E.coli O157:H7). E.coli has not only become a problem for the underdeveloped nations but has also become a problem for the developed ones. This bacterium would be discussed subsequently. Vibrio Cholerae O139 is a pathogen which first infected many of the people living in Asia. It started in Bengal and then spread to India in 1992 (Ramamurthy et al. 1993, quoted by Sharma et al.2003) from where it entered the vicinities of Thailand. It is through different methods that these emerging pathogens are spreading all over the world giving a difficult time to the authorities who have not handled such cases previously (Sharma et al 2003; Smolinski et al 2003). Escherichia Coli 0157 Enterohemorrhagic Escerichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 is the full name of the bacterium E. coli O157 which is a food and waterborne pathogenic strain of bacterium E. coli. The bacteria E. coli O157 was first known as a result of gastrointestinal illness in the early 1980s. E. coli O157 is different from other pathogenic E. coli in different ways like , E. coli O157 is sorbitol negative whereas 93 % of the E. coli ferment sorbitol, E. coli O157 does not produce heat stable toxin but some type of E. coli do produce it, E. coli O157 cannot hydrolyze 4-methylumbelliferyl -ÃŽÂ ²-D-glucuronide while other strains can. The E. coli O157 strain is most closely related to K12 strain, as they share a common backbone. These two strains are just about identical in gene sequence and also in length, but O157 at one specific point the base pairs of genes are reversed. There are hundreds of sections of DNA in each genome, 1.34 megabases code for 1,387 genes in the O strain called O islands and 0.53 meg abases code for 528 genes in the K strain known as K islands. The O157 strain only has 40% of the acquired genes, meaning 561 of 1387 genes can be assigned a function. There are 3574 protein- coding regions in the backbone and the average nucleotide identity is 98.5% between O157 and K12 (Perna 2001; Ramana 2004). Diseases Caused by E.Coli Some people who suffer from bloody diarrhea caused by E. coli O157 can also suffer from a syndrome known as hemolytic-uremic syndrome. This syndrome occurs because of the entrance of the exotoxin known as verotoxin into the bloodstream. In this syndrome the patient suffers from hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and renal failure. Anemia is a condition in which the patientà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s blood is deficient in red blood cells or hemoglobin so hemolytic anemia is that anemia which occurs due to the breakdown of red blood cells. The endothelium of the small blood vessels contains receptors for vertoxin. When the vertoxin enters the bloodstream it binds to the receptors present on the surface of the endothelium. The vertoxin will then destroy the endothelium to which it is attached and will cause hemolysis which means breakdown of red blood cells and release of hemoglobin from red blood cells. When red blood cells pass through these damaged blood vessels the red blood cells get distorted and at last lysis occurs. Thrombocytopenia refers to platelets deficiency in blood. In hemolytic uremic syndrome the patient suffers from thrombocytopenia because the platelets adhere to the already destroyed epithelium by vertoxin. Eventually the amount of functional platelets diminishes causing thrombocytopenia. The surface of the epithelium of kidney also has the receptors for vertoxin and by binding with the receptors, vertoxin destroys the kidney epithelium. The destruction of kidney epithelium leads to acute renal failure (Levinson 2008; Ramana 2004 Stephen et al 2004). Treatment and Prevention Vaccination for infections caused by E. coli does not exist but measures can be taken to prevent the occurrence of disease states associated with this bacterium. The water lines that are serving the purpose of supplying water that is used for consumption should be tested for the presence of bacteria. The presumptive coliform test is performed for checking the infiltration of water by feces and the coli levels according to this test should have a higher value tan 3 in a sample of 100 ml. The milk should also be examined and tests to check the presence of bacteria should be seen. In the hospital setting it should be made sure that those patients who are catheterized are given antibiotics prior to the process so that their chances of acquiring urinary tract infections are lowered. If patients who are on intravenous drugs or medications get infections again and again, these