Professional and Personal Growth-Reflective Report Assignment

Professional and Personal Growth-Reflective Report - Assignment Example However, managing people is a very challenging undertaking to most managers today. This is particularly so managers who lacks effective leadership skills. Effective management of people also requires fostering collaboration within the organization. Collaboration within the organization is important since it helps in building effective teams. However, I knew very little regarding the importance of effective management of people and fostering collaboration until I learned about leadership content of the course. When learning about leadership in an organization, I came to realize that an effective leader is one who knows how to manage his people. Salacuse (2006) attributed this to the fact that employees are one of the most important assets of an organization. As such, an effective leader must adopt an effective leadership style that inspires his followers towards the attainment of the organizational goals. The content of leadership also brought me to the aspect of collaborative leaders hip style that leaders might adopt as way of fostering teamwork in an organization. In this regard, the content demonstrated the importance of collaboration between managers and employees in an organization. Managers can build effective teams by adopting a collaborative leadership approach. My improved understanding of managing people and fostering collaboration through leadership has had a positive impact on the value that I will bring to my role within an organization. ... This follows my improved understanding that collaborative leadership motivates employees to work hard towards the attainment of organizational goals. 2. Week 3 Sentence Global warming is one of the major environmental problems facing the world today. Pollutants from companies have been cited as one of the major causes of environmental degradation in the world today. As such, I inspire to make the world better by minimizing the level of emissions and promoting responsible disposal of waste products in the organization where I work. Minimizing the level of emission will help mitigate the global warming problem that continues to impact negatively on the world. At the same time, promoting responsible disposal of waste products will help create a society that is not only clean, but also healthy to people. To become a manager who ensures that the organization I work for protects the environment through responsible disposal of waste product and minimization of pollution, I intend to sensiti ze the employees and colleagues in the organization on the need to protect the environment from pollution. Doing so will make other managers in the organization, as well as employees understand why protecting the environment is important to the community around and the world at large. To ensure that my relationship with my spouse and family become an enduring source of happiness, I intend to respect family values. This begins by showing love and respect to my spouse and family. At the same time, I will ensure that there is effective communication between them and myself. Maintaining effective communication will help solve grievances that may threaten the relationship and happiness. Maintaining faithfulness with my spouse will also be important for building trust, which

Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma

Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma and its paraneoplastic manifestations: Review Abstract:  Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma (FDCS) is a rare neoplasm arising from dendritic cells. The paraneoplastic phenomena are an underreported aspect of FDCS. Here we present a case report of FDCS presenting with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and have done a detailed review of all its paraneoplastic manifestations. Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma (FDCS) is a rare malignancy, which arises from the follicular dendritic cells. It was first described by Monda et al who describes a series of 4 cases(1). Being a relatively new entity, its classification remains a subject of controversy. It has been variously described as lymphoma, sarcoma and histiocytic neoplasm. It has been grouped under histiocytic and dendritic cell neoplasms by the WHO 2008 classification(2) There is considerable under-reporting of this[G1] entity as it usually presents with unremarkable clinical and radiological features. It is not uncommon to misdiagnose these cases as lymphoma due to many similarities in the morphological features between the two entities. With the emergence of modern immunohistochemistry, the dendritic cell lineage can be confirmed and therefore, there is increasing recognition of this group of disorders. Since the first description in 1986, nearly 350 cases of FDCS have been reported(3) including 11 cases from our country(4) FDCS generally presents as a slow growing, well circumscribed painless mass with a median size of 5 cm(2).   Constitutional symptoms are not usually seen at presentation.   Young to middle-aged adults are affected, without any sex predilection. Over fifty percent of the cases are nodal with cervical and axillary lymph nodes being the most common sites(2). The common extranodal sites include tonsils, nasopharynx, palate,entire gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, liver, peritoneum, and lungs.Computerized[G2]Tomography (CT) scan typically shows morphological aspects of an expansive mass with an increasingly inhomogeneous enhancement, directly proportional to lesion size (due to central necrosis, hemorrhage, and cystic changes with a patchy pattern) (5)[G3] Local recurrence in FDCS is more likely than distant metastasis. More than 50% of the cases recur locally after wide local excision while only 25% cases develop distant metastasis.   FDCS is considered as a low-grade malignancy by some while others consider it as an intermediate-grade malignancy[G4](6, 7). Liu et al have proposed [G5]histological criteria for grading the tumor and assessing the risk of recurrence.[G6](8). [G7][G8] Variations in clinical behavior of FDCS are described in the literature.   At one end of the spectrum, FDCS presenting with multifocal abdominal or pelvic mass behaves like an aggressive tumor (13) on the other hand, FDCS of the liver and spleen presents like an inflammatory pseudotumor and usually has a female predominance. (3) Castlemans disease has been found to be associated with FDCS in a few patients(9-11). It has been proposed that the dysplastic changes and FDC proliferation which occur in Castlemans disease may act as the nidus from which FDCS can evolve.(12)Ebstein-Barr Virus has also been described in association with FDCS especially when the liver or spleen is involved.   CD21 expression on the FDC cells has been suggested to be the entry point for EBV in affected cells.(7) FDCS has also been reported to be associated with secondary amyloidosis(13) FDCS mostly arises within lymphoid follicles and has a known association with Castlemans disease. Hence it was postulated that it arises from lymphoid precursors. But studies by Krautler et al suggest that they may arise from prevascular stomal precursor cells, which express platelet-derived growt[G9]h factor beta(14) FDCS has a distinct picture on histopathology a storiform arrangement of spindle-shaped cells with elongated nuclei, delicate, dispersed chromatin and pale eosinophilic cytoplasm. Lymphocytes are seen scattered among the tumor cells and they may also be seen gathered around blood vessels,creating a cuffing pattern. Another characteristic pattern is a concentric whorl.FDCS is specifically immunopositive to CD21, CD35, and/or CD23, vimentin, fascin, HLA-DR, EMA, D2-40, clusterin, and CXCL13. It shows variable positivity to CD68, CD45, CD3, and CD20.[G10](7) a unique point in IHC of FDCS is expression of clusterin which is almost always strongly positive , while in other dendritic cell neoplasms, this marker is weakly positive.(13) Surgical excision of the tumor has been attempted in well circumscribed FDCS. Although some reports suggest that they recur soon afterward(15). Pooled data analysis confirms that surgery remains a good option for localized disease(3, 16). In view of the rarity of FDCS, there is no standard chemotherapeutic regimen for the same. Both lymphoma and sarcoma directed therapies have been tried.   CHOP regimen is one of the commonly used with variable results. [G11][G12]CHOP therapy has been postulated to have an indirect action on FDCS by some authors. It has been postulated that CHOP therapy depletes the B lymphocytes leading to a reduction in the growth factors for FDCS[G13](17). Other regimens which have been tried include ABVD, EPOCH, ICE, and cisplatin/epirubicin(13). Gemcitabine and cisplatin in combination with imatinib(18)and single-agent rituximab[G14]are the other reported regimens with some activity against FDCS(19).[G15][G16] Case Report A 60-year-old female presented with 2 months history of easy fatiguability[G17] and low-grade fever. She was detected to have severe anemia[G18] and mild icterus with difficulty in blood cross matching at a local hospital. She was referred to our institute for further evaluation. General examination revealed marked pallor and generalized lymphadenopathy. The liverwas palpable 5 cm below right costal margin and the spleen was palpable 6 cm below left costal margin. Laboratory evaluation revealed Coombs positive hemolytic anemia, which partially responded to steroid therapy. Her Lymph node excision biopsy showed diffuse effacement of nodal architecture with multiple fascicles of spindle cells traversing the lymph node and wrapping around the pre-existing vessels admixed with many eosinophils and plasma cells (Figure 1a-c). Immunohistochemistry for CD20, CD3, S100, CD 45 and PD-1 were negative, whereas CD23 showed strong membranous positivity in these spindle cells (Figure 1d-i).   Th e histopathological examination was suggestive of Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma. Due to the disseminated involvement by FDCS and associated autoimmune hemolytic anemia, she was treated with CHOP chemotherapy. Both disease and anemia responded to therapy. There are numerous case reports of FDCS presenting with similar paraneoplastic manifestations. They are reviewed below.[G19][G20] Paraneoplastic manifestations of FDCS Paraneoplastic manifestations are a constellation of signs and symptoms that are not directly caused by the malignancy(20). All paraneoplastic manifestations reported with FDCS are of an autoimmune nature. Although they appear similar to classic autoimmune diseases, paraneoplastic autoimmune disorders tend to be more aggressive. Their management too is centered in part on the underlying malignancy (AI) A systematic search was performed on Medline and the paraneoplastic manifestations reported with FDCS in English Literature were identified. (table 1) I. Paraneoplastic Pemphigus (PNP) PNP usually presents secondary to an underlying malignancy, mainly Chronic Lymphocytic leukemia, Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, Thymoma and Castlemans disease(21). PNP is the most commonly reported paraneoplastic manifestation with FDCS. There are 22 cases reports in English literature till date. While axillary and cervical lymphadenopathy is the most common presentation of FDCS, PNP has been reported mostly with retroperitoneal FDCS.   The clinical course of PNP is at variation with the relatively benign course of FDCS and most authors have reported death soon after detection of PNP.   An association with the hyaline vascular variant of [G21]Castlemans disease has been described in 27% of these cases. Reports of other malignancies associated with paraneoplastic syndromes suggest that it is associated with an antitumor response. The underlying malignancy remained undetectable for up to a year after the paraneoplastic syndrome first manifested due to this effect. It has been suggested that the immune response against the paraneoplastic antigen in the tumor, slows down the growth of the tumor(22). The status of FDCS is not in remission in most of the available reports.   Thus, there is no evidence to suggest an antitumor effect in patients presenting with PNP. Resection of the underlying FDCS along with oral steroids for the PNP has been the usual treatment, but there are 2 reports of usage of higher immunosuppression to successfully control the PNP(18, 23). II.Myasthenia Gravis (MG) Seven cases of myasthenia gravis have been reported in literature till date. One case was also reported to be associated with Castlemans disease Interestingly, four of the seven cases also had paraneoplastic pemphigus. A similar presentation has been reported with another malignancy involving the immune system. Thymoma has a well-known association with MG. Less commonly, it has also been reported with PNP and there is even a report of Thymoma presenting with both MG and PNP. The authors have suggested that the linkage is indirect, through a triad, which also includes the tumor rather than a direct relation. [G22][G23][G24][G25] A similar linkage may explain the cases of FDCS with MG and PNP. Alternatively, CD which [G26]has known association with both these conditions could be the missing link[G27](24-26). But among available literature, there was no evidence of CD with FDCS and MG in all but one case.[G28][G29][G30] The treatment has been IV immunoglobulin, pyridostigmine, and steroids. Most of the authors have reported a good response to therapy with no mortality.[G31][G32] This is in resonance with the findings of MG with other disorders. Thymoma associated with MG is found to have a better prognosis than thymoma without MG. This has partly been attributed to earlier detection of the disease(27) III. Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia AIHA is a well-known phenomenon in lymphoproliferative disorders. Among the solid organ cancers, a majority of the available literature is with Kaposi sarcoma, lung, kidney and colorectal ca[G33]ncers. It may occur prior to, concurrent with cancer or well after the end of [G34]treatment (28). Two different responses to therapy have been documented with paraneoplastic AIHA. Some cases are steroid resistant and respond to treatment of the primary malignancy. While, AIHA present along with metastatic[G35] cancers are usually steroid responsive.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   [G36] A search of the literature revealed that [G37]ours is only the second case of AIHA with FDCS reported. Conry et al. had reported a 36-year-old African-[G38][G39]American[G40] female who had presented with AIHA not responding to steroids or splenectomy. She presented 1 year later with the abdominal lump which was diagnosed as FDCS. She did not respond to radiotherapy alone but had a good response to chemotherapy with gemcitabine and docetax[G41]el(17). Experience in this case and our case may be insufficient to label AIHA as a paraneoplastic manifestation of FDCS, but several plausible mechanisms of occurrence of AIHA exist in patients of FDCS. And FDCS has known association with other autoimmune paraneoplastic syndromes. So with increased awareness of this association, we hope that more such cases will be documented. [G42][G43] Proposed mechanisms for development of autoimmunity[G44] Castlemans disease is known to be associated with PNP. Several authors have suggested that a preexisting Castlemans may be the cause of PNP in cases of FDCS. Maverakis et al divide paraneoplastic autoimmune disorders broadly into 3 categories:   (i) Disruption of central tolerance, (ii) peripheral immune dysregulation and   (iii) alteration of self-antigens[G45](29). The mechanisms proposed for the occurrence of paraneoplastic phenomena in FDCS are so varied that we could find at least one hypothesis under each of these three headings.[G46] Disruption of Central tolerance 1.Hartert et al and Kim et al have reported immature T cell proliferation, which is not characteristic of FDCS, in those presenting with Myasthenia Gravis. The resulting immune dysregulation may be lead to paraneoplastic phenomena (30, 31). 2. Spreading epitope phenomenon states that cytokines produced by the tumor induce immunoglobulin production, which in turn leads to paraneoplastic phenomena(32). [G47] Peripheral immune dysregulation[G48] 1. B7 is a ligand which required for activation of T cells. Most antigen presenting cells have a low expression of B7 ligand, the only exception being the dendritic cell. The B7 expression on NHL cells[G49] has been proposed as the mechanism underlying autoimmune phenomena seen in them(29). FDCS which arises from dendritic cells may also have a similar mechanism. Alteration of self-antigens[G50] 1.Antibodies directed against the tumor may cross-react with epiderm[G51]al antigens in the case of PNP(32). Shared antigens between FDCS and erythrocytes like CD 35 may be the link in case of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Conclusion The paraneoplastic phenomena are an underreported aspect of FDCS. The clinical scenario is not uniform among all FDCS with paraneoplastic phenomena. While PNP is associated with poor prognosis, the available reports on AIHA and MG suggest a relatively benign course. There are only 2 cases of AIHA reported with FDCS. Although the mechanism for the development of AIHA in FDCS has been proposed, there is a possibility that it is simply a [G52]case of 2 unrelated diseases occurring together.   In the times to come, better recognition of this entity amongst pathologists may lead to an identification of a larger number of patients. Thereby our understanding of this rare neoplasm and its even rare[G53][G54]r complication of PNS will improve Table I: Case reports of FDCS with Para Neoplastic Pemphigus No Year Age/Sex Castleman Location of FDCS Therapy given Interval to PNP Status of FDCS when PNP occurred Outcome and comments Ref. 1 1999 66/M + Abdominal Surgery 480 months Post-excision[G55] Died after 8 days (9) 2 2004 64/F Abdominal Surgery 18 months No Alive at 7m (33) 3 2005 32/M + NA Surgery + Chemo NA Not in remission Died at 3m (10) 4 2005 27/F Abdominal NA NA NA NA (34) 5 6 2005 53/F + Abdominal Surgery Simultaneous Not in remission Died at 1 year (35) 7 2008 60/M Lung Nil Simultaneous Post-excision[G56] Died at 6m (19) 8 2008 67/M Abdominal Surgery 1 months Post-excision Relapse at 12m MG+ (36) 9 2010 68/M Abdominal Surgery 1 month Post-excision Died at 24m MG + (31) 10 2011 NA NA NA NA NA Relapsed (11) 11 2011 NA + NA NA NA NA NA (11) 12 2011 NA + NA NA NA NA NA (11) 13 2012 39/F NA Surgery NA NA Alive at 60m (37) 14 2012 67/M NA Surgery Simultaneous Post-excision Died after 21m MG + (37) 15 2012 68/M Abdominal Surgery Simultaneous Post-excision Died at 3m Synchronous thyroid and renal cancer (38) 16 2013 61/F + Abdominal + multiple sites Surgery + Chemo 36 months Not in remission Died (39) 17 2013 28/M + Abdominal Chemo Simultaneous Not in remission NA (40) 18 2013 20/M + Rt pelvis Chemo simultaneous Not in remission Died at 1m (41) 19 2014 46/F Liver Surgery + Chemo 6 months Not in remission Died at 12m (23) 20 2014 20/M Rt parahilar Surgery + Chemo Nil Post-excision Alive at 12m (42) 21 2015 26/F + NA NA NA NA Alive MG+ (43) Case reports of FDCS with Myasthenia Gravis No Year Age/Sex Castleman Location of FDCS Therapy given Interval to MG Status of FDCS when MG occurred Outcome and comments Ref. 1 2008 67/M Abdominal Surgery 1 months Post-excision Relapse at 12 m PNP+ (36) 2 2010 68/M Abdominal Surgery Simultaneous Post-excision Died at 24m PNP+ (31) 3 2010 39/F Mediastinal Surgery 36 months prior to FDCS Not in remission NA (30) 4 2010 72/F + Mediastinal Surgery 7 months prior to FDCS Not in remission Alive at 8m (25) 5 2011 59/F Axillary Surgery 1.5 months Post-excision NA (44) 6 2012 67/M NA Surgery Simultaneous Post-excision Died after 21m PNP+ (37) 7 2015 26/F + NA NA NA NA Alive PNP+ (43) Case reports of FDCS with Auto Immune Hemolytic Anemia No Year Age/Sex Castleman <

Religious Revelation in Carver’s Cathedral Essay -- Carver Cathedral E

  Ã‚   At first glance, one might assume Raymond Carver’s "Cathedral" illustrates the awakening of an insensitive and insulated husband to the world of a blind man. However, this literal awakening does not account for the fact that the husband awakens also to a world of religious insight, of which he has also been blind. The title and story structure are the first indicators of the importance of the religious thesis. It is also revealed when one examines the language and actions of the characters in the story. Finally, Carver’s previous and subsequent writings give an overall background for the argument that "Cathedral" has a significant religious import. The structural and technical features of the story point towards a religious epiphany. The title of the story, as well as its eventual subject, that of cathedrals, points inevitably towards divinity. Upon first approaching the story, without reading the first word of the first paragraph, one is already forced into thinking about a religious image. In addition, four of the story’s eleven pages (that amounts to one third of the tale) surround the subject of cathedrals. Adding to the obvious structural references to cathedrals and religion, the language and character actions present further evidence of an epiphany of divine proportions. The television program which the characters watch together deals entirely with cathedrals. This spurs the first real conversation between the narrator and the blind man. This presents religion as some form of common ground, on which one could stand, even without sight. When first asked by Robert, the blind man, if he was "in any way religious," the narrator asserts that he is not, and goes on to explain how cathedrals and religion "don’t mean any... ... the eyes of a blind man, but also to appreciate the world through the eyes of a man of God. Works Cited/Consulted Bethea, Arthur F. "Carver’s ‘Wes Hardin: From a Photograph’ and ‘A Small Good Thing.’" The Explicator. Spring 1999. 176-178. Bethea, Arthur F. "Carver’s ‘Will You Please Be Quiet, Please?’" The Explicator. Spring 1998: 132-134. Carver, Raymond. "Cathedral." The Harper Anthology of Fiction. Ed. Sylvan Barnet. New York: HarperCollins, 1991. 1052-1062. Nesset, Kirk. "Insularity and Self-Enlargement in Raymond Carver’s ‘Cathedral.’" Essays in Literature. March 22, 1994: 116. Stull Williams. "Beyond Hopelessville: Another Side of Raymond Carver." Philological Quarterly. 1985: 1-15. Verley, Claudine. "Narration and Interiority in Raymond Carver’s ‘Where I’m Calling From.’" Journal of the Short Story in English 13. 1989: 91-102.   