should also be removed. The cranberry juice contains tannins which have the ability to inhibit the binding of pili of that strain of E. coli which causes urinary tract infections to the urinary bladder epithelium. So the cranberry juice is used for the prevention of urinary tract infections. A person who gets travelerà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s diarrhea should take medications like doxycycline in advance so that he cannot get infected. It should also be ensured that one is on a healthy diet which includes food that is properly cooked and water that is clean and these precautions should particularly be taken when travelling to areas where bacterial infections are common. (Ramana, 2004; Levinson 2008; Sheff 1999). Diagnosis of E.Coli In laboratory E. coli can be easily cultured on the nutrient agar as well as the Mac Conkey agar and the Eosin methylene Blue agar. They provide with grey, bright pink and metallic sheen colonies on the agars respectively. The most feasible temperature for E. coli is 37 degrees. Some of the E.coli strain forms lactose and if this lactose containing bacteria ferments then it would give a pink color with the Mac Conkey agar. While the ones which do not form lactose give a colorless result. It is seen that the bacteria gives different colors in different mediums. With EMB agar, the bacteria E.Coli gives a green sheen color. In laboratory diagnosis it is very important that the tests are able to differentiate between different bacteria. The characteristic feature which differentiates the E.coli bacteria from other lactose fermenting gram rods is its ability to produce the indole ring from the amino acid Tryptophan. Other than that it also has the characteristics of decarboxylation as it has the ability to decarboxylate the amino acid Lysine. E.Coli only uses acetate to produce carbon whereas other bacteria also have other sources to produce carbon. E.Coli O157:H7 does not have the ability to form the alcohol known as sorbitol whereas other bacteria do have the ability to form it. All these together can help to differentiate between other bacteria and E.Coli in laboratory diagnosis. If a human being is suspected to have this bacteria then majority of the tests are carried out on the stools. These stools show a positive sign of the bacteria if it is present in the human subject (Levinson 2008). Cases of E.Coli In 2006, biggest food-borne diseases were spread in Canada by the fresh spinach contaminated with E. coli. More than 200 people got sick and three deaths occurred and 31 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome were reported. The causes of the diseases were contamination of the spinach and the environmental risk factors for the contamination were the presence of pigs in the nearby areas, and surface waterways exposed to feces from cattle. And the precise way by which the spinach got contaminated still remain unknown because the spinach was contaminated before the investigation started (E. coli cases down in 2009, CDC says; Todd 2007). Vibrio Cholerae Vibrio cholerae is the major pathogen belonging to the group of vibrio which causes cholera. Vibrio cholerae are gram negative rods which are shaped like a comma. This bacteria can be divided into two groups in accordance to the antigen present in the cell wall. It is divided into O1 and non O1 respectively. The O1 bacterium always causes an epidemic disease where as the non O1 would may or may not cause a sporadic disease. Vibrio Cholerae is transmitted like E.Coli through contamination of the food or water with fecal material. In human beings this bacteria is either active or in a non active state which may make the individual asymptomatic. Sea animals such as oysters and shrimps carry the bacteria and if they are not cooked enough before eating they may transmit the bacteria to the host (Levinson 2008; Ramana 2004) Disease caused by Vibrio Cholerae The bacteria acts on the small intestinal walls where it colonizes itself and secretes enterotoxins. Colonization is a difficult process and to adhere to the intestinal walls the bacteria have to secrete mucinase. This mucinase dissolves the glycoproteins on the intestinal walls because of which the bacteria adheres to the walls of the intestine. Moreover an acidic medium may destroy the bacteria hence people who have taken antacids are more susceptible to the bacteria. Once the bacteria adheres to the walls it secretes an enterotoxin known as choleragen which produces the symptoms of cholera. Choleragen has two subunits known as the A and B