Chapter 7 Notes: Auditing and Assurance Services

Chapter 7 Overall Audit Approach for the Revenue and Collection Cycle * Audit risk- the risk that auditors will issue and unqualified opinion on financial statements that contain a material misstatement * Inherent risk and control risk * 3 step approach for audit risk model * Set audit risk at desired levels * Assess risk of material misstatement Determine detection risk based on the level of audit risk and risk of material misstatement * The components of the audit risk model are assessed on an assertion-by-assertion basis * This assessment recognizes that certain assertions assume an increased level of importance and are of more interest to auditors than others * Existence assertions is important in the audit or A/R and the occurrence is important for sales * If the audit team estimates that control risk is below maximum they need to perform test of controls to confirm that the control activities are operating effectively and that the auditors initial strategy is sound LO1: Inheren t Risk in the Revenue and Collection Cycle Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition- recording revenues in the entities To be recognized revenues must be realized or realizable or earned * Revenue earning activities involve delivering or producing goods, rendering services, or performing other activities that constitute its ongoing major or central operations, and revenues are considered to have been earned when the entity has substantially accomplished what it must do to be entitled to the benefits represented by the revenues * All criteria must be met for revenue to be realizes, realizable, or earned: * Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists * Delivery has occurred or services have been rendered * The seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable * Collectability is reasonably ensured Collectability of A/R In most companies, a portion of accounts receivable will not be paid. GAAP requires clients to provide and estimation of uncollectable amounts and provide and allowance for it.Estimation of allowance for doubtful accounts can be subjective and difficult for the client and the auditor. A reason for difficulty can be changing economic conditions. Customer Returns and Allowances Sometime customers have the right to return unused or unsold merchandise. An appropriate evaluation of revenue can be performed when these agreements are in the purchase contract and disclosed to the auditor. Clients may enter into informal right of return agreements with customers unknown to the auditors. Liabilities for known return, warranties, and other potential obligations are often very difficult to estimate. Companies with new products or technologies have an even higher inherent risk in these areas.LO2: Revenue and Collection Cycle: Typical Activities Basic activities in the revenue and collection cycle are 1. Receiving and processing customer orders 2. Delivering goods and services to customers 3. Billing customers and accounting for A/R 4. Collecting and depositing cash received from customers Entity Level Control It is important that auditors consider the entity-level controls in all processes and procedures. In the revenue process, management should have a process for continually reviewing revenue and comparing it to the budgets and forecasts. Management should constantly scrutinize total write-offs of A/R, merchandise returns, and the timeliness of collections.Physical control over inventory and warehouses must include entity level control such as id badges and restricting access to facilities. Receiving and Processing Customer Orders, Including Credit Granting * Customers can initiate sales by mailing P/O’s, call or fax , emails, websites or go to the phycial locations. * It is important that credit sales are authorized to ensure that the customer will be able to pay for the good or services * Access to master file for additions, deletions, and other changes must be limited to responsible people * If these controls fail, orders might be processed for fictitious customers, credit might be approves for bad credit risks, and shipping documents might be created for goods that do not exists in the inventory. Customer orders, shipping documents, and invoices should be in prenumbered sequence so the system can check the sequence and determine whether any transaction have not be recorded or have been duplicated Delivering Goods and Services to Customers Physical custody of inventory -> storeroom or warehouse -> transferred to shipping department upon authorizations of the shipping order that permits the inventory clerk to release good to the shipping department. Proper authorization is important. Employees that perform each step to should transfer documents making them accountable. This prevents employees from misappropriating the goods or shipping product to friends without billing them. A bill of lading is a form that the carried signs to verify the goods shipped.A packing slip describes the good being sh ipped is often included with the shipment Billing customers and Accounting for A/R When delivery or shipment is complete, the system finishes the transaction by filing a shipment record and preparing a final invoice for the customer. A sales invoice is the bill sent to the customer that indicates the amount due. People who have the power to enter or alter these transactions or change the invoice before it is mailed to the customer should not have any authorization, custody, or recording responsibilities. There should also be physical protection of the files. Files that are lost or destroyed are unlikely accounts to be collected. With that said the records are assets.Audit Evidence in Management Reports and Data File Computerized processing of revenue and cash receipts transaction enables management to generate several reports that can provide important audit evidence. Pending Order Master File- sales transactions that were initiated but not yet completed or recorded as sales. May re present shipments that were made but not recorded in the sales journal or could not be matched to a customer order. Credit Check Files- Computerized system may male automatic credit checks, but up to date maintenance of the credit information is very important. A sample of the credit check file can be tested for current status.Price List Master File- Computers system may produce customer invoices automatically but if the price list master is incorrect the billings will be incorrect Sales Detail (journal) File- the detailed sales entries, including the shipping references and dates, should be in the sales detail (journal) file Sales Analysis Reports- Sales that are classified by product lines provide required information for the business segment disclosures A/R Listing and Aging- The A/R listing of customers’ balances is the actual a/r Cash Receipts Listing- The cash receipts journal contains all the detail entries for cash deposits and credits to various accounts Customer Sta tements- Probably the best control over whether cash is received and recorded is the customer LO3: Control Risk Assessment Control risk assessment is important because it governs the nature, timing, and extent of substantive procedures that will be applied in the audit of account balances in the revenue and collection cycle.Balances include: Cash in bank, A/R, Allowance for doubtful accounts, Bad Debts, Sales revenue Control Considerations Control for proper separation of responsibilities should be in place and operating. It involves different people and different departments performing the sales and credit authorization; custody of good and cash; and record keeping for sales, receivables, inventory, and cash receipts. The following control activities should be in place to prevent and detect errors: 1. No sale order should be entered w/o a customer order 2. A credit check code or manual signature should be recorded for authorization 3. Pending order flies should be reviewed frequent ly to avoid failure to bill and record shipments Test of ControlsAn organization should have control activities in place and operating to prevent, detect, and correct accounting errors. Auditors can perform tests of controls to determine whether company personnel are properly performing controls that are said to be in place. If personnel in the organization are not performing their control activities effectively, auditors need to design substantive procedures to try to detect whether control failures have produced materially misstated account balance. Dual testing involves selecting samples to obtain evidence about control over completeness in one direction and control over occurrence in the other direction.Completeness is whether all transactions that occurred were recorded and the occurrence direction determines whether recorded transactions represent valid economic events. Summary: Control Risk Assessment Auditors must evaluate the evidence obtained from an understanding of inter nal control and from tests of controls. The initial process of obtaining an understanding of the company’s control and the later process of obtaining evidence from test of controls are two phases of control risk assessment. It control risk is assessed to be very low, the substantive procedures on the account balances can be reduced. It the test of controls reveal weakness, the substantive procedures need to be designed to lower the risk of failing to detect material misstatement in the account balances.LO4 Substantive Procedures in the Revenue and Collection Cycle When considering assertions and obtaining evidence about A/R and other assets, auditors must emphasize the existence assertion. It is important because companies and auditors have found themselves in malpractice lawsuits by issuing unqualified reports on F/S that have overstated assets and revenues. Company asserts existence by putting assets on B/S Analytical Procedures During an audit, a variety of analytical comp arisons might be employed, depending on the circumstances and the nature of the business. Comparisons of asset and revenue balances with recent history might help detect overstatements. Account interrelationships can be used in analytical procedures.A/R write-offs should be compared w/ estimates of doubtful accounts Confirmation of Accounts and Notes Receivable The use of confirmations for A/R is considered a required audit procedure by audit standards. If auditors choose not to use them they should document justification. A positive confirmation asks the customers to respond whether the balance is correct or incorrect. A variation of a positive confirmation is a blank form. A blank confirmation doesn’t contain the balance; customers fill it in themselves. Negative confirmation asks for a response only if something is wrong with the balance. Lack of response to negative confirmation is considered evidence that the account is fairly stated.Negative form is used mostly when the risk of material misstatement is considered low. Alternative Procedures Often client’s customers are not willing or able to return the confirmation. They may not be able if, they are on a voucher system that lists payables by invoice instead of by vendor account. If this happens auditors have to perform alternative procedures to ensure existence. This includes examining 1. subsequent cash receipts (this is often performed even when customer has confirmed the account) 2. Sales orders, invoices, shipping documents 3. Correspondence files for past due accounts Review for Collectability Primary evidence gained from the confirmations relates to existence.The audit team must review accounts for collectability and determine the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts in support of the valuation assertion. To do this, auditors review subsequent cash receipts from the customer, discuss unpaid accounts with the credit manager, and examine the credit files. Credit files should contain the customer’s financial statements, credit reports, and correspondence between the client and the customer. Based on this evidence, the audit team estimates the likely amount of the nonpayment for the customer, which is included in the estimate of all allowance for doubtful accounts. Cutoff and Sales Returns Auditors must make sure that sales are recorded in the proper period.The employ sales cutoff test which are test that ensure that sales are recorded in the proper period, generally when they are shipped, and that the cost of the sales is recorded and removed from inventory. Procedures include tracing shipping documents before and after year-end to the sales journal to ensure the sale was recorded in the proper period. Credit memos for returns after year-end are vouched to receiving reports. Any goods returned after year end that were sold during the year being audited should be deducted from sales. Rights and Obligations Companies may sell or factor (the actions to sell A/R to another party, the factor, at a discount from face value) to gain cash immediately.It is difficult to determine whether receivables have been sold b/c customers do not usually know that someone else actually owns their account. The cash goes to the original seller who passes it on to the factor. Inquiring of management and examining support for large cash receipts is the best way to detect these transactions. Presentation and Disclosures The accounts in the revenue cycle require certain disclosures. These disclosures must ensure that the presentation and disclosure assertions of occurrence, rights and obligations, completeness, classification, accuracy and valuation, and understandability have been met. Receipt of confirmation information by email or fax is becoming more common. Auditor may receive an oral response to confirmation.