subunit. With the help of the A subunit the bacteria is able to catalyze a reaction on the G8 protein. This G8 protein which becomes overly active then produces increased amounts of adenylate cyclise. This adenylate cyclise then activates protein kinases which opens ion channels. This is the major cause of loss of water from the cells as the ions along with them take the water to the lumen of the gut. This would then cause excessive diarrhoea as occurs in cholera. The gene which codes for cholera toxin is the CTX gene (Levinson 2008; Ramana 2004). Diagnosis Watery diarrhoea is a symptom of cholera caused by vibrio cholerae. It can be diagnosed on the basis of laboratory diagnosis. Stool is cultured which shows the presence of bacteria through colourless colonies of the agar MacConkey. Lactose is slowly fermented in the bacteria because of which MacConkey agar works on it. TSI agar can also be used on it because the bacterium ferments sucrose. TSI agar shows an acid butt without gas when the bacteria is cultured with it (Ramana 2004; Sharma et al 2003). Treatment The treatment in the case of cholera is adequate infusion of water and electrolytes in the body of the patient. This would balance his extracellular fluid and hence the person would not be affected majorly by the bacterium. Antibiotics can also be used in the case of these sporadic diseases. But they would not prove to be much effective when it comes to the destroying the bacteria. It may in some other way enhance the excretion of the bacteria from the body (Sharma et al 2003; Ramana 2004). Conclusion The waterborne bacteria such as Vibrio cholera and E.Coli can prove to be deadly if not treated within the specified time. The diseases caused by these bacteria have decreased in the developed countries in comparison to the underdeveloped countries. If certain measures are taken in the underdeveloped countries then the effects of the waterborne pathogens can be decreased even more.

Mercury: A toxic poison Essay -- Chemistry Metal Papers

Mercury: A toxic poison No other metal better illustrates the diversity of effects caused by different chemical species than does mercury. On the basis of chemical speciation, there are three forms of mercury: elemental, inorganic, and organic compounds. The major source of mercury is the natural degassing of the earth's crust, including land areas, rivers, and the ocean, and this source is estimated to produce on the order of 2700 to 6000 tons per year. The total man made release into the atmosphere is about 2000 to 3000 tons, and it is difficult to assess what quantities of mercury come from human activities and what quantities from natural resources. Run-off into natural bodies of water may contain mercury from both anthropogenic and natural sources, so it is difficult to assess how much released into the atmosphere is from man made or natural sources. Nevertheless, mining, smelting, and industrial discharge have been factors in the environmental contamination in the past. For instance, it is estimated that loss in water effluent from chloralkali plants, one of the largest users of mercury, has been reduced to 99% in recent years. Industrial activities not directly employing mercury or mercury products give rise t o substantial quantities of this metal. Fossil fuel may contain as much as 1 ppm of mercury, and it is estimated that about 5000 tons of mercury per year may be emitted from burning coal, natural gas, and from the refining of petroleum products. Calculations based on the mercury content of the Greenland ice cap show an increase from the year 1900 to the present and suggest that the increment is related both to an increase in background levels of mercury in rainwater and to man made r... ...lbut, K.M., FASEB 1992, 6, 2472-2476. 19.Boyd, N.D., Benediktsson, H., Hooper, D.E., Vimy, M.J., American J. Physiology 1991, 261, R1010-R1014. 20.Molin, M. Bergman, B., Marklund, S.L., Schutz, A. Acta Odontol. Scand., 1990, 48, 89-202. 21.Summers, A.O., Wireman, J., Marshall, B., Antimicrob. Agents & Chemotheraoy, 1993, 37, 825-834. 22.Gilbert, M.P. and Summers, A.O., Plasmid, 1988, 20: 127-136. 23.Intercontinental Medical Statistics, Canada, 1992. 24.Cohen, M.L., Science, 1992, 257, 1050-1055. 25.Thompson, C.M., Markesbery, W.R., Ehmann, W.D., Vance D.E., Nerotoxicology, 1988, 9, 1-7. 26.Palkiewicz, P., Zwiers, H., Nuerochem. 1994, 62, 2049-2052. 27.Lundstrom, I.M.C., Int. J. Oral Surgery, 1983, 12, 1-9. 28.Austrian Minister of health, Austria to be amalgam free by the year 2000. FDI Dental World, March/April, 1993, page 6.