Problem and solution essay: Drinking and Driving Essay

People all around the world drink and they also drive. But driving under the influence of alcohol is a very dangerous, risk taking thing to do, not just to the drivers, but to the passengers and pedestrians as well. When people consume alcohol, their normal functioning of the brain impairs, thus increasing the chances of having a fatal accident when chosen to drive. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40% of the car accidents in the year 2002 were alcohol related in US. That is about 17,419 deaths. This meant that in average, every 30 minutes someone was killed in a car accident that was relating alcohol. The legal limit of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) for drivers at the age of 21 or older is .08 percent. For drivers under the age of 21, the legal limit of BAC is .01 percent. But this does not mean that it is safe to drive when your BAC is .08 percent or even .01 percent. Any amount of of BAC is a risk to drive. Studies show that states or countries with lower BAC limit has far less alcohol related accidents. If you go over the legal limit of BAC, you would get fined large amounts of money to jail time, depending how high the BAC is. Making the BAC limit lower might just prevent the accidents that killed hundreds of innocent people. Drinking alcohol has effect on the brain. First, it will fill cozy, warm and relaxing feeling. Then into judgment impairment, little use of slurred speech, and reason and caution are impaired. After that, there will be increase impairment of judgment, then to slow reflection, and more use of slurred speech. Next memory and comprehension are abnormally functioning, then blurred vision, to vomiting and instability to stand. Finally, if more alcohol are consumed, result unconsciousness, coma and to even death. So not drinking at all would be the best solution as it will be good for your health and not taking any risk of having a fatal accident. But, for people who have to have a drink, people who can’t live with out alcohol, they are prone to consume alcohol and make a decision to drive to their destination or not. This might be hard for some people, but leaving their car and taking an alternative transportation would be the smartest, and also the safest way to get to the destination. It is much more important  to get to the destination with their life then by loosing one’s life or taking a life of another and not get there at all. There are problems that are just incorrigible and there are problems that can be prevented or solved. We should do any means to solve any corrodible problems in any ways. It might save one or it might save thousands of lives. Drinking and driving is making a death wish. It’s not only the drivers that are risking their lives, but they, as in drivers, are risking other lives as well. Not driving when influenced by alcohol might save one’s life and a life of another. Maybe, it might not be a big deal to some people who believe this will not happen to them, are gambling with their lives.

Tess of the dUrbervilles Review

'Tess of the d'Urbervilles' Review Originally serialized in the newspaper The Graphic, Thomas Hardys Tess of the dUrbervilles was first published as a book in 1891. This work was Hardys second-to-the-last novel, Jude the Obscure being his final one, and both are considered among the best works of the 19th century. Set in rural England, the novel tells the story of a poor girl, Tess Durbeyfield, who is sent by her parents to a supposedly noble family in the hope of finding a fortune and a gentleman for a husband. The young girl is instead seduced and meets her doom. Story Structure The novel is divided into seven sections, titled as phases. While it may seem usual to many readers, critics have discussed the significance of this term in relation to the progress of the plot and its moral implications. Various phases of the novel have been named according to various life phases of Hardys heroine: The Maiden, Maiden No More, and so on to the final phase, Fulfillment. Tess of the dUrberville is essentially a third-person narrative, but most of the events (all significant events, in fact) are seen through the eyes of Tess. The order of these events follows a simple chronological sequence, a quality that augments the ambiance of a simple rural life. Where we see Hardys real mastery is the difference in the language of people from the social classes (e.g. the Clares in contrast with the farm workers). Hardy also sometimes speaks directly to the readers to accentuating the effect of select events. Tess is helpless against and mostly submissive to, those around her. But, she suffers not only because of the seducer who destroys her but also because her beloved does not save her. Despite her suffering and weakness in the face of her suffering, she demonstrates long-suffering patience and endurance. Tess takes pleasure in toiling on the dairy farms, and she seems almost invincible to the trials of life. Given her enduring strength through all of her troubles, in some sense, the only appropriate ending was her death on the gallows. Her story became the ultimate tragedy. The Victorians In Tess of the dUrberville, Thomas Hardy targets the Victorian values of nobility right from the title of his novel. In contrast to the safe and innocent Tess Durbeyfield, Tess dUrbervilles is never at peace, even though she has been sent to become a dUrbervilles in the hopes of finding a fortune. The seeds of tragedy are sown when Tesss father, Jack, is told by a parson that he is the descendant of a family of knights. Hardy comments upon the hypocritical standards in masculine concepts of purity. Angel Clares forsakes his wife, Tess, in a classic instance of the rift between belief and practice. Given Angels religious background and his allegedly humanistic views, his indifference to Tess produces a striking contrast of character with Tess who persists in her love - against all odds. In Tess of the dUrbervilles, Thomas Hardy has directly satirized nature. In the third chapter of Phase the First, for example, he targets both nature and its exaltation by poets and philosophers: whence the poet whose philosophy is in these days deemed as profound and trustworthy... gets his authority for speaking of Natures holy plan. In the fifth chapter of the same phase, Hardy ironically comments on Natures role in guiding humans. Nature does not often say See! to her poor creature at a time when seeing could lead to happy doing; or reply Here to a bodys cry of Where? till the hide-and-seek has become an irksome, outworn game. Themes and Issues Tess of the dUrbervilles is rich in its involvement with several themes and issues, and there are many quotes from the book that synthesize these themes. Like most other Hardy novels, rural life is a prominent issue in the story. The hardships and drudgery of rustic lifestyle are explored fully through the travel and work experiences of Tess. Religious orthodoxy and social values are questioned in the novel. The issue of fate versus freedom of action is another important aspect of Tess of the dUrbervilles. While the main storyline may sound fatalistic, Hardy does not miss the opportunity to point out that the darkest of tragedies could be prevented by human action and consideration: Humanity.

Recognizing and Controlling a Tree Burl

Recognizing and Controlling a Tree Burl Little research has been done to confirm the cause (or causes) of burls. A burl could be caused by many environmental factors, but the biology of burls on trees is not well known. To be sure, burls and galls may serve as secondary infection avenues for insects and diseases, but as a rule, they do not appear to be harmful to most trees and maintain protective bark. Burl-Like Symptoms The tree trunk infections called burls look like bumps or warty growths, probably caused as a result of an environmental injury. Cambial growth is hyper-stimulated as a way for the tree to isolate and contain the injury. Almost all burl wood is covered by bark, even when underground. Often, a tree that has developed burl wood is still generally healthy. In fact, many trees with burl wood will go on to live for many years. Still, burl wood in vulnerable spots or with off-shooting growth can become so large and heavy that they create additional stress on a tree, and can cause the tree to break apart. Oak Tree Burl Bulges and Tree Health Even though not much is known about the cause of burls, it should be assumed that proper tree management that improves tree health can help reduce the occurrence of burls or make their presence less of a problem. Burls certainly should not be removed from the main stem of a living tree, since that would expose a large decay-producing wound or completely kill the tree. Burls can be removed if they are located on branches or limbs and proper pruning methods are used. Not All Burls Are Bad Burls can yield a peculiar wood that is prized for its beauty and sought-after by furniture makers, artists, and wood sculptors. There are a number of well-known types of burls. Quality burl wood often comes from redwood, walnut, buckeye, maple, baldcypress, teak, and other species. The famous birdseye maple superficially resembles the wood of a burl but is something else entirely. Burls Are a Valuable Wood Product Some tree burls can be valuable in the specialty wood market.  Cherry and ash trees are popular burl-producing species due to their remarkable grain. Oak trees, on the other hand, tend to mill out with defective rot and holes and are usually rejected by wood buyers. Depending on quality and size, walnut, redwood, and maples often yield quality burls, but most tree species can offer rare gems. If you have a large burl on a tree you might want to sell, measure its size and take photos from several angles. It would help to include a yardstick in the photo for perspective. The burl must be covered with sound bark and have no major rot. Its value is significantly higher with increased size. The best market for burls is among woodturners. Search for woodturners locally using the internet and the American Association of Woodturners.

Essay on An Anthropologist on Mars

Essay on An Anthropologist on Mars Essay on An Anthropologist on Mars Investigating cases on behavior and neurology presents a significant number of health ideas. The brain is capable of performing tasks through a finite number of reactions and neurons in the nervous system. In light to this, I decide to go through the works of Oliver Sacks named An Anthropologist on Mars. I keenly study the seven cases of patients and colleagues he has highlighted about their extraordinary brains. Each case differs from the other thus depicting the issues on study. From the brain tumor victim to surgeon suffering from Tourette’s syndrome the dimension of the study broaden. In order for one to be in a position to understand their subjects appropriately, the personality method of investigation is vital. Therefore, spending ample time with your subjects is very crucial in this field. I find An anthropologist on Mars fascinating since it gives amn opportunity to view peoples’ brains conditions as well as study them to the letter. The fascinating neurobiological stories explore some of the unique experiences and perceptions of oneself. The saddest thing about the study on disorders of the nervous system and the brain is that the condition of most of the patients is beyond repair. This is irrespective of the diverse scope of knowledge in the book. The passion in me to know more about science related cases especially on first hand individuals helps me see the effectiveness of Sacks’ method of investigation. The authors method of finding ways to help patients to be fit again is fantastic. I arrive to this conclusion after reading how he has tackled cases in certain disorders facing the neuro system and the brain. These are Korsakov’s syndrome and Tourettes syndrome. Patients in these unusual disorders should be given information on how to cope to the conditions they find themselves in. this should be done without necessarily considering whether the patient’s outcome. All the professionals involved in this field should incorporate this idea into their profession to spur them to enviable success. In addition, utilizing different neurological techniques to learn each of the subjects in a respectful and personal manner is also important. Most of those operating in this field tend to go by the results given by the clinic. However, this is not always advisable since you maybe condemning someone to a their death whereas a lot can be done to improve his condition. Having the curiosity to discover the beauty in the minds of the affected people will help you achieve this goal far much easier. All this should be done in environments that make the affected feel comfortable rather than undermined. This is through creating time for private outings with every patient you are in contact with as well making arrangements to bond with them through their activities. This enables one to learn more and figure out their problems. Being a step ahead and having better ideas on how to treat the individual under medical examination is also important. Each of the chapters in An anthropologist on Mars has a cast of significant characters, setting, and plot. The elements portrayed in the book weave together creating a fascinating story. The i ndividuals undergoing examination are astonishing and how the author manages to counter the sterile account of the relative neurological functioning found in psychiatric journals is brilliant. I am amazed by how the author describes interactions, setting and personal feelings of the subjects. This is what defines his unique approach as a prolific writer and extraordinary neuroscientist. The analysis every situation has supernatural significance. The investigations also involve cases with personal stake and distinct compassion mostly available in psychiatrist’s offices. The ability to make transform a diagnosis to a story puts him ahead of the rest in the writing field. Another of his strengths is responsibility of transforming his characters from simple brain to a human worthy story with perfection. The people Sacks studies are both patients and subjects. This is since the cases Oliver Sacks bases his investigations on involve conditions mostly associated with the brain. The patients and subjects are suffering from different neurological conditions. Sacks believe that the patients suffer from such conditions as a result of living in a world different from the rest. The Case of the Colorblind Painter involves an artist who loses his color perception ability after an accident. â€Å"Would it be â€Å"normal† from the moment vision was restored? Was not experience necessary to see? Did one have to learn to see?† (Sacks 109). The author details the patient cases and uses it as one of the ways in giving an account of how the modern understanding of vision works. From this, there are lessons learnt from the inability of the artist to also remember the colors. The diseases focused on in the essays affect the ways in which individuals know and understand themselves. The Last Hippie also has a similar context as connected from the current state of the patient. The author describes to a relative knowledge history concerning the brain’s frontal lobe function. This also involves some of the significant problems resulting from the damage caused on the lobes. There is a review on the looks of the different types of memories and their forms of interaction. In A Surgeons Life, the author switches to deal with the colleagues suffering from Tourette’s syndrome. Here I notice how the piece of art manages to provide the history of the condition and also includes similar tics and symptoms. There is an emphasis on how the colleague adjusts to the people around him, and the tics causing the Tourette’s syndrome. The little information given about the lessons learnt from the condition means that the author considers the aspect of respect for his colleague and discretion compared to the one he gives to the other patients. In the To See and Not See case, involves a case sight restoration to one of the patients who had suffered from blindness for a period of forty years. The author provides a few cases where this is possible and some of the reactions known to the people who experienced sight restoration. The author manages to recognize the contribution of colleagues and other people to the aspect of discussing specific mental illnesses. The danger is that we may go overboard in medicalizing our predecessors (and contemporaries), reducing their complexity, to expressions of neurological or psychiatric disorder, while neglecting all other factors that determine a life, not least the irreducible uniqueness of the individual (Sacks 165). This helps in understanding how such conditions affect the ways in which individuals know and understand themselves. There is a reference specifically to some of the tendencies psychoanalysts consider connecting genius with the brain variations since it is significant to neuroscience. While the idea works best in most of the formats, The Landscape of His Dreams covers cases of depression which results from temporal lobe epilepsy. This case is described in details in reflection to the painter who manages to detail his childhood town in visions and has to deal with the vital changes the town has undergone. Soaks give a very little discussion and history of temporal lobe epilepsy causes, but Prodigies focuses on the idea of autism. It provides a very little history on autism discovery and goes on to describe the difficult abilities people face as a result of autism. In â€Å"Prodigies,† there is focus on the internal struggle with the thoughts of his travel companion suffering from autism. â€Å"Normally, there is a cohering and unifying power that integrates all the separate faculties of mind, integrates them, too, with our experiences and emotions, so that they take on a unique personal cast. It is this global or integrating power that allows us to generalize and reflect, to develop subjectivity and a self-conscious self† (Sacks 227). â€Å"An Anthropologist on Mars,† provides one of the significant and interesting approaches to the aspect of neurobiology. This has informed my understanding of concepts such as â€Å"normal† and â€Å"handicap.† This is through focus on the conditions that most of the people described in the context of every chapter face, and the attempts to make things right. It also includes discussion of individuals entirely. I notice the disdain for a similar line of thought through considering patients and colleagues as a whole. However, there are no clarifications on the opinion of the topics covered in the book, but there are details of the various popular ideas over time. You can order a custom essay on this topic at professional writing service. 100% non-plagiarized essays of high quality will be written from scratch by experts.

Usability Engineering Quantitative Analysis Assignment

Usability Engineering Quantitative Analysis - Assignment Example The fields that were selected were: What did you read? , what was the reading medium? , what was the reason for reading? , what was your native language? , How old are you? And do you know any other languages? The data on gender in regard to whether one was male or female was deemed to be unsuitable for analysis since the number of males exceeds that of females by a far large margin. The missing data was filled using the results from the frequency distribution tables for the selected data and the redundancy that existed in the dataset was removed. Some fields such as the use of lectures notes was merged with paperwork and the use of slides was merged with the use of lecture slides. Data about websites was combined under the umbrella of websites. The descriptive statistics for the selected fields were computed as shown in the table below Through analysis of the statistics obtained in the table above, it emerged that the question of what was most read by the respondents was obtained through the mode. 128 people were determined to have read their emails. The laptop was found to be the most commonly used medium. A total of 380 respondents indicated that they had used their laptops to read. Most of the respondents indicated that English was their native language. The number of persons who were determined to have indicated that English was their native language was 72. The highest number of respondents also indicated that they were 25 years of age or younger as compared to those who were over 25 years old. The highest number of the respondents also indicated that they had knowledge of more than one language compared to those who were unilingual. This narrows down to 1.29 % using e readers while 12.56 % used papers as a media. These results from the sample population indicate that the people prefer to use the traditional medium of communication as compared to the modern media. A further analysis of the data on the media used

Reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 28

Reflection - Essay Example One is significantly disturbed by the facts that were shown in the video regarding increasing patterns of childhood obesity. The information which discloses that at early stages, there are still remedial strategies which could avert the greater tendencies for weight gain. The recommendation to avoid obesity really starts with lifestyle change. This means that there are collaborative measures that must be instituted to avoid and prevent childhood obesity: the observance and adherence to balanced and healthy diet; the need to emphasize the value of physical activity and regular exercise; as well as the change in personal outlook and perspectives (focus on engaging in outdoor activities, rather than over indulgence in watching television or playing in personal computers). Society has a role to play in terms of changing focus of advertisements to children, especially for food and products which are healthy and of natural

What changes have enabled Michael Porter to see Procurement Essay

What changes have enabled Michael Porter to see Procurement (Purchasing) in a more strategic light - Essay Example Porter explains when a unique product is produced; a firm could have the advantage to set premium price for it, calling it as a differentiation advantage. In addition, he wants to point out there is competitive advantage earned when a firm could produce existing similar product offerings, but at lower cost. He calls this cost advantage. Today, most, if not all, firms require outsourcing almost everything just in order to provide or come up with service or product offerings. This can be clearly elaborated in the value chain, which at the bottom line, one would be able to realize the associated cost generated in production of certain product or service. In order to achieve cost advantage as Porter defines, it is therefore important to at least minimize or cut cost in order to produce offerings that would have competitive price. Procurement or purchasing is an important component in Michael Porter’s value chain model. In this model, he originally identifies procurement to be just a support activity. However, recently, he emphasises the potential strategic contribution of procurement to shared value, as published in the Harvard Business Review. Concerning Porter’s recent claim, this paper tries to present the existing trend to justify whether opportunities for purchasing to contribute more strategically have increased, and how it might have addressed relevant matters in the difficult economic conditions facing organisations today. Significant trending Purchasing together with its strategic importance has long been remarkably considered, but there was actually less appreciation of it when it comes to what it can actually do with business performance. Concerning this issue, a study with empirical analysis conducted on 141 industrial companies reveals interaction among purchasing efficacy (purchasing strategic objectives and capabilities) and strategic integration of purchasing (between business strategy and purchasing strategic objectives) (Benito, 2007 , p.901). Today, one essential point of understanding the actual strategic importance of purchasing can be viewed within the context of its actual contribution to business performance. So this goes with finding interesting stuffs about the likelihood of its contribution to creation of profit, customer satisfaction, increase market share and more. After all, business performance might include different metrics that could help measure and as bases of actual business growth. Regarding this, it has become a considerable point to constantly investigate purchasing using various empirical researches just to be able to quantify its actual significance as a strategic function. A recent study conducted to investigate the empirical contribution of purchasing and supply management (PSM) to the company’s success generated a substantial result based on the information gathered from the international survey of 306 major companies from eight industry sectors (Hartmann et al., 2012, p.22). Th e study showcases empirical evidence leading to the point PSM has remarkable contribution to the company success. The contributed value was found to be mediated by three operational performances such as cost, quality and innovation (Hartmann et al., 2012, p.22). PSM, increasingly regarded by senior management to strategically influence operational performance and financial performance, however, was found to still require external survey methodology that complements the internal perceptional measures of PSM performance, and a comprehensive performance measurement framework

Socrates View on Freud's Civilization and Its Discontents Term Paper

Socrates View on Freud's Civilization and Its Discontents - Term Paper Example In dealing with the reality, it may have become typical for the ego of a man to necessitate separating itself from the harsh truth of real inevitable circumstances, yet Freud must add that it is also through having a sense of genuine community, or of acknowledging the value of socialization and the distinct characteristic of companionship that would help resolve the alienating trait of the ego. To some extent, Freud may be met more than halfway in his claim that ego bears the counter potential of developing for itself an attribute which would make it become capable of securing happiness and fulfillment later on. This is the point where he provides adequate discourse of civilization and the tensions associated with the inner struggle of each individual to cope with its influence. However, Freud appears to draw inference at reducing this effort on arguing that the purpose of life executes fundamentally around the pleasure principle, designating projected human ends to a rather limited cause of shifting out of the cycle of consuming displeasure. It would have been better if, in the process of finding settlement with happiness and trying to rid oneself of suffering, highest human goal attainable which transcends discontents in the material world emerges in realization. He could have accounted for the possibility of going beyond the perception of pleasure as deeply embedded in every conscious faculty having the concern of gratifying the need to drive away incompetence. To Freud, it occurs that the ego assumes the chief role or is central in directing response as a human being attempts to explore various strategies by which to adapt to the environment in possession of elements of discontent to which an individual reacts to ascertain how particular circumstances can be worked to acquire the favor of securing contentment. In fairness though, ‘Civilization and Its Discontents’ signifies what Freud considers as a religious sentiment, brought about by an â₠¬Ëœoceanic feeling’ of wholeness, eternity, and limitlessness as if in a pure state of bliss. He elaborates nevertheless that such is of pathological origins which dissolve the boundary between ego and object of pleasure so that once this is achieved, one is led to a religious degree of relief with cares thrown away due to detachment of inclination to materialism which creates suffering from human weakness often predisposed to sexual desires and violent mode of aggression conventionally against figures of prominence. Freudian concept of ‘civilization’ refers to a man-made entity embodying materialization of human ideals that may eventually address proper gratification of instincts as well as serve to stimulate intellectual functions in order for the ego to manage its own foundation of placing balance between the ‘Id’ and the ‘Superego’. This is not significantly different from establishing a form of democracy which initially sustains mea sure of freedom and revolution desired by people yet this same democracy spontaneously guides the behavior of the latter to threats of evolving tyranny and disorder which are altogether unfavorable to the nation.