Great Gatsby :: essays papers

Great Gatsby THE GREAT GATSBY In today’s society, many people like to follow the current. They want to catch the wave. Which means, it does not matter if things are good or bad, right or wrong, they just follow and do it without any thinking. Therefore, there are not too many people who are normal, thoughtful nor neutral. However, in the novel, The Great Gatsby, by Scott Fitzgerald, one of the characters name is Nick Carroway, he was the good and neutral narrator. It was because, in the novel, he analyzed all things with regard to accuracy of observation. In The Great Gatsby, when Mr. Gatsby told Nick he wanted to return the past over again with his lover- Daisy, Nick Carroway warned him to give it up, because it was impossible. Unfortunately, Mr. Gatsby did not believe it. So at the end, Mr. Gatsby's dream still had not came true because Daisy did not break up with Tom and go with him. It can be seen in the last chapter in the novel, when Gatsby was murdered, Daisy went someplace else with her husband, and did not go to Gatsby's funeral. I called up Daisy half and hour after we found him, called her instinctively and without hesitation. But she and Tom had gone away early that afternoon, and taken baggage with them. Therefore, Nick Carroway's analysis was right by these clear observations. However, Nick was a good narrator, he sees everything happen and does not trust everybody easily. So when the townspeople gossip about the latest rumor, he does not believe it is true. After he proves it, only then will he accept the truth. Moreover, when Nick went to Gatsby's party, there was a drunken lady telling everyone Gatsby killed a man before. Also, there is another lady that claimed Gatsby was a German spy: It is more that he was a German spy during the war. Nick heard it, but when he had a chance to have a lunch with Gatsby, he told Nick, he was an Oxford man and showed him that fought in World War One. Then Nick knew Gatsby was neither a German Spy nor a murderer. Furthermore, at the end of the novel, when Daisy drove Gatsby's car and killed Mrs. Wilson in a car accident, Nick's first thought was the Gatsby killed Mrs. Wilson. But after Gatsby told him all of the things at that moment, Nick realized that his first thought was wrong and then made his own conclusion.

“Ode to an Orange” by Larry Woiwode Essay

Ode to an Orange by Larry Woiwode is an evocative essay that brought many of my memories back. I became part of the story by experiencing what the author was describing. Larry incites all of our senses with the sharp description of an orange that for most of us is simply another fruit. The smell produced when we squeeze it, and its spherical orange shape gives us the sensation of being there. This essay made me think about the different ways we look at an orange. Most of us are accustomed to the conventional way of seeing an orange. However, for some people an orange is a lot more than merely a fruit. The author emphasizes in the importance of an orange for him. One example of this emphasis is at line 10 when he mentions; â€Å"There was no depth of degradation that we wouldn’t descend to in order to get one†. This tells me that the author not only liked oranges, but that he was passionate about enjoying the flavor and texture of an orange. I think that the author feels in this way because the orange brings some of his most memorable times back. He clearly remembers the way her mother used to tease him and his brother. He emphasizes this by repeating his thoughts in the end. I enjoyed reading this story because I can relate with what the author writes. In the summers of my childhood, there was no better flavor than the originated by a cold orange juice. After reading this story, I felt a strong desire to buy some oranges and make a glass of cold juice, and the fact that is summer now; greatly complements it. Finally, this story has made me more aware of the ordinary things we have around us. Everything is an interesting topic for writing, and as the book mentions, we need to be more perceptive with our environment. Larry has a unique way to make us feel inside the story. He reminds me that before theaters and television was writing. We only need our imagination to create the most beautiful stories.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Introduction The process of urination is vital to the body for the removal of certain waste products. Normally, when the bladder gets full, urine is emptied from the body through the urethra in a process called urination. In urinary retention, a person’s bladder fills up and there is an urge to urinate but he is unable to completely empty his bladder. With chronic urinary retention, a person may be able to urinate, but he has some trouble starting a stream or emptying your bladder completely. He may urinate frequently, may feel an urgent need to urinate but have little success when he gets to the toilet; or he may feel he still have to go after having finished urinating. With acute urinary retention, he can't urinate at all even though he has a full bladder. Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency requiring prompt action. Acute urinary retention (AUR) is an extremely uncomfortable and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a sudden inability to urinate associated with intense suprapubic discomfort. It is most often secondary to obstruction, but may also be related to trauma, medication, neurologic disease, infection, and occasionally psychological issues. Acute urinary retention (AUR) is one of the most significant, uncomfortable and inconvenient event in the natural history of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is the virtual universal overgrowth of the prostate gland in men as they age. Various factors affecting BPH are age, genetic makeup, testosterone levels, and environment. As the prostate enlarges it compresses the urethra causing obstruction to urine flow. The urinary stream becomes smaller; there may be difficulty in initiating the stream, dribbling, and intermittent flow, frequency of urination, getting up at night to void (nocturia), inability to empty, or even inability to void at all (retention). Patient’s Profile Name: c Age: 69 Address: Civil Status: Married Chief Complaint: Difficulty in urinating ptc and bloody urine few days ptc Tentative Diagnosis: Acute urinary retention prob. Secondary to BPH History of Present Illness a. Present History Patient is 69 years old male retiree, a resident of PS Tagas, Tabaco City admitted at BRTTH with a chief complaint of dysuria. One week prior to consultation he had difficulty in urinating and presence of blood in the urine b. Medical History The patient claimed that he has hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II. Anatomy and Physiology Prostate gland The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. The gland is made of two lobes, or regions, enclosed by an outer layer of tissue. As the diagrams show, the prostate is located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder, where urine is stored. The prostate also surrounds the urethra, the canal through which urine passes out of the body. Scientists do not know all the prostate's functions. One of its main roles, though, is to squeeze fluid into the urethra as sperm move through during sexual climax. This fluid, which helps make up semen, energizes the sperm and makes the vaginal canal less acidic. Urinary Bladder The urinary bladder is a muscular sac for storing urine. The triangular base of the bladder, the trigone, is defined by the two ureters that deliver the urine and the one urethra that drains the urine. When empty, the bladder collapses, and folds (called rugae) from in the bladder wall. As it fills, the folds become distended and the bladder  becomes spherical. The wall of the bladder consists of three layers similar to those of  the urethra: the mucosa, the muscularis (here called the detrusor muscle), and the adventitia. Circular smooth muscle fibers around the urethra form the internal urethral sphincter. As a man matures, the prostate goes through two main periods of growth. The first occurs early in puberty, when the prostate doubles in size. At around age 25, the gland begins to grow again. This second growth phase often results, years later, in BPH. Though the prostate continues to grow during most of a man's life, the enlargement doesn't usually cause problems until late in life. BPH rarely causes symptoms before age 40, but more than half of men in their sixties and as many as 90 percent in their  seventies and eighties have some symptoms of BPH. As the prostate enlarges, the layer of tissue surrounding it stops it from expanding, causing the gland to press against the urethra like a clamp on a garden hose. The bladder wall becomes thicker and irritable. The bladder begins to contract even when it contains small amounts of urine, causing more frequent urination. Eventually, the bladder weakens and loses the ability to empty itself. Urine remains in the bladder. The narrowing of the urethra and partial emptying of the bladder cause many of the problems associated with BPH. Pathophysiology Urinary retention can be caused by an obstruction in the urinary tract or by nerve problems that interfere with signals between the brain and the bladder. If the nerves aren't working properly, the brain may not get the message that the bladder is full. Even if you know that your bladder is full, the bladder muscle that squeezes urine out may not get the signal