Malaysia, entrepreneurship Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Malaysia, entrepreneurship - Dissertation Example Human beings are the super animals; all of them possess the power to innovate new things that would enhance the quality of living. Thus, identifying the new methodologies encompasses the most important characteristics of entrepreneurship. In short an entrepreneur is the one, who becomes a risk lover and accepts any upcoming risk, provided it associates the scope of achieving profit. In the modern world of globalization, business and trading activities are at its zenith. It is almost impossible to achieve economic growth in a nation without the expansion of entrepreneurial capabilities. Entrepreneurs in a nation give rise to small and medium scale enterprises that generate more employment opportunities in the country. A rise in the level of employment ultimately stimulates the growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in a country. Small scale industry growth is the primary aspect that helps in reducing poverty in an economy. Almost all the developed and developing countries in the world are now opting for rise in the level of entrepreneurial activities. The government of any nation should actively support the entrepreneurial activities in the economy, as this is the only key that would help in attaining economic development. ... economy. Most of the jobs and inventions in U.S. result from the current entrepreneurial activities. In early 2002, it was estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau that almost three forth of the U.S. businesses were tackled by entrepreneurs (DOL, 2013). Figure 1: U.S. Growing Entrepreneurship 2006-2011 (Source: Forbes, 2012) Malaysia is a nation, whose income is categorized in the group of middle income nations. Since 1970’s the country has shown rapid growth and progress, transforming itself as a multi-sector economic system. It is estimated that small scale industries contribution in the economy is higher by almost 2 %, than the large scale business firms in Malaysia (CIA, 2013). The enormous number financing, infrastructural and business advisory policies framed regarding the entrepreneurship in Malaysia shows high prevalence of the same in the country. The Ministry of Entrepreneurial Development was established in Malaysia long ago in 1995 (USINFO, n.d). This state body ensured that the nation enjoys economic development with the help of capitalist class growth. In the recent times most of the economies are stimulating their economic growth with the virtues of entrepreneurship. Figure 2: Growing Popularity of Entrepreneurship (Source: MSU, 2013) Operational Management Strategies for Entrepreneurship The business environment of medium and small scale industries is highly competitive. The method and strategies used in the operational activities successfully helps a firm to generate competitive advantage among the rivals in the market. Operations involve managing business resources and modifying the procedure of production of goods or services. Figure 3: Operational Strategy (Source: Slack and Nigel, 2005) The above diagram shows that operations

Environmental scanning report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Environmental scanning report - Essay Example Recently, Paula Deen has been battling to rejuvenate her dented image in the public domain; you remember the racism lawsuit? Well, another blow complicating her positive attempts even further was right in the public hands. As New York Times reported, Paula Deen took to social media and most specifically the restaurant facebook page to inform the employees of their impending joblessness. Sure, this was the worst method of communicate about business closure in my lifetime. It is no doubt that in some cases, there are employees of the restaurant who got the information from family members or even friends; just think of how facebook posts can sometimes be viral. In a more open and objective judgment, Paula Deen violated the privacy of the restaurant employees. At least the management of the restaurant ought to have converged a meeting to pass the information to all its employees before taking to external media. In conclusion, employers should use the right channel of communication to pass information to their employees. Paula Deen’s style was a bad

Malaysia, entrepreneurship Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Malaysia, entrepreneurship - Dissertation Example Human beings are the super animals; all of them possess the power to innovate new things that would enhance the quality of living. Thus, identifying the new methodologies encompasses the most important characteristics of entrepreneurship. In short an entrepreneur is the one, who becomes a risk lover and accepts any upcoming risk, provided it associates the scope of achieving profit. In the modern world of globalization, business and trading activities are at its zenith. It is almost impossible to achieve economic growth in a nation without the expansion of entrepreneurial capabilities. Entrepreneurs in a nation give rise to small and medium scale enterprises that generate more employment opportunities in the country. A rise in the level of employment ultimately stimulates the growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in a country. Small scale industry growth is the primary aspect that helps in reducing poverty in an economy. Almost all the developed and developing countries in the world are now opting for rise in the level of entrepreneurial activities. The government of any nation should actively support the entrepreneurial activities in the economy, as this is the only key that would help in attaining economic development. ... economy. Most of the jobs and inventions in U.S. result from the current entrepreneurial activities. In early 2002, it was estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau that almost three forth of the U.S. businesses were tackled by entrepreneurs (DOL, 2013). Figure 1: U.S. Growing Entrepreneurship 2006-2011 (Source: Forbes, 2012) Malaysia is a nation, whose income is categorized in the group of middle income nations. Since 1970’s the country has shown rapid growth and progress, transforming itself as a multi-sector economic system. It is estimated that small scale industries contribution in the economy is higher by almost 2 %, than the large scale business firms in Malaysia (CIA, 2013). The enormous number financing, infrastructural and business advisory policies framed regarding the entrepreneurship in Malaysia shows high prevalence of the same in the country. The Ministry of Entrepreneurial Development was established in Malaysia long ago in 1995 (USINFO, n.d). This state body ensured that the nation enjoys economic development with the help of capitalist class growth. In the recent times most of the economies are stimulating their economic growth with the virtues of entrepreneurship. Figure 2: Growing Popularity of Entrepreneurship (Source: MSU, 2013) Operational Management Strategies for Entrepreneurship The business environment of medium and small scale industries is highly competitive. The method and strategies used in the operational activities successfully helps a firm to generate competitive advantage among the rivals in the market. Operations involve managing business resources and modifying the procedure of production of goods or services. Figure 3: Operational Strategy (Source: Slack and Nigel, 2005) The above diagram shows that operations

DETERMINING IF A BURGLARY SUSPECT WAS GUILTY Essay

DETERMINING IF A BURGLARY SUSPECT WAS GUILTY - Essay Example Burglary can be committed in any building, tent or vessel used as a â€Å"human dwelling†. The words â€Å"human dwelling† must be noted as it connotes a wider meaning than the term â€Å"dwelling house†. (Tudor Jackson, The Law of Crimes, 3rd Edition). Once it is established that there has been a â€Å"breaking and entering†, it must still be proved that there was intent to commit a felony therein. Usually a felony has been committed on the premises e.g. theft, otherwise the intent to commit a felony must be established. This is the mens rea in the offence. The intent must exist at the time of breaking and entering. Therefore to determine that the suspect of burglary is guilty, the courts must establish the guilty mind or intention (mens rea) of the accused which shall be followed by the actual act committed i.e. breaking and entering into the house. To constitute burglary, it is not necessarily that the suspect must after breaking into or entering the house has to steal something. Having the intention of stealing even if he/she did not find what she intended to steal and left without taking anything is itself an offence of burglary committed. In Benton v. Maryland, 395 U.S 784 (1969), the petitioner was tried in a Maryland state Court for burglary and larceny. He was acquitted of larceny but convicted of burglary and sentenced to 10 years in prison. On retrial the petitioner was found guilty of both offences and concurrently sentenced to 15 years for burglary and 5 years for larceny. The appellate court ruled against petitioner on the double jeopardy issue.

Functions in the Human Body

Functions in the Human Body Part A Digestive System The digestive system is the system of organs that takes food in, the digestive system is a set of organs that transforms whatever we eat into substances that can be used in the body for energy, growth and repair. The main functions of the digestive system are ingestion, digestion, absorption, and defection. Ref: (Class Notes 2015) Explain the functions of each part of the digestive system identified in the diagram above? The Mouth The mouth is the first portion of the alimentary canal that receives food and saliva. The oral mucosa is the mucous membrane epithelium lining the inside of the mouth. The tongue is a muscular organ and has many taste buds, which are accountable for the tastes: sweet, sour, bitter and salt. You would get a range of different flavours as the tongue moves the food around the mouth. The food in your mouth moves from tooth to tooth to have it made into a pulp with the aid of saliva. The tongue would then pass the pulp (bolus) down the throat. There are four types of teeth. Individually they have their own functions in the breakdown of food. The first would be the incisors, there are four in each jaw. They are sharp, chisel shaped teeth that are used for cutting and biting. Next to these on both sides are the canines, canines are cone shaped teeth frequently called the eye-tooth. They have a sharp point and you would use them to tear food. There’s to in each jaw. Next are the premolars, there are four of them in each jaw, they would be used for crushing and crunching of food. There blunt broad teeth with two sharp ridges. Molars are similar to premolars and are six to each jaw, they are also blunt broad teeth but have a larger surface area. Each has four surface points. The salivary glands there are three parts of the salivary gland you have the parotid gland that is situated below the ear, the submandibular and the sublingual gland, they are situated below the tongue. Liquid called saliva is secreted from them. It contains water, mucus and the enzyme salivary amylase. The function of saliva is to lubricate the food with mucus, making it easier to swallow. The Oesophagus It’s a muscular tube that leads from the pharynx to the stomach. The food moves through it by a muscular contraction known as peristalsis. It’s part of the digestive system. It is the tube that carries food from your mouth to the stomach. The muscles contract and relax creating a wave like motion on the tube. The lining of the oesophagus secretes mucus to ease and oil the passage of food. Once food touches the end of the oesophagus it presses against the cardioesophageal sphincter. The Stomach The stomach is a C-shaped elastic sac. The wall of the stomach is a grouping of layers of muscle fibre with an inner mucous membrane. The mucous membrane has a lot of doublings called rugae. When the stomach is full is will stretch out allowing expansion, then it would contract when it empties. When the stomach is full it can hold up to approx. 4 litres (1 gallon) of food. The Liver The liver has numerous functions, its main function inside the digestive system is to process the nutrients absorbed from the small intestine. Bile from the liver secreted into the small intestine also plays a significant role in digesting fat. The liver only makes bile. The Gallbladder The gallbladder is a pear-shaped deep structure located under the liver and on the right side of the abdomen. Its main function is to store and concentrate bile, a yellow / brown digestive enzyme formed by the liver. The gallbladder is part of the biliary tract. The Pancreas The pancreas is a greyish pink gland organ it’s placed in the upper abdomen, it lies behind the stomach and intestines (guts). It is roughly the size of a hand. The pancreas has to major functions, one of them is to make digestive enzymes which help us to digest food. Enzymes are special chemicals which help speed up your body’s processes. The second one makes hormones which regulate our metabolism. Hormones are chemicals that can be released into the bloodstream. The Large Intestine The large intestine is a thick tube that’s approximately 1.5 metres (5 feet) long it receives waste from the small intestine, it hangs around the small intestine in an arch shape. It involves the caecum, colon, rectum, and the anal canal. The colon holds bacteria which breaks down any remaining food and makes some significant vitamins. It also deals with waste within the body. Small Intestine The small intestine is approximately six metres (18 feet) long. 90% of the digestive process takes place here in the small intestine. It’s a coiled tube that has three parts which are the duodenum, jejunum, and the ileum. The wall of the whole of the small intestine is significantly folded, each of the villi contains more projections called microvilli that absorbs food and passes it onto the capillaries. Muscles of the walls contract and relax so that the villi sway about. Appendix The appendix is a narrow tube attached to caecum and it is about 9 cm long. The appendix is not a vital organ you can live without it. The appendix sits at the junction of the small intestine and the large intestine, the appendix sits in the lower right abdomen. The function of the appendix is unknown. A theory is that the appendix acts as a storehouse for good bacteria â€Å"rebooting† the digestive system after diarrheal illnesses. Rectum The rectum is a short straight section of the alimentary canal, it leads from the colon to the anus and thus to the outside world. A human rectum is approximately 12cm long.The rectum is a chamber that begins at the end of the large intestine. It is usually empty only receiving the contents of the colon called faeces when they are ready to be passed out of the anus. The Anus The anus starts at the bottom of the rectum. The anorectal line separates the anus from the rectum. Tissue called fascia surrounds the anus and joins it to nearby structures. Circular muscles named the external sphincter form the wall of the anus and hold it closed. The glands in your body discharge fluid into the anus to keeps it surfaces moist. Outline the composition of Proteins, Fats and Carbohydrates, and explain how each of them are digested and absorbed by the body. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates are all in the body. Protein helps the body to grow, it builds muscle and gives you energy. Protein accounts for 16% of a person’s total body weight the reason for this is because connective tissue, skin, hair and muscle are all made up from protein. Carbohydrates are sugars the body uses for energy, simple carbohydrates give the body quick energy. Fat is also another way it helps the body grow, your body needs fat to process vitamins. Polyunsaturated and monosaturated fats are good for your body. Source Function Digestion Proteins Fish Red Meat Beans Dairy Products The functions of protein are to help the body to grow and repairs any damage done to your body .i.e. Cuts. The Stomach – the enzymes pepsin begins the digestion of proteins in the stomach breaking it down into large polypeptides. The Small Intestine- enzymes from the pancreas, trypsin, and chymotrypsin break the large polypeptides into smaller chains. Finally the small intestine breaks up the small polypeptides into individual amino acids ready for absorption. Fats Dairy Products Meat Olive oil Avocados Sunflower oil The functions of fat are to help the body grow. In the small intestine, fat are emulsified by bile salts from the liver. Lipase from the pancreas breaks down fat into fatty acids and glycerol ready for absorption. Carbohydrates Rice Potatoes Pasta Cereals Flour The functions of carbohydrates are a release of energy Salivary amylase creates the breakdown of polysaccharides in the mouth. Part B Draw a diagram of a typical cell, and state the function of each of its organelles? Cells are the most important units of life. Our bodies contain over 100 trillion cells, they do everything in a human body from providing structure and stability to providing energy and a means of reproduction. Ref: (Class Notes 2015) Cell membrane The cell membrane forms the outer edge of the cell and allows certain materials move in or out of the cell. Cytoplasm Cytoplasm is a gel-like material inside the cell that contains water and nutrients for the cell. Nucleus The nucleus directs the activity of the cell and contains chromosomes with DNA that contains all genetic information. Nuclear Membrane Nuclear membrane separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm. Ribosomes Ribosomes make protein for the cell. Golgi Body Golgi bodies are used in the cell for packaging and secreting of energy. Lysosomes Lysosomes are chemicals that are used to digest waste. Vacuoles Vacuoles are storage areas for the cell. Mitochondria Mitochondria breaks down food and releases energy to the cell, it’s like a powerhouse as it provides the cell with energy. Endoplasmic Reticulum Endoplasmic Reticulum moves materials around the cell. Classify tissues into the four main groups; epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous, give an example of each? (Table format will suffice) There are four main tissue groups within the body, there are some functions and examples below for the four main groups of tissue within the body. All four cells work together in the body. Type Of Tissue Function Example Epithelial The functions of the epithelial are that the epithelial cell from the skin protects underlying tissue from injuries, harmful chemicals, invading bacteria and excessive loss of water. A sensory stimulus penetrates specialised epithelial cells. Epithelial tissue is widespread throughout the body and aid protection absorption and secretion, it’s made of closely packed cells. The cells are arranged in continuous flat sheets. They form the covering of all body surfaces. Connective The function of the connective tissue is to join bodily structures like bones and muscles together and it holds the tissue together in their place. Connective tissue connects all other tissues in the body. It consists of many different types of cells in the body and is surrounded by non-living fluid. Muscle The functions of muscle tissue are that muscle tissue is a soft tissue that composes muscles and provides rise to muscles. Muscle tissue varies with function and location in the body. Muscle tissue is tissue that contracts and relax there are 3 types in the body, the skeletal muscle tissue, smooth muscle tissue and cardiac muscle tissue. Nervous The functions of nervous tissue are to form communications network of the nervous system by conducting electric signals. The nervous tissue forms the organs of the nervous system it’s made up of a special kind of cell called a neuron it’s also called a nerve cell. Nerve cells are long and narrow. A human has 100 billion nerve cells. Ref: (Class Notes 2015) (www.google.co.uk) Explain the difference between benign and malignant tumours? A tumour develops when a group of cells escape from their normal orderly process of cell division and they begin to multiply in an uncontrolled way, after a while plenty of these abnormal cells will be produced to form a lump, that is called a growth or a tumour. Two important differences between benign and malignant tumours are invasion and spread. Benign Benign tumours do not spread they can grow to a very large size, but it wouldn’t go to other parts of the body. Benign tumours push the surrounding normal tissues and organs out of their way. Occasionally pressure from a benign tumour could damage surrounding structures but the benign tumour never invades into those structures. There are several hundred different types of benign tumours that can develop in our bodies. Malignant Malignant Tumours have the power to spread by sending off seelings of tumour which can pass through the blood or lymphatic system to other parts of the body. The Seedlings would then settle in other organs and form what are called secondary tumours or metastases. A malignant brain tumour is a fast-growing cancer that spreads to other parts of the brain and spine, brain tumours are graded between 1 and 4, and a malignant brain tumour is either grade 3 or 4. Most malignant tumours are secondary cancers that mean it starts in one part of the body and spreads to the brain. The primary tumours are the ones that start in the brain. The word cancer only relates to malignant tumours. With malignant tumours it eats away and destroys the normal tissue around the affected area in which it has started off at. The difference between benign and malignant tumours is that a benign tumour is non-cancerous were as a malignant tumour is cancerous. If has nothing to do with frequency in some of the organs of the body, benign tumours can be very large in size were a cancerous tumour can be very small. Ref: (Class Notes 2015) (www.google.co.uk) Part C Label the urinary system using the diagram overleaf. The urinary system is one of the human’s body’s waste disposal units and its filtration unit. It contains the kidneys, ureters (tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder and the urethra. The urinary system helps empty the body from potentially harmful waste substances like urea and alcohol. It does this through filtration and excretion. Explain the structure and function of each element of the urinary system? The urinary system consists of the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder and the urethra. The major function of the urinary system is to get rid of all waste products and excess fluid from the body. The kidneys are the main organs of the urinary system. The urinary system produces a hormone which is responsible for controlling the rate at which red blood cells are made and an enzyme is responsible for controlling blood pressure. Inside each kidney there are approximately 1 million tiny nephrons, they are the units that clean the blood. All of the functions are needed for helping the body to maintain homeostasis also known as balance. Urinary System Structure Function Kidneys The structures of the urinary system are the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and the urethra they all work together in the body. The kidneys are dark red, bean-shaped organs, it’s about 11cm long Inside each kidney there a 1 million tiny nephrons. The functions of the kidneys that they filter blood in order to get rid of wastes and excess water. The waste and water would be excreted as urine. The kidneys filter about 200 quarts of blood a day and produces about 2 quarts of waste and extra fluid. Ureters The structure of the ureters is that the ureters are tubes made up of smooth muscle fibers that propel urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder. The functions of the ureters is that the ureters is the tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder, all humans have two ureters one is attached to each kidney. Bladder The structures of the bladder is that sometimes it’s called the urinary bladder it’s a sac-like organ in the pelvic cavity. The functions of the bladder are the bladder is a reservoir for urine. The bladder has an internal sphincter that relaxes when the walls contract, thus opening and emptying the urine into the urethra. Urethra The structure of the urethra is that it’s a narrow tube passing from the bladder to the outside of the body. It’s shorter in women making them more susceptible to infection. The function of the urethra is to take urine from inside the body (the bladder) to outside. In men the urethra is the passage for semen. Ref: (www.google.co.uk) (Class Notes 2015) Draw the structure of a nephron and explain how it produces urine? A nephron is an important functional part of the kidneys. Both kidneys have around a million minute nephrons. Nephrons reside in the cortex and medulla it produces urine from filtrate, filtrate is the fluid that remains in the nephron after filtration its then removed from the bloodstream passing it to the bladder, a nephron is an intricate structure in the body it serves two purposes it filters and removes waste products and maintains the body’s water supply. Ref: (Class Notes 2015) Name and explain three diseases / disorders which affect the urinary system? There are a lot of diseases and disorders that affect the urinary system in different ways. Kidney Stones Kidney stones are deposits of substances found in urine and would form solid stones in the renal pelvis, bladder or the ureters. It can be extremely painful and if they needed removing it would be done by surgery. Glomerulonephritis Glomerulonephritis is a type of glomerular kidney disease in the kidneys the filters become inflamed and scarred and would slowly lose their ability to remove waste and excess fluid from the blood to produce urine. Cystitis Cystitis is an inflammation on the bladder and would cause a person pain when passing urine. Sometimes it’s caused from infection. It’s very common in women because of the part of the shorter length of the female urethra. Ref: (Class Notes 2015) Nicole O’Brien