that it is time to push, or the sphincter muscles may not get the signal that it is time to relax. A weak bladder muscle can also cause retention. As a man ages, his prostate gland may enlarge. Doctors call the condition benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or benign prostatic hypertrophy. As the prostate enlarges, the layer of tissue surrounding it stops it from expanding, causing the gland to press against the urethra like a clamp on a garden hose. As a result, the bladder wall becomes thicker and irritable. The bladder begins to contract even when it contains small amounts of urine, causing more frequent urination. Eventually, the bladder weakens and loses the ability to empty itself, so urine remains in the bladder. The pathophysiology of bladder outlet obstruction in men with BPH has been attributed to both static and dynamic factors. The static obstruction is due to the bulk enlargement of the prostate encroaching upon the prostatic urethra and bladder outlet, whereas the dynamic obstruction is related to the tension of prostate smooth muscle. Diagnostic Evaluation and Lab Examination a. Ultrasound of whole abdomen * Normal * Gassy epigastria, gassy filled bowel loops * Empty bladder b. CBC WBC| 8. 1| RBC| 4. 16| Hemoglobin| 103| Hematocrit| 0. 31| Platelet| 273| c. Urinalysis Specific gravity| 1. 025| pH| 5. 0| Sugar| (-)| RBC| 13-15| Medical Treatment and Evaluation Treatment a. Admit to surgical ward. b. Labs: Ultrasound -CBC -Urinalysis c. I ; O q 4H d. Intravenous Rehydration e. Indwelling Catheter – To facilitate accurate measurement of urinary output for critically ill patients, Drug Study Ciprofloxacin Action: Interferes the conversion of intermediate DNA fragments into high-molecular-weight DNA in bacteria; DNA gyrase inhibitor. Indication: Adult urinary tract infections (including complicated); c hronic bacterial prostitis; acute sinusitis; lower respiratory skin, bone, joint infections; infectious diarrhea, exposure to inhalation anthrax; conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers (ophthalmic). Dose: PO 500mg q12h Adverse Effects: CNS: Headache, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, depression, restlessness, seizures, confusion. GI: Nausea, constipation, increased ALT, AST, flatulence, insomnia, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, oral candidasis, dysphagia, pseudomembranous colitis, dry mouth INTEG: Rash, pruritis, uriticaria, photosensitivity, flushing, fever, chills, MISC: Anaphylaxis,Stevens-Johnson Syndrome MS: Tremor, arthalgia, tendon rupture Nursing Considerations: * Assess patient for previous sensitivity reaction Identify urine output; if decreasing, notify prescriber (may indicate nephrotoxicity); also check for increased BUN, creatinine. Nursing Care Management Ongoing Assessment * Monitor Intake and Output. * Assess Vital signs| Provides information about fluid balance, renal function as well as guidelines for fluid replacement. BP, Pulse, RR, and Temperature indicate response to fluid status. | Diet * Low Sodium diet| A diet high in sodium may raise blood pressure and caus e fluid retention, resulting in swelling of the legs and feet. | Sex Being sexually active may help keep the urethra open. But the patient should not get sexually aroused without ejaculating because the urethra may get blocked. Some treatments may also cause sexual problems. These problems usually do not last forever and most can be helped. Complications * Urinary Tract Infection * Bladder Damage * Chronic Kidney Disease| Urine is normally sterile, and the normal flow of urine usually prevents bacteria from growing in the urinary tract. When urine stays in the bladder, however, bacteria have a chance to grow and infect the urinary tract. If the bladder becomes stretched too far or for long periods, the muscle may be permanently damaged and lose its ability to contract. If urine backs up into the kidneys, permanent kidney damage can lead to reduced kidney function and chronic kidney disease. If you lose too much of your kidney function, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive. | References: Mosby, Elsevier. Mosby’s Guide for Nurses, 6th edition. Missouri, St. Louis: 2005 http://www. pennmedicine. org/encyclopedia/em_DisplayAnimation. spx? gcid=000136;ptid=17 http://www. nsbri. org/humanphysspace/focus4/ep-urine. html http://kidney. niddk. nih. gov/kudiseases/pubs/UrinaryRetention/ http://www. uptodate. com/contents/acute-urinary-retention http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC1477632/ http://www. scribd. com/doc/5989689/Case-Study-BPH http://wps. prenhall. com/wps/media/objects/3918/4012970/NursingTools/ch48_NCP_UrinElim_1316-1317. pdf http://www. drugs. com/cg/urinary-retention-in -men-aftercare-instructions. html