censorship Essay -- essays research papers fc

â€Å"Censorship is the act of suppressing publications, movies, television programs, plays, letters, and so on that are considered to be obscene, blasphemous, or politically unacceptable† (MccGwire 4). Censorship should be enforced because it is needed into today’s society. Censorship needs to be used in media, hate speech, and obscene material.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To begin with, the media has very negative effect on society as a whole. â€Å"The mass media—movies, television, and recordings—need to be regulated, and not only because of appeals to irresponsible lust†(Lowenthal 19). â€Å"They have immersed us in violence as well, habituated us to the most extreme brutality, held it up as a model and surrounded us by images of hateful human types so memorable as to cause a psychological insecurity that is dangerous†(Lowenthal 19). â€Å"The only answer is governmental regulation, if necessary prior to publication—that is, censorship.† (Lowenthal 19). The media has influenced young children into thinking that violence is acceptable. Children learn acceptable codes of conduct by imitating their mentors and others, such as celebrities that they look up to. Society needs to set a good example for children so that they can build bright futures for themselves.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The media is partly to blame for many of the hate crimes that take place in today’s world. â€Å"Perhaps you have seen ‘studies’ by some experts telling you that depictions of violence do not lead to violent b...

Duality in Fahrenheit 451 :: Fahrenheit 451 Essays

Duality in Fahrenheit 451 Dualities are the most elementary of comparisons, and are the easiest for the mind to comprehend in that total opposites are brought to attention. These opposites subconsciously provide one with a deeper insight of the material and consciously entertain. In Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, many dualisms are included both within Montag and in the outside world that provide 180 degree flip-side views, giving the book further depth and inner meaning. Within the many layers of Montag lay several opposite sides. For example, Montag is a fireman who burns books for a living but at home, spends time reading novels, poetry, and other written material. Although Montag could be called a hypocrite, he does not enjoy both the reading and the burning at the same time; he goes through a change that causes him to love books. Humans have the power to change and grow from one extreme to another, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. In addition, when Mildred is with Montag, Montag does not have feelings for her but thinks of her as she is killed by the bombs. He possesses both the knowledge that Mildred does not love him and the heart that truly cares, but he knows not how to deal with this. His feelings are oppressed; it takes a major event (the bomb) to jolt them from hibernation. There are many dualisms in the outside world of Fahrenheit 451. For example, Montag receives contrasting lectures from Faber and Beatty on what to do with the books and how to be. Beatty and Faber are like black and white: total opposites no matter how you look at it. This "flip-side of a coin" clearly compares the book burner to the book reader, the hatred to the love, and it also gives the reader the opportunity to "choose" their side. In addition, the fire is used to burn houses and books, to destroy possessions; it also is used by the outcast men to cook their meal, warm themselves, and provide light for them. The fire has, in itself, two conflicting sides which includes destruction and preservation. The fire gives Montag as well as the reader the understanding that one thing can have both good qualities and bad qualities at the same time, and that many powers can be spoiled if used for negative intentions. Duality in Fahrenheit 451 :: Fahrenheit 451 Essays Duality in Fahrenheit 451 Dualities are the most elementary of comparisons, and are the easiest for the mind to comprehend in that total opposites are brought to attention. These opposites subconsciously provide one with a deeper insight of the material and consciously entertain. In Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, many dualisms are included both within Montag and in the outside world that provide 180 degree flip-side views, giving the book further depth and inner meaning. Within the many layers of Montag lay several opposite sides. For example, Montag is a fireman who burns books for a living but at home, spends time reading novels, poetry, and other written material. Although Montag could be called a hypocrite, he does not enjoy both the reading and the burning at the same time; he goes through a change that causes him to love books. Humans have the power to change and grow from one extreme to another, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. In addition, when Mildred is with Montag, Montag does not have feelings for her but thinks of her as she is killed by the bombs. He possesses both the knowledge that Mildred does not love him and the heart that truly cares, but he knows not how to deal with this. His feelings are oppressed; it takes a major event (the bomb) to jolt them from hibernation. There are many dualisms in the outside world of Fahrenheit 451. For example, Montag receives contrasting lectures from Faber and Beatty on what to do with the books and how to be. Beatty and Faber are like black and white: total opposites no matter how you look at it. This "flip-side of a coin" clearly compares the book burner to the book reader, the hatred to the love, and it also gives the reader the opportunity to "choose" their side. In addition, the fire is used to burn houses and books, to destroy possessions; it also is used by the outcast men to cook their meal, warm themselves, and provide light for them. The fire has, in itself, two conflicting sides which includes destruction and preservation. The fire gives Montag as well as the reader the understanding that one thing can have both good qualities and bad qualities at the same time, and that many powers can be spoiled if used for negative intentions.

Nature vs. Nurture: Do We Have Control Over Our Destiny Or Is It Pre-determined For Us?

Do we have control over our destiny or is it pre-determined for us? This age-old question, which has been pondered since the age of Socrates, continues to cause much debate today. Psychologist will favor one side or the other with much controversy on the issue. They have been trying to explain or excuse human behavior in order to have a deeper understanding for development. Many professions have solicited the assistance of psychologists in trying to pre-determine the psychology of potential people for areas such as employment and placement. The legal profession has sought out psychologists on both sides to prove their theories of the mental abilities, behavior explanations or predictions of behavior of a defendant or plaintiff. â€Å"Society has been fighting a continuous fight from the debate nurture to nature, leaving behind a number of bewildered social scientist. Yet we still love to phrase everything in terms of one influence or the other, rather than both. † (Waal, 1999). In the educational profession, understanding the balance or affect of both nature and nurture is essential to designing an effective plan for each pupil’s advancement. Even though, today, it is widely accepted that the child’s culture interacts with his or her genetic traits to determine the kind of adult he or she will become, it is worth looking at this centuries’ long debate. The central dispute in the study of human development is the nature-nurture controversy. It is the continuing debate over whether the individual’s various traits and characteristics are influenced more by inborn factors or by experience. The nurture debate stresses the importance of cultural influences and other aspects of the environment that influence human development. Theorists, who share this view, believe that human development can be controlled by manipulating the environment. The nature debate refers to the idea that biological heredity is the only factor that determines differences among individuals. Nature refers to the traits, capacities, and limitations that each individual genetically acquires from his/her parents. Some of those traits are physical characteristics, diseases, athletic and intellectual abilities, etc. At the end of the eighteenth century, a debate began about the nature of human beings, the influences of the mind on behavior, and the differences between humans and animals. On one side of the debate were people who believed that newborn babies were born without any knowledge or skills. John Locke, a British philosopher, suggested in the 1690s that the human infant is like a blank slate, on which experience in the form of human learning and it writes messages on the infant’s unformed mind. This view is known as empiricism. It credits human development to experience. What directs human development is the stimulation people receive as they are nurtured (Berger, 1988). Several years later, Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued that children are capable of discovering how the world operates without adult teaching. He believed that children should be allowed to grow as nature dictates, without guidance or pressure from adults. This view is known as nativist. It argues that people’s heredity is the mold that shapes development (Cranston, 1991). John Watson, the founder of behaviorism, argued that the environment and not nature, was the key to human development. His theory states that most human behavior is learned, or conditioned. In 1918, he began conducting a series of highly controversial experiments with children. The results of these experiments demonstrated that an infant could learn to fear an object he or she previously perceived to be harmless, and he or she could come to fear similar objects. From his experiments, Watson inferred that children learn everything from skills to Nature vs. Nurture 4 fears. Watson showed that childhood learning experiences could have lasting effects in people’s lives (Crain, 2000). In Sigmund Freud’s theory, development was the product of both internal urges and external conditions, particularly children’s sexual and aggressive urges and how parents handled them. His theory incorporated both nature and nurture. Freud was the founder of Psychoanalysis, a theory that stresses the influence of unconscious motivation and drives [on not needed] all human behavior (Bee, 2002). In the 1970s, the theory of Jean Piaget dominated the developmental psychology field. Piaget suggested that nature and nurture are inseparable and interactive. His theory states that at each age, people develop schemas. Schemas are general ways of thinking about ideas and objects. According to him, as children actively manipulate and explore their surroundings, internal mental images of objects and actions guide them. Experience modifies these schemas. These schemas, in turn, organize past experiences and provide guidelines for understanding future experiences. Human development is accomplished by a process of organization and adaptation (Berger, 1988). Erik Erickson’s psychosocial theory of human development proposes that individuals are influenced by the interaction of physical characteristics, personal experiences, and social forces. In his view, each culture greatly influences each person’s ability to deal with the most significant tasks of psychological development (Crain, 2000). Nowadays, it is accepted in the developmental psychology field that both heredity and environment contribute to human development. The degree to which nature or nurture influences Nature vs. Nurture 5 a person’s development varies according to the different characteristics. Although some human characteristics are more influenced by external characteristics and others are more influenced by internal conditions, nature and nurture interact to determine behavior. The environment encourages or discourages the expression of an individual’s inherent potential; at the same time, genetic characteristics affect an individual’s environment. In other words, in terms of human development, nurture and nature complement each other. Reference Bee, H. (2002). Child and adolescent development (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Custom Publishing. Berger, K. S. (1988). The developing person throught the lifespan (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers. Crain, W. (2000). Theories of development: Concepts and applications (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Cranston, M. (1991). The noble savage: Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press. Waal, F.,(1999). The End of Nature versus Nurture. Scientific American. Retrieved March 9, 2005, from http://www.sfu.ca/~dant/projects/psyc100/de_waal_nature_nurtute.pdf.